2024 General Election Candidate Profile: Allie Forkell For Manassas School Board

Sep 12

5 min read

Patch asked candidates for mayor, Manassas City Council and Manassas School Board to fill out a candidate questionnaire with the same questions. Here are some of Allie Forkell's responses:

Name

Allie Forkell

Office Sought

Manassas City School Board

Campaign Website

http://www.allieforkell4schoolboard.com

Age (As of Nov. 5 election)

Education

Bachelors in Psychology; Master in Special Education

Occupation

I started my career at a Level 5 Alternative School for students facing severe behavioral challenges. I worked at Osbourn High School for six years teaching Algebra 1 & 2 focusing on Special Education and behavior. I currently work as a Logistics Analyst.

Family

I am a very involved mom with a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-month-old son. My fiancé has three children aged 11, 9, and 7. I come from a blended family with three half-siblings and three step siblings. I grew up with my mom in Manassas City, where we stayed close to family. Our family is a service-oriented one, including teachers, police officers, military personnel, and social workers. We also have a love for sports, ranging from fencing and dancing at Virginia Dance Center to playing ball or serving refreshments with GMBL. Giving back is not only how I was raised but what we continue to instill in our children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Previous public office positions or appointments

None

Why are you seeking this office?

My campaign focuses on prioritizing higher academic and behavioral expectations, collaborative learning, improved teacher retention, and stronger post-graduation success. I believe the status quo is not adequately serving the community’s needs and is leaving kids needlessly behind. I am dedicated to improved outcomes for our kids and community because I am a mom and a homegrown OHS alum who loves this city and its kids and knows that we can do better.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate(s) seeking this post?

I am the candidate that is a true local. I grew up in Manassas and graduated from Osbourn High School in 2010, after which I went on to be a first-generation college graduate. During college, I actively contributed to education advocacy by helping to relaunch the Student Virginia Education Association chapter at George Mason University. I was also a part of the Manassas Education Association (MEA) and the National Education Association (NEA). I am also the candidate in the race with the most professional experience working with kids with severe behavioral challenges and other special academic needs both at Osbourn and at a dedicated Level 5 alternative school. This professional experience has equipped me with insight into student achievement and discipline management that I believe is currently lacking on our School Board.

After focusing on expanding my family, I realized how much I missed being part of the school community. This led me to run for the School Board. As a mom with school-aged children, I bring a perspective that closely mirrors the experiences and concerns of many of our residents.

What do you see as the top issues facing your city, and how do you address them in your campaign platform?

Key issues raised by residents include the lack of full accreditation for our schools (with Osbourn and Metz on accreditation with conditions), high absenteeism rates, and concerns about our academic expectations. My campaign is focused on addressing these critical areas.

To combat absenteeism, I propose expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) and work-based learning programs. I have already engaged with local businesses interested in hosting internships, some of which are paid and offer college funding and clearances. Students who are invested in hands-on learning are often more engaged in their other classes, which I know from personal experience, having earned a cosmetology license during high school. The experience not only motivated me in my studies but also demonstrated how practical applications can enhance academic engagement. By leveraging our city’s unique resources, we can provide better support for our schools and improve student outcomes.

I believe many of our other issues, including lack of full state accreditation at the middle and high schools, can be substantively addressed by taking a hard look at how we do our grading at MCPS (currently receive a 50% on tests and assignments not ever tried of attempted, which I think contributes to low student achievement) and how MCPS manages student behaviors. Behavioral management must be consistent, predictable, and well documented. Currently MCPS does not have well-established protocols or practices, which leaves students uncertain about the bounds of acceptable behavior and leaves teachers and staff ill-equipped to handle negative behaviors in the moment. Someone with my professional experience in behavior management is well-positioned to bring positive changes to MCPS to improve student discipline.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Serving on the School Board requires leadership and dedication, both of which I’ve demonstrated over the years. For example, a major professional accomplishment occurred for me during the COVID pandemic, when my dedication to education was recognized when my students and their families nominated me for the 2022 Mary V. Bicouvairs VDOE Teacher of the Year award.

I have additionally served on various committees, including serving as the Faculty Advisory Committee chair and textbook adoption committees. I also went above-and-beyond as an educator, providing homebound services, leading math workshops, attending VDOE math conferences, and acting as a class sponsor. My commitment to supporting our educational community mirrors the same dedication I bring to being an actively involved mother in my own children’s lives and school activities.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Growing up in Manassas City has been a truly unique experience; we are one big family whether we like to admit it or not. The same school board I am running for is the same school system that helped mold me into who I am today. My story is similar to many of our students—if it weren’t for certain teachers investing in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. As a first-generation college graduate, I understand how difficult it can be for families to help their children forge different paths. As a mother of a child who learns differently, I am empathetic to the need for diverse resources that help all students; I have sat on both sides of the table as a parent and as an educator. I am your neighbor; many of you have watched me grow up and have met my children. I want to be your voice as you have helped me find mine. My extensive experience in education and community involvement, including a 90% pass rate for Algebra 1 SOLs and a nomination for Teacher of the Year, demonstrates my commitment to our students, families, and teachers. As an alumna, former teacher, and current MCPS parent, I bring a unique perspective to foster positive change in our school system. Once an eagle, always an eagle!