Justin recognizes the essential contribution members of the US Armed Services provide to the Prince William County School System. Prince William County Schools is currently home to more than 7,500 military-connected students. The Potomac District is also home to the Marine Corps Base Quantico. Justin believes it is critical to be directly hands-on and connected to the community to understand and support their needs. Although Justin never served in the military, he has spent his term on the school board developing personal relationships with military families across the Potomac District. Justin regularly attends school military events throughout the Potomac District.

At the state level, Justin was also the only Prince William County School Board member to speak before the State Board of Education in support of adopting the Virginia Purple Star Designation. The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that demonstrate a significant commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military. Following the successful implementation of the Virginia Purple Star Designation by the Virginia Department of Education’s Military Student Support Process Action Team, Justin worked with his family’s base elementary school during the application process. 

During the FY 2022 budget, Justin successfully secured the funding for a full-time military liaison. Previously, the position was partially funded by the division, with the other portion of the funding coming from a federal grant. After the federal grant expired, Justin worked with Dr. McDade to fund the entire military liaison position.

During the 2021-2022 school year, Justin sponsored the 9/11 Curriculum Committee. The 9/11 Curriculum Committee was responsible for creating school-appropriate resources to educate Prince William County students about the tragedy of September 11th, 2001. To learn more about Justin’s work commemorating September 11th please click here.