Every Child Receiving World-Class Education A Priority For Alexa Krezel

FAIRFAX, VA — Assuring that every child receives a world-class education and a strong pathway for success are the top priorities of Alexa Krezel, who is one of two Democrats running for the Braddock District seat on the Fairfax County School Board.

"This is a period of transition in technology, workforce needs, and student well being," she said. "A strong public education system must connect learning to real opportunities — college, apprenticeships, careers — and give students skills to thrive in a fast-changing world and workforce."

Krezel is facing fellow Democrat Tom Dannan in Saturday's firehouse primary. They are each hoping to be their party's candidate on the March 9 ballot in the special election to determine who will be the Braddock District's next representative 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.

As part of its coverage of the Democratic Party's firehouse primary this Saturday, Patch asked each of the candidates to complete the following questionnaire. These are Krezel's responses.

What is your name?

Alexa Krezel

What will be your age on election day?

51

What is your occupation and the number of years you've worked in the field?

I’ve spent over 20 years as a workforce development professional for Fortune 500 and Top 50 companies. I have leveraged my expertise to transform companies into mission-driven, customer-centric organizations, and I will do the same for FCPS. I am a strong advocate for lifelong learning and recently completed my Master of Business Administration. I hold a Master of Instructional Design and earned the Project Management Professional certification.

What is the single issue that defines your candidacy? (200 Word Limit)

My top priority is that every child receives a world-class education and a strong pathway for success.

This is a period of transition in technology, workforce needs, and student well being. A strong public education system must connect learning to real opportunities — college, apprenticeships, careers — and give students skills to thrive in a fast-changing world and workforce.

I bring deep professional workforce development and volunteer leadership experience from nearly a decade of service on the Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee (CTEAC), including serving as chair. During my 10 years on CTEAC, I focused on expanding career opportunities for all students.

Braddock residents support increasing access to academics, the arts, and career and technical education, as well as mental health support. I will work to ensure all students can access rich project-based learning opportunities. I will promote practical, data-driven, and user-friendly policies that keep classroom instruction and experiential learning at the forefront, preparing students for life beyond testing.

To accomplish these goals, we must keep teachers at the center of every decision, giving them time to plan, collaborate, and build meaningful experiences for students.

What makes you the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party in the March special election? (200 Word Limit)

I am a strong Democrat which, combined with almost 15 years of FCPS volunteer leadership and my professional credentials, will allow me to hit the ground running as the new Braddock School Board member. I am an effective listener and passionate advocate who will fight to ensure that our community needs are met.

For almost 10 years, I served on the FCPS Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee, including terms as chair and vice-chair. As Canterbury Woods ES PTA President during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was recognized for supportive leadership that helped teachers sustain continuous instructional improvement and for being a creative partner in keeping our school community connected when it mattered most. Today, as Woodson Orchestra Booster President, I continue that work by supporting students, teachers, and the arts programs that make our schools vibrant. In 2025, I was appointed to serve on the School Bond Committee.

I am honored to be endorsed by retired 12-year Braddock School Board member Megan McLaughlin and 10 other trusted current and former elected officials, including current and former school board members, who know my work and my ability to bring people together.

The single most pressing issue facing the Braddock District is and this is what I intend to do about it? (200 Word Limit)

Listening and working with the community and other stakeholders to navigate the most complex set of challenges FCPS has experienced in decades is the most pressing issue.

We are facing unprecedented challenges: school funding from all levels of government is constrained or in jeopardy; affordability issues for our families and taxpayers; keeping our students safe and emotionally supported; continuing teacher shortages; and emerging technologies such as AI, just to name a few.

At the same time, I will defend our public schools, ensure the safety of our students, champion our teachers, and protect programs that help every student succeed. I will collaborate with my School Board colleagues, Board of Supervisors, and state leaders to provide the resources to prepare our kids for bright futures. I'll also ask tough questions to ensure that decisions are data-driven, and resources are used efficiently and effectively.

I will expand public engagement and strengthen communication between FCPS, schools, and families. Braddock families deserve a school system they can count on — one that is consistent, transparent, and focused on helping every student thrive.

I would be honored to represent the Braddock District on the School Board. I ask for your vote in the January 10 election.

How To Vote In Democratic Party's Firehouse Primary

Although the Jan. 10 firehouse primary is open to any registered voter in the Braddock District, each voter will be required to sign the following declaration in order to vote:

“I certify that I am a resident of and registered to vote in Braddock District; I am a Democrat; I believe in the principles of the Democratic Party; and I do not intend to support, endorse or assist any candidate who is opposed to the Democratic-endorsed candidate in the ensuing election for Braddock District representative to the Fairfax County School Board.”

Voters will be able to cast ballots online from 12 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 8 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Registration for online voting will be open from 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Registration forms will be available on the FCDC website.

Once a voter is registered to vote online, they'll receive unique credentials by email that will allow them to cast a ballot using the Electionbuddy voting software. If a voter chooses to vote in-person instead on Jan. 10, they must have their online ballot spoiled before they will receive a paper ballot.

Also See ...

• Democratic Candidates In School Board Race To Square Off In Firehouse Primary
• March Special Election Requested To Fill Braddock School Board Seat
• Alexa Krezel To Seek Braddock School Board Seat If Vacancy Occurs
• Early Bird Candidate Enters Braddock School Board Race