Sharon Ruth Felton is a candidate for Virginia Beach School Board – At Large. Her name will appear on the ballot on November 5, 2024.
Felton is running against Monty Gerald Ashliman, Jr. for Virginia Beach School Board.
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.
Biography: Sharon Felton is a community advocate and a lifelong resident of Virginia Beach. A proud alumna of Virginia Beach City Public Schools and Old Dominion University, Sharon has served the community for decades, championing special education, school discipline, and equitable learning environments. She has held leadership roles in various organizations, including the Virginia Beach 5/31 Memorial Committee, the Seatack Community Civic League, the Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Virginia Beach Historic Preservation Board. Elected to the Virginia Beach School Board in 2014, Sharon served two terms, where she co-authored the VBCPS Education Equity Policy. Sharon has been married to Winfred Felton, Sr., for over 40 years, and together they have five children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Sharon’s commitment to public service matches her dedication to ensuring every child receives a quality education.
Why are you running for this office?
I am running to be reelected to serve on the Virginia Beach School Board because the school board’s makeup should reflect the diverse values of our entire
community. Having served two terms on the School Board, I have seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities within our public schools. My commitment is to ensure that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. I want to continue building equitable learning environments and advocating for policies that support every student every day.
What is the top challenge facing Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and how would you address it?
One of the most pressing issues in our division is the aging school buildings, some of which are over 70 years old and no longer conducive to a healthy, innovative learning environment. Despite these challenges, I want to applaud our dedicated faculty and staff for showing up and providing a worldclass learning experience for every student every day. I will work with my colleagues on rebuilding and modernizing our schools by partnering with local and state elected leaders to identify and designate funding. This includes exploring bonds, grants, and public-private partnerships to secure the necessary resources. By investing in new, state-of-the-art facilities, we can create environments that inspire learning and support the academic and personal growth of every student, every day. Our students deserve safe, modern spaces that reflect our commitment to their future and well-being.
How do you feel about the politicization of public education?
The politicization of public education is a concern because it can divert focus from the primary goal of providing quality education to all students. Education should be about ensuring that every child has access to learning environments that foster growth, critical thinking, and preparedness for future success. As a school board member, my focus will be on policies and practices that benefit students and educators rather than engaging in political battles that distract from our mission of serving every student, every day.
What is your view on banning certain books from school libraries?
I am a lifelong learner. My career was spent amongst the shelves of a university library, where I experienced the power of literature from around the world. It was access to books that expanded my mind far beyond the classroom of my segregated elementary school and tickled my imagination to want to explore the world. I know the transformative power of books; whether I agree with the subject matter or not, they all provide perspective and insight. Therefore, I do not support the banning of books from school libraries. I believe that access to diverse perspectives and materials is crucial in developing critical thinking skills and expanding the mind. Education should empower students to explore different viewpoints and learn about the world in its entirety. Censorship limits these opportunities and undermines the educational process. Instead, I advocate for a balanced approach where parents and educators work together to guide students in their learning journey.
Within the last year, the Kempsville High School baseball team was forced to forfeit the season due to racism allegations. How would you ensure there is not a racist culture within schools?
As a leader within the school system, I prioritize creating an environment where every student and staff member feels respected, valued, and included. While I can’t control what individuals are taught at home, I can influence the culture within our schools by advocating for comprehensive diversity and inclusion training for both students and staff that is embedded in the school curriculum and professional development programs to ensure it is not a one-time event but a continuous effort to build understanding and empathy. I would advocate for clear and transparent protocols to address incidents of racism or discrimination swiftly and effectively. It is crucial to actively celebrate diversity within our schools. This can be achieved by organizing cultural events, incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum, and recognizing and honoring the contributions of different cultures within the school community. By promoting an environment of mutual respect and understanding, we can cultivate a school culture where discrimination has no place.
How will you still value constituents with whom you disagree?
Valuing constituents with whom I disagree involves listening to their concerns, engaging in open dialogue, and finding common ground. Every voice in our community is important, and I am committed to representing all constituents with fairness and respect and focusing on our shared goal, the success and well-being of our students.
My experience engaging with various stakeholders, whether I agree with them or not, has shown me the importance of inclusivity in policymaking. By creating spaces where all voices are heard, we can develop policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the entire community, ensuring that our education system serves every student, every day.