News Summary
Stephen ‘Ty’ Hodges has declared his intention to run for the Jamestown seat on the Williamsburg-James City County School Board, challenging incumbent Sarah G. Ortego. As a local resident and former journalist, Hodges aims to improve educational support, combat bullying, and secure funding for schools. His campaign has gained the endorsement of the local teachers union, emphasizing teacher rights and resources. The election is set for November 4, with early voting starting September 19, providing an opportunity for community participation in local education governance.
Williamsburg, VA – Stephen “Ty” Hodges has officially announced his candidacy for the Jamestown seat on the Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) School Board, setting the stage for a competitive race against incumbent Sarah G. Ortego in the upcoming General Election on November 4, 2025. Early voting begins on September 19, 2025, giving community members an opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day when polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hodges, 34, has resided in James City County for the past ten years. He brings a background as a former local journalist, specifically as a sports reporter for the Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily. His motivation to run stems from a desire to improve the educational landscape for not only his daughter Nelly but for all children in the community. Having faced bullying and mental health struggles during his own schooling, Hodges is particularly sensitive to the challenges that students encounter.
In his campaign, Hodges focuses on several key areas of education reform. He pledges to advocate for increased support for students, teachers, and counselors, along with advocating for enhanced funding for special education programs. Recognizing the prevalence of bullying and cyberbullying, he aims to actively combat these issues within the WJCC school system. Additionally, he intends to work collaboratively with local government officials to secure funding for improved facilities and educational opportunities, believing that a strong public education system is essential for the betterment of both the community and the country.
Hodges has garnered the endorsement of the local teachers union, which underscores his commitment to teacher rights and the enhancement of school resources. He champions a nonpartisan approach in classrooms, adhering to Virginia’s school board race guidelines and prioritizing the educational needs of all students over political agendas. His stance includes opposing blanket book bans in schools, instead advocating for parental choice and accessibility to a range of material for students to ensure diverse perspectives are available for their development.
As he prepares for the election, Hodges emphasizes a willingness to seek common ground and practical solutions to enhance student success, particularly in light of challenges facing the school board. The WJCC School Board has been grappling with budget concerns, including a noted shortfall of $7.3 million in the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The board is tasked with maintaining teacher compensation and addressing pressing staffing needs, which may be impacted by any necessary budget cuts. Superintendent Daniel Keever has highlighted the importance of staffing for both student support and academic achievement while navigating fiscal restraints.
With a drive to effect change and a platform based on supporting the community’s educational needs, Hodges appears ready to challenge the incumbent, promising to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the WJCC School Board. As the election draws closer, the community will have an opportunity to assess Hodges’ vision for the future of education in Jamestown and decide who will best represent their interests on the school board.
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Additional Resources
- WJCC School Board Presented with Revised Budget
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- New WJCC Schools Contract Potentially Coming
- Google Search: WJCC Schools
- Dr. Daniel F. Keever Named New Superintendent
- Google Scholar: WJCC School Board
- Bleak WJCC Schools Budget Adjustments
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- WJCC School Board Decreases Funding Request
- Google News: WJCC School Budget
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
