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Dorchester County Board of Education District 5 Choose 1

DUTIES: The Board of Education is responsible for the supervision of the public schools, including the selection of a Superintendent, approval of the annual budget, and establishing general policies governing the school system.BASE SALARY: $3,200 annual salary. TERM: Four years, limited to three consecutive terms.HOW ELECTED: Board members are elected from councilmanic districts.

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Jerome J. Harris (N)

Biographical Information

Campaign Mailing Address 4897 Old Route 50
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Vienna, MD 21869

QUALIFICATIONS: What has inspired you to become a candidate for this office? How does your background and knowledge prepare you for the duties of this office?

Candidate has not yet responded.

PARENTAL INPUT: How would you address concerns about specific books or instructional materials in the schools?

Candidate has not yet responded.

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?

Candidate has not yet responded.

OPPORTUNITY GAP: How would you ensure that all students have equitable access to resources, challenging courses, and effective teachers and administrators?

Candidate has not yet responded.

TEACHERS: What strategies would you support to attract and retain effective teachers and administrators?

Candidate has not yet responded.

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Michael Hartford (N)

Biographical Information

Campaign Phone 4435151594
Campaign Email Mike@kgfreightllc.com
Campaign Mailing Address Po Box 162
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Vienna, MD 21869

QUALIFICATIONS: What has inspired you to become a candidate for this office? How does your background and knowledge prepare you for the duties of this office?

The need for our community to have a true voice on the board. Im a parent of 2 whom attend VES and know the importance of communication and transparency. The previous left our Parents in the dark with important information and i assure that not to happen again. We must stick together for our children.

PARENTAL INPUT: How would you address concerns about specific books or instructional materials in the schools?

I am open to any and all suggestions. My main priority is being transparent and making sure parents actually have a say in what their children are learning.

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?

Personal counselors in each school are a must. We must allow these children a way to express their feelings and emotions.

OPPORTUNITY GAP: How would you ensure that all students have equitable access to resources, challenging courses, and effective teachers and administrators?

By being fair and transparent. I will encourage alternative schools for those children with learning disabilities. This will allow them to thrive and develop at a faster pace.

All students should have the best resources and information available to any child in the nation. Our children deserve better.

TEACHERS: What strategies would you support to attract and retain effective teachers and administrators?

I encourage broadening our teachers trainings and listening to their concerns first hand. The more they learn, the better off our children will be.

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Christopher M. Wheedleton (N)

Biographical Information

Campaign Phone 2028053696
Campaign Email cwheedleton@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address 5946 Allen Rd
Rhodesdale, MD 21659-1100

QUALIFICATIONS: What has inspired you to become a candidate for this office? How does your background and knowledge prepare you for the duties of this office?

Throughout my life, I have drawn inspiration from both family and educators who challenged me and guided me toward making positive contributions to my community. While working in several education-focused organizations around the country, my career has included opportunities to weave together education and workforce development. This work has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and ability to bring what I have learned into our local school system. I try to help in every way that I can.

PARENTAL INPUT: How would you address concerns about specific books or instructional materials in the schools?

In my current role on the Board, I have addressed concerns about specific books or instructional materials by ensuring that we consistently follow the transparent review process we have in place. This process involves a cross-section of qualified stakeholders in our community, including educators, parents, and students. It’s important we consider all perspectives through constructive dialogue and a review process that values high quality, age-appropriate content for all students.

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 integrating comprehensive mental health education programs into academic experiences. It’s essential to provide support services through a combination of on-site counseling with trusted adults invested in the students’ success and peer support initiatives to foster a positive school culture. Resources for fostering collaboration with community partners, and implementing policies ensuring accessibility and confidentiality are crucial for student mental health support and growth.

OPPORTUNITY GAP: How would you ensure that all students have equitable access to resources, challenging courses, and effective teachers and administrators?

Ensuring equitable access requires targeted resource allocation as well as the right balance of funding, technology, and community partners to help. Providing support for diverse learning needs is essential and takes every stakeholder in our communities to help young people find their individual path to success. Engaging with every student to learn where their interests lie and matching that to all the best resources available put us on the best path to equitable access for all students.

TEACHERS: What strategies would you support to attract and retain effective teachers and administrators?

I have been working to support competitive compensation packages, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs to attract and retain effective teachers and administrators. A positive work environment with opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles further enhances retention. Prioritizing work-life balance and listening to needs and challenges are integral strategies to ensure long-term commitment and satisfaction among educators and administrators.