Suzanne Westre Seaberg is running to keep her seat on the Manassas City School Board.
Seaberg was appointed to the Board in June following the resignation of Ellen Purdy.
We sent a questionnaire to Seaberg, and her responses are below:
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PL: What are the top three major issues facing Manassas residents?
Seaberg: Community engagement, school environment, advancing student success.
PL: What concrete solutions do you propose to address these issues?
Seaberg: We can foster communication, engagement and leadership in the community with clear and accessible information, additional outreach measures to the families that need it most, and continually working to build more leaders that are representative of our community.
Expand the culture of caring with programming throughout the division to foster positive mental health for our students and staff and to elevate respect for self and others.
Expose all students to a variety of career opportunities. Expand CTE options for students and working partnerships with businesses through internships and externships.
Build the community’s confidence and trust by listening, responding, demonstrating fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency while working toward positive solutions.
PL: From your perspective, what is the job description of the office you’re seeking?
Seaberg: As a school board member, I bring a unique perspective to a seven-member team. We work together to set policy, approve a budget, and evaluate the superintendent. Overall, I am an objective and collaborative decision-maker. I balance the needs of community stakeholders while remaining focused on serving the children in our Manassas City Schools family.
PL: What expertise will you bring to the office?
Seaberg: Seventeen years of business experience (primarily escrow officer) and 15 years of volunteer experience in our community and our schools.
PL: Do you feel that the average citizen is well informed and understands the workings of the Manassas City School Board? If not, how do you intend on improving communication with your constituency?
Seaberg: In our information-rich society, our citizens want to be well-informed and have quick access to the information they seek. Communication can be improved with clear, complete, and accessible information online or via text. Some of this is currently available/possible and improvements are underway for mobile-friendly access. Some of our citizens may benefit from specialized parent advocacy groups, and efforts should be continued so that ALL families feel included and welcome in our schools and our city. There are many that desire to understand the processes of our local government. I am actively promoting citizen participation in the MCPS Parent and Community Leadership Academy that provides information and builds an understanding of the workings of our local government. Just another opportunity to consider how one can take a role in affecting positive change in the City of Manassas. Additionally, everyone with a student in our schools may wish to download the Manassas City Public Schools App on your mobile device (if you haven’t already) to stay informed of news, events, and your student’s grades.
PL: Have you ever made any mistakes in your public life? How have they affected you?
Seaberg: “A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new” ~ Albert Einstein. I am appreciative of experiences I have had in my volunteer roles along the way that have built my philosophy to consider decisions on behalf of all children in our schools and not just for the children in my home, or the families on my street. Although I have been a school board member for only three months, I am prepared and understanding new ways to be effective. Of course, there will be “learning opportunities” along the way, but I am committed to this role and the success of our schools. I love our City and the people in it. If elected, I will be honored to serve in this way for the next four years.
PL: Our readers want leaders in local government. Why should they vote for you?
Seaberg: I ask for your consideration in electing me to the School Board for a full four-year term based on my belief in the importance of a strong public school system, my extensive years of volunteer experience in our schools and community at large, and my advocacy of high expectations for all students.
