PRIORITIES

Every student in Frederick County should have access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them for life after graduation. Whether a student’s path leads to college, the skilled trades, military service, or the workforce, our schools should provide strong programs and clear pathways to help them get there. 

• Ensure students across Frederick County have equitable access to advanced courses and specialized programs such as IB, JROTC, Fine Arts, STEM, and Career and Technical Education pathways, regardless of which high school they attend. 

• Use enrollment data and program demand to guide where advanced academic, arts, leadership, and career programs are expanded so opportunities are available in more schools.

• Strengthen Career and Technical Education programs that connect students to industry certifications, apprenticeships, military service, college pathways, and high-demand careers.

• Expand partnerships with local businesses, trades, higher education institutions, and community organizations to give students real-world learning experiences.

• Reduce scheduling and awareness barriers that prevent students from accessing specialized programs or courses offered outside their home school.

• Reduce transportation barriers by exploring inter-school shuttle options so students can attend specialized courses, career programs, or academies offered at other high schools. 

• Continue strengthening robotics, engineering, and hands-on learning programs that engage students in problem solving and real-world applications.

• Ensure program placement decisions are transparent and based on student opportunity and community need.

• Monitor participation data to ensure students from all backgrounds are able to access advanced courses, CTE programs, and specialized academies.

As a former literacy specialist, I know that student success begins with strong classroom instruction and the right supports when challenges arise. Our schools must provide a solid foundation for every student while making sure those who need additional help or greater challenge can access it. 

• Protect strong foundational instruction in elementary school, including literacy and math, so students build the skills needed for long-term success.

• Invest in instructional materials and professional learning grounded in the science of reading and evidence-based instructional practices.

• Strengthen collaboration among classroom teachers, specialists, and support staff so instruction and student supports are coordinated across the school.

• Ensure schools have the staffing needed to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

• Use reliable screening and assessment tools to identify students who may need additional academic support as early as possible.

• Support implementation of FCPS’s structured literacy dyslexia program so students with reading disabilities that need this support receive targeted, evidence-based instruction.

• Ensure special education services are appropriately staffed so students receive the individualized instruction and supports required by law and best practice.

• Strengthen coordination between general education and special education so students receive consistent support across classrooms and programs.

• Expand access to enrichment and advanced learning opportunities so students who are ready to go further are able to do so.

• Maintain safe and well-supervised learning environments, including thoughtful policies around classroom monitoring technology when it supports student and staff safety while protecting student privacy.

Good policy comes from listening carefully, asking the right questions, and making decisions grounded in real classroom experience. Educators and families see every day what is working, what is not, and where students need more support, and their perspectives should help guide the decisions we make for our schools. 

• Ensure major decisions about curriculum, budgets, and school programs are made with meaningful input from educators, families, and the community.

• Strengthen transparency in Board of Education decision-making so the public can clearly see how and why decisions are made. 

• Support open and accessible public comment opportunities so families and educators can share their perspectives before decisions are finalized. This may include traveling regularly to communities to hear more from families.

• Ensure educators and school staff have a voice in discussions about instructional programs, curriculum changes, and classroom policies. Truly value their input by committing it to a regular schedule.

• Use classroom experience and require broad educator feedback when evaluating new initiatives or instructional programs.

• Improve communication between the Board of Education, school staff, and families so important information is shared clearly and early.

• Ask thoughtful questions about budgets and policies to ensure decisions are grounded in data, student needs, and classroom realities.

• Ensure that policy decisions reflect the needs of students across the county, including those in special education, advanced programs, and career pathways.

• Ensure budget discussions clearly explain proposed changes to staffing and programs so families and staff understand how decisions will affect schools.