What a week!! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make Hob Nob in the Valley thanks to a last-minute work emergency (literally, walking to the car to leave). However, I tried to make the best of the remainder of the evening and knocked on a few neighbor's doors and chatted a bit. I heard a few different perspectives and thoughts, given this week it was expected. It's always interesting and I appreciate learning new things.
One of the most important responsibilities of a school board member is to truly listen. Parents, students, teachers, and staff all bring valuable perspectives to the table. Each voice reflects a lived experience, and every concern or idea deserves respect and careful consideration.
But listening alone is not enough. To serve our community well, we must pair listening with independent thinking. That means weighing the input we receive against the needs of the broader school system, the evidence available, and the values of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Too often, public discussions get reduced to “sides” or “camps.” In those moments, it can be tempting for leaders to simply echo the loudest voices or follow a predetermined script. I believe our school board should do better. Independent thinking means I will ask questions, consider the long-term implications of decisions, and ensure that no single group is overlooked.
For example:
By combining listening with independent thinking, we can build trust, strengthen our schools, and focus on what matters most: preparing every student in Frederick County to thrive.
As a school board candidate, I am committed to making space for dialogue, asking thoughtful questions, and making decisions guided not by political trends but by what is right for our students and community.
Let’s keep this conversation going, what issues do you feel need more listening and independent thinking in our schools?
PS. Early Voting starts September 19th.