Academic Excellence, Fiscal Responsibility Priorities For Saundra Davis: Candidate Questionnaire

BURKE, VA — The most pressing education-related issue facing voters in the Braddock District is restoring academic excellence while ensuring fiscal responsibility, according to School Board candidate Saundra Davis.

"The single most pressing education related issue facing voters in the Braddock District is restoring academic excellence while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

"The $4 billion Fairfax County Public Schools budget represents more than half of the county’s total budget, and taxpayers are feeling the strain," she said. "I will insist on responsible oversight, greater transparency, and a renewed focus on directing resources to classrooms to improve measurable student outcomes."

Davis is facing small business owner Tom Dannan in the March 3 special election to fill the vacant Braddock District seat on the Fairfax County School board.

The school board seat became vacant on Dec. 16., when Rachna Sizemore Heizer was sworn in as the new Braddock District supervisor. She was elected to that post by defeating Republican Kenneth P. "Ken" Balbuena and Independent candidate Carey Chet Campbell in the Dec. 9 special election.

To help Braddock residents learn more about the candidates running in the March 3 special election, Patch has invited each of them to fill out a candidate questionnaire. The following are Davis' responses.

Name

Saundra Davis

Position sought:

Fairfax County School Board, Braddock District

Have you been endorsed by a recognized political party? If so, which one?

Fairfax County Republican Committee

Age (as of Election Day)

55

Campaign Website

Friends of Saundra Davis

Family: Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.

N/A

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes relatives who work in th government you're running for.

No

Education

Undergraduate degree in Psychology from Colorado State University and master’s degrees in Health Care Administration and Gerontology from the University of Southern California.

Occupation

My background includes 10 years of leadership serving vulnerable populations, including directing a secure memory-care community, and 20 years as a military spouse and mother of three.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office

No

Why are you seeking elective office?

Our schools function best when leadership reflects the full spectrum of our community. I am running to bring balance, accountability, and a different perspective to the table so decisions are well-rounded and student-focused.

The single most pressing education-related issue facing voters in the Braddock District is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing education related issue facing voters in the Braddock District is restoring academic excellence while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The four billion dollar Fairfax County Public Schools budget represents more than half of the county’s total budget, and taxpayers are feeling the strain. I will insist on responsible oversight, greater transparency, and a renewed focus on directing resources to classrooms to improve measurable student outcomes.

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

The critical difference between me and the other candidate is independence and honesty. I will evaluate every issue on its merits and prioritize students, families, and taxpayers over party agendas. Voters deserve full transparency about leadership, professional experience, and decision-making, and I am committed to that standard in every aspect of governance.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My campaign platform is defined by four core priorities. First, putting student outcomes first by restoring academic excellence and ending bureaucracy that distracts from learning. Second, fiscal accountability so taxpayer dollars are spent where they matter most, in classrooms and on programs that improve results. Third, real oversight and ending one-party rule so decisions reflect diverse perspectives and true accountability. Fourth, parental rights and student privacy with common sense transparency, ensuring parents have a voice and protections are clear.

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

I have a track record of managing complex responsibilities and delivering results. I earned two master’s degrees in two years. Afterward, I worked in a dementia care unit, balancing the needs of residents, families, and staff. Later, while my spouse was deployed for eleven months, I managed a family of five. In 2023, I successfully launched a campaign for School Board in Fairfax County at large, in a majority Democrat county, earning endorsements from both prominent Democrats and the local Republican committee. In 2025, I ran for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 15, demonstrating my ability to build broad support and lead across diverse communities and issues.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice I ever received was from my mother, who said that people will disappoint you. I see that in the current School Board, which has fallen short in serving students, families, and taxpayers. This reinforces my commitment to accountability, transparency, and putting results first in every decision.

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

I want people to know that I am unafraid to speak the hard truths, willing to address difficult issues openly, and able to work through challenging conversations and decisions with focus and fairness. I believe this approach is essential for accountable leadership and achieving results for students, families, and taxpayers.

How To Vote In The March 3 Special Election

Any registered voter in the Braddock District can cast a ballot in the March 3 special election. The early voting period runs through Feb. 28 at the following location:

• Fairfax County Government Center, Room 323, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax; Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

A second polling location in the Braddock District will be open Feb. 21-28:

• Burke Centre Library, 5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke 22015; Monday-Friday, Feb. 21-28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The deadline to register to vote, update your registration or apply to have your ballot mailed to you is Feb. 20. For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website

Also See ...

• Maintaining High-Quality Services Priority For Tom Dannan: Candidate Questionnaire
• Saundra Davis Runs As Independent In Braddock School Board Race
• Primary Results: Braddock District Democrats Pick School Board Candidate
• Democratic Candidates In School Board Race To Square Off In Firehouse Primary