Baltimore School Board Voter Guide

Person putting a ballot into a box that says "Vote" — (Sora Shimazaki via Pexels)

This story was originally published by the Local News Network at the University of Maryland. For more information, visit lnn-schoolboard2026.netlify.app.

Who is running for school board in your district? With schools in Maryland facing issues ranging from absenteeism to AI usage, voters will go to the polls Nov. 3 to vote for their local Board of Education. For that reason, the Local News Network at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism sent a questionnaire to all 137 school board candidates to get their views on important issues. The results are compiled below. Read the Local News Network’s stories about the issues in Maryland’s school board races. The Maryland general election will be held Nov. 3, 2026. Early voting begins Oct. 22.

Baltimore City

Domonique Flowers

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

I am an attorney advisor with the Social Security Administration

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law, Master of Arts in historical studies from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Bachelor of Arts in jurisprudence from the University of Baltimore

Why are you running for the school board?

My motivation to run for this position dates back to 1999 when I began a position as an assistant daycare instructor at an aftercare facility in Clinton, Maryland. Little did I know that this would be the start of my lifelong passion to ensure that children and teens are given the tools they need to succeed. I have always been passionate about investing in our children and looking beyond the scope of some of the conventional methods of evaluating success by also considering a comprehensive approach that focuses on holistic student growth, equity and outcomes. I am also invested in bridging the gap between the school system and the parents and community we serve as I see this relationship as vital. I want to take a closer look at polices that allow proactive communication and consistent accessibility between parents and school board members. This would include responding to inquiries that community members make at school board meetings as opposed to simply allowing the public to share their views without input from the school board. To ensure that all of our parents and students have access to the resources to succeed is perhaps my driving reason as to why I want to serve as a school board commissioner. I believe that every child possesses the ability to succeed in life, they just need the right people and resources in their lives to help them overcome any obstacle that they encounter.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I believe that I possess the experience and commitment to serve as a school board member and to work with the community to improve the lives and opportunities for our students. Since the late 1990s I have worked or volunteered at youth facilities, daycare centers, schools and summer camps. I have spent 12 years working exclusively with Baltimore City Youth Services in several in-school and after-school programs. This has included mentoring youth through partnerships with organizations and serving as a substitute teacher. I have also represented several Baltimore students as a special education attorney ensuring that they receive appropriate accommodations and special education services through 504 plans and Invidiualized Education Programs. In addition, I have experience working with community members to address pertinent issues which includes serving on the Uplands Homeowners Association, including a term as president. This also included reviewing the budget and expenditures of the homeowners association which is an essential skill for school board members tasked with fiscal management of the operating and capital budget of the school system. From a policy angle, I also have extensive experience in education policy working with local school boards beginning with the Prince George’s County School Board where from 2010 through 2014 I served on the Disability and Ethics Advisory Panels, providing advice to school board members. I currently serve as the vice chair for the Baltimore City School System Ethics Panel. I also serve on the Maryland Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention where I am the co-chair of the education committee.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

I believe one of the most important issues facing the school board is ensuring that our children are equipped with “real world” skills that will help them succeed in life. While it is reasonable to focus on raising graduation rates, we need to ensure that our students are equipped with the skills they need to not only survive in the real world but also flourish in it. Some of these skills include professional and life management areas such as time management and financial literacy. Other essential traits that students should possess include interpersonal skills such as communication, critical thinking and professional accountability. Without these basics, many students struggle professionally and are ill-equipped to live independently. This could have the potential to steer them towards making poor choices later on in life. I would like to work with our non-profit and business community members to offer all-engaging programs that will ensure that our students are ready to tackle the challenges of the working world and adapt once they graduate high school. These programs would invariably involve parents, community members and students coming together to develop the itinerary and curriculum. This would require proactive communication and consistent accessibility between parents and school board members. Together we would work towards implementing a method of measuring student success beyond such metrics as tests and evaluations. This initiative would serve as a priority for me to at least create a pilot program for rising seniors who would need these skills to succeed in life.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I have always admired the honorable Kurt Schmoke. I first learned about him as a kid visiting the city when he served as the first elected African American mayor of Baltimore. I was then privileged to attend Howard Law School when he served as dean. Through my experience as a law student I witnessed his efforts to expand the clinical programs which allowed students like myself to serve the legal needs of low-income individuals. I also worked as an adjunct professor at the University of Baltimore where he currently serves as the president. As an employee, I appreciated his commitment to fostering relationships between the University and community partners. This included allowing Baltimore students to attend classes on campus which provides them with exposure to a higher education learning environment and also aligns with my own vision of ensuring that our young people have access to college resources and opportunities.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, passed by the General Assembly in 2021, is a 10-year plan that includes increased funding to support early childhood education, higher teacher starting pay, college/career-readiness standards for high school graduates, and expanded services to multilingual and impoverished families, among other goals. Since the Blueprint’s implementation, test scores have increased modestly in many parts of the state, but some school officials complain about the costs and administrative burdens placed on them by the Blueprint. Please tell us your views on the Blueprint and how it is affecting your school district.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future aims to transform Maryland’s education system by focusing on five pillars. One concern is that it hasn’t yet been fully funded, which could lead to significant financial implications. In addition, the required mandates under the plan could likely place considerable strain on Baltimore’s school systems in implementing it without full funding and a clear method. I believe that effective advocacy is necessary to ensure that the Blueprint is equitable and fully funded. Its implementation involves significant changes to teacher salaries, curriculum and pre-kindergarten expansion. The path to addressing these concerns involves direct engagement with state officials, public awareness and leveraging data to hold systems accountable. I would also like the community to provide public comment at monthly meetings and submit feedback on the proper allocation of these funds. In addition to fully funding this initiative, I would want to identify the areas that require additional support or stronger funding focuses to achieve equity in the foreseeable future. Some of these areas could include community school expansion or funds to supplement special education initiatives. Time allotted for teacher collaboration is also important and I would also look into other school systems where the results that came from funds set aside for teacher collaboration were successful and research how this success led to improved professional learning and led to closing achievement and opportunity gaps among students. Other funding priorities would include before and after school and summer programs where funding could expand learning opportunities.

Chronic absenteeism has been a problem in many schools since the Covid-19 pandemic. How big of a problem is absenteeism in your school district, and what if anything can the Board of Education do about it?

Out of all jurisdictions in Maryland, Baltimore has had the highest rate of absenteeism. After understanding the systematic reasons for absenteeism, any method we employ should begin with the schools that yield the highest rate of absenteeism before we begin implementing a system wide approach. Some methods that we could explore include addressing transportation barriers that students may encounter or creating an incentive program that would hopefully encourage students to attend school more frequently and on time. Any strategy employed would take a certain degree of relationship building between schools, students and parents. This could involve scheduling conferences with parents to see what services they need or putting students on attendance contracts. Support for families could also extend beyond the boundaries of school and come in the form of volunteers dropping by a student’s house to see what can be done to encourage them to come to school on time.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

The generative AI initiative and the guiding principles that the school system is using to incorporate AI seems to be beneficial concerning the crucial role that AI plays in academics. I would work to encourage a balanced approach concerning the use of AI in public education. The way students learn is currently being reimagined through the growing impact of AI and as such I believe that we must ensure that we consider the ethical ramifications of AI and work together to develop best practices for staff and students to utilize AI effectively. While being aware of the positives that AI brings, we must also be aware of the negaitve drawbacks which include the potential for AI to weaken research and critical thinking skills. Any laws or governance regulating AI would need to take into consideration the risk factors for students and teachers as well as the added benefits of AI.

Youth mental health has been a growing concern for years now. Do you think your school district has the resources and personnel in place to deal with this issue adequately? If not, what would you suggest to improve the situation?

It is also important to evaluate the impact of mental health initiatives and identify student well-being trends. While I believe that the school system has the resources and personnel to address youth mental health, I am not sure if our young people necessarily have access to robust mental health services. I believe that access to these resources and personnel starts with investing in staff training, expanding community partnerships and promoting school-wide wellness culture. I would want to encourage schools to build welcoming environments through routine morning meetings, regular check-ins and proactive Social and Emotional Learning curricula. I would also want to ensure that every school provides on-site counseling, self-care toolkits and clear policies for staff to ensure they can support students and foster inclusive, safe environments. We will need to also establish partnerships with local agencies and mental health professionals to fill resource gaps and create a seamless referral process.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

While the school board still has authority to maintain control over curriculum decisions, I believe we should adopt policies that foster, rather than inhibit, critical thinking about complex, sensitive issues. While the right to challenge books should still exist, I believe this should be reserved for only the most extreme materials that may be deemed vulgar and educationally unsuitable to a certain degree. Even in these cases I would support formal, written policies that require complainants to file a formal request rather than allowing ad hoc book removals. I believe parents also play a role in this endeavor, and while I do believe that parents should have some say in determining what type of library books are available to students, this needs to be balanced with the policies in place that dictate the type of appropriate reading material available to students.

Jamar Day

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Special assistant, Maryland Department of General Services, Office of External Affairs

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Paine College, B.A. in history and minor in political science

Why are you running for the school board?

I am both a third-generation Baltimore resident and educator. My grandmother worked as a school administrator, my aunts taught in city schools and I’ve proudly taught in Baltimore City Public Schools as well. My mother integrated Garrett Heights Elementary Middle School, and my uncles fought off race mobs on Harford Road just to get home from school safely in the 1960s. This city and the fight for education are in my blood.

As a former dean of students and high school history and government teacher in Baltimore, I learned quickly that everything in the classroom is shaped by decisions made in City Hall, Annapolis and Congress. From year one in the classroom to the last, I promised my students I would fight for them at every level and for the last decade and a half, I have advocated and had education policies passed at the school board, state and federal levels already.

When I started in Baltimore City Public Schools in 2014, it felt like a time warp with depressed salaries and an unwritten rule that educators and families should just accept less as the norm. However, what crystallized the moment for why I am entering this 2026 race now was my nephew’s recent school closure. Baltimore Boys Collegiate, another Black all-male school forced to close, is only the latest example of families being forced into impossible choices. Educating a child in Baltimore should not feel like the Hunger Games. I’m running to fight for EVERY STUDENT, EVERY EDUCATOR and EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I’ve spent the last fifteen years as an educator, advocate and organizer. I watched brilliant children from Baltimore get shortchanged by decisions made from afar in City Hall, in Annapolis and in Washington, D.C. I made a promise to my students that I would keep fighting for them at any and every level of my career. My career trajectory includes training through the Baltimore Teachers Union, Chicago Teachers Union and Uncommon Schools. I’ve helped advocate for education policy and funding at the school board, state and federal levels. I’ve also been a fighter for out-of-school programming time and for the U.S. Department of Agriculture 2018 Farm Bill to eliminate decades of food deserts in our communities. I am running as a son, a nephew, a former teacher and an organizer who understands that Baltimore deserves a board member who has lived this fight and knows how to win it.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

We need a full transportation overhaul in Baltimore City Public Schools. Students should have access to reliable transit to get to school and transit to school safely. When I drive 30 minutes to work downtown, I still need 10 to 15 minutes just to decompress before I’m ready to start my day. How can we expect a student to travel one or two hours to school, then walk through the door and be ready to learn in the blink of an eye? That’s not a fair question, and it’s not how children learn best. If commute time is stealing a child’s ability to focus before class even starts, that’s a policy failure, not a personal one.

This ties directly to something bigger: too many Baltimore youths are experiencing trauma on the way to or from school at an early age. Trauma that chips away at the everyday norm and follows them for the rest of their lives. A rough commute, a walk past an open-air drug market or an unstable school day due to behavior. Our children carry all of it into the classroom, whether we acknowledge it or not. How do you think that affects our classrooms, let alone our teachers?

When elected, I will work with the board to introduce safe passage programs and explore hiring community mediators as school staff. Students shouldn’t have to navigate trauma alone, and they shouldn’t have to carry a pocket knife just to get to and from school safely.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Lillie May Carroll Jackson.

As the president of the Baltimore branch of the NAACP from 1935 to 1970, Jackson completely transformed local grassroots activism. Jackson was a master organizer who pioneered the “Buy Where You Can Work” campaign, forcing white-owned businesses to hire Black employees. Her relentless dedication led to the desegregation of Baltimore’s public schools, police force and recreational facilities long before the national movement gained full momentum. What inspires me most is her unshakable courage. She fought for Baltimore teachers to get equal pay even when facing systemic oppression and constant threats, she refused to back down. Her strategic legal battles and community-focused leadership proved that sustained local action can dismantle institutional racism, leaving a permanent blueprint for justice. She is the mother of Juanita Jackson Mitchell, the first woman in Maryland to practice law. Also, go support the Lillie Carroll Jackson Civil Rights Museum on Eutaw Place.

As a former Baltimore teacher, I took my students to Annapolis in 2017 to testify, protest and learn firsthand how the Blueprint could reshape their futures. I also worked after school hours, helping students tap into the potential that our under-resourced classrooms simply didn’t have room to develop. I’ve seen what happens when a school has too little, and I’ve seen what’s possible when we invest.

I also take the concerns about administrative burden seriously. A policy is only as good as a district’s capacity to implement it well, and Baltimore City Public Schools need real support, not just mandates! To meet the Blueprint’s goals without overwhelming already-stretched staff, the board must be a strong advocate in Annapolis, pushing for adequate implementation funding and reasonable timelines, rather than simply accepting requirements handed down from the state.

Improving statewide test scores is a great start, not a finish line. If elected, I’ll push for the Blueprint to be implemented in a way that’s fully resourced, transparent to families and accountable to the stakeholders it’s meant to serve. Every student, every educator and every neighborhood deserves a fair shot.

Chronic absenteeism is an issue facing Baltimore City Public Schools. At its pandemic peak, over half our students were chronically absent. This isn’t a discipline problem, it’s a barrier-access problem rooted in unreliable transportation, access to stable housing and other barriers.

The board must treat attendance as a system-wide priority, not a school-by-school afterthought. That means advocating for the transportation overhaul our students need to get to class ready to learn, expanding trauma-informed support staff and holding the district accountable for real-time attendance data, not year-end reports.

We should also scale up home visits and phone banking, strategies that have shown real success in city schools in the years since the pandemic, because our families respond to personal outreach, not form letters.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

No, I am not satisfied with Baltimore City Public Schools’ current approach to students’ use of AI. I believe unchecked use of AI is crippling the critical thinking and creative writing skills our children need to succeed in society. When students can generate an essay or solve a problem without ever wrestling with the material themselves, we’re not preparing them for college, careers or citizenship; we’re preparing them to be dependent thinkers in the world.

I would push the district to expand mental health staffing significantly at every campus. I’d also work with the board to introduce safe passage programs and bring conflict resolution mediators into schools, so students have support before conflict escalates, not just after. As I mentioned before, as far as transportation overhaul, a student who spends two hours commuting arrives depleted before class even starts. Real mental health support means addressing what happens on the way to school, not just inside it.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

NO.

Kwame Jamal Kenyatta-Bey

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Commissioner, Baltimore City Public Schools

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

B.A. in theatre arts, Morgan State University

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for reelection because I believe deeply in the promise of Baltimore’s public schools, and because I know that promise can be fulfilled only when we listen to our communities, support our educators and remain relentlessly focused on students.

I have spent more than three decades in Baltimore classrooms, teaching business and finance, biology and multilingual learners, among other subjects. For four years, I have also served as a school board commissioner—the only practicing classroom teacher on the board. That experience has given me a perspective that bridges policy and practice. I understand what decisions look like from the boardroom, but I also know what they mean when they reach a classroom.

I am seeking another term because there is more work to do: improving attendance and academic achievement, strengthening support for students with special needs, recruiting and retaining excellent educators, protecting the integrity of our governance and financial oversight and ensuring that every school — regardless of neighborhood — has the resources and opportunities its students deserve.

I also believe education must prepare young people not simply to graduate, but to build meaningful lives and contribute to their communities. Arts, career preparation, technology and strong academic foundations all have a place in that mission.

Most importantly, I believe public education exists because of the hopes, needs and aspirations of the community it serves. I am running to keep that community at the center of our decisions, and to help build schools that give every Baltimore child a genuine reason to believe in their future.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

What makes me a strong candidate is that I bring both the perspective of an educator who has spent more than three decades in Baltimore classrooms and the experience of serving on the school board. I understand the difference between a policy that sounds good on paper and one that can actually work for students, families and educators.

I was the only practicing classroom teacher serving on the board during my four-year term. Before becoming a multilingual learner teacher, I taught business and finance, biology and other subjects. That breadth has taught me to see students as whole people with different talents, needs, challenges and aspirations.

As a commissioner, I have learned that effective governance requires more than voting. It requires asking difficult questions, examining the evidence, listening to people who may disagree and maintaining independent oversight. I am particularly committed to accountability, responsible use of public resources and ensuring that the board remains an effective governing body rather than simply reacting to administration.

I also believe that every child deserves to be seen, heard, challenged and supported. Academic achievement matters, but so do attendance, belonging, the arts, career preparation and what happens to our students after graduation.

I bring experience, independence, curiosity and a willingness to stand for what I believe is right, even when it is unpopular. I believe that is exactly what effective school-board service requires.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The most important issue facing our school board is ensuring that every Baltimore student is genuinely prepared for life after graduation. That means confronting the interconnected challenges of chronic absenteeism, academic achievement, student support, educator recruitment and retention and meaningful preparation for college, careers and citizenship.

If reelected, I would push the board to establish clear, measurable goals and insist that we regularly examine whether our strategies are producing results—not simply whether programs have been implemented. Attendance must remain a priority, because students cannot benefit from instruction they do not receive. But we also must ask why students are absent and address the barriers that keep them from school.

I would prioritize students who have historically been underserved, including students with disabilities, multilingual learners and students facing economic and social challenges. I would advocate for stronger connections among academic instruction, career and technical education, the arts and real-world opportunities so that students can see a purpose in their education.

I would also insist on meaningful community engagement. Educational institutions exist because communities entrust them with their children. Families, students, educators and communities must have a meaningful voice in determining what success looks like.

Finally, I would use my experience as both a classroom educator and board commissioner to strengthen accountability, fiscal oversight and governance. We cannot solve every problem overnight, but we can establish priorities, measure progress honestly and refuse to accept excuses when Baltimore’s children are not receiving what they deserve.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

A public leader I admire is Barack Obama because of his ability to bring people together around a common purpose while remaining grounded in the belief that public service is ultimately about people.

What I admire most is his capacity to listen, communicate across differences and approach complicated problems with thoughtfulness rather than simply reacting to the moment. He demonstrated that leadership does not require having every answer; it requires the willingness to ask the right questions, surround yourself with capable people and remain accountable for difficult decisions.

I also admire his emphasis on hope — not as a substitute for hard work, but as a reason to do the hard work. That resonates with how I view public education. Our students and communities deserve leaders who recognize the challenges honestly while still believing that better outcomes are possible.

Those qualities — listening, thoughtful leadership, perseverance and the ability to build common ground — are qualities I strive to bring to my service on the school board.

I support the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future because its fundamental premise is correct: Maryland cannot expect different educational outcomes while continuing to invest in students and educators as we have in the past. Early childhood education, competitive educator compensation, college and career readiness and greater support for multilingual learners and economically disadvantaged students are investments in Maryland’s future.

At the same time, supporting the Blueprint does not mean ignoring the challenges of implementation. In Baltimore, we serve students with significant and varied needs, and the requirements of the Blueprint can create additional administrative demands for a system already managing limited resources and aging infrastructure. The question should not be whether we implement the Blueprint, but whether we are implementing it effectively and equitably.

I believe the state must provide the resources necessary to meet its commitments while allowing districts appropriate flexibility to respond to local circumstances. We also need better measures of success. Test scores matter, but they are only one indicator. Attendance, graduation, educator retention, access to rigorous coursework, career preparation and the success of students after graduation should also inform our evaluation.

As a former classroom teacher and current school board commissioner, I see the Blueprint as both an opportunity and an obligation. Baltimore should embrace its promise while insisting on transparency, accountability, adequate funding and meaningful community engagement. We should not confuse compliance with success. The ultimate test is whether the Blueprint improves the educational lives and long-term opportunities of Maryland’s children.

Chronic absenteeism is one of the most serious challenges facing Baltimore City Public Schools because attendance is the gateway to every other educational outcome. But we must ask not only why students are absent, but whether we are providing an educational experience they want, need and believe is worth attending.

As a theatrical director, I learned that when an audience does not show up for a production, I cannot simply blame the audience. I have to examine the production. Are we providing what our community expects, needs and desires from its schools? Are our curricular outcomes aligned with those expectations and with the futures our students envision?

The board should demand transparent attendance data, identify barriers to attendance and support targeted partnerships with families and community organizations. But we must also examine curriculum, school culture, relevance and student engagement.

Attendance is not merely a compliance issue. It is also a measure of whether our schools are giving students a compelling reason to be there.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

I am not yet satisfied with our approach to student use of artificial intelligence. I understand why educators who did not grow up with AI may be cautious about its impact. But I believe we should approach this new technology with curiosity and purpose rather than fear. It reminds me of the transition to the printing press: we did not stop educating because Johannes Gutenberg introduced a powerful new tool; we learned how that tool could transform education.

Technology evolves. AI is a tool, and a tool is most effective when people learn how to use it responsibly and well. Our responsibility is to educate students for the world they will inherit, not simply the world we grew up in.

The board should establish clear standards for responsible AI use, including disclosure of significant AI assistance, protections against plagiarism and fabrication, and strong safeguards for student privacy. Teachers need training and flexibility to teach AI literacy rather than simply police its use.

We should regularly evaluate and update our policy as the technology evolves. We are in the business of educating, and that means teaching our students to use the tools that will shape their future.

No. I do not believe Baltimore City Public Schools currently has all the resources and personnel necessary to adequately address mental health needs. But mental health challenges are not the sole possession of students. Schools are more than classrooms; they are communities, and the trauma and pressures of today’s society affect students, families and many of our educators and staff.

We need a broader definition of these struggles and a community-based approach that includes school-based counseling, behavioral-health services, stronger partnerships with community providers and support for the adults who care for our children. Prevention also means creating environments where people feel safe, connected and valued.

The board should establish a concrete benchmark: at least 90% of students referred for mental health services should receive initial professional contact within five school days, with quarterly reporting on access, staffing and wait times.

Our goal should be collective support that helps students and adults not merely manage trauma and mental health challenges, but continue to grow and thrive.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I am adamantly opposed to book banning. Book banning comes dangerously close to book burning, and knowledge should never be possessed by a few or restricted to a few. As an educator who continues to serve in the classroom while serving on the board, I believe students should have access to ideas, perspectives and knowledge that may challenge them.

There are, however, reasonable parameters. Materials should be appropriate to the developmental stage of the students who can access them. That does not mean removing a book because its ideas are uncomfortable or unpopular. It means recognizing that some material may be unsuitable for younger children who have not yet developed the cognitive or emotional capacity to understand it.

Any restriction should therefore be based on clear developmental and educational standards — not politics, ideology, convenience or the preferences of a handful of people with power. Parents deserve a voice, but no single parent should determine access for everyone.

We must be extremely careful about who gets to decide what our children are allowed to read. My responsibility as an educator and board member is not to protect students from knowledge, but to help them learn how to engage with it. We should open doors to knowledge, not close them, and when we limit access, the burden of justification must be exceptionally high.

Did not answer survey: Ashley Ash Esposito

Baltimore County

Dr. Candice Logan-Washington (District 1)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Caretaker, mom and consultant

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Doctor of education in urban educational leadership and social policy, Morgan State University.

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for the Baltimore County Board of Education because I believe every student deserves to attend a school where they are supported, challenged, safe and prepared for their future.

This is deeply personal for me. I am a graduate of District 1 schools, a former District 1 teacher, the parent of two District 1 graduates and an educator who has spent nearly two decades working with students, teachers, families and school leaders. I know firsthand the difference a strong public education can make in a young person’s life.

I am running because I want to bring my experience in teaching, special education, educational leadership, research and organizational effectiveness to the board. I want us to invest in and support our teachers and staff, provide rigorous and meaningful opportunities for every student, strengthen special education and early intervention, expand college and career pathways and make sure our resources are producing real results for children.

I also believe families and communities deserve transparency, accountability and a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their schools.

Ultimately, I am running because our children deserve leadership that keeps them at the center of every decision. I want every student supported, every student challenged and every student prepared to succeed.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

What makes me a strong candidate for the Board of Education is that I bring both professional expertise and a deeply personal connection to District 1.

I am homegrown. I graduated from Lansdowne High School, taught at Woodlawn High School, worked throughout Baltimore County Public Schools, raised my family here and I am the parent of two District 1 graduates. I have lived in Baltimore County as a student, educator, parent and resident, so I understand our schools from multiple perspectives.

Professionally, I bring nearly two decades of experience in education, including classroom teaching, special education, district leadership, research, evaluation, organizational effectiveness and higher education. I understand what happens in the classroom, but I also understand how decisions about policy, budgets, programs, staffing and accountability affect what ultimately happens for students.

What distinguishes me is that I don’t have to learn District 1 from the outside. This community helped shape me. I know its strengths, I understand many of its challenges and I have a personal stake in seeing our schools and neighborhoods thrive.

I am prepared to bring experience, accountability, collaboration and a student-centered perspective to the board while never losing sight of who we serve.

I am homegrown, experienced and invested—and I am ready to work for every student and every family in District 1.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The most important issue facing our school board is ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that supports their individual needs, challenges them academically and prepares them for what comes next.

That starts with supporting our teachers and staff. We cannot improve student outcomes without investing in the people doing the work every day. I would advocate for competitive compensation, meaningful professional development, appropriate resources and innovative approaches to reducing class sizes so teachers have greater capacity to know, support and challenge each student.

We also have to ensure that our students are learning through strong, rigorous, research-based curriculum that provides multiple pathways for acceleration and growth. That includes advanced coursework, dual enrollment, early college opportunities, career and technical education, apprenticeships, strong special education supports and targeted interventions for students who need additional help.

At the same time, we must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. I believe in greater budget transparency so families, educators and the community can clearly understand where our resources are going and why. We should evaluate the effectiveness of our programs and investments to ensure we are spending for impact—not simply continuing initiatives because they have always been funded. Our budget should reflect our priorities, and we should be able to demonstrate how those investments are improving outcomes for students.

But before making decisions, I believe we must listen first. I want to hear directly from students, families, educators, school leaders and communities about what is working, where the gaps are and what they need from their school system. Good governance begins with listening and then using data, research, community voice and measurable outcomes to make responsible decisions.

My approach comes back to the three commitments at the heart of my campaign: **Every Student Supported. Every Student Challenged. Every Student Prepared.**

If elected, I will work to ensure those commitments are reflected in our classrooms, our policies and our budget, because every dollar we spend and every decision we make should ultimately have a positive impact on students.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Gloria Ford Gilmer. Gilmer was an influential Black mathematician and educator who lived in Catonsville. Her scholarship helped advance ethnomathematics, including research into the mathematics found in African American cultural practices, such as hair braiding. Her papers were later acquired by the Library of Congress.

I believe the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future has the potential to strengthen public education by expanding early childhood education, investing in teachers, increasing college and career readiness and providing additional support for students and families with greater needs. In Baltimore County, our community school models demonstrate how coordinated academic, health, family, and community supports can help address barriers that affect student success.

At the same time, successful implementation requires more than increased funding. We must continually evaluate whether programs and investments are producing meaningful outcomes for students. I support greater budget transparency and believe we should be able to demonstrate that we are spending for impact, while also recognizing and addressing the administrative and financial pressures implementation can place on school systems.

The Blueprint also aligns with my commitment to ensuring that every student is supported, challenged and prepared. That means supporting and retaining excellent teachers, exploring innovative strategies to reduce class sizes, providing a rigorous and research-based curriculum, strengthening early intervention and expanding multiple pathways for student acceleration and growth, including advanced coursework, dual enrollment, early college, career and technical education, apprenticeships and industry credentials.

As a board member, I would listen first — to educators, students, families and school leaders — and use their experiences, along with data and research, to determine what is working, what needs adjustment and where our resources can have the greatest impact on students.

Chronic absenteeism remains a serious challenge in Baltimore County Public Schools, even as the district has made progress. The latest finalized state data show that 25.6% of Baltimore County students were chronically absent in 2024–25, down from 28% the prior year. The board should treat attendance as both an accountability and an access issue by prioritizing funding for research-based supports, including early-warning systems, family outreach, transportation assistance, mental-health supports, tutoring and flexible or blended learning options. The community school model is also critical. Community school coordinators can serve as a bridge among schools, families and community partners to identify barriers and connect students with needed resources before absences become chronic. The board should monitor attendance by school and student group and support multiple pathways to keep students connected to meaningful educational opportunities. Our goal should be not only attendance, but engagement, belonging and continued learning.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Not yet. Before expanding AI use, we must first consider students’ overall screen time and device use, including the potential physical, developmental and psychosocial implications of an increasingly digital learning environment. Research points to concerns involving sleep, attention, physical activity, social interaction and student well-being, so these considerations should inform any AI policy.

At the same time, artificial intelligence will shape our students’ futures. Our students should not simply be consumers of AI; they should understand how it works, how to use it responsibly, how to question its output, and how to compete in a world increasingly shaped by it. BCPS needs clear, age-appropriate guidance addressing academic integrity, privacy, bias, misinformation, equitable access, and appropriate instructional use. The board should also ensure professional learning for educators and regularly review the policy as both the technology and research on its impact on children continue to evolve.

I believe Balitmore County Public Schools has made important investments in student mental health, but more support is still needed. Our schools should be places where students feel safe, connected, supported and ready to learn. The Board of Education should support strong partnerships with community mental health providers, additional counselors, psychologists and social workers, and better communication among schools, families, teachers and support staff. We should also think more broadly about student wellness by supporting healthy food choices, movement, physical activity, art, music, play and other opportunities that help students manage stress, build relationships and express themselves. Educators should have professional learning that helps them recognize when students need additional support and respond in caring, developmentally appropriate ways. I will advocate for early intervention, equitable access to services and environments that support the academic, social, emotional and physical well-being of every student.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

My perspective is that there may be limited circumstances when a book should be removed or relocated, particularly when material is not developmentally or age-appropriate for the students it serves or does not meet established educational standards. However, those decisions should never be based simply on disagreement with a viewpoint or an effort to eliminate perspectives or erase groups of human beings.

I believe we should trust the trained educators, librarians and other professionals who thoughtfully select instructional and library materials, while also ensuring transparency, community involvement and meaningful family choice. Any challenge should follow a clear, consistent review process. Parents should have the ability to make choices for their own children, including requesting alternatives when appropriate. Our responsibility is to balance intellectual freedom, professional expertise, developmental appropriateness, parental involvement and students’ access to a broad and comprehensive worldview.

Lisa A. Mack (District 1)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

I retired from Verizon but work part time at Johns Hopkins Hospital as a standardized patient, where I teach medical students how to effectively communicate with patients. Later in October, I will start teaching physical exam maneuvers to students.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

M.A. from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland

Why are you running for the school board?

I previously served on the school board but left four months early due to serious illness. I am running for the school board again because I have recovered and I know from personal experience that education is the great equalizer. I grew up poor and not much was expected from the kids in my neighborhood. In spite of low expectations, most of the people with whom I went to school received a solid educational foundation, which helped us break the cycle of poverty. After retiring from Verizon, I began to teach at Community College of Baltimore County and was horrified that many of the high school graduates in my class could not read. That discovery led me to look at Baltimore County Public Schools data and policies to figure out why high school graduates were able to graduate when they couldn’t read. I then reached out to teachers I know to understand what was going on. Essentially, everybody passed even if they lacked the most basic skills to succeed in career, college or life. Through my volunteer work as a Court Appointed Special Advocate and a licensed foster parent, I know that many kids have a rough start in life. Being well and truly educated could allow them to build a much better life for themselves.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I previously served on the school board and am known for being very well prepared, knowledgeable, relentless in my pursuit of the truth and improvement and for my consistent focus on improving literacy skills in students, because if students can’t read, they can’t do math word problems and can’t access history, science, etc. I was the chair of the Curriculum and Audit Committees and served on the Policy Review and Budget Committees. I taught English at Community College of Baltimore County, so I have insights into the educational challenges students face when unprepared. I have no political agenda or associations, so any vote I take on any issue is a vote that I have thoroughly researched and evaluated for how it impacts students. I am accessible and still maintain a teacher advisory board even though I have not been a school board member for four years.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The lack of educational outcomes/foundation skills is the most important issue facing the Baltimore County Board of Education today. Baltimore County trailed the state in all MCAP measures, which is unacceptable. Fewer than 5% of Baltimore County Public Schools’ 7th and 8th graders could demonstrate proficiency in math on the 2026 MCAP. When students are not adequately prepared, they may struggle in life. A big part of a board member’s job is to ensure that budget dolIars are allocated appropriately. To increase proficiency rates, I would ensure smaller class sizes, the purchase of proven curriculum and adequate staffing of classrooms and school houses. Every child who needs an AA should have one, and teachers need enough resources to adequately differentiate lessons. I will also ensure that schools have adequate professionals, like occupational therapists, physical therapists, counselors, social workers, nurses and school psychologists, to help students with the myriad of problems that get in the way of learning.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I admire Kareem Weaver, an educational advocate, because he used his daughter’s struggle with dyslexia to create a literacy movement that has increased awareness of the need for explicit reading instruction. For many years, schools have used unsuccessful reading programs like the three-cueing method, balanced literacy and whole language to teach reading. Struggling readers need explicit instruction, and Weaver keeps hammering that message.

There are many parts of the Blueprint that I fully support including, but not limited to, higher teacher pay, National Board Certification opportunities and expanded services to our most vulnerable students. I do have concerns about the developmental appropriateness of full-day pre-K for three and four-year-olds, but I understand the intent of this pillar of the Blueprint. However, I am concerned that, in its present form, the Blueprint may not be financially sustainable.

Four years ago, Baltimore County Public Schools implemented its “Here For It” attendance campaign. As a result, in 2024, Baltimore County Public Schools had the largest percentage decrease in chronic absenteeism at nearly 6.3%. However, even with those improvements, as reported on the Maryland Report Card, 19.4% of elementary school students, 26.4% of middle school students and 33.7% of Baltimore County Public Schools high school students missed more than 18 days of school, which equates to chronic absenteeism. The board needs to ensure that schools are safe and welcoming to all students because students who are not in school cannot learn.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

I am satisfied that Baltimore County Public Schools is taking a hard look at technology use at all levels. AI use is inevitable, but its use in schools should be limited. Students need to develop intellectual curiosity and the ability to thoroughly research any topic. AI makes it too easy to take an AI response at face value without understanding the complexities of underlying issues.

Baltimore County Public Schools recently made school psychologists 10-month employees, which, for some, resulted in a $20,000-plus decrease in annual salary. As a result, many school psychologists left for other systems. These professionals are part of the team that includes school counselors and school nurses who are there to help students experiencing mental health issues. We must ensure that we create conditions where these professionals stay at Baltimore County Public Schools and are available to students.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I don’t think books should be removed from libraries, but I do believe that parents who request to know are kept apprised of which books their students get from the library.

Kelli McClelland (District 3)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

In addition to being a mother of two elementary-aged children, I am a full-time caregiver to my brother, who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in 2010 when our family was struck by a semi-truck.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Master of Arts in Applied Sociology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Why are you running for the school board?

I’m running for Board of Education in Baltimore County Public Schools District 3 because I believe that strong public schools are critical to our collective future. I believe that every single child deserves a high quality education, with educators that have everything they need to do their job well. I believe the path to that outcome is paved with collaboration and coalitions among all who share that goal.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I am an educator and an advocate through and through. I have taught in public school elementary classrooms, college classrooms and general education development prep-rooms around Baltimore County, Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County. I have advocated from the highest levels of government to my own neighborhood school for those who cannot do it for themselves.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The most important issue facing our school board is the lack of a clear, shared vision with specific, measurable goals tied to student outcomes. Without defined priorities, it is difficult to know whether our decisions, resources, and policies are actually improving student success. If elected, I will work with fellow board members, educators, families and district leadership to establish clear goals directly related to student outcomes and advocate for progress monitoring to occur in every board meeting.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

The public figure I admire most is Fred Rogers. In the face of changing times and public opinions, he remained steadfast in his commitment to being honest with children and helping them to navigate challenging topics and circumstances. He operated with honesty and sincerity. Children still need so much of what Rogers offered, yet our leaders are so distracted by political posture and trends. I want Rogers-style leadership on our board. The kind that will do right by our students and educators, even when it isn’t easy or popular.

I think the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is critical to advancing our Maryland school systems. The Kirwan Commission did the comprehensive work of identifying the enhancements needed to elevate our schools to the top of global education systems. As part of this work, the commission stressed that the Blueprint must be faithfully implemented. If we are committed to realizing the gains it promises, we must resist the urge to cut corners or slow implementation in the face of budget pressures. This is especially relevant now, as uncertainty surrounding both state and federal funding has created significant challenges for districts working to implement the Blueprint with fidelity. Inconsistent or incomplete implementation risks undermining the very outcomes the Blueprint was designed to achieve.

While I believe we must be committed to this funding model and the pillars of the Blueprint, I recognized the need for flexibility as we gain insight and new information. When the legislation was passed, we had no way to know what issues would emerge over the period of implementation. We must adapt to our changing educational landscape without losing our commitment to supporting our public schools.

Chronic absenteeism remains a significant concern, even as Baltimore County Public Schools has made encouraging progress in reducing it. The board should build on what is working while recognizing that too many students are still missing too much school.

I would focus on understanding and addressing the reasons students are absent, rather than treating attendance as simply a discipline issue. That means looking at barriers such as transportation, mental health, school climate, family circumstances and student engagement. The board should set clear goals to improve chronic absenteeism and include regular progress monitoring of those goals on board meeting agendas to receive updates. As root causes are identified, the board should support policies and budget items that will ensure schools have the staff and resources necessary to intervene early. Improving attendance requires strong partnerships with families and a focus on making sure students feel supported, connected and engaged in their schools.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

There is no AI policy in place. A strong policy should clearly distinguish between appropriate uses and academic dishonesty. It should also address student privacy, data security, bias and the importance of verifying AI-generated information.

No. Youth mental health needs have continued to grow, yet our district has reduced our school psychologist positions from 12-month to nine-month contracts. That moves us in the wrong direction. We need qualified mental health professionals in our schools so students can receive support before they reach a crisis point.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I think it is important to follow the existing policies and review procedures that are in place when making any decisions regarding materials to be used in the school system. I believe in our teachers and librarians to make thoughtful decisions about the resources they use to support their instruction. I believe it is a value added proposition to have a variety of text with a variety of characters and subject matter available to students.

Maggie Litz Domanowski (District 3)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Administrative assistant

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Bachelor’s degree, Towson University

Why are you running for the school board?

My focus and reasons for running for the Baltimore County Board of Education, District 3, have remained unchanged since I was first elected in 2022: the students. As the parent of three Baltimore County Public Schools students for the past eight years, I have gained a unique perspective on how board policies and decisions directly affect students and educators in the classroom. This experience has strengthened my commitment to ensuring that every decision I make as a board member supports student achievement and success. I am seeking to continue serving in this role because I believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive. I will remain focused on making thoughtful, student-centered decisions that promote academic excellence and benefit all students.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

What makes me a strong candidate to continue serving on the school board is my unwavering commitment to making decisions that best support students and educators in the classroom. I take seriously my responsibility to represent all students and families and to ensure that every student receives a high quallity education, one that prepares them for a future of their choosing. I also recognize my responsibility as a fiscal steward for all Baltimore County residents. The Baltimore County Public School budget represents nearly half of the county’s total budget, and it must be managed carefully and transparently. I am committed to ensuring that Baltimore County Public Schools resources are invested wisely and demonstrate positive academic outcomes above all else.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The most important issue facing our school system, and one that requires the school board’s immediate attention, is class size. Over the past several years, educators have seen their classroom rosters steadily increase. Current full-time equivalent staffing ratios do not always reflect the actual number of students many teachers are expected to manage each day. As a result, educators have fewer opportunities to provide individualized attention and support. As a board, we must prioritize students and educators by supporting budgets and policies that reduce class sizes. Smaller classes create a better learning environment, allow teachers to address students’ individual needs and strenghten academic outcomes.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I was preparing to write about about a public figure I admire when he told me about his sister, Joey Tryon, the younger sister of Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta. Tryon always knew she wanted to become a doctor. After graduating college, she applied to nine medical schools but was rejected by all of them. She then joined the Peace Corps, spending seven years living and teaching in a remote African village. During that time, she endured extraordinary challenges, including a tsunami and a severe leg injury that required her to give herself more than 40 stitches. After returning home, she was again rejected by every medical school to which she applied. Undeterred, she earned her paramedic license and worked in an ambulance for two years before finally being accepted to medical school. Today, she is a doctor and a mother of three. Her determination and perseverance make her an aspiring role model and someone I admire.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is an ambitious and visionary plan for improving education across the state. Its positive impacts are already evident, particularly through the success of community schools, which have become invaluable resources for our students and families. I have not encountered a community school that would want to return to its previous model. However, not every school is eligible to become a community school, and the resources do not exsist to make every school one. While the Blueprint offers important goals and possibilities, its implementation and funding have not always matched its vision. Many school districts, including Baltimore County Public Schools, are struggling to meet deadlines because of insufficient funding and educator shortages. With thoughtful leadership, we can build upon the Blueprint while addressing the financial and time constraints it places on school systems. By focusing on flexibility, practical implementation and measurable results, we can achieve the Blueprint’s primary goal: improved academic achievement for all students.

Chronic absentieeism in Baltimore County Public Schools is below the state average, but it is still an issue that requires our attention. The Board of Education should address chronic absenteeism by supporting consistent policies and creating welcoming school environments where students want to be present, learn and succeed. Students should understand that attending school is their responsibility and an important step toward a brighter future. Our schools must foster a sense of belonging, acountability and engagement for every student. When students and educators feel connected to and invested in their schools, they are more likely to attend regularly, participate actively and achieve positive outcomes.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and Baltimore County Public Schools needs a clear, comprehensive and consistently implemented policy governing its use in classrooms and student assignments. AI can be a valuable educational tool, but it should never replace the critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving and independent learning that students must develop. Students should be encouraged to think first, complete their own work and use AI only in ways that support, not substitute for, their learning. With thoughtful guidelines and effective oversight, Baltimore County Public Schools can help students use AI responsibly while ensuring that technology enhances education rather than undermines essential skills students need for academic and personal success.

Youth mental health has become a significant concern in our schools and communities. I am encouraged by tools we have implemented to increase awareness and address mental health crisis amoung young people. However, I am concerned that these supports rely too heavily on digital applications, artificial intelligence and telehealth services. While technology can be useful, it should not replace the personal care and guidance provided by trained professionals. Our schools must consistantly have qualified mental health profesionals available to support students in person. We must also compensate these professionals fairy to attract and retain the skilled staff our students need. Every student deserves access to timely, compassionate and high-quality mental health care.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

Our schools need a clear, consistent and transparent policy governing the books made available to students in school libraries. Materials should be age-appropriate and evaluated based on their content, educational value and relevance to students. Books containing excessive vulgar language or sexual or otherwise adult content should receive careful review to determine whether they are appropriate for a school setting. When concerns arise, families and community members should have a clearly defined process for requesting a review. If a book is found to be inappropriate, the district should provide a transparent evaluation and, when warranted, remove it from the school library.

Stacy McNish (District 7)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Service Coordination as service coordinator

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

B.S. in psychology from University of Phoenix

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for the Baltimore County Board of Education because families in District 7 deserve stability, transparency and a school system that follows through on its commitments. My work in mental health, developmental disability services and community outreach has shown me how deeply school stability affects family stability. I want to bring a steady, solutions‑oriented approach to the board that strengthens early learning, improves communication with families and ensures consistent implementation of policies across all schools.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I have more than a decade of experience navigating complex public systems on behalf of vulnerable adults and families. As a certified work incentive counselor and service coordinator, I develop person‑centered plans, advocate for clients and coordinate services across agencies. This is work that mirrors the oversight, accountability, and systems‑level problem solving required of a school board member. I also have deep roots in District 7 as a Kenwood High School graduate, PTA parent and longtime community volunteer.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The most important issue facing the Board of Education is restoring trust by addressing the everyday problems families and educators consistently raise: school safety and discipline, building conditions and a special education system that feels confusing and dismissive to many parents. These concerns are not isolated—they reflect deeper issues with consistency, communication and follow-through across the district.

Families in District 7 frequently tell me they are worried about the lack of meaningful consequences for violent or chronically disruptive behavior. Educators want clear expectations and support so classrooms remain safe and focused on learning. The board must ensure discipline policies are implemented consistently, that interventions are practical and that schools have the staffing and training needed to respond early and effectively.

Building conditions are another major concern. Aging facilities, maintenance delays and inconsistent communication about repairs undermine confidence. The board must strengthen oversight, improve transparency around timelines and ensure resources are directed to the schools with the greatest need.

Finally, many families navigating special education feel unheard. The system is complex, and communication is often unclear. The board can improve this by setting expectations for timely responses, strengthening parent engagement and ensuring that special education staffing and training match the needs of students.

If elected, my focus will be on steady, practical improvements: clearer communication, stronger oversight and consistent implementation of policies. When families see predictable follow-through, trust in the school system grows and students benefit.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I admire mostly non‑public leaders like teachers, social workers and the people who quietly strengthen communities every day. But if I had to choose a public figure, I admire leaders like Fred Rogers. He demonstrated that compassion, clarity and steadiness can transform how communities support children. His approach to communication with honest, calm and centered on human dignity, is a model for how I believe school systems should engage with families.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future sets strong goals for early childhood education, college and career readiness and expanded supports for families. I agree with the intent of the Blueprint, especially its focus on early learning, multilingual learners and students living in poverty, because these are areas where consistent investment can change long‑term outcomes. These are also specific needs for students living in my district.

At the same time, the implementation has been challenging for many districts, including Baltimore County. The requirements are complex, the reporting expectations are significant, and the timelines have created strain on both school‑based staff and central office. When systems are already stretched, new mandates can feel overwhelming. This can create the disfunction in the daily operations, even when the goals are positive.

In District 7, families and educators want to see the benefits of the Blueprint reach classrooms in a clear and measurable way. That means ensuring early childhood programs are staffed and supported, strengthening special education and multilingual services and improving communication so families understand how Blueprint changes affect their schools.

I believe the Blueprint can help students if the state continues to work collaboratively with districts to adjust expectations, provide clearer guidance and make sure funding formulas are sustainable. My focus is on translating the Blueprint’s intentions into real support for classrooms, not just compliance. When implementation is steady, transparent and realistic, students and educators benefit.

Chronic absenteeism is a significant challenge in Baltimore County, including in District 7. The pandemic disrupted routines, family stability and students’ connection to school, and many families are still working to rebuild predictable attendance habits. Absenteeism is rarely about a single issue, it reflects transportation barriers, health needs, inconsistent communication and the stress many families face.

The Board of Education cannot solve absenteeism alone, but it can strengthen oversight, support school‑based attendance teams and ensure interventions are practical rather than punitive. Families need clear communication, early outreach and support that recognizes real‑world barriers such as work schedules and transportation gaps.

The Board also plays a role in ensuring schools feel safe, welcoming and stable. When students feel connected to their school community, attendance improves. My focus is on addressing absenteeism as a systems issue through consistency, communication and strong school‑family partnerships.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Baltimore County Public Schools, like most districts, is still developing and refining its policies around student use of AI. I don’t believe the policy is fully clear or consistently communicated yet, and that’s an area where improvement is needed. AI can be a useful tool for learning, but students need guidance on when its use is appropriate, how to use it ethically and how to build their own critical thinking skills rather than relying on technology to do the work for them.

The Board of Education can help by ensuring the policy is clear, age‑appropriate and consistently implemented across schools. Families and educators should understand what is allowed, what isn’t and why. I would support a policy that encourages responsible use of AI for learning while maintaining strong expectations around academic integrity. Clear communication and practical guidance will help students benefit from new technology without undermining their own learning.

Youth mental health remains one of the most significant challenges facing Baltimore County, and while the district has dedicated staff and resources, they are not yet sufficient to meet the level of need we are seeing. Schools rely heavily on counselors, social workers and psychologists who are often responsible for large caseloads, making it difficult to provide consistent early‑intervention support. Many students also need services that extend beyond what schools can provide alone, such as community‑based therapy and crisis stabilization.

The Board of Education can strengthen this work by prioritizing staffing, expanding partnerships with community mental health providers and improving communication so families understand how to access support. I also believe in increasing school‑based prevention efforts, including trauma‑informed practices and stronger coordination between mental health staff and educators. Addressing youth mental health requires steady, collaborative systems, not isolated programs. That is where the board can make a meaningful impact.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I believe school libraries should offer diverse, age‑appropriate materials and that book removal should be rare and based on clear, professional criteria. In general, books should only be removed if they are truly inappropriate for a specific age group. For example, materials that are developmentally unsuitable for younger students. Or if they clearly violate established selection standards.

Decisions should not be made by individuals acting alone. They should follow a transparent process that includes trained librarians, educators and administrators, with opportunities for parents to raise concerns respectfully. Professional judgment is essential, because librarians are trained to evaluate educational value, developmental appropriateness and the needs of all students.

The board’s role is to ensure the process is clear, consistent and fair, protecting both parental voice and students’ access to information. Balanced, transparent procedures help maintain trust and keep politics out of the library.

Did not answer survey: Jane E. Lichter (District 2), Brenda Hatcher-Savoy (District 4), Julie C. Henn (District 5), Christina Pumphrey (District 6), Darren M. Badillo (District 6), Rod McMillion (District 7)

Carroll County

Cleveland C. Friday

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Correctional administrator warden with the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Bachelor’s of science in criminal justice from Coppin State University

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for the Carroll County Board of Education because I have a vision rooted in strong schools, engaged communities, and a commitment to preparing every student for success. I am running for the Carroll County Board of Education because I believe our children deserve schools that challenge them academically, support them passionately and prepare them for the future. Education is the foundation of a strong community and decisions about our schools must always put students first. I believe in the importance of collaboration among educators, parents, students, and community members. My tenure on the Carroll County Board of Education will focus on supporting teachers, maintaining high academic standards, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and creating safe, all-encompassing learning environments where every student can thrive.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I am a strong advocate for public education and I believe that the Board of Education should balance innovation with tradition, ensuring Carroll County schools remain competitive while honoring the values of the community. I have four wonderful daughter who have been touched by and excelled because of the Carroll County Public School system. They have excellent study habits, amazing determination, the ability to think independently and critically, problem solving skills and the willingness and drive to learn. I have no doubt that these skills were gained and mastered while attending the Carroll County Public School system. I have seen first-hand how a Carroll County Public School education can make our children successful and I want to ensure that this tradition continues.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The biggest challenge for our school board is handling the heavy financial and operational demands of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future without causing local deficits or classroom layoffs. While the Blueprint has admirable goals, like boosting teacher salaries and expanding career technical programs, it’s a rigid state mandate that strains our county budget and limits local control. If elected, I’ll tackle this rollout in three ways. First by auditing our district’s administrative spending line-by-line to cut bureaucracy and put every dollar toward the classrooms. Second by working with board members statewide to lobby Annapolis for more flexible timelines on complex mandates so we don’t lose essential staff just to meet compliance. Lastly, by growing our Career and Technical Education programs through partnerships with local businesses, creating direct paths to high-wage jobs without duplicating costs. Our community deserves someone who will secure every possible dollar, demand accountability in spending, and defend our classrooms’ local autonomy from state overreach.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I really admire former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. During his time in office, he showed how to lead with a practical approach, managing to balance the state budget while also securing record funding for public education. He was all about finding bipartisan solutions instead of getting caught up in political fights, something that’s badly needed on today’s school boards and political landscape. I respect how he listened to different perspectives, stayed committed to fiscal responsibility, and delivered real results for families. His style of leadership is a great example of putting policy ahead of politics to unite a community.

Since the Blueprint’s implementation, the costs and administrative burdens placed on the Carroll County Public School system has been difficult. Although Carroll County was able to get a waiver on some portions of the plan, there will still be huge budgetary constraints in the future. In short, the Blueprint is reshaping CCPS’s operations, staffing, and curriculum to meet state standards, with both opportunities for improved student support and challenges in budget, staffing, and curriculum alignment. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is a one size fits all approach that does not fit Carroll County Public Schools.

Although chronic absenteeism has been a problem in many schools since the Covid-19 pandemic, Carroll County Public Schools is doing better than the state average. Carroll County’s 2023 attendance rate of 92.8% indicated that roughly 1 in 14 school days were missed across the district. In 2024–25, CCPS presented Maryland report card results showing modest gains in academic performance but also noted ongoing attendance challenges, particularly for certain subgroups. The district has implemented attendance interventions such as home visits for at‑risk students to connect with families and address barriers to attendance. PPW (Parental Participation in Work) support to engage parents in student success. CC Stars program to recognize and reward attendance. Lastly, parent messaging campaigns to raise awareness and encourage consistent attendance. These efforts aim to address barriers to attendance, including health, family, and engagement issues.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

I am satisfied with Carroll County Public School’s policy on AI use by students. Although our policy mirrors the guidelines that have been implemented by the state of Maryland, I do believe that there is room for improvement. We must establish strict guardrails protecting student data privacy. Our goal shouldn’t just be policing plagiarism, it must be teaching students how to use AI ethically and effectively as a tool, preparing them for the future economy without sacrificing critical thinking.

Carroll County Public Schools has outstanding, dedicated staff doing incredible work to support students, but like many districts across the country, resources are stretched thin due to an unprecedented youth mental health crisis. Counselor and psychologist staffing ratios remain heavily strained, making proactive care challenging.

To address this without placing extra burdens on local taxpayers we should expand partnerships with community-based mental health providers and telehealth networks. This helps bridge gaps for families, eases pressure on school staff and ensures no CCPS student slips through the cracks when they need support.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

Sometimes books need to be removed from school libraries, which serve a very different purpose than public libraries. School collections should directly support academic learning and suit the developmental needs of minors. Certain books simply don’t belong in a school library, especially those with excessive vulgarity or explicit sexual content that’s clearly inappropriate for young readers. Just like movies and video games have ratings, schools should uphold strict age-appropriate standards.

Sensitive decisions shouldn’t be made solely by politicians or swayed by political pressure. Instead, they should follow a clear, transparent review process managed by a committee of educators, librarians, and parents. This approach ensures parents can guide their own child’s reading choices without letting any one group control what’s available to all students in the district.

Julie V. Walsh

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

I am not currently in paid work; I am a stay-at-home mother to five children.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and German from Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

Why are you running for the school board?

In February 2025, when I became aware of the difficulty Caroll County Public Schools was having in implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, I joined other local residents in advocating for a solution. A small group of us formed the Carroll Education Coalition, which engaged thousands of parents in advocacy aimed at both county and state decision makers. Two of us did the bulk of the on-the-ground work, traveling to Westminster and Annapolis to attend public meetings, give testimony and speak to elected officials.

After nearly a year of that work, I had learned a great deal about the school system and its challenges, and I began to worry about what might be coming next. I have five children in Carroll County Public Schools (plus countless friends) and I care deeply about the system’s success. So after initially brushing off the idea of running, I finally decided to try to make a difference in that new way.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

In the past few years I have been heavily engaged in our schools, essentially making a full-time job out of my volunteer work, advocacy and now campaigning. The experience has reminded me of some of my strengths, which I had overlooked during my years of caring for my young children at home:

I love people. I love connecting with people and connecting them to one another. I love listening to them, hearing about their backgrounds and concerns and amplifying their strengths by encouraging them to help in ways they are well suited for. I am a good organizer and leader, and I use those skills to build up my community.

I am curious. I rarely hear a presentation or read a report that does not make me want to dig further, understand better and get to the ultimate truth of the matter.

I see the big picture. I am good at identifying the ultimate goal of an effort and assessing whether the actions that are planned or underway will point it in the right direction.

I am detached from all “sides.” While I have my own opinions, I am good at listening to and caring for people from all backgrounds and political persuasions, and giving them the respect they deserve.

I am comfortable in a political/legislative environment. Having spent years working around the Maryland General Assembly, I am not daunted by public speaking, legislative hearings, researching public documents, etc.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The most important issue facing our school system is a building sense of strain. It feels like we have taken one hit after another for at least 15 years: budget and staffing cuts, COVID-19 measures and the public divisions they engendered, political fights over hot-button cultural issues, inflationary impacts, challenges in implementing Blueprint and other state-driven education policies and now a declining enrollment.

The strain has caused stress and uncertainty for educators and families, and informs all discussions over the future of Carroll County Public Schools–and so I think it should be the primary focus of our school board.

“Strain” is too deep and broad of an issue for anything like a simple fix, but I think it can be mitigated by: (1) Lowering the temperature in the Board of Education’s deliberations and its interactions with the public. (2) Seeking to understand–and convey to the community at large–the financial struggles of the school system and the impact they are having on our offerings to students. (3) Actively engaging with state leaders to make known any difficulties in implementing Blueprint or other education policies and collaborating to identify reasonable alternatives. (4) Looking to the future and engaging with the community to come to an agreement on what Carroll County wants from its school system and how it can help get Caroll County Public Schools to that goal.

This is the work I want to see done by our school board, and this is the work I would jump into if elected.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

The public figure I most admire is David French. French is a writer and attorney from Tennessee who has been clear-eyed in his assessment of American politics and devoted to truth and integrity in his speech and conduct.

A conservative evangelical Christian who was long engaged in legal work related to religious freedom issues, French nonetheless criticizes conservatives and Evangelicals when he finds their arguments or behaviors immoral or foolish.

A veteran who joined the U.S. Army in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks and served in Iraq, French nonetheless offers frank and critical assessments of U.S. military conduct and national security concerns where he finds them problematic.

The qualities I most admire in public figures are integrity and a willingness to speak the truth and act justly in the face of pressure, even from one’s own side. French possesses those qualities in spades.

The Blueprint is what drew me into education advocacy in Carroll County–the work that would ultimately lead to my decision to run for office. From what I’ve come to know of the law, I think it articulates excellent goals for Maryland’s public schools, but lacks foresight regarding the practical effects of its implementation and the difficulty in getting our schools the funding originally envisioned for the effort.

In Carroll County, which is perhaps the leanest school system in Maryland, with the lowest per-pupil spending and a small central office, Blueprint implementation was set to cost nearly 100 educators their jobs, move around another hundred, result in dramatically-increased class sizes in some parts of the county and cost some schools the resources they needed to serve their most disadvantaged students.

We in Carroll County were able to argue that the practical effects of the Blueprint were not aligned with the goals of the Blueprint, and fortunately Carroll County was granted an implementation waiver, along with help in designing a better implementation plan.

I am grateful for that result, but I recognize that there is still work to do to ensure that the on-the-ground effects of the Blueprint align with the law’s goals, and that it results in meaningful improvement in education statewide.

I often hear from educators and parents regarding their frustrations with state-level education policies, including those in the Blueprint. I think it’s important to take those concerns into account–and to take them to Annapolis, where the decisions are made that trickle down to us all.

At 18.3% in 2025, Carroll County is in the lowest quartile of Maryland school districts for students at risk for chronic absence. I am grateful we’re not higher on the list, but still–18.3% of students is too high.

As a parent, most of what I’ve heard communicated is that attendance has focused on illness, encouraging parents to keep their children home only when they’re very sick. This strikes me as insufficient to the problem. If a student is chronically absent, there’s something deeper than normal illness at play.

I imagine the root causes of chronic absence are varied and challenging to address, but I think they should be considered alongside other challenges for the school system: education technology use and students’ ability to turn in work online, personal technology use and students’ disengagement with peers and educators, family financial difficulties and students’ role in providing childcare for younger siblings, etc.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

As a parent of three middle and high school students, I have seen a range of AI policies come home on class syllabi. Most prohibit AI use for completing assignments, but some nod to AI’s usefulness and allow for certain kinds of AI usage in certain scenarios.

Personally, I am becoming ever more wary of AI in general, and much more confident that AI should have no place in the vast majority of a child’s education. I understand that it is seen as inevitable and an increasingly-important part of the workplace. But that does not make it a good teacher.

People learn by doing, by struggling, by practicing. The goal of education should never be to turn in an assignment or get a certain grade, it should be to learn. If our children experience AI as a useful crutch, they will not gain the skills and the subject knowledge they need.

I do not think our school system has the resources and personnel in place to deal with the growing concern over youth mental health. I believe our educators and staff do the best they can with what they have, but they are spread too thin. I think our school system should be better staffed and funded in this area, and that it should seek to better collaborate with parents and community partners to ensure that there are systems, practices and resources in place to be there for our young people who are struggling with their mental health.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I think it is unlikely that I would support efforts to remove books from our school libraries, but I do concede that there are plenty of books out there that do not belong in schools. Books in school libraries should be appropriate, content-wise, for young readers, and I think most school media specialists are well aware of and supportive of that idea. I think most library staff seek to make good choices about the titles they bring in, and I trust their professional expertise.

Were edge cases to arise where books, say, glorify violence or focus primarily on explicit sexual material, I would read the book myself and seek to exercise sound, fair judgement. I think such cases would be exceedingly rare, because I am confident that our educators want the best for our children and would not seek to expose them to material that is unhealthy or demeaning.

Lisa Maisano

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

No, I am a homemaker and volunteer in my community.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Bachelor of Science, Materials Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech, 2024, graduated Summa Cum Laude

Why are you running for the school board?

Schools are the foundation of our communities and it’s important to me that they are healthy and well-functioning. I have poured myself into raising my three children, who are all current Carroll County Public School students, and my family actively volunteers in our community. After serving three years as PTA president at my children’s elementary school, I became concerned about our lean operations and struggles due to lack of resources. The challenges Carroll County Public Schools faced when trying to implement Blueprint pushed me to help create the non-partisan Carroll Education Coalition to advocate at the state and local levels and engage the community. I learned that sometimes what feels impossible can be possible if someone speaks up. I have found my voice and now I hope to use it in a new way—as a member of the Board of Education. I believe members of the board must be strong and effective advocates for our school system, actively working with county and state leaders to secure the resources necessary to provide an excellent education for our students. I want to be a listener and a collaborator to find practical solutions to the challenges facing our schools. I will to ask for the things that our educators need to be better equipped to help all students succeed and I will advocate for state policy changes that benefit Carroll.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I am dedicated to my family, to my community and to trying to make the world a better place. I work very hard and am passionate about this cause of helping our students, educators and school system be the best it can be. I believe that the opportunities that our public schools provide have the power to change lives and develop the next generation into productive and engaged citizens. I am an engineer by training so I like to dig in to the details and do research to thoroughly understand the topic. Being a good listener, I promise to keep an open mind and seek to understand all sides of an issue. I will be open and accessible so anyone can share their thoughts and concerns. I welcome and seek out conversations. Lastly, my efforts to advocate for our students, educators and school system over the past few years prove that I am a dedicated and reliable supporter of our school community.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The most important issue facing our schools is that resources are stretched too thin across all areas. The lack of resources is straining the entire system, creating ever increasing workloads for our educators and hindering student academic achievement. Throughout my campaign, I have been speaking with educators and families and listening to their concerns. I believe that in order to address any of the problems facing our school system, we must first work to improve the communication between the Board of Education, administration, educators, students and families. People need to be heard and understood in order for some of these problems to be addressed. I understand that there are practical financial constraints to consider when allocating resources to the schools. But I believe, through honest and respectful conversations, we can prioritize areas where additional resources would make the most impact and focus on delivering solutions. I believe that the job of the board is to help facilitate those discussions and decisions as well as advocating for needed changes both internally and at the local and state levels. Educator workload is becoming an increasingly challenging problem and we need a board that will bring constructive feedback and suggestions to policy makers.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

John McCain is a public leader that I admire. He loved his country deeply and after five years of being tortured as a prisoner of war, he continued his commitment to the of the American people by serving in Congress. His dedication to his principles and the fight for human rights guided his work, priorities and votes after he was elected to Congress. As a Senator, McCain sometimes voted against his own party or defended his opponents if he felt they were unfairly criticized. He followed his principles and embodied “service over self.” I admire that McCain stayed true to himself and voted with his conscience.

Although the goals of Blueprint are admirable, there are flaws in the law’s implementation. For a school system as lean as Carroll County Public Schools, the Blueprint was especially challenging. Around 80% of school system costs go to paying for educators and staff–the people who are delivering the instruction and providing support to students every day. Thankfully, Carroll County Public Schools was able to get a waiver for more time to implement Blueprint and the opportunity to work with trusted consultants to determine a path forward to meet the law that did not lay off 100 educators, move around another 100 or increase class sizes dramatically. After working with the consultants to apply the Base School Model, Carroll County Public Schools has access to a reading specialist and math specialist at each school; however, in many cases staff must be shared between schools. Unfortunately, Blueprint implementation eliminated the academic facilitator positions at our seven high schools–responsible for coordinating all testing–as well as the school counseling mentor teacher position. When positions are removed, those tasks and duties get assigned to other educators because the work still must get done. In the end, the work with the consultants after the waiver, put Carroll County Public Schools in a better, less disruptive position that the original implementation plan, but challenges remain. When the Maryland General Assembly convenes in 2027, legislators are expected to take up revisions to the Blueprint law and it is important that Carroll County’s interests are represented. If elected, I will advocate for changes that help Carroll County students and educators.

Compared to other districts in Maryland, Carroll County does not have a significant absenteeism problem; however, there is always room for improvement. There are a variety of reasons that contribute to absenteeism including things like family challenges, school avoidance, mental health issues, fear of bullying or lack of parent/guardian involvement. It is important to me that our schools have adequate resources to support students so that every child feels equipped to handle both the academic and social/emotional aspects of school and life. School counselors, pupil personnel workers and educators provide resources to support students and families. Feeling a sense of belonging at school is critical to reducing absenteeism. Students that have friend groups and at least several trusted adults at school to check in with or ask for help can go a long way.vCarroll County Public Schools has schools with strong, positive educator and student connections which make for a healthy school community.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

The Board of Education should create a more comprehensive policy on AI use by students. Currently the use of generative AI is not allowed unless specific permission is given. Educators use software that detects AI. I believe that student use of AI prevents them from practicing and improving their problem solving, research, critical thinking and writing skills. I am concerned about student reliance on AI to do schoolwork. It is important to me that educators do not skip homework assignments or give less work because they are concerned that students will use AI. There will always be students who test the rules, so educators must be equipped with robust ways to detect AI and there should be significant consequences for academic dishonesty. It’s worth noting that I support the reevaluation of the role of technology in the classroom and concerns about the use of generative AI should be considered.

Carroll County educators do a tremendous job, but like many areas of the school system, resources are spread thin. Mental health issues are increasingly affecting society in general. Families and students are dealing with a greater frequency of and more severe issues than in the past. chools can benefit from more school counselors, pupil personnel workers and educators who help students feel supported, access resources and practice safe and healthy coping techniques. I have been impressed by Carroll County Public Schools’ Sources of Strength program at the secondary schools that supports mental health, belonging and identifying positive friends and trusted adults. Sources of Strength may be a program worthwhile to expand into the elementary schools as well. Also, student cellphone usage–both at home and at school–contributes to mental health struggles and the schools should work with families to develop safe digital habits and responsible school-day policies.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

In the event that books are questioned, I support a Reconsideration Committee comprised of Carroll County Public Schools media specialists, administrators, educators, parents and high school students making the decision about the removal of books. Just because a book may make someone sad or uncomfortable does not necessarily mean the book should be removed from the collection. Books should be evaluated in their entirety. Learning about the challenges others have endured teaches empathy and understanding. The process of adding new books to the collection should not be so burdensome on media specialists that it prevents new materials from being acquired. I believe that student materials should contain diverse perspectives and historically accurate facts. I support Carroll County Public Schools media specialists who are trained in their fields to select age and grade-level appropriate books for the collection based on professional reviews and recommendations.

Marsha B. Herbert

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Owner of Country Hill Horse Farm

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Master’s equivalent, Western Maryland College

Why are you running for the school board?

I was on the Carroll County Board of Education for two terms. I sat out for two years required by law. I have a great deal more work to complete.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I have been on the Carroll County and Board of Education for two terms. I held the office of president for three years and vice president two years. I have the most experience of any other candidate. I was an educator in Carroll County for over 40 years.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

Funding and the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and to continue having an open dialogue with the Carroll County dommissioners and our state delegation, our funding source.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Cynthia McCabe, superintendent of Carroll County Schools. McCabe is a natural leader, thinks out of the box and sets a great example for all to follow.

Carroll County Public Schools was able to obtain a state waiver for two years. Superintendent McCabe and Delegate Joshua Stonko worked diligently to obtain the only waiver in the state. This will allow the county to not transfer as many educators from one school to another. The waiver will also help the school system to not increase class size.

Carroll County does not have an absenteeism problem.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Carroll County is just testing the water. This is not an end-all for educators as well as students.

Youth mental health is a big issue. The school system can always ask for more funds to hire more personnel. The board could hire more counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists and behavioral specialists.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

Yes, books need to be age-appropriate.

Shannon Hinkhaus

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Yes, legal assistant for estate administration practice

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

B.A. in business administration with a minor in accounting from McDaniel College

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for school board because the experience of COVID-19 showed me how important it is to have local elected officials who are engaged, willing to do the work and accountable to the community they serve. Since 2020, I have paid close attention to Carroll County Public Schools and the issues facing our schools. I have seen that there is no shortage of challenges—from academic achievement and classroom priorities to technology, school safety and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I believe our school board needs members who will roll up their sleeves, ask questions, dig into the data, listen to parents and teachers and make thoughtful decisions based on what is best for students and our community. With my background in business, finance and accounting, I bring a practical, detail-oriented perspective to the board. I want to help ensure that our schools remain focused on academic excellence, that parents have a meaningful voice, that teachers are supported and that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly. I am running because I believe Carroll County deserves school board members who will work hard, lead with common sense and be accountable for results.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I believe I am a good candidate for the board because I bring a combination of firsthand experience with Carroll County Public Schools, a background in finance and accounting and a willingness to dig into the issues and do the work required to make informed decisions. I am a lifelong Carroll County resident and the mother of three children who each attended Carroll County Public Schools from kindergarten through graduation. I have volunteered in our schools in many capacities, giving me an appreciation for both the opportunities and challenges within our classrooms. Professionally, my background in business, finance and accounting has taught me to pay attention to the details, ask questions, analyze information and understand how decisions affect a larger budget. I would bring that same approach to the board, particularly when reviewing a school system budget that involves hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. I also believe effective school board members need to listen. I want to hear from parents, teachers, administrators, students and taxpayers, consider different perspectives and then make thoughtful decisions based on facts, data and the needs of our community. I am not running because I believe I have all the answers. I am running because I am willing to learn, ask the difficult questions, work collaboratively and remain accountable to the people I represent.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

It is difficult to choose just one issue facing our school system. We have declining enrollment, significant capital needs, school safety and classroom-environment concerns and financial pressures. However, my top priority is student achievement, particularly ensuring that every child leaves the early grades with a strong foundation in reading, writing and mathematics. I would begin by taking a closer look at student performance beyond simply reviewing annual Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program results. We need to understand where students are struggling, identify what is working and establish measurable goals for improvement. I would also examine the factors affecting the classroom learning environment, including how we use technology in grades three through eight and how we address ongoing classroom disruptions. I believe technology should be a tool, not the default method of instruction. Children need opportunities to practice foundational skills through direct instruction, reading, writing and hands-on work. Pointing and clicking to identify the 50 states, for example, is not the same as writing those state names on a map. Students also cannot learn effectively when classrooms are repeatedly disrupted. We need to support teachers in maintaining orderly classrooms while ensuring that students who need additional support receive it. If elected, I would focus on measurable academic outcomes, examine the effectiveness of current instructional practices, listen to teachers and parents and make decisions that put learning at the center of the school day.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I can easily identify a public leader I admire: Donna Sivigny, who served on the Carroll County Board of Education from 2016–2024.

Sivigny was an admirable board member because she took the time to learn the issues, ask thoughtful questions and work toward real solutions. In the board meetings I watched, I was consistently impressed by the questions she asked of staff. They were purposeful, informed and demonstrated that she had taken the time to understand the issue before reaching a conclusion.

I admire that approach to public service. I believe elected officials have a responsibility to do their homework, ask questions, listen carefully and apply logic and reason rather than simply react to the issue of the day.

That is the example I would strive to follow if elected to the Board of Education.

I recognize that the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future includes goals that I support, particularly improving academic achievement, supporting teachers and preparing students for college and careers. However, I have concerns about the cost, mandates and especially the loss of local flexibility that come with its implementation. For Carroll County, the Blueprint has brought additional state funding, but it has also created significant financial and administrative challenges. Carroll County Public Schools has had to seek an extension of its Blueprint fiscal compliance requirements, and we continue to work through how to meet those requirements. As a school board member, I would focus on ensuring that Blueprint requirements actually translate into better outcomes for Carroll County students. I would want the board to carefully evaluate the return on every dollar being spent, distinguish between requirements that are producing meaningful results and those that are primarily administrative, and advocate for greater local flexibility when state mandates do not fit our community’s needs. I believe Maryland should set high expectations for its schools, but local school boards should have meaningful input into how those expectations are achieved. Carroll County has unique demographics, resources and challenges, and our board should have the ability to make decisions based on what works best for our students, teachers and taxpayers.

Chronic absenteeism remains a concern in Carroll County, even though our rate is below the statewide average. Nearly one in five Carroll County Public Schools students is chronically absent, representing a significant amount of lost instructional time. Carroll County Public Schools already has attendance interventions in place, including Pupil Personnel Workers who monitor attendance and work with students and families, as well as school-level attendance initiatives and support plans. As a board member, I would want to understand what the district is learning from these efforts and where additional strategies may be needed. We should continue to examine attendance data, identify the factors contributing to chronic absenteeism and build on interventions that are demonstrating success. Schools and families both have an important role to play. When legitimate barriers exist, schools should work with families to address them. At the same time, we need to reinforce the importance of regular attendance and parental responsibility. Every instructional day matters, particularly for students who are already struggling academically.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

I believe the board should have a specific discussion about the use of artificial intelligence by students and whether our current guidance adequately addresses it. Carroll County Public Schools has developed guidance regarding the instructional use of generative AI, including expectations around teacher-approved use and academic honesty. I believe the board should review that guidance in light of Maryland’s current AI framework and determine whether additional local policy is needed. My concern is that AI can become a substitute for the thinking, writing, research and problem solving students need to develop themselves. Students should learn about AI and how to use it responsibly, but that is different from relying on AI to complete their work. I would support clear, age-appropriate expectations across all grade levels, including guidance on student use, academic integrity, privacy, approved tools and parental transparency. Technology should support learning, not replace it, and students should continue doing the work necessary to build strong foundational skills.

Carroll County Public Schools has resources in place to address student mental health, including school counselors, psychologists, therapists and behavior support specialists. I would want the board to understand whether those resources are meeting the needs of students and families. Schools have an important role in identifying concerns, supporting students and connecting families with appropriate resources, but schools cannot and should not replace parents or outside mental health professionals. Families should be partners in addressing concerns and deciding what support is appropriate for their children. I also believe we need to maintain the proper balance. Schools should provide a safe, supportive environment and address legitimate mental health needs, while keeping their primary mission focused on education and academic achievement. We should evaluate whether our current resources are effective, identify gaps in service and work with families and community providers to address those gaps without shifting responsibilities that belong outside the school setting.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

Yes. I believe there are circumstances when a book may be inappropriate for a school library, particularly when its content is not age-appropriate or contains explicit sexual content that does not belong in a school setting. At the same time, I do not believe books should be removed simply because they contain difficult, controversial or unpopular ideas. Students should have access to quality literature that challenges them and expands their understanding. Carroll County Public Schools already has a formal reconsideration process for parents, teachers, students and community members to raise concerns about instructional and library materials. I believe this is a good process because it provides an opportunity for concerns to be reviewed thoughtfully rather than allowing one person to make that decision. I would support continuing to use that process, with careful consideration of the age of the students and whether the material is appropriate for a school library. Parents should also have a meaningful voice in determining what is appropriate for their own children.

Sharon Wilhide

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Yes, Baltimore County Public Schools–itinerant teacher for deaf and hard of hearing students

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Master of Science in deaf education from McDaniel College

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for the Board of Education as an educator because I believe there should be an educator’s voice on the board. With my experience in special education, I understand the challenges our schools face each day. As a parent of two children in Carroll County Public Schools, I share the same goal as families across our county: to ensure that every child receives the high-quality education our county has long been known for and that our students, educators and community deserve. I believe decisions, particularly those involving curriculum, resources and technology, must be grounded in quality, research-based evidence. Effective leadership also requires transparency, open communication and collaboration. I am committed to listening to and working with parents, educators, community leaders and community members to ensure decisions are thoughtful, informed and made in the best interest of our children. Strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. Families consider the quality of our schools when choosing where to live, and our schools should remain a cornerstone of excellence in Carroll County. Investing in our schools is an investment in our students, families, neighborhoods, property values and local economy. I will advocate for continued investment and ensure our schools have the resources they need to succeed. I will bring the perspective of an educator, the commitment of a parent and a collaborative approach to the board, always keeping our students at the center of the work.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

As a special educator with 16 years of experience teaching in Maryland and a parent of two young children in Carroll County Public Schools, I bring both an educator’s and a parent’s perspective to the board. As a parent of children with medical needs, I understand firsthand the importance of advocating for children and ensuring their needs are heard and supported. I began my teaching career in Carroll County and have had the opportunity to work in many of our schools. I know our schools, our communities and the people who make them successful—so much so that I don’t need a map to know where our schools are or how to get there! My commitment to Carroll County extends beyond the classroom. I am an active member of my community, volunteering with the Girl Scouts and serving as vice president of my children’s school PTA. I have also represented Carroll County on the Maryland State Steering Committee for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, working with stakeholders across the state and the Maryland State Department of Education. During my time teaching in Carroll County, I was honored to receive an award from the Carroll County Special Education Community Advisory Committee. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of our schools and a strong commitment to our community. I am invested in ensuring Carroll County Public Schools continue to provide students with the opportunities, support and education they need to thrive.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

There are many important issues currently facing our school system, making it difficult to choose just one. However, I believe one of the most consistent and important issues is ensuring our schools are properly funded. We must continually evaluate what truly supports student learning, engagement and growth rather than continuing practices simply because they are familiar or adopting new initiatives because they are new or cost-effective. Our focus should always be on what works best for our students and educators. Fiscal responsibility is important, but sometimes doing what is best for students means looking beyond the bottom line. Our primary responsibility is to provide children with the opportunities, resources and support they need to succeed. Investing in evidence-based practices, supporting our educators and ensuring equitable access to meaningful resources are essential to maintaining the excellence of our schools. I will be a strong and persistent advocate for our schools, working to ensure that funding decisions reflect our priorities and that our students and educators have the resources they need to thrive.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

The public leader I admire most is Fred Rogers. He was not only the beloved television host I grew up watching, but also a passionate advocate for children and education. He modeled the kind of leadership I value: kindness, listening without judgment and leading with humility rather than ego. When Rogers calmly spoke before the U.S. Senate in support of federal funding for public broadcasting, he demonstrated the power of thoughtful, respectful advocacy. He also addressed difficult cultural and social issues with honesty and compassion while encouraging people to “look for the helpers” in times of need. I admire his emphasis on empathy, lifelong learning and treating others with dignity. I believe our schools are strongest when students and adults feel heard, valued and supported—and those are the principles I strive to bring to my own leadership.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future was created with an important goal: improving the quality of education for every child in Maryland. I support that goal, but I believe successful implementation requires listening to the educators who are responsible for putting these policies into practice every day. Educators are highly trained professionals, and they should be trusted with appropriate autonomy in their classrooms. We should also ensure that educators have meaningful representation on the committees and workgroups making important decisions about our schools. I have concerns about aspects of Blueprint, including the expansion of full-day pre-K and the emphasis on increasing starting teacher salaries. I recognize the value of early intervention and access to high-quality early childhood education, but we must ensure that pre-K remains focused on developmentally appropriate learning rather than becoming primarily a childcare solution. Similarly, increasing starting salaries is important for recruiting teachers, but we must also consider experienced educators and ensure that compensation structures recognize their expertise and years of service. The Blueprint represents a significant investment in Maryland’s students, and I believe its goals are worth pursuing. However, implementation must be financially sustainable, responsive to the needs of individual school systems and informed by the educators closest to the work. I believe the Blueprint should continue to evolve based on evidence, outcomes and input from the communities it serves.

Carroll County consistently maintains a higher overall attendance rate than the state average, along with a higher graduation rate and lower dropout rate. These outcomes reflect the commitment of our students, families, educators and community. The Board of Education recognizes the connection between regular attendance and academic achievement, expecting students to maintain an attendance rate above 96%. Improving attendance requires more than monitoring absences. Schools can help by creating welcoming, supportive environments where students feel connected and want to attend. Clear communication and strong partnerships with families are also essential to understanding and addressing barriers to attendance. Schools should also use attendance data proactively to identify students at risk for chronic absenteeism. Early intervention allows educators and families to address challenges before they become patterns. As a board member, I would support approaches that balance accountability with meaningful support, so every student is able to attend, engage and succeed.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Carroll County Public Schools is currently developing a district policy on AI, but no formal policy is yet in place. Given how quickly AI is becoming part of education, future careers and everyday life, I believe establishing clear and thoughtful guidance should be a priority. A comprehensive policy should address data privacy, academic integrity, responsible use, AI literacy and equitable access to technology. It should also provide clear expectations and support for educators, students and families so AI enhances learning without replacing critical thinking, creativity or meaningful instruction. As the Maryland State Department of Education develops statewide guidance, Carroll County should actively engage in that process while addressing the unique needs of our schools and community. We have an opportunity to be proactive rather than reactive and prepare students to understand and responsibly use AI while protecting their privacy and the integrity of their education.

I believe Carroll County Public Schools can do more to address the growing mental health needs of our students and staff. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Towson University and my experience as an educator, I have seen firsthand the increasing challenges our young people face. Supporting mental health is essential to student success. We need greater access to qualified mental health professionals and services across all levels of our schools, as well as safe outlets where students can express themselves, build connections and seek support. We must also recognize that staff well-being matters. More manageable workloads and meaningful support can help educators remain healthy, engaged and effective. Every student and staff member deserves to feel valued, supported and respected. I would advocate for comprehensive mental health support that addresses the needs of the whole school community and create an environment where everyone can thrive.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

In general, I do not believe books should be removed from school libraries. Educators and school media specialists are trained professionals who should be trusted to select developmentally and age-appropriate materials that support students’ learning and interests. Libraries also provide equitable access to books for students who may not otherwise have the resources to obtain them. Parents have an important role in determining what is appropriate for their own children, but those decisions should not determine what is available to every student. We should respect parental choice while preserving access to a broad range of appropriate literature. We also need to consider the bigger picture. Students have access to vast amounts of information through school-issued devices and the internet. We should prioritize effective digital safeguards, monitoring and media literacy alongside thoughtful library policies to protect students in both physical and digital learning environments.

Harford County

Donna Blasdell (District A)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

JBS International, Inc. project manager

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Master’s in public administration, Strayer University

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for the Board of Education because I want to use my experience as a parent and a professional to help make our schools work better for students and families.

As a mom of nine, I have seen how different children need different kinds of support to succeed. Some of my children experienced bullying, so school safety is personal to me. I care about strong academics, safe classrooms and supporting teachers so they can teach effectively.

I want families to feel heard. Parents should receive timely information, understand decisions affecting their children and receive respectful responses when they raise concerns.

My work in project management and public administration has taught me to listen carefully, review the facts, understand the budget, ask questions and follow through. I want to bring that approach to the board’s work overseeing our schools and how we spend taxpayer dollars.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I bring experience in schools, local government and project management, along with a longtime connection to this community.

Through my children, I have experience with special education, gifted and advanced programs, the International Baccalaureate program and homeschooling. Working as a substitute teacher and volunteering with the PTA have also helped me understand schools beyond my own family’s experiences.

As a legislative aide to the Harford County Council, I learned how local government works and helped residents address their concerns. That work required listening, finding accurate information and helping people navigate government processes.

In my current work as a project manager, I plan projects, manage resources and work with people to get things done. I hold a master’s degree in public administration and certifications in project management and process improvement. That training helps me review information, understand budgets and look for ways to improve how work gets done.

Edgewood has been my family’s home for 24 years. I would bring my experience as a parent, substitute teacher and professional, along with that connection to the community, to the board’s work.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

I believe academic achievement is the most important issue facing our school board. Without a good foundation in reading and math, students can struggle in other subjects and have fewer options after graduation. Students should leave high school ready for college, career training or work.

The board does not run classrooms or manage daily operations. But it sets goals, approves the budget, and holds the superintendent accountable for student progress. If elected, I would ask straightforward questions: Where are students doing well? Where are they struggling? Are we identifying problems early, and is the help we provide making a difference?

I would also want to know whether teachers have the materials, training and support they need. Our budget should support our academic goals, and we should routinely review whether the programs we fund are helping students learn.

We need to look beyond a districtwide average to understand what is happening in individual schools and among different groups of students. Annual test scores matter, but so does the progress students make throughout the school year.

When students are not making progress, the board needs to ask the superintendent what will change and when we will review the results. I would bring that same approach to the work: ask questions, look carefully at the answers and follow through.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Michael Perrone Jr. was a public leader I admire. As his legislative aide, I saw how much he cared about his constituents. He took the time to hear their concerns and respond.

One thing that stands out is his role in helping establish the Joppa Development and Heritage Corporation so residents would have a voice in their community. The organization is still going strong today, giving people a voice on issues such as zoning, land use and economic development.

Working with him helped me realize the importance of listening carefully to both individual and community concerns. It also showed me how much it matters for people to know they are being heard.

I support what the Blueprint is trying to accomplish. Children need a strong start, good teachers and opportunities that prepare them for life after high school. Students who need extra help should get it. My concern is how we pay for those promises and whether they are making enough of a difference.

Here in Harford County, the Blueprint affects everything from prekindergarten and teacher pay to career programs and student services. The state provides funding, but I am concerned about requirements that may cost more than that funding covers. What will local taxpayers be expected to pay? How will that affect other needs, including classroom staffing, special education, school safety and building repairs?

I have not yet seen enough evidence to call the Blueprint a success. Some test scores have improved, which is encouraging. But students are also recovering from pandemic learning loss, so we need to be careful about giving the Blueprint credit for all of that progress. I want state leaders to listen to the people carrying out these requirements. If something is too costly, takes too much time away from students, or doesn’t help them learn, we should be willing to change it.

As a board member, I would ask what we are spending, whether the funding is sustainable and what students are gaining. Supporting the goals does not mean we should accept every requirement without questioning whether it works.

Too many Harford County students miss enough school to affect their learning. In 2023–24, that included 15.6% of elementary students, 21.1% of middle school students and 26.4% of high school students. The numbers were better than the year before, but they are still too high. Missing 10% or more of the school year can make it difficult for students to keep up and stay connected to school.

Students have to be in school to learn, so attendance needs to be a priority. Schools should connect early when a student starts missing days instead of waiting until the problem has grown. Families may be dealing with transportation problems, health concerns, anxiety, housing changes or other responsibilities at home. Some students may also feel disconnected from school. Those situations will not all have the same solution, which is why schools need to understand what is happening and work with each family on a practical plan.

The board should also make sure the superintendent tracks whether those supports are working and shares the results. We need to remove barriers, involve families and hold everyone accountable for helping students get back to school.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

I am glad Harford County Public Schools has an existing policy for student use of artificial intelligence. AI is here to stay, and our students will use it in college and everyday life. We need to teach them how to use it responsibly without letting it replace their own critical thinking and effort. Students should learn when and how to give credit for AI assistance and how to protect their personal information.

Harford County’s policy is a starting point, but it should be reviewed often and updated as the technology changes. Expectations for AI use should be clear and consistent across schools and classrooms. Families and teachers should understand when AI is allowed and when it is not.

AI should support learning. It should not replace a student’s creativity, effort or relationship with a teacher.

Mental health is a concern for many students and families, and our schools need to be ready to respond. Harford County Public Schools has counselors, psychologists and social workers, but I am not sure every student can get help when they need it. The board should look at staffing, caseloads, vacancies and wait times.

Students should be able to get help before they reach a crisis. Schools need enough trained staff, and families need clear information about where to turn. Teachers and staff should know what signs to watch for and how to connect students with support.

Prevention matters, too. Students need to feel safe and know there is an adult they can talk to when something is wrong. They should not have to figure out how to ask for help on their own. As a board member, I want to know if students are getting the support they need and whether it is helping. If there are gaps, we should address them and put resources where they are needed most.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I do not think books should be removed just because someone disagrees with their ideas or viewpoint. A book may need to be removed if it is not appropriate for the age group, violates the law or raises a serious safety concern.

If someone raises a concern, I would support temporarily taking the book out of circulation while it is reviewed. The review should consider the entire book, its value to students, the ages of the students who can access it and the specific concern.

This decision should not be left to one person or driven by politics. Harford County Public Schools already has a review process that includes educators, parents, community members and students. That group should review the concern and make a recommendation using clear standards. The final decision should be explained to families and the community. This gives people a fair process while protecting students and preserving access to a wide range of ideas.

Shernice Mundell (District A)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Yes. I am a financial clearance specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

I have a bachelor’s degree in divinity

Why are you running for the school board?

Feb. 13, 2025, is a day that I will never forget. That’s the day I, along what would eventually amount to over 300,000 Black women, were pushed out of the workforce by this administration. I am an Air Force veteran and had recently started a new position as a federal employee. I would never have thought clocking into work that day my life would change. After crying and being in a state of shock for a few days I decided to fight back. I couldn’t just stick my head and the sand. I had to be an example for my children and show them how to fight, and that is exactly what I did. I made sure my story and the story of all the other illegally-fired federal employees stayed in the spotlight. I didn’t get my job back, but what I did get was the confidence and confirmation that when you fight indeed you win. I found my voice and it led me here. Led me to run to be a representative for this district. I want to be a fighter and a voice for this community and if I am elected to represent District A that is exactly what I will do, not only for District A but for all of our students in Harford County. I am not going to get it right all the time but what I do know is with the help if this community we can go further together.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

Over the past year, I faced a defining test. Life thrust me into an incredibly difficult situation, and I found the strength to fight and advocate for myself through it. Even at my lowest point, I found my way back, stronger and more determined. That experience showed me the depth of my resilience, and I know that same fight lives in me for the students, staff, faculty and parents in my community. If I can advocate for myself through adversity, I can advocate for them with the same conviction.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The most important issue facing the board, to me, is transparency. I want the community informed about every change the board proposes and makes, and I want the community’s voice present in every decision I vote on or weigh in on. I plan to hold frequent ‘chat and chews’ with the community, stay active on social media and maintain an open-door policy throughout my term.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett is a public leader I deeply admire. She has fought fiercely against the current administration, and even after facing redistricting that pushed her out of her Texas district, she never wavered in her mission to serve the people of America. Though her run for Senate fell short, she continues showing up for down-ballot candidates and the communities that need her voice. She never backs down from a challenge, and she stands as a powerful role model, not just for Black girls and boys, but for anyone learning how to use their voice, fight injustice and advocate fearlessly for the people.

The general consensus in Harford County is that the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future isn’t working as designed, and budget strain sits at the center of that frustration. The Blueprint’s impact plays out county-wide rather than by individual district, and its mandates have contributed to a $60 million budget deficit, forcing Harford County Public Schools to eliminate over 150 positions. This directly affects class sizes, in-school and after-school programs and mental health resources across every building. Much of the state funding comes restricted to specific uses, making it harder for schools to redirect resources toward the needs they understand best.

Candidate did not respond to this question.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Looking over the current AI policy, I recognize it served the district well at the time of implementation. Given the rapid pace of change in AI technology, I support a ban on AI use in grades K-5, and I’m open to extending that through 8th grade. The district needs comprehensive training on the ethical use of AI for both staff and students. I also believe the policy should undergo a formal annual review, with updates made to keep pace with advances in AI technology.

Schools face a real gap between the mental health needs of students, teachers and staff and the resources currently available to meet them. Young people today feel more empowered to voice what they’re experiencing, and that openness has revealed just how much support is needed, not only for students navigating a crisis, but for the everyday demands of getting through the school day. I’m committed to directing more resources and funding toward mental health services, because supporting the well-being of our students and staff is foundational to everything else we ask schools to do. This means expanding counselor-to-student ratios, so every child has real access to support and building stronger partnerships with community mental health organizations to bring additional services directly into our schools.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I don’t believe there are any circumstances where books should be removed from school libraries. I think staff are the experts in making decisions for age-appropriate books and the parent should decide if a book is appropriate for their child and should not make a decision for the school as a whole.

Cathy Kowalewski (District C)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Yes. I am a school psychologist with Harford County Public Schools.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Master’s degree plus a certificate of advanced study from Loyola University, Maryland

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for the Board of Education to be able to have a positive influence on what happens in our schools and to make sure policies are geared toward helping all students be safe, make academic gains and feel welcome. I also want to make sure that educators have a voice at the table with what is happening in our schools, as they are primarily the ones who have to implement policies in our schools. I want to to help educate everyone, including the public, regarding how things work in our school system and rely on research to make decisions, placing facts over feelings. I want to help ensure transparency and accountability, which extends to staff, students and families, so that all are working together to help students enter our school buildings ready to learn.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I have worked in education for 43 years and understand the needs of our educators and students. I also understand how schools work and what the strengths and needs of our school system are. My husband and I have lived in Harford County for 30 years and raised two children who went through Harford County Public Schools. I serve as a team member on many different teams as part of my role as a school psychologist and know how to work together with others to accomplish common goals. I am the only candidate in my district that has a background in education and direct knowledge of what is happening in our schools and the needs of our students.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

The most important issue right now I believe is safety of all who enter our building. We have some safety initiatives in place including the use of weapons detection systems, school safety liaisons and school resource officers. I would advocate and work towards expanding these initiatives so that they are available in every school in Harford County.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I admire Pope Leo XIV because he stands up for all people regardless of race, religion, socio-economic status, gender identity, etc., and he is a man of peace.

I believe that the Blueprint has many positive aspects to it, including universal pre-K. However, the cost of implementing the Blueprint without significant financial support from the county government, which Harford County Public Schools does not receive, presents significant challenges.

The current rate of chronic absenteeism in Harford County Public Schools is roughly 15 to 16%, which is lower than the state average. Individual schools have attendance incentives and for some schools attendance is part of the individual school improvement plan. The Board of Education can encourage schools to engage in interventions that will improve attendance such as providing appropriate staffing like our Pupil Personnel Workers who reach out to families about attendance and making sure schools have what they need to do attendance incentives.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

The school system is in the process of ongoing changes and training in the use of AI as well as restricting the overall use of computers in the lower grades. Right now, there are restrictions by grade level on the use of AI in classrooms and I think ongoing evaluation of the restrictions and procedures needs to occur and revisions made when needed based on research and observations.

I think that Harford County Public Schools needs more school psychologists, school counselors and school social workers to address the mental health needs of our students. There are suggested student ratios for each of these positions by their respective professional organizations and I believe these should be followed. Our school counselors, school psychologists and school social workers are all doing their best but are overwhelmed by the number of students needing assistance.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I do not believe that books should be removed from school libraries. I trust our librarians to curate books for their library collections. Our school system serves children of all races, religions, gender identities, etc. and students should be able to find themselves in the books in our libraries. Parents already have the option to contact their child’s school media specialist and prohibit their child from checking out any book that they have concerns about and each parent should be monitoring what their child is doing.

Joe Fleckenstein (District C)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Defense contractor at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

B.A. in business management from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running because half of our students are not proficient in reading or math. Someone needs to help these often forgotten students.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

Bringing a common sense, outside perspective to the board, I will hold our superintendent accountable and meet the needs of parents and grandparents. My ability to listen to the needs of others, customer service background, and empathy will aid me in finding practical solutions to sometimes difficult problems.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

No matter who holds the position of superintendent, the board is in charge and the superintendent must do the bidding of the board. Not the other way around. This is critical for the process to work as originally intended.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Dr. Ron Paul. Perhaps an unusual choice but highly principled, he was a retired congressman who also ran for president. He was logical , consistent and a student of history. There would be greater trust in government if all elected officials followed their convictions, as he did.

The Blueprint is a burden and largely ineffective. Throwing money at a problem rarely helps, and the Blueprint needs to end. Give local boards more autonomy, and standardized tests scores will flourish. A parent-driven board beats large spending and government every single time.

If students want to be promoted to the next grade, they have to be in the classroom to learn. If workers without personal leave continually fail to show up to work, they are fired, not promoted. Students who automatically, with rare exceptions, fail to show up to school will have to repeat the same grade level or eventually be removed from the school system. We need to educate those who make the effort to show up.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Generally speaking, yes, but I think right now AI should be reserved for 11th and 12th graders. Again, our poor standardized test scores tell me that the fundamental teaching methods of yesterday should be reapplied, like less screens in elementary school, more books and pencil and paper learning, including the art of note-taking. Stress phonics, traditional math and knowing our nation’s history since its inception .

Generally speaking, yes. But remember that the mission of our schools is first and foremost a place to teach and reinforce traditional academics. That is the mission we need to concentrate on. If we stick with that, we don’t solve all of the problems, but child confidence and self esteem will soar with academic success.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

The Board should remove any book lacking literary merit that reinforces a sexual or self-harming agenda. Any book that would cause the reader to cringe if read aloud at a Board of Education meeting should be removed. The board makes these decisions. If a board does not remove an objectionable book, concerned parents may opt their children out of reading that book, without any form of retaliation to those students. The board is in charge, and parents even more so are in charge of their children.

Melissa Hahn (District D)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Currently on the board and work for Post & Beam Design Build – marketing

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Some college: 90-Hour Certification in early childhood education

Why are you running for the school board?

As a mom that has always been in schools and a former substitute teacher, I have seen the changes in our schools and classrooms over the last several years and the changes are not for the better. We need to support our teachers and staff and provide the tools they need to be successful. We need to focus on core academics and get back to basics. Pencil and paper are essential, bringing cursive back and reducing laptop dependency. We must provide safe and secure environments for all students, teachers and staff. We must respect parental rights. We must hold our students accountable for their actions and provide students with appropriate discipline to prepare them for the real world. We must practice fiscal responsibility, and respect tax payer dollars with a focus on the classroom. I decided to run four years ago because I was always taught if you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem. I wanted to help our teachers and students and still believe there is much work to do so I am seeking reelection.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I pride myself on being honest and having integrity. I work hard, pay attention to details and I will always do the right thing, even if that means I stand alone. A lot of times I am voting by myself, whether it be in the affirmative or the negative, because I don’t stand behind the decision being made. As a board member it is our responsibility to hold people to a high standard and hold people accountable for their actions decisions being made. It is not our job to rubber stamp anything brought before us for a vote. We must put the needs of our students first and focus on education and I do just that with every decision I vote on.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

It’s hard to pick just one, but I would say focusing on core academics. Every resource we have and every tax dollar we receive should focus on the classroom and the needs of the students. Too many of our students are not proficient in reading or math. If we aren’t providing the necessary supports for our students to be successful in those two main areas, we are not doing something correct. Our students should be able to formulate a sentence, paragraph and letter properly using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling. Too many of our children can not. Same thing applies to math. If you can not make change for a $1 bill without a calculator, we are failing as a school system. Focusing our resources in the classroom and supporting our teachers is how we achieve those goals and that is exactly what I have done and will continue to do to us to advocate for as your elected board member.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I admire U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack because she is a strong conservative woman that always stands for what she believes in and works tirelessly to advocate for the things she feels are important. She is honest and she communicates with her constituents. She brings attention and awareness to things happening and holds people accountable. I pride myself on doing the same.

I believe that at its core the Blueprint has some fundamentally great ideas, but goes about things the wrong way and is very expensive in execution. The funding for the Blueprint is short in every category causing counties to look at our already stretched thin county government for funding. The state should not be telling the counties how to allocate funding for the local school systems. Each county has a Board of Education that is responsible for approving the budget and how the local funds are allocated based on their needs locally. The Blueprint is too broad and doesn’t focus on what each individual county is facing as a shortfall.

We have improved our absenteeism in Harford County Public Schools since COVID-19. We know as a school system if you are not present, you are not learning. Educating parents and caregivers on the importance of being present and the understanding that when children miss school, they are missing out on important lessons and skills they need to succeed in school and life. I think Harford County Public Schools has done just that over the last few years and this has resulted in the decline and the occurrences of absenteeism in our schools.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

No. I believe we need to get back to basics and this is one of the main reasons why. I believe that AI is a useful tool, but it should not be used as much as it is. We should encourage our students to use pencil and paper and not use the computer to complete projects and papers. Our students need to be able to think on their own without using AI to formulate their thoughts and ideas. Too many students are relying solely on AI and it is causing a decline in their creativity, their own ability to think and the ability to understand basic concepts.

I believe that so many students are struggling with mental health that it is difficult to support all their needs. I think as a school system we are doing better than most school systems but it isn’t enough. In my opinion, this is where parents need to step up. There are resources available outside of schools that parents should be taking advantage of to help their children get the supports they need. Parents being present and helping their children that are struggling with these issues, helps the children deal with everyday challenges and helps them learn to rely on their family members for support in times of need and crisis. School systems can only do so much, parents should be the first ones addressing the needs of their children and the schools a valuable resource to assist.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

Our classroom and school libraries should be carefully curated to include only the highest rated books that support the curriculum, all students and their education. It is not the school system’s job to provide alternative books that do not support all students. Public libraries are available to students and families if there are books that our libraries do not offer that you want your student to have access too.

Rachelle Johnson (District D)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

Yes. I serve as chief financial officer for Centurian Construction Company, LLC, where I oversee financial management and business operations.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Anthropology, Towson University

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running because I believe every decision made by the Board of Education should start with one question: What is best for students?

My husband and I have raised our family in Harford County for nearly 20 years. Through our own children’s experiences, I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be for a family when a child is struggling in school. I have also seen the difference it can make when families, educators and support staff come together, figure out what a student needs and help that student thrive.

Those experiences made me a stronger advocate for my own children. Now I want to bring that same passion and advocacy to all of our students.

I also believe my professional experience brings something valuable to the board. I have spent more than 20 years working in finance, operations and leadership. I am able to dig into budgets, ask questions, solve problems and make difficult decisions.

I am willing to do the work, listen to students, families, educators and staff and ask questions when something does not make sense. Most importantly, I will keep the focus on how the decisions we make affect students.

I want our schools to be places where students are safe, supported, challenged and given the opportunity to succeed.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I think I bring a different perspective to the board. I have more than 20 years of experience in finance, operations and leadership, but I also know Harford County Public Schools as a parent and advocate.

Professionally, I spend a lot of time working with budgets, solving problems, asking questions and making difficult decisions. I know how to dig into the numbers, but I also know that numbers never tell the whole story.

I have already spent a considerable amount of time reviewing Harford County Public Schools budgets, staffing information, academic data and other public information. I have also compared central office staffing and salaries with other Maryland school systems because I wanted to better understand how Harford County is using its resources.

I am also a parent who has had to navigate the school system, ask questions, advocate for my children and learn how decisions made at the Board and system level affect what happens in our schools.

I think good board members need to be willing to listen, ask questions and admit when they do not know something. I will not agree with everyone on every issue, but I will do my homework, consider different perspectives and make the decision I believe is best for students.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

I believe the biggest challenge facing Harford County Public Schools is improving student outcomes while dealing with some very real financial pressures.

The two go hand in hand. It is not enough to simply spend more money or add another program. We have to ask whether students are learning, whether they are making progress and whether what we are investing in is actually working.

If elected, I would want the board to look closely at both outcomes and spending. When we invest in a program or initiative, we should know what we expect it to accomplish and then go back and look at whether it actually did.

I would also continue looking closely at administrative and non-classroom spending to see where dollars could be better used in our schools.

At the same time, I think we need to be honest about the financial challenges Harford County Public Schools is facing. There are significant costs for transportation, employee benefits, special education and other required services, staffing and state mandates that cannot simply be cut from the budget.

I do not believe there is one easy cut or one new program that will solve everything. We need to understand where the money is going, whether we are getting the results we should and be willing to make changes when we are not.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I admire Frances Hesselbein, former CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Her story has always stood out to me because her path to leadership started with volunteering.

She was a young mother when she agreed to temporarily lead a local Girl Scout troop. What started as simply helping where she was needed eventually led her from community volunteer to CEO of the Girl Scouts.

What I admire most is that even as her career grew, she never lost her focus on service. She believed leadership was about listening, respecting people and helping others succeed.

That resonates with me because some of the most meaningful opportunities in my own life have started by showing up, volunteering or saying yes when help was needed.

I believe the best leaders are not focused on the title. They step forward because there is work worth doing.

I support many of the goals behind the Blueprint, including early childhood education, competitive teacher salaries, college and career readiness and additional support for students who need it most.

Where I have more concerns is with how some of those goals are being implemented and paid for.

The Blueprint has placed significant requirements on local school systems, and those requirements are contributing to the financial pressures Harford County Public Schools is facing. I think we have to be willing to ask whether every requirement is working as intended, what it is costing locally and whether the results justify the time and resources being spent.

I do not think we have to choose between supporting the Blueprint completely or opposing it completely. There are parts of it that can make a real difference for students, and there are parts that may need to be changed.

As a board member, I would support what is working, ask questions about what is not and advocate for more flexibility when state requirements create unnecessary costs or administrative work without improving outcomes for students.

Harford County Public Schools has made progress in reducing chronic absenteeism, but it remains a concern, particularly at the middle and high school levels.

I think the first step is understanding why students are missing school. Transportation, health or mental health concerns, bullying, family circumstances or a student struggling academically can all play a role. We cannot assume the same solution will work for every student.

The board should be looking at where absenteeism is happening, what schools are doing to address it and whether those efforts are working. I also support early outreach to families before occasional absences become a larger pattern.

Attendance can be an early warning sign that something else is going on. The goal should be to identify the problem early, work with families and help students get back to school before they fall further behind.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Harford County Public Schools recently adopted a new policy on artificial intelligence, and I think it is a good starting point. I appreciate that it addresses academic integrity, student privacy and age-appropriate use of AI.

The bigger question will be how the policy works in practice.

AI is going to be part of the world our students enter after graduation, so I do not think simply banning it is the answer. Students need to learn how to use it responsibly, question the information it gives them, recognize when it is wrong and understand when using AI crosses the line into having it do the work for them.

Teachers also need clear and consistent expectations about what is appropriate.

Because this technology is changing so quickly, Harford County Public Schools will need to continue reviewing the policy. We should teach students how to use AI as a tool without allowing it to replace writing, research, critical thinking and problem solving.

Youth mental health is an issue I care deeply about. Over the past several years, we have seen too many young people in our community struggle with mental health issues, and families trying to find the right help and support.

Harford County Public Schools has counselors, psychologists, social workers, pupil personnel workers and partnerships with outside providers, but I am not convinced we have enough resources to meet the level of need we are seeing.

I would want the board to look closely at caseloads, vacancies, wait times and whether students are actually able to get help when they need it.

Schools cannot replace community mental health providers, but they are often where changes in a student’s behavior, attendance or academic performance are first noticed. We need strong early intervention, better connections between schools, families and outside providers and staff who know how to recognize when a student may need help.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

Yes. I believe there can be circumstances when a book is not appropriate for a particular school or age level and should be removed or moved to a more appropriate level.

At the same time, I do not think that decision should be made based on a single objection alone or a passage taken out of context. Our school librarians select books using established criteria, and their professional judgment and the reason a book was selected should be part of the conversation.

That is one reason I volunteered to join Harford County Public Schools’ Library Materials Reconsideration Committee. I believe the review process should include different perspectives and consider the book as a whole.

Parents already have the ability to restrict which library books their own child can access. When the question is whether a book should be available to all students in a school, I believe a thoughtful review process is the fairest way to make that decision.

Aaron Boyle (District E)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Geographer

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

Some college (120+ credits), small engine mechanic, Army training

Why are you running for the school board?

I’ve enjoyed the self-proclaimed title of “greatest advocate” for my daughter, was nominated volunteer of the year in 2024 as part of a lifetime of community and military service and I’ve watched as others in community give back in so many inspirational ways. I’d like to bring my desire to work as a team, solve problems and represent my community to the school board.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

First, I value and cherish Harford County’s beautiful diversity and variety of perspectives. Second, I’m a veteran, a life-long service volunteer, advocate for those in my life and life-long traveler. I seek other people’s perspectives and find culture stories stories without judgment, while recognizing my own biases. Finally, I am an imperfect team player always seeking self-improvement, a problem solver, have international perspective and have a lot of non-traditional educational experience giving me unique perspectives for a complex educational system.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

There are a number of significant challenges faced by the board, including budget, school district boundaries and promoting positive culture for our county’s schools. More specifically, I’d like to put time and effort into a budget roadmap–a five-year outlook supporting a more competitive compensation package for teachers and a detailed look into facilities. This roadmap will provide the school board, county leadership and community more transparency into the budget process. Other issues will likely include addressing population changes and curriculum changes. Finally, I’d like to promote cultural improvement and community involvement by improving communication with and opening schools to our community at large.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I admire Monica Graham at Bakerfield Elementary. While there are so many admirable leaders out there, Graham and other school community coordinators regularly work with families, community leaders and businesses to bring resources to those who need them the most.

The Blueprint provides an architecture around which to build. In some cases, the Blueprint provides a sad, but necessary minimum–teacher’s wages, for example. Overall, and with the superintendent’s/Harford County’s parallel roadmap, I believe it a generally positive thing. While it does introduce more beauracracy, it establishes safety nets and funding resources. Finally, there are feedback mechanisms in place for negotiation and revision, as necessary.

Chronic absenteeism is a problem within my district, and a big one. The school district can further define “why” it’s a problem, discuss and establish solutions with the superintendent, support through policy and aim to improve community resources as needed.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Changes at the board level are regularly changing and filtering to schools as more research is known. Generally, I support and appreciate the board’s responsiveness to changes in guidance regarding technology. Overall, all technologies are tools with their place and purpose. They should ultimately support, supplement and not replace well-established and proven techniques.

In a few words, no I don’t think the school district is adequately trained or resourced. While improving over the last few years, support for kids with disabilities, modern training and curriculum implementation has been slow moving. I would like to explore the military school system methods/resourcing and discuss with experts within Maryland and our the community with the intent of improving overall support for mental health and disability support.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

In a word: no. Our educators, including librarians and teachers, are highly educated professionals who have earned our trust. The larger, underlying issue is a cultural one–an issue that needs to be addressed more directly.

Robert S. Wagner (District E)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

I work for Harford County government as the Southern county task force administrator, in the Community Services Department

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

A.A. degree, Harford Community College

Why are you running for the school board?

I have recognized our school board needs level-headed, commonsense people to help bring positive changes. Our county has declining enrollment numbers while the cost of education is steadily rising. Our students deserve the best education we can offer, preparing them for either higher education or the workforce. I believe we can do better than what I have seen. The state dictates much of the framework but we, at the local level, know best what is desired in our community. I’m not afraid to champion some of the changes in an effort to raise the standard of education in Harford County.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

Since 1990, I have served five terms on the Harford County Council, serving as councilman and council president. I have worked with a variety of numerous school superintendents. I am born and bred Harford County and a product of our public schools, graduating from Bel Air High School in 1975. I have the desire to work to improve our school system and create a more productive environment for our school children.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

I would like to begin with examining the budget and examining where there is wasted dollars and areas where we can do better. Over my 20 years on the Harford County Council, I have reviewed the budget that Harford County Public Schools put in front of us, each and every year. I recognized some of the inflated costs and unnecessary spending. I believe there are many areas that deserve better scrutiny and explanations.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Through my years, I have worked with many leaders that I have admired.

There are some things contained in the Blueprint, that are good initiatives. That being said, the cost is being unfairly shifted to the counties. I do not feel the good outweighs the bad, and the Blueprint deserved more examination before implementing.

Our population is diverse and family dynamics can be difficult to navigate, but parents play a big part in the child’s success or failure. Accountability on the part of the student and the parent has to be strengthened. Absenteeism should not be taken lightly or ignored. The COVID-19 pandemic is a benchmark, but it is time to move forward and go back to responsibility, accountability and penalties.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

Our schools truly need to teach the basics. AI has its uses, but I firmly believe the youth need to have a toolbox full of knowledge that serve them well, without the use of AI. They can supplement their knowledge with AI, but let’s not teach in a way that AI is the default.

I recognize the growing number of problems we have in our schools and recognize the need for more school psychologists, social workers, counselors and others to provide resources for students. I also recognize that all personnel needed to address the issues will be costly. A prioritization of needed resources has to be done. The mental health of our youth is a fast-growing concern in much of the population. I also realize this makes a teacher’s job more difficult.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

Some of the “questionable” books that ARE in our school libraries should never have been allowed in the first place. For school-aged youth, I don’t see the benefit of providing books that qualify as porn by some standards. When books are bought for school libraries, there should be a small team that makes the selection. By that same token, a small team should evaluate the books presently available in the libraries and suggest removal of those that are “undesirable.” Parents should be members of the team to help make the decisions.

Joseph L. Alton, Jr. (District F)

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

I currently serve as the deputy chief of police for the Havre de Grace Police Department.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

I have an A.A. degree in business management, and a graduate certificate in executive leadership

Why are you running for the school board?

I am seeking a position on the Board of Education to serve as a voice for the community when making decisions that best serve our students, staff and families. Harford County Public School students represent our future and we have an obligation to provide them with a safe and supportive environment that sets them up for success.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

My experience exhibits several qualifications that I believe will be an asset to the board. These include the following: a. Budget management b. Resource allocation and acquisition c. Personnel supervision and management d. Thorough understanding and vetting of proper safety and security principles and practices e. Prior and current Board of Director positions

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

Funding that allows the district to recruit and retain high quality educators and staff members, and resources that meet the unique academic needs of all students, as well as ensure they are safe and secure in every school building. Additionally, the board should prioritize working cooperatively with parents and guardians, considering varying points of view to reach a consensus when making decisions that directly impact students.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

On May 30, 1982, Cal Ripken Jr. was 21 years old and played in the first game that would begin the longest consecutive games played in Major League Baseball. Throughout the streak he was regarded as one of the best in the game, but not just because of his high level skillset, but also because of his strong work ethic and desire to do things right. During the celebration of the official record setting game he was asked how he wished to be remembered once his career ends. His response was “to be remembered at all is pretty special. I might also add, that if I am remembered, I hope its because by living my dream, I was able to make a difference.” These closing words are why I believe Ripken is an admirable leader that we can all look up to. Back to his beginning days of playing baseball he knew in order to succeed he had to do things right, follow the rules and show up when your needed. by following these simple practices we all can make a positive impact regardless of what profession we pursue.

The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future has established a minimum base salary for teachers throughout the state. This is a good start, but if we plan to recruit and retain the best educators, we must maintain a budget that provides competitive salaries when compared to our surrounding counties.

Chronic absenteeism has been a growing concern, and thankfully a topic that Harford County has shown recent improvements. To continue building upon these improvements the next Board of Education will need to thoroughly evaluate the processes utilized to show this success. Additionally its important to remember that many issues like absenteeism often begin at home. To this point the board will need to continue utilizing the best resources available to reach all parents/guardians and support a system wide effort to not only make parents/guardians aware of the problem, but also aware of how to obtain the appropriate tools necessary to assist with getting the children back into the classrooms.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

As drafted, I do believe the current AI policy outlines the appropriate areas of content that need to be monitored for a students uses of AI, and provides guidance measures for enforcement. The important thing to remember is AI technology is advancing faster than ever and the school system needs to ensure not only tech support personnel have the right tools to keep up, but also our policy stays in line with this ever changing world.

Harford County Public Schools has a robust mental health team in place to provide the best care as possible. This collaborative effort involves school counselors, social workers and psychologists. Additionally, the school system maintains partnerships with various outside entities like Care Solace, to assist with providing services as needed. Also easily located on the main website is a link to the Harford County Public Schools Mental Health Zone. Provided on this page are several links to available resources to assist in providing mental health care. Obviously a topic of this nature is incredibly important and warrants the need to continue providing appropriate funding to maintain an adequate level of staffing support.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

Blanket book bans are unacceptable. However, this does not mean all books are acceptable for every age and grade level. The Board of Education established the Library Materials Reconsideration Committee, a group comprised of educators, parents and concerned community members. The committee is tasked with carefully reviewing materials and coming to a consensus about the appropriateness of reading materials and at which grade level they should be available to students. Given that the Board of Education created this committee their recommendations should be honored. Additionally, it is my understanding parents/guardians may limit the materials their student(s) borrow from school libraries by communicating this desire to school staff members.

Did not answer survey: Dominic J. Heath (District B), Keri L. Geibler (District B), Kawaniee Flowe (District F)

Howard County

Lanlan Xu

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

I currently work at KNG Health Consulting, LLC, where I serve as the vice president of health policy.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

I have two doctorate degrees. One in public policy from Indiana University and one in German literature from Georgetown University.

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running because I want to help every student discover their path and reach their full potential. Howard County’s schools are facing real challenges right now that hinder student success: workforce shortages, tight budgets, aging facilities in need of major repairs and replacement and persistent gaps in outcomes for students who have historically been underserved. They affect real children, real teachers and real families every day. To tackle these challenges, I want to bring my ‘STEP UP’ approach—Support, Transparency, Empowerment, Preparation, Unity and Progress. It is designed to help address those challenges. To ensure that students, educations and schools have the resources they need, my three priority areas are: Sustainable funding: prioritize student-facing positions and address deferred maintenance while advocating for greater transparency and stronger coordination with county and state leaders on long-term resource allocation. High-Quality dducation for all: use data to close opportunity gaps, expand college and career-connected learning and align resources with students’ specific needs. A workforce worth investing in: make Howard County Public School System a place where people want to build careers through competitive salaries, clear advancement pathway and creative recruitment strategies.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

My career in national policy has trained me to develop evidence-based policy and manage large-scale budgets with transparency and measurable outcomes. My service on the Operating Budget Review Committee and other Howard County Public School System committees provides me with a technical, “day-one” understanding of our district’s financial and policy landscape. Simultaneously, my leadership on the State’s Hate Crime Response and Prevention Commission, the Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and the Local Children’s Board has prepared me to foster unity across our diverse community. I am ready to turn community vision into actionable policy, ensuring Howard County Public School System remains a world-class system that prepares every student for 21st-century success. As a Howard County parent and a longtime community advocate, I have the hands-on experience to understand the daily needs of our families. Having lived on three continents as a student, parent and policymaker, I bring a global perspective to prepare students for success in today’s increasingly interconnected world. With my background as a policy expert and an executive with leadership experience at both the national and local levels, I am ready to lead. I will bring evidence-based decision making to the board to prioritize student well-being, academic excellence and long-term fiscal success.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

One of the biggest challenges facing Howard County Public School System right now is ensuring every student has the academic and social-emotional support they need to reach their full potential. Students today are facing growing academic pressures, mental health challenges, behavioral needs and learning gaps, while schools are also dealing with staffing shortages, rising operational costs, aging facilities and increasing demands on educators and support staff. The board’s responsibility is to make thoughtful long-term decisions that keep students at the center while ensuring the school system remains strong and sustainable for the future. That means prioritizing student-facing resources, supporting and retaining educators, strengthening mental health and special education services and improving long-term planning for both operating and capital needs. It also means making decisions transparently and communicating clearly with families, staff and the broader community about priorities, trade-offs and outcomes. I believe Howard County Public School System must continue investing not only in academic excellence, but also in safe, supportive and inclusive learning environments where every student feels connected and able to succeed. The Board of Education should focus on proactive planning rather than reacting to challenges year to year. Strong schools require long-term investment, collaboration, transparency and community trust.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

I admire Patsy Mink, the first woman of color elected to Congress and a lifelong champion of educational opportunity. A Japanese American woman who faced discrimination throughout her education and early career, she turned those barriers into a determination to open doors for others. What I admire most is how she translated her values into lasting public policy. She introduced the first comprehensive Early Childhood Education Act, authored the Women’s Educational Equity Act and played a pivotal role in Title IX, transforming educational opportunities for generations of women and girls. Her leadership reminds me that public service is about creating opportunities for others. As an immigrant, a mother and someone deeply committed to public education, I find her example especially meaningful. She showed how persistence, courage and effective policymaking can create change that lasts for generations.

I believe the Blueprint brings Howard County in the right direction by strengthening academics, supporting educators, expanding early childhood education, improving college and career readiness and directing additional resources to students with greater needs. However, we need to look closely at the challenges associated with implementing the Blueprint. Full implementation will require the state to fully fund the Blueprint. But the reality is, at the local level, our school system is required to carry out the Blueprint’s mandates with insufficient funds. That means Howard County Public School System must prioritize its investments in a way that does not crowd out essential programs, resources, and staff to meet the demands of the Blueprint. My approach would be protecting core classroom services, using a phased and data-driven budget plan and maximizing state Blueprint funding. For universal pre-K, I support a mixed-delivery model using both public and qualified private providers so we can expand access without overburdening existing schools. If reallocations are needed, they should come from operational efficiencies or phased implementation—not from core instruction or essential supports like special education or student mental health. Additionally, empowering educators is also a key aspect of Blueprint implementation, since they translate the Blueprint goals into the classrooms, and they need the tools and staffing to do that well. Ultimately, we should evaluate the Blueprint by its results: whether it improves student achievement, expands opportunity, supports and retains excellent educators and prepares students for life after graduation.

Chronic absenteeism remains a persistent challenge in Howard County Public School System. The district’s strategic plan sets a goal of reducing the rate to 11% by 2029, but as of 2025, 17% of all students remain chronically absent. This is unchanged from the prior year and already behind target. The disparities are particularly concerning: economically disadvantaged students are at 32%, while multilingual learners and students with disabilities are both at 27%. Meeting these goals requires a data-driven, evidence-based approach that identifies the root causes keeping students from school—transportation barriers, mental health challenges, housing instability or family circumstances—and responses with targeted, individualized interventions. No single solution works for every student. But we also need to give students a reason to want to be in school. That means making education meaningful and engaging by connecting learning to students’ interests and future goals and expanding hands-on and career-connected opportunities. I would strengthen wraparound services, expand community partnerships and use community coordinators to bridge schools and families, while ensuring students feel known, supported and connected to their school community.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

I broadly support Howard County Public School System current AI use policies, which also includes guardrails to help students understand the consequences of using AI. AI use should be age-appropriate, with greater protections and guidance for younger students and increasing opportunities for responsible use as students mature. Used thoughtfully, AI can enhance learning, creativity and critical thinking rather than replace them. Clear safeguards are also needed to prevent misuse, including academic dishonesty, exposure of personal information and inappropriate or inaccurate content. AI literacy is increasingly important for college and the workforce, making it essential that students learn to use these tools responsibly. Educators need adequate training to apply AI policies consistently and effectively. We must also ensure that differences in access to devices, internet or AI tools do not widen opportunity gaps. Finally, because AI is evolving rapidly, Howard County Public School System should regularly review and update its policies with input from educators, students, families and experts.

Through my efforts as a health policy expert and Horizon Foundation board member, I have seen first hand that expanding school-based behavioral health services across Howard County Public School System remains a challenge. That work reinforced that our school system needs early intervention systems in place, that access to care shouldn’t depend on which school a child attends and that prevention is always less costly than crisis response. Howard County Public School System has made meaningful progress, but demand for mental health support continues to outpace available resources, staffing and services. We need to close that gap through investing in counselors, psychologists, social workers and behavioral specialists; building school climates where every student feels safe, respected and included; and ensuring educators have the training and support they need. We also need stronger coordination between schools, families, healthcare providers and community organizations. Student well-being is a whole-community responsibility.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

Our school libraries rely on trained library media specialists, and I believe their professional expertise should remain central to decisions about selecting or removing books. Howard County Public School System should use clear, consistently applied educational criteria, including age-appropriateness, while providing parents and community members meaningful opportunities to raise concerns and request reevaluation. Parents should have a voice in the process, but decisions about access for all students should be based on established standards, professional expertise and educational value—not any single viewpoint or objection. Howard County Public School System should also monitor patterns in book challenges and make the review process transparent, including clearly published criteria for selection and reevaluation. The goal should be a balanced approach that respects parental concerns, protects intellectual freedom, preserves educational value and provides students access to materials that reflect the diversity of experiences in our schools.

Linda Frascarella

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

I am retired and work seasonally as a tax preparer.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

I have two master’s degrees: An MBA from the University of Maryland and a master’s in teaching from Johns Hopkins University. In addition, I have an advanced certificate in public policy from Northwestern University.

Why are you running for the school board?

I care, I’m qualified, I’m experienced and I’m committed. I believe that public education is the foundation of our democracy, and I have the time and skills to commit to this role.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in this role. I’ve worked in finance creating and managing operating and capital budgets. I have a master’s in teaching and have worked in the school system. I spent over 17 years with Discovery Education developing science, math and social studies standards-based products for K-12 schools. I’ve been an active volunteer in Howard County since moving to the county in 1990. I’ve coached youth sports, served on the PTA, volunteered at the schools and have been on the board of the League of Women Voters and the Sierra Club. I’m a good listener and analytical, and I enjoy bringing people together to explore ideas.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

Academic performance. Our students can do better. To improve student academic performance, we need to focus on three basic inputs: curriculum, delivery of that curriculum and the environment in which it is delivered.

We need to staff our schools with the best teachers, administrators and assistants, and then we need to let the teachers teach. We need to give our students and staff the tools for learning, such as high-quality instructional material. We need to create a physical and emotional environment that is conducive to learning.

It goes without saying that we can’t do any of this without the appropriate funding.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Since she is front and center in my mind right now, I will have to pick Dolly Parton. She overcame poverty to become a successful singer, songwriter and philanthropist. She was resilient, smart, funny and believed in the magic of public education. She tried to reduce high school dropout rates and her Imagination Library sent millions of books to those in need.

The Blueprint, if fully implemented, will improve our educational system. Our school district is actively working to implement the mandates required by the Blueprint, such as adding pre-K classrooms, increasing teacher salaries, rewarding those who achieve certification and so much more. We will continue to face funding challenges, but it is the board’s job to work with the superintendent and school personnel to figure out the best path forward.

The data from Howard County for 2025 shows 17% of all students were chronically absent, while pre-pandemic levels were at 11%. Absenteeism has been defined as one of the five focus areas of the Howard County Public School System 2024-2029 strategic plan. The Board of Education will continue working with the superintendent to improve efficiencies in the notification process (automating letters and improving attendance kiosks) while training teachers on motivational interviewing to help staff understand the causes of absenteeism.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

It’s too soon for me to comment on this. The state of Maryland recently passed Senate Bill 720 requiring the state to set the AI policy and for each district to follow. The framework was published very recently, around June or July 2026.

No, we do not have enough resources and personnel. After COVID-19 funding ran out, the Board of Education had to juggle the operating budget. For fiscal year 2027, the budget for the office of student well-being increased by almost 5% from fiscal year 2026. This increase shows that the current board is aware of our need for more resources and shows that we are on the right path.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I have confidence that our experts — school media specialists, librarians and educators — are reselecting age-appropriate material for our school libraries. We have a process in place for community members to challenge books if they have a concern.

Mark E. Covington

How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?

Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?

I am currently a small business owner.

What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?

I have an Master of Education in School Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University.

Why are you running for the school board?

My decision to run for the school board is a natural extension of why I chose education as my career. I have always believed in the value of a well-educated society, both for individuals and for the community as a whole. I’m convinced that a strong, equitable public education system can help address many of the social challenges we face today. Running for the at-large seat on the Howard County Board of Education is simply the next step in my lifelong commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to shape their own future in a school system that is respectful, inclusive and supportive.

As a principal, one of my top priorities was giving teachers the tools and support they needed to meet their students’ needs. That experience gave me a clear understanding of how to remove the obstacles that get in the way of schools functioning effectively. I’ve spent my career navigating the everyday realities of public education, and as the parent of two Howard County Public School System graduates, I’ve also experienced our school system from a family’s perspective. Right now, our public schools are facing growing skepticism and criticism that I believe threatens the promise of public education for every child. I want to meet that challenge directly. If elected, I will be a steady, dedicated advocate for every student’s success—academically, socially and emotionally. At the end of the day, this work has always been about the kids, and it always will be.

What makes you a good candidate for the board?

I have spent my entire career in public education working to ensure success for every student, and that breadth of experience is what makes me uniquely qualified to serve on the Howard County Board of Education. As a student, parent, teacher, principal and professor, I have developed the skills to quickly identify challenges and build practical solutions. My greatest strength is my ability to work collaboratively. As a teacher, I had my students help develop the social contract that governed our classroom. As a principal, I only implemented policy changes after my teachers had the chance to review and shape them. I’ve learned that meaningful, lasting change only happens when everyone involved feels a sense of ownership over it. I also bring a strong commitment to data-driven decision making. Working with people is inherently personal, and sometimes emotionally complex. I’ve found that data brings objectivity to the table for educators, parents and students alike, helping ensure we make the best possible decisions for our children.

What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?

Teacher retention and compensation is the most important issue facing our school board, and addressing it is essential to keeping the Howard County Public School System the strong, successful system our community expects. I argue that there isn’t a shortage of teachers, but rather a shortage of educators willing to accept current compensation and working conditions. If elected, I would pursue several initiatives to address this: • Survey teachers and staff to identify the most effective ways to support and retain them. We must remove every obstacle that stands in the way of great instruction. • Review and adjust the teacher pay scale. A competitive starting salary is a good first step, but our full pay scale must remain competitive with neighboring districts. Otherwise, we risk training excellent teachers only to see them recruited away by other systems. • Strengthen recruitment partnerships with universities across the state. As the candidate pool shrinks, we need to work harder to attract new talent into our schools. • Expand mentorship for new teachers. Pairing first- and second-year teachers with experienced mentors helps prevent the burnout and isolation that often drive young educators from the profession. • Give school-based staff a voice in policy decisions. Policies most often fail because of poor design or poor implementation. Involving the educators who will carry out these policies leads to stronger, more effective outcomes. Retaining great teachers is the most effective way to solve our staffing challenges—and the best way to guarantee strong instruction for every student.

Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.

Rather than single out one individual, I’d like to speak to the leadership traits I believe are most effective, since so many people I admire share them. A true leader genuinely cares about the people they serve and the work they do on their behalf. They see the bigger picture and keep ego out of the decision-making process. The most effective leaders I’ve known value input from every stakeholder and research issues thoroughly before setting policy—understanding that their decisions affect real people, and that some choices, even good ones, may not please everyone. Strong communication is essential: effective leaders build trust through transparency, fairness and consistency in every action. Above all, the best leaders seek out collaboration, understanding that solutions where everyone benefits are worth the extra effort to find.

The funding required to meet the Blueprint’s standards is a legitimate concern, and I don’t dismiss it. At the same time, the Blueprint is a research-based initiative addressing challenges that have faced public education for decades. Little in this law is new to educational researchers—it largely codifies best practices that we already know improve outcomes for students. With that context, I support the Blueprint’s core pillars and will work to see them implemented effectively here in Howard County.

Howard County Public School System is currently renovating a building to house a new pre-K site opening next school year—research consistently shows that strong early childhood programs are one of the most effective tools we have for closing equity gaps. Our teacher pay scale already meets the Blueprint’s requirements, and competitive compensation for our classroom leaders is essential to retaining great teachers. County government and the school system continue working together to meet the Blueprint’s other requirements while protecting the progress we’ve already made.

I recognize that this work involves real trade-offs and difficult decisions, and I take those concerns from school officials seriously. Still, I’m proud that Howard County is committed to research-based solutions that help our schools serve students well. Investing in the Blueprint means investing in both our students’ success and our county’s future.

Chronic absenteeism is a serious problem, and Howard County is not immune to this national trend. A board member’s role is to ensure attendance policies are clearly communicated to families and fairly enforced across our schools. That starts with understanding why students are missing class in the first place. Touring schools and attending community meetings gives board members direct insight into those root causes. Absenteeism is a true “it takes a village” issue—no single policy will solve it. Even the best attendance policy falls short if schools and families aren’t sending the same message about why consistent attendance matters. Improving attendance requires open communication and shared effort between schools, parents and the community. If elected, I’m committed to strengthening that partnership so every student has the support they need to be in school and ready to learn.

Are you satisfied with your school district’s policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?

I believe Howard County Public School System currently has a reasonable AI policy in place, though I’ll note that AI technology is evolving so quickly that it’s genuinely difficult for any school system to keep pace. I’d like to see our focus shift from primarily policing cheating toward actively preparing students for a technology that is reshaping society. Many educational researchers are now focused on helping schools teach students to use AI safely and responsibly—including understanding its limitations and learning to recognize inaccurate, fabricated or manipulative content. The most effective way to reach that goal is training our school personnel so they, in turn, can guide students through this new landscape. AI’s long-term impact on students is still largely unknown, and policymakers must stay vigilant, ready to adjust policy quickly if research reveals any risk of harm to our students.

A robust mental health support system is a missing piece of student success—if we want students to learn, we first must make sure they’re able to focus and feel supported. Howard County Public School System has begun building out mental health resources, but this system needs to be significantly strengthened, and I believe it should be a top funding priority going forward. Current research clearly shows that screen time, particularly social media use, has had a real negative impact on anxiety and depression among young people. Knowing this, we have a responsibility to ensure our schools are prepared to support them. Practical steps include freeing up guidance counselors to focus more directly on students’ emotional well-being, and making sure both students and families are fully aware of the mental health services already available to them.

Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?

I believe a board member’s role is to remove as many obstacles as possible from students’ path to learning, and to support educators as they focus on instruction and inspiring young minds. To that end, students should have access to materials that trained educational professionals—our media and curriculum specialists—deem instructionally appropriate. Howard County Public School System has a well-established materials approval process that has served the county well for decades, along with a parent-initiated review process that gives families the opportunity to raise concerns about specific materials. I also believe strongly in protecting students’ constitutional rights to access information. One family’s concerns about a book should be addressed through our existing review process. A parent’s right to guide their own child’s reading does not extend to deciding what other families’ children are allowed to read

Baltimore School Board Voter Guide

Baltimore City

Domonique Flowers

Jamar Day

Kwame Jamal Kenyatta-Bey

Baltimore County

Dr. Candice Logan-Washington (District 1)

Lisa A. Mack (District 1)

Kelli McClelland (District 3)

Maggie Litz Domanowski (District 3)

Stacy McNish (District 7)

Carroll County

Cleveland C. Friday

Julie V. Walsh

Lisa Maisano

Marsha B. Herbert

Shannon Hinkhaus

Sharon Wilhide

Harford County

Donna Blasdell (District A)

Shernice Mundell (District A)

Cathy Kowalewski (District C)

Joe Fleckenstein (District C)

Melissa Hahn (District D)

Rachelle Johnson (District D)

Aaron Boyle (District E)

Robert S. Wagner (District E)

Joseph L. Alton, Jr. (District F)

Howard County

Lanlan Xu

Linda Frascarella

Mark E. Covington

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Baltimore City

Domonique Flowers

Jamar Day

Kwame Jamal Kenyatta-Bey

Baltimore County

Dr. Candice Logan-Washington (District 1)

Lisa A. Mack (District 1)

Kelli McClelland (District 3)

Maggie Litz Domanowski (District 3)

Stacy McNish (District 7)

Carroll County

Cleveland C. Friday

Julie V. Walsh

Lisa Maisano

Marsha B. Herbert

Shannon Hinkhaus

Sharon Wilhide

Harford County

Donna Blasdell (District A)

Shernice Mundell (District A)

Cathy Kowalewski (District C)

Joe Fleckenstein (District C)

Melissa Hahn (District D)

Rachelle Johnson (District D)

Aaron Boyle (District E)

Robert S. Wagner (District E)

Joseph L. Alton, Jr. (District F)

Howard County

Lanlan Xu

Linda Frascarella

Mark E. Covington

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