Candidate Profile: Damon K. Walker (JCC Williamsburg School Board – Stonehouse District)

Damon K. Walker is a candidate for the JCC Williamsburg School Board – Stonehouse District. His name will appear on the ballot on November 7, 2023.

Walker is running against Michael T. Hosang.

10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.

Candidate Name: Damon K. Walker

Age: 48

Race: JCC Williamsburg School Board – Stonehouse District

Candidate Website: https://www.walker4schoolboard.com

Biography: I am a parent, community volunteer and retired Army officer with over 21 years of service. I have a BS in Accounting from Virginia State University. My career has allowed me to work with a diverse group of America’s finest, men and women serving in the Armed Forces and the civilians working alongside them. I have a great deal of experience in reaching common ground among those with varying opinions by focusing on the overall goal. I have extensive experience managing budgets in excess of 4 billion dollars. As a parent I have personal interest in preserving the school system, protecting our teachers and my background in resource management can influence the fiscal health of the district.

Why are you running for this office?

My reason for running is simple. I believe in quality public education for all students, and I believe in preserving our public education system. I want to be on the School Board to be a voice and a vote that represents all students, including the economically disadvantaged, the English language learners as well as the students with disabilities.

I’ve served this country as an active-duty Army Officer for over 21 years, culminating my career as a Deputy Comptroller. Throughout that time, my military career required me to move every 2-4 years which did not allow me to plant roots in any one community for a long period of time. That all changed in 2020 when I decided to retire from the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel. My wife and I decided to build our forever home in Toano with no plans to move anytime soon. The point I’m trying to make is my entire adult life has been about serving. I’ve served my country, now it’s time to serve my community as the next School Board representative for the Stonehouse District.

What is the most important issue facing the school system and what is your position on it?

Deficits in government funding for public schools – Virginia is currently ranked 41st in state per-pupil funding (school spending), however, Virginia is among the top 10 states for income. Less funding means smaller staffs, fewer resources, and decreased services for students. Our district also relies on teachers to create their own curriculum. This creates pockets of inequity in resources, as those teachers who can afford to spend money on materials, do, while those who can’t, can’t. Teachers spend on average $750 of their own money on classroom supplies. Teachers are not being paid what they are worth, and students are suffering, particularly poor students as education has been a pathway out of poverty, but that pathway is blocked when schools are unable to offer a decent education.

What is your stance on the possible separation of the Williamsburg James City County Public Schools partnership?

As a parent of a student within the district and a spouse of a teacher within the district, I wonder how this could impact the students and staff. As a School Board Member, I am agnostic, and I will do my job no matter the decision made. I just hope that the decision will be focused on enhancing the teaching and learning experience for all students this will affect.

Towards the ending phase of my military career, I had the Army General from my last military unit tell me that he doesn’t make bad decisions. He followed up by saying his decisions are based on the information he’s provided. I say this to say, I applaud both decision-making entities for deciding to conduct a feasibility study prior to making their final decision. As district separation will affect 11,000+ students and staff, a decision such as this has to be based on fact, not feelings.

How do you feel about the politicization of public education?

I believe politicizing our public education system is an injustice to our public education system. It is divisive. Teachers love teaching and when they start being afraid that politics will change what they can teach, it hurts our public education system.

How will you still value constituents and politicians with whom you disagree?

Building relationships isn’t over once elections are over. I will continue to listen and get to know the people of our community, which is how you create an inclusive community. We aren’t meant to always agree, but everyone should be heard. My position is not about me, but how can I improve and enhance the teaching and learning experience for all students and staff in the WJCC School District.