Candidates for Charles County’s only election this year — an at-large seat on the board of education — faced off at a forum last week.
Dottery Butler-Washington, a member of the Charles school board, moderated the forum, which was hosted over Zoom by the Phi Alpha Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
“For over two decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a teacher,” candidate Christopher O. J. Alberts said. “I’ve seen the challenges our students and educators face.”
Alberts said he wants to close the achievement gap and give every student an equitable education and chance for success.
Mike Lukas, the incumbent school board member, said, “I know this area.”
Lukas explained that he has lived within a 25-mile radius of Charles County his whole life, being born in Washington, D.C., and moving to southern Prince George’s County early on in life. He has been a resident of Charles for 30 years, which he said brings him an intricate understanding of its needs.
“My reason for running is the same as its always been — I want to provide opportunity for all our children,” Lukas said.
Candidate Pascale Small said, “I am the mother of three children in CCPS.”
Through Small’s experiences, she said that she has seen inequity gaps since she moved to the community from the state of California.
“I know that our communities are deserving of more,” Small said.
Letonya Smalls, another candidate, said, “I’ve been in childcare, school systems, for over 30 years.”
Smalls said she looks forward to being “in the trenches” to be a part of efforts with students and educators every step of the way.
Butler-Washington then asked the candidates what unique capabilities they believe they will be able to bring to the table if elected.
Alberts said that he wants to bring the unique experience of an educator to the board that will greatly benefit the Charles school system.
He said his passions and advocacy extend to curriculum development, teacher support and empowerment and student well-being.
“I understand the intricacies of teaching and learning,” Alberts said. “My background has equipped me with the skills necessary to engage with diverse stakeholders.”
Lukas said that he looks to bring opportunity to underserved students and populations.
“I came from a childhood where I didn’t have a lot of resources or opportunities, and I’m keenly aware of the struggles a lot of families go through,” Lukas said. “Public education is the great equalizer, and I want to ensure students and parents that commit to Charles County Public Schools are offered equitable opportunities so they can succeed.”
“No other candidate understands Maryland school policy or legislation better than myself,” he said.
Small says that she would a sense of urgency to the board and that she wants to promote change — having no time to waste.
“I bring an understanding of local, state and federal policy,” Small said.
She said that she brings partnerships with her, including the Educational Leaders of Color, the Charles County NAACP, Latinos for Education, the Charles County Hispanic Heritage Community and the National Parents Union.
Smalls said she knows what it’s like to be in the classrooms, and she has experience as a professional development specialist.
“I love to bring out the gifts and talents of children,” Smalls said. “I believe I will bring a shift to the school’s district in seeing things different.”
The full recording of the debate is on the Phi Alpha Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s Facebook page, and the next forum for the candidates, hosted by the Charles County NAACP, is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, at the Waldorf West Library.
The top two vote getters from next month’s primary election will move forward to November’s general election.
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