DUTIES: The BOE shares its responsibilities with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to establish and oversee educational policies; to make decisions on educational, facility, and financial matters; and to appraise the educational and administrative management of the public school system. The CEO implements public school policies and programs. The BOE may not contradict management and oversight of fiscal affairs except by a 2/3 vote of the BOE. The purpose of the Board is two-fold: to raise the academic achievement of students and the level of engagement of parents, students, and community. The BOE consists of 9 elected members, 3 members appointed by the County Executive, 1 member by the County Council, and 1 student member.SALARY:$18,000 + $7,000 reimbursementTERM: 4 years; no term limitsHOW ELECTED: By popular vote within one of nine districts. Districts 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8 are elected during Presidential elections; Districts 2, 3, 6, and 9, during Gubernatorial elections. BOE races are non-partisan and all registered voters may vote in both Primary and General elections. The top two vote getters in each race advance to the General election; uncontested races (only one or two candidates) do not appear on the primary election ballot.CANDIDATE FORUM: Videorecording
My experience as a PGCPS alum, teacher in DC Public Schools, community organizer, nonprofit senior leader, and five-year tenure on a local school board equips me with comprehensive knowledge of education. Additionally, my extensive academic background further prepares me for the responsibilities of this office.
I recognize the importance of community engagement in addressing concerns about specific books or instructional materials in schools. My approach would prioritize listening to parents to understand concerns and root causes. I would commit to increasing transparency, collaboratively identifying solutions, and prioritizing knowledge of the current state.
I strongly advocate for comprehensive mental health support in every school, especially in light of the increased challenges students face post-pandemic. I fully support the Maryland School Mental Health Response Program (MHRP) and am committed to exploring additional programs and partnerships to ensure our students receive the support they need.
To ensure equitable access, I'd assess resources, courses, and staffing to identify barriers and priorities. Collaborating with the community and seeking funding and partnerships, especially in underserved schools, I'd ensure access to quality, benchmark-aligned, critical thinking-focused curriculum. Additionally, I'd emphasize increased access to quality training and staff accountability.
To attract effective teachers and administrators, I'd support targeted recruitment and competitive compensation. To both attract and retain talent, I'd prioritize strategies for increased support, professional development, innovative collaboration, and flexibility in the school day to decrease staff workload, increase effectiveness, and explore career growth opportunities.
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My diverse experience as a parent leader, community advocate, and chair of the City of Laurel Education Advisory Committee uniquely qualifies me for the duties of the PGPCS Board of Education. Through these roles, I've gained valuable insights into the needs and concerns of students, parents, educators, and the broader community, developing a deep understanding of the complexities within the education system.
Addressing concerns about specific books or instructional materials in schools requires a balanced approach that respects diverse perspectives while upholding educational standards and principles of academic freedom. As a member of the school board, I would implement a transparent and inclusive process to address such concerns effectively. Transparency is paramount throughout this process.
Addressing student mental health requires a multifaceted approach that involves collaboration between schools, communities, and mental health professionals. By implementing programs and policies that focus on early intervention, education, support, and creating supportive environments, schools can play a significant role in promoting the mental well-being of their students. More specifically, peer support programs and early screening are vital interventions to address needs of our students.
Ensuring equitable access to resources, challenging courses, and effective educators for all students necessitates a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, implementing comprehensive assessments to identify disparities in resource allocation and educational opportunities is crucial. Establishing policies that prioritize equity, such as targeted funding for underserved communities and schools, can help bridge gaps.
To attract and retain effective teachers and administrators, a multifaceted approach is necessary, including competitive salaries commensurate with their skills and responsibilities, comprehensive professional development opportunities tailored to their needs and career aspirations, supportive work environments fostering collaboration and innovation, clear pathways for career advancement and leadership roles, recognition of their contributions through awards and incentives, and ongoing feedback.
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