Antonia Saunders

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Antonia Saunders

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Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 7, 2023

Education

Associate

Bryant & Stratton College, 2018

Bachelor's

Bryant & Stratton College, 2018

Graduate

Strayer University, 2022

Personal

Birthplace

Richmond, Va.

Profession

Advocacy

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Antonia Saunders ran for election to the Chesterfield County Public Schools to represent Bermuda District in Virginia. She lost in the general election on November 7, 2023.

Saunders completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Antonia Saunders was born in Richmond, Virginia. Saunders earned an associate degree and a bachelor's degree from Bryant & Stratton College in 2018 and a graduate degree from Strayer University in 2022. Her career experience includes working in advocacy and as a business owner and mental health professional. Saunders has been affiliated with Autism Speaks, Bryant & Stratton College, and the Education Advisory Board.

Elections

2023

See also: Chesterfield County Public Schools, Virginia, elections (2023)

General election

General election for Chesterfield County Public Schools, Bermuda District

Incumbent Ann Crawley Coker defeated Antonia Saunders in the general election for Chesterfield County Public Schools, Bermuda District on November 7, 2023.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ann Crawley Coker (Nonpartisan)	54.4	11,045
	Submit photo	Antonia Saunders (Nonpartisan)	45.1	9,159
		Other/Write-in votes	0.5	98

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 20,302
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Saunders received the following endorsements.

• Chesterfield County, Va., Democratic Party
• Everytown for Gun Safety
• Red Wine and Blue

Pledges

Saunders signed the following pledges.

• Everytown for Gun Safety

Campaign themes

2023

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Antonia Saunders completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Saunders' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have been a resident of Chesterfield County for over 15 years. As a mother of five children, all of whom attended Chesterfield County Public Schools, I know all too well the challenges that impact our children. I have a thorough understanding of the functionality of the school system at each level: elementary, middle and high school. I am an autism and special education advocate, with a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by children with special needs and how impactful of a role, the schools and community play in their development In addition, I am also a mental health professional with over 18 years of providing facility- and home- based care to vulnerable children that reside within our community. With dedication and commitment, I will aid in the continuous growth within the Chesterfield County community. I will work to propel our children into a bright and promising future.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I will work to increase parent involvement, by bridging the gap between community and schools, through transparency and open communication.
• I will work to increase school safety by working together with community partners to recongnize the early stages of crisis.
• I will advocate an equal opportunity for all education, in the pursuit of higher learning for our students. .

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about our special needs community. Parents need to know they have choices when it comes to their childrens education and services. Also, ensuring our schools remain fully funded to invest in highly qualified teachers as well as support staff. I will not only advocate for students with disabilities but all the student's in Chesterfield County schools.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity and accountability.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To perform the duties in which we are sworn in to do when elected to office.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I gave back to the community in which I served.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

As a school board member, the primary job is to establish policies to increase direct services to our students. Also, directing policies that support our teachers and staff. In addition, transparency and open communication with parents and the community.

Who are your constituents?

My constituents are the students, parents, teachers, and administrative staff.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Supporting our students and providing a safe place within the classroom. Also, providing equitable and individually requested (not forced) training opportunities for the teachers, faculty and staff.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

I will build relationships with members of the broader community through transparency and open communication. Specifically targeting student advocacy groups as well as mental health organizations.

What strategies or plans would you advance to ensure the schools are properly funded?

Working with the Board of Supervisors, utilizing data, as well as input from teachers, faculty and staff to ensure our schools have the resources they need.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

The principal that all students will have a safe learning environment, teachers to teach and staff, to perform duties in which they were employed.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

Working to bring community partners into to school to recongnize early stages of crisis (I.e. mental health professionals).

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Senator Ghazala Hashmi, Member of the Virginia Senate, 10th District Representative

Describe your ideal learning environment for students.

Reduced teacher to student ratio and added support services where needed. Allowing unencumbered time for teachers to plan leasons to ensure the students have effective lessons for each day. This includes but not limited to funding resources within the classroom for supplies.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

Increased parent involvement in the classroom through transparency and open communication.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

Fully funding our schools to invest in high quality educators and support staff.

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.

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Chesterfield County Public Schools, Bermuda District

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