The father of an outstanding Arlington County student, James S. Lander began advocating for the educational needs of children through various leadership roles and positions at the school and county-wide levels. He is a vigorous advocate for funding, support and commitment to public education, believing strongly in Marian Wright Edelman’s call to communities:

James is the Co-chair of the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on Eliminating the Achievement Gap between minority and white students.

A product of the Philadelphia Public Schools, James appreciated the opportunities a quality public education provided. He believes investment, commitment and support of public education will provide children, regardless of economic background, a path to fulfilling their dreams and our hope for the future. “We must continue to narrow the achievement gap and implement policies that prioritize instructional expectations as they relate to student achievement. We must have high expectations for ALL students, while continuing to be responsive to their needs as individuals." Of paramount importance is delivering top-notch instruction and services, and addressing the needs of Arlington’s increasing population of second language learners.

James knew he wanted to enter the military like his father, grandfather and uncles before him, and his love for the water led him to the Navy. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and became his family’s first military officer upon graduation. “I was very proud when I received my commission. I felt like I had started a new frontier for my family,” James reflects. He continued to pursue his educational goals, obtaining his Masters of Engineering from the University of Virginia. Today, he is a consultant with the Acquisition Solutions firm in Arlington, specializing in performance-based acquisitions.

Service to community and country has filled James Lander’s heart since he was a young man. Seeing pictures of his grandfather and father standing in their uniforms while serving abroad, during WWII and Vietnam respectively, brought James great pride and put him on a path that has shown him the boundless fulfillment that can be gained through education, leadership and service to others. James continues to proudly serve as an officer in the Naval Reserves, having been recalled after 9/11 in support of Operation Iraqi/Enduring Freedom. He is also a veteran of the first Gulf War, having served in Saudi Arabia.

James, wife Monica, and their daughter Kierstin live in the Oakcrest neighborhood of Arlington.