An Accomack County man who works as a software engineer has filed for election to the District 9 seat on the Accomack County School Board. The election is Nov. 7.
Alex Vargas, a resident of Belle Haven, said he has “a deeply rooted connection to the community and the schools that have shaped him.”
Vargas is an alumnus of Mary N. Smith Middle School and Nandua High School, where he was a member of the football, baseball, and wrestling teams.
His experiences in Accomack County schools have shaped his belief “that our local schools can and should be among the best in the state,” he said.
Vargas has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Christopher Newport University.
He said “critical thinking is a vital characteristic” in his role as senior engineer at FuboTV, where he routinely breaks down problems involving complex systems and generates solutions.
He believes “this skill is essential to tackle the myriad of issues plaguing our schools, including declining graduation rates and the consequences of COVID-19 school closures.”
Beyond his professional endeavors, Vargas said he is a devout Christian and a musician, leading musical worship at Shore Presbyterian Church in Exmore.
As the father of two young daughters, Vargas said he is “acutely aware” of the crucial role schools play in shaping the minds of future generations.
Having in mind the impressionability and innocence of young children, he “rejects hyper-sexualization and political indoctrination in the classroom.”
He emphasizes the need for leaders to champion the needs of our students.
Vargas said he envisions a school system that teaches learners to think critically and grow to become productive members of society.
He said he “dreams of a future where Accomack County schools aren’t just maintaining the status quo, but are continuously striving to be the best in Virginia.”
Vargas said the school board needs to cast “an aspiring vision for the future and set specific objectives to achieve that vision.”
He said he vows to hold the administration accountable for shortfalls, while also working to encourage and retain the best educators and administrators when they excel.
Vargas said he is committed to being a strong advocate for students and parents.
He seeks “to elevate the quality of our local education system, promising to serve with unwavering honesty, love of truth, and dedication to the community” he loves.
“I humbly ask for your support and your vote this Nov. 7.”
To contact Vargas regarding his candidacy for the Accomack County School Board representing District 9, email [email protected]
The Eastern Shore Post will print at no cost candidate announcements for county or state elections. The announcements should be no more than 450 words, are subject to editing, and may include a head-and-shoulders photograph. Free announcements will not be accepted after Oct. 1. Email announcements to [email protected].
