Key Facts
Background
Tracy Blake graduated from Lincoln University of Missouri (HBCU) in 2003, where he received a Bachelor of Science in psychology and played on the Men’s Basketball Team. Blake subsequently received a Master of Professional Studies in industrial and organizational psychology from George Mason University in 2006. Blake’s professional career involved working as an administrative assistant with Fullerton and Knowles, a construction and bankruptcy law firm, as well as the founder and sole proprietor of a full service infrastructure management firm in Northern Virginia [1, 6].
Blake has also worked in his community as a shift counselor at an abused and homeless children’s refuge and as a Deputy Field Organizer in Alexandria, VA, for President Obama’s 2012 campaign. For his work with the Prince William County Democratic Party, Blake has received the Ann Moncure Award [1, 6].
In the field of education, Blake is a father of three children in Neabsco district schools and has served for seven years on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council for Instruction as Vice Chair for Central Elementary. Blake’s other experience in educational advocacy includes serving as the Chair of the Minnieville Elementary Advisory Council and as the Chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council for Equity. Blake is also currently a trustee on the Board of the Dale City Civic Association, as well as the Secretary for the Neabsco Democratic Party [1].
Between the years of 2006 and 2015, Blake pled guilty to charges such as misdemeanor marijuana possession, carrying a concealed weapon, and driving on a revoked driver’s license. In regards to these charges, Blake commented that his “journey has been one of growth and transformation” and that these “challenges” have shaped the person he is today [3].
Key Issues
Equity
Blake wants to “level the playing field” for every student in PWC by providing the resources to the disadvantaged needed to empower and develop them into reaching high levels of achievement and increasing their opportunities for success. Blake supports the allocation of equitable resources not only among students but also among schools to reflect a variety of needs [1].
Mental Health
Blake feels that mental health in public schools is a necessity to be addressed; he wants to foster a “culture of empathy, understanding, and resilience”. Blake wants to specifically address mental health to promote positive effects such as improved academic performance, reduced absenteeism, reduced stress levels, and an overall better classroom environment [1].
Endorsements
Diane Raulston, Current PWCS Neabsco School Board Member; Gerry Connolly, Congressman; Abigail Spanberger, Congresswoman; Michelle Maldonado, Virginia House Delegate; Prince WIlliam County Democratic Committee; NOVA Labor, CASA in Action; Everytown for Gun Safety; Northern Virginia Labor Federation; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; Elizabeth Guzman, State Delegate; Jeremy McPike, State Senator
Sources
4 Virginia Public Access Projects
6 LinkedIn