Once we turn our full attention to 2019 elections here in Virginia, I’ll have a LOT more to say about this race, as Fairfax County School Board member Elizabeth Schultz (Right-Wingnut) absolutely has to go. For now, here is a campaign announcement by Democratic candidate Robert Walter, who is challenging her. I met Walter a few months ago, and was impressed. For more information on Schultz, see Fairfax NAACP to Far-Right School Board Member: More Police and Guns in Schools Are NOT the Answer, Far-Right Fairfax School Board Member: Gun Violence Prevention “Not a Job for Traumatized Children” (Audio), , Fairfax County School Board Member to Speak at Anti-LGBT Hate Group Event, FCDC Chair Sue Langley: School Board Member Elizabeth Schultz (R) “has gone on a Trump style, unhinged social media rant”, and Just When You Thought Fairfax County School Board Member, Anti-LGBT Extremist Elizabeth Schultz Couldn’t Get Any Crazier….
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For Immediate Release – Robert Walter, a Professional Educator with 18 years of experience, former Campaign professional, Community Leader, PTA member, volunteer in school and neighborhood organizations, and Parent of 2 FCPS students, will kick off his candidacy for Fairfax County School Board this Saturday (9/8), 6-8 pm, at the Auld Shebeen in Fairfax. The event will feature special guest, and 2017 candidate, Donte Tanner. The seat, currently held by Elizabeth Schultz, will be up for election in November 2019.
“Fairfax County Schools are among the best in the state and country, but there is still more to do to improve,” said Walter. “We face the challenges of a rising student population, tight budgets, and a global economy that demands graduates who are proficient in technical areas and are capable of thinking creatively and critically.”
“I’m running on the progressive values of equality & inclusion, equity, environmental sustainability and fiscal stewardship. I believe that every student – regardless of zip code, race, or gender – should receive a free, excellent education and the resources they need to be successful in college or a career, and that’s what I’ll fight for from day one on the School Board.”
As a School Board member, Robert will fight to keep class sizes small to give kids the individual attention they need. He will work to make sure that all students, staff and parents are treated equally, with dignity and respect. Robert will push the county and state to invest in our public schools, so we can recruit and retain quality teachers. He will work with our state legislators to increase the State level of support and bring back more of our Fairfax tax dollars to Fairfax public schools.
Walter will also lead FCPS and Fairfax County in pursuing alternative energy solutions to reduce costs and make the school system more environmentally sustainable. These solutions could include solar power for the schools and electric buses for our transportation fleet.
Walter also calls for strengthening career exploration programs, such as internships and technical/specialized career education through the Academies and Specialized Programs for HS students, while also investing in the arts. Robert will help Fairfax County Public Schools educate our children and prepare them for future success in college and a career.
The use of trailers, overcrowding, and the need for increased school capacity have been problematic issues in Fairfax in recent years. Walter proposes taking a flexible and forward-looking approach to coping with the county’s growing population of school-age children. “We need to think in new ways, outside-the-box, about how to address issues with school capacity, and be open to finding solutions that work for students, teachers, staff, and families,” he said.
Walter, currently runs the SUNY Washington Internship Program in DC that helps college students explore their careers in a semester-long (or summer) internship program. It offers full-time credit for students to participate in an internship, an experiential seminar and a research project. This program helps students explore their chosen career, gain valuable experience and make networking contacts and helps to propel them off campus and into the real world after graduation.
Prior to SUNY, Robert worked for American University’s Washington Semester Program in their School of Professional and Extended Studies. Robert also was a program director for The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. He worked as an Admissions Advisor for Ohio University, based in the DC area. Robert also taught high school students for the Close Up Foundation and high school and middle school students for the Washington Workshops Foundation.
Endorsements
“Robert Walter is running for School Board in Fairfax County. I’m sure Rob will be a voice for excellence in the public schools. We need good people like Rob in public service, especially now, when so much of our politics is ugly and bitter. Electing Rob would be a small step in the right direction.”
Jeremy Mayer, Associate Professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.
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“Robert Walter has been a long-time board member of the Nation’s Capital Chapter of the Ohio Alumni Association, including over 12 years as the Chapter President. He worked tirelessly during that time and he continues to work with our Chapter Board, providing guidance on many issues.
I have known Robert since 2004, and in that time, I have witnessed his passion for setting goals and getting things done. I know he wants the best possible education for his own children and he wants the same for all the students. He will be an incredibly positive asset for the Fairfax County School Board and I know he will do an outstanding job in that position.”
John Moore, Past President, Nation’s Capital Chapter, Ohio University
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