From FCPS Pride:
FCPS Pride Endorsements for Fairfax County School Board elections on November 5, 2019.
In the at-large race, FCPS Pride endorses incumbent Karen Keys-Gamarra. She has been as steadfast supporter of the LGBTQ community in our school system over the past years in words and in votes. She is a strong ally.
In addition in the at-large races we endorse Rachna Sizemore Heizer, because she believes in equity for all. She has fought for inclusion and acceptance and will be a strong ally in the fight for the rights of all LGBTQ students and staff. She believes we are all equally deserving of acceptance, human dignity, and a safe learning environment.;
and Abrar Omeish at large, because she wants to fight for the rights of kids to feel welcome, safe and loved regardless of how they identify. She wants to teach children to have empathy and understanding for all of their peers.
In the Braddock District, Megan McLaughlin has been a strong ally of the LGBTQ community in all of her time on the board, supporting our students, staff and families in votes on nondiscrimination and inclusive curriculum; she has been steadfast in the face of some intense opposition.
In Dranesville, Elaine Tholen has met with several members of FCPS Pride; we are impressed with her commitment to all students and belief in fairness and inclusion in our school system. We look forward to working with Elaine when she is elected to the school board.
In the Hunter Mill District, candidate Melanie Meren has exhibited a strong interest in standing up for, listening to and learning about our communities. She will be a passionate voice for LGBTQ inclusion on the board.
In the Lee District, Tamara Derenak Kaufax was board chair and helped lead the fight in 2015 to add gender identity to the nondiscrimination policy. She has also been a leader and worked with FCPS Pride and the LGBTQ community members and families on inclusive Family Life Education. Tammy has been a steadfast supporter of our community, and we endorse her without reservation. We look forward to working with her for four more years on the school board.
In the Mason District, Ricardy Anderson has expressed strong support for LGBTQ+ students, teachers, and staff, and families; her experience as a teacher, principal, and educational leader guides her to be inclusive of LGBTQ+ people. Ricardy is committed to ensuring that all children are well-served by Fairfax County Public Schools regardless of socioeconomic status, gender identity or sexual orientation, personal circumstance, home language, religion, or ethnicity.
In the Mount Vernon District, FCPS Pride endorses Karen Corbett Sanders because she has demonstrated a commitment to equity and fairness for all members of the community including LGBTQ students, staff, and family members both in her votes and her advocacy within the system.
Likewise, in the Providence Magisterial District, candidate Karl Frisch exhibits strong advocacy and a great willingness to listen to LGBTQ stakeholders. He has previously received our endorsement and we repeat that now.
In the Springfield Magisterial District Laura Jane Cohen’s passion for LGBTQ students and staff stands out; thus, we endorse Laura Jane Cohen for the Springfield Magisterial District.
In the Sully Distict, FCPS Pride endorses Stella Pekarsky. We have met discussing the concerns of LGBTQ stakeholders in FCPS. As a former teacher and a parent of FCPS students she will be a solid ally and strong advocate not only for LGBTQ people in school system, but for all members of the FCPS family.
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