February 2, 2006 Press Release

Sally Baird, Schools and Civic Activist, Declares Candidacy for Arlington School Board

Arlington, VA: Sally Baird, Arlington parent and schools and civic activist, declared her candidacy for the Arlington School Board today. She is running to fill the seat currently held by Mary Hynes, who has announced that she would not be seeking reelection in November. Baird, 41, is seeking the endorsement of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.

Sally Baird currently serves as Co-Chair of the Arlington School Board’s Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee and as Vice President of the Drew Model Elementary School Association. She brings additional experience as a professional manager and as a mother of two.

“I am excited for the opportunity to serve all of Arlington’s children and families,” Baird said. “I want Arlington to put children first. As a School Board Member, I will focus on early childhood education as the most important investment our community can make. Effective and responsive education for our early learners pays off for the duration of their learning careers – up through high school and beyond. Ultimately, doing the best for each of our young learners makes the entire school system stronger.”

Arlington School Board Member Ed Fendley endorsed Baird, adding, “Sally Baird will bring a new generation of leadership to the School Board. She has a compelling vision for making our schools even better.”

“Sally Baird is passionate about educating young children,” said Taylor Elementary School parent and Arlington County Democratic Committee member Barbara Kanninen.

“Sally is enthusiastic and full of creative ideas,” said school advisory committee leader Karla Hagan. “She always brings out the best in people, whether within the PTA or as PTA liaison to her neighborhood.”

Arlington County Board Member Jay Fisette applauded Baird’s announcement, saying, “Sally Baird has a countywide perspective and a passion for service. She will be a leader in the best tradition of Arlington’s good governance.”

Senator Patsy Ticer and Delegate Adam Ebbin have also declared their support for Baird.

Sally Baird has worked for 14 years at Tax Analysts, a non-profit tax publishing company, where she is currently Vice President of Production Operations. In addition to her extensive work in Arlington schools, Baird has served on the Executive Board of the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance (AGLA), where she launched AGLA Family, a pro-family outreach group. She is an active member of the Nauck Civic Association, Family Pride, Equality Virginia, and the Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club. She serves as the Glebe Precinct Leader of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.

Sally Baird and her partner, Karen Foster, have lived in South Arlington since 1989. They are the parents of two sons, ages 5 and 2. Their oldest son attends Drew Model Elementary School.