Opinion

My name is Riley Kotlus and I am an 11 year old student in Prince William County.  

Two years ago my family moved so that we could be closer to my dad’s job so he could get to work faster.  My dad commutes to work everyday.

As I criss-cross eastern Prince William County in my quest to become the next Occoquan Supervisor, people at their doors tell me that traffic congestion is a nightmare and getting worse, especially during extended rush hours and when school is in session.

While our major interstate arteries are clogged, most conversations at the doors are about congestion on Old Bridge Road, Smoketown Road, Davis Ford Road, Yates Ford Road, and similar roadways.

Betty Covington is the right choice for Potomac District, Prince William County School Board. Betty has dedicated her life to helping children, standing up for teachers, giving back to her community. 

It was an honor to serve with her on the school board from 2003-2009.  You always know where she stands, on the side of our students, teachers and parents. 

Over the past year, I’ve knocked on countless doors across Coles District, telling voters, “I’m running for School Board to prioritize our budget and put more money in the classroom to educate our students.” It’s a simple message, but a focus that will improve our School System. As we prioritize our students, we will achieve the results our community deserves.

While our school system does a lot with the resources it has, there are a number of ways we can do better.

Maya Angelou once said “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

No, this is not 2003 and Hilda Barg is not running for reelection for Woodbridge District Supervisor but having knocked on over 4,000 doors in the Woodbridge District this year, I have gained great appreciation and admiration for her legendary name in Woodbridge.

I have spent more than forty years working in education – including classroom teacher, administrator, district chief information officer, school board member, technology consultant, and founder of an online high school.  I had the pleasure of spending a couple of hours in a one-on-one meeting with Tracy talking about education. 

I asked her, “What is the single most significant factor in determining a student’s success in school?”  She responded, “The student’s home environment.”  According to the research – overwhelmingly the correct answer.  I then asked her what the biggest factor in the classroom was.  She replied, “Keeping the students engaged in learning.”  Right again.  Very impressive. Though these are the correct answers, they are not the answers you usually hear. 

Have you ever taught middle school?  Does the thought of it make you cringe? 

On a daily basis, there is an abundance of name calling, raging hormones, finger pointing, dirty tricks and excuses, excuses, excuses.  No, I’m not talking about Richmond politics – but I easily could be.

It is my pleasure to write this letter as a supporter of Justin Wilk, who is running for School Board in Prince William County. As a parent, I strongly support Justin because he was an amazing motivator that taught in our school district for six years. Justin Wilk was my daughter’s 7th grade Civics and Economics teacher, at Woodbridge Middle School, Woodbridge, VA.

Justin Wilk always displayed a unique style of teaching, which motivated his students, beyond the time they spent in his classroom. In addition to teaching in the classroom, Justin Wilk coached hundreds of students in track, football, and served as an advisor to the Drama Club, and is now a consultant. As a consultant; he has help administrators to promote transparency;  and improved community relations.  

I first met Justin when I attended Woodbridge Middle School in 2007.

Justin was my track coach throughout middle school and my Civics teacher in the 7th grade, when he became a close personal friend to my family and myself. Justin was able to teach me many things throughout my three years in middle school, whether it was in the classroom or on the track, but there was one thing specifically he said to me that I have never forgotten.

I write in strong support of Paul B. Ebert for our Commonwealth Attorney.

Mr. Ebert’s opponent is Mike May. How many criminal jury trials has Mr. May been lead counsel on? Is it 50 or none?