Opinion

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?

Voters in the Potomac Magisterial District have an important choice to make for their school board member. They can return Mrs. Covington to office or they can turn to Justin Wilk.

There are several reasons to support Mr. Wilk. I am probably one of the only voters in [the Potomac District] who had Mrs. Covington as a principal when I attended Dumfries Elementary, but later had Mr. Wilk as a teacher at Woodbridge Middle School. Both were outstanding educators, and cared deeply about their students.  I truly respect Mrs. Covington, but it’s time for a change.

I have known Betty Covington for more than 25 years. Betty has spent a lifetime serving the citizens and more importantly the children of Prince William County.

Her dedication, integrity, and professionalism are without a doubt the finest we have to offer our school children. Betty is an award winning educator who served as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and school board member. She has seen the Prince William County School system from all sides including that of a parent. All three of her children are products of Prince William County Schools.

On October 16, I attended the debate held at Lake Ridge Middle School between the candidates for Occoquan District Supervisor, Earnie Porta and Ruth Anderson.

I was struck by the difference in the candidates answers to the questions presented. Mr. Porta was clearly knowledgeable of the important issues facing the district and the county, and presented clear, well thought-out, common sense answers to questions on subjects including traffic congestion and taxes.

When deciding who would best represent our community and support the families that it consists of, the answer is as clear as a summer sky.  Justin Wilk is an honest, devoted leader who has dedicated immense amounts of efforts to have the opportunity to bring the positive change that this county so greatly longs for.

As a former educator in Prince William County, he has witnessed the issues first hand. He has stood in front of a classroom, one that is overpopulated compared to our competing districts, and struggled to develop teaching methods that accommodate every one of his students.

I met Maureen Caddigan before she entered public life. We first collaborated when she was a member of the Prince William County School Board and worked closely since she has been a member of the Board of Supervisors representing the Potomac District. Maureen and I have worked on a variety of issues to include transportation, public safety and education.

As [a member] of the Board of Supervisors, Maureen understands the need for leadership and working as a team. She does not get involved in partisan bickering and readily reaches across party lines in order to accomplish a goal and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Prince William County.

Virginia State Delegate Scott Surovell has done an excellent job in the House of Delegates and is running to replace Senator Toddy Puller who is retiring.

Delegate Surovell has an excellent record as an advocate of all the people. One of his key pieces of legislation bans texting and driving, a life-saving piece of key legislation.

Prince William County Residents will be heading to the polls in November to choose their School Board Members for the next term. For anyone that truly cares about all children, the choice is clear: Betty D. Covington, School Board Member for the Potomac District.

I have had the privilege of working with Mrs. Covington as a teacher for sixteen years while she was the principal of Kilby Elementary and as an Associate Superintendent while she served on the School Board. I observed firsthand her dedication to and tireless efforts on behalf of the teachers, students, and parents of Prince William County.