Candidate Profile: Stori Zimmerman Runs For Mount Vernon Seat On School Board

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Stori Zimmerman, a self-employed military spouse, is running to serve as the Mount Vernon District member on the Fairfax County School Board.

The School Board races are non-partisan, but candidates have party endorsements. Zimmerman, one of the Fairfax Republicans-endorsed candidates for School Board, is running against the Fairfax Democrats-endorsed Mateo Dunne.

The Nov. 7, 2023 general election ballot in Fairfax County will also include countywide races for the at-large seats on the School Board, Board of Supervisors chairman and district representatives, 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 Mount Vernon District on the Fairfax County School Board to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Zimmerman's responses:

Name

Stori Zimmerman

Office Sought

Mount Vernon Rep - Fairfax County School Board

Campaign Website

www.stori4students.org

Age (as of Nov. 7 election)

51

Education

Master of Arts in Teaching; Bachelor of Science Double Major - Physical Education & Biology

Occupation

Self-employed

Family

I am a mom, educator, and military spouse

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Not in politics - Yes in government

Previous public office positions or appointments

Currently, Membership chair for the Stratford Landing Citizens Association

Why are you seeking this office?

To get back to LEARNING. While I am certain that FCPS has the capacity to provide an education that is rich in academic excellence and experiences for ALL students, we can and should be doing better. We need members on our School Board who will prioritize students and learning over politics in the classroom so that our teachers and administrators have the autonomy to foster school atmospheres that are conducive and effective learning environments. Academic excellence goes beyond the attainment of high grades; it encompasses a passion for knowledge, a spirit of inquiry, and a dedication to continuous improvement. Achieving academic excellence involves not only mastering the subject matter but also developing critical thinking skills, effective communication, and the ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations. It is a holistic approach to education that emphasizes both depth and breadth of understanding, preparing individuals not only for academic success but also for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter throughout their lives. I want to make certain that FCPS reprioritizes its focus on teaching our students the foundational educational elements that will underpin the rest of their education and positively impact them throughout their lives.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?

In this election, the choice is clear between a fresh start and a continuation of the detrimental policies ushered in under Karen Corbett Sanders' leadership. My opponent, hand-picked by Sanders, embodies a commitment to the same ineffective strategies that have plagued our schools. Under Sanders' tenure, we've witnessed catastrophic learning loss, a mass exodus of highly qualified staff, plummeting SAT and SOL scores, chronic absenteeism, and alarmingly low literacy rates. Furthermore, the recent decision by the Board to grant themselves a 77% pay raise raises serious questions about their priorities and accountability. At a time when SAT and SOL scores are on a downward spiral, when learning outcomes are suffering, and our students' educational well-being is at stake, it is perplexing that the Board justifies such a substantial increase in their own compensation. This move not only contradicts the financial hardships faced by teachers who struggle to provide classroom supplies but also underscores a lack of responsible stewardship over the education system. It's evident that the focus should be on addressing the root issues affecting our schools rather than indulging in excessive self-reward. The lack of transparency and accountability, along with broken public trust, has eroded confidence in the direction of our public schools. We cannot afford to continue down this path and expect different results. It's time for a change that genuinely puts the well-being and education of our students first, and a vote for me will usher in that change!

What do you see as the top issues facing (your county/district), and how do you address them in your campaign platform?

Literacy must be our number one priority and is the fundamental cornerstone of my platform. Right now, with the release of the recent SOL scores along with testing data from VDOE and from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, nearly two-thirds of FCPS students struggle to read proficiently at grade level. In 2021, the NAACP pleaded with FCPS to implement a vetted, research-based literacy curriculum. Despite consistent budget increases, FCPS has invested significant resources in initiatives rooted in the flawed "balanced literacy" model, lacking systematic, cumulative, phonics-based reading instruction in early elementary classrooms. Research overwhelmingly supports the immediate and profound impact of including such instruction in closing achievement gaps. Given the critical role of strong reading skills in life success, the shocking statistics on illiteracy, especially among juveniles in the courts and adults in the prison population, underscore the urgency. The US Department of Justice states “The link between academic failure and delinquency, violence, and crime is welded to reading failure.” To tackle this issue, I will champion the adoption of a division-wide evidence-based structured literacy methodology, implemented with fidelity, commencing in kindergarten. This instructional approach will be firmly grounded in the five pillars of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Next, a comprehensive examination of teaching in Fairfax County Public Schools is essential. Nationally, teacher shortages pose a challenge, and FCPS is experiencing the departure of highly qualified teachers and administrators. Advocating for top pay and benefits for educators, bus drivers, and support staff is crucial. However, a strategic emphasis on cultivating educational leaders from within our communities is equally vital. Prioritizing the growth and development of our educators involves providing diverse avenues and opportunities to expand their knowledge and skillsets. The aim is to foster a community-driven approach that not only supports our current educators but also actively nurtures talent within, while concurrently attracting the best and brightest from outside our district.

Last, and certainly not least, we require a candid examination of how funds are allocated within FCPS. With a budget that has surged by almost 65% in the past decade, FCPS finds itself mired in an over-bloated bureaucracy more focused on self-sustainment than prioritizing student learning. Immediate reforms are imperative. Transitioning from baseline budgeting to a line-item budget, with each line requiring annual justification, would enhance fiscal accountability. An annual audit analyzing budget vs. expenses, reallocating unexpended funds to non-recurring items, is essential. A precise breakdown of money spent in classrooms versus administration, without hiding costs under the guise of classroom support, is crucial for transparency. Armed with this key data, we can strategically redirect more funds directly to the classroom, prioritizing student education over bureaucratic expansion.

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

I am not only a dedicated mom and educator but also a military spouse with a robust educational background, holding a BS in Physical Education and Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Over my extensive 25-year career in education, I've served in various roles both in and out of the classroom. As a public school teacher, I've delivered educational instruction spanning all grade levels (K-12). Additionally, in my capacity as a program manager, I've excelled in developing, implementing, and overseeing educational programs for youth, young adults, adults, and older adults in the nonprofit and private sectors. My responsibilities have been diverse, encompassing annual operating budgets, educational evaluations and assessments, data reporting, human relations management, and staff development through educational training, certifications, and continuing education opportunities. Additionally, I’ve collaborated on public relations strategies to uphold the vision and mission of organizations. Beyond my professional roles, I've dedicated countless hours to volunteering in the communities I've lived in as a military spouse, contributing to military family readiness groups and events, military child awareness campaigns, and fundraising initiatives, as a youth and young adult soccer coach, a classroom parent, mentor, tutor, PTA volunteer, and serving on the board of our local citizens' association.

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

Beyond my educational and professional background, I want voters to know that my commitment to the community goes beyond rhetoric—I've actively engaged in volunteer work, from supporting military family readiness groups to coaching youth soccer and serving on the board of our local citizens' association. My passion for education is deeply rooted, evidenced by over 25 years of experience both in and out of the classroom. I am dedicated to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that the educational system prioritizes the needs of students. As a military spouse, I understand the unique challenges families face, and I am determined to advocate for policies that support their needs. My goal is to bring a fresh perspective, informed by my diverse experiences, to contribute to the betterment of our educational system so we can get back to LEARNING! I hope to have your vote.