Maryland’s primary elections are set to take place on June 23rd, with early voting from June 11th through 18th. LocalNews1.org reached out to each candidate for the Washington County Board of Education and allowed them an opportunity to share their vision and qualifications.
This non-partisan race includes seven candidates from across the spectrum with unique opinions on education.
Those who did not provide a response will have information from the candidate’s campaign websites along with links to reach them through social media or a website.
- Alina Chester
Why are you running for Washington County Board of Education?
“My goal in running is to use my 11 years of expertise in school finance to make our schools better for my own young kids and for the benefit of every child in the district.”
What experience do you have/what is your background?
“I am a mom of three with an MBA, a school finance professional and professor of school finance for a Masters in Educational Leadership. As the director of budgets for an education service and support provider, I work with principals, manage grants and report to school boards in multiple states.”
What is your vision for education/schools/students in Washington County?
“My vision is an innovative education system that supports students of all ability levels. With strong core instruction, tutoring, special education and behavioral support, mental health and career counseling, I envision more colorful, functional and safer school buildings, and a board of education that works in tandem with local government and business leaders to create mutual goals for our community. I would love to see a cohesive community vision for the students of our county starting in PreK-3 and going all the way through to the jobs we are creating here so that our students want to stay in our community and are prepared to contribute to its success.”
What strengths do you think you can bring to the Board of Education?
“I bring a broader vision of what is possible in education. My work with schools across the country has shown me all different models of what works and what doesn’t.”
If elected, what will be your priorities in office?
“1 – Academic Acceleration and Targeted Student Support
2 – Educator Recruitment, Retention and Compensation
3 – Infrastructure and School Safety Modernization”
Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586923580285
- Linda Murray
Why are you running for Washington County Board of Education?
“I have been a longtime advocate of Washington County Public Schools, serving in many capacities over the past 40 years and wish to continue my service to the school system.”
What experience do you have/what is your background?
“I have been involved with WCPS since 1985: as a parent volunteer, tutor, paraprofessional in special education at Salem Avenue Elementary for 26 years and as a member of the school board since 2017.”
What is your vision for education/schools/students in Washington County?
“My vision for our school system is to continue to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain quality educators. We want to be able to continue to modify and grow programs that meet the needs of our students and Washington County employers.”
What strengths do you think you can bring to the Board of Education?
“I have a very strong work ethic. I serve as a liaison to several boards in Washington County as well as the state. I pride myself on my attendance and my ability to communicate with WCPS employees, having been one myself for 26 years.”
If elected, what will be your priorities in office?
“If re-elected to serve another term on the school board my three main priorities would be: To work with the new Board of County Commissioners to find ways to support the growing needs of our school system. To advocate for adequate funding that would provide competitive salaries to attract new staff and retain our current staff members. To seek out funding for new schools to replace our aging schools and help with overcrowding.”
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfLindaMurray?
- Pieter Bickford
Why are you running for Washington County Board of Education?
“I grew up here, went to school here and raised my family here. In two terms on the board, we got a lot done, including being the first in Maryland to offer universal pre-K. We were able to offer the highest starting teacher salaries in Maryland, get every school building secured and sign up more apprenticeships than any county in the state. I’m proud of that work, but there is more to do.”
What experience do you have/what is your background?
“I served two terms on the Board of Education. In that time, I helped pass eight budgets and choose two superintendents. Before that, I spent 25 years in local journalism — I was the 6 o’clock anchor at WHAG-TV and covered state government in Annapolis for WBAL Radio. That career taught me how to dig into an issue, ask tough questions and explain things in a way people can understand. Today I work as marketing director at HighRock and serve on the board of the Community Foundation of Washington County.”
What is your vision for education/schools/students in Washington County?
“Simple: every kid who walks across a stage at graduation has a real plan for what comes next — college, a trade, the military, whatever fits them best. That starts with making sure they can read well by third grade and stays with them through strong academics, hands-on career training and access to college courses while still in high school. Our schools already punch above their weight. I want to make sure that keeps going.”
What strengths do you think you can bring to the Board of Education?
“I’ve been in the room. I know how the budget process works, how to go to bat for our schools with the County Commissioners, and what it takes to hire the right superintendent. My journalism background means I know how to ask the right questions, listen to the answers and communicate clearly with the public. As a marketing professional, I think strategically about how we connect with families and the broader community. I’ve also spent years serving on nonprofit boards across the county, so I know this community and the families in it.”
If elected, what will be your priorities in office?
“Getting kids reading early. Expanding mental health support for students and staff. Growing our apprenticeship and career-training programs. Making sure every student has access to the technology they need. And paying our teachers and staff what they’re worth so they stay. Nearly 90 cents of every dollar in our budget goes to the people who do the work — keeping them here is the most important thing we can do, and I’ll fight for the funding to make that happen.”
- Robin Merchant Spickler
Why are you running for Washington County Board of Education?
“I am running for the Washington County Board of Education because there is work to be done to keep this school system on the upward path and to continue to provide quality education for all children. I have the desire to become part of the educational decision-making process within my community. I want to keep Washington County Public Schools at the top when it comes to test scores and work with others to increase academic standards. I am interested in working with complex issues and challenges within a team environment. I can make thoughtful, timely decisions as well as the ability to look “outside the box.” Washington County Public Schools will have a new superintendent, and I want to collaborate with them by learning from the past accomplishments and developing improvements that will guide the future of the Washington County Public School system.”
What experience do you have/what is your background?
“I am a lifelong resident of Hagerstown/Washington County, and all my family members attended WCPS (K-12). I have the following degrees: AA from Hagerstown Community College, BS in early childhood from Frostburg State University and master’s in early childhood education from Hood College. I have many experiences in the education field as a former WCPS student (K-12), a retired teacher of 44 years in the WCPS system, a parent of a daughter that attended WCPS (K-12), and now a grandparent of three grandsons that are enrolled in the WCPS system. I have served on numerous advisory/special WCPS committees, served as a Washington County Teacher Association Building Representative and was a WCTA board member for many years. I am a lifetime member of the Maryland State Education Association and National Education Association as a retired teacher. Throughout my teaching career, I taught at many different schools with diverse populations of students and families. I am currently teaching second graders fire and personal safety at Children’s Village in Washington County. I served as president of Alpha Delta Kappa women educators, I am the current president of Delta Kappa Gamma women educators, and I am a member of the Washington County Retired Educational Personnel Association. I am an active member of the Women’s Club of Hagerstown and Beta Sigma Phi Society for women. I am a founding member of Hagerstown Choral Arts and serve on the board of HCA, a member of the National Christian Choir and a lifelong member of Saint John’s Episcopal Church and choir.”
What is your vision for education/schools/students in Washington County?
“My vision for education/schools/students in Washington County would be to foster a positive and effective learning environment for all students. With this vision, it would align with the core values of the WCPS system such as academic excellence, respect and inclusiveness. I see my vision centered around the success of students, aiming to develop well-rounded, confident and responsible individuals. I would want to see a positive and unified learning environment, where everyone is valued and all achievements are celebrated. I would also encourage all stakeholders in the community to be involved and create partnerships that would create a powerful sense of belonging and support for the WCPS system. Clear goals and benchmarks of progress should be provided to ensure that the WCPS are focused on the objectives at hand.”
What strengths do you think you can bring to the Board of Education?
“As a retired teacher from WCPS, I understand how the Board of Education’s policies and decisions impact students, teachers and the school community. As an employee with WCPS, I had excellent attendance and an extraordinarily strong work ethic. The Blueprint implementation is a major issue, and with my experience, I can help ensure that teachers and students get their needs met. I am committed to providing representation and voice for those who live in Washington County on issues related to behavior concerns, school safety, teacher recruitment and increase funding to pay salaries that are in line with inflation for all staff. I have a passion for equitable access to quality education, diversity and inclusivity, and addressing the needs of all students. I believe in upholding high ethical standards and making fair, transparent decisions that prioritize the best interest of students, educators and the community. I have experience in collaborating with other teachers, the past superintendents, school administrators, teachers’ associations and the community to create a supportive and inclusive education environment. I continue to attend the WCPS BOE meetings to stay updated on emerging trends and technologies, and innovative practices that enhance teaching and learning experiences. As a taxpayer, I am committed to fiscal responsibility but also committed to making the necessary investments in public education that are needed for our schools.”
If elected, what will be your priorities in office?
“My personal priority, if elected, would be to be more informed of the Board of Education policies and guidelines to better support students and staff. I would attend BOE functions, as well as MABE events, to stay informed of current happenings. I would sign up and attend workshops that would allow me to be a better BOE member to better serve the students, teachers, and the community.
If elected, here are a few of my priorities:
- Allocate funding for teacher salaries, which would increase recruitment and retaining teachers.
- Hire more behavioral health professionals and paraeducators to give more time for working together to individualize the needs of students.
- Invest in early childhood education and students with special needs.
- Expand the career and technical education programs.
- Ensure that each school and student has the resources they need to be successful.
- Advocate for all students and staff to feel welcome and safe in their school environment.
- Maintain high expectations for student achievement with quality instruction.
- Develop a positive relationship with staff and the community.
- Be open and creative about using current resources when it comes to the budget.
- Have conversations with the County Commissioners.”
Facebook: facebook.com/robinmerchantspicklerforboe
- Darrell Evans
Did not respond to requests for comment.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarrellEvansWashCo?
- Ethan Loewen
Did not respond to requests for comment.
Facebook: facebook.com/ethanwcboe
- Mike Guessford
Did not respond to requests for comment.
Facebook: facebook.com/18BBxbo9XK/?mibextid=wwxlfr
