I bring years of experience to issues facing our schools
The challenges facing the Board of Education have changed in 2020, along with the rest of the world. Likewise, my reasons for running are not the same as when I entered the race. The issues we are facing now are urgent, and voters will decide who has the leadership skills and experience to get us through these chaotic times.
When I filed my candidacy, I had watched the board have a rough year transitioning from an appointed to an elected board. I was frustrated that there was insufficient or confusing communication between the board, teachers, and parents. I wanted to ensure the board remains focused on the needs of our children instead of using them as political pawns to further the gain of a specific party. I thought that I could be of service, given my extensive experience in AACPS as an educator, a father, and now grandfather. Since then, of course, we have entered a pandemic.
Now, the health of students, faculty, and families are on the line when the board makes decisions. Communication is more critical than ever, yet seemingly even more inconsistent. People play politics rather than using common sense when it comes to kids’ education, mental health, and safety.
We should be having conversations about the full range of actions needed to make students and faculty safe, such as improving ventilation in the schools— not just distancing and masks. We should prioritize children who need in-person learning most, including special education students. Broad-ranging, realistic conversations are the first step to getting kids back to school in person safely.
Pre-pandemic, our county struggled to hire and keep qualified teachers. We need to consider how many teachers we will lose if they are forced back into the classroom unsafely. We need to think about how many students might not return— some families are already moving to homeschool or private school. Our kids don’t need more upheaval in an already chaotic year. Most of all, parents should not have to commit to virtual or hybrid learning when board members don’t even know what the hybrid model looks like yet. Ifwe don’t take the time to involve all stakeholders adequately, we may end up with a situation that isn’t good for anyone.
In this strange year, we need board members who have been in a classroom and understand how students really interact. We need board members who know the work that teachers do behind the scenes and how that work might be affected in the pandemic. And we need members with compassion, who know that everyone is struggling and that while there may not be easy solutions, we will find the best plan ifwe listen to teachers, students, and families and put our kids first. This pandemic won’t be with us forever, and there are things I would like to achieve. I believe in pre-K learning for all, which improves long-term success. Iwant to improve our vocational programs, because college isn’t for everyone, andwe should work as hard for students pursuing a trade aswe do for those going to college.
Our district needs to renovate school buildings and to add sidewalks so kids can get to school safely. I want more special ed support and more mental health resources for both students and teachers – both areas were inadequate even before the pandemic.
I have over 40 years experience as a teacher and a student advocate. I have built relationships with people throughout the school system. I knowwhat learning really looks like. I’ m running because I want to be that voice for our children and our community.