Saundra Davis Prioritizes Academic Excellence, Fiscal Responsibility in School Board Bid

Candidate Seeks to Restore Accountability and Student Focus in Fairfax County Public Schools

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Saundra Davis, a candidate for the Fairfax County School Board's Braddock District seat, has identified restoring academic excellence while ensuring fiscal responsibility as the top priority for voters in the upcoming special election. Davis, who is running against small business owner Tom Dannan, aims to bring balance, accountability, and a different perspective to the school board in order to make decisions that are student-focused.

Why it matters

The Fairfax County Public Schools budget of $4 billion represents more than half of the county's total budget, and taxpayers are feeling the strain. Davis pledges to insist on responsible oversight, greater transparency, and a renewed focus on directing resources to classrooms to improve measurable student outcomes.

The details

Davis is facing Tom Dannan in the March 3 special election to fill the vacant Braddock District seat on the Fairfax County School Board. The school board seat became vacant on Dec. 16 when Rachna Sizemore Heizer was sworn in as the new Braddock District supervisor. Davis has a background that includes 10 years of leadership serving vulnerable populations, including directing a secure memory-care community, and 20 years as a military spouse and mother of three. She has also previously run for the Fairfax County School Board at-large and the Virginia House of Delegates.

  • The special election to fill the vacant Braddock District seat on the Fairfax County School Board will be held on March 3, 2026.
  • The early voting period runs from February 21 to February 28, 2026.

The players

Saundra Davis

A candidate for the Fairfax County School Board's Braddock District seat, with a background that includes 10 years of leadership serving vulnerable populations and 20 years as a military spouse and mother of three.

Tom Dannan

A small business owner who is also running for the Fairfax County School Board's Braddock District seat.

Rachna Sizemore Heizer

The new Braddock District supervisor, who was elected in a special election on December 9, 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The single most pressing education related issue facing voters in the Braddock District is restoring academic excellence while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The four billion dollar Fairfax County Public Schools budget represents more than half of the county's total budget, and taxpayers are feeling the strain. I will insist on responsible oversight, greater transparency, and a renewed focus on directing resources to classrooms to improve measurable student outcomes.”

— Saundra Davis, Candidate for Fairfax County School Board, Braddock District (Patch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.