Charles County Board of Education at-large seat voters guide

Charles County Board of Education at-large seat voters guide

Pascale Small

Town of residence: Waldorf

Age: 35

Question 1: Do you feel board of education members should weigh in on what books are allowed or banned from schools?

In Maryland, parents are able to review our K-12 curriculum. This involvement allows parents to actively participate in shaping their children’s learning experiences. ... I believe the idea of anyone trying to ban books while four out of 10 children in Charles public schools can read at grade level is disadvantageous and detrimental to our children and their future. ... Instead, we should be fostering open, age-appropriate dialogue with our school communities and providing guidance on sensitive topics that can better prepare students to navigate the complexities of the world around them and see the humanity of others. I believe school boards should refrain from banning books and instead ensure our district is doing everything possible to ensure our children are reading on grade level by the third grade, offering supports to students in middle and high school in writing and comprehension, and ensuring all our educators have access to the necessary training, evidence-based approaches and interventions to support struggling readers.

Question 2: What would be your approach to solving the ongoing issues regarding school discipline?

To effectively and humanely address issues when it comes to unwanted behavior, I believe we must adopt a more restorative community approach that delves into the root causes of behavior. This helps us foster open communication, empathy and accountability, ultimately helping us create an environment where students feel supported in addressing their challenges and conflicts constructively. As a school board member, I would advocate for evidence-based approaches to uncover root causes to behavior, restorative practice training for all educators, support staff, school leaders, students and parents, and more mentorship programs to support our students. I also believe that a lot of the unwanted behavior in children often stems from a lack of engagement and academic struggles. ... As a school board member, I would ensure all of our schools are creating engaging learning environments, providing targeted academic support and fostering positive relationships so we can help mitigate unwanted behavior and promote a more positive and productive learning experience for children and a safer working environment for our educators and support staff.

Question 3: Do you support the school system’s superintendent, and do you have any specific praise or criticism for the superintendent?

As a parent leader, I have been a critical ally. I have three children in Charles public schools so I am tied to the success and failures of our leadership. I have and will continue to work with our district leaders to ensure we are collectively transforming our public schools. The primary responsibility of the school board is to hold the superintendent accountable for the overall performance and management of our district. Oversight would include academic achievement, fiscal management, policy implementation and stakeholder engagement — oversight that I feel is greatly missing from our current board. I would be committed to supporting our district while also holding us all accountable. I will work collaboratively, setting clear expectations, monitoring progress, ensuring we are transparent, providing constructive feedback and ensuring we are working with all of our stakeholders.

Letonya Smalls

Town of residence: St. Charles

Age: 50

Question 1: Do you feel board of education members should weigh in on what books are allowed or banned from schools?

All books should be age and developmentally appropriate for all students. I believe all children should have access to books to assist with Instructional learning formats, concept development and advanced language.

Question 2: What would be your approach to solving the ongoing issues regarding school discipline?

Students must have access to counselors, mentors and coaches to become successful students. When students have these support systems, they are able to get to the root of the issues that causes them to misbehave. My goal is to be a major part of these support systems. I want to hear from our students to assist them with dealing with their issues. Let’s pull back the onion and identify the layers that cause students to act out of character then provide them the necessary support systems to make them better. These resources should be offered in home and at childcare centers as well. No child should be excluded.

Question 3: Do you support the school system’s superintendent, and do you have any specific praise or criticism for the superintendent?

I support the school system’s superintendent, and I specifically support the fact that one of her goals is to continue to improve learning opportunities for our students.

Christoper O. J. Alberts

Town of residence: Waldorf

Age: 42

Question 1: Do you feel board of education members should weigh in on what books are allowed or banned from schools?

As a board of education candidate, I believe in promoting diverse perspectives and critical thinking within our schools. While it’s essential to ensure that educational materials are age-appropriate and aligned with curriculum standards, I believe that decisions regarding book selection should involve input from educators, parents and community stakeholders. Ultimately, the goal should be to foster an inclusive learning environment that exposes students to a wide range of ideas and perspectives while respecting individual values and beliefs.

Question 2: What would be your approach to solving the ongoing issues regarding school discipline?

Addressing school discipline requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes prevention, intervention and restorative practices. I advocate for the implementation of proactive strategies such as social-emotional learning programs, conflict resolution training and positive behavior support systems. Additionally, it’s crucial to address underlying issues such as trauma, mental health and systemic inequities that contribute to behavioral challenges. By promoting a culture of respect, understanding and accountability, we can create safe and supportive learning environments where all students can thrive.

Question 3: Do you support the school system’s superintendent, and do you have any specific praise or criticism for the superintendent?

As a candidate, I support the superintendent in her efforts to lead our district and navigate complex educational challenges. While I commend the superintendent for her dedication and commitment to improving student outcomes, I believe that constructive feedback and ongoing dialogue are essential for continuous improvement. I encourage transparency, collaboration and accountability at all levels of leadership to ensure that the needs of students, educators and families are effectively addressed.

Michael Lukas

Town of residence: La Plata

Age: 61

Question 1: Do you feel board of education members should weigh in on what books are allowed or banned from schools?

Current statute and legislation cover this area. The board of education currently has a policy on textbook approval.This is standard across the state and aligns with Maryland statute. A textbook selection committee consisting of staff, parents and/or students reviews and presents the textbook recommended by the superintendent. The public is always given an opportunity to review and comment on new textbooks before the board votes. Legislation passed this session requires each local school system to develop a policy and procedures to review objections to materials in a school library media program. The board does not and should not review every library book prior to its placement, but can review objections in accordance with the legislation.

Question 2: What would be your approach to solving the ongoing issues regarding school discipline?

The Code of Student Conduct needs to be enforced uniformly across the system. Teachers and administrators should not fear reprisal for administering the code, which is not just punitive but provides restorative practices and therapeutic interventions so a student can correct their behavior. I have consistently advocated for funding to support these efforts. Some, not all, students have trauma outside of school that manifests itself in inappropriate behavior. The school system provides services, such as Hazel Health, to help children and parents so inappropriate behavior is reduced. Referrals and suspensions are warranted for serious offenses and when students continue to violate the code. Parents must set the standard for their child. The school system has structure for a child to learn and needs to reinforce discipline that must be established in the home. Parents need to be held accountable for their child’s actions when they disrupt instruction or cause damage to property. This can be accomplished through legislation.

Question 3: Do you support the school system’s superintendent, and do you have any specific praise or criticism for the superintendent?

I support the superintendent. The superintendent has established a strategic plan that provides resources so every student has vast opportunities to succeed. She provided a State of the Schools meeting inviting everyone in the public. The budget is detailed explaining the rationale for proposed programs. The superintendent garners praise for engaging stakeholders in the community and establishing focus groups that provide feedback in numerous areas. The Superintendent is committed to increasing academic outcomes. Plans and processes are great, but results are the ultimate indicator, and this must be evaluated next year as her contract is examined. The superintendent could benefit by better understanding and appreciating the work of organizations and individuals who have history in the county.

Andre R. Griggs Jr.

Town of residence: Waldorf

Age: Unknown

Andre R. Griggs Jr. did not return a questionnaire.