St. Mary's County Board of Education at-large seat voters guide

St. Mary's County Board of Education at-large seat voters guide

Brandie Edelen

Town of residence: Mechanicsville

Age: 51

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

St. Mary’s public schools’ media specialists/librarians are responsible for developing the media center collection. It is my understanding that those materials are to be approved by the head of the school system’s library media, as well as other staff members. I feel that it is in the best interest of students and parents that the board of education weigh in on what books are allowed/banned from schools.

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

The key to preventing/managing discipline problems at school is easier than many think. I strongly believe that it is a collaborative effort involving parents, students, teachers, administrators and other school staff. Put simply, it is imperative that parents routinely discuss with their children the importance of being kind and respectful to their teachers and their peers and that parents discuss their expectations for how their child/children are to behave in school. It is imperative that teachers are consistent in their approach to discipline and that the expectations are clear. It is imperative that administrators are equally as consistent to their approach to discipline and that they are available to support teachers when called to a classroom. Administrators, teachers and support staff should be ever-present, daily, throughout the school (i.e. in hallways, the cafeteria, everywhere). When I was a public school teacher, it was rare that I experienced student discipline issues in my classroom, but I credit this to not just discussing the behavior expectations for the classroom with my students from the first day of class, but it was important to me that my students knew that I loved being a teacher and that I gave all that I had, each and every day, to teaching them to the best of my ability. They respected me because I was consistent, I tried to make learning fun and engaging, and it was obvious to them that I cared about them. All of these actions will almost always improve school climate and ultimately lead to a safer, less disruptive school environment.

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

Yes, I support Superintendent Scott Smith. It is obvious to me that St. Mary’s public school system is a priority to him, and I feel as though he has done a fine job. Transparency and respecting the board of education as the authority for education in our county are areas that I think he could improve on.

Josh Guy

Town of residence: Mechanicsville

Age: 21

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

{p class=”western”}Yes, we should speak for the community we represent. I believe that the school board needs to have a solid review process in place for any material that is challenged. The board should receive the complaint, review the complaint, read the book/materials and make a decision.

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

There were over 500 suspensions at Spring Ridge Middle School last year. I believe we do have a behavior problem. It is wrong, and dangerous, for our teachers and students to be put in an unsafe environment. We need to look at alternative school options for students that are repeatedly getting into violent fights. Other counties have instituted similar policies, and we need to be on top of behavioral issues.

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

}I worked with Superintendent Scott Smith when I served on the Youth Advisory Commission. While serving on the education subcommittee, I advocated to get more students involved in STEM, provide ways for parents to volunteer in the schools and increase our security at each school. Smith is very hard working. However, I would suggest that the superintendent work with the board to project what the budget will look like in five to six years so we can plan our expenses.

DeForest Rathbone

Town of residence: Leonardtown

Age: 94

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

Yes, as the policy group, they are ultimately responsible for approval of what books are included in their schools.

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

Since many school discipline problems originate with drug use, health screening all kids for drugs would be the first and easiest way to minimize discipline problems. A U.S. Department of Education study of the results of random student drug testing showed significant reduction in disciplinary problems in drug-testing schools compared to those not testing.

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

Generally, yes. He needs to listen and respond to us citizens who advocate adopting random student drug testing as a legal, effective, economical and popular tool for reducing drug use and violence among students, which is the primary cause of fear and reluctance to attend among endangered kids and teachers.

Angela M. Wathen

Town of residence: Coltons Point

Age: 57

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

Yes, we should speak for the community we represent.

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

First thing would be to create clear guidelines for students, teachers and administrators about who handles student misbehavior and communicate those guidelines. This practice will cut down on confusion about how, and by whom, incidents should be handled. Second thing would be to follow the guidelines generating consistency and fairness.

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

I believe the superintendent is doing his best.

Twitter: @MichaelSoMdNews