Local News Network

Three Maryland school board candidates have faced legal issues

Anne Arundel County school board candidate Chuck Yocum made headlines when the Baltimore Banner reported earlier this month that he was accused and acquitted of child sexual abuse three decades ago. But he’s not the only Maryland school board candidate…

Conservative PAC, Dems face off over Maryland school board races

There’s a little-known conservative power player in the nation’s school board elections, and it’s endorsed more candidates in Maryland than in any other state.  The 1776 Project PAC, which says on its website that it supports “reform-minded conservatives who oppose…

Interactive Guide: Learn more about Maryland’s school board candidates

The Local News Network sent a questionnaire to all 109 school board candidates in Maryland to get their views on important issues. See the results in this interactive guide.

Is Maryland’s ‘Blueprint’ the path to better schools? We asked school board candidates

“The Blueprint sounds great on paper; however, funding it is a great challenge for every county in Maryland,” St. Mary’s County school board candidate Elena Brewer said.

On school safety, Maryland school board candidates push for officers, mental health services

The school safety problem is a national one. Violent incidents increased 49% in the nation’s schools the 2023-2024 school year, according to the Educator’s School Safety Network.

Should Maryland schools ban cellphones? Here’s what school board candidates say

Of the 74 candidates who responded to the Local News Network’s campaign questionnaire, 64 favored strict restrictions on cellphones in schools, and only 10 expressed reservations about limiting cellphone use or touted their positive aspects. 

Support for book bans varies in Maryland school board races

Amid parents, activists and school boards challenging books across the state, Gov. Wes Moore signed the Freedom to Read Act into law earlier this year in an attempt to put an end to book bans in Maryland public schools.

On gender identity in schools, Maryland school board candidates are divided

School boards that set policy for those districts face a dilemma: Do they prioritize a student’s autonomy over their identity or the parents’ right to know who that child really is?

On child care, a fitful search for local solutions to a national problem

America’s child care shortage extends far beyond Maryland, the overall condition of child care in the U.S. being described as a “dumpster fire”.

Maryland’s pre-K expansion plan proves to be unpopular with child care providers

As Maryland expands its pre-K program, the state is counting on private child care to take part, despite reluctance from providers.