Republican Club Forum, Con’t
Originally Published: April 25, 2024
Board of Ed Recap
At the St. Mary’s County Republican Club Forum, the Board of Education (BOE) candidates appeared on the same panel rather than divided by district. At-Large candidates Josh Guy, Brandie Edelen, and Deforest Rathbone, District 2 candidates Anthony Lotierzo and Elena Brewer, and District 4 candidate Charles Carrington were in attendance. Angela Wathen, a fourth candidate for the At-Large position, arrived a few minutes before the end of the forum.
The panel was first asked how they would reduce costs and make the budget process more transparent. Carrington began, saying he’d examine how the money is being spent. The BOE should explain the budget, and the public should be engaged enough to ask, he said. Lotierzo would conduct a line item review starting “with central office, which no one is talking about” instead of closing schools and redistricting. Brewer agreed with administrative costs being too high, and cited a school hiring “unnecessary counselors to train teachers to help a trans student,” too much wasting of food, and other costs as a reason for an audit. Guy believed textbook expenditures, at $4M, were too high when materials could be accessed online. He would also look at “plant operational costs, maintenance, and utilities” to save money while school isn’t in session, and would examine any categories labeled “other.” Edelen didn’t want to offer what she’d cut until after meeting with the Superintendent in the coming week. Rathbone said he didn’t know many details about the budget, but thought too much was spent on security rather than drug testing students.
Next, how would candidates address school violence? Lotierzo shared that his daughter was assaulted recently and he was “told by an administrator nothing could be done because of a law passed saying 14-16 year olds can’t be held accountable for their actions.” Administrators' hands are tied because they can’t expel kids, he said. Carrington said he’d focus on providing programs for young men’s positive development because “men are a larger physical threat so they need to be dealt with first.” Rathbone proffered a drug test swab and said random drug tests are the solution for solving violence. Edelen would start with the parents, saying children need “accountability and consequences” for their actions. Agreeing that the school administrator’s hands are tied, Edelen said she has heard talk about keeping suspension numbers down to “not reach quotas.” Guy cited 500 suspensions at Spring Ridge Middle School last year, saying there should be an alternative schedule option for disruptive kids who shouldn’t go back in the classroom. Brewer said she agrees there is a drug and medication problem, and in-school intervention isn’t adequate because students are intentionally misbehaving to be in ISI with friends.
Moderator Deb Rey next asked if the candidates believed indoctrination was happening, and if it was being pushed by teachers and counselors who are following state guidance. Brewer stated the majority of teachers are on board with her belief that indoctrination is happening, but are afraid to speak out. It is the BOE’s responsibility to be accountable for that, she said. Lotierzo doesn’t see it happening in schools, and said issues should be addressed in “the right way” if raised. Carrington said there are instances of indoctrination, but it’s not happening across the board. There should be agreement between parents and teachers about what’s going on in the classroom, and Carrington would advocate for teachers who are indoctrinating students to be held accountable. Rathbone said teachers are fleeing their positions because of violence not being handled correctly, and he would solve that with drug testing. Edelen said “indoctrination does exist but doesn’t run rampant in the county. Very rarely did a supervisor ever come into my classroom” unless Edelen was being reviewed, something she would like to change. Guy said he hasn’t personally seen evidence of indoctrination, but understands some parents may have concerns and it’s the BOE’s role to examine and determine the appropriateness of materials.
To improve literacy rates, Guy said more paraeducators were needed in the classroom to provide additional help to students. Edelen agreed that additional educators were needed to work with students in small groups. Rathbone said he’d focus on using phonics and music to improve literacy. Carrington would like to investigate working with community partners like the Library, PTAs, and would encourage parents to read to their children. Lotierzo wants the curriculum to focus “on the three R’s” first, bring family back into the classroom, and help eliminate disruptive students so other kids can excel. Finally, Brewer said in the former Soviet Union, her home country, they spent $2K per student and achieved better results. She questioned the logic of raising teacher salaries when those same teachers are not achieving student literacy now.
For the last question, candidates could choose to address one of three topics: video surveillance in classrooms so parents can see what’s being taught, overcrowded schools and the need for redistricting, or allowing only “biological girls to participate in girls sports.” Rathbone said he’s not familiar with these issues, but believes the Supreme Court has “watered down education” with their decisions over the years. Edelen believed it’s a good idea to put video surveillance in classrooms but it might be difficult with privacy concerns. Guy said he’s not in favor of redistricting, but acknowledged student enrollment is down which should be considered when making budgetary decisions. Brewer said “women only in women’s sports” and that even discussing the subject “is an embarrassment to this country.” As a coach, Lotierzo said he doesn’t believe boys should be allowed to play with girls “because they aren’t good enough for their own team.” Carrington addressed all three topics, saying kids in sports should be protected, video surveillance won’t solve the overall behavior problems, and questions should be asked about why enrollment is falling.
