Dana McCaleb announces run for Fincastle School Board seat

It is with great pleasure that I announce my candidacy for the Fincastle District seat on the Botetourt County School Board.

I live in Fincastle with my husband Ray and, our son, Addison. Prior to moving to Fincastle in 2006, we lived in Eagle Rock for eight years.

I hold a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Radford University in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. In 1998 I earned a Master’s degree in Education from Lynchburg College.  

My career as an educator started with a long-term substitute position at Lord Botetourt High School. I then went on to teach for fifteen years at James River High School. During my time at James River, I served in many leadership roles. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate in this capacity with my fellow teachers and administrators, working to better the educational experiences of the students entrusted to us.

In 2011 I was offered a position, partnering with the University of Kansas’s Center for Research on Learning. This allowed me to work with renowned researchers in the field of education and deepened my understanding of how adolescents learn. A year later, I was offered a position at Virginia Tech which allowed me to continue my work with the University of Kansas while also working with students, teachers, and administrators in schools across Virginia. Currently, I serve as a Coordinator and Professional Development Leader for the Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Center at Virginia Tech. In my many roles, I coordinate professional development and provide ongoing instructional coaching for thirty-four school divisions in Southwest and Southside Virginia. I work closely with central office administrators, teachers, teacher leaders, external consultants, and students.

Although I am no longer in the classroom in Botetourt County Schools, I have remained active in the school system. My son is a student at James River and I currently serve as the school’s PTSA Secretary. I have served on the Parent Advisory Committee at Central Academy Middle School and was a member of the Honor Graduate Committee for Botetourt County Schools. 

My husband, Ray, is a graduate of James River High School. He is a United States Army Veteran, having served our country in Desert Storm. Ray is a Deputy for the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Department where he has worked for the last sixteen years.

Throughout my career, I have enjoyed improving myself and growing professionally through ongoing learning opportunities. The position for the School Board Fincastle District is yet another learning opportunity but, moreover, it is something near and dear to my heart. I am an educator. I understand education; it is what I do. I want to be the voice for our students, teachers, and parents.

Because of my many years in the school system and my current work, I know many of the teachers, parents, and students here in Botetourt County.

Through my professional endeavors (and in my personal life) I have gained perspective on the experiences of classroom teachers, parents, school administrators, and─most importantly─students. Should I have the honor of serving on the Botetourt County School Board, I am confident that my perspective will help in further strengthening relationships among all parties who seek the best educational opportunities and outcomes for our students and teachers.  

I will be announcing dates, times, and locations to meet with citizens and answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to contact me at danamccaleb@gmail.com

submitted by McCaleb for Fincastle School Board