Carolyn Pitches Runs For Fairfax City School Board: Candidate Profile

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Carolyn Pitches

Position sought

School Board

Age (as of Election Day)

54

Campaign Website

Carolyn Pitches for School Board; follow me on X (Twitter) @CarolynPitches

City elections are traditionally non-partisan and candidates must run as independents, according to both the city charter and the Code of Virginia. No party affiliation or “mark” will appear next to any of the candidates’ names on the Nov. 5 ballot. Have you been endorsed by a recognized political party or have you aligned yourself with a group of candidates representing themselves as independent, non-partisan candidates, including candidates running in other city races? Please check the answer that is most appropriate.

Please elaborate on your answer to the previous question and explain how this will affect the way you will serve on the school board.

I made a conscious decision not to align myself with any political party or group. My reasoning is simple: I believe that education should not be politicized. Having witnessed and experienced firsthand the negative impact of politics on our schools during the pandemic, I am committed to ensuring that our focus remains squarely on our students and their needs.

My priorities are clear—supporting and advocating for our students and families, providing safe, secure, and modern/innovative facilities, and ensuring access to the resources necessary for meaningful and relevant learning experiences. The emphasis should be on fully engaging our students and preparing them for the future, not advancing a political agenda. Education is about our children’s future, which must always take precedence over politics and political affiliations. I felt this was the best way to ensure the focus would be on advancing our students and prioritizing our facilities.

How does your status as described in the two previous questions help Fairfax City voters choose a candidate that aligns with their particular political beliefs?

My decision not to align with any political party or group allows Fairfax City voters to choose a candidate who is genuinely focused on the well-being of students and schools, rather than political agendas. This approach ensures that my decisions and actions on the school board will be based on what is best for our students, rather than being influenced by partisan interests. Voters who prioritize education over politics can trust that my campaign is dedicated solely to improving our schools and providing meaningful learning experiences for all students, regardless of political beliefs.

Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share about your family.

Justen Pitches, husband Caroline Pitches, daughter, attended City of Fairfax Schools K-12, Fairfax High School graduate 2020 Claire Pitches, daughter, City of Fairfax Schools K-12, Fairfax High School graduate 2022

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you are a candidate in.

No

Education

Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, Virginia Tech Master’s Degree in Education, George Mason University Virginia teaching certification elementary and middle grades K-8 and school counseling K-12

Occupation – Please include years of experience.

Teacher/Math Specialist, 27 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

Chair, City of Fairfax School Board

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elective office because I want to continue the important work that I began more than 14 years ago to improve our schools and support our students. My commitment to this community and our students drives me to finish modernizing the outdoor spaces at Fairfax High School and ensure that essential security measures, such as vestibules, are installed in all of our buildings. Additionally, I am focused on passing a bond referendum to renovate our elementary schools, which are now 24 years since the last renovation updates, and replacing the high school roof, which has been compromised for over a decade due to extensive leaks.

Beyond infrastructure, I am passionate about advocating for exceptional faculty, resources, and instructional programming to ensure that our students have access to the best possible education. Some examples that have been successfully realized are Direct Admissions program for Fairfax High School students, National Board Certification reimbursement for our teachers, professional development opportunities for faculty, technology and a variety of other resources for our students, and much more.

Furthermore, I hope to guide new school board members and encourage other community members to consider serving, so that our board can be effective not just for today, but for the future. By continuing this work, I aim to make a lasting, positive impact on our schools and community.

The single most pressing issue facing voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There is not one single most pressing issue facing voters right now in education. Instead, addressing learning loss and gaps, social development and wellness issues our students face, and ensuring the safety and security of our students and school buildings are equally important. To tackle these challenges, I intend to continue to advocate for targeted interventions that address the academic gaps and social well-being of our students. This includes investing in additional academic resources and support for social-emotional development.

Furthermore, I will continue to push for the necessary security measures to ensure that our schools are safe environments where students can focus on learning without fear. This involves ensuring that critical infrastructure, such as vestibules and secure entry points, are installed in all of our buildings, and that we work closely with law enforcement and security experts to maintain the highest safety standards.

By focusing on these critical areas, we can help our students recover from recent setbacks and provide them with a safe, supportive environment that fosters their growth and development.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I do not believe finding or naming the differences between me and the other candidates seeking this post is productive. Instead, I’m proud to say that all of us are deeply committed to education, our students, and our community. My approach is to emphasize collaboration, transparency, and the importance of working together to address the challenges our schools face. I believe that focusing on the shared goal of improving our schools, we can achieve meaningful progress without letting differences get in the way of our students’ success.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

In addition to my focus on modernizing our school facilities and ensuring the health and safety of our students, my campaign platform is centered around several key issues.

I prioritize advocating for exceptional faculty, resources, and instructional programming that align with the needs of our students in an ever-evolving educational landscape. This means pushing for innovative curriculum development, integrating technology effectively and safely, and ensuring that our teachers have the support they need to succeed.

Additionally, I believe in fostering a strong community connection by encouraging more community involvement in school decision-making processes. This includes guiding new school board members and inspiring others in our community to consider serving, so that our board remains effective and responsive to the needs of our students and families.

Overall, my campaign is about creating a learning environment that is safe, modern, and equipped to provide every student with the tools they need to succeed, both academically and personally.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In my more than 14 years on The City of Fairfax School board and nearly 13 years of leadership on the school board, including almost 5 years as Chair and 8 years as Vice Chair, I have demonstrated my ability to handle the responsibilities of this role effectively. During my tenure, I have successfully advocated for and implemented several key initiatives that have directly benefited our schools and community.

Some of the more recent initiatives include securing the presence of security officers in our elementary schools, which enhances the safety of our youngest students. Additionally, leveraging relationships and collaborating with Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) ensured that our schools were included in their vestibule program strengthening security at our school entrances.

I also prioritized the long-term planning and improvement of our school facilities by being a part of the process of initiating feasibility studies for all four of our school facilities, ensuring we have a clear understanding of their current conditions and future needs. Recognizing the importance of teacher excellence, I supported National Board Certification for our educators, fostering a culture of professional growth and high standards in our classrooms.

Furthermore, I made it a priority to improve the exterior grounds and facilities at Fairfax High School, ensuring that they were included in the capital improvement plan and received the necessary funding. These accomplishments demonstrate my commitment to the safety, security, and quality of education in our schools. I am confident in my ability to continue making a positive impact as a school board member.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice ever shared with me was to focus on teaching students how to think critically, rather than simply having them regurgitate information. This approach not only fosters deeper understanding but also equips students with the skills they need to navigate complex situations throughout their lives. Additionally, I was reminded that every student has a unique story, and understanding these stories is crucial in providing the support and guidance each student needs to reach their full potential. This advice has shaped my approach to education, ensuring that I prioritize both intellectual development and empathy in every decision I make.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I want voters to know that beyond instruction I am deeply committed to the health, safety, and well-being of our students. For me, these priorities are just as important as providing exceptional educational services. My focus has always been on creating an environment where students can thrive, both academically and personally. I am passionate about continuing to advocate for the resources, facilities, and programs that will ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Additionally, I want to bring my experience to guide new school board members and encourage others in the community to step up and serve, ensuring that our board remains effective and forward-thinking for the future.

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