All seven Anne Arundel County Board of Education seats are on the ballot this year, through many voters say they have not kept up with the race.
Before 2018, members of the school board were appointed by the county-based School Board Appointment Commission, which was made up of representatives from the county executive’s office, teacher’s union and chamber of commerce. The board now has a student member, elected by other students and members elected by the public for four year terms.
Robert Silkworth, of District 3, and Gloria Dent, of District 1, are seeking reelection and running unopposed.
Two incumbents are facing challengers. In District 6, Joanna Bache Tobin is facing stay-at-home mom and former educator Edline Barros, and in District 5, Dana Schallheim is facing mental health professional LaToya Nkongolo.
“I think its cool that we are sent a ballot and you can do your homework and research questions,” said Alice Gilliland, a District 5 and Arnold resident, who voted at Broadneck Library Tuesday. “I think its important to support the school programs and whether you have kids or not, to have your voice heard on those issues.”
In District 5 Tera Daniels, from Arnold, and Marie Bethmann, from Bay Hills, are both habitual voters, but did not follow the school board race. Karen Zavankos votes in every election, and voted for Tobin in District 6, but did not follow the school board race closely and made her decision based off which candidate she was more familiar with.
In three districts, the current representative chose not to seek reelection.
In District 4, Air Force veteran Sarah McDermott is facing community volunteer Stephanie Mutchler. Jeremy York and Dawn Pulliam are competing for the District 7 seat. Chuck Yocum, a former Northeast High School teacher who drew attention for his 1994 sexual abuse trial and its not guilty verdict, and Erica McFarland, a community volunteer, competing for the District 3 seat.
“I have several nephews and nieces that I am concerned about… one candidate was definitely not leading me in the right direction. So I had to go against Mr. Yocum,” said Josh Bailey, a District 3 a Pasadena resident who voted Tuesday morning.
Megan Loock contributed to this report. Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com, 443-690-7205 and x.com/brdgtbyrn.