Schools

McElveen Seeks FCDC Endorsement for At-Large School Board Seat — Again

With Charisse Espy Glassman now out of the race, Fairfax Democrats will endorse a new candidate at July 26 meeting

Ryan McElveen announced on Thursday he will again be seeking an endorsement from the Fairfax County Democratic Committee for an at-large seat on the Fairfax County School Board. 

The Vienna resident and Marshall High graduate earlier this year, but fell short of the Democratic endorsement by seven votes.

FCDC endorsed incumbent Ilryong Moon and newcomers Ted Velkoff and Charisse Espy Glassman .

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Glassman, who is in Washington, D.C., out of the race last week citing "personal and family reasons."

"When you get second chances in life, you take them,” McElveen, 25, said in a statement. "I will continue to fight to improve the experience of Fairfax's students, teachers and families in calling for a more equitable discipline system, better teacher compensation and the elimination of athletic fees."

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McElveen said he feels confident and his continued work with FCDC has built a broader base of support than he had going into the first endorsement vote.

"So many people have expressed their support since the first endorsement meeting, and I'm confident that anyone who enters the race now will face an important question: 'Why didn't you run for endorsement before?'" McElveen wrote in an email. "As a virtual unknown, I did well against candidates with much deeper political ties."

McElveen's priorities remain the same, and he saw no value in waiting until the next election cycle to relaunch his campaign.

"Our school system is at a crossroads. My campaign has always been about improving the lives of our students and teachers and addressing the critical issues facing our schools now, like reforming our disciplinary process, improving teacher compensation and eliminating athletic fees," McElveen wrote. "Why would I wait for the next election cycle when we need to confront these issues today?"

Rex Simmons, FCDC chairman, would not comment on McElveen's campaign, but said FCDC is developing the process to endorse a candidate with Glassman now out of the race. The group will endorse a candidate at its July 26 general meeting 7:30 p.m. at South County Elementary School.


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