15 years of education advocacy, experience as a nurse, lawyer and MCPS teacher, deep respect for the unique wisdom students bring to every conversation about our schools, and three years of service on the Board of Education, including chairing the Fiscal Management committee, provide a wide, deep understanding of MCPS complexities. Steadfast commitment to the work of creating a truly inclusive and affirming school system. Strong relationships with electeds, advocates, MCPS staff and students

Preparing students for college, career and community requires ‘windows and mirrors’ – an education in which they see themselves, but also gain understanding of those whose experiences and truths are different from their own. Allowing parents to decide they don’t want their students to learn about some people isn’t consistent with MCPS goals, values and commitment to inclusion. Maryland law only provides opt-out for certain Health units on Family Life & Human Sexuality

Increase administrative support for licensed wellness professionals – LCSWs, Psychologists, counselors – so that they can maximize time directly supporting students. Widely publicize access to our partner agencies providing wellness services in schools – School Based Wellness Centers, Every Mind, JSSA etc. Support a regular schedule for student-designed in-school activities focused on wellness and wellbeing. Making self-care resources truly available to all students and staff must be prioritized

Ensure high quality professional development for teachers teaching ALL content. If we are going to maintain a virtual academy, effectively use it to provide access to unique curricula not widely available in MCPS when Virtual instruction is appropriate and students want it. Franchise great programs like Global Ecology, CAP, VAPA, CASE, IB & STEM Magnets, – so that they are truly geographically accessible. Incentivize talented teachers to work in schools struggling with attendance & access issues

Our future diverse, talented workforce is in our classrooms right now – intentionally focus on encouraging them to see education as an exciting, rewarding profession, bring their talent back to MCPS, & support them (scholarships, internships, mentoring) in their post-MCPS journey. Value teacher wisdom – more asking, less telling – empower them to take risks to enhance the art & science of teaching. Work to ensure all feel safe, welcome, valued. Strengthen central support for principals & schools

The duties of this office require an individual with a background that includes working with teachers, students, parents, and non-profit organizations. I have worked with all of these stakeholders for over twenty years while serving as a Community Services Officer for the Montgomery County Department of Police. I am a member of the Laytonsville ES PTA and am a delegate to the MCCPTA. My institutional knowledge comes directly from the concerned teachers, students, parents and victims of MCPS.

Under current law, parents can't opt their children out of classroom instruction and materials they might consider inappropriate. Unfortunately, MCPS initially gave parents false hope that they could opt their children out of classroom instruction and materials. As a result, parents who were hoodwinked by MCPS's opt out policy reversal decided to take the issue to court. The case is now in the hands of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. The courts have a final say on an opt out option.

I support a policy on limiting cell phone usage in school. Studies have shown that our students are addicted to their phones. Cell phones have contributed to cases of bullying, revenge porn, and isolation. All of this contributes to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. If we truly want to see a more focused student body and limit the amount of mental health issues, we need to limit the amount of screen time they spend on their electronic devices in school.

Equity issues should be handled on a cases by case basis. Students who find themselves falling behind or struggling with challenging courses should be identified early by their teachers. Teachers need to be supported when they determine that an equity intervention needs to take place. MCPS has the resources, capacity and flexibility to cater to that equity intervention if they choose to do so. However, parents should also take an active role in this individualized equity intervention process.

Teachers and administrators should expect that their work environment is safe and meets professional standards. Unfortunately, a recent OIG report has exposed the ugly truth that MCPS is not meeting that expectation. I intend to use my law enforcement background to ensure that MCPS's central office is held accountable to employee complaints. Until our current teachers and administrators feel safe, they will continue to leave at record rates.

I am a parent of two children in grades 4 & 8 and I also have extensive professional background in education spanning over 25 years as a teacher, a principal, and district leader. These experiences equip me with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of educational systems and public service. My unique combination of being a current parent and professional expertise uniquely positions me to contribute meaningfully to the board, especially during this time of change.

Parents are crucial partners, and balancing their perspectives with providing an inclusive curriculum is key. I support transparent curricula that provides diverse perspectives that includes opt-out policies for legitimate concerns, ensuring they are reasonable and uphold educational standards. This approach maintains program integrity while respecting parental input. Open communication fosters understanding, aiming to meet all students' educational needs.

Teens face anxiety from complexities of the world, feeling isolated and at times powerless. To address mental health I would focus on: 1. Boosting belonging by expanding clubs and activities –there is much more demand than space. 2. Igniting passion discovery through curriculum-integrated projects. 3. Involve students in creating solutions. 4. Educating on neuroplasticity and the power of positive relationships. These steps can support youth mental health and create a nurturing environment.

School disparities reflect societal inequalities. The system, designed to sort, results in unequal access. Specifically, expanding access to advanced courses is more than just opening doors; it demands support for both students and teachers. Specific we need to examine: 1. Equitable Funding Models 2. Community engagement to define equitable access & success together. 3. Data-Driven Decisions to address gaps & target opportunities. I'm ready to reimagine innovative approaches to shape the future.

People power this & they are our greatest resource. To support them, I propose: 1. Understanding them more through surveys & focus groups 2. Compare MCPS's strategies with top districts for ideas 3. Offer competitive salaries, benefits, incentives & wellness programs 4. Improve continuous learning & career advancement opportunities. 5. Ensure supportive workplace, address workload & class size. 6. Celebrate staff achievements & contributions. A thriving staff benefits our students.

I'm seeking a position on the school board because of our family’s experience navigating the IEP process. This process has revealed inefficiencies that I believe must be addressed. I am currently Director of Operations at a credit union. I am passionate about professional development and providing work life balance for staff. I have worked on financial literacy programs and community events such as the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-mile race and our neighborhood swim team.

As one of the most diverse counties in the United States, Montgomery County should ensure that school reading materials include diverse role models. These characters should reflect the varied backgrounds of children and families, encompassing race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status.

As a parent of a competitive swimmer, I am a strong advocate for school and community sports programs. It is also imperative that Montgomery County Schools implement hiring and retention policies to ensure students have access to mental health professionals such as school counselors, psychologists, and social workers. These professionals play a vital role in providing students with personalized support, counseling, and intervention services tailored to their individual needs.

It is essential to establish a diverse and inclusive curriculum, to recruit and retain diverse educators and role models, and to offer training on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for both staff and students. One specific example is the college and career readiness program, which aims to equip all students with the skills needed for their chosen careers.

Furthermore, gathering and monitoring data is crucial to ensure program success and adaptability in achieving desired outcome

Retaining staff is more cost-effective than recruiting new employees. Providing opportunities for professional development and promoting work life balance. Some roles that are in particularly high demand, such as special education teachers and school psychologists require strong recruitment strategy and signing bonuses to close the gap. I am committed to reducing paperwork and streamlining processes to ensure that teachers can focus on what matters most: educating our students.

I began my formative years in education in Montgomery County Public Schools. I have experience working as a para-educator in both private and public schools. Later on, I entered the field of electoral politics and worked as a campaign manager in the 2022 gubernatorial elections while simultaneously earning my master's degree in law. I have also worked as a liaison in the Maryland General Assembly. I see my youth as a positive attribute, as it allows me to bring in innovative ideas.

Parents should have an input in their children's education. Stakeholders should be informed about certain books that may conflict with their religious beliefs. This is not a conservative or fringe opinion. It was originally the policy of MCPS when inclusive teaching began. It seems unfair to implement measures like raising property taxes and recordation taxes to fund public education while denying parents any input in the curriculum. This approach can be seen as draconian.

37% of high school students reported their mental health was not in good condition after the pandemic. This rate rises to 49% among high school girls (2022 CDC). I plan to introduce inclusive practices that address differences between each demographic. I intend to provide after-school activities that are centered on support from school psychologists. I will advocate for the inclusion of extensive wellness centers in the Capital Improvement Plan and prioritize physical education.

At Montgomery Village Middle School, only 23.5% of black students are proficient in English Language Arts (ELA). To address this disparity in educational achievement, I have a plan to tackle the achievement gap at an early age by expanding access to Pre-K, mandating extended learning opportunities, and implementing an innovative school calendar for students who fail to reach educational proficiency. Additionally, we need to invest heavily in literacy coaches and personalized learning.

Previously MCPS refused to investigate anonymous complaints; senior officials intimidated DCI staff; archived emails that may have complaints in them; and failed to hire a law firm that would institute an impartial investigation. I will advocate for establishing an oversight committee for the administrative sector of our educational system. This committee would have subpoena power to force testimony under oath to ensure there is retribution for administrative malfeasance.

As a parent of 2 young kids (8 & 9), PTA President, nonprofit leader, trained attorney, former Juvenile Public Defender, public servant and policy advocate whose educational journey began in Head Start preschool and progressed to law school via community college, I understand, firsthand, the MCPS community’s challenges and how to navigate them. I employ efficient solution-oriented approaches to ensure equitable results and empower others.

To prepare our children to thrive, MCPS classrooms must reflect the world in which we live. In situations where parents deem material inappropriate, parents should have an opportunity to voice their concerns and may use the moment as an opportunity for family conversation with our children about the family’s views and values.

Connection is key. MCPS must fulfill its commitment to hiring and providing schools with social workers and psychologists and provide them with the flexibility to support their students through methods that resonate with their student population rather than costly, cookie cutter curriculums. MCPS cannot be the sole solution provider for the externalities our students face and we must collaborate further with the County and community groups to include the provision of sufficient funding.

MCPS must meet students where they are and actively support their movement forward. School initiatives like WIN (What I Need) provide students with 30 min., 4x weekly, to group with similarly situated students and a teacher other than their assigned to work on concepts in which they struggle or receive enrichment in subjects where they excel. Teacher led tutoring for teacher-identified struggling students would also provide benefits.

MCPS asks a lot of its educators and compensation must match. Rising costs of living, especially in Montgomery County, necessitate increases in the MCPS budget if we want to provide our students—our future leaders—with the tools they need to thrive and lead via their educators. More resourcefulness and community collaboration in other budget areas may provide space for reallocation of existing funds to educator compensation but ultimately the budget must increase.