Biographical Information
Campaign Twitter
@LauraStewartBoe
Campaign Phone
2406019519
Campaign Instagram
Stewart.laura
Campaign Twitter Handle
QUALIFICATIONS: How does your background prepare you for the duties of this office?
I am a mom of two recent MCPS graduates and I have been in PTA and other children’s advocacy leadership positions at the local, county, and state level for over a decade. I have been able to rebuild organizations after controversy and then develop productive relationships with decision makers at every level of government, leading to initiatives like the Safe School Drinking Water Act and funding for construction and wrap-around services. I’ll be ready to achieve results from day one.
PARENTAL INPUT: What is your position on allowing parents to opt their children out of classroom instruction and materials that those parents might consider inappropriate?
I am a founding member of the Coalition for Inclusive Schools and Communities, formed to support MCPS’s position that there should not be an opt out policy for approved curriculum and books. We gathered over 3,000 signatures from Montgomery County stating that children should be able to see themselves and others in curricula. Allowing system-wide opt outs would lead to children leaving the classroom during science, language arts, and social studies, creating a chaotic classroom environment.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS: What programs and policies, if any, do you propose or support to help our schools address the ongoing concerns around student mental health?
I support fostering more student connections to fellow classmates and trusted adults in schools. MCPS should implement intentional direct outreach programs for extracurricular activities, clubs, and lunch bunches. MCPS should also expand mental health services at school, providing more access to telehealth appointments and fully implementing Handle with Care. I have advocated for both initiatives at the state level. Parent support should also be offered through the parent academy.
OPPORTUNITY GAP: What specific initiatives, if any, do you propose or support to ensure that all students have equitable access to resources, challenging courses and effective teachers and administrators?
Work to close the opportunity gap with comprehensive parent resources starting at birth. Universal Pre-K should be prioritized and funded, including offering scholarships for teacher training. Third grade literacy gaps should be a focus by using the science of reading, an early warning system, and intervention teams. In secondary school, equitable access to quality teachers should be ensured through incentives, in cooperation with the union. Close the tutoring gap by partnering with nonprofits.
TEACHERS: What strategies would you support to attract and retain effective teachers and administrators?
First, we should implement and fund “Grow Your Own” initiatives. Fully fund the current program that enables MCPS employees to become teachers. We should grow our career program to train students to become effective teachers and then offer scholarships if graduates teach in their home district. We must also look at financial and benefit incentives to remain competitive with neighboring districts. Finally, evaluate exit interviews and ensure that MCPS has a positive growth mindset culture.