Tag: District 4

Q & A with Bryan Swann, District 4 Board of Education Candidate

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20180401_104158 (1)This is part of an ongoing series of interviews with the 2020 Prince George’s County Board of Education candidates. Dr. Bryan Swann is a candidate from District 4 (see district map here) running in the June 2 primary election. Mr. Swann answered questions generated by members of Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools.

Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools does not endorse or oppose any candidate for the Board of Education.

 

Tell us about your background and your plans to move our school system forward. Why do you want to be on the Board of Education?

Product of & Parent of PGCPS

I was born and raised in Cheverly, Landover Hills and Glenn Dale, MD. I spent all of my childhood and the majority of my adulthood in District 4. I graduated salutatorian from Largo High School, Charles Carroll Middle School, and Bladensburg Elem, where my mother was a 5th/6th grade teacher for over 20 years and a principal/vice principal at various PGCPS elementary schools for 15 years. Being one of three sons of a phenomenal elementary teacher, we saw how education was used for greatness, passion, and service. Like many other students, school was our second home. We loved school! We saw how it literally transformed lives and families. I thank our mother every day for instilling in us a passion for education and service. This passion is the reason that I want to continue to serve our schools as the District 4 Board of Education Member and raise my two sons (Bryan-10 and Bryce-6) in PGCPS. We need the right servant leader on the board. I know I am that leader. I humbly ask and thank you for your vote!

Education & Experience

Immediately after graduating high school, I joined the US Marine Corps while enrolling at University of Maryland. I have always wanted to serve our community and country. After finishing a tour in Iraq and becoming a combat veteran, I earned a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland at College Park and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University.

You can see my complete resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanswann/. But in summary, I worked in the White House during the Obama Administration, the U.S. Department of Defense, the private sector, and currently a Deputy Director of Financial Management at the U.S. Department of the Treasury headquarters. I manage and oversee billions of dollars through a variety of financial processes including budget forecasting, budget execution & reconciliation, and procurement to ensure accountability for successful results. My background in finance management uniquely qualifies me to oversee our multi-billion educational budget to ensure we achieve excellence for all.

Recently, I was selected from a pool of highly qualified candidates by County Executive Alsobrooks to finish the last year of the previous District 4 Board of Education seat and was unanimously approved by the Prince George’s County Council (click here for more information). I have already attended dozens of schools (during the school day), PTA and civic organization meetings and hosted several virtual educational meetings to support our community during this current time (see my FB page for more information and recordings).

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Q & A with Shayla Adams-Stafford, District 4 Board of Education Candidate

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DSC_5110 (1)This is part of an ongoing series of interviews with the 2020 Prince George’s County Board of Education candidates. Shayla Adams-Stafford is a candidate from District 4 (see district map here) running in the June 2 primary election. Ms. Adams-Stafford answered questions generated by members of Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools.

Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools does not endorse or oppose any candidate for the Board of Education.

Tell us about your background and your plans to move our school system forward. Why do you want to be on the Board of Education?

I have spent my entire career focused on education and issues of educational equity. I began teaching over 10  years ago in North Carolina using project-based learning.  While there I obtained my National Board Teaching Certification. I then moved to Maryland where I worked in DCPS and became an award-winning educator and instructional coach speaking at the White House on behalf of teachers using project based learning in urban settings. I now travel nationally and internationally training teachers and school leaders on equitable, culturally relevant practices. I also operate a non profit, RemixEducation which has supported over 200 students across several states with mentorship and access to technology. In this role I have managed large teams and a budget of large grants.  I presently manage a software and consulting company where we work at the state level providing services to teachers and leaders.  I am encouraged by the immense resources and opportunities we have here in our County. With access to the nation’s capital and growing technology sector I think we are perfectly positioned to be the best district in Maryland.  However, I am realizing there is much work to be done to truly make this district equitable for all students. As I talk to parents in my community, many are frustrated with the disrepair of our schools, lack of support for Special Needs students and years of corruption and mismanagement. I am running because I believe that with my perspective as a national leader in education, I can leverage my networks and experience to bring innovative and proven solutions to our issues.

What do you believe are the most important characteristics of an effective school board?

I think an effective school board will work together collaboratively and seek to engage all stakeholders in decision making processes. They would also hold the Superintendent accountable and strive to improve conditions for teaching and learning for all students.

What would be your top three priorities while serving on the board, if elected?

My top three priorities while serving on the board would be reducing class sizes through the construction of new schools and renovation of older existing schools. I would also focus on recruiting and retaining the best and brightest teachers to work in our school system. We are facing a teacher shortage and we will ultimately need more teachers in order to meet the logistical challenges presented by reopening to COVID 19.  Lastly, I would prioritize ending the school to prison pipeline by supporting the training and expansion of restorative practices, and alternative disciplinary measures.

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Q & A with Mohammed Ali, District 4 Board of Education Candidate

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This is part of an ongoing series of interviews with the 2020 Prince George’s County Board of Education candidates. Dr. Mohammed Ali is a candidate from District 4 (see district map here) running in the June 2 primary election. Dr. Ali answered questions generated by members of Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools.

Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools does not endorse or oppose any candidate for the Board of Education.

Tell us about your background and your plans to move our school system forward. Why do you want to be on the Board of Education?

I have a B.S./M.S. in Computer Science, and Doctorate in Education from Morgan State University. My goal is to ensure that our youth can compete in the 21st I believe we can do that by providing them with the resources they need the teachers that are compassionate and qualified in the field of education.

I have spent my entire career focused on issues of educational equity. I am a qualified candidate because I value education and have lived in this district for over twenty years. I am a professor of mathematics and information technology at Prince George’s Community College and served in various committee positions at the college. I am a former elementary and secondary Teacher and served as School Education Board at Prince George’s Muslim Association in Lanham, Maryland. Additionally, I have served as a community chair in Maryland and authored of children’s books.

What do you believe are the most important characteristics of an effective school board?

    1. Effectively school board should have a strong education background in the field of education.
    2. Having very good exposure in all levels of Educational decisions.
    3. Has the ability to integrate the communities, parents, educational administrators.
    4. Management of budget in the area of education.
    5. Strong leadership and guidance for parents, teachers and the community.

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Q & A with Alethia J. Simmons, District 4 Board of Education Candidate

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alethiaj (1)This is part of an ongoing series of interviews with the 2020 Prince George’s County Board of Education candidates. Dr. Alethia J. Simmons is a candidate from District 4 (see district map here) running in the June 2 primary election. Dr. Branch answered questions generated by members of Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools.

Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools does not endorse or oppose any candidate for the Board of Education.

Tell us about your background and your plans to move our school system forward. Why do you want to be on the Board of Education?

I want to be a voice that articulates the​ Heart​ of students, teachers, staff and parents. My education and professional background of 40+ years as a public school student, educator, administrator, nonprofit organization founder/CEO, community leader, author, tv host, ordained minister, mother of a District 4 High School graduate and presently a grandmother of a PGCPS middle school student, I know firsthand the cry from those who are often overlooked in our busy quest to provide academic excellence. Hence, I am humbled by these experiences and look forward to the opportunity to dedicate myself to connecting the pieces that will strengthen Prince George’s County Public Schools.

  • DC Teachers College, Washington, DC, BS degree, Elementary Education
  • Trinity College, Washington, DC, MS degree, Guidance and Counseling
  • Maple Spring Seminary, Capitol Hgts, MD, MS degree, Biblical Studies
  • Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA, DMin degree, Theology
  • Classroom Teacher, DC Public Schools
  • Educational Counselor and Program Coordinator, EOC, Washington, DC
  • Teacher, Counselor, Principal, Training Development Specialist, Special Assistant, Administrator of Higher Education and Educational Services, DC Dept of Corrections
  • Substitute Teacher, PGCPS
  • CEO, 7 Keys to a Mother’s Heart Ministry, Wash, DC and MD, non profit organization
  • Associate Minister, TNMBC, Washington, DC

What do you believe are the most important characteristics of an effective school board?

  • An effective school board establishes a clear vision, mission, defined goals, core values and a strategic organization plan for moving forward,
  • Operates as a team that is goal oriented, committed, flexible, dependable, helpful, supportive, willing to generate ideas/solutions, trustworthy and respectful of one another,
  • Develops program objectives and educational policies that will facilitate continuous. student achievement and classroom instructional excellence.
  • Maintains open channels of communication that engages relationships with staff, parents, students and community partners.

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Elections 2016: Ahmed, Burroughs, Eubanks, Wallace, Murray Win Board Seats

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Five seats on the Prince George’s County Board of Education were up for grabs in today’s general election. Incumbents Edward Burroughs (Dist. 8), K. Alexander Wallace (Dist. 7), and Patricia Eubanks (Dist. 4) successfully defended their seats on the Board, while Raaheela Ahmed won the open seat in District 5. David Murray ran unopposed for the District 1 seat, after his opponent moved out of state.

Here are the Maryland State Board of Elections unofficial results for the five school board races in Prince George’s County:

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Q & A with District 4 Board of Education Candidate Abel Olivo

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This is part of an ongoing series of interviews with PGCPS Board of Education candidates. Abel Olivo is a candidate from District 4 (see district map here). Mr. Olivo answered questions generated by members of Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools. 

Prince George’s County Advocates for Better Schools does not endorse or oppose any candidate for the Board of Education.

Tell us about your background and why you feel that you would be an effective member of the Board of Education.

I am a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in political science. I worked in government relations for many years on a variety of issues, most recently as the VP of a nonprofit that worked to increase homeownership. Now I’m a stay-at-home dad. I’m an active volunteer in my community. 

I could go on. But I won’t, because the key word in your question is “effective.”

The residents of District 4 deserve an effective member of the Board of Education. Here’s how I will be effective:

  1. I will show up. I will attend the Board of Education meetings. I will attend PTA meetings. I will attend community meetings. I will be present in our schools and in the community.
  2. I will be engaged. I will know the members of our community and they will know me.
  3. I will be responsive. If you contact me you will get a response. If you ask for help, I will help you. If you share an idea or concern, I will take that seriously.

The incumbent has been on the BOE for six years. She has, most recently, missed approximately 25% of BOE meetings. I hear over and over again from people who have never received a response from her. The Carraway and Head Start abuse happened in District 4 schools: Judge Sylvania Woods ES and H. Winship Wheatley Early Childhood Center. I have to wonder — if those parents and community members knew and had a relationship with their BOE member, would the abuse have come to light and been swiftly acted upon much earlier?   

The most important thing voters need to know about me is that I am the dad of two PGCPS students. Lucas is in 5th grade and Nathaniel is in 1st grade. I have been volunteering in our neighborhood school since Lucas was 2 years old. I will work hard for every single child in PGCPS as if they were my own.

What are two or three special challenges that you see in your school board district, and how would you work with the community to address them?

As a member of the Board of Education, my top priorities are the following:

  • Ensuring the safety of every single one of our children.
  • Increasing parent and community engagement with our schools.
  • Making the academic achievement of all students the focus of the School Board.

I will work with the community to address these priorities in the same manner listed above in question #1: by being present, engaged, and responsive.

The school system has recently been under fire for several alleged incidents of abuse and neglect. How will you work to increase a sense of respect and security, for children and their families, in our school system?

The allegations of sexual abuse are nothing short of appalling. That the teachers, staff, and administration at Judge Sylvania Woods Elementary were not trained to spot suspect behavior is beyond ridiculous and borders culpable neglect. I cannot imagine how difficult it is for the students and their families to recover, though I suspect they will never fully recover. We have let down our children and have lost public trust.

On the whole, I support the findings of the Student Safety Task Force. One area that I feel needs to be emphasized are the procedures to immediately remove anyone who is accused. Once removed, Child Protective Services should conduct a thorough investigation in an expeditious manner. The Washington Post reported recently that the Head Start teacher who forced the child to mop was moved by PGCPS to a new school (also in District 4, by the way) rather than put on administrative leave or fired. That is absolutely unacceptable!

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