Zach graduated from Virginia Beach City Public Schools, went on to Tidewater Community College, and then graduated from the University of Virginia. He then commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years and learned leadership, accountability, and the value of teamwork.

After his honorable Naval service, he continued serving his community by coaching children with special needs as a baseball and basketball coach. He is currently pursuing an MBA at UVA’s Darden School of Business.

Zach is driven and believes elected officials should be accountable and transparent to the people they serve.

He will protect parental rights and oppose politicizing the classroom. Zach is also passionate about being a good steward of taxpayer resources and will never be a rubber stamp for a budget but instead ask hard questions about how money is spent.

Melisa has proudly called Virginia Beach home for more than 27 years, including 22 years in District 4. She is the wife of a Navy veteran and proud mother of seven children. Melisa has served as an educator, academic mentor, tutor, Sunday school teacher, coach, and business owner. She and her family are active members of their local church and are committed to serving their community.

She believes every student deserves a safe, high-quality education built on a foundation of strong academics. She knows that the best schools are created when parents, teachers, and the community work together. As a School Board member, she will advocate for parental involvement, transparency, and accountability to help ensure academic excellence and a safe, respectful learning environment for both students and teachers.

Melisa is committed to keeping the focus on academic achievement, strengthening partnerships with parents and guardians, establishing clear expectations and boundaries. This includes a balanced use of technology and making every tax dollar count by maintaining a fiscally conservative budget.

Brigid Kahng is a lifelong Virginia Beach resident, proud graduate of Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), and parent of two children currently attending public schools in District 6. Brigid is deeply invested in the success of the community and school division that helped shape her own life.

As both a parent and volunteer, Brigid has remained actively engaged in local schools and the broader Virginia Beach community. She also worked with VBCPS as a middle school English tutor, providing individualized and small-group instruction to students and helping them build confidence and achieve academic success.

Brigid earned a Bachelor of Science degree, cum laude, from Old Dominion University with a double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice and later completed a Paralegal Certificate through ODU.

Brigid will protect parental rights and focus on policies that promote academic excellence not partisan political agendas.

Andy has proudly called Virginia Beach home for over 25 years. He is the father of two children educated in Virginia Beach Public Schools—one a recent graduate and another a current student. As a parent of a child with special needs, Andy understands intimately that children learn in different ways and succeed when taught to each student’s ability level. He believes schools must remain focused on academic excellence and student achievement—not personal political agendas.

Andy is a retired Navy Captain and his career was rooted in servant leadership and education. He was the commanding officer of multiple units throughout his naval career.

As a contractor, he worked as an educator—developing curriculum, planning and executing complex missions, and training future leaders. While overseas, he volunteered as a teacher of elementary school children, helping non-native French-speaking children learn the English language. In addition to his military service, Andy’s experience as an attorney, and cybersecurity consultant equips him with the knowledge required to help govern Virginia Beach Public. Schools—a $1.2 billion organization.

Andy will stop political indoctrination in classrooms and focus on learning with less "screen time" and more "teaching time."

Carolyn’s life journey has been marked by her deep faith, commitment to education, and service

to her community. A former Clemson tennis player, she moved to Norfolk after college to coach and teach at Old Dominion University. After marrying her college sweetheart Billy, they made

Virginia Beach their home where they raised their 5 children. They all graduated from VA Beach

Public Schools (VBCPS). The Weems have been residents of District 9 for 42 years.

Following the heartbreaking death of their daughter Caitlyn, Carolyn founded the non-profit

Caitlyn’s HALO. The organization is dedicated to supporting adolescents and their families as

they navigate the challenges of substance abuse. Carolyn has spoken to thousands of high

school students, delivering over 50 assemblies on the topic. In 2018 Carolyn receive a national

award from the FBI for her advocacy to bring awareness of the dangers of prescription drugs.

Her advocacy has led to her involvement in opioid focused legislation, appearances in multiple

documentaries, and the establishment of a Regional Recovery High School.

Carolyn serves as the vice-chair of the Virginia Beach School Board and is the only current

teacher on the board. Since school board members are prohibited from teaching in their own district, she teaches in Chesapeake. She is also the Youth Director for her church.

Three of Carolyn’s grandchildren attend VBPCS and she continues to be a strong advocate for

putting kids’ needs first.

Kathleen is a dedicated wife, mother, and 17-year resident of Virginia Beach, and currently serves as Chair of the Virginia Beach School Board. Elected to represent District 10 in 2022, she has maintained a commitment to service, progress, and accountability. She and her husband have raised their family in Virginia Beach, with three children attending Virginia Beach Public Schools, including a graduating senior in the Class of 2026.

Kathleen earned an associate degree from Tidewater Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Liberty University. She has 30 years experience in figure skating, including time as a competitive athlete and extensive experience as a coach.

As both a parent and elected official, Kathleen understands the need for steady, common-sense representation and open communication. She remains committed to listening thoughtfully, serving transparently, and helping ensure every student has the resources necessary to succeed.

Above all, Kathleen values the partnership between families, teachers, staff and the community. She believes parents play a vital role in their children’s education and is committed to ensuring families are respected and feel their children are receiving an education that prepares them for life after high school.