New VDOE Policies Are Pro-Parent, Pro-Child
Something magical happens to the human heart when we become parents. We don’t turn perfectly wise (I wish). But suddenly, inextricably, we are gripped by a love that compels us day in, day out—for a lifetime–to secure our children’s health, happiness, growth, and safety.
The Virginia Department of Education’s (VDOE) new model policies on transgender students acknowledge this truth while correcting the critical error made by the last Administration: removing the right of parents to be involved in their children’s lives.
Matt Lang: Veteran, Security Professional for State Senate
Matt Lang — a veteran, father, husband, and security consultant — is running for Virginia Senate in District 38, which includes Great Falls, Reston and other sections of Fairfax County. After his time in the U.S. Marines, Lang served as a deputy sheriff in both Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. He currently works in security for a major international aid organization.
Ed McGovern: Civil Servant for House of Delegates
Ed McGovern, a retired federal worker, is running for House of Delegates in Virginia’s 18th District, which includes West Springfield and other sections of Fairfax County. McGovern’s long career in the federal government largely consisted of coordinating funds and manpower. For the U.S. Army Department, he served overseas for seven years.
As a retired civil servant, McGovern understands that government exists to serve the people — not the other way around.
Restoring Excellence: Harry Jackson for School Board
Harry Jackson, the son of a judge and a social worker, is now running for school board in Fairfax County’s Hunter Mill District. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he went on to earn several master’s degrees as well as a doctorate in Strategic Security. Looking back, Dr. Jackson credits his parents’ “love of education, spirit of resilience, and commitment to justice” for his drive to achieve and his willingness to learn from any setbacks along the way.
On the campaign trail, Dr. Jackson often reminds voters that “principles matter.” At his website, FriendsOfHarryJackson.com, the candidate lays out three main principles that inform his vision for the school board.
Nhan Huynh: Immigrant, Veteran for House of Delegates
Nhan Huynh — a first-generation immigrant and U.S. Army veteran — is running for House of Delegates in Virginia’s 9th District, which includes Chantilly and other portions of Fairfax County. “As refugees, my family came to the U.S with nothing but the clothes on our back,” Huynh recalls. “My parents devoted their twilight years to overcoming adversity in America, aiming to give me a better life.”
Thanks in no small part to his parents’ sacrifices, Huynh went on to achieve the American Dream.
Keith Elliott: Lifelong Resident for County Supervisor
Keith Elliott — a lifelong resident of Fairfax County — is the Fairfax GOP’s nominee for Sully District Supervisor. A man of faith, Elliott actively volunteers through his church, leading Bible studies and coaching a youth soccer team. “At an early age I learned the importance of giving back to the community,” he says.
Following a career in hotel management, Elliott transitioned into real estate. He currently manages a community of more than 2,000 homes.
A Teacher’s Perspective on VDOE Model Policies
As a public-school teacher for 12 years in Fairfax County Public Schools and living in Loudoun County with two children – one of which will be school age soon – I am well acquainted with the tough conversations on transgender issues happening in schools. While I personally do not agree with left wing views on transgenderism, there still needs to be a way for public schools to operate while serving all of Virginia’s families. The model policies set forth by the VA Department of Education allow for public schools to operate in such a way.
The model policies set forth are based on common sense and a reasonableness that allows parents to retain the freedom of how they want to direct the upbringing and education of their children.
‘Back to Basics’: Kristin Ball for School Board
Dr. Kristin Ball, a former college educator, is running for school board in Fairfax County’s Mason District. “My life has been focused on education,” Dr. Ball says. “When I was a child, I loved school and I was blessed with amazing teachers.”
Teaching for 27 years at colleges and universities — in Ohio, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. — Dr. Ball had a front row seat to witness the results of our nation’s K-12 educational slide.
New Model Policies Protect Students, Enhance Parental Rights
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) released its new Model Policies to Ensure Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginia’s Public Schools on Tuesday. “These policies provide families the opportunity to weigh in on their child’s decisions and be a partner in their education,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Lisa Coons said. “We are elevating parents and giving them a seat at the table. We encourage all school divisions to review the policies and implement them into their local policies in collaboration with their school boards and community stakeholders.”
Secure Your Vote: Make a Plan Today!
A new online voter portal — SecureYourVoteVirginia.com — was launched earlier this week. The portal contains useful information on how voting is done in the Commonwealth — and critically, how you can vote early to “secure your vote.”
A joint project of the Republican Party of Virginia, Republican State Leadership Committee, Spirit of Virginia PAC, Virginia House Republican Caucus and Virginia Senate Republican Caucus, SecureYourVoteVirginia.com is how Republicans are going to win this year, Governor Youngkin says.
Gerarda Culipher: Service-Focused Candidate for Clerk of Court
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Tulane Law School, Gerarda Culipher is Fairfax County’s Deputy Clerk of Court. Now she is running for Clerk of Court, with customer service the main focus of her campaign.
“I am running for Clerk to continue my service to Virginia’s largest and busiest trial court, keeping it an exemplar of good government,” Culipher says. “I believe in keeping the administration of justice in Fairfax smart, well-run, and accessible.”
Culipher is more than qualified for a promotion to Clerk of Court.
Tony Sabio: Veteran, Security Professional for School Board
Tony Sabio — whose diverse record of service includes time in the U.S. Navy, Secret Service, and CIA — is running for school board in Fairfax County’s Providence District. Now a security professional in the private sector, Sabio writes commentaries for Law Enforcement Today. As war broke out in Ukraine, Sabio rescued a 15-year-old U.S. national stranded in the country — a story that was featured in People Magazine.