My Passion is Education
I Know Floyd
My family has been in Floyd since the 1800's with my great-great grandfather Silas Martin. I know the parents, the children, the grandparents, and I've taught many of them. I graduated from Floyd County HS in 1975, then went on to college and teaching. My family have all been Floyd public school graduates: mother Bobbie from the old Willis HS 1950; from Floyd County High School my brother Ervin 1977, daughter Erika 2005 and son Brandon 2004. My life has been centered around education and schools in Floyd. What's important to the people of Floyd is important to me and my family.
EDUCATION
- Willis Elementary School
- Floyd County High School
- Radford University, BA - Early Childhood & Special Education
- Radford University, Masters - Reading Specialist & Learning Disability
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
- JV Girls Basketball - Coach, Floyd High School
- Varsity Track and Field - Assistant Coach, Floyd High School
- Future Teachers of America - Teacher Sponsor
- PTO - President 2 years
RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
- Topeco Church of the Brethren, childhood
- Zion Lutheran Church, where my children grew up
- Calvary Baptist Church, current (youth leader, food pantry)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- Virginia Education Association, 1980 - present (all years teaching)
- Floyd County Education Association, President 3 years
- New River Valley Reading Council, past member, Membership Chairman 2 years
- Delta Kappa Gamma Society International (membership by special invitation), honor society for women educators
Experience Matters
Teaching Experience
- Floyd County High School [Floyd County], 1980-1987 (Special Education Learning Disabilities, English, Math)
- Salem City South Salem Elementary 1987-1988 (Special Education Learning Disabilities)
- Margaret Beeks Elementary School [Montgomery County] 1988-1994 (Intellectual Disability)
- Riner Elementary School [Montgomery County] 1994-1999 (Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Autism)
- Willis Elementary School, 1999-2002 (Reading Specialist)
- Willis and Check Elementary Schools, 2002-2004 Learning Disabilities Autism and Attention Deficit
- Check Elementary Schools, 2004-2021, (Intellectual Disability, Learning Disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism)
What Experience Means
To serve as a Floyd County School Board member, it's not enough that my family has been in Floyd for generations, that I was raised in Floyd, attended and graduated from Floyd Public Schools. It's not enough that my college degree and masters are in education, and it's not even enough that I taught for 40 years. Being a teacher in public schools, Floyd Public Schools, I learned to work with everyone that a school board member serves: students, parents and guardians, teachers, administrators, the public, and government - the kind of experience you want of your school board.
Experience also means appreciating how we are all more alike than we are different. As a public school teacher I saw children from every type of home, and I love them all. I’ve invested my life in seeing each child succeed. Helping our students flourish has substantial positive benefits to the community, our viability and future, our businesses. I understand that as well, the positive impact of good public schools.
What People Say
People who know Debbie Snellings know that she is exactly the right person to serve as a member of the Floyd County School Board. Here are their recommendations for her to school board.
As a former elementary principal in Floyd County, I had the pleasure and privilege of seeing Debbie’s impact in our schools first hand. She brought patience, love, compassion, and high expectations to the table. The children responded by working hard and gravitating to her. The same could be said about the parents and families with whom she worked. These are the kinds of qualities Debbie will also bring to the Floyd County School Board. I’ll also add that I personally found her to be incredibly smart, creative, and positive. Let’s be honest, having somebody like Ms. Snellings on the school board who has had years of experience she’s had working in the school system will be to the advantage of all those who call Floyd County home!
I enthusiastically support Debbie Snellings as a candidate for the school board. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her for several years. While principal at Auburn Elementary School she was a classroom teacher.
Debbie is an extremely dependable, hardworking, conscientious, and responsible individual. She has been an active participant in virtually all aspects of the district, and she constantly searches for ways to improve herself as an educator and as a leader.
Debbie possesses a deep passion for public schools and for the students under her charge. She has a firm belief that she can positively impact the life of a child through hard work and dedication. Debbie is a strong advocate for students and consistently places their needs before her own. She will do whatever it takes for her students to succeed.
Debbie is a strong team player and going the extra mile is something that is very common for her. She approaches each new challenge with considerable enthusiasm and consistently maintains a positive attitude. Debbie is a wonderful educator and a strong member of the community. She possesses high personal and professional characteristics that are based on integrity, honestly, and honor.
She is a veteran teacher and still possesses that burning desire to help others. I firmly believe that Debbie Snellings is an excellent candidate for the school board. She would represent Floyd in an exemplary fashion.
more ...
B. Keith Rowland, Ed. D.
Riner ElementaryAs a member of the Floyd County School Board I believe that Debbie will ensure that every student is on the path to graduate and that every student is educationally equipped to lead a successful life.
Bonnie Smith
Indian Valley ElementaryDebbie has always been cooperative trying to meet the needs of students, parents, and staff. She sought out materials and methods of teaching to enhance the performance of students. Pleasant with all, and always seemed to enjoy her job.
Bill Gardner
Director, Student ServicesDebbie has always been an advocate for all children. She's given much of her life to public education and the results of her efforts are evident in the Floyd community and beyond.
Joe Bean
Principal, Floyd High SchoolI have known Debbie for 40 years and found her to be a conscientious, dedicated educator who will be a definite asset on the school board. She will serve both her constituency and school board in a forthright and committed manner.
Dr. Sarah Simmons
Principal, Floyd ElementaryDebbie is a caring teacher and hard worker. I know that she'll be a strong advocate for Floyd County children and teachers, because I was the principal at Floyd Elementary when Debbie taught there.
More Folks Who Support Debbie for School Board
image: FCHS Bison yearbook 1974 'Deborah Martin [Snellings]'
your friends and neighbors who know and support Debbie ... Brenda Allen, Lynwood Allen, Ellen Ambrose, Emmett Bird, Kenneth Bower, Shelia Bower, Debbie Carter, John Carter, Jan Cartwright, Lynn Cartwright, Becky Cockram, Michael Cockram, David Cross, Alyssa Elizabeth, Reba Goff, Chip Herbert, Pat Herbet, Barry Hollandsworth, Nanette Johnson, Clay Link, Kathy Link, Judy Lowrance, Bobbie Martin, Ervin Martin, Lois Poff, Kevin Reed, Melissa Ruble, Brandon Snellings, Erika Snellings, Krystal Snellings, Carol Sowder, Mike Sowder, Loyce Sowers, Cheryl Spangler, Genelle Vest, Johnny Walker, Melinda Walker, Kimberley Walls, Theresa Zeigler