PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Page Valley News will be publishing profiles of local candidates in two contested races in this fall’s general election in August and September. These Q&As will be published around midday on Mondays and Thursdays in alphabetical order for each race.
In September, PVN will be broadcasting pre-recorded candidate forums among the candidates in these two contested races through our YouTube channel. Click on the link here or the YouTube icon in the upper right on our Home page to subscribe to our channel ahead of time.
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Karen Marcum
- Age: 76
- Education: High School Diploma, Obourn Senior High School.
- Work: Substitute teacher, Mount Carmel Christian Academy, 2024-present; teacher aide, MCCA, 2021-23; substitute bus aide, Page County Public Schools, 2026-present; Shelter Manager, Council on Domestic Violence, 2026-present and 2008-16; Office Manager, Beahm’s Chapel Cemetery, 2019-20; Housing Services Coordinator, Council on Domestic Violence, 2016-18; Office Clerk, Shifflett’s Insurance Services, 2006-09; Staff Development Assistant, Manassas City Public Schools, 2005-06; Secretary, Manassas City Public Schools, 1995-2002; Office/Bus/Cafeteria Aide, Manassas City Public Schools, 1995; Staff Assistant to the District of Columbia Rehabilitation Services Administratipn, 1989-1994; Secretary, Department of Human Services, 1968-1993.
- Community involvement: Lifetime Auxiliary Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Volunteer at Life Center.
- Family: Son, Marty; daughter-in-law, Chasity; three grandchildren, Christian, Coby and Jessica.
• Why are you running for public office?
I want to be an advocate on the school board for the parents and students in District 2. As a School Board member elected by voters, I believe that I should represent the needs of District 2 residents.
• What makes you the best candidate for Page County School Board’s District 2 seat?
As a parent, I have faced many challenges to ensure that my son receive his public school education. I have met with and worked with teachers, principals, assistant principals and the superintendent of Prince William County Public to ensure that he complete his public school educatiopn. As a teacher, I have worked with teachers and parents to encourage and assist students in accomplishing their educational goals. I am a team player and teamwork works.
• What is the most pressing issue facing Page County Public Schools and how would you address it?
I believe the pressing challenge is the current concern regarding the possibility of closing schools due to decrease enrollment. This is a concern not only to Page County Public Schools, but also the parents and staff in Page County. The involvement of the community in addressing this concern is vital.
• What is the best thing about Page County Public Schools and how would you maintain or improve it?
Serving as a Substitute Bus Aide for Page County Public Schools has provided me with the opportunity to work with dedicated and caring staff. The staff patiently assist the students and are always concerned about the safety and wellbeing of students and other staff members. Thanking and encouraging staff individually and as a group will result in the continuation of this practice.
• Briefly describe a decision you have made in a leadership role and tell why you made that decision.
While serving in the position of Housing Services Coordinator at the Council on Domestic Violence, I met with every resident to discuss their eligibility to enter into the Housing Services Program. I worked with landlords to determine if their rental property qualified for the program and placed residents into housing. I conducted monthly meetings with the placed resident to evaluate their progress in the program and determined when they were ready to leave the program.
Early voting starts Friday, Sept. 18
For election information visit the Page County Voter Registrar.
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