Technology must be a tool for learning, not a distraction from it. As the parent of a 2nd grader, Kathleen believes our youngest students should master the fundamentals of reading, writing, and math before technology is widely introduced, and then only where it adds educational value.

After listening to parents, hearing from District 10 families, and reviewing the research, Kathleen helped lead the effort to remove Chromebooks from Pre-K through first-grade classrooms. Reducing Chromebook use received overwhelming support in a survey of K–2 parents.

Kathleen recognizes that technology will be part of our students’ lives but believes it should be used where it makes learning more effective or efficient, not simply because a device is available.

Kathleen Brown knows there is more than one path to success. Before earning her business degree from Liberty University, she built a successful career as a figure skating coach—proof that success doesn't always follow a traditional path. That experience shaped her belief that schools should prepare students for whatever path is right for them.

During Kathleen's tenure on the School Board, Virginia Beach has expanded career and technical education to 132 industry credential options, with students earning more than 14,500 industry certifications last year. She has supported the expansion of programs in skilled trades, healthcare, public safety, aviation, media production, renewable energy, and emerging technologies, helping prepare students for successful careers.

Looking ahead, Kathleen wants to work with neighboring school divisions to create regional workforce partnerships that build on each district’s strengths, expand opportunities, and provide students access to even more specialized career and technical education programs.

Kathleen Brown believes providing students with a top-notch education and being responsible with taxpayer dollars go hand in hand. During her term, Kathleen supported more than $100 million in school construction savings and $22 million in administrative reductions while overseeing a $1.2 billion budget. Kathleen believes in making the most of existing resources while protecting taxpayers from additional burdens. As Chair, she negotiated an extension of the revenue-sharing formula with City Council, providing predictable funding for our schools. Kathleen will continue maximizing every education dollar while maintaining high-quality schools.

Kathleen has supported historic teacher pay increases, raising average teacher compensation nearly 26% and ensuring experienced teachers are fairly compensated for their years of service. She has also supported significant pay increases for essential support staff but believes there is more work to do. Her next focus is addressing pay disparities for essential staff, including custodians, food service workers, bus driver assistants, and teacher assistants. Kathleen will continue supporting strong teacher compensation while making fair pay for essential support staff a top priority.

Earlier this year, the School Board learned that the Building Utilization Committee planned to investigate the potential closure of Holland Elementary. Before any School Board vote, Holland staff reported being told their school would likely close in the summer of 2027.

Kathleen believes school closures and shifting attendance boundaries in District 10 should be a last resort because closures create a domino effect, forcing attendance boundary changes that ripple across surrounding neighborhoods. Redrawing school zones doesn’t just move students on a map; it can divide neighborhoods and separate students from the teachers, classmates, and school communities where they thrive. School closures also do not always produce savings, particularly when the impact on neighborhoods and property values is considered.