Paine seeking Ingles District seat on School Board

Ingles District resident Gina Paine has announced her candidacy for school board.

“In mid-March I formally filed and am officially a candidate for School Board representing the Ingles District,” Paine said this week in a press release.

“I would like to extend a truly heart-felt ‘thank you’ to all my friends, neighbors, and new acquaintances that signed the required candidate petition. You made the process incredibly positive and enjoyable. Your suggestions and concerns are all valid and important and I am thankful to receive them,” Paine said.

Paine said she has “a lifetime connection” to Pulaski County and have been a resident for nearly 12 years.

“Both of my children attend(ed) Pulaski County Public Schools and I’ve been intimately involved in their education; it has been my top priority,” she continued.

“A robust and competitive education for ALL students is overriding –  we must provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to compete in a global economy and equip them with the understanding they are personally accountable for their life path.

“I believe it is beyond time we return to teachers the discipline control over classrooms that Virginia State law has enshrined,” Paine continued.

“I have worked tirelessly for two years, at great personal cost, to hold this current school board and superintendent accountable and have continued to speak out and speak up in the face of obstinance, deceptiveness, lies and blatant disrespect of our community and people, myself included.

“My world view is Bible-based. My values are conservative. I believe parents and guardians have the absolute authority to direct, raise, and care for their children, especially their education. I believe we must be taxpayer-minded and fiscally conservative when funding education, while offering competitive salaries to keep and attract the best teachers.

“Schools should prioritize exceptionalism over equal outcome (“equity”). And complete transparency from our school administration, board, and schools must be unconditional.

“I appreciate your support moving forward,” Paine said.

Voters will go to the polls in November to elect representatives to the school board from all five districts in Pulaski County.