Endorsements
Dustin Keith for School Board welcomes endorsements from community members and education leaders! You can make an endorsement using this form. Thanks in advance!
I am profoundly honored to receive an endorsement from US Senator & "America's Dad," Tim Kaine!
A little over ten years ago, I first met Senator Kaine at the RAM Clinic in Wise County. I got to walk around the Fairgrounds with Senator Kaine and his team as he listened with compassion to the many stories of Southwest Virginians who lived without health insurance and relied on the annual RAM clinic as their only source of medical, dental, and vision care. I could tell from this first interaction that Senator Kaine cared deeply for each person; Tim was the real deal. Since then, I've heard Tim speak dozens of times all across Virginia to groups big and small, and he is just as real and personable as he was at Wise RAM.
“I endorse Dustin Keith for the Russell County School Board. If elected, Dustin will bring extensive experience and a listening approach to the Russell County School Board. He is not only a strong advocate of Southwest Virginia but also a champion for education equity, youth mental health, and public schools. Dustin is the right choice to address the real issues in Russell County, including teacher pay, school safety, and post-pandemic learning deficits.”
-US Senator Tim Kaine
A little over ten years ago, I first met Senator Kaine at the RAM Clinic in Wise County. I got to walk around the Fairgrounds with Senator Kaine and his team as he listened with compassion to the many stories of Southwest Virginians who lived without health insurance and relied on the annual RAM clinic as their only source of medical, dental, and vision care. I could tell from this first interaction that Senator Kaine cared deeply for each person; Tim was the real deal. Since then, I've heard Tim speak dozens of times all across Virginia to groups big and small, and he is just as real and personable as he was at Wise RAM.
“I endorse Dustin Keith for the Russell County School Board. If elected, Dustin will bring extensive experience and a listening approach to the Russell County School Board. He is not only a strong advocate of Southwest Virginia but also a champion for education equity, youth mental health, and public schools. Dustin is the right choice to address the real issues in Russell County, including teacher pay, school safety, and post-pandemic learning deficits.”
-US Senator Tim Kaine
As a former coach, teacher, administrator, and six-term School Board Member in Russell County, Charlie Collins has much experience and a long history of service in public education. Charlie is very familiar with the role of a school board member and knows what it takes to do the job; so, I am honored to have his support and endorsement for School Board At Large.
"I feel that Dustin is highly qualified to be the At Large School Board Member in Russell County. I am aware that he's attended many meetings in the past and is highly aware of what it takes to be a good representative. As a now retired member of Russell County School Board of 24 years, I highly recommend that you vote for him."
-Charlie L. Collins
Former Member, Russell County School Board
"I feel that Dustin is highly qualified to be the At Large School Board Member in Russell County. I am aware that he's attended many meetings in the past and is highly aware of what it takes to be a good representative. As a now retired member of Russell County School Board of 24 years, I highly recommend that you vote for him."
-Charlie L. Collins
Former Member, Russell County School Board
As both a retired educator and advocate for the Virginia Education Association, Doris Boitnott has been a strong supporter of public education and Southwest Virginia's teachers for many years. I am honored to call her a friend and have her endorsement for the Russell County School Board At Large.
"I am an enthusiastic supporter of Dustin Keith for the at-large representative for the Russell County School Board. His methodical approach to problem solving and his experience in consensus building will be a much needed addition to the decision making process in school board matters. He is empathetic and genuine in his concern for the kids and employees without an axe to grind or selfish motivation."
-Doris Boitnott
Retired Educator & Advocate for the Virginia Education Association
"I am an enthusiastic supporter of Dustin Keith for the at-large representative for the Russell County School Board. His methodical approach to problem solving and his experience in consensus building will be a much needed addition to the decision making process in school board matters. He is empathetic and genuine in his concern for the kids and employees without an axe to grind or selfish motivation."
-Doris Boitnott
Retired Educator & Advocate for the Virginia Education Association
As one of the strongest advocates for mental health reform and public education in the Virginia General Assembly, I am honored to announce an endorsement from Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds. After losing his son to mental illness, Creigh dedicated his life to reforming our broken mental health system. Creigh fought to establish the Behavioral Health Commission, implemented and expanded the use of mobile crisis services, and successfully advocated for historic, comprehensive investments into our mental health system. Thank you, Creigh, for leading this critical work and for your support of our campaign for Russell County School Board.
"I wholeheartedly endorse Lebanon native Dustin Keith to serve on the Russell County School Board. With his background as a mental health professional, Dustin knows how to listen and to develop innovative solutions out of those conversations. He will be a true public servant to parents, students, staff, and the entire community. I hope you will vote for Dustin Keith on November 7."
-Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds
"I wholeheartedly endorse Lebanon native Dustin Keith to serve on the Russell County School Board. With his background as a mental health professional, Dustin knows how to listen and to develop innovative solutions out of those conversations. He will be a true public servant to parents, students, staff, and the entire community. I hope you will vote for Dustin Keith on November 7."
-Virginia Senator Creigh Deeds
“As a lifelong prosecutor, I know that community safety is strongly connected to our educational system. With that knowledge in mind, I would like to endorse Dustin Keith for Russell County School Board. I have watched Dustin’s interactions with both the community in Russell County and specifically with his students for several years. His love for education and his devotion to his students shine brightly. Dustin will be the kind of board member who will work 24/7 for the betterment of Russell County Schools.”
-Lewis Combs
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney
Albemarle County, VA
-Lewis Combs
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney
Albemarle County, VA
JMU Prof. Dylan Mabe is a friend and strong advocate for public and higher education in SWVA. Growing up in neighboring Wise County, Dylan understands the need for supporting students and improving public education in SWVA so we can better prepare and retain our youth to live, work, and play here at home. I am looking forward to Dylan coming back to SWVA soon to teach and greatly appreciate his endorsement of me for the Russell County School Board.
"Whenever I see a group of people showing up in their community, whether it be fighting for better quality education or the dignity of of the working class, I see Dustin Keith at the front of the pack.
As someone disappointed by the state of education in SWVA and the nation at large, I left to get my masters degree and plan to eventually return to SWVA to attempt to share my education with my community. With dedicated and insightful people like Dustin working for our schools we can start that process at home.
I fully and enthusiastically endorse Dustin Keith for School Board and his candidacy gives me hope that our kids will get the education and dedication they deserve."
-Prof. Dylan Mabe, Big Stone Gap, VA
James Madison University
"Whenever I see a group of people showing up in their community, whether it be fighting for better quality education or the dignity of of the working class, I see Dustin Keith at the front of the pack.
As someone disappointed by the state of education in SWVA and the nation at large, I left to get my masters degree and plan to eventually return to SWVA to attempt to share my education with my community. With dedicated and insightful people like Dustin working for our schools we can start that process at home.
I fully and enthusiastically endorse Dustin Keith for School Board and his candidacy gives me hope that our kids will get the education and dedication they deserve."
-Prof. Dylan Mabe, Big Stone Gap, VA
James Madison University
US Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan has been one of the strongest fighters and a true public servant in the Virginia General Assembly for years, introducing and helping pass some of Virginia's most significant pieces of legislation in recent history. She now brings that same attitude and work ethic to the US House of Representatives as the first Black woman to ever represent Virginia in Congress. Jenn is an advocate, a hard worker, and a true representative of the people! I am beyond proud and so excited to have her endorsement for the Russell County School Board.
"Dustin Keith is not only a champion of Southwest Virginia, but also a strong advocate for public schools, education equity, and youth mental health. He will bring a listening approach and extensive experience to the Russell County School Board if elected. Dustin is the right choice to address the real issues in Russell County, including teacher pay, school safety, and post-pandemic learning deficits. I endorse Dustin Keith for the Russell County School Board."
US Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, VA-04
#DK4RCPS
"Dustin Keith is not only a champion of Southwest Virginia, but also a strong advocate for public schools, education equity, and youth mental health. He will bring a listening approach and extensive experience to the Russell County School Board if elected. Dustin is the right choice to address the real issues in Russell County, including teacher pay, school safety, and post-pandemic learning deficits. I endorse Dustin Keith for the Russell County School Board."
US Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, VA-04
#DK4RCPS
I am honored to receive the endorsement of another former student and LHS Academic Team Captain, Christa Potter. Christa was a phenomenal student and quiz bowl player who set a high standard and good example for her fellow team members. Christa just graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in biochemistry. I am so excited for Christa's future because I know she'll go far!
“I am writing this to extend my support and endorsement to Dustin Keith, who is currently running for a well-deserved spot on the Russell County School Board.
I first encountered Dustin while I was in elementary school and he was one of the older students conducting the LHS SODA program for my class. While we didn’t know each other then, I remembered Dustin due to his obvious passion for both education and advocacy.
I officially got to know Dustin when I joined the LHS Academic Team my freshman year of high school. Dustin was my coach for all four years I was a member of the team. Many aren’t familiar with what Academic Team is, so I will describe it as what it means to myself: an extracurricular organization that encourages the facilitation of lifelong learning.
Dustin’s dedication to such an organization is only one small example of his passion for education, inside and outside of a classroom. We saw many highs and lows as a team, but with Dustin in a leadership position, we remained motivated to push forward no matter the outcome. He always took extra time out of his already busy schedule to listen to us and support us in more ways than one.
I can confidently say that Dustin’s experiences make him an excellent candidate for the Russell County School Board. Every single student of Russell County would greatly benefit from the presence of an advocate like himself.”
-Christa Potter, Cedar Bluff, VA
Virginia Tech ‘23
Academic Team Capt., Lebanon High ‘19
“I am writing this to extend my support and endorsement to Dustin Keith, who is currently running for a well-deserved spot on the Russell County School Board.
I first encountered Dustin while I was in elementary school and he was one of the older students conducting the LHS SODA program for my class. While we didn’t know each other then, I remembered Dustin due to his obvious passion for both education and advocacy.
I officially got to know Dustin when I joined the LHS Academic Team my freshman year of high school. Dustin was my coach for all four years I was a member of the team. Many aren’t familiar with what Academic Team is, so I will describe it as what it means to myself: an extracurricular organization that encourages the facilitation of lifelong learning.
Dustin’s dedication to such an organization is only one small example of his passion for education, inside and outside of a classroom. We saw many highs and lows as a team, but with Dustin in a leadership position, we remained motivated to push forward no matter the outcome. He always took extra time out of his already busy schedule to listen to us and support us in more ways than one.
I can confidently say that Dustin’s experiences make him an excellent candidate for the Russell County School Board. Every single student of Russell County would greatly benefit from the presence of an advocate like himself.”
-Christa Potter, Cedar Bluff, VA
Virginia Tech ‘23
Academic Team Capt., Lebanon High ‘19
I am honored to announce an endorsement today from my friend and one of the strongest advocates for Southwest Virginia, Taysha DeVaughan. Taysha made history last year as the first female candidate AND the first Indigenous candidate in the Ninth Congressional District. Taysha brought a unique perspective and lived experience to the race as a single, working mom making tough decisions for her family that many Southwest Virginians also face every day.
I am proud to have been on Taysha's campaign team and traveled with her across the vast Ninth District listening to real folks' concerns and struggles. She cares deeply for the people of the Ninth District, and her record of service and activism is unmatched.
“Dustin Keith is the smart choice for Russell County School Board. Dustin Keith has the ability to represent best the student interest and push for their success.
I have known Dustin for a long while. Whether we are volunteering time for litter pick up in his community or flood response in mine, Dustin is there. His commitment to a better SWVA is what we should all strive for. I have know him as a strong teammate in the DeVaughan campaign, I have known him as a friend and no matter what hat Dustin is wearing that day, he wears it well!
Dustin Keith is already a committed student advocate in academic excellence. He is a coach and a mentor. His investment in the future of students is unwavering. He is also a proponent for mental health.
Dustin will listen, hear, and lead our students into a brighter tomorrow. I strongly support Dustin Keith for Russell County School Board and encourage you to do so, too!”
-Taysha DeVaughan, Big Stone Gap, VA
2022 VA-09 Congressional Candidate
Chair, Virginia Council on Environmental Justice
Board Member, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards
I am proud to have been on Taysha's campaign team and traveled with her across the vast Ninth District listening to real folks' concerns and struggles. She cares deeply for the people of the Ninth District, and her record of service and activism is unmatched.
“Dustin Keith is the smart choice for Russell County School Board. Dustin Keith has the ability to represent best the student interest and push for their success.
I have known Dustin for a long while. Whether we are volunteering time for litter pick up in his community or flood response in mine, Dustin is there. His commitment to a better SWVA is what we should all strive for. I have know him as a strong teammate in the DeVaughan campaign, I have known him as a friend and no matter what hat Dustin is wearing that day, he wears it well!
Dustin Keith is already a committed student advocate in academic excellence. He is a coach and a mentor. His investment in the future of students is unwavering. He is also a proponent for mental health.
Dustin will listen, hear, and lead our students into a brighter tomorrow. I strongly support Dustin Keith for Russell County School Board and encourage you to do so, too!”
-Taysha DeVaughan, Big Stone Gap, VA
2022 VA-09 Congressional Candidate
Chair, Virginia Council on Environmental Justice
Board Member, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards
I am honored to be endorsed by the Equality Virginia PAC alongside the many other advocates running for local school boards across Virginia and continue fighting for equality for LGBTQ+ students who deserve to receive a quality public education, free from the threat of violence, discrimination, or harassment.
Our next endorsement is from a dear friend and an accomplished former student and Captain of the LHS Academic Team. Sam Amos is a current student at the University of Virginia, previously served as Student Government President at Southwest Virginia Community College, and holds the record of the most career toss-up points of any Academic Team member in recorded history of Lebanon High School. I had the privilege of being Sam's coach for three years on the LHS Academic Team and then as a sort of mentor on community and government issues while Sam was attending SWCC. Sam is one of many, many student success stories from Russell County that is still being written. He has an extremely bright future, and I am eager to see how Sam will change the world.
"Dustin was my Academic Team coach at Lebanon High School during the pandemic and actively worked towards supporting the team in every possible way. His emphasis on mental health and understanding the needs of his students allowed us to excel as a team in game and also allowed us to form strong bonds with each other. Dustin is an advocate for mental health and understands the student experience well. His work in the county has allowed him to have a unique perspective when it comes to student life. I support Dustin because he is a young advocate for students, and I believe he has a crucial understanding of student success that the school board needs more of."
-Sam Amos, Lebanon, VA
University of Virginia, Class of 2025
SGA President, Southwest Virginia Community College, Class of 2022
Academic Team Captain, Lebanon High School, Class of 2021
"Dustin was my Academic Team coach at Lebanon High School during the pandemic and actively worked towards supporting the team in every possible way. His emphasis on mental health and understanding the needs of his students allowed us to excel as a team in game and also allowed us to form strong bonds with each other. Dustin is an advocate for mental health and understands the student experience well. His work in the county has allowed him to have a unique perspective when it comes to student life. I support Dustin because he is a young advocate for students, and I believe he has a crucial understanding of student success that the school board needs more of."
-Sam Amos, Lebanon, VA
University of Virginia, Class of 2025
SGA President, Southwest Virginia Community College, Class of 2022
Academic Team Captain, Lebanon High School, Class of 2021
I am honored to receive an endorsement from Run for Something alongside 68 other young people across 25 states working to raise up our entire communities from the inside out and affect real, lasting, and meaningful change by running for public office at the local level. Our communities need hard-working and dedicated members of the next generation to step up, put themselves out there, and RUN FOR SOMETHING so that more voices can be heard & represented, and RFS is there to provide support. I am grateful for both this endorsement for the Russell County School Board and the invaluable tools that the RFS organization and network of alumni provide to candidates.
View my candidate profile in the RFS Directory at directory.runforsomething.net/candidate/3701/keith-dustin
Read the full RFS announcement at runforsomething.medium.com/sweeping-september-introducing-our-latest-2023-endorsement-class-6b99d4390ba3
View my candidate profile in the RFS Directory at directory.runforsomething.net/candidate/3701/keith-dustin
Read the full RFS announcement at runforsomething.medium.com/sweeping-september-introducing-our-latest-2023-endorsement-class-6b99d4390ba3
We are deeply honored to receive the endorsement of my friend and one of the strongest advocates for both public education and rural communities in the Virginia General Assembly, Delegate Sam Rasoul:
"Dustin Keith is the right choice for Russell County to be the next At-Large member of their School Board. As a mental health professional he has the skills necessary to listen to Russell County students, parents, and teachers to build the best learning environment for all our students. He will also fight to ensure that teachers are fairly compensated for their work, and that our school infrastructure projects are fully funded to provide our students with the top-notch public schools they deserve. I endorse Dustin Keith for the Russell County School Board."
"Dustin Keith is the right choice for Russell County to be the next At-Large member of their School Board. As a mental health professional he has the skills necessary to listen to Russell County students, parents, and teachers to build the best learning environment for all our students. He will also fight to ensure that teachers are fairly compensated for their work, and that our school infrastructure projects are fully funded to provide our students with the top-notch public schools they deserve. I endorse Dustin Keith for the Russell County School Board."
Our first endorsement is a very special one and comes from Miss Ellen Sautters, Valedictorian of the Lebanon High School Class of 2023. Ellen was Captain of the LHS Academic Team, a two-time state champion in VHSL Forensics, section leader of the marching band, and much, much more. Ellen was a model student and citizen athlete in Russell County and will be continuing her studies at East Tennessee State University.
I have had the privilege of coaching incredibly bright, talented, and determined students, like Ellen, during my 8 years with the Lebanon High Academic Team who have went on to pursue advanced degrees, take on challenging jobs, and serve their communities. Russell County really does produce amazing students, but they need the best leaders to help prepare them for the future.
"I am writing to express my endorsement for Dustin Keith who is currently running as a candidate for the Russell County School Board At Large. I have gotten to know Dustin personally over the past two years through his role as my academic team coach. In these two years, he has always made it a point to be an active listener for the team, have it be questions about an upcoming match or discussing events at school. I know that Dustin would be an asset to the school board through his ability to listen thoroughly and take into account the needs of others before making a decision. He also routinely showed his dedication to not only the team but to the school system. Despite working two other jobs, aside from coaching, he still made time for practices, matches, and even weekend tournaments that were not required for the Academic Team. He attends school board meetings to stay aware on community issues and support student recognition. Having lived in Russell County his whole life he is aware of and understands the needs of the community and is dedicated to making positive change in the county. Thank for allowing me this opportunity to voice my opinion on what I believe would be the best candidate for the Russell County School Board."
-Ellen Sautters
Valedictorian of the LHS 2023
I have had the privilege of coaching incredibly bright, talented, and determined students, like Ellen, during my 8 years with the Lebanon High Academic Team who have went on to pursue advanced degrees, take on challenging jobs, and serve their communities. Russell County really does produce amazing students, but they need the best leaders to help prepare them for the future.
"I am writing to express my endorsement for Dustin Keith who is currently running as a candidate for the Russell County School Board At Large. I have gotten to know Dustin personally over the past two years through his role as my academic team coach. In these two years, he has always made it a point to be an active listener for the team, have it be questions about an upcoming match or discussing events at school. I know that Dustin would be an asset to the school board through his ability to listen thoroughly and take into account the needs of others before making a decision. He also routinely showed his dedication to not only the team but to the school system. Despite working two other jobs, aside from coaching, he still made time for practices, matches, and even weekend tournaments that were not required for the Academic Team. He attends school board meetings to stay aware on community issues and support student recognition. Having lived in Russell County his whole life he is aware of and understands the needs of the community and is dedicated to making positive change in the county. Thank for allowing me this opportunity to voice my opinion on what I believe would be the best candidate for the Russell County School Board."
-Ellen Sautters
Valedictorian of the LHS 2023