Candidate Profile: Jill Spall For Manassas City School Board

MANASSAS, VA — Incumbent Jill Spall is hoping to retain her seat on the Manassas City School Board in this November's election.

Other candidates in the race for the city's school board include Sara Brescia, Samuel Gross, Abraham "Alex" Iqbal, Mel Kent, and Lisa Stevens.

Read more: General Election 2022: Dates, Races To Know In Manassas

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

Name

Jill Spall

Party Affiliation

Democrat-endorsed Independent

Family

Husband and 3 adult children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

B.A. Virginia Tech 1990

Occupation, including employer and years of experience

Edwards Enterprises Custom Painting, Owner, 1997

Campaign website

https://jill-spall-for-manassas-city.square.site/

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running to maintain this seat because I believe we have begun to re-evaluate our city schools in a number of ways. I wish to be a part of a measured transformation in local public education and I plan to always promote the good that our educators do in support of our children.

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

Public Education is undergoing a needed transformation. I believe my experience and grassroots knowledge will benefit Manassas City Public Schools during that transformation.

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

I think our sitting School Board handled Covid-19 with grace under severe pressure. We put kids first. We have managed safety and security issues with fidelity and we are always available to parents and students when they are experiencing times of need.

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

Experience. I have lived and worked in Manassas for over 50 years. I am invested in the community and I care about outcomes. I support Parent involvement in all aspects of education and welcome more engagement from all areas of community life.

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

I am an incumbent in this position. I feel the current board works hard for the community it represents and I feel it is the most approachable board I have seen in my 20 years of volunteerism.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Student, Family and Community Engagement
Student Growth and Academic Achievement
School Safety

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

I've served in this position for over 1 year. I am familiar with its demands, and have the desire and ability to maintain involvement in daily board decisions, committee work and community/school events.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The golden rule is still the best advice ever shared with me. 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'.

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

I serve on several local boards, committees and commissions. I feel that public service is an honor and I feel that the best policies help the most people, most of the time. I strive to support those types of policies.

See also: Candidate Profile: Mel Kent For Manassas City School Board

See also: Candidate Profile: Samuel Gross For Manassas City School Board