Campaign email: DORSEYboardofed@gmail.com
Website: www.dorseyforboe.com
Facebook: facebook.com/DorseyforBoardofEducation
Age: 62
Employment: Retired elementary school principal
Education: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree, University of Maryland College Park.
Why are you running for the school board?
I am a current school board member seeking reelection for a second term. The first term saw the emergence of a worldwide pandemic that had a profound impact upon our students and schools. As our students return to a more normal year we can once again focus on student achievement. Our board’s primary governance role is to ensure that every learner is provided access to resources and opportunities for success. I will use my knowledge, experiences, and skills to increase student achievement.
What makes you a good candidate for the board?
My education and experiences make me an excellent candidate for the Board of Education. I completed a 39-year career in the Carroll County Public School system. I was an elementary classroom teacher and later a Title I Resource Teacher. I have also served as Assistant Principal and Principal of several elementary schools in Carroll County. I have studied education policy, planning, and administration and gained additional experience by being a current board member and member of the Board of Directors for the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE). I am active on several MABE committees: Budget, Equity, and Conference Program.
Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Barry C. Black (Ph.D., D.Min., D.D.), Senate Chaplain, is someone I admire. Dr. Black counsels and provides spiritual care to members of the Senate and their families. He grew up in a Baltimore housing project, but did not let stereotypes or other barriers deprive him of his goal to be successful. This speaks to me about the importance of valuing and seeing worth in each child. Our beginning does not have to predict our ending. Teachers and other leaders are very important in building positive relationships with students and helping them be successful.
What is the most important issue facing your school board, and what would you do about it if elected?
The most important issue facing our school board is returning to a focus of high student achievement. The last few years we have been dealing with the effects of the pandemic. Student accountability was lessened. Our teachers pivoted to and from remote instruction. If reelected, I will work with fellow board members to review and update our Strategic Plan with smart (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) goals aimed at improving student achievement.
How concerned are you about school safety, and what if anything should be done to improve it?
School safety is of utmost importance. Additional Security Resource Officers should be obtained to provide greater coverage in all middle and elementary schools. The Department of Security should be increased from a department of two officers to enhance the support provided to schools.
Do you have any concerns about the way history is taught in your district’s schools, and if so, what are they?
History should be taught accurately to give students the knowledge and skills necessary to be informed, responsible citizens in our democracy.
Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries, and if so, what kind of books should be removed?
I do not support censorship of books.
