Pratter’s Story

A life-long career civil servant with a deep understanding of education policy, Padreus Pratter has spent more than a decade serving the U.S. Department of Education across several administrations and brings a profound knowledge of what it takes to protect and support public school education at the local level as well as deep experience with auditing and reviewing financial statements. He’s also a proud American Federation of Government Employees Union member.

Pratter is a 16-year resident of Virginia and a northern Virginia resident for over a decade. Padreus has lived off of Cardinal Drive, in Prince William County more than 8 years ago where he and his wife raise their family.  

Throughout his childhood, he found support and encouragement from not only his family, but also teachers, coaches, pastors, doctors and barbershop owners who encouraged him to reach for higher heights. His mother was a special education classroom teacher for 30 years and instilled in Padreus a strong belief in the importance of inclusivity, community and impact that education can have on the trajectory of someone’s life. Padreus is currently a member of the Prince William County Human Rights Commission.

Education is a human right and serving on the school board is an extension of his human rights and volunteer work. Padreus is a mentor to high school and college students and has continually challenged himself to support those in his community who most need support. These beliefs have driven him to serve as the Neabsco District Representative on the Prince William County School Board. 

Padreus was raised in Decatur, Georgia, but found his home in Virginia where he attended Norfolk State University, a public historically Black university.  The son of a 30-year classroom educator and career federal employee, Padreus learned the value of education and hard work at a young age.  

Padreus and his wife are parents of a daughter who attends public school in Prince William County and a preschool-aged son.