2 Falls Church School Board Incumbents Not Seeking New Terms

FALLS CHURCH, VA — Two Falls Church City School Board members whose seats are up for election in 2023 are not running for new terms.

School Board Chair Laura Downs and School Board Member Dr. Susan Dimock announced their intention to not seek re-election in a statement released last week. The two members were first elected in 2019 and started serving in 2020 just before schools went virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic. Downs was vice chair in 2021 and became chair in 2022.

"We found serving on the Board to be demanding at times but always fulfilling and enjoyed working with our School Board colleagues (past and present), the Superintendent, teachers, staff, parents, and students," Downs and Dimock said in a joint statement.

Superintendent Peter Noonan shared a statement thanking the members for their contributions to the school district from COVID-19 to the present day.

"Laura and Susan have been steadfast leaders, guiding us through the tumultuous period of the COVID school closure and the momentous opening of our brand new high school," Noonan said. "Their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff have left an indelible mark on our district. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their exceptional service."

There are three School Board seats on the ballot on Nov. 7, 2023. Because the races are non-partisan, there is no primary election.

The other School Board member whose seat is up for election in 2023 is Jerrod Anderson. Anderson was appointed by the School Board in January to fill the seat vacated by Phil Reitinger. When Anderson was applying for the open seat, he told the School Board he intended to run in the 2023 election.

School Board members serve four-year terms. Other members of the seven-member School Board last had elections in 2021 — Vice Chair Tate Gould and School Board members David Ortiz, Lori Silverman and Kathleen Tysse.

The filing deadline for candidates running for the School Board seats will be June 20. While Downs and Dimock are not seeking new terms, they hope residents will step forward to serve.

"It is our hope that community members who love our schools as much as we do will step up and run for our positions," the two members stated.

Candidates can learn more about running for office from the City of Falls Church Voter Registration and Office of Elections.

On May 17 and 21, prospective candidates can learn about running for office in two sessions held by the Falls Church League of Women Voters. The sessions will focus on the elections for three City Council seats and three School Board seats in November 2023. Speakers will include Vice Mayor Letty Hardi, School Board Vice Chair Tate Gould, and a representative from the Falls Church registrar's office.

SEE ALSO: Falls Church Mayor David Tarter Not Running For Re-Election In 2023