Editor’s note: The Free Press is publishing candidate announcements for local and state races throughout the Fredericksburg region. Submit announcements to: [email protected]
Andy Wolfenbarger, a seasoned educator and dedicated Fredericksburg parent, has announced his candidacy for the Ward 1 seat on the Fredericksburg City School Board in the upcoming fall election. The seat is currently held by Matt Rowe, who is pursuing a position on the City Council.
Wolfenbarger has more than 27 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to the Fredericksburg community. He currently serves as the Director of Infrastructure and Engineering for Loudoun County Public Schools, the third-largest school division in Virginia, where he manages a team of 41 staff and oversees critical technology infrastructure for 82,500 students and 16,000 employees across 100 sites.
“As a parent and lifelong educator, I am passionate about ensuring our children receive the best possible education,” Wolfenbarger said in a press release. “I am committed to bringing my experience and dedication to the Fredericksburg City School Board to serve our community and support our students and staff.”
Wolfenbarger holds an Ed.D. in Education Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University as well as a Master’s in Education from George Mason University. In addition, he has earned many high-level certifications in project management and technology, including Project Management Professional and Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
His extensive career includes six years as a high school classroom teacher in Orange County, Virginia, where he also coached tennis and football and met his future wife, Jen, who was also teaching at the time. Wolfenbarger then spent 13 years in Stafford County where he transitioned into technology leadership roles. Next, he navigated up I-95 and spent four years in Prince William County, focusing on information security and student data systems.
Beyond his administrative roles, Wolfenbarger remains connected to students by facilitating capstone projects and internships in Loudoun. He has also taught adult learners at Germanna Community College, preparing them for technology certifications. In addition, he’s taught at the University of Mary Washington, preparing future teachers how to integrate technology and helping future school-based administrators leverage technology to support their work.
A resident of the Idlewild Neighborhood for more than 20 years, Wolfenbarger is deeply invested in the Fredericksburg community. He has served on the Idlewild HOA Board of Directors for eight years, volunteered with the Fredericksburg Pathways Committee and the city’s Broadband Commission, and coached youth soccer.
He and Jen, who was recently promoted to assistant principal at an elementary school in Stafford, are raising three children — two who are students at James Monroe High School, and the third who will be attending the new Walker Grant Middle school in their beloved Idlewild neighborhood in the fall.