Mateo Dunne is the new Mount Vernon District representative on the Fairfax County School Board, elected to take the seat of  long time board member Karen Corbett Sanders, who retired in late 2023. He moved to the Mount Vernon District 20 years ago so that his three children could attend Fort Hunt ES, Sandburg MS, and West Potomac HS in Mount Vernon.

The Mount Vernon District includes the Mount Vernon HS, South County HS, and West Potomac HS pyramids. He’s ready to take on the efforts needed for this pyramid and has a plan in mind that includes emphasis on academic excellence, school safety and security, mental and behavioral health support, workforce compensation, and fiscal responsibility.

“I will visit and meet with parents at every school in my district, so I can listen and learn about their concerns and priorities,” he said. “I want to ensure every public school in the Mount Vernon District is providing our children with a world-class education.”

In his career as an attorney, Dunne represented clients in litigation before international tribunals, Federal courts, and regulatory agencies. Around Mount Vernon, he has also served as the Vice President of the Stratford Landing Citizens Association for several years. Previously, he served as Vice President of Advocacy for the Fairfax County Council PTA and 1st Vice President for the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations.

In 2015, Dunne became involved in education advocacy when school officials were looking to eliminate high school sports, performing arts and language immersion in order to address a $100 million budget deficit. 

"I co-led the campaign to save these programs, which are essential to student success inside and outside the classroom," he said. He organized a rally at the Fairfax County Government Center with students, parents, educators, and community members which made an impact, he felt. The Board of Supervisors increased the FCPS budget by $88 million in 2015 to save these programs from elimination.

His term on the board will go from Jan. 1, 2024-Dec. 31, 2027.