Orange County voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, to choose new leaders for the Board of Supervisors and the School Board. With the exception of District 4 incumbent Crystal Hale, every candidate running this cycle is new to local office, offering residents a fresh slate of voices and perspectives.

To help voters make informed choices, we invited all candidates to participate in a written Q&A, addressing issues ranging from infrastructure and economic development to education and community engagement. Every candidate responded, with the exception of one candidate who our staff did not hear from yet, Andrew Fossen.

Key election dates are approaching quickly: the deadline to register to vote or update registration is Friday, October 24; mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than the same date. Early voting began September 19 and continues Monday through Friday, with Saturday voting available on October 25 and November 1. The final day for in-person early voting is Saturday, November 1.

Board of Supervisors: District One

W. Chris Herndon

What specific steps will you take to improve infrastructure and transportation in Orange County in the next 4 years?

Improving infrastructure in Orange County means making smart, practical investments that serve both today’s needs and tomorrow’s growth. Our roads and bridges must be safe, well-maintained, and able to handle the demands of our farmers, families, and small businesses. Reliable transportation is vital to keeping our rural economy strong. Another critical issue is that we must continue to expand high-speed internet to ALL of our residents. While Fiber Lync is providing this service to our county, too many rural residents, business owners and farmers remain underserved. Finally, I believe we need a critical look at the role of the Rapidan Service Authority in providing reliable, affordable water. Many residents question its accountability and responsiveness, and it’s time for Orange County to evaluate how well RSA is serving our needs. By addressing these priorities with common-sense planning, we can move forward while preserving our rural character.

How do you plan to support economic development while preserving the county’s rural character and natural resources?

I will support economic development in Orange County by promoting smart growth that balances opportunity with preservation. Our rural character and natural resources are what make our county special and I believe we can grow in ways that protect that. This means encouraging businesses that align with these values. A strong career and technical education (CTE) program is also critical, giving residents pathways to good-paying jobs close to home while supplying local businesses with a skilled workforce. By diversifying revenue sources beyond residential property taxes, we can fund priorities like schools, athletic facilities, and public safety without overburdening families. With thoughtful planning, we can attract new jobs and expand our tax base while safeguarding farmland, open spaces, and the rural charm that define our community.

What is your approach to ensuring transparency and accountability in local government decision-making?

Transparency and accountability are the foundation of good local government. As someone born and raised in Orange, I care deeply about this community and believe we need a fresh look and leadership to meet today’s challenges. My approach begins with open communication, ensuring residents know not only what decisions are being made, but why. I will advocate for clear, accessible information on county budgets, capital improvement plans, and policy proposals so taxpayers can see exactly how their dollars are being spent. Public input should be valued at every step, whether we are discussing schools, supporting local businesses, or preserving farmland. I believe in setting clear priorities and timelines, then reporting progress back to the community so people can measure results against promises. By listening first, engaging directly with citizens, and being transparent about challenges and solutions, I will ensure Orange County’s government earns and keeps the trust of its people.

How will you address the needs of both younger residents and the aging population in terms of education, healthcare, and community services?

Meeting the needs of both younger and older residents means creating opportunities for every generation to thrive in our county. Right now, too many of our schools and community facilities are falling behind and all of our residents deserve more. For our youth, I will push for safe, modern classrooms and expanded career and technical education programs that prepare students for good-paying jobs close to home. At the same time, we must support seniors with reliable healthcare, strong emergency services, and programs that keep them active and connected. A key priority must be investing in our sports fields, parks, and adding an indoor recreation center so they become gathering places where children, families, and seniors come together. These shared spaces not only provide healthy outlets for kids but also opportunities for older residents to stay engaged. By upgrading our schools and facilities, we can build a stronger Orange County for every generation.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Orange County and how do you plan to address it?

The people of Orange County are a dedicated and hardworking community, but despite that strength, we are still falling behind with our schools, athletic facilities, community spaces, and even vital services like our sheriff’s office, fire, and EMS. Our students, families, and first responders deserve facilities and resources that match their commitment to this county. We need a clear plan to upgrade our schools and athletic programs, strengthen support for our first responders, and improve our parks and recreation spaces so they serve every generation. Growth is coming, and our residents are ready to meet it but we cannot without investment. Orange County will continue to slip behind surrounding counties if we do not have a plan for advancement. By acting now, we can give our young people opportunities, support our residents, and provide emergency personnel with the tools they need. Together, we can preserve our rural character while building the strong, thriving community our people have already worked so hard to create.

J. Jason Capelle

What specific steps will you take to improve infrastructure and transportation in Orange County in the next 4 years?

Orange County must take a practical approach to infrastructure and transportation over the next four years. On transportation, we must complete the Route 3 transportation overlay and study ways to make Rt 20 safer keeping traffic flow and property rights in mind. Just as important, our zoning and development policies must reduce the number of driveways connecting directly to primary and secondary roads. New subdivisions should use shared entrances and internal roads rather than scattered driveways – this is a matter of safety.

On infrastructure, water is the most critical issue. The Rapidan Service Authority has aging systems, high costs, and reliability concerns on both ends of the county. At the same time, the state-mandated regional water planning process will shape how Orange meets future demand. I will take an active role in these efforts to protect supply, lower costs, and ensure reliable service for residents and businesses.

How do you plan to support economic development while preserving the county’s rural character and natural resources?

Orange County must grow its economy without losing what makes it special by directing growth to the right places. District 1 includes farmland, the Town of Gordonsville, and the industrial park—assets that can support new business and agriculture. District 5, by contrast, consists of nearly all of Lake of the Woods, a large residential community with very different needs. Our policies must reflect these differences.

I am proposing policies that give businesses the confidence to invest while giving residents assurance that farmland and our rural way of life won’t be lost to sprawl. Farm-based businesses and agritourism add value to our rural economy and combined with industry and commercial growth they broaden our tax base.

With the right balance, Orange can support small businesses, attract good employers, and preserve farmland and natural resources. Revenue from responsible growth will fund schools, Fire/EMS, and services while keeping taxes fair.

What is your approach to ensuring transparency and accountability in local government decision-making?

Transparency means more than posting documents online—it means making sure residents actually know what is happening and why. As Planning Commission Chair, I always take that responsibility seriously, reaching out directly to the community on difficult issues so people could be aware and weigh in before decisions are made. I will bring that same approach as Supervisor.

One of the challenges to transparency is the overuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). I understand there are times when NDAs are necessary—particularly when the county is competing for business opportunities. But NDAs can also be so restrictive that they stifle discussion and prevent residents from understanding what is being considered. And if Supervisors are not bound by the same rules, some have information that others do not, which undermines accountability. As Supervisor, I will push for clear, consistent practices that keep residents informed while protecting the county’s interests.

How will you address the needs of both younger residents and the aging population in terms of education, healthcare, and community services?

It is imperative that Orange County serve all residents if we want a strong future. For youth, the foundation is our schools. Funding has not kept pace with growth, leaving teachers and facilities stretched too thin. The new Career and Technical Education facility is a key step forward, creating career pathways that connect students to good jobs here in Virginia. Young people also need more things to do locally. I was involved in bringing the new swimming pool to Gordonsville, and we should continue building recreational opportunities that keep families engaged in our community.

For seniors, the priority is affordability. Rising assessments and service costs put pressure on those living on fixed incomes. We need responsible tax policy that provides relief so seniors can remain in their homes. Dogwood Village also plays a vital role, and I will work to strengthen its services and sustainability.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Orange County and how do you plan to address it?

The most pressing issue in Orange County is that taxpayers are paying more but still not getting the services they deserve. Our taxes were raised nearly 10 percent, yet we still have underpaid teachers, too few deputies to patrol our neighborhoods, and unresolved water problems that affect families and businesses. That sums up the challenge we face as a county.

The underlying problem is how we manage growth and government. Our current development and zoning policies allow sprawl that drives up costs without generating enough revenue to fund schools, public safety, or infrastructure. At the same time, we must ensure local government is efficient and effective with the resources it already has.

The solution is clear: overhaul zoning to control sprawl, promote responsible business growth to broaden our tax base, and focus county government on delivering results. Taxpayers deserve accountability, not higher bills and underperforming services.

Board of Supervisors: District Four

Robert P. Rabe, II

What specific steps will you take to improve infrastructure and transportation in Orange County in the next 4 years?

We must take a conservative, results-driven approach to infrastructure. That starts with holding the Rapidan Service Authority accountable through performance audits, citizen oversight, and a public transparency dashboard showing spending, service issues, and water quality. For transportation, I’ll push for smart infrastructure investments that prioritize safety and efficiency over expensive, unnecessary expansion. With my background at the Department of 

Transportation, I’ll advocate for low-cost, high-impact solutions, including common-sense traffic planning for road projects. Ensuring transportation infrastructure is built to tomorrow’s expected traffic volumes and not today’s. Keep in mind, you cannot build your way out of congestion. It is how you operate it using innovative solutions. 

How do you plan to support economic development while preserving the county’s rural character and natural resources?

We need economic growth without government overreach. This means supporting small businesses, reducing bureaucratic hurdles at the planning department, and maintaining low taxes to attract investments in the county. I’ll advocate for targeted smart development, such as agribusiness, warehousing, manufacturing, and local trades that align with our rural values. Through common-sense zoning and environmental stewardship, we can protect farmland and natural resources while encouraging self-reliant, private-sector-led growth. Innovation comes from the private sector, not bureaucratic planning, and our job is to let it flourish responsibly. 

What is your approach to ensuring transparency and accountability in local government decision-making?

Government must be accountable to taxpayers, not special interests. I’ll implement transparency tools like online dashboards to show real-time updates on water infrastructure, public safety stats, and budget spending. I also support performance-based budgeting, tying county funding to measurable outcomes. This ensures departments earn their funding based on efficiency, not politics. Regular audits, in some cases establishing advisory boards if deemed appropriate, and open budgeting processes are key. A lean, honest government that respects public trust is what constituents should demand and deliver. 

How will you address the needs of both younger residents and the aging population in terms of education, healthcare, and community services?

A limited government should still meet essential needs. For youth, I’ll support the addition of school resource officers at the high school and advocate for expanding vocational and technical education that prepares kids for real jobs, not just college debt. The gateway drug use at the high school is an issue that will not go away. School Administrators cannot bury their heads in the sand and say they do not have a problem. I hear every day from the young people who work for me and parents whose children attend. Needs to be a community response to overcome the drug response. 

For seniors, we must ensure reliable core services: water, emergency response, and affordable property taxes. Innovation can help, like mobile health clinics and transportation partnerships with local nonprofits. By focusing on essentials and removing inefficiencies, we can serve all generations without growing government or raising taxes. 

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Orange County and how do you plan to address it?

Water and sewer failures are the top issue in District 4 when I speak with constituents—my opportunity to lead means demanding accountability and ending the status quo of mismanagement at RSA. I would encourage establishing local oversight of RSA, pushing for a public transparency dashboard, and making sure future projects are budgeted wisely and competitively bid. We must stop wasteful spending, plan long-term, and treat infrastructure like the public safety issue it is. This is not about expanding government; it’s about restoring trust, protecting the health of District 4 residents who must rely on RSA, and delivering results with fiscal discipline. 

Crystal D. Hale

What specific steps will you take to improve infrastructure and transportation in Orange County in the next 4 years?

Over the next four years, I will continue building on recent successes in securing critical transportation and infrastructure improvements for Orange County. In District 4, I successfully advocated for removing the hazardous flashing yellow light at Routes 3 and 20 and advanced safety upgrades along Route 601, where realignment and curve flattening will reduce crashes and improve visibility. Looking ahead, I will work closely with VDOT, RSA, County staff, and community stakeholders to identify and pursue projects that improve road safety, expand water and sewer capacity, and strengthen overall infrastructure. A key focus will be securing grants and outside funding so that improvements are achieved without placing unnecessary financial burdens on taxpayers. By prioritizing safety, sustainability, and responsible investment, I am committed to ensuring our transportation network and infrastructure continue to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and future growth.

How do you plan to support economic development while preserving the county’s rural character and natural resources?

I believe Orange County’s strength lies in balancing growth with preservation. Over the next four years, I will continue supporting thoughtful economic development that attracts businesses aligned with our community’s needs while protecting the rural character and natural beauty that make our county unique. I have a proven record of listening intently to constituents to ensure new industries generate strong revenue for the County and fit appropriately within their surroundings. For example, I successfully fought off industrial solar projects that would have scarred our farmland and damaged the environment, while also advocating for new business and industry that promise exciting opportunities for the future. My focus will remain on strengthening small businesses, agriculture, tourism, and technology industry while directing growth to areas with existing infrastructure. By prioritizing sustainability and community input, we can create jobs and innovation while safeguarding the rural heritage that defines Orange County.

What is your approach to ensuring transparency and accountability in local government decision-making?

Transparency and accountability are the foundation of good government, and I take this responsibility seriously. I am an excellent listener and collaborator, regularly attending town halls and meeting with citizens by phone, in person, and electronically to hear their concerns. I work hard to build relationships and have established a strong, respectful rapport with my fellow Board members. In closed sessions, we hold one another accountable and rely on the County attorney to ensure discussions remain within the bounds of the law. I also use my social media page to post hot topics, share meeting updates, and encourage citizens to stay involved in local government. By fostering open communication, creating awareness, and generating conversation around important issues, I ensure that the decision-making process is transparent, accountable, and always rooted in the best interests of Orange County residents with an added emphasis on District 4 topics.

How will you address the needs of both younger residents and the aging population in terms of education, healthcare, and community services?

My experience has given me a deep understanding of the needs of both younger residents and our aging population. For seven years, I served Orange County as Director of Social Services, fighting for the rights of individuals of all ages facing abuse, neglect, and exploitation. That role gave me insight into existing resources as well as the gaps in our community and opportunities for improvement. On the Board of Supervisors, I successfully helped secure unanimous support for a Career Technical Education (CTE) facility at Orange County High School, improved teacher salaries, and improved resources for first responders and law enforcement. I serve on the boards of Aging Together and Encompass Community Supports (our Area Agency on Aging), addressing issues such as dementia awareness, mental health, and senior services. I also founded the Epidemic Intelligence Council (EpIC) in 2018, which continues to fight substance use disorder across generations. This proven track record demonstrates my commitment to serving every resident, young and old and I will continue to use that passion to press forward with addressing current issues and improving resources and services for all citizens.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Orange County and how do you plan to address it?

Orange County is facing numerous pressing issues, and addressing them requires balance, integrity, and vision. We still do not have the Career Technical Education (CTE) facility in place, though the Board of Supervisors has offered a path forward to the School Board. At the same time, our County is in dire need of increased revenues to support essential services—especially for our emergency responders, teachers, and staff—while also planning for growth in a way that preserves our rural character and natural resources. The best path forward is to build a robust economic development program that attracts strong, high-revenue industries that harmonize with our community, not burden it. That is a heavy lift, but it is one I have been working hard to achieve, and I will not stop.

Equally important is how we approach these challenges. Leadership must be rooted in kindness, respect, and good judgment. Our nation and our County have seen too much division, name-calling, and negativity. I am a conservative who believes in healthy debate while also treating one another with dignity, regardless of differences in opinion or background. If you look at my record, you will see a leader who gets results while carrying herself with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to all citizens of Orange County. I will continue to serve with honesty, positivity, and a relentless drive to ensure a bright and sustainable future for our County.

School Board:  District One

Rod C. Hawkins

What strategies do you support to ensure all students in Orange County have access to high-quality education, regardless of background or zip code?

I will seek the input of parents, teachers, and students to address their concerns and needs to ensure a quality education. I will rely on and support the direction of our  Superintendent and the goals he has in place for the continued improvement of the school system. We must inform the public of our needs and what it will take to meet those needs. We must work with the community and get their support before anything can be accomplished. Enhanced communication between the school board and community will unite our efforts to provide our kids with the best education possible.

How will you approach budgeting decisions to balance academic needs, staff support, and facility improvements?

We must explore every method possible to achieve adequate funding for our schools. With Orange being near the bottom of our state in money spent per student, we need to make people more aware of this situation. Academic needs, staff support, and facility improvement are all essential elements in our students’ education. If you fail in any of these areas, you fail altogether. The first option is always to raise taxes and it is certainly the most unpopular. We must look to outside sources for advice and funding to lessen the pain of tax increases. Unfortunately, the old triage strategy is getting us further and further behind.

What is your vision for preparing students for life after graduation – whether college, career, or other paths?

We must continue to provide our students with classes that meet their academic needs. This includes basic classes that allow them to get their High School diplomas without subjecting them to taking classes that do not relate to their future goals. We must continue to provide classes and opportunities for our students preparing for 4 year colleges. These classes should be preparing them for a more rigorous academic path while providing them with college level classes that will save them time and money in college.

Finally, the development of the CTE program is vital to the future of our students not wanting to go to college. Now, we can give career options while they are still in high school. The CTE program will give them training that will allow a big headstart into the job market. We must be careful to develop a CTE curriculum that will attract their interest in a variety of careers. 

How do you plan to engage with parents, teachers, and the broader community when making decision that affect County schools?

I have always been very visible in school and community activities and will continue to be. Because I still teach Behind the Wheel Driver’s education, I see and communicate with students, teachers, and parents every day. My daughter coaches and my grandchildren play sports at the high school and middle schools. Because of this I attend many sports and other school activities, I will be seen and accessible. If elected, all constituents will have access to my email and phone number where they can voice their concerns. On major issues, I think public hearings and public advisory committees should be included in the decision making process.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Orange County Public Schools and how do you plan to address it?

I think our most pressing need is the implementation of the CTE program. Over the years, we have had school board members and school boards who have worked hard to get this program back up and running, but they have been stonewalled. Finally, despite some opposition, the School Board and Board of Supervisors have agreed to it’s long overdue implementation. We must focus on getting this program up and running as soon as possible so we can provide our students with even more career opportunities.

Sid L. Trimmer

What strategies do you support to ensure all students in Orange County have access to high-quality education, regardless of background or zip code?

I think the school system does a good job at this.  I am open for suggestions for improvement.

How will you approach budgeting decisions to balance academic needs, staff support, and facility improvements?

Conservatively.  We need to make taxpayer dollars work efficiently.

What is your vision for preparing students for life after graduation – whether college, career, or other paths?

I taught Building Trades and Electricity for 37 years in the public school system.  Our students built houses, learning masonry, plumbing, electricity, and carpentry.  We sold the houses at public auction and fed the money back into our program. Programs that teach skills that lead to state licensure in a trade provide a pathway for our students to stay in and enrich our community. 

Students who plan to attend college can also benefit from CTE programs.  Everyone can use some solid DIY skills.

How do you plan to engage with parents, teachers, and the broader community when making decision that affect County schools?

I think the school board should be transparent with the community, promote our parent, teacher, and student organizations, and get parents involved in decision making.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Orange County Public Schools and how do you plan to address it?

Improving teacher retention.

School Board:  District Four

O’Brian A. Martin

What strategies do you support to ensure all students in Orange County have access to high-quality education, regardless of background or zip code?

Every child in Orange County deserves the same access to a high-quality education, no matter their background or zip code. I will advocate for equitable distribution of resources across schools, so no community feels left behind. That means ensuring students have access to up-to-date technology, strong academic programs, and safe learning environments. I also believe in supporting targeted interventions for students who may need extra help, while expanding enrichment opportunities for all. By prioritizing teacher support, smaller class sizes, and family engagement, we can create an environment where every student is set up to succeed.

How will you approach budgeting decisions to balance academic needs, staff support, and facility improvements?

When it comes to the budget, my guiding principle is simple: every dollar should put students first. That means balancing resources between academic programs, staff support, and facility improvements without neglecting any one area. I will advocate for transparency and data-driven decision-making so the public can see where funds are going and why. Supporting teachers and staff must be a top priority because they are the foundation of student success. At the same time, we cannot overlook the importance of safe, modern facilities and accessible classrooms. A strong budget respects both our educators and the taxpayers who fund them

What is your vision for preparing students for life after graduation – whether college, career, or other paths?

I believe that education must prepare students for life beyond graduation—whether their path leads to college, technical training, the military, or directly into the workforce. To do this, we need to strengthen career and technical education (CTE) programs, expand dual enrollment opportunities and workplace certifications, and connect students with real-world experiences through local business partnerships. It’s also important that students graduate with strong critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for changing industries. My vision is for Orange County Public Schools to provide multiple pathways, so every graduate leaves confident in their future, knowing they have options to thrive.

How do you plan to engage with parents, teachers, and the broader community when making decision that affect County schools?

A successful school system requires collaboration between parents, teachers, and the community. I plan to be a School Board member who listens first and communicates openly. This means holding regular listening sessions, visiting schools, and creating accessible opportunities for parents and community members to share input. Teachers must also have a strong voice in decisions that affect classrooms. Building trust takes time, but by involving all stakeholders in the process, we can make choices that reflect the values of our community and improve outcomes for students. My commitment is to lead with transparency, respect, and accountability.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Orange County Public Schools and how do you plan to address it?

The most pressing issue facing Orange County Public Schools is teacher recruitment and retention. Without strong, supported educators, we cannot deliver the education our students deserve. Many teachers leave the profession because they feel underpaid, undervalued, or unsupported. I want to change that by advocating for meaningful professional development opportunities and a school culture where teachers feel respected and appreciated. Investing in our educators is investing in our students’ futures. If we can create an environment where teachers want to stay and grow, we can ensure stability, quality instruction, and better outcomes for every student.

A. Tina Whittington

What strategies do you support to ensure all students in Orange County have access to high-quality education, regardless of background or zip code?

First off, I would like to affirm that this is already a priority for Orange County Public Schools (OCPS). There have been many strides made to make a level playing field for all students and families from programs to feed children to a top notch tutoring program that connects students online to the right tutors.  

However, more can always be done to respond to the individual needs of students and families. Specifically I have heard from families who are taking part in Head Start or who have children with special educational needs where OCPS has fallen short. These are the families who seem to need the most support right now, and it will take giving these parents a better platform to share their specific circumstances and look for solutions. When we prioritize intervening and helping with these students early on we can reduce the need for more intensive and costly education services later on as well as create better outcomes for the child’s future – they have a higher chance of catching up developmentally and creating a better path for their future as adults. This is one of the strategies I would like to see implemented, better opportunities for these families to communicate with OCPS to find the right solutions for them – as well as reaching out to families in Orange County and educating them about the opportunities for early interventions then helping them get their children engaged in these programs as early as possible. 

How will you approach budgeting decisions to balance academic needs, staff support, and facility improvements?

When it comes to the budget for OCPS everything needs to be looked at through a series of questions and the most important of which is, “What is best for the children’s education?”.

I think if we consider that first it will help prioritize the rest as we know it takes a good curriculum, good teachers and staff, a safe and stable environment and much more to make sure our children have a great education that sets them up for academic success. 

As I am not yet on the board I do not have the full scope of the budget, but I have been attending as many board meetings as possible since I launched my campaign so I am getting a better perspective on the budget in general. 

I think one important approach to the budget is to give accountability to those on the ground who are responsible for making decisions on how to deploy funds. For instance the budget for grounds and maintenance has been reprioritized during the last few board meetings, with the heads of those departments making requests to spend their budget differently to save money or in a way that reprioritized the priorities they went into the year with. I think this is a great approach to the budget, allowing the folks who are on the ground to make projections and requests of the board and then hold them accountable to their budgets. When we hire experienced and trustworthy people we can expect a high level of transparency and accountability with the budget – especially if we can all agree that the most important lense for these decisions are the student’s education.

What is your vision for preparing students for life after graduation – whether college, career, or other paths?

I believe that OCPS need to create the best runways for students for as many of the opportunities available after high school as possible. At minimum we need to think about college, career and military paths. 

This means academic excellence in the classroom, after school tutoring, and great extracurricular activities and clubs for students who want to go on to college. Although, I would argue that this is important for every student regardless of the path they want to take after college. 

For those who want to pursue a career right after college OCPS is currently building a Career and Technical Education (CTE) building next to the high school. I would like to make sure that the programs we choose to include are the right ones for Orange County by talking to local employers to see what kind of experience they are looking for in hiring for entry level positions, are any of these employers open to mentoring students or offering internships. While I know not all students who graduate will stay in Orange County, I think it would be great to create a workforce that serves our own community as much as possible. I also know that many families in District 4 are wanting a second high school built, which is a huge expense, but I would like to explore the option of a charter school option focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) or medical careers to relieve some of the crowding at the high school.

For those who want to join the armed forces I will say that there is already a great JR ROTC program with after school opportunities to get involved with Raiders. My son participated in this program and while he ended up choosing to go to college, these programs were full of growth opportunities for him and I would like to make sure we are investing well into the growth and stability of this career path. 

How do you plan to engage with parents, teachers, and the broader community when making decision that affect County schools?

My hope is to visit schools and meet with teachers, as well as hosting events where we can gather together and hear from the teachers as board members. It is important to hear about how policies are affecting the classrooms and get first hand accounts for things that can make the classroom experience better. 

Parents and community members will always have an open door to me via email and many already have my cell number, so I expect to hear directly from many families. However, I plan on going to school events that are open to the public like games, science fairs, and concerts to be able to meet with teachers and families in person. 

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing Orange County Public Schools and how do you plan to address it?

I answered this above but to clarify here, the most pressing issue that is coming to me as I talk to district 4 families is head start and special education programs and making sure they are serving the children and their families well. I hope to set up more opportunities to give these parents a platform to express what is going on with them to get a broader scope of what is going on so that we can create meaningful solutions.