Stichnoth Picks: Susan Byrne and Aryeh Shudofsky

BOARD OF EDUCATION 2012 PRIMARY ELECTION ENDORSEMENT:

For GT, Achievement Gap, Board Independence

Frederick Stichnoth, fred.stichnoth@yahoo.com

March 31, 2012

            I recommend that you vote on April 3 for:

                        Board of Education At Large: Aryeh Shudofsky

                        Board of Education District 2: Susan Byrne

My preferences are based on the candidates’ positions regarding gifted and talented education and the achievement gap, and on their qualifications to contribute to Board independence.

            The candidates running for these positions are:

At Large: Mr. Shudofsky, Lou August, incumbent Phil Kauffman, Morris Panner; and

District 2: Ms. Byrne, Saqib Ali, Jeanne Ellinport, Fred Evans, Rebecca Smondrowski.

Short Rationale 

            Mr. Shudofsky and Ms. Byrne are the only candidates who support gifted and talented education.

            Mr. Shudofsky would attack the structural nature of the achievement gap by changing school assignment policy. Ms. Byrne sees that MCPS has been unable to cope with demographic change; not offering any simple program fix, she would use cost-benefit analysis to clarify and prioritize goals and select programs for their cost effectiveness.

            Mr. Shudofsky and Ms. Byrne lack experience that would improve the likelihood of their effectiveness on the Board; however, they seem to be sufficiently self-possessed and intelligent that they should hold their own as experience develops. Morris Panner seems to be both measured and skilled in analysis and negotiation; however, his knowledge of the system and views on important issues are underdeveloped.

            Mr. Kauffman, Ms. Ellinport and Mr. Evans are endorsed (and embraced) by Montgomery County Education Association, the teachers union and purveyor of the Apple Ballot. The Washington Post states that MCEA’s influence is “toxic:” it “distorts and perverts the political process.” A Board comprised of union-installed members is unable to serve as an intermediary between parents and the MCPS bureaucracy; MCPS’ ability to craft local solutions to local problems is thereby compromised. MCEA endorsement is an independent, and sufficient, reason to vote against Kauffman, Ellinport and Evans. 

BOE Candidates Primary Endorsement 4.1.12 (1)