Tony Sabio Running In Providence District School Board Race: Profile

FAIRFAX, VA — Tony Sabio is a 48-year-old father and small business owner, who is running to represent the Providence District on the Fairfax County School Board.

Endorsed by the Fairfax County Republican Committee, Sabio is running against incumbent School Board member Karl Frisch, who has been endorsed by the Fairfax County Democratic Committee.

Election Day is Nov. 7 in Fairfax County, where registered voters will be casting ballots for candidates running for open seats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and School Board races. In Fairfax County, candidates are running to be chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, sheriff, commonwealth's attorney, and clerk of the court, as well directors for the Soil and Water Conversation District. Voters will also be choosing who will represent them in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates.

Related: Karl Frisch Running In Providence District School Board Race: Profile

The first absentee ballots for the General Election will be mailed on Friday, Sept. 22, which is also when early voting begins. Early voting will continue through Nov. 4, which is three days before Election Day. More information about about how to register to vote, vote early, request an absentee ballot and find your polling place in Fairfax City, Falls Church and Fairfax County is available online.

Patch invited each of the candidates running in the Providence District race to fill out a questionnaire about their campaign. Patch does not edit the responses of candidates to its election questionnaire. The following are Sabio's responses.

Name

Tony Sabio

Position sought

School Board Providence District

Age (at the time of election)

48

Campaign Website

www.sabio4fairfax.com

Family: Names, ages and any pertinent detail you wish to share.

Father, Grandfather, and Foster Parent

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science, Liberty University

Occupation - Please include years of experience

US Military - 6 years Active/5 years Reserves, US Secret Service - 5 years, Central Intelligence Agency - 11 years, Chief Security Officer- Colorado Security Agency 5 years, Small Business Owner - RockFinn Group LLC 1 year

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Why are you seeking elective office?

School Board Member - Providence District

The single most pressing issue facing the Hunter Mill District is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The most pressing issue that I am finding is the feeling that parents are losing their rights with the school system. We are seeing that across the nation and in the DMV where school systems are dictating what is best for the children and disregarding the parents. We can see that disregard with the Governor's model policies and the statement from FCPS that they will not comply. This policy restores the parental rights in decision making about their child's identity while protecting the safety and dignity of all students. That simple inclusion is being fought against with the tax dollars of the very parents they want to take the rights away from.

On day one, I will restore all parents' rights and enact the model policy. Furthermore, I will bring transparency to the school board by conducting a full audit to ensure that every tax dollar spent is accounted for and resources are allocated to areas that have been neglected such as or special needs programs and ESL.

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

The critical difference between myself and Karl Frisch is that I will be on the school board to serve the public and not just one segment of the community. Mr. Frisch clearly stated in his campaign kickoff tweet that he is seeking re-election to continue to fight for the rights of the LGBTQIA and Trans community. Nowhere has he shown an interest to address the lack of resources for the Hispanic and the Special needs community. I will serve the entire district where he will just push for his activist agenda.

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

Karl Frisch has failed to meet the needs of the constituency by not hearing the voices of all. He chooses to push his activist agenda regardless of what the constituents say. Other areas he has failed in:

School Safety: Yet to provide any substantial improvements that will protect our children from sex trafficking to active shooter.

Mental Health: Has not addressed the mental health crisis that is outside of the LGBTQIA Trans community. His focus is only to provide assistance to that community and disregard any other.

Transparency: There is a widespread lack of collaboration and transparency with constituents outside of his agenda. That lack of communication and collaboration has parents feeling that their issues do not matter.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My Campaign platform have three core priorities that will shape our path forward.

First and foremost, I recognize that securing our schools is paramount. I aim to bring cutting-edge technology and improved security measures to safeguard our school perimeters, ensuring a safe learning environment for our children.

Secondly, I will address the critical issue of mental health. Early intervention is key, and I propose expanding the foster care training program into our schools, providing parents with valuable resources to support their children's mental well-being.

Lastly, I am dedicated to restoring academic excellence. This means tailoring education to each child's aspirations, preparing them for the future—whether it's college or a meaningful career immediately after high school. I will champion vocational training, collaborating with our local businesses and community to equip our students with certifications that open doors to job opportunities upon graduation.

Our mission is clear: to set our children up for success. Together, as a community, we can achieve these goals and provide a brighter future for the next generation.

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

My journey from an impoverished area of San Diego, navigating through two Title I schools, and ultimately achieving success through mentorship is a compelling testament to my qualifications as a school board member. My understanding of the challenges faced by students who may feel lost or uncertain is invaluable.

My experience as a beneficiary of effective mentorship, starting from my time in the U.S. military and continued through my career in the Secret Service and the CIA, speaks to the power of guidance and support in shaping one's life. My mentors recognized my potential and helped lay a strong foundation for my achievements.

Even now, I continue to seek guidance and inspiration from mentors as a small business owner. This commitment to personal growth and development demonstrates my willingness to learn and evolve, qualities that can greatly benefit the community I seek to serve.

My story is not only one of personal success but also an example of how effective mentorship can transform lives. As a school board member, I will have the opportunity to use my journey as a source of inspiration and support for students who may be facing similar challenges. My perspective and dedication to helping others are assets that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students and families in our community

The best advice ever shared with me was:

We are strengthen through adversity; True success does not come without failures.

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

My decision to enter the realm of politics may not have been planned, but it's evident that my commitment to public service has been a natural progression from my life experiences. My background uniquely equips me to understand and address crucial issues like school safety and mental health.

As a foster and adopted parent of an at-risk child in Fairfax County, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by children and families in our community. My perspective and dedication to improving the lives of others are qualities that can be invaluable in a political role.

My journey has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the well-being and success of our community, and my commitment to school safety and mental health reflects a genuine desire to make a positive impact. My willingness to step into this role demonstrates a strong sense of purpose and a dedication to public service that will serve the constituents of Fairfax County well.