In a self-serving act of eyebrow-raising proportions, the Harford County Board of Education is seeking to thwart school board elections as part of its legislative platform for the upcoming General Assembly session.
Despite the fact that most school board members in Maryland and 95% of boards across the country are elected, the Harford school board is fighting to remain one of the few appointed by the governor and thus insulated from the public it serves. The board contends that elections would inject politics into the process. So elections are political, but political appointments are not political? Please.
Then what do you call it when unknown supporters give a quiet nod to select individuals who are granted power to set public policy and dispense public funds without the approval of the public?
Whatever it is, it prompted legislation during the 2007 session of the General Assembly to bring the lowly voter back into the mix. House Bill 730 would have established a blended school board, composed of elected and appointed members.
But the local school board resisted. Board members lobbied community groups and testified against HB 730, helping to kill the bill in committee while keeping it from going to a vote on the house floor. Setting aside the obvious danger of letting public servants decide whether they will or will not face the voters, it’s worth noting that the board’s argument boiled down to an indictment of democracy per se. As if we hadn’t settled all that back in 1776.
To be fair, the board is not completely opposed to public involvement in the selection process, as long as the public is not doing the actual selecting. The board supports a kind of “democracy-lite” wherein select citizens cast a vote for the candidate they would like the governor to appoint. But we’ve been down this road before.
For years, prospective school board members were interviewed by delegates to a Permanent Nominating Caucus (PNC). After reviewing the candidates, the delegates to the caucus would vote for nominees to recommend to the governor, although the governor was under no obligation to act. And sure enough, several PNC nominees were passed over in favor of political appointments that left the general public out in the cold.
The PNC had other problems as well. PNC delegates were limited in number and required to be representatives of an established community group. Delegates were required to attend both a candidates’ forum and a voting convention to cast a ballot which resulted in nothing more than a suggestion to the governor. So it’s no surprise that the PNC disbanded in 2006. The board’s idea is to bring it back.
But why stop with the board of education? If the board doesn’t trust the voters and prefers instead to be selected by a PNC, maybe we ought to give other leaders the same option. Perhaps we have no business voting for our own county executive, county council, governor or president either. Fortunately, “We the people” don’t let our representatives opt out of democracy. The members of the board of education should be no exception.
All citizens have a vested interest in a successful public education system. The board of education sets policy and approves curriculum affecting 40,000 public school students in our community and directs a budget funded entirely by taxpayers. Nearly half of the taxes collected by Harford County Government go to fund Harford County Public Schools.
But when the new General Assembly session gets underway, the Harford board of education will be battling to prevent the people who pay those taxes from choosing their representatives. If you hadn’t known the meaning of the word “chutzpah” before, now you do.
Well written. Perhaps a "voice crying the wilderness" but even an echo would not dare a reply. Let's see if the Governor's office will make an attempt to justify its policy.
Terrific points in favor of an elected school board. Don't forget the beloved PNC is really made up of special interest groups. It angers me that they think they should have more of a say in my children's education than I do. Why would anyone think the Harford Business Round Table, for one, knows what is best for MY children?
Great piece. We are fighting the same battle here in Anne Arundel county. The Speaker of the House says school boards should be "advocates for education" which means they should always seek to spend as much as possible. That is why he opposes "crazy tax averse" citizens in AA county from electing the school board.
This is a fight worth fighting and things will change only when we elect delegates and Senators who trust parents and taxpayers.
The PNC was, in recent years, nothing but a pressure-release valve to give concerned citizens the impression they had a voice in the process, while the Governor, County Executive and a noisy state senator decided who would sit on the board of ed, the community college board, etc. Advocating the return of the PNC is a cynical move by the school board, a group of people — go figure — that is making a political calculation: people will hear about how the PNC "worked" in the past and embrace it as an alternative to electing the school board.
This was an eloquent piece that was well thought out and extremely well written. I concur with the opinions expressed in this piece. However, I do not believe that enough citizens are aware of how there is the potential for abuse under the present system. Hopefully this will aid in getting the word out.
Great article Cindy! This is the first I had heard of the PNC. What types of people made up the PNC? Were they HarCo residents? Politicians?
http://www.examiner.com/a-1135388~Candidate_wants…
Any idea how much the appointed HarCo board members make?
A provacative story. It does look like a move back towards the PNC would be a token gesture at best.
However, I'm not too sure the alternative would be any better. Would we really want ambitious party animals looking for an easy way to get their name out running dirty campaigns about how they "care" more for your kids then the other guy? I seem to recall an election for Clerk of the Court where the winning candidate ran on a platform of being tough on crime, even though the clerk has no powers in that area. Similiar misleading campaigns might end up with school board members looking to make headlines rather then educational progress.
Another worry would be that elected school officials would naturally be beholden to those who elected them, and to make a long story short the Route 40 schools would be out of the loop. Even more so, rather.
Not that dubious payback political appointees are any answer either.
And BTW, what part of "Permanent" was unclear when they established the PNC in the first place?
Excellent piece… Talk about taxation without representation! Appointees deciding how to spend HALF of all of the collected tax revenue for the county? Travesty!
I was a member of the PNC for years and witnessed its demise and strongly feel that it can no longer function the way it was supposed to. The last two board reappointments by the governor were made behind closed doors without anyone knowing how the process came about. Several elected officials have said they have no idea how these two got reappointed. There was concern about minority representation on the board and yet there were no minorities even considered for the position. If anyone knows how these appointments came about and want to defend secret appointments of school board members, please comment back. Repeated e-mails to the Governor's office have failed to yield an answer.
No answer from "My Favorite Martian?" Shocker. I'm sure he feels 10 feet tall and bulletproof after the raving success of the special session. Why should he address any of YOUR concerns?
Great article. Appointments are much more about "who you know, not what you know" than elections, as the few remaining appointed boards in Maryland can demonstrate. Half of that minority of jurisdictions still operating under appointed boards have strong community efforts pushing for an elected school board– just look at Greg's comments from AA county.
A counter to joshua: at least with an election the people have the chance to see if they are being mislead; the people don't find out the motives of an appointee until after they've been put into place. Just as importantly, appointed members not only have their "stepping stone" without having been before the public, but they've received a favor to the governor for that "stepping stone." Elected boards don't serve as any better "stepping stones" than appointed ones– they just give everyone a chance to have their voice heard. And that's the founding principle of our Republic
Let's keep the friendly debate going!
Great questions, Steve.
PNC delegates were Harford County residents and representatives of local community groups. The PNC bill that the board supported last year (HB 1392), included the following local groups specified in the legislation: The Harford County Business Roundtable, Farm Bureau, NAACP, Chamber of Commerce, Council of PTAs, The Friends of Harford and the teachers' union (HCEA).
The board of education members are not currently paid – but they should be.
Board members in other counties are not paid large amounts ($5,000 – 10,000, depending on the county), which would mean a total cost of $35 – 70K in Harford County for people who manage about a budget of about half a billion dollars.
George Bernard Shaw once said, "Democracy substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few."
I'll take my chances with the "incompetent many" rather than the well-intentioned, powerful few. There's something to be said for accountability and the potential to vote someone out!
Super explanation as to why we need an elected school board and provides the detail to "educate" the uninformed . There is no time like the present to continue the fight. Thanks for a well written article.
In response to Brian's post, and also for the sake of the discussion, I think we agree on the founding principles of the republic. And in an ideal republic, informed voters go to the polls to vote for the candidates they think will best represent them in a given office.
But my worry is that school board post candidates would be just another name on the bottom of a long ticket for the two parties. And a sweep in an election by one party or another would put who knows on the board. Recall the county council president who was swept in during a republican surge a few years back. The particular candidate was so unpopular with his own party he couldnt even show up for the victory celebration!
In theory, if we had a responsible appointing body, all of the interests of all of the students, even Route 40 kids too, would be looked out for. Now, it may be that we don't have that responsible appointing body. But turning it over to the partisan "angels of death" is no bright alternative.
The big question is , and I don't profess to have an answer, who can you trust more? The elected with something to prove or the appointed with nothing to lose?
Cindy: Well written! The "Elected School Board" issue also appeared in the Jan 2 Aegis (page A3). The article indicates support from Glassman and McComas. How does year's session look to you?
Steve: I participated in the PNC when my daugher was first starting school, kindergarten. To join the PNC Board all I had to do was express interest. Mark Wolkow helped me get involved. But Mark left the next year and after trying to work with it for a couple of years, I gave it up. I could not do anything to serve the folks who were there. I try to at least stay in touch with the various HC BOE processes. I am very frustrated.
Thanks for the clarifications everyone! I think there is a need to discuss this issue, along with many more surrounding the HCBOE. Hopefully the right sets of eyes will find this article.
I really liked your article. It read very well! You did a nice job of "demystifying" what the powers that be are attempting to complicate. An elected board should not be threatening to someone who is doing a good job. After all, the incumbants can run too, and they already have name recognition! Should be easy to keep their seats if everything is working well.
Bravo Cindy! This is a well written article that exposes the B.S. of the school board. If anyone ever wants to throw around the phrase "un-American," I would throw it at the school board. This lack of democracy is what plagues our nation right now. It's only a matter of time until the Electoral College stops listening to what the people of this country want and appoint who they want. Or maybe we are already falling into a fascist pattern where the candidate with the most votes can't necessarily win. Without a system of one person, one vote, the U.S. will never reach democracy. Without a viable multi-party system, we will never reach democracy. And we can certainly never reach democracy with school boards that don't even answer to the people they are supposed to serve!
I leave everyone with an inspiring quote from a source I will not name: "People should not fear their government. The government should fear its people."
Parents and taxpayers of Harford County need a SIMPLE process that allows every citizen with an opportunity to determine local school board governance.
I will identify a few of the concerns with the selection/caucus process.
First, who defines what a Key Community/Special Interest group is in Harford County? Who determines which of these groups get to participate in the process and why/why not? And to whom are these Key Community/Special Interest Groups accountable?
In the Caucus process Key Community/Special Interest Group(s) will “Select” nominees to be submitted to a selection committee who will eventually submit a short list of names to the governor, who will select the representatives to the Harford County Board of Education.
How do tax payers who choose not to be a member of/or can’t get selected to one of the “selected” Key Community/Special Interest Groups, voice their approval/disapproval with the person(s) selected through the Caucus process?
On the other hand, through the election process, prospective candidates for the school board must engage in a dialogue with the public to share with us why they are the best suited to represent our interests on the Harford County Board of Education. This process allows the public and the candidate to engage in an exchange of ideas, thoughts and concerns.
Once elected, we can hold our elected school board members accountable, just as we will with our state and county representatives. We can ultimately un-elect the person if we are dissatisfied with his/her performance, just as we will with our state and county representatives.
In the caucus process there is no opportunity for the exchange of ideas, thoughts and concerns in the selection process with the public. Nor is there a process where we can voice our displeasure with the performance or for unselecting a selected school board member.
I am disturbed when I hear elected officials offer the following reasons to oppose the election of school board members; (1) an elected school board would add another layer of bureaucracy to the process of educating our children; (2) many interested and talented individuals will not want to go through the campaign process; (3) the decisions of elected school board members would be politically motivated. (4) Election of school board members would create a Farm-Team, which could eventually challenge currently elected officials. There is absolutely no evidence to support these claims.
However, there are a couple of things that we all know; (1) every decision which involves our tax dollars is political; (2) Competition is a good thing- especially in politics. What would be so bad about a person who uses an elected school board position as a stepping stone for higher office? Our elected officials need to know that their replacements could be on the Board of Education.
But are we to believe that there are no politics in the Caucus process? Let’s review the Selection Process again.
First we would have to decide WHO defines what is a Key Community/Special Interest Group? Next we would have to ensure that the selected groups do not “illegally” discriminate against anyone who wants to be a member (especially since these groups will be involved in the process to select a representative to a public office). Then we would have to decide which group gets to participate and explain why these groups were selected and others excluded.
Then the Key Community Group(s) would have to undergo a process that will culminate in a nominee for the selection committee. From the entire list of nominees submitted by each Key Community Group, the selection committee will somehow decide on and submit a “short list” of nominees to the governor, who may/may-not select someone from this “short list” of nominees. The governor can/may very well select someone who is not on the list and there is nothing that we (Harford County tax payers) can do about it. Can you imagine anything being more complex, bureaucratic and/or political than this process?
Those in opposition to an elected school board have yet to identify ONE Compelling reason for denying the public the opportunity to elect school board members. However, what they have succeeded in doing is to help strengthen the arguments of the proponents for School Choice.
When we market Harford County to prospective BRAC residents- especially those with school age children, do we explain to them that the process to determine the governance of the Harford County school system is a closed shop? Do we explain to them that part of the assimilation process-(if they want to participate in the process to determine the governance of the School Board) would require that they become members of one of the “Selected” Key Community Groups? And will they be provided with a list of those groups along with membership requirements?
What is the Compelling reason(s) for denying every Harford County parent, taxpayer voter the opportunity to elect school board members?
Parents and taxpayers need to take the initiative in the education of the children of Harford County. We need to understand that whoever controls the schools rules the world.
I am like the others who have written in support of your ideas. What we need is a resolve. We need to resolve that this type of non representative government will not be allowed to remain in Harford County. I can only hope that all of our citizens will spread the word and draw peoples attention to website like this one. I hope that the resolve shone here can be heard by the government officials who need to understand that we will not take this type of abuse any longer.
Cindy et al,
Just want to add a consideration to your discussion:
One thing that is so very important to me as an educator, is that there be a balance of views, philosophies, political persuasions and social/geographical backgrounds on the BOE. This type of balance is essential to insure that important educational decision making ,effecting all of our children, is not biased, one sided, or radical in nature. Many of our current Harford County elected officials have very conservative, fundamental Christian backgrounds and have a proven track record of encouraging people from the pulpits of their churches to vote. Now, don't get me wrong-. I respect the process and do not denigrate their efforts and successes. I am concerned though, that an elected school board could become unbalanced in this way. One need only research other jurisdictions nation wide that have had to deal with book banning, elimination of social studies units, tampering with science curriculum and a general deterioration of the separation of church and state in their public schools. Unless you think our constitution should be ignored- these are concerns. Many of us may have strong beliefs re any of the above but I believe that public schools , charged with serving the educational needs of children from diverse backrounds, need to be even handed in such matters. Further, by the nature of minority groups, how could voting for BOE members insure that minority voices are represented in essential educational decision making? I would feel the same way about these issues if this county had a left leaning majority or if our minority situations were reversed. I believe that it is essential that all constituencies have a seat at the table when it comes to PUBLIC schools. I wonder how many jurisdictions with elected BOEs have encountered difficulties? I understand that there are quite a few. I am sure there is much research on the subject to be studied.
So. The retort may be, well, if undesirable things occur, the voters will have opportunity to organize and vote for different representation in four years. I submit that four years is a long time in the educational life of a child.
I realize that the current system is itself subject to the agendas of the politically powerful. But, over my 30 years of association with HCPS, a pretty good semblance of balance always managed to exist under the prior system. I would even say that, when the governor actually complied with PNC recommendations and district representation, the balance was generally excellent. The staggering of appointments and and a required compliance with the community recommendation process insures that no governor would be able to appoint a majority of members at will. I can think of a number of ways the PNC process could be improved- but it has and could certainly work again.
Of course,accountability and transparency could and should be addressed- but there are other ways. Let's explore the possibilities before we open a possible Pandora's box.
And just another thought or two for your consideration. My particular view is that Harford County teachers should be allowed to serve on the BOE to assist in making educational decisions in their area of expertise. I am sure that most of us have concerns about business folks and others without medical backgrounds making medical decisions. Food for thought?.
I for one would welcome a decentralized system wherin the parents, teachers, community and leadership of each individual school would share in the educational decision making proccess. It would continue to be financially viable as the schools could cooperatively order materials and other shared expenses. THAT would eliminate the entire political problem of a BOE.
So, thanks Cindy for your efforts in his arena. I respect your care and passionate involvement. These issues are not as simple as some might assume without a thorough, balanced investigation. I appreciate the opportunity to respectfully express an alternative view. Regards!
"My particular view is that Harford County teachers should be allowed to serve on the BOE to assist in making educational decisions in their area of expertise. I am sure that most of us have concerns about business folks and others without medical backgrounds making medical decisions…"
Exactly the point. WHO are these people? WHAT is their background in education? WHY should they be solely entrusted with the control of the massive HCPS budget?
Make these people campaign. Let us hear their position on the issues you raised. Then allow US to decide if their views are compatible with our own.
Great job Cindy. You have expressed what many of us feel. To Pat and those that worry that an elected school board will result in a lopsided board, such as fundamental Christians, etc that Pat believes is seen in other elected positions, don't you think the exact same thing is true of an appointed board? The members of the board are appointed by whatever governor is in office at the time. That governor brings all his/her biases and all his/her special interests to the table when making the appointment. It is no different than judicial appointments. Governors and Presidents want to get a chance to make judicial appointments during their terms so they can shape the future of the courts and sway the courts to their parties positions. Historically, Republican governors/Presidents will appoint those who are more conservative while Democratic governors/Presidents will lean toward more liberal appointees. The appointment of school board members is no different. I have been in State government for a while and anyone who claims appointed boards are less political are definitely living in a fantasy world. Nothing can be more political as the leader appointing uses the appointment to put someone in office with his/her own beliefs, which may have nothing at all to do with the welfare of our students, and/or someone to whom they owe a favor. What really scares me is why does the school board seem to be so up in arms about this? Don't they think they are good enough to run for office? If they are truly doing their jobs well, they should not fear an election since people would be crazy to vote out a well-qualified person doing a good job. The other concern I have had with the current school board is that they do not seem to represent the students. Of the current board, a small percentage actually have children still in the system. The majority do not, which begs the question of how can they properly make judgments on issues involving students when they have no personal stake in it whatsoever? If one of their decisions adversely affects students, such as the block scheduling fiasco, why should they care as it does not personally affect them. I would much rather be able to vote for someone that I feel will take the best interests of the students, teachers and parents into account because they are a parent or teacher and their actions will have a direct affect on them personally. It is in those situations that you get a better chance of someone actually thinking things through instead of just rubber-stamping the superintendent's wishes.
Is this another form of "taxation without representation". The majority of our tax dollars goes towards the schools of Harford County, yet the representatives that are responsible for use of those funds are not chosen by tax payers. As a resident of Harford County and the parent of a recent graduate of Bel Air High School, I want to have a say in who is suppose to be working for the good of our children. How can the governor possible know who would be the best representative for the county schools. He/she comes into office with his/hers own biases and they are reflected in the appointees they choose. If this was an elected position, at least then there would be a chance that the school board would represent the broader range of the county's residents and not just the governors interest. Each county is different and unless the governor comes from Harford County, he/she can't possibly be aware of the specific issues unique to the county. Only the residents can be and therefore they are the only ones who can make an informed decision as to who should be working on behalf of the county's schools, and more importantly, its children.
WAY TO GO CINDY!!
"The members of the board are appointed by whatever governor is in office at the time."
True, but as I said in my prior post, only a few appointments are made under any governor's term. Staggered appointment terms insure that only a few members of the BOE could reflect any one governor's politics.
Other rules could be put in place to create balance. It could be legislated, for example, that all political parties must be represented on the BOE. Or alternately, to discourage the politization of the BOE, heavy hitters in the local political scene might not be eligible to serve. Perhaps it could be required that Board members have children in the system. Likewise, a required percentage of BOE members could be business/community leaders or teachers.
The PNC could be composed of a much broader group of community organizations. Perhaps only organizations from a certain geographical district would be involved in the selection of their district's BOE representative. The governor could be required to appoint a representative recommended by the PNC. History proves that former governors, who respected the role of the PNC, DID appoint BOE members from opposing political parties. For example, if my memory serves me correctly, Mr. Bob Thomas (R) was recommended by the PNC to represent the Joppaowne district and was appointed by Governor Glendenning(D). The demise of the former PNC process is directly attributable to the decision of our prior governor to ignore PNC recommendations.
Right now, it is against the law for local teachers to serve on the BOE. Passing an elected school board bill will not solve that problem. Nor will it insure that qualified people with educational expertise and pure motives will have enough money or clout to mount a campaign and be elected. If my election statistics analysis is correct, Harford county voters generally vote strictly along party lines- what isn't political about that?
Election will not expand the limited venue of the BOE members. Much school decision making is not under BOE jurisdiction. The four block schedule, for example, was not ultimately the decision of the BOE. Do not confuse the role of BOE members with the role of the school system's central office leadership.
Should the role of the BOE be more extensive? Should it provide more checks and balances? Should the decision making and operation of the school system be more transparent? Should respectful, open communication within the system be encouraged? Should parents and teachers have more real inclusion in school system decisions? None of these issues will be solved by legislating an elected school board.
My experience is that there are rarely simple answers to complex problems. I believe that all possible pros and cons as well as alternate and perhaps more effective solutions be considered before making a decision that affects all of our children. Prudence demands nothing less.
"True, but as I said in my prior post, only a few appointments are made under any governor’s term. Staggered appointment terms insure that only a few members of the BOE could reflect any one governor’s politics."
You do know what state we live in, right? Typically, this state's governor and his/her policies do not reflect the majority of opinion in our county.
"The last two board reappointments by the governor were made behind closed doors without anyone knowing how the process came about. Several elected officials have said they have no idea how these two got reappointed. There was concern about minority representation on the board and yet there were no minorities even considered for the position. "
And Dell – just to set the record straight- it was Robert Ehrlich who committed the above PNC breaking atrocities and did not respond to inquiries- not “My Favorite Martian” .
Actually Steve I do know we live in MD. I believe that most of the current members of our BOE were appointed by Gov. Ehrlich with input from County Executive Harkins. If any governor was required to appoint a PNC recommended candidate, the point would be moot. I do not recall that the political affiliations of the candidates were ever revealed as a consideration to the PNC delegates (and i was involved for a LONG time.) We were allowed to grill them extensively on a multitude of educational issues- up front and personal – and judge their sincerity, character, competance, and dedication. And yes- you had to attend the forum to vote. What are the chances that the majority of the general public will pursue that depth of information before they mark their ballot? How would electing candidates who only "reflect the majority of opinion in our county"- I'm assuming you mean Republicans here- not be a recipe for exclusion? And would voting for an "R" after a name necessarily insure that the candidate would be the best qualified? If that is what you're going for here- how is that less political than the alternatives? And, once again, my concerns regarding broad inclusion and balance to best serve the needs of a diverse population percolate to the surface…
And my point is they shouldn't be appointed, even when they were by Ehrlich. I have 3 kids in the school system Why don't I have a say? Why can't I vote directly for the board members? I couldn't care less what the political affiliation of a school board member would be. I just want to know what they bring to the table in regards to how their term will benefit my kids and the other kids in our local schools.
Steve, There would be nothing to stop you from participating in the PNC process If you belong to a PTA, a church, a neighborhood association, a community group – and the participation parameters could be further expanded. You may be willing to go to forums to thoroughly investigate each candidates qualifications and intentions. The PNC existed to insure that kind of informed process would take place. If we go to an elected board, party period will be the majority basis for BOE selection. You may not consider political affiliation when you vote- I know that I do not vote by party line- but the reality is, there a a majority that do. I really don't think that you and I are that far apart. I deeply care about education and I did participate heavily in BOE selection until the PNC process was destroyed. was I frustrated by the effectiveness of the selected candidates? Often! But I posit that the PNC selection process- when it was respected by the governor- was not the real problem. The real problem was and is the narrow jurisdiction and peripheral power of the BOE. Election will not fix that and may generate additional problems. Any way, all I am saying is let's look before we leap.
Pat,
Thanks for the clarification. But Steve is right. If you are worried about "party affiliation" clouding the process, take it out of the equation. Qualified is qualified, regardless of party. All anybody wants is representation that is compatible with their own values, beliefs and priorities. We are the stakeholders, and our kids are the beneficiaries of what results from our decisions. Move the election outside of the traditional election cycle. That eliminates your straight ticket voter. Hell, remove party affiliation from the ballot. Then you are left with participation by those who are truly engaged and passionate about the outcome.
I don't believe engaging in a democratic process can be considered a "leap." I think we've been doing it around here for a couple hundred years.
Dell-
I LIKE it! If we could move the election out of the political arena and remove the party affiliation, I would be more likely to endorse an election. ADD to that some serious public interest coverage of the candidates, multiple forums in multiple districts, published questionaires and equal public funding and I could get on board. I am still not sure that this will address many of the frustrationing aspects of BOE jurisdiction but , if those caveats could be required in the legislation, I would be willing to give the idea a shot… I guess the question is, could /would our political representatives on both sides of the aisle taylor the legislation in a way that promotes a non- partisan, information based selection process ? Interesting question and intriguing possibilities.
There are 3 reasons in my mind why we have to have an elected school board.
1. There is no oversite. I filed an ethics complaint against a BOE member. I tried for 2 months to reach someone in the governor's (Ehrlich's) office. There is no one in the governor's office who deals with this, no one! They just tell you that BOE matters are handled by the state BOE. It isn't a matter of them not wanting to talk to you, it is a matter of there not being anyone there who deals with this. If you are under the impression that the governor has any oversite, you are wrong. I filed a formal complaint and had a hearing with the BOE ethics panel. The panel members are…..appointed by the BOE. They have the hearing, then make a recommendation to the BOE who then votes on whether or not to accept their recommendation. Does that sound like oversite to anyone?
2. The governor is not interested in who the people of Harford County want on their BOE. The most recent appointments, by Gov. O'Malley, were done with no input from Harford County. He reappointed the 2 board members who are most out of touch with what the parents want. Knowing that the appointments were coming up, I tried hard to get in touch with someone to voice my opinion about not reappointing these 2 members. There was no one to talk to.
3. Just look at what is going on with the state BOE. Nancy Grasmick's contract was extended by the state BOE. The governor doesn't like her, so they are introducing new legislation to try to force her to resign so that HIS appointees can reappoint someone else. This is so clearly an abuse of power, yet no one seems to have a problem with it. He admits that this is what he is trying to do. How is that allowed? No oversite. Isn't that about as political as it can get?
Pat, Steve & Dell, per The Election Law Article of the Maryland Code (8-802), “members of the board of education shall be elected on a non-partisan basis”.
While local legislation could attempt to create an exception, no such effort is underway in Harford County. Last year’s legislation (HB 730) called for non-partisan elections and I agree with all of you that this is the way to go . PTAs, the League of Women Voters and other civic organizations could provide non-partisan forums for candidates to give voters the opportunity to cast an informed vote and some of these organizations have already expressed support for doing so.
As to Pat’s point about funding, the forums reduce the need to spend money to get one’s message out, the internet provides an excellent opportunity to reach interested voters at low cost, and provisions can be made to reduce the emphasis on funding in other ways. Carroll County requires a special filing for candidates who spend more than $1000 on a campaign. I thought it was interesting that the board members I spoke to spent only a few hundred dollars each on their campaigns and could only cite one person spending above the filing limit in recent memory.
I hope that helps to further your meeting of the minds!
Thanks to you and to all who have posted comments so far. Such lively, thoughtful discussion reinforces my belief that there is strong interest in increasing public involvement in our local public schools.
Just a few questions to consider: How will/can it be insured that a general BOE election will be non-partisan, that financing will be fair and regulated and that all voters will be highly informed of candidate credentials, qualifications and intentions?
The things that were certain and good about the PNC scenario was that the voters had to be informed prior to voting, the candidates were not identified by party and no campaign funding was necessary. If the PNC was expanded to include any and all interested voters who were willing to attend an informational forum, and if the governor was required to appoint a recommendation of the PNC, how would that be unacceptable?
Also, since many concerns about BOE members revolve around school system decisions, how would a general BOE election solve problems that are due to the limited purview of the BOE members? I continue to ponder….
There needs to be as few regulations as possible on an elected board. Legislating how many members have to be from either of the two dominate parties, what their background or experience is, or similar traits would only serve to limit– and make ineffective– any board. Sure, the teachers could be guaranteed one seat on the board. But then anyone else would be shut out for that seat, and other teachers would be shut out of every other spot. I think it can be agreed that one teacher can’t represent all of the interests of another person, simply because they share the single trait of being a teacher.
Many people have concerns that members of the current board lack child in the school system– but a board comprised only of members with children in the system would be equally detrimental, as everyone would have a stronger interest in their child’s situation (their school, activities, and problems). Legislating the balance won’t work– there are simply too many issues, traits, a perspectives in America, and in Harford, for such expansive regulation to work.
We have a Republic which we are trying to keep. Every citizen cannot have a direct vote, as in a democracy– no decisions would ever be reached, and they couldn’t be implemented if they were. The best system of governance man has discovered is a republic, with open positions filed by those leaders chosen by the people.
The criteria set by the people is the best judge, without restriction. An elected board, with staggered elections and district representation, will serve to provide Harford with a more balanced board with strong leadership by knowledgeable members who have been before the people and are beholden only to the people and their own conscience.
I agree with all that Brian has said here. I would only add that like the City Councils, the elected board would have to be non partisan. I know that the party always comes to play in some way or another, but the party becomes a very small part of the background once the rubber meets the road. I know that my party was really mad at me and still is for that matter. I refused to listen to the central committee and refused their help, to my personal detriment. An elected school board should work the same.
The area of control that would be lost is by the education industry. Right now the board is beholden to and listens to the teachers and administration to the absolute detriment to those of us who actually pay the freight. There is the real sticking point in this. The so called “proffessional educators” have it darn good and the thought of us gaining control has to terrify them.
Once again, Dave and Brian, I have to reiterate that an elected school board will have no more jurisdiction than the appointed one has- and that- if you investigate- is extremely limited. Therin lies the rub. I cannot count the times when issues have been presented to BOE members and the response has been – time and time again- that they were not in their “purview”. Curriculum, personel, supervision, scheduling etc etc are decided by the central office admin- not the BOE. It will take more than an election to solve these problems. In the meantime, it is essential that, even with limited responsibilities, these folks are chosen by qualification with a process that maximizes inclusive representation and that money, politics and ignorance do not rule the selection process. I still have not been answered: Why doesn’t an expanded PNC as I have described fill the bill?
And Dave, I agree that “An elected school board should work the same” as you operate- but will they? How many of your colleagues are faithfully non- partisan? By the by, your statement that “Right now the board is beholden to and listens to the teachers..” is dead wrong. Teachers are less influential than the average citizen, are highly discouraged from even communicating directly with BOE and cannot be protected by them. Teachers realisticly enjoy but an ” illusion of inclusion” in the decision making process. Talk to one privately- you will be surprised.
Pat, if teachers are less influential than citizens in the current system, then teachers, above everyone else, should be in the fore in the fight to change the status quo. Last time I checked, teachers were “organized” into a representative “collaboration.” Imagine the influence this “organization” could hold during an election cycle. The endorsement of a candidate by a teacher’s “organization” would hold sway with a lot of voters.
As far as expanding and reforming the PNC? You said yourself that, in order for it to work, the governor has to respect and validate the process. From what I can gather, most governors are politicians, and, as such, answer to the “party.”
I thought the idea was to take parties out of the equation? You cannot ask a politician to make an appointment that is not political. Can’t be done.
IF the governor is REQUIRED by law to appoint a recommendation of the PNC, then the party cannot be the decider- and the politics is effectively removed. History proves this possible as governors prior to Mr. Ehrlich, who respected the PNC recommendations, appointed BOE members regardless of party affiliation.
As to teachers organizing to help elect BOE members- that would at the very least percieved by many in HC as a self -serving conflict of interest. AND it would give credence to the opinion voiced here that the BOE is “beholden to” and “listens to” teachers. Such a scenario would support that misconception and yet do nothing to eliminate the actual problem of teacher voicelessness.
Thanks, curious. It is good to know that someone else here “gets” what I am trying to say.
Show me anywhere where a mayor, governor, or a president is REQUIRED to follow anyone’s appointment recommendation. The very nature of an appointment is that it is “at will.”
Is it considered “self serving conflict of interest” when labor unions endorse candidates for election? Is the governor “beholden to” state workers if he gets the endorsement of AFSCME? Or to teachers if he gets the endorsement of MSTA?
History tells us otherwise.
If membership in the PNC was opened up to include individuals and if all members of an organization or community group were allowed to participate, and if the process was non-partisan and if the governor was compelled to accept the candidate who got the most votes, the PNC process would be improved, because it would be turned into an election.
One noted advantage of the PNC was that delegates were presumed to be “informed”, but who is to say what that really means and who is to make that judgement? What I might call informed, you might call misled. So who decides? I say, let the voter decide whether he or she has enough information to cast a vote.
It’s not perfect, but it beats the alternative.
As to the issue of purview: It would make no sense to assert that being elected would somehow expand the board’s purview, because board responsibilities are determined by state law, and the same law applies to both elected and appointed boards across Maryland.
But one rationale behind elections is that the board does have the authority to allocate funds, approve contracts, hire the superintendent, set policy, and approve curriculum, programs and reforms ( which in the case of high school reform did include a change in scheduling). These are all areas of legitimate concern to all stakeholders, none of whom should be excluded in the selection of board members.
IF we could be sure that politics would not rule a Harford County election, IFwe could limit spending/ publically fund candidates, IF we could be sure that people would have ample opportunity to become thoroughly informed, IF a general election would promote geographical balance and minority representation- well, heck, lets roll out the voting machines! Both sides are iffy.
As far as legislation goes- if we can legislate an expensive general election, why would it be impossible to legislate that the gov only appoint candidates recommended by the PNC?
I have read the website re the BOE’s jurisdiction as well, but over the years have been informed by many, many inside sources that the BOE’s purview is extremely limited in all those areas. And you are very right- neither election nor the PNC process will fix that. I believe that is where the change must begin in order to address the concerns citizens have with HCPS decisions.
I support radical decentralization myself which would allow the stakeholders at each individual school to be the real deciders as long as the students were making the grade. The MD public charter school law actually could make that happen if any school community really wanted to make the committment and do the work.
And finally- because I think I have expressed the flip side as well as I can- I would just like to say that I personally don’t have a problem with teachers becoming involved in either process. And you are very right, Dell, teacher lobbying and support has rarely if ever resulted in much consideration from the elected- despite opinions to the contrary.
Thanks to all for at least reading an alternative view. I hope that whatever is decided, it will be to the benefit of all of our children.
Thanks to the Dagger for beginning coverage of the Harford County Schools!!! And thanks to Cindy for taking up the job of coverage. This subject is the “gift that keeps on giving.” Lets get to other related topics of importance such as the conflicts of interest of at least one current Harford County School Board member. If the BOE was elected, perhaps these issues would be more openly inspected and dissected. Currently, all that is done is a slap on the wrist behind closed doors by fellow BOE members. Isn’t this the same as the “fox guarding the henhouse?” Let’s hear more about the current workings of this system. More public information will help to air the current realities and give constituents the information they need when asking their state legislative delegation to push for an elected board.
If you elect them, then you need to give them the power to collect revenue which means a new tax.
Bravo Kim!!! I’ve been wondering how long it would take for someone to realize that the board, elected or appointed, can only do what the County will fund for them here. The only way that the Board can run the system effectively is to have their own taxing authority. That ladies and gentlemen opens an entirely new can of snakes.
1) This County is not going to let go of control over that much money.
2) Money is power.
3) Everyone in government wants power.
Natural conclusion – we have created a toothless tiger with total responsibility but very little power/authority.
I smell more failure.