Longtime educational advocate seeks to continue the work started by his wife, Lillie

As many have declared their intentions ns to run for the Prince William County School Board positions, a new candidate has emerged, but with plans to keep it in the family.

Today, respected community advocate Mr. Richard Jessie announced his plans to run for the Occoquan School Board District seat currently occupied by his wife, Lillie. She was first elected on November 6, 2012, to fill the remaining term, after it was vacated. Afterwards, she continued to serve two consecutive terms, winning in both 2015 and 2019. They also elected her to serve as vice chairperson in 2016 & 2017, with serving as acting chair in 2018. He spoke with the PW Perspective about continuing her legacy on the school board.

“What I want to do is anything she was left that she has not completed” said Jessie, “I want to help to ensure the work is completed. One of the projects she was working on was working to get science labs in all of our schools.”

Although he looks to build on the success she’s already established, he also comes in with his own vision.”I want to carry on her tradition, because I firmly believe that all kids can learn, and at a high level.”

“The strategic plan that Dr. (LaTanya) McDade has designed,” he continued,” will narrow the achievement gap between the different groups, and I want to make sure it’s accomplished.”

Being able to help Occoquan expand its educational goals is something he seeks to fulfill. “One thing underway is the building of the first net zero energy school in Occoquan, and we want to make sure the land is . The first new high school on the Eastern end in decades is already in the Capital Improvement Plan, and we want to make sure the schools are comparable to the schools in the Western end.”

On a local level, he wants to see the schools in his district get to the next level. “I’d like to set a goal for the Occoquan schools in the top 25 percent within the county, and they meet all metrics.”

He touts his skill set, knowledge and vision as the reasons he can help the schools reach those goals. “I am 100 percent convinced I am the best candidate for the Occoquan district,” he said. “I have the background and historical knowledge. Throughout my time of speaking at the school board meetings, I’ve gotten to meet with several people, and I will counteract some of the misinformation that’s being put out there.”

As school boards have become more politicized, he says that his goal is collaboration. “I definitely want to work with the other members of the board while upholding our Democratic values and principles. One thing I will not do is compromise.”

One of the biggest challenges that the school board is facing, the rise in dangerous incidents at public schools. Mr. Jessie believes a plan is in place to ensure the students’ safety. “The number one thing is that the school board has oversight, and Dr. McDade has presented a brilliant plan to address the safety concerns. I also like the fact that they will not implement the plan without help from the school board, staff, and the community.”

“My wife has a saying, ‘We can do everything we want in education, but if the children are not safe, it’s all going downhill.’ Safety is vitally important, and we must do everything to prevent incidents from happening. She was a principal for twenty years, and she would always say, ‘parents may forgive you if their children may not read, but they’ll never forgive you for not keeping them safe.”

Going into the campaign, he plans to meet with multiple communities and get their support. “I want to earn the endorsement of the Occoquan Democratic Committee, so the sample ballots show that I’m being supported. Also, I will meet with the African-American and Hispanic population and get more involved with them and host meetings to hear their issues. In addition, I want to work with the LGBTQIA+ community and talk with them about how we can make schools more fair for them as well. My first plan is to win the endorsement.”

Mr. Jessie has a long history of service. The former decorated 5-star and Purple Heart recipient, he served three tours of Vietnam, including assisting with evacuation efforts during the Fall of Saigon in 1975. He graduated from George Washington University, and also has worked in diversity and EEO initiatives in the corporate world.