I was Garrett County Health Officer for eighteen years. My job duties included budget, personnel and other managerial responsibilities. My four years of experience serving on the Board will be an asset as we deal with many future complex issues.

We need to expand opportunities for all Garrett County students to participate in curriculums and experiences which will prepare them for employment upon graduation. The Blueprint for Maryland's Future will supply support for these programs. We need to strategically utilize any new funding to expand our career readiness programs.

I will support continued maximization of available federal and state funds to improve school ventilation systems and continue installation security vestibules. My experience and education in the control of communicable disease will be an asset to the Board in keeping our students and the community safe. We must continue to eliminate bullying where physical, verbal or through social media.

Due to limited resources, community and business partnerships are essential in providing meaningful and effective programming. During my 45 years of service of public service I continuously worked to improve these relationships. Community partnerships will be essential to our school system in reducing the escalating behavioral health issues we are experiencing.

We need to work with the business sector in providing our students intern opportunities to prepare them for employment. Our good relationship with Garrett College must be expanded to provide opportunities to obtain college credits and enhance academic success.