Prince George’s County Board of Education District 6

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.

Non-Partisan

Name: Tyra Janet Bennett

Age: 24

Personal: Raised and educated in Prince George’s County.

Education: Former dual-enrolled student, Prince George’s Community College.

Experience: Founder, District 6 Literacy & Learning Lab, a volunteer-driven initiative providing free literacy and math support to students and families across District 6; Provides tutoring and mentorship focused on literacy and math development; Youth golf instructor; Certified nursing assistant; State-licensed geriatric nursing assistant experienced in home healthcare settings, providing support with patient care and daily living assistance.

Questionnaire

Q: Do you think the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is helping or hurting school districts?

Q: Do you support restrictions on students’ personal devices, like cellphones, in schools? How much screen time should students be getting in class?

Q: Math test scores are low across the state. What do you think your district should be doing differently to improve math achievement?

Q: With public school enrollment trending down statewide, how would you approach the potential of campus closures and redistricting? And how do you think districts should be recruiting families back?

Q: Should parents have more influence in how school library books are selected? How would you change the system for book selection?

Name: Ashley Kearney

Age: 36

Personal: Homeowner and community leader.

Education: Master’s degree, education, Johns Hopkins University; continued studies in education finance from Georgetown University and advanced educational leadership from Harvard University.

Experience: Legislator; K-12 district administrator; president of an international education society for women.

Questionnaire

Q: Do you think the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is helping or hurting school districts?

Q: Do you support restrictions on students’ personal devices, like cellphones, in schools? How much screen time should students be getting in class?

Q: Math test scores are low across the state. What do you think your district should be doing differently to improve math achievement?

Q: With public school enrollment trending down statewide, how would you approach the potential of campus closures and redistricting?

Q: Should parents have more influence in how school library books are selected? How would you change the system for book selection?