Here’s what people are saying about Abby...

"Abby Raphael really has a strong understanding of the budget going in,  probably more so than other elected officials...I see her very engaged in seeking the community’s inputs",

David Hunn, former Chair of the Budget Advisory Council for Arlington Public Schools

"Abby Raphael represents all the good progressive qualities that make Arlington a great place to live work and raise children for every family." 

Charley Conrad, President, Virginia Partisans

"Abby will make a wonderful member of the Arlington School Board. She possesses all the qualities to excel in that job: empathy for students and parents, a keen analytical mind, an understanding of the relationships among school issues and other issues facing our community, and the ability to mobilize coalitions to get things done."

Peter Rousselot, Chair of the Arlington County Democratic Committee

"Abby has a keen intellect, listens to what others have to say and I believe she has a good understanding of what is needed to lead our community" 

Libby Garvey, Member, Arlington School Board

"Abby Raphael will be an outstanding addition to the Board. Her energy and new ideas will help kids across Arlington, and strengthen our partnership with neighborhood residents" 

Ed Fendley, Vice Chair of the School Board

"My choice is Abby Raphael for new leadership.  Abby will bring energy and critical thinking, together with a collaborative way of working, to the Arlington School Board."

Sally Baird, Member, Arlington School Board

"Abby is a thoughtful, dedicated parent leader with an impressive understanding of Arlington Schools. I’ve watched Abby use her skills and collaborative approach to take on complex issues that are important for our kids’ future and help build our community" 

Mary Hynes, Former Chair, Arlington School Board

"Abby brings enormous energy and a fresh perspective to Arlington Schools. She will be a good manager. Working with her on the Budget Advisory Council, I saw firsthand how she does her homework. She comes prepared with good questions and thoughtful proposals"

John Snyder, President of the Douglas Park Civic Association

“Abby has proven to be a valuable member of the Budget Advisory Council. She is meticulous in her research and skilled at balancing the needs of school programs. She has proven to be a valuable member of the Council through her ability to provide well-researched viewpoints and to negotiate her way through budget questions”

James Lander, Wakefield Parent and member of Budget Advisory Council

"As leaders of civic associations, PTA’s and other organizations in our South Arlington neighborhoods and schools, we support a county-wide approach to both the opportunities and challenges facing Arlington Public Schools. We believe that Abby will bring energy, insight, experience, and fairness to our shared efforts to make Arlington Public Schools even stronger" 

Civic and School Leaders from South Arlington, including
leaders of several civic associations and Friends of South Arlington (FOSA) 

“Abby’s leadership at both the school level and Arlington-wide is unmatched. She understands and brings valuable insight to all levels of the school community. She will do great things for Arlington Public Schools”  

Kristine Wood, Key Elementary. School Parent

 “I respect Abby for taking the time to learn about South Arlington issues and appreciate her in-depth engagement in Arlington Public Schools”  Rebecca Krafft, Randolph Elementary School PTA Officer and former Civic Association president “Abby is smart and has the courage of her convictions. Most importantly she knows how to listen and work together to solve the challenges facing our school system” 

Inta Malis, Wakefield/HB Woodlawn Parent & Civic Leader

”From the first time I met her, I was impressed with Abby’s understanding of the importance of good nutrition and physical activity as a foundation for learning. Abby has vision, organizational abilities and a can-do spirit that will serve our community well”  

Anne Bridgeman, Ashlawn Elementary School  Parent