Velkoff launches campaign for FX CO school board

Ted Velkoff, former president of the Chantilly High School PTSA, has become the first candidate to officially launch a campaign for an at-large seat on the Fairfax County School Board.

Velkoff also served as treasurer of the Chantilly PTSA, Rocky Run Middle School PTA, Poplar Tree Elementary School PTA, and Pleasant Valley Preschool.

He has also volunteered as campaign treasurer for former Virginia Del. Chuck Caputo and School Board Chair Kathy Smith.

In addition to Velkoff, other candidates expected to run for at-large seats on the board—and seeking endorsement from the Fairfax County Democratic Committee—are Herb Smith of the Mason District; Gary Brandon, treasurer of Longfellow Middle School PTA and former president of the Chesterbrook Elementary School PTA; and Charisse Glassman, a parent activist and member of the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs Advisory Committee and the Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee.

Two of the incumbent at-large school board members, Tina Hone and James Raney, are not running for re-election. The third at-large member, Ilryong Moon, is expected to run again but has not made an official announcement.

Of the two school board members who represent the Annandale area, Sandy Evans (Mason District) is running for re-election, and Tessie Wilson (Braddock) is not. Megan McLaughlin, the chair of the Fairfax Education Coalition and the president and co-founder of FairGrade, is expected to run for the Braddock seat on the school board.

Velkoff, a resident of the Sully District, is a software architect with Integrity One Partners in Reston. He is married to Dr. Patricia Velkoff, a psychologist in private practice. Their daughters graduated from South Lakes and Chantilly high schools.

“I am seeking a position on the school board because I want to ensure that the great education my two children received in Fairfax County schools continues to be available to all of the county’s children for years to come,” said Velkoff March 13 at a gathering of supporters at the Greenbriar Community Center. He has been endorsed by Democratic state senators Dave Marsden and Chap Petersen.

Velkoff outlined the goals of his candidacy:

• Maintain the status of our schools among the country’s best;
• Graduate students as well-rounded young adults with the skills needed for success in the 21st century;
• Continue to offer students opportunities to participate in athletics, arts, and after-school activities; and
• Increase compensation for school employees.