Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/mariaforboe2026/
Contactname
Maria Augusta Carrasco
Campaign Phone
240-367-1866
Current Profession
Researcher, public health professional, and farmer
contact name
Maria Augusta Carrasco
Policy 443 was recently adopted after substantial debate and effort. FCPS should implement it and not keep rewriting major policies before we have learned from them. The current policy balances parent concerns with the need to protect transgender students, who can be especially vulnerable if involuntarily outed. I would support implementation, training, and review after 2 to 3 years, while keeping the Board focused on student achievement and closing outcome gaps.
I do not support blanket book bans. Concerns about books should be addressed through FCPS’s established review process, with careful case-by-case evaluation of age-appropriateness and educational value. Parents and community members should be able to raise concerns, and those concerns should be reviewed seriously and transparently. If the process needs improvement, I would support that, but broad bans are not the right solution.
FCPS should prepare students for multiple paths after graduation, including college, vocational training, apprenticeships, military service, and direct entry into the workforce. I support strong literacy and math instruction, career counseling, dual enrollment, internships, and expanded career and technical education. Student success should not be defined by one path. Schools should help every student graduate with the skills to pursue their own path and build fulfilling lives.
FCPS should strengthen civics education at all levels by making it more practical and relevant to students’ lives, including how government works, how local decisions affect communities, and why civic participation matters. It should also include critical thinking, media literacy, and respectful civic dialogue so students can evaluate evidence, assess sources, recognize bias, distinguish fact from misinformation and disinformation, and engage respectfully in public life.
My education and life experience have prepared me to serve with expertise, practical judgment, and a strong commitment to this community. I hold a PhD and two master’s degrees, and I have spent my career managing complex programs, using data to solve problems, overseeing large budgets, and bringing people together around practical solutions. As a Frederick County parent, farmer, longtime resident, and strong listener, I would work to serve students, families, and teachers well.
I support the goals of the Blueprint, especially expanding early childhood education for families with the greatest needs, strengthening teacher quality, and helping more students succeed. At the same time, Maryland must be honest about long-term affordability and what counties can realistically sustain. If funding falls short, priority should go to early childhood, classroom instruction, teacher support, and students who are behind academically.
Schools can promote good citizenship through both instruction and daily practice. Students should learn how to listen carefully, ask questions, support their views with evidence, and disagree without attacking others’ motives or character. These habits help build trust and strengthen the school community. Civics, classroom discussion, group projects, student leadership opportunities, and age-appropriate debate can all help students practice these skills. Adults in FCPS should set the tone.
Campaign Instagram
instagram.com/CelesteforBOE
Contactname
Chloe Celeste
Campaign Phone
(240)415-8289
Current Profession
Student
contact name
Chloe Celeste
As a transgender woman and a recent student of FCPS myself, I am proud to say that I strongly support policy 443. If elected to the board, I will unapologetically advocate for the continuity of the current protections our county offers to its LGBTQ students, as well as demand the bolstering of said protections. There is no situation in which I will concede any ground on this issue, as basic civil rights are not something that can ever be used as a bargaining chip, at least not while I'm around.
Book bans are a tool of authoritarianism and are completely unacceptable in any situation. There are no books in our county’s school libraries or classrooms that warrant such a response. Educators and librarians are paid to oversee what reading material is offered in schools, and it would be outright insulting to come in with none of the job experience they have and unilaterally determine which books are acceptable and which ones are not.
I strongly believe the purpose of public schools is to provide students with a foundation ready for postsecondary education, or a career if they so choose. Preparation should start as early as possible, and students should be offered much more in the form of resources and advice than is currently available in our county's schools, as needs can differ significantly from person to person. One example would be to have a vocational program more robust than what CTC currently has to offer.
FCPS' curriculum is exceedingly lacking when it comes to educating students on the topic of civics. A well-educated population is a critical necessity to maintain a healthy democracy, and that starts with our public schools. Media literacy absolutely must be taught to a higher degree than it currently is, as it is the single most effective tool against falling for disinformation and conspiracy theories. There should also be more rigorous history teaching, primarily from a non-western perspective.
I happen to be a very recent graduate of the local public school system, and my views and criticisms stem from a perspective of not only the average student, but also those who have been historically under-represented when it comes to the leaders tasked with making decisions to hopefully better the lives of our youth. I deeply care about and empathize with the experiences of everyday FCPS students, and it seemed that no other candidate was able to offer such a standpoint.
The Blueprint for Maryland's Future should absolutely receive full funding and support, as well as implementation within the near future. Experts on the subject spent years crafting this plan, and it would be foolish to write it off before it has even been put into practice. Low funds can be solved if the county council simply redirects money from the FCSO budget to the board of education instead. It should not be considered radical to say that our youth come first.
Schools should be for educating our youth, not for making reactionaries out of them. The concept of "respectful dialogue” only serves to enable the far-right, and students should explicitly be taught not to engage with fascists. The marketplace of ideas is a fictitious tool invoked by authoritarians when their beliefs are pushed back on, leading to nothing more than a population trained to be docile when faced with oppressive institutions, namely the state and capitalism.
Campaign Instagram
instagram.com/AGoodDayForFrederick
Contactname
Casey Day
Campaign Phone
3013050539
Current Profession
Teacher
contact name
Casey Day
I support Policy 443 and ensuring that every student feels safe and welcome in our schools and classrooms. When students feel respected and valued, they are better able to focus on learning and grow into their best selves. Our schools should be places where all students can learn without fear of bullying or discrimination. As a Board member, I will support policies and practices that protect student safety, dignity, and belonging.
FCPS already has a policy and review process for instructional and library materials, and families can log into the library system to set preferences and make decisions for their own children. I do not support banning books for all students based on individual objections. As a Board member, I will uphold the FCPS review process, respect educators’ expertise, and ensure compliance with Maryland’s Freedom to Read Act.
Graduates are best prepared when schools provide strong academics and meaningful career pathways. As a computer science teacher, I support expanding dual enrollment, internships, apprenticeships, CTE, and industry partnerships while strengthening literacy and math. I will also work to ensure students across the county have equal access to these opportunities.
Strong civics education is essential to a representative and engaged democracy. FCPS should strengthen media literacy, source evaluation, civil discourse, civic engagement, and the inclusion of diverse civic perspectives and historically underrepresented voices. Students should learn to assess evidence and recognize misinformation and disinformation. As FCPS adds instruction on using AI, it is also an opportunity to strengthen critical thinking and information literacy.
My 31 years in FCPS classrooms, from elementary through high school, have given me a deep understanding of how Board decisions affect students and teachers every day. I have worked closely with families, supported struggling readers, coached robotics teams, and advocated for policies that support students and staff locally and at the state and national level. I hold a BA and MS in Education, PK-12 certifications, and taught future literacy specialists at Hood College for 14 years.
The Blueprint builds on the important work of the Kirwan Commission to strengthen early learning, literacy, educator support, and career pathways. I support those goals. But today’s fiscal realities mean implementation must be realistic and sustainable. As a Board member, I will advocate for continued investment, support adjustments to timelines where staffing shortages make rollout difficult, and work with the state on potential revisions to AIB oversight to ensure practical implementation.
Schools promote good citizenship by teaching students how to listen, evaluate evidence, and engage respectfully with people who hold different views. Civics instruction should include structured discussions, debate, and service learning so students practice civil discourse and collaborative problem solving. When students learn to consider multiple perspectives, support ideas with evidence, and seek common ground, they build the skills needed to participate responsibly in a diverse democracy.
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/jessdouglassboe/
Contactname
Jess Douglass
Current Profession
Special Education Teacher
Policy 443 was created to prevent discrimination and bullying of transgender and gender-nonconforming students and is reviewed every three years to ensure it reflects current law and community input. Recently, extremists have tried to hijack this process to wage a culture war at the expense of a small group of vulnerable students. I will push back against those efforts, defend the policy’s purpose, and stand up for every student so transgender and gender-nonconforming youth feel safe and welcome
School library collections and course curriculum must be diverse, inclusive, and representative of many cultures so students can see themselves in what they read and develop a love of reading and learning. I oppose banning books based on an author’s identity or viewpoints. FCPS policy allows parents to restrict which books their own children check out, and I will support removing nonfiction only when its claims are proven false. I will uphold policies that allow community input without bans.
As a special education teacher, I see how difficult the transition out of public school can be for students with IEPs and their families. I would advocate for FCPS to hire a dedicated Transition Support Specialist at every high school to guide students through planning for work, further education, and adult services. I also support expanding parent workshops on transition planning. On the board, I would advocate for the funding required to staff these initiatives.
Civics education has three key components: understanding First Amendment rights, learning about current events, and direct instruction in civic engagement. Starting in kindergarten, students learn the importance of sharing their voice and ensuring all voices are heard. Instruction must teach evaluating factual information, avoiding disinformation, and applying these skills across all grades and subjects, so that they can engage in informed civic action; specific engagement strategies included.
My work with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America taught me how to advocate - a school board member’s most important responsibility. Effective advocacy means building broad coalitions, motivating volunteers, and leading others to act. I can clearly communicate the real cost of operating our schools and advocate for full funding at both the county and state levels. I know how to bring together parents, educators, and community members to strengthen our collective voice for FCPS.
Yes, I believe the Blueprint should receive full funding and implementation. I would advocate in Annapolis and organize a countywide PTA committee to coordinate legislative priorities, messaging, and an FCPS Advocacy Day, uniting parents and teachers to amplify our voice. If full funding isn’t possible, I believe teacher pay and early childhood education should be prioritized to ensure the most critical elements of the Blueprint are protected and effectively support students in Frederick County.
I’ve seen students and teachers struggle with respectful dialogue in my classroom, especially around immigration‑related issues that cause fear and stress for students. FCPS staff need training on how anxiety about immigration enforcement can affect behavior, attendance, and emotional regulation, and on practical ways to foster safety and stability. Teachers also need clear guidance on how to acknowledge concerns respectfully, support worried students, and model constructive, empathetic dialogue
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/fletcherforboe
Contactname
Heather Fletcher
Campaign Phone
301-204-0685
Current Profession
Former Air Traffic Controller; Teacher’s Assistant
contact name
Heather Fletcher
Campaign Twitter
x.com/fletcherforboe
Policy 443 requires teachers and staff to keep information from parents and compromises students’ privacy in restrooms and locker rooms. If elected, I would work to remove this policy and ensure a zero-tolerance bullying approach. Students who feel uncomfortable using the public facilities would have access to single-stall restrooms. Every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported, and absolutely no bullying will be tolerated.
Schools should maintain library collections that support learning, literacy, and positive student development. Materials that depict explicit sexual acts or other obscene content are not appropriate for school libraries and should be removed. If elected, I will advocate for transparency and parental involvement in reviewing library and curriculum materials, ensuring that all content aligns with academic standards and supports a safe, respectful, and academically rigorous learning environment.
I will prioritize a classical curriculum that strengthens core academics in reading, writing, math, and science, while expanding school choice and career and technology programs so students gain real-world skills. By focusing on academic excellence, structured learning, and parental involvement, we can ensure graduates are prepared for higher education or the workforce and equipped to think critically, solve problems, and succeed in life.
Civic engagement is essential to uphold our constitutional republic, but schools should focus on teaching civic duty, not radical or ideological agendas. Students should learn how our government works, their rights under the Constitution, and the importance of participating in their communities. The curriculum should also develop critical thinking skills, enabling students to evaluate information for themselves rather than relying on the government to define what is “misinformation."
My experience as an Air Traffic Controller and Certified Facility Instructor at Joint Base Andrews taught me leadership, problem-solving, and how to apply complex policies under pressure. As a parent of three, I’ve volunteered as a teacher’s assistant and worked in public, private, and homeschool classrooms, giving me firsthand insight into strong academics, structured learning, parental engagement, and safe schools. I am prepared to make thoughtful, results-driven decisions on the board!
I do not support the Maryland Blueprint because education should remain under local control. Local communities best understand their students’ needs, and the Blueprint is costly with no proven results. I will prioritize strengthening academics, supporting teachers, and maintaining safe, structured schools. If cuts are needed, funding should focus on programs that directly improve student achievement and classroom learning, not ideologically driven initiatives.
Schools should teach classical civics, guiding students to engage respectfully with differing opinions through modeling civil dialogue, active listening, and structured discussions like debates or Socratic seminars. Students should learn to evaluate information, distinguish fact from opinion, and think independently. Partnering with parents and providing real-world civic experiences reinforces respectful behavior and prepares students to be thoughtful, responsible citizens in a diverse society.
Contactname
Nathan W Foltz
Campaign Phone
301-662-6199
Current Profession
Unemployed Special Education Teacher
I am a supporter of Policy 443 and I the BOE has voted for Policy 443 and the Policy was supported by Dr Dyson and the Student Member. I recently had opportunity to attend a Youth Political event and the #1 concern of 18-26 years of age is being Alienated. Look youth sometimes create a pecking order and as adults we need to make sure the rules and supervision create an environment that is welcoming. It is essential that the student environment is accepting and inclusive.
I do not support the Censorship of Literature of school system. I think the recommendations were for 1 book to be moved from Middle to High school. The only thing an adult needs to say to a student who reads a book is "Good job" I heard the Public comment talk about books, but I never heard one word about cell phones Tech, video games, or music. So I do not believe censorship is way to go with Literature. Literature is a work of Art and if you don't like it don't read it or recommend it.
As a person with a 53 credit MA degree in SPED I have a career in Education that almost 30 years old. I believe the best way to prepare the students for the Workforce is give them the skills to not be attached to a cell phone the whole day. When I first part came in to Education the philosophy was put Tech in to every lesson. I don't agree with it then and I don't agree with Tech needing to be in every Lesson.
Yes European countries are doing this Education Practice. I believe advertising as whole it persuades, the buyer or student should be taught to evaluate products, it was in Tobacco Advertising in Health curriculum, but I think Advertising should be taught to student to be a better consumer and also see through materialistic persuasions by Corporate entities specifically Media and Tech.
I have a 53 credit MA in Special Education. I also have a BA in Secondary Ed. I subbed for over 15 years multiple subjects. I have also subbed for every Special Ed position in 2 year acquisition of my MA degree in Special Ed Autism. I got a year of Service because I worked over 130 days for 2 years as a Substitute Teacher for SPED/AU enclosed classroom, resource, transition, or PreK special needs for actually whole year. It has come to my attention MD is At Will, this is not for SPED AU class.
I support the Blueprint. The problem with the Blueprint is MD labor laws are not congruent with Public education or especially Special Education which has Federal mandates. I believe that the #1 Ailment to hiring and retaining FCPS employees is change Labor laws. I really like for Frederick Delegation to do a Bipartisan evaluation of At Will Labor Policy for Public Ed and Special Ed. I can tell you MD current labor policy and Federal SPED law IDEA cannot coexist.
I just turned 49 and I had Civics at Middletown high school when I was in grade 10. It was extensive and a requirement to graduate. I am concerned by US investment in Military and Police but taking monetary support from Education specifically to threaten citizens well being of families with a member who has a disability. When a fairer world and country exist our youth feels less Alienated, and we get better schools by budgeting for General Ed state as well as Special Ed Federal funded.
Current Profession
Nonprofit Executive Director
As a current Board of Education member, I supported and upheld Policy 443 to ensure a safe, welcoming, and affirming school environment for all of our transgender and gender nonconforming students. If re-elected, I will continue to support policy 443 and defend the rights of our LGBTQ+ community.
During my current tenure on the Board, I advocated for updates to Policy 500 (selection of curriculum and instructional materials) as well as Policy 501 (selection of library and media materials) to ensure materials promote equity, respect, and civility among our diverse community and provide opportunities for staff and students to model cultural proficiency in every school and program. I fully support the expertise of our media specialists and our curriculum staff.
As a Board member and as a candidate, I have emphasized the importance of investing in the expansion of our Career Technology Education program, implementing Career Coaches at the middle and high school levels, and expanding access to equitable programming such as AP courses and dual enrollment. As a Board member, I will continue to emphasize the importance of access for all students - including those historically underrepresented - to gain access to equitable educational opportunities.
The FCPS social studies department offers a broad range of opportunities for civic education and engagement. As the influence of social media and AI grows, I do support continuing to implement education in which classroom teachers and media specialists emphasize the importance of utilizing critical thinking skills and strategies to "fact check" from multiple sources. These strategies should be implemented across all grade levels, starting in elementary school.
I currently have two children within FCPS and being a parent while serving on the Board gives me a unique perspective. Additionally, I have over 20 years of nonprofit experience partnering with educational institutions from K-12 and universities, as well as experience writing and developing social-emotional learning curriculum for middle and high school students. As a Board member, I prioritize visiting schools and hearing directly from students and educators.
I fully support the tenets of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future but the funding supports have lagged behind implementation expectations. There are also core components of education - such as arts, music, physical education- even class size - that are not prioritized under the Blueprint. In order for the Blueprint to be fully successful, funding must be prioritized and local jurisdictions should be given more autonomy over implementation timelines.
I believe that our existing curriculum prioritizes good citizenship that offers opportunities for engagement, dialogue, and sharing of viewpoints. However, our schools must be a safe place for all students - and staff members - which means that there is accountability for dialogue that is based on hate, bias, or discriminatory language. Through structured discussion and modeling respectful listening, our educators provide environments where diverse viewpoints are welcome and heard.
Contactname
David Allan Migdal
Campaign Phone
2409941965
Current Profession
Tutor/Consultant for special needs students including Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia
contact name
David Allan Migdal
I believe Policy 443 is important to protect all students and their right to be themselves. Every student should feel safe and have access to private changing areas and restrooms if desired. At the same time, athletic participation should follow Olympic and NCAA decisions to protect competitive equity in women’s sports by limiting participation of transgender women in those competitions.
I do not support banning books currently in the school curriculum or library. Instead, I believe FCPS should implement an opt-in or opt-out policy that allows parents to decide which books their children may borrow. Parents should have a voice in guiding their child’s reading choices while ensuring that all students continue to have access to a broad and diverse selection of texts.
Strong literacy begins in the early elementary years when students build foundational reading skills. FCPS has begun implementing the Science of Reading, but students must receive intensive support early rather than waiting until they fall behind. FCPS should also use an “At Risk” questionnaire to identify students who may have learning disabilities sooner. Math outcomes must improve through structured, sequential interventions that build foundational skills. Handwriting should also be taught.
Students learn best through hands-on experiences. FCPS should expand trips and community engagement so students connect with local and state issues, fostering responsibility and ownership. Many cannot name our Governor, County Commissioners, or Mayor. It’s also important to teach that AI is a tool, requiring critical thinking, digital safety, and fact-checking to prevent misinformation, while linking learning to real civic life strengthens engagement.
As a child, I needed specialized instruction in reading, writing, and math. Those experiences led me to become an elementary teacher and later an assistant principal. As a teacher, administrator, and parent of two children with dyslexia, I have sat on every side of the IEP table. I know FCPS must strengthen timelines for intensive support, communicate and partner more effectively with parents, and provide teachers with stronger support at every level.
The Maryland Blueprint aims to close achievement gaps, but without full funding, FCPS may have to reduce staff to meet salary requirements. Cuts to media specialists limit students’ access to technology, research, and essential supports. Funding for high-poverty schools, special education, English learners, and the core foundational formula must be protected, as these investments are critical for equity and improving student outcomes, even in challenging budget years.
Modeling a safe space where students, parents, and staff feel heard is essential. My philosophy has always been that you do not have to be friends with everyone, but you must listen and show respect, especially when you disagree. I hold myself to the same standard by valuing others’ voices. At the same time, I recognize that leadership requires difficult decisions guided by facts, data, and what best serves students and staff.
Campaign Instagram
www.facebook.com/shelley.potter.566
Contactname
Shelley Potter
contact name
Shelley Potter
I believe students should use the bathrooms, locker rooms, and play on the sports teams of their biological sex. Having optional single-use bathrooms and co-ed sports teams for those who wish to participate could help alleviate some of the current frustration. I do not agree with compelled speech (teachers and students being forced to use preferred pronouns) or withholding information from parents regarding their child in any way.
I believe books with sexual content have no place inside schools with the exception of high school biology class. Schools, libraries, and curriculum should focus on teaching students academics and facts, and leave ideology and religion out of instruction.
I think we need to focus on scientifically backed curriculum with a proven track record of success. Students need early intervention in reading and books over devices. Math should focus on fewer concepts that are taught to mastery. I wholly support expanding our career and technical education so more students can enroll each year.
I have not yet been able to go through all of FCPS' curriculum to see where civics education needs to be improved. However, I do think it's essential for students to have a deep understanding of our country's founding and the responsibility this places on all citizens. It is important for the school to model positive civic activity by being a force for good in their communities. Critical thinking skills and identifying factual information versus propaganda should be taught at every grade level.
I am an experienced educator and school leader with over 15 years of teaching and administrative experience in the United States and abroad. As a Frederick County native, I attended local public schools and hold a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University. My professional career has included teaching, administration and curriculum development roles in Montgomery County Public Schools, Washington, D.C., the United Arab Emirates and Oman
No. No more taxpayer money needs to be spent on public schools. Currently, 40% of Frederick County's property taxes are funneled into the school system, and yet, our children are not succeeding. I think we need to take a close look at the budget and where money is spent and reallocate funds to better support teachers and students. I do, however, agree with increasing teacher salaries, more support in the classroom, and more planning time to help attract and retain qualified educators.
Good citizenship skills start at home and continue in school. As educators, we need to model respectful dialogue in and outside the classrooms both with those who share our beliefs and those who don't. Teachers, administrators and parents need to work together to hold students accountable for their behavior.
Contactname
Dean Rose
Campaign Phone
3017889995
Current Profession
Insurance Agent
As Chair of the Policy Committee during the review of Policy 443, I supported maintaining protections that ensure all students feel safe and respected in our schools, including transgender students. FCPS policies must comply with state and federal law while creating welcoming learning environments. I will continue supporting policies that protect student safety, dignity, and access to safe and welcoming educational spaces.
I do not support book bans. Schools should offer age-appropriate materials selected by educators and librarians through established review processes. If concerns arise, FCPS has a formal procedure to evaluate materials. As I have in the past, I will continue to support that process to ensure decisions are thoughtful, transparent, and educationally sound and not politically motivated. I will work with families and educators to ensure students have access to valuable media materials.
Preparing students for life after graduation requires strong academics and real-world opportunities. I support strengthening early literacy and math, expanding career and technical education by expanding our Career Tech Center and providing more offerings in our schools, more internships/apprenticeships with our Frederick County business partners, dual enrollment, early college, and ensuring students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed for college, careers, or military service.
Civics education should help students understand how our government works and how to participate responsibly in a democracy. I support strengthening instruction in history and civics while emphasizing critical thinking, media literacy, and the ability to evaluate sources so students can distinguish credible information from misinformation. Students should graduate with a strong understanding of our constitutional system and the skills to be informed citizens.
In addition to my personal educational experience, much of my perspective comes from four years serving on the FCPS Board of Education, including 3 years in leadership and most recently as Board President, service on boards of child-serving nonprofits, and 13 years coaching FCPS youth. As a parent of two FCPS graduates, I understand firsthand how important strong schools and responsible leadership are for students and families. Strong schools build strong communities.
I support the goals of the Blueprint, particularly strengthening the teaching profession and expanding career pathways for students. At the same time, implementation must remain sustainable for local school systems. I support ongoing evaluation, transparency in funding, and flexibility to ensure the program continues to benefit students while remaining fiscally responsible. If adjustments are necessary, priority should remain on investments that directly support students and educators.
Schools promote good citizenship by strengthening civics education and encouraging respectful discussion of different viewpoints. Teaching students to think critically, evaluate information, and engage constructively with others helps prepare them to be responsible and informed members of society. These skills help prepare students to participate thoughtfully and responsibly. Learning how to have thoughtful discussions, even when we disagree, is an important skill for a healthy democracy.
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Campaign Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/seidelforboe
Contactname
Geoffrey Seidel
Campaign Phone
3017882570
Current Profession
Registered Nurse, Clinical Project Manager, Oncology Clinical Trials, Adjunct Professor
contact name
Geoffrey Seidel
Campaign Twitter
NA
Other
NA
Policy 443 puts schools between parents and their children. The policy defaults to secrecy instead of partnership. That is a mistake. Parents come first. The standard should be simple: no secrets from parents. No girls in boys' BRs or sports We can protect every student’s dignity without cutting families out. Rebuild trust through transparency & respect. Teachers also need to understand the new directions and provisions of Policy 443. There is no negotiation or agendas. Common sense please.
FCPS Policy 115 requires the school system to block pornographic material on the internet, yet the district has no clear policy that explicitly prohibits pornography in the library. FCPS policy must be enforced clearly & consistently. Protect kids, respect families, & keep politics out of the classroom. Parents want accountability, not chaos. Pornography is an addiction that negatively impacts society. There is no academic value in having pornography in the school library. Common sense please.
Set a knowledge-rich curriculum: require phonics-based reading, math mastery benchmarks, & frequent research-based assessments, because results matter. Expand CTC seats, paid apprenticeships, dual enrollment, & industry certs with local employers; real pathways & real paychecks. Enforce a clear code of conduct, consistent consequences, cell phone limits, & alternative placements. Developing critical thinking skills & embracing best-practices is essential. Let's send out productive adults.
Civics is too often missing from today’s classrooms, leaving students unprepared for citizenship. Restore it with content-rich instruction grounded in founding documents, constitutional principles, & how government works. Pair it with rigorous media literacy; teach students to verify sources, weigh evidence, & spot bias. Expand debate, primary-source analysis, & real-world simulations. Less ideology, more clarity, facts, & accountability. Focus on our great country's founding principles.
My education & life experience taught me accountability, critical thinking, & the value of strong foundations in reading, writing, & math. I’ve seen what works & what fails when standards slip & parents are sidelined. I will bring a results-driven focus, clear priorities, & common-sense leadership to restore excellence, rebuild trust with families, & ensure every student graduates truly prepared for college, vocation/career, & life. I am a life-long learner, finishing my DOL degree in 2026.
I do not support full funding of the Blueprint. It has to be revised. Every dollar must produce measurable gains in literacy, math, & career readiness. I will demand transparent metrics, independent audits, & local flexibility so schools can meet student needs. If cuts are necessary, protect classroom instruction, early learning that works, & teacher quality. Start by trimming bureaucracy, not student opportunity. Results, not promises, must drive every decision. Focus on students first.
Schools should model & teach civil discourse explicitly. Start with content-rich civics, then practice structured debate where students must argue both sides, cite evidence, & listen to respond, not react. Set clear norms: respect, facts, & accountability. Train teachers to facilitate tough conversations, not avoid them. Partner with parents to reinforce shared expectations. When classrooms are orderly & standards are clear, students learn to disagree without being disagreeable. Every day.
Contactname
Tyler Walker
Current Profession
IT Infrastructure Sales/MD Army National Guard
contact name
Tyler Walker
Policy 443 raises important concerns about balancing student well-being and parental involvement. Every student deserves dignity and a safe environment. At the same time, parents must not be excluded in major decisions affecting their child’s life. I support policies that protect all students from bullying while ensuring transparency, safeguarding private spaces, promoting fairness in sports, and reinforcing the essential role of parents in education.
I support age-appropriate standards. Parents should lead conversations about sensitive topics, with schools supporting in a limited role; ensuring school materials reflect community expectations and are suitable for minors. Explicit sexual content does not belong in school libraries or classrooms. I will support transparent review processes, clear guidelines, and parental involvement so families can trust what is being provided to students.
We must strengthen early literacy and math through early intervention and a strong focus on fundamentals. Schools should prioritize critical thinking, problem-solving, analyzing complex problems, and teaching students how to think, not what to think. Students also need accountability. I support expanding career and technical education, real-world skills, and partnerships with local businesses so graduates are prepared for college, careers, and life in a rapidly changing world.
This is exactly what I did in my classroom when I taught 12th Grade Gov! Civics education should focus on a strong understanding of our Constitution, government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Students should learn how to think critically, evaluate sources, and distinguish fact from opinion. I support teaching students how to analyze information and engage in respectful discussion, without promoting political bias, so they are prepared to be informed, thoughtful participants.
My experience spans homeschooling, public, and private education, giving me a broad perspective on what works. I studied to become a teacher, taught in multiple states, and served students locally during the pandemic. Living with at-risk youth at the Milton Hershey School showed me how education and discipline can break cycles of poverty. Nearly 16 years in the Army, including teaching and leadership roles, along with years of coaching and community service, have prepared me to serve effectively
The Blueprint has some worthwhile goals, particularly supporting teachers and student outcomes, but its mandates place significant financial strain on local systems. I do not support full implementation without greater flexibility and accountability. We must prioritize resources that directly impact student learning, especially early literacy and classroom support. Funding decisions should remain responsive to local needs and ensure dollars are used effectively for students.
Another theme I implemented in my classroom! Schools should model and teach respectful dialogue by encouraging open discussion, critical thinking, and the ability to consider different perspectives. Students should learn how to listen, support their views with evidence, and engage respectfully with others. By focusing on shared American values like responsibility and respect, without promoting political bias, we can prepare students to be thoughtful, civil participants in society.
Campaign Instagram
@chadforboe
Contactname
Chad King Wilson Sr.
Current Profession
Classroom Teacher (Social Studies/Alternative Education/Special Education)
contact name
Chad King Wilson Sr. - or - Chris Hart
I support Policy 443 because every student deserves to feel safe and respected. As a Board member, I will advocate for strong anti-bullying enforcement, staff training to support LGBTQIA+ students, and welcoming school environments. I support preferred names, inclusive student groups, and clear reporting systems, while also engaging families and the community to build understanding and protect every student’s dignity and safety.
I oppose banning books in school curricula or libraries. Public education should expose students to diverse ideas and experiences that build critical thinking and empathy. Literature can challenge students while helping them understand the world. I support a transparent review process involving educators, parents, and librarians, with decisions based on educational value and age appropriateness—not politics. Parents can guide their own children’s reading without restricting access for others.
Preparing students for college and careers requires a strong pipeline from early learning through graduation. We must expand Universal Pre-K, well-resourced CTE programs, and partnerships with trade unions for career pathways. Equitable access to AP, dual enrollment, and career-focused courses, combined with project-based learning, critical thinking, and strong career counseling, ensures students graduate ready for higher education, careers, and long-term success.
FCPS is making great strides in developing critical thinking skills. This can be enhanced with more diverse offerings—hands-on research, community-based projects, and expanded courses. Prioritizing civil discourse and real-world problem-solving helps students become engaged citizens who analyze information, communicate respectfully, and contribute thoughtfully. I am committed to supporting these efforts for all.
I am in my first two months into a board appointment. I am also in my 19th year as a classroom teacher. I’ve worked closely with students, families, and colleagues, often going beyond the classroom to support academic and personal needs. As a parent, coach, and advocate, I’m committed to inclusive, equitable schools. My union leadership, bargaining, and policy experience provide practical skills for effective governance, preparing me to be a strong, student-centered voice for Frederick County.
I support full funding and implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which expands Pre-K, improves teacher pay, and supports students with greater needs. As a Frederick County Board of Education member, I will work with the Maryland General Assembly to secure resources. If changes are needed, priorities must be early childhood education, educator recruitment and retention, and direct student support, not cuts to core classroom investments.
Schools prepare students to be engaged citizens by fostering environments where diverse ideas are expressed and respected. Structured discussions, debate, and collaborative problem-solving help students analyze information and engage in civil discourse. Educators and adults must model respectful communication, guiding students through complex conversations with empathy and integrity. Prioritizing these skills helps students become thoughtful, respectful contributors to democracy and society.
