Stori Zimmerman — military spouse, parent, educator, coach, and mentor — is running for Mount Vernon’s seat on the Fairfax County School Board. “I have been an educator in and out of the classroom for over 20 years with the unique experience of having taught on every grade level from K-12 to include college,” Zimmerman recalls. “I have also volunteered my time as a tutor and mentor to young, old, and in between.”

As a concerned mother and educator, Zimmerman is running to bring a fresh mindset to Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a fundamental shift on our school board and in our schools,” the candidate says, noting that “eight out of the 12 current Fairfax County School Board members are not seeking reelection.”

At her website, Stori4Students.org, Zimmerman outlines her bold vision of reform:

• ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: “It’s time to get back to learning. The modified grading system lowers standards and expectations, destroying hope. Without standards, no one advances.”
• SAFETY & SECURITY: “Learning cannot happen when our children and staff do not feel safe. I will work tirelessly to ensure safe, secure learning and transportation environments for all.”
• PARENTS’ RIGHTS: “I firmly believe that parents have a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the education, upbringing and care of their children.”
• FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY & COMPENSATION: “Over the past decade, the FCPS budget has increased by almost 65 percent. The increase has resulted in what? Student performance continued to decline. Highly qualified teachers and staff continue to leave our schools, and our children do not feel safe in their classrooms.”

Notwithstanding the many problems our county schools have endured in recent years, Zimmerman remains confident that a turnaround is still possible. “I truly believe that FCPS has the capacity to deliver a world-class education to EVERY student,” Zimmerman says. “However, we must have leadership that is devoted to lifting our children up, not holding them down.”

To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit Stori4Students.org today. To get involved with the Fairfax GOP’s ongoing efforts in Mount Vernon, email MDMtVernon@FairfaxGOP.org.