The following responses are from questionnaires The Rapidan Register submitted to all candidates running for local seats that are being contested in the upcoming election. All board of supervisor candidates received identical questionnaires as did all school board candidates. Candidates are grouped by the position they seek and are listed in alphabetical order by last name. The uncontested seat for Gordonsville Town Council is not included. Responses were not edited aside from formatting. Write-in candidate Clay Jackson is included based on the Madison County Electoral Board’s decision to include him in the upcoming candidate forum.
Board of Supervisors
R. Clay Jackson
Age:41
Occupation: Farmer
Education: West Virginia University, Bachelors of Agricultural Business w/ Post Grad, Sorensen Institute PLP Graduate
What are the three issues you feel are affecting the county the most? (300 words max)
The top issue is the one thing all Madisonians agree on, preserving our great quality of life. Economic development is another top issue, the Board of Supervisors and community must diversify our tax base, so we are not solely relying on our residents. Finally, keeping Madison citizen oriented, and helpful, by using a commonsense approach, simple solutions and Madison way of doing business. “How can I help you?” is my approach and how our government should be.
If elected, how will you address these issues? (300 words max)
Preservation of quality of life has many aspects, personal property rights are paramount and something that cannot be infringed upon. Building and working with our small business community that is here and growing is something we should be proud of and point to their successes, as well as trying to be receptive to new business ventures coming to invest here. Change is hard but I am always looking for complimentary businesses and hopefully good new neighbors. Government working for the people is forgotten in lots of localities, Madison has great staff, the culture of “no” is days of the past. We must have confidence and a helpful group that can make a normally painful interaction smooth and efficient. By having this environment, governmental efficiencies internally have been identified and do create savings and transparency for our taxpayers. With existing committees like the Economic Development Committee and Preliminary Development Review Committee, we are trying to be proactive in bringing new revenue to the county while trying to make the process constructive and seamless
What are three innovative things you’d like to see implemented in the county if elected? (300 words max)
If elected I will continue to find ways to save money for the taxpayers from not hiring costly consultants, continuing to support initiatives such as lifetime animal tags, elimination of farm machinery tax on personal property, building and zoning packets with all information in one place, while continuing to do work internally with staff we already have. Also navigating the mandates and challenges from the state,
such as constant overreach on local zoning, which have eliminated public involvement or by right uses that are not consistent with the community’s desires. Budgeting will continue to have all department heads participating and outside agencies must present to justify need of investment. With transparency being so important, I’ll also continue trying to get more community involvement on committees, decisions, and meetings where we currently have public comment at the beginning and end of meetings. Though new challenges and opportunities arrive every day and its exciting for Madison as we navigate them.
Local government needs to provide basic core services, health, safety and education. Here in Madison there’s not much more. Seeing a more robust private sector and government being less of a burden on citizens, is my innovation.
Why should folks vote for you? (300 words max)
I hope the 12 years of investment and trust the citizens of Madison have allowed me to represent them will warrant another 4 years. It has been a learning curve, and I take a lot of notes and know the right people to bring to the table to solve both good and bad challenges. I am fiscally conservative and a pain but reasonable to deal with on county budgets and tax issues, understanding options financially and knowing the bucket is only so deep. I hope that you consider me as a “Write in” candidate for the Madison County Board of Supervisors, my cell phone is (703)772-5132 I’m always available, and I would really appreciate your vote, Thank You.
James ‘Jim’ Jewett
Age: 66
Occupation: Farmer, Retired University Lecturer (JMU College of Business)
Education: Diploma, Madison County High School; Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of Mary Washington; Master of Business Administration and Master of Information Technology, Virginia Tech.
What are the three issues you feel are affecting the county the most? (300 words max)
Stagnant Tax Base – tax burden increasingly falls on homeowners.
Cost of Government due to inflation and the cost of unfunded mandates from upper levels of government.
Development Pressures – Madison is one of the last counties in central Virginia without large housing developments. It is an attractive location for such developments, and such developments would increase the need for public services funded primarily through property taxes on all of Madison’s Citizens and change the character of the county.
If elected, how will you address these issues? (300 words max)
As the current chair of the Economic Development Committee of the Board of Supervisors, I am leading a team of local officials and citizens who are investigating possible business opportunities for the county that will increase the tax base and provide employment opportunities for citizens while not adversely affecting the character and landscape of Madison County.
During my first 4-year term on the Board of Supervisors, the Board has kept county spending growth at or below the rate of inflation while continuing to provide exemplary levels of county government services. Consequently, the increase in real estate taxes has significantly trailed the general inflation rate and the increase in housing values in the county. I am currently serving as the Board of Supervisor’s representative to the Virginia Association of Counties. This organization lobbies members of the General Assembly in Richmond on behalf of local government interests. The focus for the upcoming year is to resist the trend in Richmond to remove local government control over zoning and land use policies.
Local zoning and planning policies need to continue to control the growth of population increases in the county. The county needs to improve the employment and income prospects of local citizens so that they can compete in the housing market.
What are three innovative things you’d like to see implemented in the county if elected? (300 words max)
I would like to explore more ways to increase public participation in local schools and government. The schools and local government function better with more citizen awareness and input. This could be in the form of government/citizen working groups and events such as the recent Economic Development Committee Town Hall that informed citizens of the forward-thinking work being undertaken by county government for their benefit.
The county should strive for a mechanism that develops comprehensive strategic planning. We are moving in that direction at present time, but we have more work to do.
We could explore the possibility of creating a “Citizens’ Institute.” This could consist of a few seminar type events per year that present opportunities for citizens to serve on county committees and non-profit organizations and to help those interested in running for public office with the election process and to identify the various local elected offices and their duties.
Why should folks vote for you? (300 words max)
I am a life-long Madison resident who is committed to the citizens of the county. My children and grandchildren live in the county, and I wish for them and for other folks who live here to have the opportunity to enjoy the Madison County that I have lived in and prospered. In my four years serving on the Board of Supervisors, I promoted policies and actions to control spending and taxes. My work as Chair of the Economic Development Committee has provided a new focus on sensible and rewarding economic development for the county while prioritizing the retention of the rural, safe Madison County that we enjoy today. I believe that I have unfinished business for the people of Madison and humbly ask for your vote in this election and your participation going forward in the operation and advancement of Madison County’s government and civic organizations for the present and future benefit for the people of Madison County.
Nancy L. Sharman
Occupation: CAO, Commonwealth Law Office, P.C.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theology
What are the three issues you feel are affecting the county the most? (300 words max)
Preparing the Future. The future of Madison is volatile at this time due to the encroachment of Culpeper County and the pressure coming from the south in Greene County, both looking for space and building opportunities in our Madison County.
Preserving the Past. Our Madison County is rich in History. Each thing that has happened and is yet to happen will be our History. We need to be intentional on everything we build and create to ensure we are leaving a legacy for generations.
Madison Schools, Private Schools and the Homeschoolers: The Classrooms hold our future and our past. Ensuring opportunities for learning, building foundations in all of the schoolrooms throughout our county promises a firm foundation in preparing the future and preserving our past, which also entails an initiative to make Madison affordable along with the needed financial stability to develop yet new family life.
If elected, how will you address these issues? (300 words max)
Accountability: As an elected official I will be accountable to each county resident, holding all peoples in high regard without favoritism, and in turn I will hold all county employees fast to their own specific duties to make Madison the best place to live.
Public Safety: Ultimately, safety awareness and protection for all citizens is a bottom-line necessity, along with qualified healthcare and emergency services. As a member of the Board of Supervisors, I will strive to provide our first-responders the support they need to protect our community from crime and to be ready to assist aggressively in natural disaster assistance. That also includes being attentive and watchful over our children’s entire well-being, and not only with our educational goals for them.
Fiscal responsibility: I will be very attentive and careful in the use of all our Madsion taxpayers’ money. We have to know the status of the public revenue and public debt far enough in advance of new property assessment to be able to manage and adjust so that tax increases can be avoided. The financial health of our county means everything to all of us as we are preparing the future. The complete responsibility concerning people’s finances also includes attentively working toward preserving the past because our history is not only the legacy of freedom we have received, but it also can be a pretty good economic engine for the future. As a BOS candidate I believe our people deserve answers, protection, and truth concerning the administration of funds that have been required of them by the county.
What are three innovative things you’d like to see implemented in the county if elected? (300 words max)
Preparing the future…Madisonians need to develop Madison County from within, by using our rich base of scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park, our agriculture, tourism and agri-tourism and our forever placement in American History.
Preserving the Past…will be done by “we the people” designing and creating our county from within and as a community bring in other business venues that enhance our surroundings and develop a lasting and beautiful heritage.
Madison County Newspaper. A newsPAPER that covers our county should not be considered an innovation but nowadays it is for us. A newsPAPER that could cover businesses, community celebrations, athletic teams/successes, playoffs, schedules, Hoover Ridge activities, scheduled events, and how our town and county is developing and growing and how others may be involved. I am aware that much of this information is online, however it is just not the same as a newsPAPER…nor as ‘user friendly” to all.
Access to additional health care: Health care in Madison almost always requires a journey to another county. As a Board of Supervisor I would like to see an Urgent Care facility in Madison, and more primary care and elder care physicians be attracted to Madison. A healthcare facility that can treat patients without long delayed appointment times would be an absolute blessing.
Why should folks vote for you? (300 words max)
The three defining principles in my life are: God; Family; and America. They are not mine only, but I know they are your principles and motivators as well. As a Board of Supervisors candidate my campaign theme once again is: Preparing the Future, Preserving the Past
Madison County is rich in history, forestry, agriculture, agri-tourism and beauty beyond words. Together we can develop from within and as we dream and build, it will benefit all who live here and all who can’t wait to visit. Madison County is on the “cusp of a New Frontier.” I am so grateful to be a part of it all!!
Remember this quote from Ronald Reagan: “America is too great for small dreams” Let’s make Madison Great …Again and Again!
I look forward to serving you, the people of Madson, and working for you and with you through the Board of Supervisors.
I am asking for your vote between NOW and November 4th
Thank you for voting,
Nancy L. Sharman
Mike Snider
Age: 63
Occupation: Self/ Owner, Bay Breeze Enterprises, Inc.
Education: High School diploma, Piedmont Aerospace Institute Graduate, Navy loss
What are the three issues you feel are affecting the county the most? (300 words max)
1. Our community is rural in nature. We have a small and constrained tax base with limited number of high valued commercial properties. Nobody wants large scale industrial/commercial growth around them.
2. The governor passed Senate bill 974, starting July 1 2025 that takes away public involvement, knowledge and decision making from the board of supervisors and planning commission on subdivisions and site plan reviews. These are now approved by a county designee without public input. This applies for counties in Virginia with a population under 5000 people. If a subdivision or site plan, large or small, checks all the boxes it has to be approved with limited time of review.
3. Madison county’s sewer plant needs to be updated and increased in capacity. This will allow for growth for new business of all sizes. Without updating the sewer plant Madison county limits how much new business can come in. For example in fiscal year 2026 Madison County’s school system is facing a one million dollar loss in federal and state funding. Madison county will have to increase its school contribution by $678,000 to cover that loss of funding. Without revenue from new business’s that funding will have to come from somewhere else.
If elected, how will you address these issues? (300 words max)
Possibly use some of the 242 acres Madison county owns on Shelby road and develop it into an industrial or commercial park.
We can continue to work to increase agritourism by attracting small businesses, air bnb’s, breweries, wineries, and promote the national parks that lie within Madison county.
Possibly attracting a major hotel chain on the 29 corridor which would give tourists a place to stay in the county.
Continue to work with VACo (Virginia Association of Counties) to lobby the General assembly and state agencies along with State and House Representatives to increase the number of people to 20,000 so Madison County can be exempt from such bill. I think we could proffer EIA (Environmental impact analysis) and FIA (Financial impact analysis) to make sure large subdivisions don’t become a financial burden on the county. An example of this would be the school system and water and sewer.
Continue to work with RSA, and apply for grants and federal money to be able to finance and afford the upgrades to the sewer plant.
What are three innovative things you’d like to see implemented in the county if elected? (300 words max)
Develop a type of business license to help reduce itemized business property taxes. This would be an annual fee that could eliminate itemization of such things as microwaves for air bnb’s or hand tools for construction businesses etc. This could also help trade businesses from needing to get multiple licenses when working in other counties.
Seek federal and state funding sources specifically for economic development and tourism and apply those funds to hire a social media and marketing manager who will promote Madison’s natural beauty and agritourism.
Why should folks vote for you? (300 words max
I have been on the planning commission for nearly 4 years. This has helped me understand county issues and public interests. I enjoy working out problems by researching and gathering information to make a competent and educated decision. I have a military background that has given me organizational and planning skills. I have been a business owner for 32 years in construction and have had a Virginia Class A contractors license for 25+ years.
I think Madison is a very unique county with its rural nature and I would like to see that remain and also be financially viable.
I would appreciate your vote on November 4th. Thank you.
Mike D. Snider
School Board
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired, U.S. Army) Graham Davidson
Age: 44
Occupation: K-12 Policy Analyst/Instructor at James Madison University
Education: Ph.D. Student., Organizational Science and Leadership, James Madison University, 2021-Present
M.S., in Business, Supply Chain Management and Logistics, University of Kansas, 2015
M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Virginia, 2011
B.A., Logistics and Supply Chain Management, East Tennessee State University, 2003
Do you have children or grandchildren attending the local public school system?
I have four children in the school system. One at each of the four school buildings
What are the three issues you feel are affecting county schools and education the most? (300 words max)
Madison County Public Schools (MCPS) is currently facing several critical challenges that directly affect student achievement, teacher retention, and long-term sustainability.
Although graduation rates in Madison slightly exceed the state average, academic performance across core areas—reading, writing, and mathematics—remains significantly below expectations and state averages. MCPS ranks in the bottom 25% statewide and nationally, with standardized test scores and other key performance indicators well below average.
These academic challenges are compounded by a high percentage of inexperienced teachers—nearly three times the state average—and persistent shortages in high-need subject areas. This does not mean our inexperienced teachers are not capable, it just means that we are losing teachers who have experience to more competitive paid positions in other school districts. Unfortunately, this is the reality of what MCPS is facing. This makes it increasingly difficult to provide students with the consistent, high-quality instruction they need and deserve – we must do better.
Teacher recruitment and retention remain urgent concerns. The district’s inability to retain experienced and credentialed educators has led to heavy reliance on early-career teachers. Competitive salaries and incentives available in neighboring counties continue to draw qualified educators away from MCPS, making it difficult to maintain a stable and skilled teaching workforce.
In addition, declining enrollment—now well below 1,700 students—poses a serious threat to district funding and long-term viability. MCPS faces structural challenges including a low local tax base, aging facilities, and limited capacity for grant writing and external fundraising. These constraints make it increasingly difficult to meet the basic infrastructure and operational needs of a modern school system.
Addressing these challenges will require a bold, strategic response that includes increased investment, a clear and unified vision, stronger support systems for educators, and a renewed focus on student engagement, academic growth, and career readiness beyond graduation.
If elected, how will you address these issues? (300 words max)
If elected, I will work to implement a multi-pronged, community-driven plan focused on stabilizing our schools now and transforming them for the future. My priorities will center around three core pillars: academic excellence, educator support, and sustainable community partnerships.
First, we must raise academic expectations and outcomes. I will advocate for a culture that prioritizes character development, academic rigor, and holistic health. This mean expanding tutoring and mentorship programs, integrating physical fitness and other health initiatives into the school day, and ensuring all students are on track for college, career, or military readiness. Our community is uniquely fit for trade and agriculture initiatives – this could increase trade capacity that potentially draws attractive industry that nest well with our county culture and provide good paying jobs for our graduates – the status quo is not good for our county’s future.
Second, teacher recruitment and retention must become a central focus. I will push for competitive compensation packages and work to develop local “grow-your-own” teacher pipelines in partnership with nearby colleges and universities. Supporting new teachers through mentorship and reducing non-instructional burdens can also improve retention and morale. We must value our educators as professionals and leaders, and trust must be restored between educators, students, parents, and community.
Third, to address funding and enrollment concerns, I will seek to strengthen collaboration with local organizations to eliminate duplicative services and reallocate resources more efficiently. I will also advocate for increased grant-writing capacity, explore regional funding collaborations, and engage the broader community—including businesses and alumni—to invest in our schools. I believe our boosters can play a larger role in attaining resources from local and regional businesses that supports our school system in a meaningful way.
With a clear vision, accountable leadership, and strong partnerships, we can create a school system that not only survives but thrives—where every student can succeed, and every educator feels empowered to make a lasting impact.
What are three innovative things you’d like to see implemented in the schools if elected? (300 words max)
A Local Career Pathways Initiative:
I will advocate for a county-wide Career Pathways Program that connects students with local businesses, farms, trades, and technical colleges—potentially including state-supported trade or agriculture programs unique to Madison County. By expanding hands-on learning through internal programs, internships, apprenticeships, and dual-credit courses, we can expose students to viable careers in agriculture, skilled trades, healthcare, and technology. This not only boosts student engagement, but strengthens our local economy and encourages graduates to build their futures here.
A “Grow Your Own” Educator Pipeline:
To address ongoing teacher shortages, I support a long-term strategy to recruit and develop future educators from within our own schools. In partnership with nearby colleges and universities, we can identify high-potential students early and find creative ways to support their path toward becoming certified teachers committed to returning and serving Madison County. This approach builds a homegrown, sustainable educator workforce and strengthens community ties.
A Field House & Student Wellness Initiative:
I envision a modern, multi-use field house that supports the health, wellness, and development of every student in the district—not just athletes. Nearly half of our high school students participate in athletics, yet our current facilities are outdated, geographically disconnected, and do not reflect the level of support our students deserve. A field house would serve as a central, accessible space that enhances strength training, rehabilitation, and conditioning for student-athletes, while also offering general wellness and physical education benefits for all students, including those in PE classes and extracurricular programs.
More than just an athletic facility, this space could include a wellness center focused on resilience-building programs and nutrition education. By partnering with local health providers, counselors, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, we can design a facility that serves both preventative and responsive needs—addressing the growing importance of mental health and overall student well-being.
Funding this project would require a collaborative, phased approach—leveraging school booster programs, local philanthropy, naming rights, and private partnerships. But the long-term benefits are clear: a stronger, healthier student body, improved school pride, and a facility that can be used for generations to come—not just for sports, but for education, outreach, and community events.
Why should folks vote for you? (300 words max)
I’m a retired Army officer and educator with over 22 years of leadership experience across the military, academia, and government. My service instilled in me two core values: a deep commitment to something greater than myself and the discipline to see every mission through. These principles—along with my steadfast faith—shape how I lead, make decisions, and serve others.
As a father with four children in each of our county’s public schools, I bring both personal investment and firsthand perspective. I understand the challenges our students, teachers, and families face—and I’m committed to making a meaningful difference.
I have the experience, credentials, and leadership background to be effective on the school board from day one. I envision Madison County as a leader in public education, known for strong community engagement, academic excellence, and character development. I’ll focus on raising academic standards, strengthening financial stewardship, and expanding opportunities in both athletics and skilled trades.
Mitch Dickey
Age: 44
Occupation: Lead Communications Engineer
Education: BS Management Information Systems
Do you have children or grandchildren attending the local public school system?
Yes
What are the three issues you feel are affecting county schools and education the most? (300 words max)
In no particular order:
Class sizes
Retaining high-quality staff
Bus driver shortage
If elected, how will you address these issues? (300 words max)
I don’t have a for-sure answer for any of the issues concerning our school system, but I am hoping to ask questions and work with people to find answers to the challenges we face in Madison County.
What are three innovative things you’d like to see implemented in the schools if elected? (300 words max)
Before we start innovating, we need to fix the foundation. New ideas, etc should never be implemented before a foundation is fixed. Once we have the foundation fixed, everything else will follow.
Why should folks vote for you? (300 words max)
I’m not a politician. I want Madison County students, staff, and families to be successful and be afforded the same opportunities as the surrounding counties. If you want to know more about me, please visit my website, https://www.mitchdickeymcsb.com/ and my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578426986834.
Lauran Gordon
Age: 44
Occupation: Self Sufficiency Supervisor, Madison Social Services
Education: Some College
Do you have children or grandchildren attending the local public school system?
Yes. My son is currently a junior at MCHS.
What are the three issues you feel are affecting county schools and education the most? (300 words max)
Three pressing challenges currently facing Madison County Schools include:
• A critical shortage of bus drivers, which disrupts transportation logistics and affects student attendance and safety.
• Insufficient funding across the school system, limiting access to essential resources, programs, and infrastructure improvements.
• Difficulty attracting and retaining qualified educators and staff, which undermines instructional quality and long-term stability.
If elected, how will you address these issues? (300 words max)
If elected, I will actively research every available option and funding resource to advocate for real, sustainable solutions that strengthen Madison County Schools.
• To address the bus driver shortage, I will explore ways for the district to help cover the cost of CDL training and seek partnerships with local community colleges to provide accessible, high-quality training programs.
• To tackle funding challenges, I will pursue new fundraising opportunities and prioritize transparency in how every dollar is allocated and spent – building trust with taxpayers and ensuring accountability.
• To attract and retain qualified educators, I will work to align salaries with surrounding counties, foster supportive leadership, and expand recognition programs and staff wellness initiatives to create a culture where our educators feel valued and empowered to stay.
What are three innovative things you’d like to see implemented in the schools if elected? (300 words max)
If elected, I will champion the implementation of innovative initiatives that strengthen collaboration, empower students, and enhance the educational experience across Madison County Schools. Three key proposals include:
• Establishing Collaborative School-Based Advisory Councils. I will advocate for the creation of structured advisory groups within each school, composed of parents, educators, and administrators. These councils would meet regularly to identify challenges, share insights, and communicate directly with the School Board. This model fosters transparency, accelerates problem-solving, and ensures that every stakeholder has a voice in shaping school policy and priorities.
• Expanding Career and Technical Education with Facilities Management. I propose the introduction of a Facilities Management course within our Carrer and Technical Education (CTE) offerings. This hands-on program would teach students practical skills in building maintenance, safety protocols, and resource management – while also encouraging pride and ownership in their learning environment. It’s a unique way to blend workforce readiness with civic responsibility.
• Establishing a Community Impact and Civic Leadership Program designed to integrate civic education with meaningful, hands-on community engagement. This initiative would empower students to become informed, active citizens while cultivating essential leadership, communication and problem-solving skills. Students would partner with local government and civic organizations to contribute to impactful projects such as voter registration drives, environmental cleanups and other community-based initiatives. Students involved would attend school board meetings to observe and understand the decision-making process. The students would either receive recognition or academic credit for sustained civic involvement, reinforcing the value of public service and encouraging long-term participation in community leadership. This program would not only enhance civic literacy but also foster a sense of responsibility, agency, and pride in contributing to the well-being of Madison County.
Why should folks vote for you? (300 words max)
I am committed to delivering transparent leadership and fostering collaborative problem-solving across Madison County Schools. My priorities are grounded in listening, learning, and leading with a clear focus on the needs of our students, educators, families, and the broader community. I will advocate for practical, long-term solutions to pressing issues like the bus driver shortage, funding gaps and educator retention because our schools deserve more than temporary fixes. I will prioritize transparency and fiscal accountability, ensuring every dollar spent and every decision made reflects the values and priorities of our community. I will work to bridge the gap between parents, teachers, staff and the School Board, by creating a space for open dialogue and shared decision-making. I will promote equity and opportunity so that every student, regardless of background, has access to a safe, supportive, and high-quality education. With your support, we can create schools that are not only well-managed, but deeply rooted in community, innovation, and excellence.
Britt Shankle
Age:40
Occupation: Mental Health therapist with a specialty in children and parenting (LCSW)
Education:Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington (2006) and Master’s of Social Work from Radford University (2021)
Do you have children or grandchildren attending the local public school system?
I have 4 children who all attend Madison County Public Schools. Charlotte, grade 10; Beatrice, grade 9; Nikolas, grade 7; and Agnes grade 5.
What are the three issues you feel are affecting county schools and education the most? (300 words max)
While there are many issues at present for our public schools, these are the ones I feel are of pressing importance for the school system and where I feel my experience and background would best benefit the school board
Safety in Schools- As a parent and a mental health advocate, safety is one of the most important issues presented to our schools at this time in history. I trust our fabulous staff and resource officers who have worked hard to create appropriate plans for managing large safety events at the schools and want to support them however possible to ensure we have the best equipment, resources and education to ensure all our students, teachers and staff are safe in the event of an unforeseen emergency. Additionally, I know that supporting our students and their families through increased mental and behavioral health resources reduces the risk to the student body as a whole.
Revitalize the Arts and CTE programs- Strong CTE programs create well prepared future workers for the Madison County workforce. Madison County residents should be able to expect their schools to prepare their children for the jobs that the county provides. I will encourage support for our agricultural community through farm-to-table initiatives within the school system, increased arts and music programs to participate in our cultural heritage programs and continue Madison County’s strong history of artisans and musicians.
Solve the bus driver shortage- Bus drivers are the lifeblood of our school system. As we’ve experienced over the past several years, without adequate school bus drivers our students are regularly picked up or dropped of late, causing kids to miss part or all of their first block classes, missing breakfast, and disrupting the general business of the school system. Additionally, in the afternoon students who must wait for a second wave of buses must be housed and supervised during times when teachers and other staff members need to be focused on preparations for the next school day.
If elected, how will you address these issues? (300 words max)
The most important role of a School Board member is to listen to the teachers, students, and members of the community. I will work to explore alternative programs that our school can participate in to support Ag/Tech programs such as Farm to Table programs that support local farmers as well as the students in our agricultural classes, while providing healthy and fresh options for our cafeterias.
Funding, or lack thereof, is the main issue of any school board. Utilizing the budget that our County provides to root out and reduce waste and find ways to increase wise spending. Grants should be explored for programs that can benefit our children and community to increase funding wherever possible. Human resources should always be prioritized, as maintaining a happy and well-supported workforce reduces the waste of a revolving door of employees. Maintaining facilities and exploring outside funding to revitalize existing facilities will also reduce wasteful spending on constant repairs. For example, our Art classroom in the high school is currently housed in an outside trailer with only one small window. This exterior building has to be maintained at extra cost, whereas moving the class back inside to a traditional classroom that is more equipped for the class will reduce waste, increase interest in the program and ultimately cost the school less.
I will work together with our local and regional governments to explore options for additional transportation for our students in accordance with Gov. Youngkin’s recent proposal for smaller school districts. I have several creative solutions to explore that may help alleviate the pressure on our incredible transportation team utilizing the Governor’s directives.
What are three innovative things you’d like to see implemented in the schools if elected? (300 words max)
I support increased Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to focus on Madison County’s main economic interests. Supporting children to explore careers in Agriculture and Farming, Culinary Science, and Building Trades will encourage our young people to remain local and support our economy after graduation. These programs should also include a hands on element within the lower schools to increase awareness and interest in trades within these fields. Shop class in middle school and exploratory learning experiences within the elementary grades will encourage students to take advantage of programs in high school.
I also support the revitalization of our previously award-winning Arts, Music and Theater programs, including exploration of creative ways to bring community members into the schools to teach skills and arts that are being lost. We have many community members who can pass along skills in the creative arts and our students will benefit from increased mentorship and connection with their local community. Additionally, research shows that students who participate in arts education classes (music, theater and visual arts) are less likely to have unexcused absences, have higher standardized test scores in reading and math, and express a more positive outlook on their school and community.
One major issue that Madison has experienced since COVID is a shortage of bus drivers. Bus drivers make the school system function smoothly and without them, everything starts to fall apart. I have plans to explore options opened recently by Governor Youngkin’s pilot program for smaller school systems (HB2720). Addressing the issue of transportation will work to address Madison’s ongoing issue with chronic absenteeism while supporting our hardworking transportation staff.
Why should folks vote for you? (300 words max)
As a parent, seeing Madison schools grow and prosper is incredibly important to me. I am fully invested in supporting the teachers, administrators, support staff and volunteers that create the learning environment our children need to learn and flourish! I am a strong supporter of parents’ rights and responsibilities in education, recognizing that not all children learn in the same way or at the same pace, and the caring and attentive adult in their life know them better than anyone else. Parents play an integral role in the education and development of every child and should be partners in their child’s education every day.
As a therapist and a coach, I recognize the importance of a strong school community in the development of resilient, capable and successful adults who will be responsible for the future of Madison County. I support a community approach to education, incorporating Madison residents and businesses into school curriculum wherever possible.
And as a native to this region of Virginia, I have a deep love of our Mountain heritage and culture and share the values that make Madison unique and beautiful. But most importantly for me, no matter what, our kids come first!
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