Endorsements & Testimonials
"As a local REALTOR, I have had the privilege of helping many families find their home here—and time and time again, the local school system is the deciding factor between the various cities in Hampton Roads. We have all seen the news with the big changes coming to Norfolk Public Schools. Now, more than ever, we must have a school board that values the opinions of our local community.
"That’s why I’m proud to endorse Josh Howell for the Norfolk School Board. As a member of the board of Fleet Park Little League, I have experienced Josh's dedication to the youth of our community firsthand. He not only understands the importance of quality education but has spent years actively investing in our youth as a dedicated Little League coach with Fleet Park. Coaching isn’t just about baseball—it’s about mentoring, building confidence, and showing up for kids. That’s exactly the kind of leadership and heart we need on our school board.
"Josh Howell brings a grounded, community-first perspective—someone who listens, collaborates, and truly wants to see every student and family succeed. I trust him to support smart, student-focused decisions that strengthen both our schools and our neighborhoods.
As a graduate from Maury High School as well as a mother to two sons who both attended Ghent School and then went on to Maury, I have experienced firsthand, school closures, drop in enrollment, the elimination of critical reading specialists at certain schools, and little to no regard or support for our art and music programs. Our concerns are valid and Josh is the only candidate that is truly willing and able about bringing forth the change that has been needed for so long. This isn't just another talking point on his resume, it is passion. His passion as a father, a husband, a community leader, a Little League coach, and educator.
"Please join me in voting for Josh Howell. Our community—and our kids—will be better for it." - Ashton Martino, Licensed Realtor, Player Agent for Fleet Park Little League, Proud Community Member
"It is my understanding that Coach Josh is throwing his hat in the ring to be considered for Norfolk school board and I wholeheartedly support his candidacy."
"I met Coach Josh on the T-ball field on an information night prior to the kids’ first week of practice. With my oldest child on a different field and my toddler and infant in tow, I hustled Ada to where Coach Josh was informing the team and fellow parents about the upcoming season. Tactfully taking our tardiness in stride, Josh caught me up on the need-to-know information for the season. Most memorably to me was his kind advice about getting some sort of sport bag to ensure we could keep track of all of my daughter’s uniform components. Respectfully and with humor he leveled with me about how challenging and stressful it could be to be scouring the house at the last minute for a missing baseball belt or knee sock prior to a game. I not only appreciated the advice itself but also his ability to deliver it in a way that was kind and understanding of how hectic it might be for our family of six to keep track of such things. Josh anticipated a need and spoke to it on day one of meeting him, and he did it in a way that made me feel understood rather than judged."
"This was our daughter’s first experience participating in a team sport of any kind, and we feel lucky that Josh was her coach. I appreciated his organization, ability to anticipate needs, and instructional abilities from the first practice to the last. He made a great coach, and I have no doubt he would make an even greater member of the school board." - Alexandra Layne, Norfolk parent
"I had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Josh Howell as a fellow English professor at College of the Albemarle, where his passion for teaching and deep commitment to student success were unmatched. His scholarly accomplishments, leadership, and dedication to education make him exceptionally well-suited for the school board — especially now, as a parent invested in the future of our schools." - Olivia Buzzacco
“I had the privilege of being a dual enrollment student in Professor Howell's class during my senior year at Maury High, and I wholeheartedly support his campaign for Norfolk School Board President. His teaching style was truly exceptional—down-to-earth, relatable, and incredibly energetic. Professor Howell's dual enrollment foundation genuinely propelled me to complete my Associate's at Tidewater College and both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Old Dominion University. He was a supportive and genuinely caring educational mentor, and I'm profoundly thankful for the positive impact he had on my academic journey.” - Jaron Rhodes
“Josh Howell would be an incredible asset to the school board because he leads with compassion, conviction, and an unwavering dedication to students and educators alike. As a former student of his, I witnessed firsthand how deeply he is invested in helping others succeed—he pushes people to rise, and he never gives up on anyone. His commitment to equity, his experience in the classroom, and his constant advocacy for the community makes him uniquely equipped to represent the real needs of our schools. He doesn't just talk about change—he fights for it every single day.
“Personally, I can say without hesitation that I would not be where I am today without his support and encouragement. He helped me find confidence in myself when I didn’t have it, and that belief laid the foundation for everything I’ve achieved. I am now doing what I love and I credit so much of that success to the way he challenged me to grow and never settle. I know I’m just one of many students whose lives have been changed because he showed up, believed in us, and refused to let us give up.” - Lyncia Berry
"During my time at Tidewater Community College, I had the pleasure of being one Dr. Howell's students. There, he taught me that the only requirements to enact change, whether personally or in the world, was to start and keep going. Since that time, I've been able to grow through constant reflection. Knowing him, I wasn't surprised to learn he's running to enact such change, but that doesn't stifle the pride I felt when he called to let me know." - Christian Whitley
"Josh Howell was without a doubt my favorite professor while pursuing my bachelor’s degree in English at Tidewater Community College before finishing at Regent University. He not only found ways to relate to his students, but he challenged us to not just excel in his classroom, but beyond. I turned 40 this year, and still think of my time in Professor Howell’s classroom. I think I always will." - Ashley Hall
"Dr. Josh Howell is truly the greatest professor I ever had. Not only did he make the topic of American Literature interesting and worth learning about, he also made the environment of the class very welcoming and fun. Anyone who is lucky enough to have him as their instructor is in for a treat." - Kristen Conner
"Josh Howell has always been open to creative ideas. He and I are like waffles and spaghetti. For example, when we served on literary festival committees together at TCC-Norfolk and the College of the Albemarle, if I wanted to do something like choreograph a flash mob, he would say, “I’ll fill out the forms for that.” - Sylvie Green, Dual Enrollment English Instructor, VBCPS/TCC
“Dr. Howell was my English professor while I attended The College of the Albemarle. Dr Howell assisted me on many occasions. I remember my final essay for his class. It was an argumentative research paper. I was having trouble finding articles on my subject. I reached out to him and he didn't hesitate to help me. That was one of my best experiences with Dr Howell. One time after passing his class, I needed help with a creative writing project from another teacher and he assisted me with that paper as well. He embrace me being an artist and gave direction on projects and gave his critique to me.” - Michael Williams, Jr., High school art teacher
"As Josh Howell’s former student and a fellow resident of the City of Norfolk, I support his bid for the ballot of the Norfolk Public Schools. Yes, I said a former student of Josh Howell PhD. He was my ENG 111 and ENG 112 instructor at Tidewater Community College when I decided to return to college back in 2014. His charismatic energy and quick wit kept the class lively and palpable for learning. He taught this middle-aged mom some new ways to handle research paper writing. With that same energy, Josh organized, spearheaded and rallied others in his many philanthropic endeavors. I have kept up with his career and family via social media. Watching him nurture and mentor many students through the years has been an honor but seeing him as the caring and doting father has been a joy. Josh Howell understands what it means to mold, support and guide the future. I know he will implement the right kind of attention for Norfolk Public Schools to achieve the goals necessary for our city’s youth." - Rhapsody Butler
"Working with Dr. Howell completely transformed my academic journey. His mentorship gave me the clarity, confidence, and direction I needed to succeed both in school and in my career. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance and encouragement. His impact continues to shape the way I approach challenges and opportunities." - Cher Parks
"Dr. Howell is a phenomenal educator. The lessons that he has imparted on me have helped me not only in my educational pursuits but in my professional and personal life. The man is a credit to educators everywhere." - Justin Frank
Want to share your story?
If you were one of Josh’s students—or worked with him—we want to hear from you.