The Board of Education (BOE) race has consistently been one of the most contested elections in Carroll County. On the surface, it’s a non-partisan race, with candidates listed on the ballot without political party labels. However, many people wrongly interpret this to mean that BOE candidates are expected to be apolitical, managing the school system without any influence from their political beliefs.
This assumption couldn’t be further from the truth.
The reality is that our political views shape how we perceive the role of government in society, and in the context of the BOE election, they certainly influence how candidates view the role of the school system. This isn’t a call to inject political agendas into our schools, but rather a call for transparency. Voters deserve to understand a candidate’s management style and worldview, which are often closely tied to their political affiliations.
In fact, knowing a BOE candidate’s political affiliation is crucial.
No candidate on the ballot is free from political affiliations. How can you tell? Follow the money.
Take Muri Dueppen and Amanda Jozkowski, who are running as the “Slate for Student Success.” They’ve collectively received donations from prominent Democratic politicians or their campaign committees including Jamie Raskin, Dutch Ruppersberger, David Trone and Sarah Elfreth. They’ve also garnered support from the Carroll County Democratic Central Committee and several other Democrat-aligned PACs.
On the other side of the aisle, candidates Greg Malveaux and Kristen Zihmer have received backing from numerous Republican politicians. Justin Ready, Chris Tomlinson, Haven Shoemaker, Nino Mangione, Susan Krebs and other key Republicans have provided financial support either directly or through their committees, along with nearly all the Republican clubs in Carroll County.
When you cast your vote for the Board of Education, it’s essential to vote your conscience and consider your political affiliations. And be wary of any candidate who claims to be above politics. Transparency about a candidate’s political leanings is not only beneficial but necessary in ensuring that voters make informed decisions about who will influence the future of our children’s education.
Bryan Thompson is a Westminster resident who has four children in Carroll County Public Schools.