Sally Baird has been a South Arlington resident for 21 years.  She lived in Nauck for 15 years, and currently lives in the Arna Valley neighborhood with her two sons Ryan and Adam.  She is a tireless public servant, a dedicated community leader, an engaged parent and, most importantly, a proud mom.

Public Servant

Sally began her service on the Arlington School Board in January 2007 and is currently serving as Chairman.  Hard-working and deliberative, she brings a creative, rational and reasonable voice to the Board.  Sally deftly balances short-term needs and long-term objectives, while always striving to keep the lines of communication open and the dialogue moving in a positive direction.

“Sally Baird brought a new perspective—and a new generation
of leadership—to the School Board.”
- Former Arlington School Board Member Ed Fendley

During her tenure, Sally’s level-headed and even-handed approach has contributed to the Board’s many accomplishments, including:

• Selection of Arlington’s superintendent, Dr. Patrick Murphy, who has brought a new level of community dialogue and transparency to all the school system’s decisions;

• Creation of a multi-faceted, phased plan to address capacity over the next seven years, developed in close cooperation with citizens and receiving tremendous support across diverse constituencies; and

• Development and implementation of three large capital projects (Career Center, Jefferson, and Wakefield), including keeping the Wakefield design and development process moving forward—a Board decision which will save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars in construction costs.

Sally deftly balances short-term needs with long-term objectives.  Her no-nonsense, practical approach has significantly benefited the Board through transitions and obstacles.  Where once tension among and between School Board, County Board, and other community stakeholders existed, Sally has sown the seeds of communication, collaboration and cooperation.

“Sally Baird has a countywide perspective and a passion for service.
She is a leader in the best tradition of Arlington’s good governance.”
- Arlington County Board Member Jay Fisette

Community Leader

A native of Ohio, Sally attended public schools in Akron and grew up in a family dedicated to a life of public service.  She began knocking on doors at an early age for her father, a public servant and elected official for more than 40 years.  Her father’s positions in local government included city councilman, chief city prosecutor, common pleas judge, and state appellate court judge, before retiring in 2004.

“Sally is a tireless, energetic Drew Model School parent who
continuously works to ensure that the school and its
students have adequate resources for a quality education.”
-Dr. Alfred O. Taylor, Jr.

Growing up in a family where serving the public was simply a way of life, Sally brought that family spirit with her to Arlington.  She received her B.A. degree in Political Science from Kenyon College before becoming a part of the Arlington community.  Prior to her election to the School Board, Sally had already made significant contributions to our community by serving as:

• Vice President of the Drew Model School Association;
• Co-Chair of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee;
• Five-time Board member of the Arlington Gay and Lesbian Alliance (AGLA);
• Founder of AGLA Family, a pro-family outreach group;
• Active member of the Nauck Civic Association; and
• Professional Manager for a nonprofit tax publishing company.

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

Engaged Parent

Sally is not only engaged in the education of her own two young boys, but she is engaged in the education of all current and future Arlington students.  She knows firsthand that the success of each student is influenced by his or her community and, that by investing in each student, we invest in our entire community.  Children are different, they are unique individuals, and Sally is committed to providing each individual the support necessary to achieve maximum individual success.

“Sally has been a strong advocate for education and a welcoming
presence to all families at Drew Model School. As a new parent at Drew,
I  was impressed by her knowledge of the issues  and her savvy
and persistence in accomplishing what needs to be done.”
- Pam Rypkema, Drew Model School parent

Sally knows the Arlington community has a stake in the success of every Arlington student.  As an engaged parent in our community, she has dedicated herself to making the journey of education more positive for all students and parents alike.

“Sally Baird is passionate about educating young children.”
- Barbara Kanninen, Taylor Elementary School parent and ACDC member

Proud Mom

Sally has two sons, ages ten and seven.  Adam, a first grader, and Ryan, a fourth grader, both attend Drew Model School.  The family loves spending time with friends and enjoying everything about Arlington life—including biking the Arlington trails, visiting libraries, hiking in local parks, watching movies at the Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse, and playing numerous sports.

Sally thrives on being involved in kids’ lives.  She coached Adam’s basketball team last winter, volunteers with the 4th and 5th graders in the Drew garden club, and is a frequent classroom volunteer at Drew and other schools.  Sally also teaches a K-Grade 2 education class at All Souls Unitarian Church in Washington, D.C.