St. Mary's County Board of Education District 2 voters guide

St. Mary's County Board of Education District 2 voters guide

Cathy Allen

Town of residence: Hollywood

Age: 68

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

The school system has a well defined process for selecting books as well as for challenging any book. Parents have the option of noting that their child may not access a particular book or books. It is my position that the staff who have the appropriate training are the most qualified to determine suitability of books. The board serves a diverse group of students and materials reflect that diversity. At the same time, parents can, and do, decide what is appropriate for their children and I support that right.

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

I believe parents hold the key to setting expectations for their children’s behavior. Students face consequences for violating the Code of Conduct. Our discipline options have been set by the state board of education and must be followed. Today’s students are exposed to outside forces that tout violence as the only way to solve differences, a fact that is difficult to overcome but we continue to try.

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

I support Superintendent Scott Smith and the work he and his staff are doing. They put students at the center of every decision made. Much of the work the superintendent does is not seen by the general public as he works to ensure that our parents, students, staff and county commissioners are informed but the school board is well aware and supports his efforts. His is a 24/7 job and he does it very well.

Elena Brewer

Town of residence: California

Age: 45

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

Absolutely. The school board is elected for this very reason. According to the board’s Accountability to the Community policy, “The citizens elect a school board to represent them collectively, and to establish educational plans (including curriculum) and policies, and to establish educational goals and objectives.” The curriculum in St. Mary's public schools must be “appropriate for the subject area and for the age” of the students (Instructional Resources and Materials Policy). I am running for the board of education because I would like to review our curriculum and establish age-appropriate educational materials for K-12 and eliminate any materials that sexualize children and are not appropriate for minors.

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

School discipline is the personal responsibility of every student in St. Mary's public schools and students should be held accountable for their actions on school property. Parents and/or guardians should be involved and held accountable for the student’s behavior during the disciplinary process. Discipline in school is a family matter and parents/guardians are ultimately responsible for their child’s behavior in school.

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

Superintendent Scott Smith is a very capable and well-educated individual who takes the daunting task of running St. Mary's public school system in stride. However, based on my personal experience with the school system in dealing with very serious concerns involving all three of my children, Smith lacks transparency in the educational process and neglects important aspects of communication with parents. The current board of education meetings are run as a praise session instead of a working session which analyzes the realities of local schools. Smith supported the play “She Kills Monsters” performed by students of Chopticon High School, a play in which students explore their sexuality on stage. Instead of taking disciplinary actions toward the staff involved in the production and promotion of the play, he lauded the entire project.

Anthony Lotierzo

Town of residence: Leonardtown

Age: 54

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

I believe that the board of education members should be present at a conversion with all of the right stakeholders and weigh in on a solution that is best for all. I fully support having age appropriate books in our schools and libraries.

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

I believe that discipline starts at home. Parents really need to get engaged at home and provide discipline and structure to their children. I believe a lot of the discipline problems can be solved by parents being parents, not leaving that role to our teachers.

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

I absolutely support Superintendent Scott Smith and would continue to do so if elected. I have met with him and he is very reasonable and easy to talk with.

MICHAEL REID