Sean P. McGee is a candidate for Suffolk School Board – Whaleyville Borough. His name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
McGee is running against Jonathan E. Rankin and Thelma V. Hinton for Suffolk School Board – Whaleyville Borough.
The first day of in-person early voting at your local registrar’s office for this election is Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Click here to see who is on your ballot.
10 On Your Side reached out to all of the candidates running in this race, with a request for a bio and a list of questions to answer. If you do not see the candidate listed with a profile, we did not receive one.
Candidate Name: Sean McGee
Age: 41
Candidate Website: www.seanmcgeeforsuffolkschools.com
Biography: Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and raised in a biracial family, I learned early on to value character over race. After graduating high school in 2001, I joined the Marine Corps, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and earning a combat action ribbon.
Following my military service, I became a police officer with the Newport News Police Department, where I served as a patrol officer, narcotics detective, surveillance and intelligence detective, and SWAT team member. In 2011, I transitioned to providing personal security for U.S. diplomats in Iraq for the US State Department and completed my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Since 2013, I have worked with the U.S. Air Force, managing their civilian police department, and antiterrorism program. I currently work for Headquarters Air Combat Command overseeing 13 installation’s critical assets. In 2014, I moved to Whaleyville with my wife Heather, a Suffolk native and teacher at Lakeland High School, to raise our five children on a 15-acre farm. In my spare time, I have volunteered as a youth sports coach for the past 10 years and I am an active outdoorsman. Additionally, I take pride in being deeply involved in both my community and my church.
As the husband of a teacher and father of five Suffolk Public Schools students, I am passionate about improving public education. I am eager to bring fresh ideas and a diverse perspective to the Suffolk School Board, believing that with hard work, every student can succeed.
Why are you running for this office?
I’m running for office because I see a unique opportunity to create significant, positive changes for our children, teachers, and staff. With my background in leadership, safety, security, and program management, I am confident I can bring valuable expertise to Suffolk Public Schools. As the father of five children who are currently enrolled in elementary, middle, and high school at Suffolk Public Schools, and the husband of a dedicated teacher entering her 18th year in the classroom, I am deeply committed to fostering an environment where our students, educators, and families can thrive.
What is the top challenge facing Suffolk Public Schools, and how would you address it?
One of the most urgent issues facing our division is school safety. According to Suffolk Public Schools’ annual climate survey released in June, 37% of students and 27% of teachers and staff reported not feeling safe at school. Additionally, a serious security breach occurred at Kilby Shores Elementary on the last day of school, compromising the safety of hundreds of students and staff. Disturbingly, it took nearly 30 days for Suffolk Public Schools’ senior administration to communicate this incident to the community. These statistics and the breach are unacceptable.
With 23 years of public service experience, including my roles as a Marine Corps Combat Veteran, a former Newport News Police Officer, and my current position as the Critical Risk Manager for 13 Air Force installations with the US Air Force Air Combat Command, I am committed to enhancing school safety. Here’s how I propose to address this critical issue:
- Conduct Comprehensive Risk and Vulnerability Assessments for all Suffolk Public Schools to identify and address potential security gaps.
- Establish a Threat Working Group that will meet regularly to evaluate and respond to any identified threats or intelligence, ensuring a proactive approach to security.
- Advocate for the Assignment of At Least One Armed Police Officer to every Suffolk Public School, with the ultimate goal of having two armed officers at each school to provide a strong security presence.
My extensive background equips me to tackle these challenges effectively and ensure our schools are safe havens for learning and growth.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree with?
Even if we don’t always agree on every issue, your perspective remains valuable. I am committed to respecting every voice and ensuring that all my constituents feel comfortable bringing their concerns to me. My goal is to listen attentively and treat everyone with respect, regardless of our differences. Your input is important, and I am dedicated to fostering an open and respectful dialogue with everyone in our community.
What is your view on the Governor’s Executive Order to ban cell phone use?
We need to carefully evaluate how cell phones impact our children in the classroom, particularly concerning their learning and mental health. If evidence shows that cell phones have a detrimental effect, it’s essential to communicate these findings clearly with parents and the community. Given the alarming rise in adolescent depression and suicide rates, understanding any connection between excessive cell phone use and declines in mental health or academic performance is crucial.
However, I don’t believe that banning cell phones from school property is the solution, nor should we place additional burdens on our already overworked teachers to manage cell phone collection daily. Instead, we should focus on smart management of cell phone use during instructional periods. For instance, technologies exist that can secure phones in pouches that can be unlocked only in designated areas.
We must thoroughly research this issue and review data from other districts that have implemented similar measures. Our goal should be to make informed decisions that genuinely benefit our students and support their well-being and academic success.
