2022 Candidate Profile: Sarah Kelsey For Fairfax City School Board

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — As a teacher and a parent, Sarah Kelsey says she has always wanted what is best for her children and students.

Kelsey is running in the Nov. 8 general election against incumbent Carolyn S. Pitches and fellow challengers Amit S. Hickman, Rachel M. McQuillen, and Stacy Hall for the five seats on the City of Fairfax School Board.

Patch asked each of the candidates in the school board race to fill out the following questionnaire.

Name

Sarah Kelsey

Names, ages and any pertinent detail you wish to share.

KelseyforKids

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

I live with my husband, Marty Kelsey, and our 2 children who attend Providence Elementary School.

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

No

Education

Bachelors from Northwest Missouri State University in Elementary Education with a minor in Mathematics. Masters from the University of Kansas in Special Education.

Occupation - Please include years of experience

Orrick R-XI School District - 2nd Grade Teacher (2005-2007), Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools - Special Education Teacher (2007-2015), ETS Praxis - Rater/Scorer (2016-current), Smithsonian National Zoo (FONZ) - Preschool Teacher (2017-2020), Lord of Life Preschool - Preschool Teacher (2018-current)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Lord of Life Preschool Board (2017-2018), Providence PTA Book Fair Chair (2020-2022), Mosby Woods Community Association - Secretary & Membership Chair (2018-current)

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to be on the school board to support innovation in the classroom, give every student a voice, and to advocate for our teachers. I feel that by being on the school board I can help influence opportunities that our children need to help them succeed.

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

The single most pressing issue facing the City of Fairfax is getting school improvement projects being completed in a timely manner. We need to work with FCPS to make sure that our schools are getting the support they need.

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

As a special education teacher, I have worked with a variety of people in different situations. I have learned to listen to others and gather all pertinent information, before making a decision. I have also worked with parents to find the best options for their children that work in a classroom setting.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

When you come to a fork in the road, take it! - Yogi Berra. I believe that when working on a project sometimes we lose what is most important, we become paralyzed by indecision. If we focus on the why, we come to a better decision.

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

As a teacher and parent, I have always wanted what is best for my own children and my students. This is the same philosophy I will bring to the school board.

Also see ...

• 2022 Candidate Profile: Stacy Hall Runs For Fairfax City School Board
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Amit S. Hickman For Fairfax City School Board
• 2022 Candidate Profile: Rachel McQuillen For Fairfax City School Board