F.C.C. School Board Member Sherwood Launches Re-Election Bid
From the Cherry Hill Park pavilion this past Sunday, Aug. 24, to the sounds of children playing happily nearby, and surrounded by dozens of enthusiastic supporters, neighbors, friends, and kids, Falls Church City School Board member Anne Sherwood launched her campaign for re-election to the Board in the upcoming Nov. 4 City elections.
Sherwood has served on the Board since last November’s special election to the seat. She’ll be running against four other women candidates, with all five competing to fill the four available School Board positions following School Board Chair Dr. Tate Gould’s announcement he won’t be seeking re-election in the fall. These competing candidates are: current Board members Kathleen Tysse and Lori Silverman, and aspirants MaryKate Hughes and Sharon Mergler.
The Falls Church Independent recently featured MaryKate “MK” Hughes’s campaign kick-off below:
Christopher Jones
Happily for the City, the campaign has thus far been marked by cheerful camaraderie as the candidates have been supportively appearing at each other’s kick-off rallies.
The Candidate's Background
We asked Sherwood to describe her background a bit. “So, my family moved here, I think, 11 years ago now. We’ve been in this school system since my eldest started kindergarten. And we’ve just really loved it,” she said. “We came here, really, for the schools. We love the community as a whole. But we really feel like it’s the crown jewel of the community and it’s been a major component to our being here and continuing to stay.”
“We were in California for my husband’s job,” before coming to Falls Church City,” she said. “But, I’ve moved around. I’m from West Virginia originally. I grew up there. I came to Virginia for college, Washington and Lee University…. I then went on to work in social policy research and consulting in Cambridge, Massachusetts…. at a place called Abt Associates…. I was there for about three [years]. And then I went to law school at Duke and I met my husband there. In the northeast, I went back as a clerk in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. And then I came to D.C. to work at a large law firm… Wilmer Hale."
"And so my husband and I were both doing that for a number of years and then we started our family," Sherwood said. "And then he got a job in California. So, that took us there…. And we continued to grow our family. And then we moved back here in part to be closer to family. But, when we came back and resettled, we really wanted to be in the City of Falls Church. After a lot of research, we knew this was really a great place, in large part because of the schools.”
Insights from Parenthood
“All three of my kids are here,” Sherwood said with a smile, as a younger one swirled about, asking for permission to go play here and there. “My oldest started high school this year. I have a middle-schooler and an elementary schooler. So, I’m in the thick of not just parenthood, but all of the schools at all of the levels, because as a parent you’re really in touch with all that’s happening on all of those levels.”
For Sherwood, her parental insights provide a strong boost to her qualifications for re-election to the board, in addition to her professional legal background, her graduate work in education policy, and her commitment to public service and volunteering in the City’s schools.
“I think it’s important to be aware that the concerns at the elementary level are not the same as the concerns at the secondary level, and vice versa,” she told us. “And I’ve heard this through my candid conversations with a lot of folks. So, it certainly gives me personal insight and I think what it also brings is context for what I’ve already heard from many community members, right? And I’m hopeful that when I hear those things I’m not just able to help address them at the School Board level but I’m helping with the communication between the Central Office and the folks that really need some of the feedback.” On the School Board, “we’re not always on the first line, but we’re often the ones who’re going to be able to make sure that things are happening” to address these concerns.
Her School Board Vision
Asked for her vision of what she’d like to bring to the School Board, Sherwood said, “So, I joined the School Board last November. I was elected in a special election. And I was the only candidate who ended up stepping up last summer when it was clear there was an opening but anyone who ran last summer would have to run again for re-election this November.”
“And, I was really glad I could step up and fill that hole at that time,” Sherwood continued. “But I also felt like a lot of my experiences led me there. And I’m passionate about our schools. So, what I’ve learned a lot over the course of the last year is going to help me going forward. And one of the biggest things is, we’ve been involved in a lot of key [issues]. We’ve been involved in the cell phone policy. We’ve increased community engagement. We had a tough budget season which I was heavily involved in and learned a lot about. And, most significant, of course, is the new Superintendent."
Going into the new school year, Sherwood is particularly pleased with the School Board’s unanimous decision to select Dr. Terry J. Dade as the City’s new Schools Superintendent. “I truly think we were really all thrilled,” she said about Dade’s selection. “I mean, in his presentation and in his resume, he really embodies a lot of the values we’re all looking for. And he really was able to answer in-depth all of our questions, so that we really felt like, okay this is a great fit…. It was a very rigorous process and I think we’re all really excited by that.”
Keeping Up the Momentum
“And we had a lot of community input sessions to figure out what our community really wanted in a Superintendent and I am so thrilled with the one we brought on,” Sherwood said. “And I just really feel like we have this momentum now. We have this new chapter starting. And I want to continue to be part of that. And, I think I’m really well prepared for that."
Policies on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
"So, part of that is looking forward to the future," Sherwood continued. "And one of the questions I asked all of our Superintendent interviewees was about [Artificial Intelligence] AI and how they see AI playing into our schools in the future. And I think we need to adopt a policy that helps us address that. But, we have to be flexible and nimble as we do that. So that’s one of the things at the top of my mind.”
Sherwood’s approach to creating an AI policy for City schools will be open-minded and evidence-based, she reassures. “I think we need to explore it more and make use of the resources in our community. And that's not unique to me,” she said. “That’s our School Board’s [current] approach. My fellow Board Members are at least talking about – though it hasn’t been settled – having an advisory committee on AI so we can really be informed as we set up a policy. So that’s something in the works and it’s certainly something I’ve been interested in.”
We asked Sherwood to elaborate about her concerns over AI and why a district policy might be needed. “Well, of course, the first thing that comes to mind is academic integrity,” she said. “And I think everyone is concerned with that and how easy it is for some students to cheat, if they chose. But, I think, more than that, we need to think about how we’re going to continue to develop our students’ thinking skills…. And that’s what the IB Curriculum does. And we want to continue to prepare our students for the future. But I also think we have to be aware of what the useful applications of AI are. We can’t totally shut it out because it’s here, right? It’s here now and it’s part of the future. So, we really need to be thinking about how all of us and the students are using it creatively and responsibly.”
Asked if the International IB Programme has issued any AI guidelines, Sherwood said, “That’s a great question and I actually don’t know the answer to that. I’ll have to look into it. But, I do know there are other resources in our community we can look to. For instance, George Mason University has helped with creating some suggested guidelines for how schools can use AI. So that, I think, is a good place for us to start.”
On Inclusivity and School Climate
“What are some other touchstone issues you see working on with the School Board?,” we asked. “I think we need to continue to be aware of making sure that our schools are inclusive for everyone," Sherwood said. "And that we’re also meeting all of the students' individual learning needs. We’ve been really great about that in the past and we really want to continue to make sure we’re serving students at all levels, whether they need more help, whether they’re ready to be accelerated, or whether they’re kind of quote-unquote ‘in the middle.’ All of those folks need individualized attention and I think we really need to continue to focus on that. And I really want to make sure the climate of our schools continues to be great – not only for our students but for our teachers as well. I’m truly in support of that for all of our staff.”
Qualifications, Inspirations, and Service
When I shared that I used to be a high school teacher, Sherwood said, “That’s great! My mom is a special education teacher and she really influenced me… “ And, “that’s important as context and background…. I don’t know if I mentioned this, but I’m a former lawyer, and I’m doing an Education Policy graduate program right now. And I’d like to feel that I was led there by my passion for the service I’ve done and in being with my kids.” In addition to her Juris Doctorate, her graduate work in Educational Policy, “would really give me more perspective and more in-depth substance and knowledge,” she said.
Thoughts on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
We were curious about Sherwood’s thoughts on recent contentious issues surrounding public schools nationwide, especially questions over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). “I think it’s very important to know that in Falls Church City that’s just part of our culture, right? I think it’s a high value for all of us. And for me in particular. And I want to continue to value diversity, inclusion, and equity as we always have. And I don’t think that’s at risk, from my perspective. We really need to continue to do our best to value every student.”
On Neurodiversity
For Sherwood, school equity and inclusion policies also include making sure neurodiverse students have well-designed Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and the school system has proper funding for specialized staff and faculty needs. “I think we’ve tried to do well in that direction already, but there are, of course, improvements to make,” Sherwood said. “I actually used to serve on the Advanced Academics Committee. I was a volunteer on that for a couple of years. And one of the things we raised with the School Board, right before I stepped off from that, is we really need some attention to what’s called ‘2E Learners,’ or, ‘‘twice exceptional learners.’ That would be kids who're identified for quote-unquote ‘gifted services’ as well as for special education.”
“So what we did is we formed a subcommittee and two advisory committees to help us think about that, so that's been in process for the last two years,” Sherwood continued. “And I think it’s moving [along] and it’s brought more awareness to those needs. And I think we can carry on more of that conversation around these issues and some of that is for School Board policy and some of that is just making sure parents are in touch with what the schools can do – and are already doing – and also that parents are giving us feedback on how we can improve.”
City Budgeting for Schools
Given economic uncertainties and the potential for City revenues to drop with a downturn, what priorities would Sherwood have with school budgeting? “As I mentioned, it was a bit of a challenging process last year. And I think the great thing is that both the School Board and the City Council really value our collaboration and our relationship. So, we’re really trying to actively think about, ‘How can we make sure we’re improving that every year?’ And that’s one of the things I’ve really been actively doing the last month or two is thinking about, ‘Is there a way we can improve our timeline so that we’re better aligned with [the] City Council and vice versa, in making sure our priorities are both heard and met?’”
“And, I’ve been trying to work on that, just from the School Board perspective, a little more deeply,” Sherwood continued. “But, it could very well be another challenging budgetary year. And, again, we know there’s a lot of budget uncertainty, right? But I think, so far we’ve done really well at meeting our priorities. I want to make sure we continue to have our small class sizes. And I think we will. And the last few years we’ve had a real increase in the need for special instructional services, an increase in the student ESOL population, and our students who are identified for free and reduced meals – So, we just need to make sure all of those are staying top of mind as well as making sure we continue our educational excellence.”
The Key Message of Her Campaign
Asked what message she’d like to leave with readers, Sherwood said, “I think one thing I’d like people to take away is my passion for service. I’ve done a lot to serve the schools and I help other parts of my community. And when I do something, I really jump in with commitment and focus, and I really try to meet my goal. And I think I’ve brought that to my work on the School Board and I’m really excited to continue to do that and to continue my love of service and my love of Falls Church and our schools.”
Chats with Student and Adult Volunteers
After chatting with Sherwood, we spoke with Torrance Hart, a “neighbor of Anne’s and volunteer for her School Board run,” and another “friend of Anne’s” who wished to stay anonymous.
Asked if she were ready to knock on doors for Sherwood, Hart said, “Yes! Maybe do a meet-and-greet, I’ll knock on doors. We love Anne and she’s awesome…. We’re at the same bus stop and neighbors and our kids are friends…. Anne is really smart, really hard-working, a great listener, and a very curious person. We’ve had lots of interesting conversations about schools and kids over the years…. She’s really open to hear from other parents. She’s very curious about learning different perspectives and she’s a hard worker and she really cares about Falls Church City Public Schools. And the past year has been really awesome with her on the School Board and I’m excited for her to continue serving Falls Church City Schools.”
Though Anonymous wished to remain anonymous, she strongly endorsed Sherwood’s run. “Well, my kids have benefited from Anne’s volunteer work in the schools for the past 10 years,” she said. “So, we’ve seen for almost a decade now how organized she is and how reliable she is…. But, recently as you see her in more leadership positions, her measured approach to issues has been very impressive. Things get very emotional very quickly when it comes to our children. Not all parents maintain objectivity or rational thought. And with her law degree, she’s bringing that to the table, and I think she’s been very objective, very rational, very analytical, and has helped the community get to the right place. So this community-first emphasis that she’s doing in her campaign makes a lot of sense and it’s very consistent to the way she’s been working.”
Nearby we encountered Mary Ellen Henderson 8th-grader Helen Cline, sporting a Sherwood campaign t-shirt and chatting cheerfully with the candidate's 7th grade daughter, Louisa.
We asked Cline why she’s supporting Sherwood’s re-election campaign. “I’ve known her for a really long time and she’s really nice and I think she did really well last time when she was on the Board for a year,” Cline said. “And she would be really good for the next, is it four years?” Living down the street from each other, Cline and Louisa Sherwood have been “really close friends” since they were "around five years-old."
Asked what school issues are most important to her right now, Cline said, “The AI usage, because some kids use it to cheat and that’s not fair. And sometimes we’re not allowed to use it at all when, at some points, it would be good to use AI for ideas and stuff.” As an 8th-grader, she thinks the current school system cell phone policies are reasonable. “I just have to keep my phone in my locker and I can’t use it during the school day,” she said. “But I’m not sure about the high school policies. So, that would be interesting to know more about.”
Asked how she likes the Falls Church City School System, Cline said without hesitating, “I like it. It’s got good teachers, students, and the staff is really nice. And I learn a lot. “
The Falls Church Independent reported last school year on Meridian High School's cell phone policies below:
Christopher Jones
Anne Sherwood's Re-election Campaign Kick-Off Speech
Following is a transcription of the speech Sherwood gave at Cherry Hill Park Aug. 24, courtesy of the candidate.
Hello Everyone,
I am so glad to see you all here. I am Anne Sherwood, and I am running for re-election to the School Board. I just want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone for being here today, to the friends who volunteered to help today, and to my great husband Jim and my three kids who are here helping. They are now in elementary, middle, and high school, so as parents, we are in the thick of it, truly immersed in all levels of the school experience.
In addition to being a parent to three FCCPS students, I am a former lawyer, a current education policy graduate student, and deeply active in our schools community. I served for many years as a room parent, volunteered through the PTAs, including serving on the FCEPTA International Night Committee, I was on the Advanced Academics Advisory Committee to the School Board, which I co-chaired for two years, and I served as Scholarship Coordinator on the Choral Boosters Board. And while I hope you’ll take some time to check out my website and literature to learn more about me and my qualifications, what I really wanted to talk briefly about is why I am running for re-election to the School Board.
So as you may know, I joined the School Board last November, after winning a special election. Last summer, when a vacancy opened on the School Board, I took some careful time to consider whether I should direct my time and energy to running, especially knowing I would have to do it all over again less than a year later if I wanted to continue to serve. But I am passionate about our schools, and decided to step up to run, and was the only candidate who did.
And I am so glad that I did, because over the course of the year, I have learned so much, dug deep into the issues, talked to countless community members, and built relationships. And I’m proud of that work, and of what we’ve accomplished. During my service, the School Board has increased community engagement, adopted a new cellphone policy, navigated a challenging budget season, and, most importantly and significantly, hired a new superintendent. I’m excited that I’ve helped us begin this new chapter, and I want to continue to build on this momentum. To me, this means maintaining the educational excellence of the school system we all love, and also improving and making sure it is future-ready.
What does future-ready look like? My goals for the district include:
- Continuing to be prepared for enrollment growth and the growth in special instructional needs we have seen in recent years;
- Adapting to technology, especially adopting a policy to address the appropriate use of AI in our schools;
- Strengthening our post-secondary preparation; and
- Ensuring all our learners have the opportunity to grow and thrive, and to do so in an environment that is inclusive and supportive of all our students, teachers, and staff.
And how do I help us get there? What I have brought to every role that I have been in is a deep focus and commitment to my goals, and a love of service. I also believe in truly listening and learning from various perspectives in the community, digging into the work with commitment and care, and modeling for our students the open-minded, civil discourse that our IB values support and demand of us. And I commit to continuing to serve with these values.
So, thank you again for being here today. I am so grateful for your support. Campaigns take many hands to be successful, and also many yard signs. So, I ask that you please take a yard sign! Sign up to take a yard sign with you, or add your name to the list and I can deliver one to you this week. And please also consider signing up to volunteer. And again, thank you!
By Christopher Jones
Member discussion