Jennifer Craig-Ford
Spotsylvania County School Board - Battlefield
Empowered by GoodParty.org
About the Office
Local school board members are responsible for overseeing school operations within the district, typically including employment decisions regarding a district superintendent.
Term Length
4 years
Election Date
Nov 4, 2025
About Me
Party
Independent
Occupation
attorney and business owner
Fun Fact
In my free time, I enjoy creative outlets such as taking art classes, refinishing furniture, or playing music. In addition to my children, I have two retired greyhounds who keep me busy. I love spending time with friends and my daily coffee treat.
Past Experience
{"skills":"Effective and skilled negotiator, proven advocate, ability to work with others even in an adversarial setting, ability to mediate and reach resolutions on tough issues","achievements":"Aa a former local CASA, I effectively advocated for children in the court system. As the parent of two children who required IEPs, I effectively advocated for them within the school system. As a former international host parent, I also effectively advocated within the various departments to ensure the students had the experience promised to them in coming to Spotsylvania schools.","responsibility":"As an attorney, my skill in researching issues and understanding law, policies and solutions is exemplary. As a business owner, I am responsible for running multiply business effectively and with financial responsibility. As a parent, I have learned to manage multiple schedules effectively. "}
My Top Issues
Invest in local public education
Spotsylvania has outgrown its educational infrastructure. It is past time to plan for either expanding the footprints of the schools we have or adding additional schools in the growing areas of the county.
Promoting conflict resolution and anti-bullying initiatives
The developmental phases children go through during their school years can lead to extreme frustration. Without appropriate means of conflict resolution or mental health techniques this frustration is often expressed in physical, verbal and emotional aggression towards peers. Investing in mentorship, conflict resolution, or other anti-bullying programs we can assist our students become responsible and productive young people who can effectively work out their differences in a non-violent manner.
School-Based Mental Health Programs
While I support measures such as resource officers and metal detectors we need to be careful not to turn our schools into prisons. I think school based mental health resources and programs that teach effective communication, non-violent communication and deescalation techniques are just as vital as physical deterrents. As a mental health business owner, I understand the lack of available resources and shortages of mental health services in our community.
Wages / Job Benefits
A key priority should be supporting our teaching staff by providing competitive compensation, ongoing training, and opportunities for professional growth. By retaining, training, and recruiting experienced educators with a proven track record of success, we can ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve.
Government Reform
I am running for office because I believe our school board should be a collaborative and functional body that puts the needs of our students and community first. As a non-partisan candidate, I'm committed to leaving politics at the door and working with fellow board members to make informed, student-centered decisions.
Criminal Justice / Public Safety
I believe in teaching students effective conflict resolution, problem-solving, and communication skills to help them navigate challenging situations and build healthy relationships with peers and adults. By addressing the root causes of violence and providing students with the tools they need to express themselves, we can create a safer and more supportive learning environment. This approach, combined with necessary safety measures, will help prevent violence and ensure our schools are a place where students can thrive.
Taxes / Budget
I believe the School Board must prioritize investments that directly benefit our students and educators. Our facilities are aging and quickly becoming insufficient to house the students we can expect in the near future with the expected growth the county is experiencing. Student enrichment is falling by the wayside.
Who I'm Running Against
Nick Ignacio (Republican Party)
Disrupter in each election cycle. Runs for any open office he can. Controversial local citizen
Rev. King (Democrat Party)
Local pastor. Supported by Democrats and outgoing school board member, Nicole Cole
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