In the days leading up to this week’s Frederick County Republican Committee Candidate Forum, I spent a lot of time listening, thinking, and preparing. I wanted to make sure that when I stood before members of our community, I wasn’t just sharing my ideas, I was representing the voices and concerns of the families, teachers, and neighbors who make up Frederick County.
One evening, I spoke with a neighbor who told me about the challenges of navigating her child’s education and how she often feels left out of important decisions. Her words reminded me of something I deeply believe parents are the first and most important educators in a child’s life. Our schools must partner with parents, not push them to the sidelines. Respecting parental rights isn’t just about policy, it’s about trust, communication, and working together for every child’s benefit.
I ran into a teacher at a volleyball scrimmage last week. Their passion for teaching was obvious, but so were their frustrations. In near tears they spoke about being stretched thin, juggling too many responsibilities, and sometimes not having the resources they need to give their students the very best. It became clear to me that if we want to recruit and retain great teachers, we must support them in meaningful ways by resourcing their classrooms, respecting their time, and making sure they can focus on what they love most: teaching.
In nearly every conversation, whether with parents, teachers, or community members the topic of academics came up. Families want assurance that our schools are focused first and foremost on strong academics. Literacy, math, science, and practical skills must remain at the center of the classroom. Our students deserve a rigorous education that equips them to succeed, whether their path leads to college, the workforce, or military service.
Preparing for the forum gave me the chance to put these conversations together. Parental rights, academic excellence, and teacher support aren’t separate issues they’re all connected. When parents are respected, students benefit. When academics are prioritized, teachers can teach with purpose. And when teachers are supported, the whole school community wins.
I am running for the Frederick County School Board because I believe we can bring these priorities together to guide FCPS toward a future of excellence. I will continue to listen, continue to learn, and continue to work hard to earn your trust and your vote. Together, we can make sure our schools remain a source of pride for Frederick County.