James “Jim” W. Pike, Jr.
Candidate for School Board, Ware District
Personal
I was born and raised in Blairsville, PA where I graduated from high school in 1987. I attended Clarion University and realized after three years it was not the path for me. In November of 1987, I joined the Air Force National Guard and continued my service until I retired from the Virginia Air Force National Guard in 2009.
I have been married to my wonderful wife, Michelle, for 29 years. Michelle has worked at Gloucester High School for 10 years. In 2000, we welcomed our daughter, Becca. At the time, we lived in Newport News, VA. However, we wanted our daughter to have the best education, so we decided to move to Gloucester in 2004. In 2018, she graduated from Gloucester High School with an advanced diploma. She went to the University of Lynchburg and graduated in 2022. Since then, Becca has been employed with King and Queen Department of Social Services and received a promotion after a year.
Experience
During my years after college, in addition to serving in the National Guard, I was employed as a dishwasher, cook, waiter, butcher, manager, carpenter, and shipping agent.
Over the past 24 years, I have been an employee of Newport News Public Schools. I have held the following positions: Inventory Clerk, Technical Support Specialist, Network Technician, Junior Network Engineer, Network and VoIP Systems Administrator, and Network Engineer. In those positions, I have led many technology projects that involve the continual upgrading and replacement of infrastructure for both the use of teaching technology mandated by the state, as well as the planning and completion of new school buildings. For the past 15 years, I have been part of the technology budget process, to include: getting quotes via RFP, IFB, or state contracts within the district’s purchase order process. I have also worked with eRate, Title I, and other grant funds to procure resources to enhance student’s learning in the classroom.
For the last 4 years, I have been a citizen representative on the Gloucester County Telecommunications Committee. We have been working to get broadband connectivity for the whole county. I am a citizen representative and Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) representative on the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). On the LEPC, I have worked with all entities involved in emergencies throughout the county, including representatives from Gloucester County Public Schools. I serve as the Operations Chief for Gloucester County C.E.R.T..
Beliefs & Commitments
I firmly believe every student in Gloucester County, and throughout the country, deserves access to a high-quality education that fosters their personal growth and aids in their future successes. If selected as a school board member, I am committed to:
I was born and raised in Blairsville, PA where I graduated from high school in 1987. I attended Clarion University and realized after three years it was not the path for me. In November of 1987, I joined the Air Force National Guard and continued my service until I retired from the Virginia Air Force National Guard in 2009.
I have been married to my wonderful wife, Michelle, for 29 years. Michelle has worked at Gloucester High School for 10 years. In 2000, we welcomed our daughter, Becca. At the time, we lived in Newport News, VA. However, we wanted our daughter to have the best education, so we decided to move to Gloucester in 2004. In 2018, she graduated from Gloucester High School with an advanced diploma. She went to the University of Lynchburg and graduated in 2022. Since then, Becca has been employed with King and Queen Department of Social Services and received a promotion after a year.
Experience
During my years after college, in addition to serving in the National Guard, I was employed as a dishwasher, cook, waiter, butcher, manager, carpenter, and shipping agent.
Over the past 24 years, I have been an employee of Newport News Public Schools. I have held the following positions: Inventory Clerk, Technical Support Specialist, Network Technician, Junior Network Engineer, Network and VoIP Systems Administrator, and Network Engineer. In those positions, I have led many technology projects that involve the continual upgrading and replacement of infrastructure for both the use of teaching technology mandated by the state, as well as the planning and completion of new school buildings. For the past 15 years, I have been part of the technology budget process, to include: getting quotes via RFP, IFB, or state contracts within the district’s purchase order process. I have also worked with eRate, Title I, and other grant funds to procure resources to enhance student’s learning in the classroom.
For the last 4 years, I have been a citizen representative on the Gloucester County Telecommunications Committee. We have been working to get broadband connectivity for the whole county. I am a citizen representative and Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) representative on the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). On the LEPC, I have worked with all entities involved in emergencies throughout the county, including representatives from Gloucester County Public Schools. I serve as the Operations Chief for Gloucester County C.E.R.T..
Beliefs & Commitments
I firmly believe every student in Gloucester County, and throughout the country, deserves access to a high-quality education that fosters their personal growth and aids in their future successes. If selected as a school board member, I am committed to:
- Collaborating with fellow board members to develop and implement policies that prioritize student well-being and academic achievement.
- Ensuring transparency and accountability in all decisions regarding resource allocation, curriculum development, and educational programs.
- Engaging with the community to understand diverse perspectives and ensure that the voices of parents, teachers, and students are heard and considered.