The University of Maryland’s Local News Network, in partnership with Capital News Service and the Maryland Democracy Initiative, sent a survey to all 109 school board candidates in the state to see exactly how each plans to positively impact schools. (The full version of candidates' responses are here.)

To give you a better sense of how the candidates in Howard County plan to make a difference, here's an excerpt from their responses:

DISTRICT 1

Andre Gao (64)

“Accountability is the most critical issue facing my school board. The board must be accountable for providing a long-term budget that avoids shortfalls and the need for teacher cuts, ensuring capital improvements to address issues like mold and safety concerns in schools, maintaining healthy school meals free from widespread spoilage, and delivering an education system that does not leave nearly 60% of students without math proficiency and nearly 40% without English language arts proficiency. If elected, I will ensure that the board is accountable for all our actions, thereby holding the superintendent accountable for the operation of the school system.”

Meg Ricks (43)

“I personally experienced the importance and power of public education to change lives. Serving others in my community has been a lifelong pursuit. I have followed and participated in the work of the board for 15 years and am ready to bring my experience, creative problem-solving, consensus building and passion for education to this role. My time on the Operating Budget Review Committee and many years of parent/teacher association leadership deepened my understanding of the fiscal and other challenges we face.”

DISTRICT 2

Larry Doyle

Did not respond

Antonia Watts

Did not respond

DISTRICT 3

Jolene Mosley

Did not respond

DISTRICT 4

Julie Kaplan (52)

“With over 25 years immersed in Howard County, as a resident and parent of Howard County Public School System graduates, I deeply understand our community's challenges and aspirations. My expertise in marketing and revenue operations means I have experience in strategic allocation of resources, prioritization and fiscal responsibility. I want to help the Howard County Public School System refocus on fundamental skills like literacy, numeracy and civics, ensuring every student receives the world-class education they deserve.”

Jen Mallo (55)

“I am running for the Howard County Board of Education because I believe in the mission and goals of public education and can make a positive contribution to that mission. As an adult, I have been a lifelong public servant — starting with my time with the Department of Defense as a civilian analyst, through years of volunteering in support of education, to my six years serving on the Board of Education. I have been able to make real, measurable change that has improved the lives and outcomes for thousands of students.”

DISTRICT 5

Andrea Chamblee (63)

“As a Board of Education member, I will apply my advocacy expertise to doggedly pursue solutions locally and statewide to assure we maintain academic excellence in an environment that is safe, inclusive and attractive for students, teachers and staff…There’s no evidence that the militarization of schools does anything to increase safety, but there’s lots of evidence that it increases distractions and anxiety. I am the champion for the safety of students and staff.”

Trent Kittleman (50)

“The Board of Education needs a knowledgeable, experienced leader who knows how to read a contract and what questions to ask of staff. Too many avoidable problems are happening…I want to see that this stops, and that our schools — just like our students — are once again the best and the brightest.”

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View the full School Board Voter Guide here.

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The Howard Astronomical League will hold its monthly Public Star Party on Saturday October 26th, starting around Sundown (or possibly earlier). HAL members will be out with our telescopes sharing views of the night sky.

This event is held rain or shine at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville, just minutes from I-70. This event is free and open to the public.

https://www.howardastro.org/starparties.php

I watched a news conference about the 2nd arrest of a 14 year old suspect in connection with the shooting of a man earlier this month. A 17 year old, was already in custody, having been arrested at Howard High school. This suspect had a "ghost gun" in his backpack which also had been altered. He was also wearing an ankle monitor, and was also "known to Howard County Police." Two things stood out to me. 1.) The lack of communication between the Police Department and Department of Juvenile Services is disturbing, to say the least. And Howard High should have been informed about the juvenile known to Howard County police. It is my understanding that such knowledge is not available to Public School personnel. 2.) There are laws in the State of Maryland that every "child" between the ages of 5 and 21" are entitled to a free public education. This law used to encompass children between th ages of 6 and 16. I cannot wrap my brain around a 21 year old ADULT being allowed access to minors. While I do understand there are Special Needs children that may need services past the age of 18, the fact remains that the law allows this. Just my 2 cents. I applaud the Superintendent of Howard County Schools for his concern about the "gaps" in the information shared between DJS and Howard County Schools. To my mind, parents of kids attending Howard County Schools, especially those at Howard High should be very concerned.

Taken from the Howard County Conservancy, Monday, October 14th. Lucky shot I was able to get as I arrived before the clouds rolled over the core.

Hi! I have a gig opportunity in Glenwood on a Sunday next month that I'm trying to figure out travel for. I don't drive, I'm coming from Baltimore, and it looks there are approximately ZERO public transport options to the area! I'm trying to avoid a 55 minute uber ride, and the closest I can see getting is the Shady Grove metro - which for me is a 90 minute MARC + metro ride to shave 10 minutes off the still-necessary uber. Am I leaving any stones unturned? Would appreciate advice from anyone who lives in the area. Thanks!

Compiling a list of breweries in Howard County - any that I’m missing?

• Cushwa & Rad Pies
• Sapwood Cellars
• Black Flag
• Reckless Shepherd
• Manor Hill Brewing
• Jailbreak

The Howard Astronomical League will hold its monthly Public Star Party on Saturday September 14th, starting around Sundown (or possibly earlier). HAL members will be out with our telescopes sharing views of the night sky.

September 14th is also International Observe the Moon Night, so we will be focusing on Moon views.

The event is held rain or shine at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville, just minutes from I-70. This event is free and open to the public.

https://www.howardastro.org/starparties.php

Looking for a cord of seasoned hardwood (no pine, no poplar) delivered to Highland. Anyone got a firewood guy?? 🌳

I posted about the race a few weeks back.

Link to sign up for the 5k on September 21s!

Luminus is an immigration nonprofit located in Howard County serving the community for over 42 years. We used to be known as FIRN (Foreign-born Information and Referral Network Inc.) until we changed our name some years ago. Luminus website.

Facebook event.

Please consider sharing among your networks. Feel to ask any questions and I will come back periodically to answer an questions. Thank you!

We own a home in a very good county in Central Florida. Our neighborhood is great. Great schools, vibrant night life, and excellent Cost of Living. It’s everything a person could want, and I’m really happy here.

However, we have friends who live in Arundel, Alexandria and Annapolis. Every time I visit I have an incredibly strong desire to move here. I love that there are 3 major cities within ~1 hour of each other (Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington DC). And I love Ellicot City. And even though my partner and I both work remote (we are software engineers), moving would mean downsizing as we would be moving from a MCOL area to a VHCOL area. We can afford a home here, but it would be about 2/3 the size we have now, a hard pill to swallow.

The question is would it be stupid to completely uproot my life? Has anyone made a similar decision and how did it turn out? Also, what is the ugly side of Howard County? Everyone I ask, friends and strangers alike, only have good things to say. The only negative I hear is it’s pricey and bad traffic.

The Howard Astronomical League will hold its monthly Public Star Party on Saturday August 10th, starting around Sundown (or possibly earlier). HAL members will be out with our telescopes sharing views of the night sky. The event is held rain or shine at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville, just minutes from I-70. This event is free and open to the public.

https://www.howardastro.org/starparties.php

The Howard Astronomical League will hold its monthly Public Star Party on Saturday July 13th, starting around Sundown (or possibly earlier). HAL members will be out with our telescopes sharing views of the night sky. The event is held rain or shine at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville, just minutes from I-70. This event is free and open to the public.

https://www.howardastro.org/starparties.php

I received a letter and also checked Howard County website. (see below)

https://preview.redd.it/alm21y0e1cad1.png?width=1151&format=png&auto=webp&s=e16ecaf394a8491a18d5ca2743f835844aa0afac

The Howard Astronomical League will hold its monthly Public Star Party on Saturday June 15th, starting around Sundown (or possibly earlier). HAL members will be out with our telescopes sharing views of the night sky. The event is held rain or shine at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville, just minutes from I-70. This event is free and open to the public.

https://www.howardastro.org/starparties.php

Mom for Liberty person in black shirt in the background.

When I asked the person at the Howard County Republican booth if Hogan supported MFL she said she was not a Hogan representative so she could not speak to his view.

I live in a Howard County apartment and I've been here for 3 years. A few months ago I started noticing roaches here and there in my kitchen. I put out traps and things and it seemed to help. However, there reached a point where the traps were not working and there were so many and I started seeing them in the bathroom as well. I contacted the leasing company and they would have someone come to treat. They would do this every week or so but the roaches would always return. They even came once last month after sending an angry email about the situation to do a more "extensive" treatment but they still come back every time. I even live on the second floor. I'm not sure if other apartments in my building are having the same issue, but I assume so. It has become such a stressor and hassle on my life and frankly it's embarrassing to still have this problem. Is there anything more I can do? Do I have any legal standing, or is it just going to be put all on me as my fault? Who else can I reach out to about the situation? Can I file a complaint? Moving isn't an option in this case.

The Howard Astronomical League will hold its monthly Public Star Party on Saturday May 18th, starting around Sundown. HAL members will be out with our telescopes sharing views of the night sky. The event is held rain or shine at Alpha Ridge Park in Marriottsville, just minutes from I-70. This event is free and open to the public.

https://www.howardastro.org/starparties.php