Mike Sipe

One priority is academic excellence and rigor.

We need to make sure our students are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the core subjects.

The SOL’s for those core subjects will probably be increased in the near future.

We will have to make sure we increase our own standards to make sure our students graduate with a high level of essential skills for both higher education and career challenges.

Another priority is character development and citizenship.

The values of respect, integrity, and responsibility need to be taught.

The idea of developing good character should be focused on at all times.

This is a must for personal success as well as contributing positively to society.

A third priority is preparing our students for career readiness and workforce skills.

Preparing for college remains important, but the workforce has evolved and many students may not look to go the college route.

We need to always promote and improve our CTE programs.

Another top priority is mental health and social emotional support for our students.

We must always supply support systems for students with increasing challenges around mental health.

Such programs as counseling services, mental health education, and promoting emotional well-being

We need to make sure that there is always clear and consistent communication between the school board, parents, and community members.

Our monthly meetings are an opportunity for these groups to express their concerns.

Also, sending surveys to gather information on key decisions is important as well.

Another component could be having advisory committees with parent and community representation. This would ensure that a wide and diverse range of perspectives would be included.

And, having parent and teacher collaboration that promotes a cooperative relationship rather than a confrontational one.

An example would be a parent-teacher meeting when requested or needed

I worked in public education in Clarke County as well as Loudoun County.

I began my career in Clarke County in December of 1988.

I was a substitute teacher, a coach in many sports, a full time teacher, and even served a short stint as the athletic director. In 1997 I started teaching in Loudoun County.

I was a teacher and coached until 2000.

Starting in 2000 I became an assistant athletic director then in 2004 I became the athletic director and served in that role until I retired in 2022.

Thirty-four years of teaching, coaching, and administrating.

I am confident, based on my experience, that I have the knowledge and expertise to address any concerns that may arise.

I have experienced a myriad of educational issues/concerns/topics such as: discipline, curriculum development, budgets, building projects, etc.

My connection with Clarke County and its school system is mentioned above. However, it goes deeper than that, I graduated from Clarke County High School in 1984.

I spent every grade in Clarke County public schools. I have lived in Clarke County my entire life. My two step-daughters and my son all went through Clarke County’s school system. I have a long history and knowledge of this school system.