School Board Experience
Elected to the Norfolk Public School Board in 2018. Served as Board Chair for three terms — leading the district through demanding years and keeping students, families, and educators at the center of every decision.
The Choice for Ward 1
Why Adale?
Adale has already led Norfolk Public Schools — and delivered results for students, families, and educators.
As fluctuating enrollment patterns and shifting birth rates create new financial realities for Norfolk Public Schools, Ward 1 School Board Representative Dr. Adale Martin is leading the call for a transparent, community-centered response. Recognizing that school transitions can cause anxiety for families, Dr. Martin is actively advocating for enhanced multilingual communication and institutional clarity. To ease the uncertainty associated with shifting district structures, her re-election campaign is prioritizing unity throughout the community to support our students through this transition. She aims to eliminate the apprehension of changing schools by welcoming students and families into a cohesive and supportive new educational community.
A parent who leads
Experience, advocacy, and results — already on the job
Adale isn’t asking for a chance to learn the role. She was Board Chair for three terms, a parent of two public school students, and a proven advocate for Norfolk Public School students.
Re-Elect
Dr. Adale Martin
Adale’s Record for Norfolk’s Schools
Her record
Qualifications that Matter
Facts below are drawn from Adale’s public bio, board service, and community leadership.
Proven Record on NPS
Focused board leadership on academic outcomes, expanded school security resources, and educator support. Advanced summer remediation, early literacy supports, and workforce investments — with English and Math performance rising.
Parent Perspective
Mother of two public school students. Helps families navigate IEP and 504 processes and fights for equitable access to services — the daily reality of public-school parenting at its hardest.
Education & Training for Governance
Product of public education Pre-K through Ph.D. Doctorate in public policy (ODU School of Public Service); MPA (LSU); BA (Ohio State). Alumna of UVA’s Sorensen Political Leaders Program; class representative on the Sorensen Alumni Council.
Professional Leadership
Career in adult education, curriculum development, and program management — including clinical/scientific programs at the American Society of Clinical Oncology and first-responder training at LSU’s National Center for Biomedical Research and Training. Formerly Executive Director of the Slover Library Foundation. Principal, A.M. & Co. Strategies, LLC.
Norfolk Community Service
Slover Foundation liaison to the Norfolk Public Library Board of Trustees; CHKD advocate via Magnolia Circle of the King’s Daughters; Garden Club of Norfolk, Virginia, and America.
The bottom line
Experience isn’t optional when kids are counting on you
01
She’s already done the job
School board isn’t an entry-level role. Adale was Board Chair for three terms, made hard votes, and stayed focused on kids — not campaign slogans.
02
Policy training meets classroom reality
A public-policy doctorate, an MPA, and special-education parenting give Adale the toolkit to govern a complex district with clarity and care.
03
Parents trust her because she shows up
Families don’t ask for political endorsements — they ask for help. Adale’s record is written in IEP meetings, school choices, and parent testimonials across Ward 1.
Re-elect the leader who already delivers
Keep proven leadership on the Norfolk School Board. Donate, volunteer, or share Adale’s record with a neighbor.