Teachers Association Backs Challenger in McLean School Board Race

The Fairfax Education Association has endorsed Republican challenger Louise Epstein for the Dranesville school board seat over long-time incumbent Jane Strauss, a Democrat.

FEA, one of two of the most influential teacher organizations in the county, endorsed five Democrats and three Republicans. The school board races are officially nonpartisan but both parties endorse a slate of candidates. It's difficult, if not impossible to run for the school board without a party endorsement.

The association  represents more than 6,000 FCPS employees.

The race for the county's 12 school board seats is shaping up as one of th hottest races in this off-election years. Six of the 12 are open seats and the board has been awash in controversial decisions recently --- including the closing of Clifton elementary school and the revamping of the the school discipllinary policy to be less onerous on students.

The teacher organization endorsements are important because many voters don't know the school board candidates and cast their votes based on recommendations by organizations they trust.

 “With six open seats, these races promise to bring significant change to Fairfax County Public Schools. This election is critically important to the students and employees of Fairfax County. Our process for making recommendations is issue driven and party blind. We will work to elect school board candidates who, like us, will advocate for children and public education,” said  FEA President Michael Hairston in announcing the Fairfax Education Association endorsements.

In the at-large race, the association favored Democrat Ilryong Moon, Republican  , and who has not been endorsed by either party. Stuban is the father of a Fairfax students who committed suicide apparently because of his treatment under the disciplinary policy.

The Fairfax Education Association evaluates candidates on their voting records, if they are an incumbent, their answers to a questionnaire, and interviews conducted by members of the association’s government relations council,  Hairston said.

The association will also be making endorsements for the state legislature races.  The will be making its own endorsements later this fall.

“We are looking for some folks who are going to listen and be responsive to the needs of the workforce,” he said.

Click here to see the full announcement. The election is Nov. 8.