Today, the Howard County Education Association (HCEA), representing 7,000 educators and staff in Howard County Schools and our County’s largest union, released their recommendations for the Howard County Board of Education At-Large Seats.
HCEA’s recommendation process involves dozens of rank and file educators who review candidate questionnaires, interview candidates and weigh their campaign pledges and campaigns. Decisions to recommend candidates go through multiple committees and representative bodies, comprised of hundreds of elected HCEA members, before they are final. This year, HCEA strongly encourages every eligible public educator, parent, and supporter of strong schools to vote for:
Jacky McCoy brings direct classroom experience and a no-nonsense attitude to the work of strengthening our schools. Ms. McCoy has over 35 years of experience in multiple school systems at elementary, middle, and high schools, and she recently retired from Long Reach High as a math teacher. “Jacky impressed us right away as someone who knows what’s happening in our classrooms and how an educator-friendly Board of Education can provide solutions–there is just no learning curve with her,” said Becky Otte, a fifth grade teacher at Fulton Elementary. Ms. McCoy comes with a strong base of support from throughout Howard County.
Dan Newberger had a distinguished career as a Navy officer, non-profit executive and community organizer. As a parent he was actively involved in his children’s education at Swansfield Elementary and knows firsthand that a strong public education can transform children’s lives. He was actively involved in campaigns to increase Howard County’s minimum wage, to combat antisemitism, promote rights for gay and transgender youth, and support our schools through the Community Advisory Council. “Dan has been a consistent voice for equitable schools and keeping the focus on helping educators and helping vulnerable students. He’s got a track record as a professional and a community leader that make him an incredible candidate for our Board,” said Jamie Parrish, a River Hill High social studies teacher.
Once elected, Dan and Jacky will put the Board’s focus where it should be–on ensuring that every child no matter their family income, zip code, race or ethnicity receives the best public education possible. Both candidates understand the potential of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future to transform our schools and are deeply committed to working with Howard County educators to implement the law. Finally, both candidates acknowledge the strain the pandemic has put on Howard County educators, students, and families, and have pledged to work with us to come out of this crisis stronger.
HCEA’s recommendations for County offices are available on our website at https://www.hceanea.org/recommendations/gubernatorial-2022/. The full list of all educator-recommended candidates for Maryland is available at www.mdappleballot.com.
For more information contact Josh Lenes at [email protected] or (410) 997-3440.
