Rumors are swirling that Kathy Smith, the Democratic-endorsed School Board member from Sully District, and current School Board Chairman, will not seek re-election and will instead challenge Delegate Jim Lemunyon.
To make matters more interesting, I am also being told, by multiple independent sources, that Kathy Smith was essentially told by folks in FCDC that she would not be running for School Board again because of her deplorable actions on the School Board recently.
Either way, Jim Lemunyon was just handed an easy path to victory.
I don’t think this is true. Kathy is a friend of mine and I am 99% sure she would have told me this.
I haven’t talked with her in a few weeks, but would be shocked if this was even being considered.
We’ll see. It will certainly be interesting to watch play out. As always, I will publish updates as they come in.
She’s been a disaster as SB Chair. Let’s see:
1. She’s overseen the closure of Clifton ES which led to an expensive court case over violations of FOIA and the Open Meetings Law.
2. She’s badly, badly handled the discipline issue which sparked widespread concern over the suicide of a second FCPS student.
3. She helped lead the fight to reassign students in the SW Boundary study even though a majority of parents passed PTA resolutions demonstrating a “no-confidence” vote in FCPS’ data and handling of the issue.
4. She’s led the SB on overpromising pay raises and FDK without proposing any budget cuts to pay for these proposals.
5. She’s a bitter woman who treats parents and the board of supervisors so rudely.
In short – she sucks in a “leadership” role. I’d be happy to see her go but pity the poor folks whom she might have a chance of representing at the state level.
Ben:
It’s springtime and we’re all overdue for a good old-fashioned airing out.
Call Good Will, clean out the politibuddy closet and get some new pals.
Breathe deep, it’ll be ok.
Say ta-ta to Kathy. Just think, you lose one, lose one free. At long last, we are rid of you-know-who.
I declare today to be “SCB Freedom Day”.
BB
I’ve gotten this story confirmed by three other folks in the last two days, one of whom spoke to Kathy directly.
It is always gracious to thank public servants for their service. Sadly, whether she took on too big a job or is just inept, she does not appear to enjoy broad support or appreciation. Her poor leadership might have caused a lot of damage. Now, why does that seem familiar?
It is time for her to go, but all things considered another attempt at elected office would be a surprise and I daresay ill advised. Del. Lemunyon still has to be wary of her tactics and run a careful campaign.
It is always gracious to thank public servants for their service. Sadly, whether she took on too big a job or is just inept, she does not appear to enjoy broad support or appreciation. Her poor leadership might have caused a lot of damage. Now, why does that seem familiar?
It is time for her to go, but all things considered another attempt at elected office would be a surprise and I daresay ill advised. Del. Lemunyon still has to be wary of her tactics and run a careful campaign.
Why would the FCDC fail to endorse her for School Board and then turn around and support her for a crack at LeMunyon? There’s a treasure trove of opposition data I’m sure on the school board.
Talked to Kathy. This story is not true. FAIL.
When is she announcing to run again for the School Board then?
Kyle simply said there were rumors. These rumors do not appear to be true, although as I noted on the 13th, our sources included someone who spoke with Kathy directly. Apparently she was not told the truth.
Perhaps this is the best of all worlds, she’s not running for delegate or school board.
A gal can dream!
She tested her candidacy, simply put.
No opposition seems to be on the horizon. Why wouldn’t the FCDC endorse?
Typical of Kyle to publish garbage…the minute he started at NCS this blog lost some credibility.
Kyle “localgop” before you publish dribble, check your facts.
This wasn’t Kyle’s fault. He had a pretty good source, and I confirmed it as well.
The fact is, Kathy either changed her mind or was not being truthful to folks she was talking to. That’s her prerogative. But the story itself is not incorrect. There were rumors.
Garbage,
I believe your name is fitting…..