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Kevin Starlings
Kevin Starlings ran for election to the Richmond City Public Schools to represent District 3 in Virginia. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Starlings completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Kevin Starlings was born in Richmond, Virginia. He served in the U.S. Army. He graduated from John Marshall High School. He attended Reynolds Community College, Regent University, and Virginia Union University. Starlings' work experience includes serving as the president and CEO of a multi-service company in Richmond and founding and serving as chairman of the nonprofit Operation Make a Difference Foundation. He has been a member of the American Rental Association, the NAACP, and the National Eagle Scout Association.[1][2]
Elections
2024
See also: Richmond City Public Schools, Virginia, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Richmond City Public Schools, District 3
Ali Faruk defeated Kevin Starlings and Charlene Riley in the general election for Richmond City Public Schools, District 3 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Ali Faruk (Nonpartisan) | 57.5 | 6,780 | |
 | Kevin Starlings (Nonpartisan)  | 21.8 | 2,571 | |
| Charlene Riley (Nonpartisan) | 19.9 | 2,342 | ||
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.9 | 102 | ||
| Total votes: 11,795 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Starlings in this election.
2017
- See also: Richmond Public Schools elections (2017)
One of the nine seats on the Richmond Public Schools school board in Virginia was up for special election to a three-year term on November 7, 2017. Kenya Gibson defeated appointed incumbent Cindy Menz-Erb and candidates Dorian Daniels, Joann Henry, and Kevin Starlings.[3][4] The special election was called due to a vacancy to the District 3 seat on the board.[5][6][7] Lathaniel Kirts initially filed to run in the election as well, but he withdrew from the race.[8]
Results
| Richmond Public Schools, District 3 Special Election, 3-year term, 2017 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
 Kenya Gibson |
44.89% | 3,287 |
| Cindy Menz-Erb Incumbent | 27.03% | 1,979 |
| Joann Henry | 20.24% | 1,482 |
| Kevin Starlings | 4.62% | 338 |
| Dorian Daniels | 2.95% | 216 |
| Write-in votes | 0.27% | 20 |
| Total Votes | 7,322 | |
| Source: Virginia Department of Elections, "Richmond City: 2017 November General," accessed November 21, 2017 | ||
Funding
Starlings reported $8,575.00 in contributions and $2,713.68 in expenditures to the Virginia Department of Elections, which left his campaign with $5,861.32 on hand in the election.[9]
2016
- See also: Richmond Public Schools elections (2016)
A total of 22 candidates ran for the nine seats that were up for election, including incumbents J.E. Dawson Boyer (District 1), Jeff Bourne (District 3), Mamie Taylor (District 5), and Shonda Harris-Muhammed (District 6). District 9 incumbent Tichi Pinkney Eppes filed to run in the election but was seven signatures short of qualifying for candidacy.
In District 1, Boyer lost his bid for re-election to Elizabeth Doerr. In District 2, James Scott Barlow defeated Mariah White. Bourne was the only incumbent to win re-election by defeating challengers Jesse Perry and Kevin Starlings in District 3. Newcomer Jonathan Young overtook Barrett Hardiman, Irvine Reaves, and Sean Smith for the open District 4 seat. Taylor lost her seat to Patrick Sapini in District 5. Felicia Dionne Cosby defeated Harris-Muhammed for the District 6 seat. In District 7, Nadine Marsh-Carter defeated Kirsten Gray and Rick Tatnall. Dawn Page won the District 8 seat by defeating Tia Redd and Christopher Woody. Newcomer Linda Owen ran unopposed and won the District 9 seat after Pinkney Eppes was disqualified from the race.[10]
Results
| Richmond Public Schools, District 3 General Election, 4-year term, 2016 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Jeff Bourne Incumbent |
62.52% | 6,401 |
| Kevin Starlings | 20.28% | 2,076 |
| Jesse Perry | 16.52% | 1,691 |
| Write-in votes | 0.69% | 71 |
| Total Votes | 10,239 | |
| Source: Virginia Department of Elections, "2016 November General Official Results," accessed November 30, 2016 | ||
Funding
Starlings reported $2,839.44 in contributions and $2,839.44 in expenditures to the Virginia Department of Elections, which left his campaign with $5,202.14 on hand as of October 17, 2016.[11]
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kevin Starlings completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Starlings' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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35 year resident of the 3rd District Proud graduate of The John Marshall High School Chair of Richmond City School Health Advisory Board Community Advisory Board - Hydrate RPS/VCU Center on Health Disparities Member of Community Action Network at Peter Paul Member of the National Eagle Scout Association RPS volunteer for over 18 years Past President of The Providence Park Civic Association
Career: Community Development & Youth Engagement Construction/Facilities Management Family Entertainment/Event Planning Choral & Band Instructor
Non-Profit Management- My vision for RPS is centered on authentic learning, college and workforce readiness, and community engagement. I believe that by focusing on these areas, RPS can better prepare students for the future and create a more equitable and sustainable system. But it starts with creating an environment where everyone—students, teachers, staff, and families—feels included, welcomed, safe, supported, and engaged. This sense of belonging is crucial for fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and academic achievement.
- My RPS priorities are: FACILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE: Modern, accessible buildings and cutting-edge technology. HEALTH & WELLNESS: Supporting the mental and physical health of staff and students promotes a thriving community. SPEDS: I'll prioritize inclusion, individualized supports, and accessible resources, ensuring they have a voice and parents. COLLEGE & WORKFORCE READINESS: Fostering the skills needed for higher education and careers prepares students for future success. AUTHENTIC LEARNING: Engaging students in real-world issues through relevant learning builds active, informed citizenship. ENGAGEMENT: Building strong partnerships with the community supports student growth and helps shape well-rounded graduates.
- I aim to be an impactful and intentional leader, focusing on good governance. I understand that great school board members are crucial to a district's success. They set the vision, make key decisions, and hold the district accountable and not micromanage. I will prioritize ACCOUNTABILITY, ensuring the district's actions align with its mission. I will promote TRANSPARENCY, keeping the community informed about decisions and processes. I will be FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE, making budget choices that maximize resources for student learning and teacher impact. I will advocate for STUDENT-CENTERED POLICIES, always considering the impact on students. I will work COLLABORATIVELY, building consensus and avoiding divisiveness.
Healthcare: Making affordable healthcare accessible to everyone, including those with pre-existing conditions.
Affordable Housing: Implementing policies to make safe, affordable housing available to low-income families.
Climate Change: Taking action to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy.
Labor Rights/Unionizing: Strengthening workers' rights to organize, and bargain collectively.
Criminal Justice Reform: Ending mass incarceration, addressing racial bias, and promoting rehabilitation.
Notably, he was the first African American elected official in the Varina District's history and only the second African-American supervisor in Henrico County. His work has been truly impactful, from his tenure on the school board to his current role on the Board of Supervisors.
He serves as the pastor of the historic Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Richmond, where he has demonstrated strong spiritual leadership. Rev. Nelson's community-minded approach and commitment to equity have made a real difference in the lives of Henrico residents.
Campbell discusses how segregated education in Richmond produced "a fertile opportunity for the teaching of fantasy history to Virginia's segregated white students". This not only deprived white students of a full understanding of their city's history but also meant that Black students were often taught a distorted, demeaning version of their own heritage. This highlights the importance of teaching accurate, inclusive history that acknowledges the experiences and contributions of Black people.
Campbell also notes that "public education remains the screen upon which the unresolved racial issues of the metropolitan city's history were projected". This underscores how the challenges of Richmond's history, including the legacy of segregation and racism, continue to impact its schools and the need for education to address these issues head-on to create equitable learning environments for Black students.
This inspires me to work towards an education system that confronts the truth of our history, promotes healing, and equips all students, especially Black students, to succeed. From this, we can create schools that are just, equitable, and truly supportive of every child, regardless of race.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for their actions, admitting mistakes, and making amends when necessary.
Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of constituents, particularly those from different backgrounds.
Strong Communication: Clearly articulating their vision, listening actively to others, and explaining decisions.
Collaboration: Working across party lines and with diverse groups to find common ground and solutions.
Visionary Leadership: Having a clear, positive vision for the future and working to implement it.
Fiscal Responsibility: Making wise, economical decisions with public funds, avoiding waste and corruption.
Commitment to Public Service: Prioritizing the needs of the community, putting the greater good above personal interests.
Knowledge of the Issues: Understanding the key challenges facing the community and having informed positions.
I believe in transparency, accountability, and always doing what's right. I'm a collaborative leader, knowing that progress requires partnerships and empowering others. And I'm resilient, ready to tackle tough challenges and stay focused on the needs of those I serve. By combining passion, strong values, and collaborative leadership, I can be an officeholder who truly makes a difference.
Policy Governance: Creating and refining policies that guide district operations and ensure equity.
Oversight and Accountability: Monitoring progress towards goals, finances, and superintendent performance.
Fiscal Responsibility: Approving the budget, ensuring resources are allocated to support student learning.
Community Engagement: Listening to stakeholders, building partnerships, and communicating transparently.
Advocacy: Advocating for policies and funding that benefit the district at the local, state, and national level.
Collaborative Leadership: Working collaboratively with other board members, the superintendent, staff, and the community.
Continuous Learning: Staying informed about best practices in education, attending training, and seeking feedback.
I aspire to inspire a new generation of diverse leaders to step up and serve. Most importantly, I want the communities I serve to feel truly heard, valued, and empowered by my work. By leaving a legacy of positive impact and lasting progress, I can help create a better future for all.
She contends that the broad and humanistic goals of education ought not be reduced to scores on multiple-choice tests of basic skills. This narrowing of education's purpose could be particularly harmful for Black students, who may already face challenges in having their full range of educational needs and aspirations acknowledged and supported.
Ravitch also asserts that the more they push these policies, the more they will harm our nation's school system and undermine the quality of education. This suggests that Black students, like all students, would be adversely affected by a declining public education system.
He shared his inspiration behind the song, highlighting the need to encourage people amidst current societal challenges. He specifically mentioned attacks on democracy, women’s healthcare, and voting rights, emphasizing the importance of faith in navigating through these difficult periods. Dillard’s music aims to uplift spirits and provide solace to those facing adversity.
There were times of exhaustion, financial stress, and the weight of having no one to share the burden. Yet, through the struggles, I learned resilience, adaptability, and the power of community.
Students: First and foremost, I'm here to support the education and well-being of all students. I need to consider how decisions will impact their learning experiences and opportunities.
Families: Parents, guardians, and caregivers play a vital role in students' lives. I need to listen to their concerns, engage them in the educational process, and ensure they feel welcome and valued.
Staff: Teachers, administrators, and support staff are essential for student success. I need to support their professional growth, well-being, and ability to do their jobs effectively.
Community Members: Everyone in the district, even those without kids in schools, has a stake in education. Strong schools benefit the whole community, so I need to engage with local organizations, businesses, and residents to build partnerships.
For faculty and staff, it's about providing professional development on cultural competence, bias awareness, and differentiated instruction. We should also foster a workplace climate of respect and inclusion.
With the community, I'd engage in extensive outreach, listening to concerns and ideas from diverse stakeholders. Partnerships with community organizations can help meet the unique needs of different student populations.
Partnering with local organizations is key - that includes PTAs, community centers, places of worship, businesses, and civic groups. I'd work closely with these groups to understand their needs and how schools can support the wider community. Out-of-school time partners, like after-school program providers and youth organizations, are also crucial for supporting student learning and well-being.
I'd engage with local businesses to explore partnerships that benefit students, like mentorship programs and job training opportunities. And I'd build relationships with faith communities, recognizing their important role in supporting families. Specifically, I'd target organizations serving diverse populations, like immigrant advocacy groups, disability rights organizations, and those focused on equity issues.
They use a variety of effective instructional strategies, making learning relevant and meaningful. Assessment is ongoing and used to inform teaching, not just label students. Good teachers reflect on their practice, always seeking ways to improve.
They collaborate with colleagues, sharing ideas and best practices. To measure good teaching, we need to look at multiple factors - student growth, classroom observations, teacher self-assessment, and feedback from students and peers.
At the same time, we need to ensure a strong foundation in literacy, grounded in the science of reading. This means evidence-based instruction, professional development for teachers, and targeted support for students struggling with reading.
The fine arts and music are also essential for a well-rounded education. I'd support expanding these programs to incorporate digital learning, like graphic design, music production, and digital instrumentation. This blends creativity with technical skills, opening up new avenues for student expression and career paths.
In Virginia, we need to reform our current Local Composite Index (LCI) funding formula, which can be unfair and limit the ability of some divisions to raise needed funds. I'd support changes to the LCI that promote more equity and flexibility. I'd also back the legislation recommended by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) that aims to increase K-12 funding across the state.At the local level, I'd support levies and bonds that provide additional resources for our schools, while ensuring transparency about how these funds are used. We should also seek out grants, partnerships, and donations that can support specific initiatives and programs.
Early intervention is also key, identifying students struggling and providing help before issues escalate. We need clear policies and protocols for addressing misconduct and threats, with consequences that are fair and focused on rehabilitation.
School facilities should be secure, with appropriate access controls and emergency response plans. But safety is not just about physical security, it's about ensuring all students feel safe from harassment, bullying, and discrimination.
Staff training is important so educators can identify signs of struggle and respond appropriately. For faculty and staff, we should offer employee assistance programs, including mental health days and access to counseling.
As for new policies, I'd like to see a formal policy on supporting transgender and non-binary students, ensuring they can fully participate and be themselves at school.
I'd also advocate for 30-45 minute uninterrupted lunches for teachers, recognizing they need breaks to recharge. Safe routes to schools are essential, so I'd support policies and partnerships to improve student safety walking or biking to school.
With the rise of technology, we need a stronger policy on protecting student data privacy. And in terms of staffing, I believe all nutrition service employees in cafeterias should be on contract for stability and benefits.
Students are engaged and motivated, with learning made relevant and meaningful. Technology is used to enhance teaching and provide opportunities for creativity and critical thinking. Feedback is constructive, helping students grow and understand their progress.
Teachers are knowledgeable, caring, and skilled at meeting different learning needs. Families are welcomed as partners, and the community is seen as a resource. Most importantly, students are developing a love of learning and the skills to succeed in whatever path they choose.
However, the shift to online learning highlighted inequities in access to technology and internet. In the future, I'd prioritize ensuring all students have the devices and connectivity they need to learn from home.
I'd also focus more on the social-emotional well-being of students, providing additional supports during the crisis. Clear, consistent communication with families was crucial, and there were times this could have been improved.
Clear, timely updates about district news and initiatives would be important, using multiple channels to reach all families. I'd support parent-teacher organizations and volunteer opportunities, recognizing parents as partners in schools.
I'd also provide resources and workshops to help parents support their children's learning at home. Crucially, I'd work to empower parents as leaders, providing training and pathways for those interested in taking on more formal leadership roles, like advisory committees or advocacy groups.
Diverse recruitment pools are key, so we should use a variety of strategies - social media, job fairs, partnerships with universities and professional organizations. Current staff can be our best ambassadors, so employee referrals should be encouraged. A smooth, respectful hiring process with clear expectations is also important.
But equally crucial is hiring and promoting from within. By developing and advancing our current staff, we retain talent, demonstrate career pathways, and benefit from their existing knowledge of our district. Leadership development programs can identify and support future leaders. When external hiring is needed, prioritizing candidates with a track record of success in similar settings is important.
Government Accountability: Holding government officials and agencies accountable is essential for maintaining trust in institutions. When there are clear mechanisms for oversight, investigation, and consequence for misconduct or mismanagement, it helps prevent abuses of power. Accountability promotes ethical behavior, competence, and responsiveness to the public interest.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2017
Starlings highlighted the following issues on his campaign website:
| “ | Why I’m Running
My heart goes out to our kids, I’ve witnessed inequality for black students in education and I’m truly frustrated. The status quo is decades of neglect as we as a community can no longer afford to look the other way, our communities are suffering. The 3rd District has been divided for years and I want what’s best for all our children and that’s us coming together as one, to continue the fight while embracing the innovation necessary to equip all students for college and careers. These are vital to ensuring the success of our schools and strength of our communities. I feel that I’m more qualified than the other candidates, for a number of reasons. I empathize with our students, teachers and parents because I was born and raised here. Being a student and then volunteering with RPS for over 13 years, I’ve seen a lot happen when politics dictate what goes on in our schools and it’s just not right. I know that we can do so much more because I am that passionate, transparent, empathetic and true representation that we need. I understand that preparing our children to return our tax/ time investment to our community is important, even if they choose not to attend college, they can still be successful with the proper educational track. This isn’t new to me, I visit our schools frequently and I’m in the communities and not just at election time. I’ve been advocating for our students for years as a resident. Now, is the time for me to be on a different platform to create a climate that’s welcoming, safe and conducive to teaching and learning. Understanding that we must offer Not just equal but equitable solutions that ensures educational excellence and a school district that we can all be proud of. I am that voice of reason and will be able to bridge those gaps between the educational haves and have-nots. It’s not going to be an easy task but I’m committed to fighting for what’s right and for the best interest of ALL our children regardless of race, status or zip code.[12] |
” |
| —Kevin Starlings (2017)[13] | ||
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Richmond City Public Schools, District 3 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 27, 2024
- ↑ Starlings 4 Richmond Kids, "Biography," accessed October 27, 2016
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Richmond City: 2017 November General," accessed November 8, 2017
- ↑ Richmond Free Press, "Cindy Menz-Erb chosen for School Board 3rd District seat," March 24, 2017
- ↑ City of Richmond Voter Registration and Elections, "Order for Special Election," accessed June 14, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Candidacy Requirements for the November 7, 2017 Special Election: Richmond City School Board Member, 3rd District," accessed June 14, 2017
- ↑ Abbey Smith, “Email communication with J. Kirk Showalter, City of Richmond General Registrar" June 20, 2017
- ↑ Brookland Park Post, "Lathaniel Kirts Withdraws from 3rd District School Board Race," August 26, 2017
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Campaign Finance Reports: Search Committees," accessed January 17, 2018
- ↑ Richmond Times-Dispatch, "58 file to run for Richmond City Council, School Board," June 15, 2016
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Campaign Finance Reports," accessed October 18, 2016
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Kevin Starlings for School Board, "My Priorities," accessed October 19, 2017
