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Harford County Board of Education District D

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. TERM: 4-year terms. HOW ELECTED: Each member is elected from a council district (A, B, C, etc.)

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  • Candidate picture

    Melissa Hahn
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    Rachelle A. Johnson
    (N)

Biographical Information

MOTIVATION & QUALIFICATIONS: Why are you seeking a seat on the Board of Education? What skills, experiences, and perspectives will you bring to the role?

ROLES: What do you see as the role of parents, teachers, and Board members in the educational system in our County? How will you ensure transparency and resolve disputes?

STAFFING & RETENTION: What actions will you take to support educational staff, including policies related to recruitment, hiring, and retention of staff?

TECHNOLOGY: What is your position on the use of technology as an educational tool? Also, what is your position on the presence and use of students' personal electronic devices in school?

Campaign Website http://Hahnforharford.com
Campaign Phone 443-819-0091
I am seeking re-election. I have always done the right thing for the families, students and staff in HCPS. I have done my best to hold those in leadership positions accountable for their decisions, and encouraged fiscal responsibility. I have advocated for focusing our resources with the priority of lowering class sizes, increasing teacher and support staff wages, and safety & security. I am asking for your vote so I can continue as a member of the board as there is still much work to be done.
The job of the board is to ensure that the budget is spent appropriately, that policies and procedures are enforced by the Superintendent and holding them accountable when they are not. It is the boards job to ask questions, to encourage transparency and foster trust in the community, and to vote for what is best for HCPS students, families and staff. I am for Parental rights. Parents know their children best and we should always respect that. I am always available for a conversation or to help.
HCPS staff are trusted everyday with our children and ensuring they are provided the best education possible. We must ensure our teachers and staff have whatever supports they need. Those needs vary from classroom to classroom so communication is key. One thing we must do, and I have been advocating for, is background checks on all HCPS staff when they are promoted,. Also having a yearly declaration page that each staff member must sign stating that they have not been charged with any crimes.
I think technology is great as a tool. We use laptops too much and I feel we need to get back to pen and paper and traditional methods of teaching. Since using laptops, we have seen many detrimental effects such as decreasing test scores and communication skills. I do not believe that students should have their phones in school. While some students are responsible, many are not and it is a huge distraction to the class for staff to reprimand students for inappropriate cell phone/device usage.
Campaign Phone 443-582-8933
Campaign Mailing Address PO Box 223
Jarrettsville, MD 21084
I am a Harford County parent, business owner, and advocate for strong public schools. Through my family’s experience navigating the school system, I have worked closely with educators to support student success. My background in finance and operations equips me to provide responsible oversight, fiscal discipline, and leadership focused on strong academic outcomes.
Parents, educators, and the Board each play an important role. Parents know their children best and deserve clear communication. Teachers bring professional expertise and should feel heard and supported. The Board’s role is governance and oversight. Transparency requires clear, accessible information about decisions and policies. Disputes should be addressed respectfully through established processes that listen to all perspectives and focus on solutions for our students.
Strong schools require strong educators. We must support teachers with clear expectations, professional respect, and manageable working conditions. Recruitment and retention should focus on competitive compensation, supportive leadership, and opportunities for professional growth. Listening to educators and addressing barriers that affect classroom success are essential to maintaining a stable and effective workforce.
Technology is a valuable educational tool when used intentionally to support instruction, research, and digital literacy. However, personal electronic devices can be a major distraction during the school day. I support clear policies that limit personal device use during instructional time while allowing school technology to enhance learning and prepare students to use technology responsibly.