Growing Pains, Smart Solutions: Working Together to Address Overcrowding in our Schools

As both a parent and a candidate for the Frederick County School Board, I know firsthand how much our schools mean to this community. Many of you have shared concerns with me about overcrowding in our classrooms and I share them too. On the one hand, our growing student population is a reflection of how wonderful Frederick County is to live and raise a family. But growth also brings challenges, and we need to make sure our schools are keeping pace, so every child gets the attention and resources they deserve. 

My commitment is simple: to work toward solutions that support students and teachers while also being mindful of costs to our taxpaying community.

Understanding the Challenge 

More families choosing Frederick County means more students in our schools. That’s good news for our community, but it creates real pressure inside classrooms and hallways. Larger class sizes limit one-on-one time with teachers, and overworked facilities can impact both learning and morale. If we don’t plan ahead, the quality of education our children receive could be at risk.

Short-Term Solutions: Meeting Today’s Needs 

Building new schools takes time, so we also need immediate, practical approaches. Some ideas worth exploring include:

• Making the Most of What We Have: Conduct a detailed review of our current facilities to see where space can be repurposed. Offices, storage areas, or modular classrooms might provide short-term relief in the right situations.
• Smart, Thoughtful Boundary Adjustments: While never easy, small adjustments done with plenty of community input can sometimes balance enrollment between schools.
• Flexible Scheduling: Exploring options like staggered start times or more efficient use of shared spaces (like community rooms or labs) could free up classrooms.
• Using Technology Wisely: High-quality virtual options for advanced courses or partnerships with nearby school divisions may help broaden opportunities without requiring more physical space.

Long-Term Vision: Planning for the Future

Frederick County’s growth isn’t slowing down, so we need a long-term plan that looks ahead and keeps us from scrambling year after year. That means:

• Relying on Data: Partnering with county planners and BoS to understand housing trends and enrollment projections, so we can plan smarter.
• Building in Phases: When new schools or additions are needed, constructing them in stages allows us to meet demand without overbuilding.
• Keeping Facilities Up-to-Date: Modernizing and maintaining the schools we already have helps extend their lifespan and avoid costly emergencies.
• Seeking Partnerships and Grants: State and federal grants, along with innovative community partnerships, can help reduce the local financial burden.

Most importantly, any long-term plan must prioritize what matters most: small class sizes where possible, strong support for our teachers, and learning environments where students can excel.

Being Responsible with Taxpayer Dollars

As a candidate, I want to be clear: I will always look for cost-effective, transparent solutions that put students & the classroom first. That means:

• Practicing fiscal responsibility: every dollar should be spent wisely and with clear purpose.
• Ensuring transparency: families should have a clear view of how funds are being used.
• Advocating at the state level: to make sure Frederick County receives its fair share of State & Federal education funding.
• Exploring creative funding options: including grants and public-private partnerships.

Moving Forward Together

Overcrowding is a challenge, but it’s also a chance for us to come together as a community and shape the future of Frederick County schools. With smart short-term steps and a sustainable long-term plan, we’ll ensure our schools remain a source of pride and most importantly, a place where our children receive the excellent education they deserve. 

I look forward to continuing this conversation and hearing your ideas. Together, we can build a stronger future for our schools and our community.