BOE election candidates 2024

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

LOL lots of businesses have budgets
Lots of people know how budgets work
Lots of people know what a cover up and fraud look like

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

Lynn directly incurred a ton of costs with her hard-line stance on LGBTQ book policy, refusing to meet with the Ethiopian community directly and working or pushing MCPS to find a compromise so we wouldn't incur legal expenses having to defend a policy that wasn't even voted on by the full MCPS community.

I'm not crazy about Lynn but that was the right call. Accepting bigotry is non-negotiable.

But refusing to meet? Meeting and answering questions is the job and she will be voted out if she chooses to ignore any group of people. Bayi, Lynn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

Lynn directly incurred a ton of costs with her hard-line stance on LGBTQ book policy, refusing to meet with the Ethiopian community directly and working or pushing MCPS to find a compromise so we wouldn't incur legal expenses having to defend a policy that wasn't even voted on by the full MCPS community.

I'm not crazy about Lynn but that was the right call. Accepting bigotry is non-negotiable.

But refusing to meet? Meeting and answering questions is the job and she will be voted out if she chooses to ignore any group of people. Bayi, Lynn.

That's not up to you, it's up to the voters. I am a voter, and she will have my vote.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One more candidate has filed for the at-large seat: Rita Montoya

A quick google search shows keywords such as: social justice advocate, Cannabis, NCC Elementary School PTA etc

Maybe someone from North Chevy Chase ES can chime in

From what I’ve seen at NCC, she’s done a great job. Very innovative ideas, very communicative and inclusive. I don’t know her personally. She looks just like AOC to me.

Is she on the PTA there?

New poster and NCC parent. Yes, she is the PTA President. I agree with the PP and would add that she's done a good job getting the PTA books updated and organized and generally making sure procedures are in compliance and transparent. I don't know that I'll agree with her positions, but her slogan is "Accountability, Leadership, Oversight, and Transparency" so I'm guessing she's unhappy with the current situation.

NP but interested in learning more about her. IMO, the board really needs someone to advocate for elementary education. The current members all seem pretty removed from that lifestage.

That is very true.

And yet seem just fine advocating for it or questioning MCPS staff about ES.

Hmm, I don’t agree with that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

I expect to vote for Lynn and Laura, but I would consider serious alternative candidates to Rebecca, if any are running.

Aren't Lynn and Laura running for the same seat? So it'd be either or.

It looks like Lynne Harris is running at large and Laura Stewart is running for District 4.

Here’s the Maryland Board of Elections page listing candidates.

https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/Primary_candidates/gen_cand_lists_2024_1_by_county_ALL.html

It’s simple. If you like the way things are going for MCPS and want to keep the status quo, vote for Lynn Harris and Laura Stewart.

How is Laura Stewart more status quo than Shebra Evans, who is the incumbent? She is the ultimate status quo, do nothing board member.

[Anonymous]

I’d vote for almost anyone over Evans. I have not been impressed with any of the few comments she’s made at BOE meetings (and she speaks way less than other members and asks fewer tough questions) and if you look at her closed session voting history, she always rubber stamps the MCPS recommendation, which is usually to deny a request (COSA, Complaint from Public, Transfer, etc.). Other members regularly rubber stamp, but it’s as though Evans thinks she represents MCPS rather than serving in an oversight capacity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

Yes, seriously. I want a Board that takes its oversight responsibility seriously and holds MCPS accountable. That is not this Board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

LOL lots of businesses have budgets
Lots of people know how budgets work
Lots of people know what a cover up and fraud look like

Tell me you know nothing about government budgets wothout telling me you know nothing about government budgets.

Not everyone knows how county government budgets work, let alone the book-length MCPS budget. The learning curve is beyond steep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

LOL lots of businesses have budgets
Lots of people know how budgets work
Lots of people know what a cover up and fraud look like

Tell me you know nothing about government budgets wothout telling me you know nothing about government budgets.

Not everyone knows how county government budgets work, let alone the book-length MCPS budget. The learning curve is beyond steep.

Says the guy who thinks a bunch of stay at home moms who volunteer for the mccpta for a few years all of a sudden become MCPS budget experts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’d vote for almost anyone over Evans. I have not been impressed with any of the few comments she’s made at BOE meetings (and she speaks way less than other members and asks fewer tough questions) and if you look at her closed session voting history, she always rubber stamps the MCPS recommendation, which is usually to deny a request (COSA, Complaint from Public, Transfer, etc.). Other members regularly rubber stamp, but it’s as though Evans thinks she represents MCPS rather than serving in an oversight capacity.

She was (ultra) light weight volunteering for MCCPTA. I don't get how she was EVER elected to the BOE in the first place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

LOL lots of businesses have budgets
Lots of people know how budgets work
Lots of people know what a cover up and fraud look like

Tell me you know nothing about government budgets wothout telling me you know nothing about government budgets.

Not everyone knows how county government budgets work, let alone the book-length MCPS budget. The learning curve is beyond steep.

Says the guy who thinks a bunch of stay at home moms who volunteer for the mccpta for a few years all of a sudden become MCPS budget experts.

One of those "stay at home moms who volunteer" has a degree in economics and finance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

Lynn directly incurred a ton of costs with her hard-line stance on LGBTQ book policy, refusing to meet with the Ethiopian community directly and working or pushing MCPS to find a compromise so we wouldn't incur legal expenses having to defend a policy that wasn't even voted on by the full MCPS community.

I'm not crazy about Lynn but that was the right call. Accepting bigotry is non-negotiable.

But refusing to meet? Meeting and answering questions is the job and she will be voted out if she chooses to ignore any group of people. Bayi, Lynn.

That's not up to you, it's up to the voters. I am a voter, and she will have my vote.

Hi Lynn!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’d vote for almost anyone over Evans. I have not been impressed with any of the few comments she’s made at BOE meetings (and she speaks way less than other members and asks fewer tough questions) and if you look at her closed session voting history, she always rubber stamps the MCPS recommendation, which is usually to deny a request (COSA, Complaint from Public, Transfer, etc.). Other members regularly rubber stamp, but it’s as though Evans thinks she represents MCPS rather than serving in an oversight capacity.

She was (ultra) light weight volunteering for MCCPTA. I don't get how she was EVER elected to the BOE in the first place.

Don't know when she was elected. Was it after Trump won in '16. From what I saw, she is a PoC, correct? Some just want spotlight, who knows. Was she also an apple ballot?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

I expect to vote for Lynn and Laura, but I would consider serious alternative candidates to Rebecca, if any are running.

Aren't Lynn and Laura running for the same seat? So it'd be either or.

It looks like Lynne Harris is running at large and Laura Stewart is running for District 4.

Here’s the Maryland Board of Elections page listing candidates.

https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/Primary_candidates/gen_cand_lists_2024_1_by_county_ALL.html

It’s simple. If you like the way things are going for MCPS and want to keep the status quo, vote for Lynn Harris and Laura Stewart.

How is Laura Stewart more status quo than Shebra Evans, who is the incumbent? She is the ultimate status quo, do nothing board member.

Shebra Evans hasn’t filed to run again so right now she’s not on the ballot. Both Evans and Stewart are insiders, so that factor is a wash. Given a choice between the two, I would take Evans’ four-year degree over Stewart’s AA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? How many of these newbies understand the MCPS budgeting process, Capital and Operating? How many have ever testified before the Board of Education? How many know how to get anything done? Laura Stewsrt is someone who does. The rest of these folks can blow smoke as much as they want, but will be like catnip for the long-term MCPS staff. And, as one former board member said, "you need 5 votes [to get anything done]." That was Jeanette Dixon, who tried, but wasn't able to get the 5 votes.

Rebecca Smondrowski has tried. I'm a supporter. Lynn has also pushed back on the entrenched MCPS staff. Let's get some people in there who know where and how to push, and know how to get things done. Lynn, Laura and Rebecca will all have my votes, no matter what the Apple Ballot says in the end.

I expect to vote for Lynn and Laura, but I would consider serious alternative candidates to Rebecca, if any are running.

Aren't Lynn and Laura running for the same seat? So it'd be either or.

It looks like Lynne Harris is running at large and Laura Stewart is running for District 4.

Here’s the Maryland Board of Elections page listing candidates.

https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/Primary_candidates/gen_cand_lists_2024_1_by_county_ALL.html

It’s simple. If you like the way things are going for MCPS and want to keep the status quo, vote for Lynn Harris and Laura Stewart.

How is Laura Stewart more status quo than Shebra Evans, who is the incumbent? She is the ultimate status quo, do nothing board member.

Ignore the Stewart=status quo folks. Sure, she's very tuned in, but as an advocate trying to get information *from* MCPS and ask them for support, not as someone on the board with responsibility for oversight.

From those posts, I'm guessing someone besides her and Evans is planning on running with the angle of throw the bums out, but who wants something more MAGA.