Questions & Answers
In this section I'll post the questionnaires I receive from various organizations and my answers. I’ll also post my answers to some of the questions I receive from individuals. See my Contact page for my phone, address and e-mail.
League of Women Voters [2024]
Here are the questions I received from the League of Women Voters of Washington County and my answers. Candidate responses will appear in their 2024 online voter guide. Responses were limited to 400 characters (not words!) so my answers are VERY brief.
League of Women Voters [2024]
Here are the questions I received from the League of Women Voters of Washington County and my answers. Candidate responses will appear in their 2024 online voter guide. Responses were limited to 400 characters (not words!) so my answers are VERY brief.
1. Qualifications: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this office?
I was a WCPS teacher and administrator for 35 years. I’ve been an active and engaged Board of Education member for the past 11½ years. Since 2016 I’ve been serving as BOE president. I’m actively involved in the Maryland Association of Boards of Education: serving my 4th term on its Board of Directors, participating in Board Service Academies, participating in its annual conference, serving twice as co-chair of the Conference Committee, serving as a leader of several standing committees.
2. Budget Priorities: How would you allocate the available school funding so as to implement the Blueprint for Education goals and obtain the best results for all students at the most responsible cost to taxpayers?
The BOE must continue to be a good steward of tax dollars. To meet the Blueprint requirements, establishing budget priorities and strategic planning is key. Priorities include: salary and compensation to attract and retain staff, safety & security, mental health and behavioral supports. BOE members must understand the Blueprint, work closely with the superintendent to set priorities, make funding decisions, and work with our legislators to fine-tune the Blueprint.
3. Standards and Testing: How should the national and state standards be used to ensure a quality education for each child in the county?
National and state standards are used in the development of our local curriculum. Teaching our local curriculum with fidelity and providing our students with the access, opportunity, resources, and supports they need will lead to their academic success.
4. College Alternatives: What programs will you support to prepare students for employment, particularly for those not planning to attend college?
Multiple pathways to success are needed for a diverse student population. I’ll continue to support high quality Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs that are of interest to students and relevant to the success of our county, state, and nation. During my time on the BOE the number of CTE offerings have increased to include Diesel Mechanics, Aviation, Cyber Security, and more. I’m committed to the expansion of our current apprenticeship program which is ranked first in the state.
5. School Safety: How would you address safety issues such as disruption, fights, threats and bullying to foster a safe learning environment?
I support addressing these issues by continuing to emphasize school culture and climate improvements. This is accomplished through curriculum and programming, behavioral and mental health support for students, professional development for staff, and the employment of School Resource Officers and School Security Assistants. Safety and security, mental health and behavioral supports comprise one of the Board’s four priorities in the upcoming year’s General Fund Budget.
6. Partnerships: How would you include parent and student views in making Board decisions on curriculum, programs and policies?
Parents and students share their views via email, phone calls, and in-person conversations. Feedback specific to curriculum, a program, or policy is sought via survey, special meetings, and/or postings on the WCPS website. Students also have an elected representative to the BOE. Public comment is heard at all BOE business meetings. Parents and community members are encouraged to apply to serve on any of the BOE’s advisory committees or task forces that may be formed.
7. Priorities: In addition to the issues you described in the other questions, what are your priorities for this office?
I’m committed to: providing each WCPS PreK-12 student with the appropriate educational rigor, opportunities, resources, and support needed for their academic success and social and emotional well-being; providing safe and secure learning environments for students and staff; hiring and retaining the best teachers, administrators, and support staff and paying them a competitive wage; working collaboratively with county and state leaders to achieve the best for our students and for our county.
I was a WCPS teacher and administrator for 35 years. I’ve been an active and engaged Board of Education member for the past 11½ years. Since 2016 I’ve been serving as BOE president. I’m actively involved in the Maryland Association of Boards of Education: serving my 4th term on its Board of Directors, participating in Board Service Academies, participating in its annual conference, serving twice as co-chair of the Conference Committee, serving as a leader of several standing committees.
2. Budget Priorities: How would you allocate the available school funding so as to implement the Blueprint for Education goals and obtain the best results for all students at the most responsible cost to taxpayers?
The BOE must continue to be a good steward of tax dollars. To meet the Blueprint requirements, establishing budget priorities and strategic planning is key. Priorities include: salary and compensation to attract and retain staff, safety & security, mental health and behavioral supports. BOE members must understand the Blueprint, work closely with the superintendent to set priorities, make funding decisions, and work with our legislators to fine-tune the Blueprint.
3. Standards and Testing: How should the national and state standards be used to ensure a quality education for each child in the county?
National and state standards are used in the development of our local curriculum. Teaching our local curriculum with fidelity and providing our students with the access, opportunity, resources, and supports they need will lead to their academic success.
4. College Alternatives: What programs will you support to prepare students for employment, particularly for those not planning to attend college?
Multiple pathways to success are needed for a diverse student population. I’ll continue to support high quality Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs that are of interest to students and relevant to the success of our county, state, and nation. During my time on the BOE the number of CTE offerings have increased to include Diesel Mechanics, Aviation, Cyber Security, and more. I’m committed to the expansion of our current apprenticeship program which is ranked first in the state.
5. School Safety: How would you address safety issues such as disruption, fights, threats and bullying to foster a safe learning environment?
I support addressing these issues by continuing to emphasize school culture and climate improvements. This is accomplished through curriculum and programming, behavioral and mental health support for students, professional development for staff, and the employment of School Resource Officers and School Security Assistants. Safety and security, mental health and behavioral supports comprise one of the Board’s four priorities in the upcoming year’s General Fund Budget.
6. Partnerships: How would you include parent and student views in making Board decisions on curriculum, programs and policies?
Parents and students share their views via email, phone calls, and in-person conversations. Feedback specific to curriculum, a program, or policy is sought via survey, special meetings, and/or postings on the WCPS website. Students also have an elected representative to the BOE. Public comment is heard at all BOE business meetings. Parents and community members are encouraged to apply to serve on any of the BOE’s advisory committees or task forces that may be formed.
7. Priorities: In addition to the issues you described in the other questions, what are your priorities for this office?
I’m committed to: providing each WCPS PreK-12 student with the appropriate educational rigor, opportunities, resources, and support needed for their academic success and social and emotional well-being; providing safe and secure learning environments for students and staff; hiring and retaining the best teachers, administrators, and support staff and paying them a competitive wage; working collaboratively with county and state leaders to achieve the best for our students and for our county.
electMelissaWilliams.com
Committee to Elect Melissa Williams : Kelli Albright, Treasurer
Committee to Elect Melissa Williams : Kelli Albright, Treasurer