Key Facts
Background
Justin Wilk has a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Michigan State University as well as a master’s degree in administration and principalship from the University of Virginia. Wilk has served on the Safe Schools Advisory Council and the Regional Special Education Board for six and three years respectively. He has worked as an account executive, sales executive, and middle-school teacher. Wilk currently works for TeachTown, a company providing curriculum for special needs students [1, 2, 5].
Wilk has served as the Potomac District School Board member since 2015. During his first year, he was involved in a lawsuit brought forth by Patriot High School Principal, Dr. Michael Bishop. Bishop filed the lawsuit against Ryan Sawyer, the superintendent, Guy Morgan, a close associate, and Wilk, the Potomac School Board member, for personal matters. Bishop sued for defamation of character, civil conspiracy, and contract interference in regards to his employment. The case against Wilk was dismissed with prejudice on March 6, 2019, meaning Wilk cannot be involved in the case again [6].
Key Issues
Accessibility
Wilk wants to improve special education services in Prince William County Schools by increasing materials and specific individual needs for students with disabilities. He supports adding staff such as school psychologists and assistive coordinators. Wilk also represents the school board in the regional special education advisory board [1, 5].
Parental Involvement
Wilk wants to continue to work in close proximity with parents to ensure their students’ success. He created a citizen’s budget committee for the Potomac District; the committee includes parents and teachers [1].
School Safety
Wilk wants a safer school environment through expanding school security resources. He wants to implement safety screening technology at all Prince William County Schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Wilk also supported adding security personnel to all Prince William County elementary schools [1].
Teachers
Wilk supports higher salaries and benefits for teachers in order to recruit and retain efficient teachers. He has advocated for a Cost-of-Living Adjustment for teachers, as well as supporting a $1,700 bonus and $1,000 bonus for all Prince William County School staff in 2021 and 2022 respectively [1].
Endorsements
Democratic Party of Prince William County; Northern Virginia Labor Federation; Intl Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; CASA in Action; United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada; Abigail Spanberger, US Representative; Scott Surovell, State Senator; Candi King, State Delegate
Sources
2 Linkedin
4 VPAP
5 PWCS