Questions
1. How would you include parent and student views in making Board decisions on curriculum, programs and policies?
Use the public forum to engage with witnesses; expand and actively publicize all existing committees and other ways for parents to get involved and get heard. Allow an opt out of classes where the topic is so controversial as to interfere with the family’s culture, religion, or moral code. Without this ability more higher-income parents will remove their children from the public schools, while lower-income families will not have that choice – an inequity that should not exist.
2. How would you address aging facilities and overcrowding in our schools?
I would pursue using a public private partnership model similar to the one used by Prince George’s County to get six new schools built in just two years. With over 240 trailers being used as classrooms, speed is critical. Reinstatement of the 25% rule for prevailing wage as it pertains to school construction can further reduce the construction costs by 15%-30%. It is also important to create objective measures for determining maintenance priorities and stick to them
3. How would you address safety issues such as disruption, fights, threats and bullying to foster a safe learning environment?
Restorative Justice is an important first step in addressing bad behavior, but, currently, many students continue to act out even after going through the restorative justice process. It is important to hold students accountable and to be sure they understand the impact of their behavior on others. Use creative efforts to construct consequences that students will respect enough to change their behavior.
4. How would you allocate the available school funding so as to implement the Blueprint for Education goals and obtain the best results for all students at the most responsible cost to taxpayers?
Much of the education budget is committed to programs and activities required by law. However, we cannot ignore the fact that some timelines for enacting Blueprint programs are impossible to meet. We need to work with other counties to get the legislature to provide relief. It is concerning that we are expanding pre-kindergarten to full day while not adequately funding special education. Board members must have the courage to put the welfare of the students before any political considerations.
5. What are the most pressing issues the next superintendent will face in leading the school system, and what will you look for in candidates for the job?
I am impressed with our Interim Superintendent and would like to see him in the job permanently if he meets the state requirements. Knowing our system intimately and knowing the unique needs of Howard County is an asset, particularly in difficult times. He has shown a willingness to meet problems head on along with a caring and sensitive respect for the pain that the proposed cuts may cause, and he is listening to the public. These are the qualities I will look for in any candidate.
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