School Boards? Yeah, they matter.

Local school boards have some of the strongest power over education issues like working conditions, superintendent hiring, educator contracts, calendar decisions, curricula, testing, and much more.

That’s why it’s so important and that educator-backed school board candidates won 75% of their races this year, including sweeps in Cecil, Frederick, Howard, and Prince George’s counties. In all, educators helped elect 21 out of 28 endorsed school board candidates across 10 counties.

In Prince George’s County, it was a four for four victory for the Prince George’s County Educators’ Association with their candidates increasing hopes for making an impact on the problematic issue of teacher turnover.

“PGCEA is very excited about our four elected school board candidates. All are young, progressive, and ready to Get ESSA Right for our students and educators. And they are committed to the values, benefits, and services that implementation of restorative practices and community schools can bring.” — Theresa Dudley, President, Prince George’s County Educators’ Association

In Howard County, the Howard County Education Association went three for three, giving students, families, and communities a 5–2 advantage on ed issues after a long struggle with a dysfunctional board..

“The importance of a collaborative Board of Education can’t be overstated — the previous group had completely shut out parents, educators, and students. We will be able to work to decrease testing, reverse harmful cuts to staff levels, and address discrimination in discipline. It’s a totally new day in Howard County Public Schools!” — Paul Lemle, President, Howard County Education Association

The Frederick County Teachers Association and the Frederick Association of School Support Employees endorsed three winning candidates who immediately vowed to tackle the class size issues brought about by Gov. Hogan’s 2015 funding cuts.

“Our three endorsed candidates bring experience that will support the whole child. One was a PTA leader, one is a 40-year veteran educator, and one is a former teacher, bus driver, and now English professor. Knowing these community leaders will work hard for all of our students is why so many union members supported and worked to elect them.” — Melissa Dirks, President, Frederick County Teachers Association

In Cecil County, the Cecil County Classroom Teachers Association sees the win of two board seats by their endorsed candidates as a key to a solutions-driven board agenda.

Our elected school board candidates understand that strong communities need strong schools and that strong schools are a result of the dedicated teachers and staff who work with our children each day. Having them on the board means students come first, our voices will be respected, and that the focus will be on solutions and moving forward.” — Lori Hrinko, President, Cecil County Classroom Teachers Association