For District 1 School Board – Write In Candidate
A Lifetime of Service. A Passion for Students. A Proven Record of Success.
Hi, I’m Bette J. Schmidt, and I am seeking election to the Luray School Board District 1 as a write-in candidate because I believe every child in our community deserves access to an education that empowers them to succeed, no matter their challenges or background. My decades of experience in education and social work have taught me that with the right leadership, every school system has the potential for greatness – and so does every student.
Though I was not able to enter the race during the official filing period, I am committed to offering my experience, my values, and my voice to serve the children, families, and educators of Luray.
A Career Built on Helping Students Thrive
Every child deserves a safe, well-funded, well-staffed school where they can thrive. As your school board member, I won’t just point out the problems – I’ll roll up my sleeves and work for practical, affordable, community-driven solutions.
For over 30 years, I worked in public service as a social worker, teacher, counselor, and program developer. I spent much of my career with Arlington County Public Schools, where I helped design and operate an innovative alternative middle school program – the Pathways Program – that successfully supported students who might otherwise have been expelled. Thanks to this collaborative, individualized approach, we helped over 50 students turn their lives around, creating an inclusive, stable learning environment that still operates today.
In addition to my work in schools, I’ve served in healthcare, clinical social work, and family services, always advocating for children, families, and vulnerable communities. My experience working with children on the autism spectrum, students with learning differences, and families in crisis has given me a deep understanding of what works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to helping students succeed.