The Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce asked the community to submit questions to those running for seats on Pittsylvania County School Board in the 2025 election. Below are the unedited responses from each candidate.

School Board Questions and Responses

1. Why are you running for a position on the school board, and what
makes you the most qualified candidate?

Willie Fitzgerald - I am running for re-election to the Pittsylvania County School Board as the Banister District Representative to use my experience, knowledge, and leadership abilities as I work collaboratively with the other board members to educate and nurture all students to be successful and productive citizens.

I am a lifelong resident of Pittsylvania County and a US Army -Vietnam Veteran.  My wife is a retired Pittsylvania County teacher, and we have three children who were all high school honor graduates.  My entire family is rooted in the pursuit of educational excellence and student success in Pittsylvania Schools.

I think that I am the most qualified candidate because of my experience, wisdom, and commitment.   My ability to work harmoniously with my constituents on the board for three and a half years is an important asset to our continued success.

My past and current leadership and community involvement in educational, civic, and community concern groups foster positive relations and rapport.  I have served as President of the NAACP, the Pittsylvania Co. Service Authority, and other local organizations, I currently serve the Danville Pittsylvania Community Services Board.

Sonya Womack-Miranda - I’m running for the Pittsylvania County School Board because I believe our children’s education and future are too important to leave to politics or complacency. With more than 20 years of experience in education and training for elite organizations—including Johns Hopkins , the National Institutes of Health, and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia—I bring firsthand knowledge of how to build effective learning systems and education programs that prepare students for real-world success.

I’m not running for a title—I’m running to be a voice for our teachers, students, and families. I understand both the challenges teachers face in the classroom and the barriers students face outside of it. My experience in education, training, and community advocacy makes me uniquely qualified to help lead Pittsylvania County Schools into the future.

2. What do you see as the most pressing challenges facing our district, and how should the Board address them?

Willie Fitzgerald - I believe that the most pressing challenges facing our district are finding enough money to support the school board’s budget, which if fully funded, will ensure student success and provide programs to nurture the well-being of each child, as well as provide appropriate teacher and staff pay raises.  Insufficient funding leads to other challenges, such as teacher shortages and retention, and the inability to maintain the ongoing infrastructure, school safety initiatives, and extra-curricular projects.

Student behavior and discipline are also challenges for our board, and they certainly can interfere with our mission.

We can address these challenges by continuing to advocate and seek ways to get sufficient funding by maintaining a rapport and working relationship with the Board of Supervisors. The School Board can also continue to explore ways to support its initiatives through local county general fund, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Literary Fund, various federal funds, and Grant Development projects.

To nurture the well-being of each student and address student behavior and discipline, we can continue to partner and collaborate with other community agencies and programs, such as the Danville–Pittsylvania Community Services Agency and other collaborative Behavioral Health management agencies.

Sonya Womack-Miranda - One of the most pressing challenges is teacher retention and support. Our teachers are underpaid, especially compared to state and national averages. When teachers don’t feel supported, it directly impacts student achievement.

We also face challenges with Department of Education funding cuts that threaten essential programs. As a board member, I will advocate fiercely to protect classroom resources and prioritize teacher pay, training, and morale. I will also push for stronger community engagement—listening to parents, teachers, and students to make data-driven and people-centered decisions.

3. What do you believe are the schools’ greatest strengths and
weaknesses?

Willie Fitzgerald - I think that the school division’s greatest strengths are its exemplary ranking of consistently meeting or exceeding the State standards in test scores for all assessments in all categories, and the fact that it is ranked 15^th out of 132 public schools in Virginia.  I am happy to say that all 18 schools in the county (100 %) are fully accredited and focus on quality education for all students, which also accounts for the district having four (4) National Blue-Ribbon Schools.

Pittsylvania County Schools is recognized for its commitment to STEM education through initiatives like its STEM Academy, STEM Innovation Labs, and its “Graduate of Merit” program.

I feel the division’s greatest weakness is the lack of sufficient funding to fully support our budget and implement programs and projects to further meet the needs of the students as we strive for excellence in education and make this system “a great place to learn and work.”

Sonya Womack-Miranda – Our greatest strength is our community—we have dedicated teachers, passionate parents, and students full of potential. Pittsylvania County has a strong tradition of resilience and pride in its schools.

However, one weakness is a lack of communication and collaboration between the board, educators, and the community. Too often, decisions are made without the voices of those most affected. Another weakness is our lag in technology integration and innovation, which leaves our students behind in preparing for the next generation of jobs.

As a board member, I’ll work to bridge those gaps through transparency, open dialogue, and modernized educational strategies.

4. The mission of the school system is to educate and nurture students to be successful and productive citizens.  How would you ensure all students receive the support they need to carry out this
mission?

Willie Fitzgerald – In order to ensure that all students receive the support they need to carry out the mission of the Pittsylvania County School System which is to educate and nurture students to be successful and productive citizens, I would do my part on the school board by being committed to my duties, reliable, and willing to work as a team to ensure student success.  I would continue to be an advocate for the students, teachers, staff and administrators in the district.  I would also be a strong supporter and advocate for an increase in student involvement in the STEM program, as well as the Dual Enrollment and Graduate of Merit Programs to enhance student success and opportunities.  Finally, I would help initiate strategies for teacher recruitment and retention, especially as it relates to qualifications and ethnic representation.

Sonya Womack-Miranda – Every student deserves to be seen, supported, and set up for success—no matter their ZIP code, background, or learning style. I will advocate for stronger student support services, including safety, mentoring programs, and career guidance.

I’ll also promote teacher training and mentorship programs so educators have the tools to reach every student effectively. Ensuring equity and inclusivity in every classroom will be at the center of my work on the board.

5. What is your philosophy on the role of technology and digital resources in education?

Willie Fitzgerald - My philosophy on the role of technology and digital resources in education is that technology in education, especially in today’s high-tech world, is an asset to education in that it can help provide access to resources, provide personalized instruction, improve engagement, and skill development opportunities.  It can also help foster enhanced learning experiences; however, I do feel that it takes monitoring and face-to-face teacher interaction with the student to make sure it is managed properly, or the results could lead to the student’s problem-solving or thinking skills development deficiency,  based on too much reliance on technology and digital devices to rapidly supply the answers.

I feel that digital resources can be great if all students have opportunities to have the same resources; however, if there are some that do not have access, then it could very well widen the gap between technology and digital literacy between students, which could lead to inequalities.

In Pittsylvania County, the students are diverse due to their socio-economic backgrounds and in some areas rural internet accessibility is insufficient; without consideration of this, all students may not be able to benefit equally, therefore alternatives and allowances should be in place to provide equal learning opportunities for all.

Sonya Womack-Miranda – Technology is no longer optional—it’s essential. I believe in integrating AI and digital literacy programs across grade levels to prepare our students for the modern workforce.

We must equip both teachers and students with the skills to use technology effectively and safely. My goal is to ensure our classrooms are not only equipped with devices but that teachers are supported in using them to enhance instruction, not replace it.

6. How will you work to provide a well-rounded education for every student with access to college and career programs?  

Willie Fitzgerald -  I will advocate for the students and their parents or guardians to make sure they take advantage of the opportunities available and accessible to them by talking to them in person as I make myself visible by visiting their schools and interacting with them during school and community functions.  I will encourage the students to talk to their guidance counselors about STEM and DUAL Enrollment programs offered through our system and Danville Community College.  I will use my supporters throughout the county in churches, organizations, and businesses to reinforce the importance of the students taking advantage of opportunities to prepare themselves for successful life careers.

Sonya Womack-Miranda - A well-rounded education means preparing students for college, trades, and technology-driven careers alike. I’ll advocate for stronger partnerships with local businesses, community colleges, and trade programs to expand opportunities for our students.

We must invest equally in STEM, arts, and career and technical education (CTE) programs. Whether a student dreams of going to college or entering a skilled trade, they should graduate ready to thrive.

My mission is to ensure Pittsylvania County Schools prepare every child not just to pass a test—but to build a future.