For the first time the Parents' Coalition compiled a list of questions for the Board of Education candidates. We sent the questions to all of the candidates in the primary election. We told the candidates we would appreciate answers to any or all of the questions. Most of the questions could be answered with one word or one sentence. We wanted to get a feel for the candidates beyond what has been presented on websites and in presentations. And since there has been no media coverage of this election, voters don't have much to go on in evaluating the candidates.
Only 2 of the candidates responded to our questions so far, Susan Byrne (District 2) and Morris Panner (At-large).
And each of those candidates said something that no current Board of Education member or elected official in the state of Maryland has ever said! They both said that they would oppose the MCPS practice of charging students fees to attend public school classes.
Susan Byrne and Morris Panner showed a willingness to be responsive to citizens, and spoke out against charging students' fees to attend public school classes. Two things that immediately distinguish them from the current members of the Board of Education. They would be welcome additions to the current Board of Education clique.
Now we have 2 people on the blog choosing Susan Byrne, as well as Janis choosing Panner; and Fred choosing Shudofsky. The Post chooses Smondrowski. I don't see any BOE candidate signs in my neighborhood or pretty much anywhere in the county. Elections are Tuesday. The Board controls over half of our county budget and also spends state and federal taxpayer dollars. Can the candidates please post here, if we would like to put out lawn signs, where can we get them? Thanks.
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