Today local attention is focused on three races for spots on Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) Board of Education. With critical issues such as educational equity, budget management, and student mental health at stake, voters have the opportunity to shape the future of education in Maryland.
At Large: Lynne Harris (incumbent) vs. Rita Monoya (apple ballot)
At the forefront of the Board of Education elections is the race between Lynne Harris and Rita Monoya for an at-large seat.
Lynne Harris (incumbent), a seasoned educator and community advocate, has emphasized her commitment to enhancing student services and ensuring equal access to resources throughout the county. She has been vocal about the need to address learning loss and mental health issues exacerbated by the pandemic, advocating for increased funding for student support services.
On the other hand, Rita Monoya, a self employed attorney, brings a background in policy analysis and community engagement. She wants to focus on creating inclusive educational environments and improving communication between parents and the school board. Bottom line: Monoya aims to strengthen community partnerships and enhance transparency in decision-making processes.
District 2: Natalie Zimmerman (apple ballot) vs. Brenda Diaz
In District 2, Natalie Zimmerman and Brenda Diaz, newcomers to the board, are competing for an open seat.
Zimmerman, an experienced educator, has focused her campaign on enhancing educational equity, increasing mental health resources for students, and improving communication between schools and families. She has emphasized the need for transparent policies that would allow for greater community involvement in school decisions.
Brenda Diaz, a passionate advocate for educational reform, centered her platform on addressing systemic inequities within the school system, advocating for increased funding for under served schools, and implementing programs that support diverse learners.
District 4: Shebra Evans (incumbent) vs. Laura Stewart (apple ballot)
In District 4, the election features incumbent Shebra Evans and challenger Laura Stewart.
Evans has run her campaign on a track record of advocating for inclusive education, expanding career and technical education programs, and prioritizing the mental well-being of students. She positioned herself as a candidate who listens to the community and is committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all students.
Laura Stewart, Evan’s challenger, pushed her commitment to educational innovation and reform. Her platform includes promoting STEM education, improving school safety, and increasing parental involvement in school governance.
Now, who do Montgomery County teachers support?
For every school board election, the Montgomery County Education Association has a representative assembly where a proportion of MOCO teachers vote on their preferred BOE candidates, effectively voting on who the MCEA endorses for the election.
The results are compiled into an “apple ballot” distributed to voters, telling them who teachers want in the open seats. In this election, the “apple ballot” does not include any incumbents. Rita Montoya (at-large), Natalie Zimmerman (District 2), and Lauren Stewart have been chosen by the MCEA to be endorsed on behalf of MOCO educators.
Montgomery County’s school board elections are not just about individual candidates, they represent a vision for the future of education in our community. Voters are encouraged to research the candidates, attend forums, and make their voices heard on November 5th (today). Every vote counts in shaping a better future for MCPS.
