Elizabeth Schultz Running for Seat on Fairfax County School Board

Fairfax County resident Elizabeth Schultz, an outspoken advocate for the Clifton School and parent to four boys, is running for the Springfield District seat on the Fairfax County School Board and launched a campaign Web site this week to keep backers informed of her campaign.

"I think there are some real questions that people need answers to," Schultz said today. "I think we've been in an adversial relationship with the Board of Supervisors and that needs to change. I think the Fairfax County Public Schools should put their checkbook online. It's the people's business."

Schultz, who has one son each in high school, middle school, elementary school and preschool, said with a chuckle that her life "is a microcosm" of the Fairfax County public school experience.

The Springfield seat on the Fairfax County School Board is currently held by Elizabeth Bradsher; reached today she said she has not made a decision whether to run again for her school board seat or for a seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Last year she voted in the majority to close the Clifton School. She recently testified in a lawsuit brought by a Fairfax County resident who sued the school board for allegedly violating the state Freedom of Information Act for sending e-mails about their votes prior to the meeting to close the school.

Schultz has worked tirelessly to help keep the school open. "What I've been through for the past year and-a-half [with the vote to close the Clifton School]...we need transparency and an authentic relationship between the board and the stakeholders," she said.

Visitors to her campaign site, http://www.elizabethschultzforschoolboard.com/ can leave their e-mail address to be kept informed of her campaign, as well as make donations to her campaign.

Preparations are underway for Schultz to kick off her campaign with events the weekend of  April 2nd-3rd in Springfield and in Clifton.

Stay tuned to Patch for continuing coverage of Schultz' campaign.