10-27-2025 1:56pm

Gabrielle Pickover Spotsylvania County School Board Lee Hill District

John L Williams Editor

1. Why are you running?

I’m running because every decision made by the School Board impacts real students, real classrooms, and real teachers every single day. As a lifelong educator, I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. I’m running to bring experience, collaboration, and common sense back to the table - putting students first and making sure our schools are places where every child can learn and every teacher can thrive.

2. What are the three issues you want to address in office?

a. Equitable Access and InclusionAs a special educator, I’ve seen the difference when students are supported and included. I want to ensure every child, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance, has access to a high-quality education and the supports they need to succeed.

b. Teacher Retention and Support We’re facing a teaching crisis. I’ll fight for competitive pay, smaller class sizes, and policies that value teachers’ voices, experience, and time.

c. Evidence-Based, Non-Partisan Decision MakingOur schools deserve leaders who focus on facts and best practices, not politics. I’ll use data, research, and real classroom experience to guide decisions that improve student outcomes.

3. What is the number 1 issue on the minds of voters in Spotsylvania County?

Based on polling and recent coverage of the region, the number one issue on the minds of voters in Spotsylvania County (and broadly across Virginia) is the cost of living and economy — including rising prices, housing affordability, and job security. Things seem more expensive, and many are living paycheck to paycheck.

4. What problems are you noticing in the county due to the Federal Government Shutdown?

The federal government shutdown is creating real strain here in Spotsylvania. Families who rely on SNAP and other supports are worried about delayed benefits, and many local residents who work for or contract with federal agencies are facing financial uncertainty. These ripple effects put added pressure on our schools and community services. It’s a reminder of why stable, responsible leadership at every level matter, and why we must work together locally to support families and keep our schools strong during times of national instability.

5. How should we improve education in County?

We can improve education by listening to the people closest to the classroom - teachers, students, and families. We need to make sure our schools are fully staffed, all staff are paid competitively, and students have access to the supports they need to learn. If we focus on collaboration instead of conflict, and use data to drive decisions, we can make Spotsylvania a place where families are proud to send their children to public school.

6. How can the County and or the State improve Mental Health Services?
As an educator, I’ve seen how unmet mental health needs affect students, families, and staff. The County and State should invest in more school-based mental health professionals, stronger collaboration with community providers, and programs that that focus on prevention, not just response. When we prioritize mental health, we build stronger schools and safer communities.

7. How can we improve funding for Special Education and English Language Learners?
As someone who’s worked in Special Education for years, I’ve seen how life-changing the right support can be. We need to prioritize funding for these programs, not treat them as extras. That means securing federal and state resources, fully funding staff positions, and ensuring every student, whether learning English or navigating a disability, has equitable access to a high-quality education.

8. What can we as a County do to create affordable housing for our Teachers, Police, Firefighters, first responders, and health care workers?

We can create affordable housing by working collaboratively with county leadership, developers, and community partners to prioritize workforce housing initiatives. Offering incentives for mixed-income developments, repurposing underused properties, and exploring public-private partnerships can help teachers, police, firefighters, and health care workers live in the communities they serve. In my first-year teaching, I chose an apartment complex who offered discounts to teachers, police, and firefighters. Affordable housing isn’t just an economic issue -it’s essential to recruiting and retaining the professionals who keep Spotsylvania strong.

9. Is there anything else the voters should know about you?

I’m not a politician. I’m a teacher, a neighbor, and an advocate who shows up for this community. I’ve spent nearly two decades working in classrooms from preschool to college, supporting students with diverse needs. When I commit to something, I give it my all, and that’s what I’ll do for the families, educators, and students of Spotsylvania County.