What’s the job: Sets policy, hires the school system superintendent and approves the district budget. Some boards are fully elected, some are fully appointed and some are a blend of both. Terms vary by district.

Name: Erica K. Bennett

Erica K. Bennett.
Erica K. Bennett. (Courtesy of Erica K. Bennett)

Age: 55

Personal: I am the parent of two children who attended Prince George’s County Public Schools from kindergarten through 12th grade and graduated from the system. That experience, combined with my professional work, has given me a deep understanding of what our students and families need to be successful. I serve as an AME pastor, where I provide spiritual leadership and support to individuals and families, grounded in a commitment to service, justice, and community. I am also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and was initiated through Kappa Psi Chapter. I currently serve as a member of the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter. My life’s work has centered on service—supporting children, families, and communities through both education and ministry. I am running for the Board of Education because I believe our scholars deserve leadership that understands the system from the inside and is focused on ensuring that decisions lead to meaningful results in the classroom.

Education: I am a proud product of Prince George’s County Public Schools and a graduate of Oxon Hill High School. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Frostburg State University, where I also completed a minor in Public Relations. I later pursued graduate studies at Howard University, earning a degree from the School of Divinity, which deepened my foundation in leadership and service. I also earned a Master’s degree in Teaching from Bowie State University, which prepared me for my work in the classroom and in instructional leadership. My educational background reflects a commitment to both academic excellence and service, shaping how I lead and support students, families, and communities.

Experience: I currently serve as an elementary school principal in Prince George’s County Public Schools, where I have led for the past nine years. As an instructional leader, I oversee daily school operations, and analyze student achievement data. Additionally, I collaborate with teachers and families to ensure strong outcomes for scholars daily. My career in education spans more than 28 years and includes experience at the elementary, K–8, and middle school levels. I began my career as a marketing analyst before transitioning into education, driven by a desire to make a direct impact on students. I taught for three years in DC Public Schools before joining PGCPS, where I have served as a classroom teacher, math resource teacher, math coach, assistant principal, and now principal. Throughout my career, I have worked inside the system at multiple levels, which has given me a clear understanding of how decisions impact teaching and learning. My focus has remained consistent—ensuring that every student has access to strong instruction and meaningful opportunities to succeed.

Questionnaire

Name: Jennifer Hooker

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Candice Perkins

Candice Perkins.
Candice Perkins. (EYEImagery)

Age: 44

Personal: I am a lifelong Prince George’s County resident, wife, mother, and PGCPS alum with over 40 years of demonstrated experience advising district leadership, partnering with school administrators, and advancing student-centered policy priorities. I am a proven advocate for equity, safety, and family engagement with direct exposure to Board-level decision-making processes.

Education: I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Salisbury University. My education, combined with over 15 years of federal service, has equipped me with a strong foundation in strategic program and operations leadership. Through my work in federal operations, workforce administration, and performance analytics, I have developed the skills necessary to advocate effectively for the students and families of Prince George’s County.

Experience: Strategic Program and Operations Leader (Federal Service): With over 15 years of experience, I have specialized in improving operational efficiency, strengthening data integrity, and delivering executive-ready insights to support decision-making across federal programs. My experience has given me the tools to lead cross-functional teams and ensure that resources are used efficiently to achieve strategic goals.

President, Frederick Douglass High School PTSO: In this role, I have used my professional skills to advocate for student achievement, safety, and family engagement. I have worked closely with school administrators, teachers, and parents to address our students’ needs.District 9 Representative, Parent and Community Advisory Council (PCAC): As a representative, I’ve fought for policies that ensure equity, student well-being, and community involvement.Member, Prince George’s County Literacy Commission: I am committed to enhancing literacy initiatives across the county, working collaboratively with community stakeholders to improve literacy rates and support educational achievement for all students.

Questionnaire

Name: Chandrai “CJ” Jackson-Saunders

Chandrai "CJ" Jackson-Saunders.
Chandrai "CJ" Jackson-Saunders. (Courtesy of Chandrai "CJ" Jackson-Saunders)

Age: 65

Personal: Grounded in faith, service, and scholarship, I have been an active civic and catholic church parish leader for more than five decades. Born in Hawkinsville, Georgia and raised primarily in Washington, DC, I am married to Nathan A. Saunders, a retired teacher, and together we serve as full-time caregivers to my mother, Dr. Jimmie C. Jackson, a retired mathematics teacher and former President of the Washington Teachers’ Union. I am blessed to still have both parents still living and am dedicated to ensuring they are safe. We have one son who attended Prince George’s County Public Schools and who received his Associates Degree from Prince George’s County Community College. I received the National School Psychologist of the Year from the National Association of School Psychologists, the first African American recipient to receive such a distinction. I continue to serve my community by volunteering in food distribution projects and advising parents of special needs children as it relates to their educational success.

Education: Bachelor of Science - Psychology/Minor Biology - University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Johnstown, PA

Masters of Education - Educational Psychology (Gifted Curriculum) - Howard University, Washington, DCAdvanced Certificate of Post Graduate Studies - School Psychology - Howard University, Washington, DC

Experience: District 9 Representative, PGCPS Board of Eduation (February, 2026 - current)

District 27 Representative - Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee (Secretary)Chief Operating Officer, Interdynamics, Inc Behavioral Health Care Firm, Prince George’s County, Maryland (2022-2024)Trustee, Northeaster Region Representative for the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority National Education Fund, Inc.District of Columbia Public Schools - School Psychologist - (September 1987 - August, 2022)

Questionnaire