Public School Mom And Veteran Spouse To Focus On More Opportunities For Students
Press release:
GAINESVILLE, VA – Gainesville District School Board Member Alyson A. Satterwhite today announced that she will run for the Prince William County School Board Chairman-at-Large Special Election in November. Alyson is a wife, mother of four, and veteran spouse who has served on the School Board as an independent voice since 2012, and has a long record of results for Prince William students. All of Alyson’s children have graduated from Prince William County Public Schools.
“I am excited today to announce my campaign for Prince William County School Board Chairman-at-Large,” said Satterwhite. “Prince William County is a very special place that attracts families from all around the world, and I love this community. The quality of life, public safety, and vicinity to government service and economic opportunities are why so many families choose to locate here; it’s why my family chose to retire here from the military 13 years ago.”
Alyson’s campaign will be focused on making the School Board less partisan, reducing classroom sizes, improving school safety and student mental health, and increasing fiscal responsibility and transparency. Throughout Alyson’s seven years on the School Board, she has been an independent voice for students, families, and teachers. Alyson has worked tirelessly to enhance school safety, increase the number of nurses and social workers, support military families, increase teacher pay, promote fine arts programs, and reduce class sizes, among other initiatives. As a parent of a child with Tourette Syndrome, she has also made special education a priority as an advocate and School Board Member.
Alyson continued, “It is important that Prince William County Public Schools remain a welcoming place for families, and provide an education that addresses the workforce needs of tomorrow. I firmly believe that every single one of our Prince William students can be successful, and I want to help them achieve to their highest ability. I want each of our students to be career or college ready when they graduate from Prince William County Schools. As the second largest school system in Virginia, our more than 89,000 students deserve a School Board that is purely focused on their future – I am completely focused on putting our students first. There is much work to be done. If elected Chair, I will do everything in my power to humbly serve all of our students to make sure they are prepared for the future.”
Public Service Experience:
- Prince William County School Board Gainesville Representative (2012-present)
- Northern Virginia Special Education Regional Program (January, 2014-December, 2015)
- Prince William County Public Schools Superintendent’s Advisory Council (2008-2009)
- Prince William County Public Schools Social Studies Textbook Adoption Committee (2010-2011)
- Prince William County Public Schools School Health Advisory Board (January, 2015-December, 2017)
- Joint Board of the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park (2016-Present)
- Prince William County Public Schools Safe Schools Advisory Council (2013-Present)
- Parent Volunteer at Tyler Elementary School (1995-1998), Mountain View Elementary School (2004-2008), Gravely Elementary School (2008-2010), Bull Run Middle School (2004-2008; 2010-2013), and Battlefield High School (2004-2012, 2013-2017)
- Principal’s Advisory Council, Gravely Elementary School (2008-2010)
Top Accomplishments on School Board – Alyson Led Efforts To:
- Increase special education positions to provide better services for families (2016)
- Increase nurse positions to ensure adequate medical care for students (2017)
- Add funding for 12 school social workers to the budget (2018)
- Reduce high school class sizes by adding cost efficient seats to our high school designs, which saved over $150 million for our schools
- Support anti-bullying campaign as a member of the Safe Schools Advisory Committee
Alyson grew up in California and Florida during her father’s Naval career, graduating from Pensacola Junior College with an Associate of Science degree. After her marriage to Doug, she graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. As a military family, the Satterwhite’s were stationed in the Washington, D.C. area and lived in Prince William County from 1995 to 1998, and returned in 2004 to retire and lay down roots in this Prince William community. While supporting her family throughout numerous military stations and deployments, Alyson has also worked as an independent business consultant for Tupperware and Mary Kay.
One of Alyson’s children attends Radford University, while three have already graduated college from Virginia Wesleyan College, George Mason University, and Virginia Tech. Alyson’s husband, Doug, currently works for a defense contractor in Northern Virginia.
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Community Endorsements
The following endorsements represent Alyson’s broad support from Prince William County from all political backgrounds:
-Wanda Carter, Community Leader, Neabsco District
– Julie (Lucas) Boyer, Former School Board Member Neabsco District
“The children and staff of PWCPS need a level-headed leader who will demonstrate leadership and not be distracted by running for a higher office. I think Alyson would be a great Chair!” -Holley Scheffel, Teacher, Potomac Senior High School
I’ve known Alyson for a while and she’s done a great job representing her district. She will be an excellent Chairman.” –Glendell Hill, Sheriff, Prince William County
“Alyson is a champion for all students and employees of the school division. Through her leadership and integrity, it is our belief our county will continue to lead the charge in educational excellence.”-Douglas Burney, Choral Director, Battlefield High School and former Choral Director, Gar-Field High School; and Jaime Burney, Prince William County Public School Voice Teacher
“Alyson is the level-headed education advocate that we need leading our School Board. In a world of hyper-partisanship, she has a long history of bringing the community together.” -Amelia May, Community Advocate, Local Attorney, & PWCS Parent
“Military children face unique educational challenges. Alyson is a great advocate for military families. I am excited to support her campaign for Chairman.” -Rojan Robotham, Lieutenant Colonel US Air Force, Department of Education Military Student Process Action Team, & PWCS Parent