Why I’m Running
I am running for Frederick County Board of Education because I believe in the power of public schools to provide universal access to education, and to promote social equality. These objectives can only be met when schools are safe, class sizes are small, and teachers are prepared to meet the needs of our diverse and ever-growing student body.
New School Construction
Let’s face it, some of our schools have been awaiting repair or new construction for too long. Our children deserve to learn in a space that is comfortable, welcoming, and conducive to learning. Our staff deserve to work in a space that supports their professional needs and allows them to feel secure in their safety and the safety of their students.
The County Government has allocated funds for our district’s most pressing construction needs, including Brunswick High School replacement, Twin Ridge Elementary School renovations, Hillcrest Elementary School renovations, Middletown Elementary and Middle School replacement, and a new elementary school, set to open in August 2026, alleviating overcrowding at Oakdale Elementary School, which currently stands at above 170% capacity.
The County has done commendable work in addressing our construction needs. As the County faces increasing strain on the budget and responds to varying needs of the community, the Board of Education needs to present a united front in support of continued school construction funding.
Safe Schools
In light of increasing concerns regarding safety and security in schools, it is crucial that we prioritize the construction and renovation of school facilities to address these issues. Investing in school construction is necessary as our district grows and our building age, but it is also our opportunity to create safe, secure, and conducive environments for both students and educators throughout the county.
Modern school construction can incorporate advanced security features, making it harder for potential threats to gain access, while creating a safer environment for everyone on campus. Frederick County needs to provide safety for the children attending our schools. Crumbling buildings and portable classrooms don’t do that. When students feel safe, they are more likely to focus on learning and academic achievement. Well-designed schools with secure environments allow students to thrive without the distraction of safety concerns. Furthermore, providing a secure setting helps teachers and staff do their jobs more effectively without the fear of potential threats.
Smaller Class Sizes
According to Frederick County’s Educational Facilities Master Plan, “The total number of pre-K through 12th grade students is anticipated to increase by 11,456 students between 2020 and 2030, a growth of 26.8%. FCPS is currently the fastest growing public school system in Maryland.” We know the challenges facing us as a county and as a provider of public education for all students. We need to face these challenges with clear-eyed determination to provide the world-class education our children deserve. New construction is not only necessary to meet the growing demands of our changing population, but will also reduce overcrowding at schools.
Overcrowded classrooms require teachers to spend more time on classroom management than on instruction. Our highly qualified teachers and support staff can deliver the individualized and targeted instruction that our students deserve, but they need the space in which to do that work. Students in a classroom with 40 students in it are not going to get the same quality instruction that a more reasonably-sized class would expect. FCPS needs to hire more teachers.
Smaller class sizes will enrich educational experiences for our students while simultaneously attracting and retaining quality educators.
Train and retain highly-qualified teachers
Our students deserve the best. My family has been well-served by the teachers, administrators, and support staff at Frederick County Public Schools. I believe we have the brightest, hardest-working, and most committed educators in the state. I also believe that their excellence needs to be recognized in the form of consistent support and fair salaries. We cannot lose our best and brightest school staff to neighboring counties who are not afraid to put teachers first.
Attracting and retaining quality educators to Frederick County will require teacher salaries comparable with those of neighboring counties. Retaining quality educators requires training and support from the central office, and a sensitivity to teachers’ valuable time. Too often our educators are required to add responsibilities without any consideration for the already heavy and complex workload they carry.
FCPS needs to demonstrate their dedication to quality education by making stronger commitments to educators. Teachers who can make a living here will choose to bring their talents here, and teachers who feel valued will stay. The children served by Frederick County Public Schools deserve this level of commitment.