Reelect Sarah Ortego to school board

I was in my second year as a school board member and my first year of board leadership as the vice chairman when I first met Sarah Ortego, a candidate for the Jamestown District school board seat. At that time, the board was facing monumental challenges, not the least being the ongoing pandemic. Our community was in the midst of a feverish debate as to the appropriate time to resume direct classroom education. Many had strong opinions. Few had the resolve to step forward and become part of the solution. Sarah Ortego was one such person who knowingly entered a hotbed of public discord — becoming a key figure with a refreshing presence of leadership.

Now, after having served on the WJCC School Board for four years, two of which as its chair, I can confidently say that I know Sarah’s character and resolve. There is no conversation that Sarah will shy away from, nor a perspective that she will not give an ear and genuine consideration toward. I have witnessed Sarah engage with various viewpoints on a many different subjects while remaining sincere toward her own values and beliefs

Sarah exemplifies the patience, understanding and civility that are key to preventing conflict and promoting consensus. I have seen these highly sought-after principles shine through in Sarah’s character at every critical decision point for the school division. This is who she is, and why she has been such an effective leader for James City County. We have been fortunate to have her in the service of our community, and I urge my fellow community members to send her back to continue to work for the good of our children’s future.

D. Greg Dowell Jr., James City County
WJCC School Board member 1/2020-12/2023
School board chairman 2022, 2023

Posted on 27 Oct 2025, 11:29 - Category: Letters to the Editor