Debra Tisler For Springfield District Seat On Fairfax Co. School Board

FAIRFAX COUNTY — Debra Tisler, the Republican-endorsed candidate, is running to serve as the Springfield District member on the Fairfax County School Board.

As a former Fairfax County Public Schools teacher and a long-time advocate helping children who have disabilities, Tisler is running to replace Laura Jane Cohen, who is the running for the Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 15.

"I'm running for Fairfax County School Board, Springfield District seat to ensure the voices of our parents, children, taxpayers, and teachers of Fairfax County, Virginia, are heard," Tisler, who is endorsed by the Fairfax County Parents Association, says on her campaign website.

The general election ballot in Fairfax County will also include countywide races for the at-large seats on the School Board, Board of Supervisors chairman, Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney, Fairfax County Sheriff, and Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District.

Early voting for the general election began on Friday, Sept. 22. More information on how to vote is available from the Fairfax County Office of Elections.

Patch asked candidates running for the Springfield District on the Fairfax County School Board to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Tisler's responses:

Name

Debra Tisler

Age

50

Family

Husband, Michael, and mother of 4 children, with three recent graduates of Fairfax County Public Schools

Education

• B.A. History and Teacher Licensure History and Social Studies 5-12
• M.S.Ed. Concentration in Special Education

Occupation

30 years of experience in the field of education as an educator (former Fairfax County Public Schools Special Education Teacher) and volunteer advocate for children with disabilities.

Campaign Website

debraforschoolboard.com

The single most pressing issue facing Fairfax County Public Schools is restoring academic excellence in our public schools.

I intend to do this by fostering a parent and community partnership with parents as the primary decision-makers regarding their children’s education. I will also support our teachers and staff, ensure transparency in all we do, keep our children safe, reduce the bureaucracy, and put the children first.

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

As a former Fairfax County Public Schools teacher, I know what works and what doesn’t for students, teachers, and staff. I have lived experience and educational expertise that gives me an advantage to get started on day 1 in restoring Fairfax County Public Schools to the lighthouse of education that it once was.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

FCPS failed to provide students with disabilities a Free Appropriate Public Education during the pandemic period. Unlike the current school board, I will ensure every child’s right to a FAPE is upheld. Recent test scores have indicated a troubling decline in student performance, highlighting the need for immediate action to reverse this trend.

For students to be their best, we must ensure the teachers and staff have the necessary resources, professional development, and fair compensation to excel in their vital roles.

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

I have an extensive history of engaging with all the diverse members of the community when addressing issues that are important to us. In my experience, our families share their concerns with community leaders that trust will advocate on their behalf. I have had the unique opportunity to impact the quality of education throughout the Commonwealth. Through my collaborations with federal legislators, the State Conference NAACP’s Education Committee, JLARC, PEATC, and COPAA, I have elevated the voices of our families to create meaningful change. Recently, I contributed to the landmark study by JLARC regarding special education, resulting in 27 recommendations to improve special education for all families throughout the Commonwealth. Through my advocacy for families via the Office of Civil Rights, a monumental finding resulted for over 28,000 students, restoring their right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education, (FAPE). Finally, I assisted in authoring legislation that transformed the systems of accountability and preparation for individuals who develop special education programming. My future focus wil be establishing transparency, simplifying the IEP process, and dismantling the culture of retaliation. I will continue to find common ground to build solutions for our communities and students.

Why should voters trust you?

I’m devoted to the success of all children. I will restore Fairfax County Public Schools by focusing on quality instruction, not politics, to ensure every graduate can read, write, and do math for success in life, career, and college. As a mom of a child with dyslexia, I know what it’s like to fight for quality instruction. I’ll fight for every child’s right to read and be literate.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Be fearless, courageous and authentic.

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