Voters in the City of Alexandria will see school board candidates on their ballots this fall for the first time in three years. Alexandria Living Magazine asked candidates for School Board for their answers to eight questions.
The answers from candidates in District A are below. They are presented in the order we received them from candidates, and the answers have not been edited.
Related links:
- Who's Running for Alexandria School Board in 2018?
- Alexandria School Board 2018 Voter's Guide: Answers from District B Candidates
- Alexandria School Board 2018 Voter's Guide: Answers from District C Candidates
- Download the full voter’s guide here.
Alexandria City Public Schools
Jacinta Greene — Candidate in District A
What three words would you choose to describe Alexandria City Public Schools?
Diverse
Vibrant
Dedicated
What is a major life accomplishment you'd like to share?
After leaving successful career in Corporate America, I followed a dream by putting together and implementing a plan to start a new career and my own business. I am very proud and thankful to have achieved success through a vision, hard work and determination.
When you envision what ACPS will look like in ten years, what do you see?
In 10 years I envision ACPS providing ALL children with access to a high quality education, retaining a pool of diverse and highly qualified teachers, having adequate and appropriate facilities to learn and succeed and continuing to create and maintain partnerships between schools, community, and families to ensure success and opportunities for our children in Alexandria.
What was something that you personally enjoyed as a part of your childhood schooling?
During my childhood schooling I personally enjoyed creating new friendships, being taught by dynamic and amazing teachers that cared, valued and wanted the very best for me. I keep in touch with many of my childhood teachers to this day and truly thank them for providing me with a public education that led to my success as an adult.
Who was your most influential teacher or school official and why?
Mr. David Savino, a World History teacher at Hermitage High School in Richmond, VA is my most influential teacher. I was blessed to have Mr. Savino as a young, motivated, and determined ninth grader who had a love for learning! Mr. Savino utilized interactive and real-life methods in his teaching that captivated each of his students. We were engaged from the first word spoken until the bell rang at the end of class. We did not read from the textbook or were we handed a piece of paper to learn the lesson. Each student was an active participant in every lesson that Mr. Savino taught. He inspired us to learn, to be an active part of our community and above all else, be the BEST that we could be. Teachers like this change the world and I hope that everyone has/had a Mr. Savino in their life. I have kept in touch with Mr. Savino since high school and he calls me his favorite student of all time!
What extracurriculars were most important to you as a student?
As a student I was very active in the music program as a member of the concert band, symphonic band, and served at the drum major of the marching band. I played the flute as my primary instrument sitting first chair and section leader. Research has shown that music in public schools has been found to facilitate the learning of other subjects and enhances skills that children will use in other areas.
What would you say to new families, with school-aged or preschool children, considering moving to Alexandria to encourage them to join our city/to entice them here?
Alexandria City Public Schools has a very diverse student population. Students represent more than 118 countries and speak 120 different languages. Each child will have an opportunity to grow in a community that represents a global world, providing them with different issues, perspectives, knowledge, and ideas. In addition, each child will grow in an environment more accepting of differences and being tolerant and respectful of different points of view.
In addition, Alexandria City Public Schools provides students with the option of enrolling in a dual language program. This is a unique opportunity to be immersed in another language by integrating literacy and academic content knowledge in both languages. This will give our students an advantage by ensuring the students are more culturally aware and makes them more competitive in the future.
What is one thing you would like to improve about our schools?
I strongly believe that all children regardless of race, gender, or economic background must have access to a quality education. I have seen first-hand the disparities that still exist in our schools. While, Alexandria has come a long way, we still have the highest gap between white and Latino student pass rates on both science and writing tests at 38 percent.
The 2018 Standards of Learning tests show that Alexandria had one of the three lowest pass rates in the region on the state-run standardized tests. I will continue to work hard on addressing disparities in our schools by ensuring that all children are coming to school ready and prepared to learn.
We need to address overcrowding in our schools, hire the best teachers, and ensure that we are collaborating with parents and businesses in the community. These are three ways that I feel could address the achievement gap.
•Children need to have a safe and adequate learning environment. Overcrowding in Alexandria schools is an issue that we will need to continue to address now and in the future.
•We must ensure that we are hiring the best qualified teachers in Alexandria. This can only be done by ensuring we are being competitive in pay compared to other regions. Teachers must also continue to grow in their careers by having access to professional training.
•Finally, I will continue to prioritize partnerships with businesses and parents. In order for children to be successful we must ensure that parents are involved in the education of their children. Businesses in the community also play an important role in order for our children to be prepared to meet the demands of a global workforce.
Marc Solomon — Candidate in District A
What three words would you choose to describe Alexandria City Public Schools?
Underfunded, striving, diverse.
What is a major life accomplishment you'd like to share?
In the aftermath of the Parkland shootings, I led the creation of a security task force for Hopkins House pre-school academies to audit and recommend improvements to keep our young scholars safe from gun violence.
When you envision what ACPS will look like in ten years, what do you see?
I see safer, world-class schools with enough seats for all kids and programs that better enable our graduates to compete in the 21st century. I see my son thriving with a challenging curriculum in one of the top school districts in the country.
What was something that you personally enjoyed as a part of your childhood schooling?
I absolutely loved reading and learning about other cultures and history. My elementary school had a wonderful collection of books about myths and stories from around the world, which I tore through. I was also the kid that read his history and social studies text book cover to cover the first day we got them! This love of diversity and world culture eventually led me to explore the globe with the Department of State.
Who was your most influential teacher or school official and why?
My parents always encouraged me to succeed in school as a pathway to a better life. Despite having this strong parental backing, we were still very limited in our budget and our horizons. My high school guidance counselor Mr. Kenny encouraged me to aim high and apply to Cornell University, opening up a whole new world to a blue-collar kid from Buffalo.
What extracurriculars were most important to you as a student?
My high school Spanish teacher and faculty advisor of our student newspaper Marcus Deveso taught me how to create effective ledes, ask the right questions, and write thought-provoking pieces. I have used the skills I learned writing and editing our newspaper innumerable times in my professional career.
What would you say to new families, with school-aged or preschool children, considering moving to Alexandria to encourage them to join our city/to entice them here?
Your children will have world-class opportunities and learn within a diverse community that will prepare them to be global citizens. If I am fortunate enough to win in November and I am successful in working with City Council and other School Board members, they will also have free, high quality pre-K starting at age 3.
What is one thing you would like to improve about our schools?
We need to do more to support and value working families in our city. That means we need to pay hardworking teachers what they deserve and finally fund universal pre-K for all children so that parents don’t have to choose between a mortgage or early childhood education. That means increasing our career and technical education programs so that every kid graduates ready for college or the workforce. These are the working family friendly policies that I will work for on school board to make sure every kid gets a world-class education.
Michelle Rief — Candidate in District A
What three words would you choose to describe Alexandria City Public Schools? Growing, Diverse, and Dynamic.
What is a major life accomplishment you'd like to share?
I was the first person in my family to go to college and went on to earn a PhD. I was a professor at the City University of New York (CUNY) before moving to Alexandria twelve years ago and becoming a mother to three ACPS students ages 11, 7 and 5. I currently work as an adjunct professor teaching U.S. history at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).
When you envision what ACPS will look like in ten years, what do you see?
In ten years, I envision ACPS having a clear strategy for how to meet the needs of our diverse and growing student population. We will have stable leadership at our schools and well-maintained buildings with plenty of classroom space. Every student will develop a strong foundation of knowledge and the ability to think critically. ACPS graduates will be well-advised about prospective college and career paths and see a future for themselves that is full of possibilities.
What was something that you personally enjoyed as a part of your childhood schooling?
During my childhood schooling I enjoyed project-based assignments where I got to use my creativity. One example that comes to mind is from my AP English class. My teacher was a big fan of The New Yorker and had us read book reviews and other excerpts from the magazine in class. We then had to write reviews for books that we read and design our own version of the magazine.
Who was your most influential teacher or school official and why?
The most influential teacher I had in high school was my tenth-grade biology teacher, Coach Landingham. I was also a member of my high school swim team and he was my coach for three years. The team practiced every morning before school from 5:30-6:30 a.m., which taught me discipline and hard work. What made Coach Landingham so influential is that I knew he really cared about me and always wanted me to do my very best.
What extracurriculars were most important to you as a student?
In middle school I joined the speech and drama club and began participating in oratory competitions. This experience improved my public speaking skills and boosted my confidence. It also taught me how to initiate conversations with new people that I meet, share my perspective and listen to other points of view.
What would you say to new families, with school-aged or preschool children, considering moving to Alexandria to encourage them to join our city to entice them here?
Alexandria is a vibrant, diverse community with many young families and family-friendly activities. We have historical museums, many public parks and playgrounds, a terrific public library system, and a thriving arts community. If you would like to learn more about our schools, visit one and talk to the parents of current ACPS students.
What is one thing you would like to improve about our schools?
Alexandria has a larger percentage of English Learners (EL) and students receiving Free and Reduced Price Meals (FARM) than our neighboring districts. A top priority for me is to ensure that all ACPS students have equitable access to educational opportunities and receive the support they need to be successful. I want every student to know that they are unique, capable and deserving of a great education!
W. Christopher (Chris) Harris — Candidate in District A
What three words would you choose to describe Alexandria City Public Schools?
The three words I would use to describe ACPS are diverse, progressive, and challenged.
What is a major life accomplishment you'd like to share?
I am most proud that I was able to earn my college degree while being a single dad and caring for an ill parent. Through those challenges I was able to build a successful career and business which would not have been possible by quitting. It was very important to give my children an example of perseverance to guide them through life. Everything does not always go according to plans. In order to succeed it is often necessary to fight through adversity.
When you envision what ACPS will look like in ten years, what do you see?
In ten years I see ACPS having the financial stability to properly address the increasing capacity issues in our schools, the opportunity gap that provide resources to all students to maintain equitable practice throughout the school system, and having the resources to properly hired, train, and retain the best educators in the country.
What was something that you personally enjoyed as a part of your childhood schooling?
I enjoyed being a kid. My mother told me I had two jobs, go the class and get good grades. Even in the midst of the those expectations, I was never afraid to make a mistake in school. My teachers understood that they were a part of life. Any bumps in the road were met with constructive criticism that were turned into teachable moments. Those experiences helped me progress through life without a fear of failure.
Who was your most influential teacher or school official and why?
My track coach Aly Khan Johnson was the most influential person during my school years. Not having a father in the home I often lacked discipline and maturity. Coach Johnson had a strong personality that demanded respect. He took the time to explain the importance of education and how it was the foundation of my future. Simply knowing that someone outside of my family was concerned with my success or failure played an instrumental role during the remainder of my educational career.
What extracurriculars were most important to you as a student?
Athletics was most important to me as a student. I enjoyed going to practice everyday to improve my skills for competition. After long days of learning it was a much needed release to simply join friends and classmates in an atmosphere of sports and school spirit.
What would you say to new families, with school-aged or preschool children, considering moving to Alexandria to encourage them to join our city/to entice them here? Being a lifelong resident of Alexandria I have been directly involved in ACPS as a student, mentor, and parent. I would tell new families that Alexandria is a unique city. We are a growing locality with a small town feel that embraces diversity and is welcoming to kids of all ages. The greatness of our city comes from those who live here and the melting pot of backgrounds, demographics, and cultures that makes up our community.
What is one thing you would like to improve about our schools?
I would like to improve transparency. To meet the challenges of ACPS it is my strong belief that there should be a culture of sharing information in regard to the successes and failures of teaching and learning. Educating our children is a collaborative effort that can only be productive when all parties are informed and have a voice. Elected officials serve the community. Therefore, openness and integrity should not be a option. It should be mandatory.
William (Bill) Campbell — Candidate in District A and current School Board member
What three words would you choose to describe Alexandria City Public Schools?
Poised for improvement.
What is a major life accomplishment you'd like to share?
As I suspect would be the answer from most parents, one’s children instantly comes to mind when considering major life accomplishments. My daughter Janay is twenty-six years old, a college graduate and a Pre-K teacher at Hopkins House in Alexandria. My middle child Cameron graduated from T.C. Williams and is a freshman at Old Dominion University. We became the legal guardians of Cameron’s closest Kindergarten friend, Jaquan when he was six years old and he’s now eighteen and a senior at T.C. Williams. Parenting coupled with our nearly thirty-five-year marriage have been our most major life accomplishments thus far!
When you envision what ACPS will look like in ten years, what do you see?
A high school with over five thousand diverse, thriving and engaged students! High school students in various state-of-the-art facilities to include multiple learning environments and multi-use fields and physical activity areas. Several new elementary schools and all elementary schools modernized to meet the newly developed education specifications for ideal twenty-first century learning spaces. Several middle school offerings to include three standard schools and several Pre-K-8 alternatives. Highly qualified teachers and support personnel who are truly satisfied with their compensation; have super exciting and engaged classrooms and all students are achieving at and beyond all required state and federal metrics.
What was something that you personally enjoyed as a part of your childhood schooling?
In the seventh grade, I had a small part in “Pippin”. I was a guard and sang in the final song. I was and remain a terrible singer but somehow, I managed to find the courage to participate in the play and I truly enjoyed it and remember it fondly. As a coincidence, my middle school was turned into condominiums this summer and I helped my favorite aunt move in. I was able to go into the old auditorium, go on stage and I sang some of the tune in front of my wife! That is a vivid, forty-five-year-old memory!
Who was your most influential teacher or school official and why?
My high school guidance counselor was easily my most influential school official. As I finished the ACT and SAT tests, he reviewed them and sat me down to discuss possible college majors. I was leaning heavily toward being a teacher and/or social worker, but he convinced me to consider engineering. I’m certain I would not otherwise had thought that I could become an engineer if he had not had high expectations for me and discussed college majors as he did. I have an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and I am forever grateful to Mr. Hawkins.
What extracurriculars were most important to you as a student?
I participated in several varsity sports including football, basketball, track and baseball. I went to West Virginia University on a track scholarship. My strongest and longest friendships and many of my most memorable experiences were related to my many extracurricular activities in high school and college. That is the primary reason why I am a staunch advocate for trying to engage as many of our students as possible in sports and other after-school clubs and activities. The more engaged a student is with school-related and spirit generating activities, the more likely that they will be academically and emotionally successful.
What would you say to new families, with school-aged or preschool children, considering moving to Alexandria to encourage them to join our city/to entice them here?
Alexandria, as a richly historic seaport practically sells itself (to families that can afford it!) As it relates to schools, I would tell families to do more homework than reading the blogs and other things that you find on the internet! Speak with our parents and students. Go into our schools and speak with our Principals, teachers and other staff personnel. Also talk with our elected officials. If an ethnically-diverse, culturally-rich district with multiple elementary and middle-school offerings and the most popular high school in the country is what you are seeking, then Alexandria is the place for your family!
What is one thing you would like to improve about our schools?
We truly need to put a laser focus on improving the academic and life outcomes for more of our students with disabilities, our English-language learners and our free and reduced lunch population (which nearly all are students of color!) ACPS has incredible offerings in terms of Honors, Advanced Placement and College Dual Enrollment classes as well as unbelievable elective course offerings. We need to better prepare more students early in their elementary schooling so that they can access all the great offerings that we have as our students matriculate through middle and high school.
Chris Suarez — Candidate in District A
What three words would you choose to describe Alexandria City Public Schools?
Diverse, Promising, Reflective
What is a major life accomplishment you'd like to share?
My biggest life accomplishment has been marrying my wife Sophia and raising our two year old son, Gabriel. I am also proud to have been a sixth grade teacher, a co-founder of an educational nonprofit devoted to strengthening diverse and inclusive schools, and a lawyer who has represented students with special needs and has advocated for school finance equity.
When you envision what ACPS will look like in ten years, what do you see?
I envision ACPS as being a school division that will meet all kids where they are regardless of their zip codes, special needs, or special talents, and will provide all students with meaningful opportunities to succeed. ACPS schools will be known as being diverse, equitable and inclusive and will be recognized for their ability to prepare all kids to be democratic citizens who will function well in a 21st century, globalizing economy. ACPS will be recognized as a leader that has innovative programs that prepare students for a wide range of career possibilities, whether those careers require graduate school, four year college, or vocational school. ACPS will have the capacity, infrastructure, and educational resources that will allow all kids to prepare to be leaders in their chosen fields.
What was something that you personally enjoyed as a part of your childhood schooling?
I personally enjoyed learning from peers who came from a wide range of races, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and I also appreciated having the opportunity to take courses in critical thinking, logic, and computer science from an early age.
Who was your most influential teacher or school official and why?
There are too many teachers to name who were influential in my life, but my Fourth Grade teacher, Mrs. Nicholus, stands out because she was the teacher whose “tough love” allowed me to focus better academically and stop talking too much in class! She made me appreciate the importance of high expectations and setting lofty goals, and this set me on a track that helped me to succeed in my future classes and in life.
What extracurriculars were most important to you as a student?
The extracurriculars that were most important to me were baseball and the debate team. I’ve been a lifelong baseball fan and, while academics are important, staying active physically has always been important to me. The debate team was an incredible experience because it taught me that urban public school students can have a meaningful voice in public policy and civic affairs; debate taught me that the meaningful exchange of ideas and policy perspectives are vital to a functioning democracy. I would like all ACPS students to graduate having the confidence that they can engage in their communities to effect change.
What would you say to new families, with school-aged or preschool children, considering moving to Alexandria to encourage them to join our city/to entice them here?
I would say to those families that Alexandria is a rich and vibrant community that has a wide range of school options that can provide their children with opportunities to succeed. The school division will expose their children to students of many backgrounds, preparing them to thrive in our increasingly diverse society. And I would add that this is an exciting time to move here because we have just hired a new superintendent who is from Alexandria and excited to be here for the long-term to improve our schools. Alexandria provides families with a unique opportunity to experience urban living with a small-town community feel, and is a great place to raise a family.
What is one thing you would like to improve about our schools?
If elected, I would address a number of concerns, but I would like to proactively focus on ensuring that our schools address all students’ needs. To that end, I will work hard to make sure that ACPS recruits, retains, and provides support for our teachers, principals, and administrators so that they are best prepared to fight for meaningful educational opportunities for all students - whether those students have special needs, special talents, or fall somewhere in-between. Along with providing resources to our teachers, we must ensure that our students have access to safe buildings that are equipped with the resources they need to be competitive in a 21st century economy, including the needed technology, lab equipment, musical instruments, and other tools our students will need to succeed and thrive.
