2024 General Election Candidate Profile: Diana Brown For Manassas School Board

MANASSAS, VA — As Manassas residents cast their ballots for president and Congress, the Nov. 5, 2024 general election in the City of Manassas features local races as well. In the Manassas City School Board election, eight candidates are running for four seats, including Diana Brown.

Four at-large Manassas City School Board seats are up for election on Nov. 4, 2024. Candidates include Christina Brooks, Diana Brown, Allie Forkell, Javanese Hailey, Zella Jones, Dayna-Marie Miles, Suzanne Seaberg and Maidy Whitesell. Brooks and Seaberg are incumbents seeking re-election, and the other six candidates would be newcomers to the School Board.

The City of Manassas will have the mayor, three at-large City Council seats and four at-large Manassas City School Board seats up for election in November. Federal elections on the ballot include president, Sen. Tim Kaine's U.S. Senate seat, and the 10th congressional district seat. The next state-level elections will be in 2025.

Early voting for the general election will begin on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 and continue through Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. More information on how to vote is available from the City of Manassas elections office.

Patch asked candidates for mayor, Manassas City Council and Manassas School Board to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are Diana Brown's responses:

Name

Diana I Brown

Office Sought

School Board

Campaign Website

www.diana4schoolboard.com

Age (As of Nov. 5 election)

52

Education

Administration and Supervision of Schools, ED,S; Early Childhood and Special Education Master's Degree; English Bachelor's Degree.

Occupation

Educator

Family

I am the proud mother of three adult children and a loving grandmother to two energetic preschoolers.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I am a first generation political candidate. I am the first Latina educator running for office in the city of Manassas.

Previous public office positions or appointments

Governor Northam's Virginia Latino Advisory Board; Current- Northern Virginia Community College Board Member.

Why are you seeking this office?

As an immigrant I know firsthand the challenges of learning a new language and navigating a new culture. My personal journey has given me invaluable insights into the struggles and triumphs associated with adapting to new environments and pursuing academic success. These experiences fuel my passion for providing competent and experienced representation in the Manassas City School Board. I believe that understanding and addressing the unique needs of our students is crucial, and I am dedicated to using my background and expertise to make a meaningful impact in MCPS. My candid understanding of the complexities of adapting to new circumstances positions me as a strong advocate for effective and empathetic leadership.

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

The first key distinction of my candidacy is my experience as a teenage ESL student who faced significant challenges. While others might not fully grasp the complexities of language learning, I’ve navigated the difficulties of education with limited resources, managed transitions and poverty, and balanced the pressures of assimilation while staying connected to my culture. The second notable difference is the authenticity and heartfelt nature of my experiences, which creates a deep, genuine connection to the work in educational policies and its challenges. This authenticity is often reflected in how my ideas and initiatives resonate with and inspire other candidates to echo them. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I am ready to make a meaningful impact from day one. With two decades of experience in education, community service, and a strong legacy of advocacy, I am enthusiastic about contributing effectively from the very start.

What do you see as the top issues facing your city, and how do you address them in your campaign platform?

My priorities have been shaped by feedback from constituents, teachers, parents, and students. The first priority I will champion is reducing absenteeism. To address this issue effectively, we must work together with all stakeholders to implement early intervention strategies and develop programs that identify and support students at risk of chronic absenteeism. Additionally, we should energize our current absenteeism campaign by partnering with local businesses in the city, encouraging them to invest their time and resources in supporting our families and schools. Strengthening communication between schools and families is also essential to highlight the importance of regular attendance and ensure everyone understands its impact on student success.

The second priority will be building community and parent partnerships. While Manassas City Schools already has some excellent initiatives in place, I aim to bring innovative and practical ideas to the table. I propose implementing quarterly forums to facilitate open dialogue between parents, teachers, and community members. These forums will serve as a platform for discussing concerns, sharing ideas, and fostering a collaborative environment. I also plan to encourage increased volunteerism and provide resources and training to help parents support their children’s education at home. Additionally, I am excited to advocate for a centralized Parent Resource Center, which will act as a hub for information, support, and resources.

The third priority is enhancing positive academic outcomes for our students. This is the core mission of our schools. We need to invest in ongoing professional development for teachers to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary to support student success. Supporting instructional programs and practices backed by research and proven to enhance student learning will be crucial. I will focus on aligning grading policies and continuously monitoring and adjusting strategies to meet the evolving needs of students. To learn more about my priorities or ideas, visit my website www.diana4schoolboard.com/priorities or follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557941736264
Let's #Raisethebar!

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

I am a proud graduate of public schools, and all three of my adult children also graduated from public schools. As a dedicated advocate for schools and higher education, I firmly believe that all children can learn and should be afforded possibilities and avenues to succeed.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of serving schools in various roles, including:

Instructional Assistant
General Education Teacher
Special Education Teacher
Special Education Specialist
Preschool Specialist
Assistant Principal
Special Education Coordinator

My legacy in education is reflected in the following awards:
Regional Assistant Principal of the Year, 2020
National Outstanding Assistant Principal, 2021
Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals Bell Award, 2019

In addition to my educational career, my community service includes:
Board Member, Northern Virginia Community College, 2024-2028
Member, Virginia Latino Advisory Board, 2022
Member, Governor’s Educational COVID-19 Task Force 2021

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

I am running because I want to actively contribute to finding solutions. I believe in the importance of rolling up my sleeves and taking meaningful action. Additionally, I aim to inspire as many citizens as possible to see the tremendous potential we can achieve when we move past partisan noise and focus on our children, who are the future of this city.