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Peter Bixby-Eberhardt
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Peter Bixby-Eberhardt ran for election to the Fairfax County Public Schools to represent Springfield District in Virginia. He lost in the general election on November 7, 2023.
Bixby-Eberhardt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Peter Bixby-Eberhardt's career experience includes working in real estate. He has been affiliated with Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, Virginia Association of Realtors, and National Association of Realtors.[1]
Elections
2023
See also: Fairfax County Public Schools, Virginia, elections (2023)
General election
General election for Fairfax County Public Schools, Springfield District
Sandra Buck Anderson defeated Debra Anne Tisler and Peter Bixby-Eberhardt in the general election for Fairfax County Public Schools, Springfield District on November 7, 2023.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Sandra Buck Anderson (Nonpartisan)  | 53.0 | 21,508 |
 | Debra Anne Tisler (Nonpartisan) | 41.1 | 16,667 | |
 | Peter Bixby-Eberhardt (Nonpartisan) | 5.5 | 2,239 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.4 | 172 | ||
| Total votes: 40,586 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Bixby-Eberhardt in this election.
Campaign themes
2023
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Peter Bixby-Eberhardt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Bixby-Eberhardt's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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My name is Peter Bixby-Eberhardt I was born in Berlin Germany, and moved to the United States with my sister and single mother, at the age of four. I’ve lived in Fairfax County for over 28 years. I am a direct product of Fairfax County public schools having attended Orange Hunt Elementary School from kindergarten through sixth grade and later attending Lake Braddock Secondary School from seventh grade through 12th grade.
After high school, I attended Auburn University for my freshman year before coming back home to study at Northern Virginia Community College. Shortly after returning home, I went on to become a father to my amazing 11-year-old son, Caiden, at the very young age of 19.
Having a son at this age caused me to grow up very quickly and start my professional career earlier than anticipated. In my over a decade in real estate, I’ve spent the last eight years being involved with my local real estate association. I’m honored to have gone on to become the youngest-ever elected board member of the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors representing over 13,000 real estate professionals.- Improving and simplifying the IEP process
- Improving the health and food provided to our students and making it FREE
- Focusing on safety for students going to and from school as well as at school
Most of my career has been focused on public policy associated with the Real Estate industry, including providing health care coverage for the tens of thousands of uninsured Real Estate Professionals. I'm now passionate about public policy that focuses on students and how they can all have the same opportunities in our school system to learn and leave Fairfax County Public Schools prepared for the real world.
The most crucial characteristics and principles for a school board member encompass a wholehearted commitment to education and a resolute advocacy for students' welfare and academic success. Ethical leadership and an unwavering dedication to transparency underpin their decision-making, fostering community trust. A firm commitment to equity and inclusivity ensures that all students, regardless of background, have equal access to quality education. Effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities enable constructive policy development. Empathy for the challenges faced by students, teachers, and parents, along with active community engagement, anchors their representation of community interests. Adaptability and a long-term vision equip them to address evolving educational challenges and sustain the long-term success of the education system, while upholding the principles of public education. I believe I hold all of the characteristics and principles.
As a school board member, my success in this role would be driven by my unwavering passion for education, a deep sense of empathy, and strong communication skills. I am committed to promoting equity, addressing complex challenges with effective problem-solving, and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Transparency, advocacy for students, and ethical leadership are fundamental principles I uphold. Active community engagement and a commitment to doing what's right, not just what's easy, underscore my dedication to making a positive impact on our education system. I bring an open-minded approach, recognizing both local needs and the importance of preparing students for a connected world.
I would like my legacy to be one of empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need to become successful, responsible, and compassionate members of society. It's important to me that they not only excel academically but also develop a strong sense of social responsibility. I want to inspire them to see beyond personal wealth and instead, focus on making a positive impact in our local community and across the world.
My legacy should reflect a commitment to doing what's right, even when it's challenging, rather than opting for the easier path. I aspire to be remembered as someone who consistently stood up for those who are less fortunate and advocated for equality and justice. Whether it's working to improve education access for underprivileged students, supporting community development projects, or participating in global initiatives, my legacy should symbolize a dedication to making the world a better place for all, rather than pursuing self-serving goals.
My legacy should reflect a commitment to doing what's right, even when it's challenging, rather than opting for the easier path. I aspire to be remembered as someone who consistently stood up for those who are less fortunate and advocated for equality and justice. Whether it's working to improve education access for underprivileged students, supporting community development projects, or participating in global initiatives, my legacy should symbolize a dedication to making the world a better place for all, rather than pursuing self-serving goals.
The first historical event I recall was on September 11th, 2001, when I was in the fourth grade at Orange Hunt Elementary School. This was the first time I'd learned about the realities of life and that there are evil people in the world. I also remember the following day going into D.C. since my mother still had to work and seeing the flag being unfurled at the Pentagon. This symbol gave me hope and a sense of togetherness with our country through challenging times.
In my view, a school board member's primary job is to advocate for our community's education system, ensuring that it meets and exceeds the needs and expectations of students, parents, teachers, and the broader community. School board members have a multifaceted role with several key responsibilities, including accountability, advocacy, goal setting, and community engagement, to name a few. Ultimately, the primary job of a school board member is to provide the leadership and governance necessary to create an environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. They must balance the needs of the community, the expectations of parents and teachers, and the best interests of the students to ensure a high-quality education system that prepares students for success in the modern world.
My constituents include all students, parents/guardians, teachers, school staff, and community members.
As a school board member, supporting the diverse needs of a district's students, faculty, staff, and community is essential for promoting educational excellence and inclusivity. I would approach this responsibility by doing the following: I would promote Inclusivity and Equity Policies to ensure that curriculum, resources, and opportunities are accessible to all students, regardless of their background, so they leave the school system prepared for the future. I would promote Special Education and Individualized Support to ensure that students with special needs receive appropriate support and accommodations to meet their unique requirements. I would also advocate for robust special education programs and resources. Most importantly, I'd listen. I'm always open to ideas and would get creative to address concerns from my students, faculty, staff, and community.
If elected, I would spend time meeting with all the students, teachers, and parents from all the schools in my district. I would use this time to get to know them and their needs. This would allow me to go directly to the source. I'd work directly with Principals, Vice Principals, Teachers, PTA's, and Faculty to meet with them and the students and parents I represent.
I would like to see more trade opportunities provided to our students. I'd work with private companies local to our area to provide opportunities for students to learn about work they can do once they leave high school that doesn't require them to go to Colleges or Universities. This would allow students to expand their knowledge of available jobs and explore all the options.
As a school board member, my commitment to ensuring schools are properly funded would involve a multifaceted approach. I would proactively engage with the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the state of Virginia to advocate for increased funding for our schools, building strong working relationships with local and state representatives, attending budget hearings, and presenting data-backed cases for increased funding. Transparency in the school budget process would be paramount, ensuring that all financial decisions and allocations are clearly communicated to the public, thereby building trust and support for funding initiatives. Additionally, I'd actively seek out and apply for grants at the state and federal levels to secure additional funding for specific programs, projects, and initiatives within our schools. I would also champion efficiency and accountability, ensuring that existing funds are used efficiently with a focus on outcomes and student success, further enhancing the case for additional funding.
In parallel, I would focus on community engagement, actively involving the local community to garner support for school funding initiatives through town hall meetings, surveys, and public forums. Collaboration with parent-teacher associations, education advocacy groups, and other stakeholders would further strengthen the collective voice in advocating for adequate funding. When necessary, I'd work with professional lobbying organizations to represent the interests of our schools at the state level, leveraging their expertise to secure additional funding. I'd employ a data-driven approach, using evidence to demonstrate the impact of proper funding on student outcomes and how investing in education benefits the entire community. Through long-term financial planning, we would ensure that schools have a sustainable funding model in place, accounting for future growth and changes in educational needs, and I'd also foster collaboration with neighboring school
In parallel, I would focus on community engagement, actively involving the local community to garner support for school funding initiatives through town hall meetings, surveys, and public forums. Collaboration with parent-teacher associations, education advocacy groups, and other stakeholders would further strengthen the collective voice in advocating for adequate funding. When necessary, I'd work with professional lobbying organizations to represent the interests of our schools at the state level, leveraging their expertise to secure additional funding. I'd employ a data-driven approach, using evidence to demonstrate the impact of proper funding on student outcomes and how investing in education benefits the entire community. Through long-term financial planning, we would ensure that schools have a sustainable funding model in place, accounting for future growth and changes in educational needs, and I'd also foster collaboration with neighboring school
As a school board member, my policies for safety in schools are driven by a "Student, Teachers, and Parents First" approach, emphasizing preventative measures, equity and inclusivity, community involvement, mental health support, physical safety, anti-bullying initiatives, clear communication, crisis management, data-driven decision-making, and responsive leadership. These principles underpin a holistic, inclusive, and empathetic approach to school safety, with an unwavering commitment to prioritizing the well-being and safety of students, teachers, and parents while steadfastly avoiding political agendas.
As a school board member, I would champion the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff by advocating for comprehensive mental health education, increasing access to on-site mental health services, and facilitating staff training in recognizing and addressing mental health issues. I'd work on the development and implementation of clear mental health policies, comprehensive crisis response plans, and community partnerships to expand support. Additionally, I would promote peer support programs, organize awareness campaigns, involve parents, and regularly assess the effectiveness of mental health initiatives, all while prioritizing diversity and equity in mental health policies. Collaborating with local authorities, engaging mental health task forces, and maintaining open communication channels would ensure a holistic approach, creating a school environment that supports and uplifts the mental well-being of all stakeholders.
I haven't attempted to receive any political endorsements. I'm running as an independent and just looking for the endorsement of students, teachers, and parents.
Having a learning environment where students feel safe and heard from is what I would consider ideal. This would include classrooms where students aren't forgotten about because of large classrooms. I also believe a collaborative environment is critical for students to learn. Requiring students to work together allows students to learn from one another and teaches them the power of teamwork, which is critical for adulthood.
It's much easier to look back and answer this question, but even then, I felt students needed to stay connected beyond Zoom. With the low risk of COVID-19 to students, I felt in-person learning should have happened sooner or that students, teachers, and parents should have been given an option. I believe the school district did have the health and security of its students, teachers, and faculty in mind when making the difficult decisions they had to make. My hope would have been that once there was a realization that masks did little to affect transmission, they would not have required students to wear them at school.
I'd meet with parents directly through the help of our local PTA's
For recruitment, I'd start locally and then expand outside of our local area and incentivize faculty, staff, and administrative roles to consider FCPS as a place to work.
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.
See also
2023 Elections
External links
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Candidate Fairfax County Public Schools, Springfield District |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 16, 2023
