FAIRFAX CITY, VA — While most of the attention this political season has been on the presidential race, Fairfax City residents will not only be voting for candidates running in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives (11th District) races, they will also be casting ballots for mayor, city council and school board candidates.
Amit Hickman is the vice chair of the current City of Fairfax School Board. She faces four other candidates in the Nov. 5 election: Carolyn Pitches, Kristina M. Cecere, Lauren A. Bartelme, and Sarah Kelsey. They are running fill the five open seats on the board.
As part of its coverage of the 2024 election, Patch has asked each of the candidates in the school board race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they’re the best person to fill the job they’re running for.
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Early voting for the Nov. 5 election begins on Sept 20. More information about the election is available on Fairfax City’s Voter Registration & Elections page. Non-city voters can visit the Fairfax County Office of Elections or the Virginia Department of Elections for more information.
Your Name
Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Amit Hickman
Position sought
School Board
Age (as of Election Day)
41
Campaign Website
Amit Hickman for City of Fairfax School Board
City elections are traditionally non-partisan and candidates must run as independents, according to both the city charter and the Code of Virginia. No party affiliation or “mark” will appear next to any of the candidates’ names on the Nov. 5 ballot. Have you been endorsed by a recognized political party or have you aligned yourself with a group of candidates representing themselves as independent, non-partisan candidates, including candidates running in other city races? Please check the answer that is most appropriate.
Please elaborate on your answer to the previous question and explain how this will affect the way you will serve on the school board.
As a School Board member, it is my responsibility to represent all of our students and their families, regardless of political affiliation. I’m being elected based on my ability to hear the city residents and assist with the needs of our students to ensure that everyone is accessing their right to a public education.
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How does your status as described in the two previous questions help Fairfax City voters choose a candidate that aligns with their particular political beliefs?
I believe that my status aligns with all political beliefs. Children’s rights to safe, high quality education is one that all political parties believe in. As a School Board member, my number one goal is to ensure that our city school buildings are safe, secure and allows for the best education possible which is a non-partisan issue. I believe that it is my role to reflect the values of the entire community.
Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share about your family.
I have three children, one who attends Fairfax High School and the other two at Daniels Run Elementary School.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you are a candidate in.
No.
Education
MSW from George Mason University, MEd in Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood) from George Mason University
Occupation – Please include years of experience.
Early Childhood Education (20+ years of experience) and Outpatient Mental Health (MSW)
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office
School Board Vice Chair
Why are you seeking elective office?
I am invested in our city, particularly in the students that our city schools serve. I would like to continue to serve on the School Board to ensure that our school facilities are kept up to date, and hopefully, with the passing of a Bond Referendum, be a part of the process of updating our elementary schools (Providence and Daniels Run) and the roof of the high school (Fairfax).
The single most pressing issue facing voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing voters is that the city elementary schools are in need of a renovation. The schools were last renovated almost 25 years ago and there is structural work that needs to be updated as well as providing the most up to date opportunities for our students in their learning environment.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I believe that all of the School Board candidates bring their own expertise and passion to the position. I believe that my background in education, my Social Work degree and being an engaged parent in the City of Fairfax schools sets me up for success in the role. I have had the experience as Vice Chair the past two years that will further contribute to my ability to hear and work towards the goals and needs of our community.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?
N/A
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
In addition to the renovations, I will continue to build my relationships with FCPS School Board members to engage with them in conversations regarding topics that effect our city students. While the City of Fairfax School Board does not have jurisdiction over areas such as grading policies and school start times, I will continue to be an advocate for the needs of our city students and provide information to families as it becomes available.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
I have always been actively involved in leadership positions, beginning in high school and through out college and my adult life. I served on the Daniels Run Elementary PTA for 6 years, including 2 years as President, before serving on the school board.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
It’s OK to say ‘I don’t know’ – We don’t always need to have the answer but we do have to work on finding out how to discover the answer. It’s our responsibility to ourselves, and others, to ask questions and listen to the thoughts and opinions of those we meet.
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I look forward to continuing to work to serve our amazing city to the best of my ability.
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