The Virginian-Pilot
©
VIRGINIA BEACH
A former elementary school teacher tapped her network of friends and colleagues to beat out an incumbent for a seat on the School Board.
Dorothy M. “Dottie” Holtz taught for 38 years and burned her papers in a bonfire before retiring in 2009. Her 30 years in Beach schools included eight as a computer resource specialist. She also occasionally puts on magic shows and does face-painting for Tidewater Arts Outreach.
She credited her Facebook friends for getting out the word, recounting high-fives at the polls from strangers.
“I didn’t know I had that kind of support,” she said.
In a three-way at-large race for two seats, Holtz brought in the most votes, followed by Todd C. Davidson, a pastor who has been on the board since 2006. D. Scott Seery, a lawyer specializing in project financing, came up short in a tight race. He was appointed to the board in January.
Ashley K. McLeod, who was appointed in March, was elected to a third at-large seat in a separate race against Gertrude H. “Bunny” Waugh.
Carolyn D. Weems held on to the Bayside seat in a race against Norfolk State University administrator Carray Banks Jr.
Weems served at-large for seven years before she was appointed to the Bayside seat in 2009.
The six incumbents ran as a ticket, and all but Seery were re-elected.
Emma L. “Em” Davis and William J. “Bill” Brunke IV, the board vice-chair, also won re-election in unopposed races for the Lynnhaven and Princess Anne seats. Sam G. Reid, a newcomer who is president of the city’s Council of Civic Organizations, was unopposed in his run for the Beach seat.
Lauren Roth, (757) 222-5133, lauren.roth@pilotonline.com
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Responses
757VBin, Chevelle, N. Neighbor--
I have been reading the VA Pilot on-line as well as comments for over a year. I recognize the first 2 names who often comment on current issues. This is good; keep it up! NN, I was elected by the vote of the people NOT the SB. On 2 occasions when there was an opportunity to appoint someone, I did not get an interview. I appreciated your comments. Anyone can get in touch with me at dottieholtz@gmail.com :)
Interesting. I thought the VB School system didn't like older...
Interesting. I was under the impression that the VB School system was not very fond of older/veteran employees. (Everyone knows that mostly the young & pretty get promotions in VB) I wonder if this new school board member/retired teacher will bring about a change in what many perceive as systematic age discrimination? Anyway, being a 2009 retiree, surely she is still in touch with the increasing pressures and unrealistic demands that are being placed on classroom teachers who would like to actively focus on their students' learning, rather than being required to constantly document what good teaching looks likes. District initiatives should support instruction & student learning, not get in the way. Let teachers teach & students learn!
Don't Fall Into Their Trap....
There is definitely a element of age discrimination within the VBCPS...but even worse..is the element of "opinion" discrimination. Freedom of speech or divergent opinions are not welcomed...and I hope Ms. Holtz learns quickly how to present her points succinctly without allowing the administration and SB members to intimidate and bully her.
There is also an element of ownership and entitlement. Please be careful.
Bayside
Dottie,
A Bayside resident! great win now the schools in our area can get some real attention. Go Girl power!! Weems,Smith-Jones, McCloed and Holtz
Good Job....
Congratulations, Dottie. Stay true to yourself and why you ran for the School Board.