Campaign email: jackymccoyBOE@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jackymccoyboe22
Age: 68
Employment: I facilitate Changing the Lens Workshops of Shaley Associates. The workshops are facilitated virtually and in-person.
Education: I earned a master’s degree in Secondary Education at Johns Hopkins University
Why are you running for the school board?
I’m running for a seat on the Howard County Board of Education (BOE) because as an educator who is dyslexic with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in secondary education, I bring a special set of unique skills and experiences that will benefit the board and inform my decision making as a member of the board. My commitment is to real effective education for all students, real access to the necessary resources for students and teachers, and real family engagement from preschool to high school. It is my goal to ensure that every student has an excellent education and equitable access to opportunities, regardless of where they live within the county.
What makes you a good candidate for the board?
Having taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels, as well as tutored students in math and science for over 35 years, affords me a set of distinct skills and experiences that will benefit the BOE. My experience in facilitating workshops and dialogues with diverse groups of people, as well as leading and working with schools as a volunteer in several organizations will all assist me as I engage with board members, the school system, and members of the larger community. Being a mother of HCPSS graduates and grandmother of an elementary school student broadens my perspective further making me an excellent candidate for the board.
Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.
The late (U.S. Rep.) John Lewis (D-Ga.) was the epitome of a public leader. He began advocating for justice as a young person making what he called “good trouble.” John Lewis founded and chaired the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which became a national civil rights organization. He worked relentlessly for justice and human rights and boldly spoke truth to power which inspires me to become a member of the Howard County Board of Education. I have advocated for the needs of young people in the school system for many years and look forward to advocating for the needs of students, teachers, and families throughout the county in order that all students have opportunities to reach their potential.
What is the most important issue facing your school board, and what would you do about it if elected?
Our system needs to be renewed as a vibrant, exciting place to work to attract high-quality teachers and administrators. Investing more in recruitment and retention of excellent educators through programs like “Grow Your Own” teacher, offering competitive salaries and benefits for educators, expediting the HCPSS hiring process, and building a solid recruitment pipeline with local colleges and universities are some possible steps to address critical staffing needs. Concurrently, addressing learning loss and the social-emotional needs of students are paramount. Holding the superintendent accountable to address these issues is the task of board members and I commit to doing that.
How concerned are you about school safety, and what if anything should be done to improve it?
School safety must be seen as a partnership amongst all stakeholders. Meaning students, school and central office staff, families and community need to work together to create an environment where everyone is working to support a safe learning environment for all students. In order to provide a learning environment that is safe in all schools, efforts to improve de-escalation skills and the understanding of the needs of students must take center stage in addressing school safety. Regular opportunities to review de-escalation skills and techniques will help to reduce unsafe situations. Creating a safe and healthy learning environment must be supported by law enforcement and the entire community.
Do you have any concerns about the way history is taught in your district’s schools, and if so, what are they?
I am concerned that history is taught the way it actually happened and that students learn accurate history and the many contributions of the diverse people of this country and throughout the world.
Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries, and if so, what kind of books should be removed?
The American Association of School Librarians has established school library standards developed with the input of librarians and stakeholders across the nation. Our Howard County Public School Systems’ Instructional Technology and Library Media Advisory Board provides opportunities for review of age-appropriate books made available to students. The HCPSS advisory board includes parents, Library Media Specialists, Technology Teachers, and other community members. Also, Policy 8040 provides a standard selection criteria for evaluating school materials. With the input of these stakeholders and policies in place, there should be no need for books to be removed from school libraries.
