CAROLYN WEEMS
SCHOOL BOARD
DISTRICT 9
Common Sense
Kid Focused
Meet Carolyn Weems
Teacher ~ Mom ~ Advocate
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. All 5 children are graduates of Virginia 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 received 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, Carolyn teaches in Chesapeake. She is also the Youth Director at her church.
Three of Carolyn’s grandchildren attend VBPCS and she continues to be a strong advocate for putting kids’ needs first.
Carolyn’s Impact
Aragona/Jericho Rd Park Project
Through Carolyn’s leadership, the former Aragona Elementary school property is being preserved and will be turned into a permanent neighborhood park. This will ensure valuable green space for families and future generations. Carolyn worked collaboratively for years with civic leagues and City Council to protect this land. This is a fulfilled campaign promise Carolyn made to her community.
Harbor Hope Center
After losing their daughter, Caitlyn, to an opioid overdose, Carolyn transformed her grief into action, dedicating herself to helping other families. Her efforts led to the creation of Harbor Hope Center, a regional recovery high school designed to support students struggling with substance abuse. Students from five surrounding cities, including Virginia Beach, have access to a safe, supportive environment where they don’t have to choose between education or recovery. The school is funded by grants, opioid abatement settlements and General Assembly allocations.
Workforce Development
As the creator and Chair of the Workforce Development Committee, Carolyn partnered with City Council Members and local business leaders to expand career-focused programs. Three of these opportunities will be offered for District 9 students who attend Bayside and Princess Anne High Schools. They include: Aviation Maintenance, Medical Assisting and Welding. These initiatives reflect Carolyn’s commitment to aligning education with economic opportunity. Carolyn is committed to preparing students not only for graduation, but also for meaningful, sustainable careers that equip them for long-term success.
Academic Fundamentals and Rigor
During her most recent term, Carolyn’s leadership helped restore Valedictorian/Salutatorian honors, reinforcing a culture of academic excellence. Our youngest learners now benefit from the return of phonics instruction and cursive writing in the elementary curriculum, helping strengthen foundational learning skills. At the same time, an unprecedented number of students took Advanced Placement courses as well as Dual Enrollment classes, expanding opportunities for college and career readiness. Last year alone, students earned more than 14,500 industry certifications, equipping them with valuable trade and workforce skills.
Proven Leadership
Delivers Positive Results
Carolyn’s Vision
Committed to Serving You
Carolyn is proud of all that has been accomplished, but she knows there is still more work to do. The next chapter is about focused leadership, balanced decision-making, and delivering real results for our community.
Ensure Academic Excellence and Accountability
Carolyn believes high standards, accountability and strong foundations in writing, reading, math and science produce better outcomes for ALL students. She will advocate for these vital fundamentals and will always put students first - before social trends or politics.
Reduce Screen Time
Screens should never replace meaningful direct instruction, hands-on learning and human connection. Carolyn will continue to advocate for a balanced approached to classroom technology and age appropriate limits.
Rebuild Princess Anne High School
With community input, PAHS must be rebuilt in a fiscally responsible, timely and transparent manner.
Strengthen Special Education
Carolyn has navigated through the special education process as a teacher and an advocate for her own child and grandchild. She understands the complexity of the IEP (Individualized Educational Plan) process and the importance of training those who write and implement such plans. She will champion a more inclusive environment for our students receiving special education services by providing more access to grade-level instruction, high expectations and more exposure to the general education curriculum.
Increase Workforce Development
Carolyn has proven her strong commitment to adding more workforce development opportunities for students who live in District 9. She will continue to fight for these programs and will collaborate with local business leaders to create mentorship programs, work base learning, internships and soft skill development training.
Retain & Support Highly Qualified Educators
Great schools depend on great educators. Carolyn will continue to advocate for competitive compensation. Over the past 5 years, Carolyn has supported multiple bonuses and voted for an average increase of over 6% annual compensation.
Carolyn will continue to seek ways to reduce administrative burdens, unnecessary requirements and unfunded mandates that overextend our educators. Teachers need the time to do what they are trained and love to do - teach!
Fiscal Responsibility
Over the last 2 years, Carolyn has supported a reduction of central administration employees. She will support an audit of programs to determine if they are necessary and actually improving student learning.