Megan O. McLaughlin, a former college admissions officer and mother of three Fairfax students, is the clear choice over Nell J. Hurley for the Braddock seat being vacated by Tessie Wilson. Ms. McLaughlin has distinguished herself as a parent advocate through her work with Fairgrade and the Fairfax Education Coalition. She is knowledgeable and hardworking and works for change in a collaborative way. Her opponent, also active in local school affairs, has a more rigid approach to school issues and we fear would try to micromanage school operations.
The campaign for the Hunter Mill seat being vacated by Stuart D. Gibson features two good candidates, but
Pat M. Hynes
has the edge over Nancy A. Lipton, counselor and parent activist. Ms. Hynes, a former lawyer who found her true calling in teaching, would bring the important perspective of the classroom to the board. Among her priorities: narrowing the kindergarten readiness gap.
Nowhere is the race for school board more intense than in Dranesville District, where incumbent
Jane K. Strauss
is being challenged by Louise K. Epstein, parent advocate who helped found Fairgrade. The board would be the worse off if Ms. Strauss, an 18-year veteran with incomparable knowledge of the system and its needs, were not reelected. Not only has she proven, as the board’s current chair, to be a steady hand during difficult budget times, but she’s shown a sensitivity and commitment to the needs of all students. Ms. Epstein, by contrast, has a record of single-minded advocacy for gifted and talented students, even if it comes at others’ expense. Particularly alarming is her enthusiasm for doing away with a staffing formula that provides extra supports for at-risk students.
In Mount Vernon, incumbent
Daniel G. Storck
gets our endorsement over challenger Michele Nellenbach. On the board since 2004, Mr. Storck has a reputation as a careful listener with a businessman’s appreciation for data. He’s also not afraid to do battle for things he believes in, as evidenced by his fight to restore summer school. He would provide important continuity. Ms. Nellenbach’s campaign seems to be steeped more in slogans like “put your children first” than any real substance.
The Springfield seat is being vacated by Elizabeth Bradsher, and retired businessman
John F. Wittman
is the better candidate over parent activist Elizabeth L. Schultz. Mr. Wittman has been active in the schools, but it is his experience in budgeting and contracting that would be an important contribution to the board. He is thoughtful on the issues and would bring common sense to problems. Ms. Schultz, despite her protestations about not being a single-issue candidate, seems to care mostly about revisiting the battle to close Clifton Elementary School.
Incumbent
Kathy L. Smith
deserves reelection in Sully District over challenger Sheila P. Ratnam. Ms. Smith, a former elementary teacher on the board since 2002, is astute on educational issues, with a keen interest in providing a richer and more rigorous curriculum. Ms. Ratnam’s promise of more transparency would be a poor trade for Ms. Smith’s expertise and experience.
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