Kasey Potter says her journey to running for the Lexington School Board has been shaped by a strong commitment to education and community service.
She has a vision to enhance equity, mental health support, and stronger schoolcommunity connections. Her journey to this point is rooted in a belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and enriching educational environment.
Potter was born and raised in the Hampton Roads area, and she has been a Lexington resident since 2007. She has raised two children, who are both actively involved at Rockbridge County High School. Residents may recognize her as the sole owner of Pure Eats, where she is the youngest female business owner in downtown Lexington.
Potter has seen firsthand the challenges that schools face. As the mother of two high school students, she has been actively involved in her children’s experiences with local schools, identifying challenges and opportunities. Over time, the evident need for engagement The key issues Potter prioritizes reflect her comprehensive approach to education. She is a staunch advocate for equitable access to resources, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, receive quality educational materials and support. She believes in the need for curriculum improvement that is inclusive, engaging, and future-oriented, emphasizing critical thinking and life skills.
Mental health support is a cornerstone of her platform. She understands the vital role mental health plays in a student’s academic and emotional well-being. “Prioritizing mental health resources and support systems for students is essential to help them thrive,” she said.
Building strong partnerships with parents and the community is also high on Potter’s agenda. She sees parent and community engagement as essential to a collaborative approach to education. Supporting educators with adequate resources, professional development, and competitive compensation is another key area of focus, as she recognizes that teacher support and retention are fundamental to maintaining high-quality education.
“These issues are interconnected and crucial for fostering a positive and effective educational environment,” she said.
inspired her to run for the board.
“I believe every student deserves the chance to thrive, and I am passionate about promoting equity, enhancing mental health support, and fostering stronger connections between schools and families,” she said. She is eager to bring her passion to the School Board and hopes to bring the community together in support of Lexington schools.
Her decision to run for this term was fueled by a desire to strengthen the system of transition between Lexington City Schools and Rockbridge County High School. She wants to advocate for necessary improvements, such as curriculum development, resource allocation, and increasing community involvement. “I want to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and that their voices are heard in shaping their learning environment,” she emphasized.
Safety and security in schools, both physical and emotional, are also critical issues for Potter. She advocates for comprehensive anti-bullying initiatives and measures to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
Should she be elected, Potter aims to drive several important changes. Expanding access to technology and training is one of her primary goals, to prepare students for a digital world. She also wants to increase support for extracurricular programs, including arts and sports, to promote well-rounded student development.
Potter wants to foster increased community engagement by creating regular forums for parents and community members to voice their concerns and ideas. This, she believes, will lead to a more collaborative and inclusive educational environment. Additionally, she aims to support academic success by providing translated materials, helping students grasp curriculum content more effectively and aiding in the transition to high school.
An innovative idea Potter proposes is advocating for a liaison to represent the city of Lexington at Rockbridge County School Board meetings. “This role would strengthen communication and collaboration between the city and the school district, ensuring that Lexington’s educational needs and priorities are effectively addressed,” she said.