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As a long-time education advocate, I am closely following the Mount Vernon School Board Candidate Race. I was approached to run for the open seat, but quickly decided not to do so. The work I do for the Mount Vernon Community is not exclusive to only the School Board, and serving in that position would actually hinder the good work I am currently able to do.
The ideal School Board candidate will be someone who can step into the role and continue the work that this community needs. I attended the Gum Springs Candidate Forum on April 25th, and listened closely to all three candidates. I heard a lot of political speak, and quite a bit of incorrect information. The bottom line remains that we need an informed representative who is willing to do the work and support our public school system.
My takeaway from that forum is there is only one candidate who can do this job without a steep learning curve, and that is Mateo Dunne. I have worked with Mateo on school issues in the past, and he is a tenacious, engaged parent. We worked on the West Potomac overcrowding issue together, the Meals Tax Initiative, and have attended multiple education committee meetings. We have both been active members of our respective PTA organizations. He has the necessary experience with the Fairfax County Public School system, in all its large and complex glory, which has served to ready him for this position. While no one can be fully prepared for the job of School Board Representative, I believe he is the best candidate for the job.
