Candidate Name: Dr. Ingrid P. Whitaker
Age: 59
Candidate Website: ingridwhitaker4schoolboard.com

Biography: Dr. Ingrid Phillips Whitaker was born in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies to the late Margaret Estelle Phillips and Colin Brathwaite. At the age of 4, she immigrated to the United States with her family and was raised on the South Side of Chicago where she completed her elementary education at William H. Ray school and high school education at Kenwood Academy. She continued her education at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology (1988). Dr. Whitaker was then awarded a minority graduate fellowship at the University of Michigan where she earned a Master’s degree in Sociology (1990), a Master of Social Work (1992), and a Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Work (1997). Dr. Whitaker began her career as a college professor at Old Dominion University in 1997. She currently serves as a tenured Associate Professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Old Dominion University where she teaches a variety of courses including, Minority Families, Minority Groups, African American Studies, and Social Welfare.

Dr. Whitaker served on the Portsmouth Public Schools School Board from 2014-2018 and was re-elected to the School Board on November 3, 2020. In this capacity, Dr. Whitaker uses her voice to advocate for the full funding of our schools, additional career and technical educational opportunities, and increasing support services for our students.

Dr. Whitaker is an active member of her church, New Bethel Baptist Church, where she serves on several ministries. She is the Co-Chair of the Christian Education Ministry, a Church School Teacher, and a member of the Stewards Ministry, and The Voices of Praise Music Ministry.

Dr. Whitaker is married to Rev. Dr. Mark M. Whitaker. Together, they have been blessed with four children: James, who recently finished law school at North Carolina Central University School of Law, Naomi, who is in her second year in the Ph.D. program in Public Health at the University of Maryland College Park, Nathaniel, who is in his first year of his Masters degree program in African American Studies at Georgia State University, and Rachel who is a sophomore at North Carolina A&T University.

Why are you running for this office?

I am running for office to continue my advocacy for the needs of our public schools.  I have consistently advocated for increases in teacher and staff pay, the expansion of Career and Technical Education, increasing mental health support services for students and staff, and the construction of new schools and the improvement of our athletic facilities. 

What is the top challenge facing Portsmouth Public Schools, and how would you address it?

While we have several challenges facing the Portsmouth public schools, a top challenge is receiving enough funding to address: teacher and staff pay raises, building new facilities, and implementing support services and programs that are needed to address the needs of students who come from under-resourced communities.  

How do you feel about the politicization of public education?

I’m not sure what this question is trying to ascertain as the politicization of public education is a very broad question/concept. 

How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?

I have always been willing to listen to and consider the views of all constituents. A diversity of views is important in understanding the needs of the community. 

What is your view on the Governor’s Executive Order to ban cell phone use?

I believe that cell phone use in the classroom is a distraction to the learning process.  As such, I agree with limiting use during instructional periods.