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.
Campaign Phone
2402246279
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/juan4pgcps/
As both an educator and a Town Councilmember, I understand how decisions made in government affect students in real classrooms. Teaching showed me the realities students and families face, including language barriers and economic challenges. Serving in local government strengthened my experience with budgets, accountability, and collaboration. These combined experiences prepare me to make thoughtful decisions that support students, educators, and families.
Families deserve a respectful and transparent process when questions arise about instructional materials. Schools should follow established review procedures that include parents, educators, and subject experts while ensuring materials remain aligned with academic standards. Open communication helps maintain trust while keeping the focus on strong learning environments for students.
Student well-being is essential to learning. Schools should expand counseling services, strengthen partnerships with community mental health providers, and ensure staff are trained to recognize early signs of distress and trauma. Creating safe environments where students feel comfortable asking for help can improve both well-being and academic success.
Every student deserves access to excellent teachers, challenging courses, and the resources needed to succeed. Closing opportunity gaps requires strong early literacy and math support, expanded access to advanced coursework and career pathways, and targeted resources for schools serving higher-need communities.
Strong schools depend on strong educators. Attracting and retaining teachers and school leaders requires competitive compensation, mentorship for new educators, meaningful professional development, and supportive school environments where staff feel respected and valued.
Campaign Phone
6462473652
Campaign Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/jamiemcgonnigal/
As a public school parent and president of the Hyattsville Elementary PTA, I’ve worked closely with families, teachers, and school leadership through a school move, budget challenges, and a difficult time for many families. That experience showed me how district decisions affect classrooms. My career has also focused on building partnerships and solving complex problems. I’m running as a parent who wants our schools to succeed for every child.
Public schools bring together students from many backgrounds, and their education should reflect that reality. Students benefit from encountering different perspectives, cultures, and family structures in what they read and learn. Concerns should be addressed through established review processes guided by educators. Creating carve-outs for specific texts would place an undue burden on teachers in a district as large as PGCPS. Maryland’s Inclusive Schools Act supports inclusive learning.
Students today face enormous pressures, and schools need stronger mental health supports. I support increasing counselors, social workers, and partnerships with community organizations that can connect families to vital services. Just as important is creating school environments where students feel seen, supported, and safe asking for help when they need it.
Every student deserves access to strong teachers, challenging courses, and the resources that support learning. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future gives us tools to expand early childhood education, tutoring, and college and career pathways. We must make sure those investments reach the students and schools that need them most. The quality of a student's education should not be dictated by their zip code.
Attracting and retaining strong educators starts with respect and support. Teachers need competitive pay, manageable workloads, and the classroom resources to do their jobs well. Mentorship and strong school leadership also matter. When educators feel valued and supported, they are far more likely to stay and build lasting relationships with students and families.
