An occasional series of informal reports and observations from meetings of the Harford County Board of Education.
The last school board meeting of the summer of 2010 was about as quiet as you would expect for a Monday evening in August (August 9th to be exact). But there were some notable moments nonetheless: hopeful signs for public engagement; the departure of Board Member John Smilko; and the first presentation by Bill Lawrence, Superintendent Robert Tomback’s new top administrator in charge of all curriculum, instruction and assessment.
The public comment period was an opportunity for the new group of leaders who have taken the reins at the Harford County Council PTA to remind the school board of the value of local PTAs and to outline plans for the coming school year, which will include a candidates’ forum for prospective school board members. (see related story).
Board President Mark Wolkow has taken to scanning the audience for school board candidates in the upcoming elections, three of whom posted Monday night – Bob Frisch, a candidate in District A (Edgewood/Joppa) and a Baltimore County teacher who seems to be everywhere this summer; comedian Tom Myers, running in District B (Fallston/Abingdon); and businessman Joe Hau, a co-founder of Chesapeake Environmental Management who is running in District D (North Harford). Let’s hope the other 11 candidates were planning to watch the proceedings on Harford Cable Network.
Board Member John Smilko bid farewell to HCPS, even though Governor Martin O’Malley has yet to make an appointment to fill his seat. Smilko will officially vacate on August 31, meaning that the board may be one member short for the start of the 2010-11 school year. Smilko’s seat will eventually be filled by a candidate elected in November, but Smilko’s early departure (actually, his decision not to serve an extension to his term created by the blended school board legislation) will leave a gap until July 1, 2011, when the elected members take office. Rather than make an awkward, temporary appointment, the Gov should appoint one of the candidates elected by the people to serve out the rest of Smilko’s term.
Board Attorney Pat Spicer has been proposing updates to a series of board policies that mainly amount to housecleaning. But the newly revised policy on charter schools was noted by Board President Wolkow as an effort to help charter applicants be more successful, after what he called a “checkered existence” statewide. Wolkow blamed the nature of the Maryland charter school law and Spicer said that the changes were made as a result of past experience with charters in Harford County and input from the Maryland State Department of Education. The revised and approved HCPS policy is more structured, spelling out the process for applicants; outlining the conditions for revoking or terminating a charter agreement, and requiring financial, compliance and programmatic audits.
The swan song of every board meeting is a report from the superintendent, which was a surprise this time in that it included a presentation by senior staff on the MSA (Maryland School Assessment) in Harford County.
Bill Lawrence, who was hired from Baltimore County Public Schools in June, spoke publicly to the school board for the first time, saying the report contained “very good news – scores are stable and in most cases are improving” in grades three through eight.
Dr. Lawrence said the achievement gap was narrowing for sub-groups of students (minority, special ed, and students living in poverty) and pointed to Edgewood Elementary and Edgewood Middle as success stories for making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP.) But he also noted that two Title I schools, Magnolia Elementary and William Paca/Old Post Road, which did not make AYP, were designated by the state for “school improvement” and therefore had to offer students the option of transferring into another (more successful) Harford County public school.
Carolyn Wood, supervisor of assessment accountability, noted that AYP is a moving target, increasing at an accelerating pace toward the goal of 100% of students performing at proficient levels by 2014. The requirement is a provision of the federal law known as No Child Left Behind. For 2010, schools in Maryland were deemed to have met AYP if around 80% of students in all subgroups were proficient on state tests (the percentage varies by grade level and by subject matter) As Dr. Wood explained, “Standing still is not good enough.”
Educators nationwide have worried about achieving the seemingly impossible goal of 100% proficiency, even if the definition of proficiency is set fairly low by most states. As the specter of failure for large numbers of public schools approaches, several potential game-changers are on the horizon. The adoption of national standards and the creation of new tests, driven in part by the contest for federal dollars known as Race to the Top, will naturally recalibrate the measuring stick. The anticipated reauthorization of No Child Left Behind may also end up pushing the re-set button on some of the law’s original requirements.
Against this backdrop of unknowns, Harford County is using data, and lots of it, to drive school improvement, which Dr. Lawrence described in some detail. Dr. Wood added that the use of data will help HCPS ease the transition to the new tests. Superintendent Tomback noted that the stakes will be higher in the future, but he said HCPS is well positioned.
Shortly thereafter the gavel fell and all in attendance were free to enjoy the remainder of an August evening and the dwindling days of summer. The first day of school for students is August 30 (pre-K starts September 1), and the next school board meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2010.
Cindy,
Thanks for the moments. I am working very hard to win the confidence and support of those living in District A (Edgewood/Joppatowne/Joppa) communities. I am also giving like effort to establishing good relations with the many elected officials and others that I will need to work with as a member of the school board to establish relationships that benefit all children attending Harford County public schools. The work ethic and level of commitment that I am putting into my campaign is an example of what the citizens of Harford County can expect if I am elected to the school board.
I am also in complete agreement that the Governor should immediately appoint the winner of the District A election to the school board so that these communities will rightfully represented on the board. The citizens of Edgewood, Joppatowne, and Joppa deserve nothing less.
Bob Frisch
candidate Board of Education
District A (Edgewood/Joppatowne/Joppa)
Can we please stop calling Tom Myers a comedian? The man works at 7-11! That’s just insulting to people who are actually legitimate comedians.
Tom, stick to making hot dogs and leave the board of education to people who are actually qualified for it.
Terrance, I don’t know what your nagging issue is with Tom, but I do know there’s only one way to settle it…
…Live Comedy Smackdown
Go!
Let’s do it!
We need to find a place where Tom is most comfortable performing. Where’s the nearest dumpy, redneck bar that has a Thursday open mic night attended by five people or less?
I actually went to meet Tom. I was assessing if he was worthy of my vote for office as I liked what he had to say but the young and comedy bit scared me on an elected body and I did not want to elect someone who gets pushed around. I was pleasently suprised. He seems good at listening and talking and holding firm. It was an impromptu audition since he did not know what I was doing. He is on my top three list.
Hi Cdev!
Thank you for the kind words. I have seen a lot of your comments on here and I think you speak your mind very well.
As your representative on the Board of Education, I will hold firm and speak up for my constituents and what they need.
If you have any questions or concerns, I hope you take advantage of the Contact page on my website http://www.myersforharford.com.
That being said, I hope I am still on your list and I look forward to your vote on September 14th.
Tom Myers
Candidate, Harford County Board of Education – District B
i don’t know Terrance 86-44 Tom Myers writes well, no matter where he works or what he means to you. maybe i miss your point at humor, maybe not.
don’t dig telling someone to ‘stick to making hot dogs and leave the board of ed to people who are actually qualified for it’
looking back at some of the folks who’ve been on the ‘board’ I’d say Tom might be better qualified than some of them.
Hell, if Dave Galbreath was on the board, anyone can do better.
I just personally think it’s insulting that a guy who has accomplished NOTHING with his education wants your vote for a seat on the board.
Tom graduated in the early 2000s, and he’s still working at 7-11 (which he doesn’t say anywhere on his website) and living with mommy at age 28 or so. He’s exactly the kind of person you don’t want your kids to emulate.
If this is the guy you want making decisions for your kid’s future, by all means, send your vote down the crapper.
On a lighter note, did anyone hear him on 98 Rock announcing his candidacy? The hosts thought it was a bad joke and completely ripped him a new one. Classic!
Wow Terrance. Can you say SNOB! Ever heard the expression that it doesn’t matter what you do as long as you enjoy doing it? Well if Tom likes working at 7-11 then fine!
Snob? Okay…but my point was “Honest Tom” (as he calls himself) doesn’t even list his occupation anywhere on his website, nor does he offer any specifics on his supposed ideas and suggestions. He writes a whole lot of fluff with no real substance, as you can see below. It’s a lot like his comedy – boring and long-winded with no payoff.
If you don’t believe me, please view this video of Tom’s “comedy.” If you can sit through the entire six minutes, you deserve an award!
Yes but your negative leadoff leads to the conclusion I reached. You came off like a snob!
Let’s not be too hard on Tom. After all, Joe Woods, the Councilman for District B has no education after high school either. Maybe the Fallston area does not value the importance of higher education as much as other areas of the county do. Clearly it is very important for the citizens of this area to get the most from their public schools since their aspiring leaders have decided that high school is the apex of learning.
Jerry,
A persons level of education is not the total measure of a man. Some do not pursue higher education because of circumstances beyond their control, not because they are incapable.
Bill Gates is a college drop out.
Bob:
I agree completely with you that education alone is not the measure of a man. However, someone who has not demonstrated a broad understanding of the effects of policy decisions, has not sought to learn about topics where he is ignorant, and fails to comprehend even the most basic concepts should not hold any public office. Look at Woods’ record. All he knows is fire fighting. That is great for a fire fighter, not so great for someone who needs to promulgate policy. We need people with both a quality education (either school related or self-taught)and broad level of experience to serve on both the Council and School Board.
Clearly, I believe we need someone else other than Joe Woods on the Council.
I do not know Tom Myers, but I am impressed with his website, posts on the Dagger and demonstrated desire for the position. I would like someone with more experience and a better background, but I am keeping my options open.
Jerry,
I do not know Mr. Woods other than through casual conversation. Your willingness to keep an open mind and be an informed voter is what makes democracy work.
Jerry~
My education goes past high school. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Goucher College in 2005.
I also feel the need to point out that in discussions with my constituents, there are many residents of Fallston who I am proud to say do place a value on higher education. The same is the case in Abingdon, which is also part of District B. Some high school graduates choose to go to college while others do not. That is their choice. I chose to go to college and I am proud do have done so.
One of the reasons that I am running for the Board of Education is because I want to help provide an educational system in Harford County that will help students get into college and compete in a highly volatile job market. It is important that the Board not lose focus on that. As a member of the Board, that will be an important part of my advocating for the students, teachers, and anyone who contributes resources, through tax dollars or other means such as donation of money and supplies, proud to say that they support the Harford County Public School system.
Jerry, I appreciate you keeping your options open and I look forward to your attendance at the District B Candidates’ Forum at Fallston High School on August 23rd at 7pm, where I am confident that you will cast your vote for me in the Primary on September 14th and in the General Election on November 2nd.
Tom Myers
Candidate, Harford County Board of Education – District B
Terrance,
I have had the occasion to speak with Tom many times over the course of his campaign. I can tell you that he understands the issues and is running because he has a sincere interest in the welfare of children attending our schools. He is motivated to run for the right reasons and has put a great deal of effort (much more than some others wanting to be on the school board) into his campaign.
Whether you decide he is not the best candidate because of qualifications, experience, etc. his commitment is beyond question, and I am certain that if elected he would devote like energies to the position.
The voters of Tom’s district will decide if he is worthy. That is the democratic way.
Perhaps we would all be better informed through meaningful dailogue not carping comments about various issues or candidates. I don’t know Tom Myers. But I do know what it takes to manage a larege school system and gain and retain public trust and confidence. Hard and untiring work focused on policies and budgets that deliver an environment for student success and parent pride. BTW, I am not running against anyone. I am seeking the priviledge of representing the interests of District B specifically and the county generally.
Ron:
I am glad you posted something here. I do not know anything about you or your positions on the issues facing the school board. Would you mind enlightening me and others on your platform, your views on the current state of education in the county, your views on the Vale Road/Prospect Mill Elementary School dispute, your impressions of the current councilman for District B, Joe Woods (who I understand has endorsed Tom Myers) and finally your views on the need for re-districting? Thanks
Yes, we would like to hear specifics. We are not interested in a return to the status quo of the current board structure or their way of doing business. Dissatisfaction with the current operation and crop of school board members was a driving factor in passing legislation to move to an elected board. What will YOU do differently this time around?
Thanks for the interest! You are absolutley right. We do not want a return to the status quo! I do not want to continue things as they are. I prefer not to attack setting BoE members others seem to be taking care of that.
Please visit my web site (eaton4harfordschoolboard.com) Many of your interests may be addressed there. You will find that I am consistant, not intimidated, and don’t weather vane on issues. That is why I included copies of public comments I made as the Board President and a candidate for appointment.
What would I do differently this time around? First I must say as a Bopard member for 11 years I was priviledged to set with seven(including a student)professional and community mimded members. We had only one agenda, doing what was best for children in things we did. It was the first question that we asked on any policy or budget decision. We believed in and encouraged activiely practiced engagement with parents and elected officials. That engagement served the students and the school system well. Changes in the Board membership unfortunately did not emulate the community focus and child first character of the Board I served with. Each of us at that time where vetted through PTAs, elected officials, and others before being appointed. We respected the importance of accountability to the public and elected officials. I would hope to apply that experience to future Boards. WE RETURNED EVERY PHONE CALL. Things I would do different: insist the Board be more procative in legislative issues, the captital budget process, and expand engagement of the business community. Many of the things we did were productive because we involved parents, professional education organizations, and elected officials from the outset. They cannot be held at a distance and still expect things to be OK. They will not.
Great email name. Probably represents your affection for the water and perhaps boating. My guess is that “old” does not relate to age.
I do appreciate your informed questions and interest in sorting out qualications. Please visit my web site (eaton4harfordschoolboard.com). I believe it will answer most of your questions about my character and experience. Feel free to share it with others having an interest in public education.
The current state of affairs is a reflection of Board leadership. Parents, the pubic in general, professional education associations, and elected officials are held at a “distance”. All must be embraced in order to meet the needs of public education. Elected officials in the County fund education for the most part it comes from couty funds. Why would you be disengenuous with the banker??? We need to rebuild parent and elected official trust and confidence in the BoE. It must start there! The rest will follow. You will find more on this issue on my WEB site.
As to the Vale Road/Prospect Mill school site. First it was not handled well by any of the parties. What bothers me most is that the Board abdicated its responsiblity regarding site selection. Clearly there has to be agreement with funding authorities since capital funds come from both the county and state. I have read Councilman Slusky’s “investigation report” to his fellow council persons. While it may contain some personal opinions, if his facts about population are correct then Vale Road was the proper choice. I would not speculate on personalities involved. End game, it was unpolished.
I know Joe Woods and believe his motivations and energy focus on the needs of the community. It takes a diverse group of folks to bring a grass roots meaning to any elected office. I am certain his exepriences as wood those of others will enhance the County Council. Please do not take this as an endorsement, as I think it would be innapproriate for me to do that at this juncture. As to his endorsement of Myers (a candidate not of his poltical party) you may want to ask Mr. Woods about that. I rather suspect that is not the case.
Redistricting is a “flash point” for parents. As it should be. They live in an area of choice that may have been based on school attendance areas. In the 80s and early 90s Realtors were showing school attendance areas on multiple list ads. The Board took heat when they were wrong. Some home buyers thought that was a contract. Building permits are not controlled by the BoE, they are controlled by the Council through the Master Land Use Plan (development envelop). The BoE was able to convince the County Executive in the erarly 90s to put forth an adequate facilties bill that included school capacity limitations. That has worked to some degree. But some have found ways to get around it by putting up portable classrooms. That may be OK for some. However, existing gyms, cafeterias, and spetic systems can only acccomodate so much. So there is an end state which will drive the need to build new schools, redistrict, or stop development. The latter would be unconsitutional. The only way to address community concerns is to have them involved in developing any redistricting plan. Unforunately, someone is not going to feel comfortable no matter how well thought out the plan is. Notwithstanding, it is vitally important to ensure parents particiapte in and have a voice throughout the process.
Perhaps we would do well to examine Mr. Eaton’s credentials. I noticed a posting on his web site written by a former high school principal that sums it up. I would add that his experience in the military as a commander, service as the Deputy Director of the Maryland State Police Medevac program, and previous service on the Board of Education give him a clear edge. I was particularly impressed with his leadership in the establishment of The Harford Glen Environmental Education Program. While others may have equal talents and mean well, Mr. Eaton seems to have the experience and record of service others do not have.
Wow Mr. Eaton, you seem to be trying to bring party affiliation into this discussion. This is almost certainly an underhanded attempt to draw votes away from your opponent based solely on his party affiliation (which seems to have little to no impact on positions candidates will take when sitting on the school board; the question is do you support public education or not). Sad.
Speaking on behalf of myself as well as the other candidates seeking to fill the District B seat on the Harford County Board of Education, I hope that the public will take advantage of the Harford County Board of Education District B Candidates’ Forum at Fallston High School on Monday, August 23 at 7pm. The event is sponsored by the Harford County Council of PTAs.
Although it is not technically a debate, the forum will give voters a chance to examine all of the candidates (myself, Ron Eaton, Cassandra Beverly, Greg Seltzer and William Street) based on our backgrounds and what they know about our respective platforms. Although I have already given my background information and what I would do as a member of the Board of Education on my website (www.myersforharford.com), I look forward to Monday night’s forum and answering any and all questions the public asks.
Throughout my campaign, I have been listening to and talking with teachers, parents, students and also residents who do not have children in the public school system who recognize that the Board of Education does some important work in making sure that the dollars presented by the county are used in an effective manner. In the course of talking to them, I have made my case that I would look at the most effective way of seeing that the resources given to the public school system are used for educating children and for improving their lives. These conversations I have had have been very open-minded and worthwhile and the feedback I have been getting back during my campaign has been very positive. I expect nothing less from the District B forum.
At this forum, the public will be allowed to submit their own questions up to and even during the debate, which will be read by a moderator, who is a representative of the HCCPTA. Each candidate, not knowing the specificity of the questions beforehand, will take turns answering the question in the time allowed. I went to the District A forum at Joppatowne High School last night, which featured Bob Frisch and Jansen Robinson, and I can tell you Monday night’s forum will be an informative evening that will be worth attending.
I hope anyone reading this post will take advantage of seeing the candidates who wish to represent District B on the Board of Education at Fallston High School on Monday, August 23 at 7pm. I look forward to seeing you there and I look forward to making the case why you should vote for me to represent Abingdon and Fallston on the Harford County Board of Education.
Tom Myers
Candidate, Harford County Board of Education – District B
Is it the place of a ‘reporter’ to suggest in an article that the Governor ‘should’ or ‘should not’ do something? Sad to see that Dagger yet again does not display some journalistic integrity.
Why are we even listening to a guy who clearly used his History degree from Goucher to really make a difference for all the regulars down at the 711 in Fallston. I’m sure Fred at 3am who just wants a 6 pack of Natty light to go is really wanting to hear Tom’s perceptive on the revolutionary war AND how we should teach our kids. On that note Tom, it’s called sunlight you should really look into it. Also how much do you pay your Mother in rent to live in her basement? Just curious.
YOU are an ASSH*LE!!!
I’m in no way endorsing Tom, but you need to get your facts straight. Fred could not buy a six pack of Natty Light at the 7-11 at 3am since Maryland law does not allow the sale of take-out alcohol after 2am.
Speaking of teaching our kids, I hope yours are being brought up with better manners than your parents taught you.
Toad.
Wow! That’s a little over the top, but it sadly does paint a fairly accurate picture of Tom’s situation. Let’s move on.
Did anyone have the misfortune of clicking Tom’s comedy link that I posted above? Here’s another dandy – no comedy involved, just Tom getting his groove on!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuGArMUKz_A
Tom, did you happen to ask Mario Lopez for dance lessons when you were at the Farm Fair?
I am throwing out a question for any and all candidates to answer. It is simply this. What are you going to do about the massive bloat in the school system upper management? While teachers, who deal directly with children every school day watch their salaries and benefits dwindle and their legal right to collective bargain ignored, the administration pads their wallets and balances budgets on teachers’ backs. Teachers do not teach for the money but we would like to actually be allowed to bargain where the law says we should. My second question is what are you going to do to ensure that the Board bargains in good faith, a trait they have not demonstrated in years? Teachers do not reduce the services they supply for free so why does the board not include them as partners in bargaining?
I am not a teacher but I have friends and family who are and the ones who have been around longest are seeking the earliest retirement they can find. The younger ones are seeking employment in other jurisdictions or looking for the job market to improve so they can leave the profession. Can Harford County afford to lose the people who actually improve our children’s performance?
Thank you
First: No business succeeds when there is too much at the top. The higher the “direct” labor percentage the more you can do. For the school system that translates to teachers in the classroom and others whose professional engergies are directed at the student population. Some overhead (indirect labor)is necessary for administration. In the case of the school system the administration and the Board should be creating an environment for success that empowers teachers to use their professional talents in the classroom. It seems to me that the current administration and Board spend 50% of their time telling others what to do and another 50% telling everyone what they did. Go figure, that leaves very little time to get anything done. To much staff – too mcuh pay, it must be trimmed. I might add, that new staff personnel seem to be coming from outside the system. In only the most unique of circumstances should we seek talent from outside the system. Seems to me we are “Baltimorelizing” Harford County Schools. There is a lot of talent in this county that deserves the opportunity to exercise their leadership and innovative skills.
Second: Good faith bargaining requires both parties to work toward a common interest. As the Board President I made a public statement to the my fellow Board members which in affect said: “we are coming off a three year contract with our professional organizations – we must continue to work in good faith to maintain the positive realtionshhips we have been able to establish”. I believe that statement is included in the Spetmeber 1994 Board minutes. There is no reason for not bargaining in good faith. Perhaps if we used the bargaining method known as (Interest Based Bargainning IBB) the confrontal atmosphere would go away. As management’s Chief negotiator for several employee contracts, I used the IBB process and know it can work. But the Board has to set the tone with the adminstration and hold the Superintendent accountable. The Board establishes the baragainning parameters – not the Superintendent.
Ron, Thank you for your answer – I totally agree with you and support you. The Board of Ed must stop rubber stamping whatever the Superintendent wants. It is costing us money and good people. I think that the Board and the county forget that the 2 items that are most important in quality of life surveys are education and low crime. If we cannot hire excellent teachers, the number of bureaucrats at the top is not going to give Harford county what it needs to get property values up and keep them there and to encourage new business to come here. Harford County is a great place to raise a family only if the schools and teachers are great. You get what you pay for and while no teacher takes the job to get rich, they should be making a competitive wage with respect to neighboring counties. The Board of Ed needs priorities in its budget placing getting competitive salaries and benefits first so the education of the child in the classroom is positively impacted. We can cut the bureaucracy and a lot of the “bells and whistles” technology spending that does not directly affect student learning.
Lee,
The following is taken directly from my position paper which is located on my web page at http://www.BobFrisch.org. I believe the following provides you with my ideas concerning the issues you raise.
The school system must be more prudent with the budget. Funds should be spent on the necessities, and not what many consider desired luxuries. The purchase of expensive equipment, technology and supporting programs must be justified. We can no longer afford all the bells and whistles that are of questionable value, especially in the classroom.
Aggressively examine every line item in the budget. At an operating budget of almost two hundred forty million dollars this year there are expenditures that could be put off or eliminated altogether. Fiscal responsibility and justification of expenditures must become the standard. We must move away from a practice of purchasing unnecessary wants and luxuries to one of what is actually needed and most likely to be used to maximum benefit for students. Revise current policy to require Board of Education approval on all expenditures of twenty thousand dollars or more in order to more carefully control spending. This is the same level of oversight the Federal government uses for BRAC purchases and related construction. The taxpayers deserve nothing less.
Reduce the central office bureaucracy and return those positions and cost savings to the classroom where the most cost benefit relationship to students is realized.
Institute a personnel policy of “Always a teacher” for certified staff. All school system administrators to some degree must be regularly active in the classroom. Keeping ones’ feet firmly planted in the classroom makes administrators see and live with the consequences of policies and programs they institute, results in smaller class size, greater use of resources, and makes the best use of teaching skills possessed by administrative staff.
Actions of the Board and Superintendent will be more transparent and will provide ample opportunity for stakeholder input and contribution. School system information will be made easier to find and disseminated to interested parties on a regular and timely basis to allow for adequate review and comment.
Return more authority and accountability to each school with mandatory and meaningful community input. This is the cornerstone of all successful schools, with parents, teachers, students, community leaders all having a place at the decision making table. This will help to ensure that individual schools are grounded in the needs and desires of the communities they serve. Open and honest communication builds trust and cooperation.
Bob Frisch
Board of Education candidate
District A (Edgewood, Joppatowne, Joppa)
Hi Lee!
Thank you very much for your astute question.
I believe that one of the advantages of having members of the Board of Education who are elected is the fact that elected members will be answerable to the voters, not to the Governor or his (or her) administration. I would certainly favor directing more funds in the budget, which comes from the taxes that you and I pay, to teachers such as your friends and family that you mention. They are doing something that they love, which is a more-than-full-time job, and they deserve to be able to make a living. They deserve to be able to teach without having to dip into their pockets for additional supplies because a school system would favor upper management over the people who are on the front lines every day. They also deserve to have their health benefits reinstated and to be involved in negotiations, which they were not despite the fact that the union voiced their concern with the Board members on more than one occasion. They deserve to be given the respect that, in my mind, they are due. Teaching is a very noble profession and to not direct as many resources as fiscally possible when we are able to do so is less than noble.
As a member of the Board of Education, I will listen to teachers as well as support staff whenever they have a concern that they feel would affect the way they teach or provide services to the students. As a member of the Board of Education, I pledge to do what is right for the Harford County Public School system and not what suits someone else’s political agenda. I have no political agenda. I only have a desire to have a strong public school system in Harford County.
Again, Lee, I thank you for your question and if you live in District B, I hope I have earned your vote.
Tom Myers
Candidate, Harford County Board of Education – District B
Hey Tom, I saw only 20 people showed up for your big debate last week. Kind of reminiscent of your “comedy” shows, eh?
Good thing it wasn’t more than 20, Terrance, since you had run out of fingers and toes.
Tom, I think we just found a joke worthy of your act. Maybe Dan can open for you next time you perform at the old folks’ home.
Nice try, Terry, but I’m a headliner.