Yes, local school board elections matter -- for all of us. As Fairfax County School Board candidate Liz Griffith put it in her rousing kickoff speech this past Friday: "Too many people make the mistake of thinking that education is just for those who currently have children in the schools, but in fact, education is for the benefit of all of society. A democracy simply cannot survive without an educated electorate."Liz is an enthusiastic Democrat who has decided to take on the challenge of dethroning a Republican incumbent, Tessie Wilson, who currently represents Braddock District on the County School Board. Liz comes directly out of the same grassroots that got Jim Webb elected and is now working hard, through such groups as the post-Webb "Brigades", to turn Virginia Democratic.
She also has an excellent background for the position, with a PhD in Political Science, four children who have attended Fairfax County Public Schools, and experience as a high school teacher, former PTSA President and Program Director of a children's summer arts camp.
And she has a vision that includes reducing the pressure on schools to "teach to the test" in response to No Child Left Behind, establishing later start times for high schools following research on teen alertness cycles, and reducing inefficiencies in the school transportation system.
Wisely, Liz Griffith is doing something a lot of candidates don't do enough of -- listening. She is touring all of the public schools in her district, interviewing principals, bus drivers and others, and finding out about their needs and concerns. She's meeting with local parents to do the same.
Despite all of these assets, Liz has a tough campaign ahead of her and will need your support to win. Dislodging a Republican incumbent with a grassroots campaign is never easy -- but it is worth the effort! Please visit Liz Griffith's website and help her out in any way you can.
Go Liz go!