Campaign email: jay@blueheroncoffee.com
Age: 43
Employment: Blue Heron Coffee
Education: High school
Why are you running for the school board?
Being an already active member in the community, running for school board gives me an opportunity to help on a larger scale.
What makes you a good candidate for the board?
With two children in Talbot County Public Schools, I am already active in our school district. My children also went to Tilghman Elementary, which we fought hard to keep open. I have worked with both schools for over eight years and look forward to serving for them in a different role
Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.
Ralph Nader. He has fought for safety, the environment and third-party candidacy. He has battled unjust corporations and questioned government corruption, never once wavering in his beliefs. He has stood by what he said and has always had everyone’s safety, well being and voice in mind. I think in politics that is a rare quality.
What is the most important issue facing your school board, and what would you do about it if elected?
The most important issue I see facing me is political polarization. It’s hard to believe that there are political sides in a non-partisan elected role. If we are going to be of true service to our children we will have to put our political egos away and focus on what’s best for the student. We have to understand there will be give and take, and as long as the give or the take is not on just one side, then I think we are accomplishing something and ultimately so will the students.
How concerned are you about school safety, and what if anything should be done to improve it?
School safety is very important to me, as I have two children in TCPS. I think they do a great job keeping doors locked and knowing the comings and goings. I think drills are another great tool as well. Making sure everyone knows their roles and can instruct the students calmly and efficiently is key. It is something that will always need to be monitored. Whether it is upgraded equipment or a new manner of drills. I think we are pretty safe and just hope we can keep it at the level we have right now.
Do you have any concerns about the way history is taught in your district’s schools, and if so, what are they?
I believe that all of us have learned a lot over the years about our history. Even more in the past 10 years. Some good, some bad. These are public issues that need to be addressed. There comes a time when we have to do what’s right and teach the truth. Not rewriting history but righting history. In a public school, I believe public issues need to be taught or at least addressed in some way. If our public schools are for everyone, a one-sided history seems unfair.
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! There is no reason to remove books that have already been accepted into TCPS. Censorship is not going to keep the students safer or make them smarter. Reading will, and with everything going digital … if they have a book in their hand, I say leave it.
