Candidate Profile: Molly McFadden For Fredericksburg School Board

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Molly McFadden is running for an at-large seat on the Fredericksburg City School Board.

McFadden is one of three candidates running for two at-large seats on the board. Margie Lucas and Jarvis Bailey are also hoping to earn seats in November's general election.

Patch sent the following questionnaire to McFadden, Lucas, and Bailey to help voters make more informed decisions on Election Day.

Name

Molly McFadden

Age

37

Town of Residence?

City of Fredericksburg

Position sought:

School Board Member At-Large

Party affiliation

Democrat

Family? Names, ages and any other pertinent details you wish to share

My husband, two children (both FCPS students).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education Level

I have a Bachelor of Independent Studies, Small Business Entrepreneurship and HR Management from James Madison University focusing on instructional design. I also attended Longwood University in their BFA program as a Theatre Technology and Stage Management student.

Occupation, including employer and years of experience

Creative Content Designer at The Bowen Group - A GTSC Company. I have been with this company for almost 3 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None.

Campaign website

www.vote-molly-mcfadden.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

My drive to advocate and my determination to assist in building an educational environment where transparency, active listening, and collaboration are the cornerstones of progress is why I seek the opportunity to serve the community. It's about addressing the needs of our students, supporting our teachers, and connecting the resources our community offers. I believe in diverse perspectives and working together to enhance the outcomes for every student in Fredericksburg City Schools.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Our division is facing multiple issues, such as the mental health, wellness, and safety of our students; the needs of the special education population, which include not only the students but also parents and support staff; and the advocation of equity, inclusion, diversity, and justice for all. A common thread through these issues is holistic mental wellness throughout the student body and community.

I intend to request audits and public listening sessions to understand the perspectives of each issue better. We need to carefully evaluate the allocation of resources and collaborate with community partners and experts to strengthen solutions. We need to increase awareness, be adaptable, and understand that there is not a single solution. We must continually revisit and amend solutions as our students and community evolve.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to recent issues (i.e. the pandemic)? What if anything would you have done differently?

Regarding the pandemic, our local officials performed as best as they could. They followed the guidance of the CDC, the officials reviewed our local health reports and made the necessary decisions. I appreciated the abundance of caution they took and the methods to bring the school back to what it is now. This was a time when people were feeling high levels of anxiety. The effects of the pandemic will continue to present itself for years to come. And it's now an opportunity to evaluate practices and responses in the event our world has to experience something similar.

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

I currently have two children enrolled in Fredericksburg City Public Schools. While I respect the others for having their own experiences with FCPS, my youngest is in kindergarten, and my oldest is in eighth grade. My family has many more years to come in our school division, and I am invested.

Another difference is that I view the school system as a holistic experience for the students and an extension of our community.

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

I do not think the current board is failing, but I feel like I can make valuable contributions that assist in positive outcomes for the future of Fredericksburg City schools.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The heart of my campaign is ensuring all students feel valued and supported. In execution, being mindful where we draw lines for the the third elementary school, ensuring transparent communication, and not only work to improve our areas in which we struggle but celebrate all successes.

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

Most recently, I was President of the board of directors for the Fredericksburg Cooperative Preschool (FPI). I could listen to the parents and teachers and assist in creating policies for the school. That experience allowed me to demonstrate successful leadership. We had to work through creating health policies as well as policies that advocated for our staff. The board was also able to review and address how we communicated with our families to better their experience and any potential grievances they may have.

I have actively engaged and participated with FCPS. I am currently in working groups, have served on advisory boards, volunteered in classrooms, and have coached after-school activities.

I am continually seeking more information on how to better communicate and implement strategy. I am a human-centered designer, I focus on people focused solutions.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"The smartest thing you can do is admit and ask for help when you need it." (Thanks, Mom)

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

I have lived in Fredericksburg for 34 years. I love this community. I am civically minded. I was raised to stand up and be an advocate for people. I plan to model and instill that value in my children and believe if we want to live in a community with civic-minded adults, we have to raise civic-minded children.

My first experience participating on a council was in middle school as part of the Rappahannock Library Teen Council. Since then, I continued to find myself in leadership positions and poised to help others in high school and college student organizations.

I have a passion for creative problem-solving, collaboration, and teamwork. I demonstrate adaptability and accountability. There is no one way of doing things, and I value the experience and opinions of others.

• 2023 Candidate Profile: Margie Lucas For Fredericksburg School Board