A NOTE FROM MK:

Dear neighbors, friends, family, and community leaders,

I am filled with gratitude. We set out to run a campaign rooted in knowledge, experience, and heart — and thanks to all of you, we did just that. Through the effort and generosity of 100 volunteers and 100 donors we hosted 15 meet-and-greets, held 9 office hours, placed 240 yard signs, mailed 2,766 postcards, and knocked on roughly 3,000 doors in just 80 days. Because of our hard work, I earned 4,498 votes, the highest vote total of any school board candidate in Falls Church City history.

But the most meaningful part of this campaign wasn’t the numbers. My goal as a candidate has been to run a campaign that strengthens our community, and I believe we have done just that, one conversation at a time. We built connections and understanding through listening with full hearts and intentional inclusion. My other goal was to run a campaign that gave people a chance to get to know me as a person — enthusiastic, organized, collaborative, curious, candid, and warm. 

To my husband Adam, and our daughters Maura and Molly — thank you for your patience, encouragement, and love. To Eric Hughes, my campaign treasurer; Nestor Lara Baeza, my campaign designer; Jess Owens, our social media lead extraordinaire; Jason Abel and Courtney Storm, our tireless outreach coordinators; Jocelyn Potts, our yard sign maven; and Louise Storm, who helped shape my words and message — I couldn’t have done this without you. And to everyone who donated, knocked on doors, hosted a meet-and-greet, wore our shirts around town, talked with neighbors, proudly displayed a yard sign, and gave me advice — it all mattered and I am so grateful.

This campaign was an overwhelmingly positive experience because of all of you, and also because of my fellow candidates. Thank you to Sharon, Kathleen, Anne, and Lori for your dedication and passion for public education in our community. I feel fortunate to call you colleagues and friends. 

This victory belongs to all of us. Let’s bring that same spirit of connection and collaboration to the School Board. Together, we’ll continue to make Falls Church a community where every child can thrive. Once I have a school board email address, I will distribute it so we can keep in touch. Let’s get to work! 

Warmly,

MK Hughes