Ella Ward

Key Facts

Party N/A; nonpartisan election
Status Incumbent

Background

Ella Ward earned a BA and an MA in communications from Norfolk State University, an MS in educational administration from Old Dominion University, and a CAGS degree and a doctoral degree in educational administration and supervision from Virginia Tech. Ward spent 35 years as a teacher and administrator for Portsmouth Public Schools, and she served on both the Chesapeake School Board and Virginia Board of Education, serving as Vice President of the latter. She also served on the Chesapeake City Council since 2006. She has earned numerous awards, including the YWCA Women of Distinction Award and the Old Dominion University Outstanding Alumnus Award [2].

Key Issues

Education

Ward wants the Virginia General Assembly to restore state funding for K-12 education to its pre-2009 levels [2].

Economy

Ward supports diversification of the regional economy in order to offset defense cuts. She is also in favor of local funding to revitalize South Norfolk and Western Branch [2].

Transportation

Ward advocates for improved regional transportation [2].

Infrastructure

Ward wants to expand broadband access in Southern Chesapeake and the region [2].

Energy

Ward is in favor of energy independence [3].

Endorsements

Chesapeake Democratic Committee; Chesapeake Education Assembly

Sources

1 City of Chesapeake, Virginia 
2 Vote for Ella Ward  
3 Facebook
4 Blog Talk Radio  
5 Chesapeake Democratic Committee
6 Chesapeake Education Assembly