Candidate Forum Recap, Con’t
Originally Published: April 18, 2024
Board of Education
Candidates for the At-Large and District 2 Board of Education (BOE) positions squared off at the forum held on April 11th, making their case to voters. The forum for District 4 candidates has been rescheduled for April 25th at 5:30PM. Three of the four candidates for the At-Large position, Josh Guy, Brandie Edelen, and Deforest Rathbone, attended the forum. Angela Wathen did not attend, but submitted a statement which was read to the crowd.
The budget came up first when candidates were asked what they would do differently, what they would cut, or how they would address the shortfalls that exist. Deforest Rathbone was not in favor of using money to turn schools into “armed citadels” and believes the BOE should tell the state to “shove it” regarding the Blueprint. Brandie Edelen wants to examine data around which parts of the budget are not working and make cuts, as well as looking at costs in school administration, but said extracurriculars shouldn’t be eliminated. Josh Guy said he, too, would look to school administration for potential budget cuts, but also said budget plans should go out 7-8 years to assess upcoming challenges.
Answers varied when candidates were asked if they had attended school board meetings or met with Dr. Smith, the Superintendent. Edelen said she has attended three meetings to learn about the budget process, and has spoken with Dr. Smith but hasn’t met with him. Guy has attended two meetings in person but said he watches meetings online, and he has met with Dr. Smith both as a student and a graduate. Rathbone, meanwhile, offered that he’s attempted to meet with Dr. Smith to address the supposed drug problem and offer solutions.
Next came more ideological questions. Josh Guy said he doesn’t support blanket book bans, and there is a process for parents to bring their concerns to the BOE who should respond in a timely and appropriate manner. Guy also pledged to read any book about which a complaint is submitted. Rathbone said the BOE should look at the material and make a decision. Edelen, meanwhile, specified if a book violates a BOE or school policy, or contains sexually explicit material, it should be banned. Additionally, the candidates believed education should focus on the core subjects, or “regular education” as the question phrased it, rather than including content based on respect, diversity, and inclusion.
District 2 candidates were up next, including Cathy Allen, Elena Brewer, and Anthony Lotierzo. In opening statements, Allen highlighted her experience and ability to address concerns around the Blueprint’s funding issues; Brewer ranted against social indoctrination in schools contributing to white guilt, racist history curriculum, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, all of which she claims is corrupting young minds; Lotierzo said schools were overcrowded, teachers needed more resources, more student discipline, and term limits for the BOE. When asked how they would balance their work/home life and the responsibilities of this position, Allen said she spends significant time advocating for the school system outside of BOE meetings, including going to Annapolis to provide the “rural conservative perspective” needed. Lotierzo said he currently works as a Director at the Navy Yard in DC, and would need to make adjustments to attend meetings. Brewer is not currently employed and has time to devote to the role, she said.
Lotierzo and Brewer were asked about the budget, specifically, what they would change. Increasing teacher salaries, making school lunch more nutritious, and providing funds for student transportation were Lotierzo’s priorities. Like other candidates, he wants to look at administrative positions and salaries to identify potential cuts. Quite differently, Elena Brewer said she wants to close the school based health centers, and get rid of school counselors, the virtual academy and what she called other “unnecessary extracurriculars.”
Cathy Allen was asked for specifics about how she is using her experience to “make the Blueprint work for St. Mary’s County.” Implementing the Blueprint in a way that “adheres with the intent but works within the system as best as possible” is Allen’s strategy. She explained there are things at the state level which aren’t being completed and are impacting local efforts, and the Blueprint directs the school system to stop doing things that are data-proven to work. Allen said she would continue listening to parents, teachers, and community members about their concerns as well as find ways to connect people with the information they need to understand policies, procedures, curriculum, and more.
To prepare for the role, Lotierzo said he’s watched several BOE meetings, and has upcoming meetings with Dr. Smith and three principals. Brewer cited her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, said she reads often, and is stepping up out of concern regarding the oversexualization of children and a lack of Christian values in schools. Though she adamantly insisted indoctrination was happening, she did say her three children are currently educated through SMCPS. Brewer called for holding the Superintendent “accountable” for his actions and decisions when asked her thoughts on the authority of the BOE. Lotierzo said he believed the BOE’s role was approving the budget and advocating for teachers, parents, and students. Allen agreed about budget approval, but also said the BOE is responsible for upholding the laws of the state and has a policy for handling everything from books in the library to curriculum approval.
Reminder, early voting is May 2-9th, with Primary Election Day on May 14th. If you are registered Unaffiliated, you must change your registration by April 23rd, to either the Democratic or Republican party, to vote for Circuit Court Judge. Nearly 25% of registered voters in St. Mary’s County are registered Unaffiliated.
Watch the forum here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCxYmzAO18I&t=7011s
I cannot stress enough how important it is to make informed choices when voting this year.
