Mary Kadera: Endorsements

Endorsements

Nancy Van Doren

Former School Board Member

"Mary is focused on our students, ALL our students. She listens. She cares. She is a multi-issue candidate, with her sights clearly set on equity in all areas. Her first-hand experience in teaching will be critical in supporting the work of teachers and ensuring the right programs and the right resources are in their hands to deliver highly effective instruction in the classroom."

Adam Ebbin

Virginia State Senator, 30th District

"I'm supporting Mary because I believe that she's genuinely committed to the success of all students. I know she'll work tirelessly to advance equity in our system and create school environments where all students feel like they belong and will thrive."

Barbara Favola

Virginia State Senator, 31st District

"I enthusiastically endorse Mary for the School Board because I know she will work to ensure that every child succeeds. Arlingtonians need her ability to bring people together and craft common sense solutions to the many challenges we face. I hope you join me in voting for Mary Kadera in the upcoming endorsement caucus."

Janeth Valenzuela

Community Leader and Activist
Co-Founder of ASHPA, Arlington Schools Hispanic Parents Association

"Mary brings a genuine commitment to listen and amplify the voices of those who are often unheard in our community. I know she will work in the best interest of every student and family and will push for real action on equity issues."

Emily Vincent

Community Organizer
Founder, White Folks Facing Race and Facing Race in Arlington

"I am thrilled to endorse my friend, Mary Kadera, for Arlington County School Board. I am grateful for her ability to take a countywide approach in her advocacy for students and educational equity... Most of all, I am endorsing Mary because she has shown a willingness to listen and true compassion for every student in Arlington."

Matt de Ferranti

Chair, Arlington County Board
Former Chair, APS Budget Advisory Council
Former Member, JFAC and Arlington County Housing Commission

"Mary Kadera’s experience as a teacher, vice president of education for PBS, interim executive director of the Center for Inspired Teaching, and PTA leader here in Arlington prepares her well to serve our students and community. She is honest, thoughtful, collaborative, and genuinely wants to serve on the School Board, perhaps the most difficult job in Arlington at this moment in our history. Given my own prior work as a teacher and an advocate for low-income students, students of color, and Native American students, I particularly appreciate that she is open and respectful about being an ally and focuses on data with respect to educational equity. I endorse Mary wholeheartedly as the right choice to serve Arlington on the School Board over the next four years."

Katie Cristol

Vice Chair, Arlington County Board
Chair, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission
Chair, Virginia Municipal League Urban Section
Co-Chair, Arlington's Project PEACE

"Mary's depth of experience in education is just what we need on the School Board right now. As someone who has worked in education policy, I know that school systems need leaders who can understand complex issues and have the perseverance and commitment to work tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for all kids. Mary is a good listener and flexible thinker, capable of understanding different perspectives on thorny issues. She recognizes that complex challenges require nuanced solutions and tireless problem-solvers."

Alfonso Lopez

Member, Virginia House of Delegates, 49th District
Virginia House of Delegates Majority Whip

"Mary has a strong understanding of educational equity issues, and she's committed to taking real action. She will be an excellent advocate for all of Arlington's students and families, and particularly for those in South Arlington whose voices and experiences are often overlooked. I know Mary will reach out, listen, act, and deliver. Moreover, with her extensive background in local school issues, I know she will be an excellent member of the school board."

Paul Ferguson

Clerk of the Circuit Court for Arlington and Falls Church
Former County Board Member

"Mary Kadera is one of the strongest School Board candidates I have seen over the years. I am familiar with her work on environmental issues as she is a longtime leader and volunteer for our local Sierra Club Group. Mary has experience as a teacher, two children in Arlington Public Schools, and has a progressive agenda including a detailed plan for a full return to schools this Fall. While Mary's qualifications are impressive, if you have a chance to meet her I think you would agree she is a perfect fit for the Arlington School Board."

Mary Hynes

Former School Board Member
Former County Board Member

"Mary's experience in education and knowledge of what's working in other schools and districts across the country will be a real asset to the School Board. We need School Board members who are attuned to our immediate needs, but also have a long-term vision for what our schools can become. Mary has that vision."

Tannia Talento

Former School Board Member

"Serving on the School Board is a complex and demanding job, and I believe Mary possesses the knowledge, skills, and commitment necessary for the role. I know that Mary will listen carefully to all voices in the community and will work hard to ensure that every student is supported and academically challenged in respectful, inclusive school environments."

Jay Fisette

Former County Board Member

"Mary impresses me with her deep knowledge of education issues and her commitment to navigate those issues in a way that benefits all of Arlington's students and families. I am confident she'll be a tireless advocate for equity in APS, a responsible steward of the APS budget, and will build on the collaboration between the County and Schools in facility, transportation and energy/climate policy and planning."

Mary Margaret Whipple

Former State Senator and Chair of the Democratic Caucus
Former County Board Member
Former School Board Member

"Mary understands that elected leaders have to deal with immediate pressures and longer-term challenges. She has a good grasp of the issues facing our schools and community, and I'm confident she would work collaboratively and productively with other elected leaders to make a real difference."

Greg Greeley

Past Chair, APS Facilities Advisory Committee
Past Chair, APS FAC Projections and Capacity Subcommittee
Former member of the Joint Facilities Advisory Committee (JFAC)
Former School Board Candidate

"We need leaders on the School Board who have a real vision for where our system needs to go. Mary brings that vision, thanks to her experience in education and her understanding of what's working in other schools and districts across the country. She also brings the kind of critical examination of assumptions and data that will guide good decision making."

Bob Ramsey

Past Chair, APS Budget Advisory Council
Past Co-Chair, APS Gifted Services Advisory Council

"I've worked with Mary over the past year as the Budget Advisory Council's liaison to the County Council of PTAs, where Mary serves as vice president. I was immediately impressed by Mary’s thorough understanding of issues and her ability to guide the CCPTA to constructive positions. Since I’ve been involved with APS School Board advisory councils, I’ve come to know most of the School Board members over the past 12 years, and I know Mary has the qualifications that we need for our School Board."