“Abby is a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for Arlington’s children. Her ability to focus on issues that really matter has enhanced collaboration efforts between the School Board and the County Board.”
Barbara Favola, Arlington County Board Member
“I have had the pleasure of working with Abby in a number of different arenas and I am more and more impressed by her insight, ability to analyze situations, and her unwavering advocacy for our children and youth. Abby clearly recognizes the impact Developmental Assets have on academic achievement. She has been one of the Partnerships most vocal and ardent supporters both in promoting Assets and in our efforts to educate the community about the perils of teen drinking. She is the epitome of modeling the very behavior that she advocates. Her efforts as a School Board member over the past four years have helped to advance the work of the Partnership and have made a significant and real difference in the quality of life of Arlington’s children.”
Linda Henderson, Chair, Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth, and Families
“As the liaison between the Arlington Public Schools Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) and the Arlington School Board, Abby Raphael has a unique role in sharing information and facilitating action. There is never any doubt that Abby values and appreciates the work that the volunteers of the Budget Advisory Committee do because she continually and effectively uses the BAC’s information in School Board planning and initiatives. Through her diligence and hard work, Abby Raphael has made the BAC more meaningful and productive in our service to Arlington’s students.
Abby is a very hard worker and someone who is very budget conscious as she works to obtain the necessary funding to support the programs serving the needs of Arlington students. Abby always wants to fully understand the needs and the costs. She listens carefully and asks important questions so that she can facilitate School Board support for student needs in fiscally responsible ways. Abby always maintains a high level of budget accountability while serving the needs of Arlington students. In the current challenging budget environment for Arlington County and our schools, Abby is exactly the kind of leader we need, and I greatly appreciate her service.”
Dan Dixon, Vice Chair, APS Budget Advisory Council and parent of a Washington-Lee High School student
“Abby Raphael is a champion for the children and families of Arlington. I have seen first hand her willingness to find solutions to tough issues. She brings creativity, fiscal responsibility and clear thinking to the Arlington School Board. Abby was a key leader in finding a solution for the renovation of Jefferson Middle School. When Jefferson was once again bumped from the renovation list, Abby was convinced there had to be a solution that would make the school environment better. Her tenacity and willingness to think outside the box to find a solution resulted in a spectacular renovation of the building that has brought in light, air and looks like a new school – at a fraction of the cost. Her willingness to engage with the school community, work to find a creative solution and her fiscal savvy delivered a new model for school renovations. Abby worked to meet the needs of the students and teachers while saving millions in renovation costs.
Abby Raphael has been a tremendous asset to the Arlington School Board and the families of Arlington, we are fortunate to have her and I strongly endorse her for re-election.”
Jennifer Dunlap, former PTA President Jefferson Middle School; former PTA President, Long Branch Elementary School; President Washington-Lee High School
“Abby has been a key leader in making the rebuilding of Wakefield High School and Yorktown High School a reality. She understands the important role that the community plays in the development of major public facilities and has always welcomed community participation. Abby is unfailingly prepared, well-informed, and asks tough questions. Her ability to develop positive relationships with County Board members and community leaders ensures that we are all working together to benefit our students and community.”
Inta Malis, Columbia Pike Community Member
“Abby Raphael combines a keen analytical mind with genuine sensitivity to complex education and social issues. This powerful combination makes her a valuable, “go to” member on the APS School Board and a well regarded elected official. In my work on behalf of the Latino community I have experienced that Abby fully engages in understanding and seeking solutions for our community’s multifaceted concerns and challenges. Both her understanding and solutions are grounded in a strong sense of inclusion, fairness and equity which I believe are key to moving APS forward as a premier school district where all students succeed.”
Gabriela Uro, Parent, Claremont Immersion Elementary School
“The Jefferson community owes Abby Raphael a huge ‘THANK YOU’ for supporting the renewal of Jefferson. After decades of trying to get Jefferson pushed to the top of the list for renovation and in the face of a depressed economy, we not only gained approval and funding for new windows and lighting at Jefferson but we did so in a fiscally responsible way. We did this with guidance and support from Abby Raphael. This left room in the current bond cycle for the other important school in our community, Wakefield, to come to the top for replacement. Thank you, Abby, for getting the job done, for improving our school, and for doing so economically and thoughtfully.”
Nancy Van Doren, PTA President, Thomas Jefferson Middle School
“Abby Raphael cares. She is concerned about having a safe and nurturing community for all children and families. Her work on the YMCA Board has been nothing short of impressive. Abby is highly organized, listens to all sides of an issue, and is always ready to take on responsibility. When Abby says she’ll do something, she does it and does it well! In 2009, Abby volunteered to Co-Chair the YMCA’s first-ever New Year’s Eve party for Arlington’s middle school-aged kids. She collaborated with the County Board and the YMCA to make the party a fun, active, and safe event for the young people who attended. Abby leads by example—she takes an idea from conception to fruition by working hard on it herself. Abby is results-oriented and one of the most responsible people I know.”
Lynda Horvath, Member and Former Chair, Arlington YMCA Board
“Abby is one of the most capable people I know. When we served together on the Arlington Public Schools’ inaugural Food Services Advisory Committee — beyond her facility with budgets, capacity figures, and achievement metrics — she demonstrated an understanding that only by supporting the whole child — their physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being — do we serve kids, families, and the whole community. I am tremendously grateful that Abby is willing to serve on the Arlington County School Board.”
Kristine Wood, Key Parent, Past Chair, APS Food Services Advisory Committee
Arlington Education Association PAC
Virginia Partisans PAC
