Early voting is underway for a School Board District A special election following School Board Member Willie Bailey’s abrupt resignation.
The election sees real estate agent and former Parks and Recreation commissioner Gina Baum square off against Tim Beaty, an Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) substitute teacher and former Global Strategies Director at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Alexandria City High School’s student newspaper Theogony interviewed both candidates on issues like school safety and substance abuse issues in ACPS.
Baum told Theogony that teacher vacancies are the most important issue facing ACPS and needs to be addressed immediately, with overcrowded classrooms having a detrimental impact on students’ education.
Beaty previously told ALXnow that one of his main goals on the School Board would be putting his experience to use in helping ACPS navigate collective bargaining.
District A includes Old Town, Del Ray, Potomac Yard and Arlandria.
The deadline to vote early is Saturday, Jan. 6, with the special election being held on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Voters can cast their ballot early in person at the Office of Voter Registration & Elections (132 N. Royal Street).
