Ellen Flynn Giles

Ellen Flynn Giles, 57, is the vice chairman of the Howard County Board of Education and a senior editor at Platts, a division of McGraw-Hill.

She has a BA in French art history from Agnes Scott College; and a certification in language/literature from the Instituto Internazionale, Rome.

She has served as vice chairman of the Howard County Board of Education, from 2006-present; on the Board of Education Liaison, Community Advisory Council; on the Advisory committee, PCs 4 Kids; as a member of the League of Women Voters, Women's Giving Circle; as eight-term chairwoman, Citizen's Advisory Committee, 1998-2006; one the Executive board, Howard County School Health Council, 2004-06; as a trustee of Vision Howard County, 2004-06; on the PTA Executive Board and School Improvement teams, 1984-2002. She has National PTA lifetime awards.

• Although Howard County ranks at the top of the state in student performance, the system faces a significant challenge in meeting rigorous federal and state mandates for the academic achievement of every school, student group and individual student. Our enrollment continues to increase in size and diversity while the state and county are projecting significant budget reductions. We must employ strategies that maximize our available resources in order to address program needs at aging facilities and maintain instructional staffing and targeted supports that will prepare every child to meet or exceed these mandated standards and succeed in a global economy.
• I hope to improve long-term planning to address the infrastructure and technology required to support ongoing program development and evaluation, design and operation of efficient and effective facilities, implementation of critical staffing models, and the delivery of the quality instruction and assessment critical to graduating students.
• The greatest need facing the school system is overcoming the obstacles to student achievement that lie in economics, culture, experience or race and connect each student to their future. Every student must be prepared not only to meet the state requirements for graduation, but to be productive in their lives after high school. Whether they enter the work force, apprentice in industry or attend college or university, each graduate will need a strong base of communications, mathematics and critical-thinking skills to be competitive.
• Allocation of needs-based resources, including staffing, technology, and related supports, must continue for programs that provide for critical assessment, evaluation and continuous improvement of targeted instruction and interventions for individual students. These include tutorials, double-booked classes, co-teaching models, and after-school programs.
• Funding is critical to providing highly qualified instructors and professional services, allocating needs-based resources to support individual evaluations and delivering differentiated instruction, targeted assessments and interventions. Finally, we must reach out into our communities and families to reinforce these connections and provide access to ongoing supports. Through the environmental curriculum and long-term partnerships with MDE, the Conservancy and local groups, students have made a positive impact on local ecosystems and should be supported in taking ownership of additional Green School projects. System-wide, we should expand implementation of energy management, green O&M, and LEED standards in renovations.
• I have spent more than 20 years advocating for children and public education through service on hundreds of budget, curriculum, planning and policy committees at the local, county and state levels. To this experience base, I also bring an analyst's perspective in assessing critical detail, understanding the big picture, and formulating long-term plans and a mother's commitment to the success of every child.
• My analytical perspective, coupled with 20 years on planning, curriculum and budget committees allow me to put together the pieces that make sound public policy.

E-mail address: efg4boe@comcast.net

Compiled from reports published by the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and the League of Women Voters.

Sources for Candidate Information

I'm a frustrated voter! That is why I created this blog. I think the Board of Education is one of the most important offices in local government, and I have always tried to do my duty as a citizen to cast an informed vote. But, I've never felt that I was informed enough to live up to that duty.

Each year, I would search for information on the candidates but it was always hard to find and scant. Just a few days before the election I was usually able to find some sort of voter's guide - with a few canned questions that didn't really get to the hart of my concerns and that always left me wondering. Often I was still wondering as I approached the polls and had to engage in chit chat with the candidates' volunteers just before casting my ballot in order to get some sort of impression of where they stood.

This year, I've decided to start early and keep at it. And I've decided to make it a bit easier for other voters by putting together a blog to give us easy access to the information that is out there.

Following are the sources that I have found useful so far. As you read through these reports and the summaries I have put together, please remember that none of our candidates are professional politicians with big war chests and "spin misters" to help them keep "on message." Basically, they are just citizens like you and me who have taken the extraordinary step of volunteering to help us all out. Personally, I'd like it if they all could serve on the board, but unfortunately, we have to make a choice. So if their message is a bit rough and unpolished, treat that as a sign that they are genuine and authentic, and cut them some slack!

I would also like to hear what other voters think and encourage you to post your comments, remembering to do so in accordance with the commenting guidelines.

The Howard County Times, 2/7/2008
Unlike the questions-and-answer format provided in the other sources, The Howard County Times, on February 7, provided vignettes of each candidate, highlighting those issues the candidate is focused on. Interesting and thoughtful, but hard to summarize on a blog page! A must read for the informed voter!

Washington Post, Local Elections 2008

The Washington Post's Local Election 2008 Voter's Guide gives background information on each candidate and provides responses to the questions "Why should voters elect you?" and "What doe you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?".

The League of Women Voters, Voter's Guide for 2008 Elections

The League of Women Voters' 2008 Voter's Guide gives background information and asks the candidates what they want to accomplish in office, what opportunities are there to make the schools more green, and how should low-performing students and schools be helped?

The Baltimore Sun, Howard School Board Elections, 2/8/2008
The Baltimore Sun, on February 8, published an article that asked the candidates what distinguishes them and what the greatest need facing the school system is. This article is no longer available on line for free, but may be obtained from the Sun's archives for a fee. The candidates' answers were summarized for this blog.

Di Zou

Di Zou, 19, is student at the University of Maryland.

He is a graduate of the Howard County school system and a sophomore at the University of Maryland College Park where he is pursuing a degree in Mathematics and Economics. He serves as a member of the HCPSS Technology Advisory Committee. A nine-year resident of Howard Country, his brother is currently a student at the Bushy Park Elementary school.

• As a member of the Board of Education I would like to reform county level standardized testing; work with the state to reform state mandated standardized testing; reintroduce the vocational education system; use my knowledge of technology to make sure the school system has an efficient technological base; and make sure the school system has a smart and thoughtful plan towards school construction and renovation.
• The most urgent problem facing the school system is the lack of enthusiasm in students for going to school. The school system should be about education, not about schooling. We need to get students to be able to look forward to going to school every day. We also need to get parents, teachers and the community to be enthusiastic about the education the students are receiving. We need to be able to provide better education, not schooling, while making it more enjoyable for the students.
• I would encourage teachers to work individually with students that are under- performing. I would also encourage more teachers to work with a class that is under-performing. I would also explore the use of alternative teaching methods with under-performing students.
• Some opportunities to make Howard County Schools more environmentally friendly would be: to get rid of Styrofoam and switch to plastic or paper in school cafeterias; increase computer and technology use for assignments which would reduce the amount of paper waste in schools; promote recycling in the classroom; and encourage energy efficient windows and doors in school construction and renovation.
• As a member of the Technology Advisory Committee he would like to see the school system upgrade its technology infrastructure and provide better training for the staff. He would also like to bring back vocational classes such as auto mechanics and carpentry.
• Zou is unhappy with the school system's use of standardized testing. He believes this encourages students to "regurgitate facts" instead of using critical thinking. The exams may "provide a good baseline for how students are performing," but they also force teachers "to teach to the test, and that's never a good thing. You want the teachers to use their own judgment to teach the way that they think their students will learn the best."
• Zou is dissatisfied with the state's upcoming graduation requirements, mandating students to pass four subject tests to obtain their diploma. "I don't agree with it, but there's not a whole lot I can do to change that," he admits.
• Having just graduated from the Howard County school system in 2006, I am young, and I bring a fresh new perspective. I've experienced everything first-hand and recently. I think I have ideas no one else could come up with. I think I'm more in touch with the students.

Email Address: dizouforboe@gmail.com

Compiled from reports published by the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun, The Howard County Times and the League of Women Voters.

Allen Dyer

Allen Dyer, 60, is a computer consultant, lawyer and blacksmith.

He has a JD from the University of Maryland School of Law, a BS in engineering science from the U.S. Air Force Academy; and has USAF pilot training.

Dyer's background includes experience with the education article of the Maryland Code in legal cases; he is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross for service as a combat pilot during the Vietnam War and is on the board of the Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland. He is the author of Avoiding Power Line Accidents and Propane Systems.

• The most urgent problem facing our schools is the upcoming shortfall of approximately $10 million in state funding to Howard County public education due to the actions taken in the recent special session The reduction in state funding imperils plans to attract the best teachers and to renovate aging schools. In addition, the funding shortfall places pressure on our efforts to provide additional support for students who have special needs. In addition to taking immediate action to reduce expenditures, the Board of Education must be more proactive in explaining our students' needs to the General Assembly.
• The greatest need facing the school system is the proper allocation of teachers. Over the years, teachers tend to migrate away from the schools where they are most needed. The board needs to establish an incentive system that will give the superintendent the ability to precisely position our best teachers where they are most needed.Excellent teachers are our most valuable resource so financial incentives should be used to match our best teachers with schools and students identified as low performing. Low performing students should also receive extra educational resources such as parental involvement in crafting solutions, community involvement, and after hours access to computers.
• Some of the things I want to accomplish are: Adhere to state requirements, improve partnerships with the county government and all communities. Open communication with, and honestly disclose issues important to, the communities. Create a safe and healthy school environment that provides each child with the foundation and opportunity to reach his/her potential as a human being.
• Some of the opportunities to make our schools more environmentally friendly or green are: Partner closely with Montgomery County and others who have integrated green practices into their operations and construction programs. Work with the Department of Public Works which has already built green buildings. Require LEED certification. Schools represent abundant opportunities for studying how to build a sustainable living environment.
• I am passionate about public education. I am running because I believe the Board of Education matters. The decisions of the board not only directly affect today's quality of life, but also shape the future and change the fate of our children. I love debate, analytical thinking and creative problem solving. I can think outside the box and I will make a positive difference. As a part of the local decision-making process, I know I can be a creative force for positive change.
  

Compiled from reports published by the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and the League of Women Voters.

Diane Butler

Diane Butler, 53, is vice president and of the St. John's Lane Community Association. She home-schools her 15-year old daughter.

She has an AA in science from Diablo Valley College and has completed course work at Los Medanos College, Sacramento State, and University of Maryland.

Her background includes being a former PTA officer and fund raiser coordinator; founder of Eagle Reader, a reading program for at-risk elementary pupils; membership on boards that advocated for school issues in Tracy, Calif.; United Way; Howard County Infill Committee member; past member, Howard County Schools Citizen Committee; Howard County Route 40 task force, and four-time president of the St. John's Community Association.

• The most urgent problem facing our district is how we are spending an outrageously high budget. I want to help educate the public about our exploding budget. There should be much less of a gap between teacher pay and administrative pay.
• We should be able to stop busing our children all over our supposed 'green' county. We need to develop student/parent/teacher partnerships through neighborhood schools with core feeder systems. Every homeowner should know which school core system their house is in. Our redistricting policies are inane and disrupt our neighborhoods. A crucial sense of community is lost by busing. Green" county, my eye! We can never be a "green" county as long as we are setting a poor example for our children ecologically, every day, as we bus them all over the district.
• The greatest need facing the school system is the ability to give every student an excellent education, in a safe environment, whether that be by closing the achievement gap, getting help for at-risk students as early as kindergarten, setting up vocational training programs, challenging our very brightest children, putting sports back in middle schools, or starting an International Baccalaureate program for our most advanced high school students.
  
• Some of our schools are decrepit and without new technology. We need magnet schools and an International Baccalaureate program. Every child deserves the best education we can give them. To compete in a global market we must improve our math/science/technology component at every school, not just our new ones, and at every age level.
• We shouldn't have any low performing schools as long as we back the teachers on proper discipline and work with the parents of the children. I was able to set up "at risk" reading programs for elementary children in California for $100 a school. They involved parent/teacher partnerships!
• I also see a need for a more open relationship between the citizens and the school board. Because of my experience here and in other parts of the country, as a city and community leader for the past dozen years, I will bring a different perspective to this school board. I have participated in other school systems and can bring some fresh ideas to a very closed, static board. Voters should elect me because I will address all of the politically incorrect issues that no one ever dares to bring up.

E-mail address: politicodiane@msn.com

Compiled from reports published by the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and the League of Women Voters.

Janet Siddiqui

Janet Siddiqui, 46, is a pediatrician at Johns Hopkins and currently serves on the Board of Education.

She has an MD from the Eastern Virginia Medical School with a specialty in Pediatrics from the Georgetown University Medical Center and a BA in Biology from SUNY, Buffalo. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

She is a current Board of Education member, a pediatrician for Johns Hopkins Community Physicians and part of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine part-time faculty. She has also served on the HCPSS Anti-bullying Task force, the HCPSS Citizens Advisory Committee, the Howard County Dept. of Citizen Services, the Community Services Grant review committee and the Patuxent River Commission. She volunteers at local health fairs and clinics, and is a resident of 22 years.

• My educational background and profession as a pediatrician brings a unique perspective to the board, with an understanding of child development. I understand the needs of the "whole" child, the cognitive, physical, emotional and social needs. As a parent with children in the school system, I understand the issues faced by most parents today and share the same concerns. As a current Board of Education member I have the experience, leadership, background and knowledge to handle the fiscal responsibilities of the board.
• The most urgent concern for our school system is continuing to be one of the best in the nation while closing achievement gaps. As a board member and advocate for children, I would like to continue to focus my attention on maintaining and enhancing our reputation and to continue to close those gaps. This not only requires leadership, accountability and collaboration with the community, it requires a thoughtful approach to maintain the balance between the needs of the students, teachers, facilities and staff. We must strive for academic success for all students, using proven techniques, effective programs, methods and latest technology. We must address issues for our schools in need of renovations in fiscally responsible and equitable ways. We must continue to support and maintain our qualified teachers by offering competitive salaries and professional development.
• Some of the things I would like to do are: maintain and improve academic excellence; find ways to address the individual needs of each child; provide equitable compensation and professional development for teachers; improve facilities, technology and wellness initiatives; engage parents and the community to work together to close the achievement gap, and to prepare students for the future.
• While the school system continues to make strides in helping low-performing students and low- performing schools, each student needs to achieve academic success. Good principal leadership in the schools, working with community and school leaders, engaging parents, setting high standards and using proven effective methods and programs will help to continue to close those gaps.
• In order to make our schools more environmentally friendly or green, an energy audit at each school should be considered. This would help to determine effective and economical changes that can be put in place. As we renovate schools, we should try to incorporate energy efficient ideas. We should continue to encourage students, schools, and the community to learn and practice Green initiatives.
• I will continue to listen to parents while finding ways for increased collaboration between the HCPSS and community groups as it relates to school renovations, redistricting and other matters. I support a safe educational environment for our children, and will continue to use my knowledge in such areas as Internet safety, cyber-bullying, gang activity and health and physical education issues for a better student community.
• I will help to facilitate the expectations of our community by continuing academic achievement of all students, ensuring that every student is challenged and is able to achieve full potential. We need to recruit and retain quality teachers and provide them with the latest technology, resources and training for success in their mission.

Web site:http://www.janetsiddiqui.com
E-mail address: janet@janetsiddiqui.com

Compiled from reports published by the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and the League of Women Voters.

Betsy Grater

Betsy Grater, 74, is a former teacher and business owner. She is now retired.

She has an MA in early childhood education from Vanderbilt University, a BA in elementary education from Kutztown University and a certificate in management from Goucher College.

Grater's background includes being a former teacher, kindergarten through third grade; she was elected to the Raleigh, N.C., School Board and served from 1971 to 1974; she has served as the co-president of the League of Women Voters of Howard County from 2001 to 2005 and as the director of the League of Women Voters of Maryland from 2005 to the present; she was a member of the State of Maryland Child Care Task Force from 2000 to 2001; and was the president of the National Association of Women Business Owners from 1989 to 1990. She has been a master gardener at the University of Maryland Extension Service, since 2003.

• An educational background and experience specific to the field of education distinguishes me from my opponents. I have two degrees in education (bachelor's and master's), teaching experience in public school systems and experience serving on a school board. I was elected to the Raleigh, N.C., school board in 1971 and served during a time of considerable contention over the integration of the schools. I was the principal proponent of a successful program leading to complete integration. I have three grandchildren in Howard schools and the experience and wisdom to tackle our challenges.
• One of the most urgent problems facing Howard schools now is the prospect of budget cuts relating to the fiscal crisis in the state budget. In legislation just passed, state aid is frozen at the fiscal 2008 level for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010. Budget cuts mean teachers, books and supplies are affected, which, in turn, affects how and what students are taught. Maintaining and renovating our schools to keep them in good condition and to keep them upgraded to meet current needs are also functions of the budget.
• Recruiting and retaining quality teachers and staff is of paramount importance, as is continuing efforts to close the achievement gap, an issue faced by school systems nationally. Each student and school should be able to take advantage of every resource the system has available to encourage students toward excellence. The administration should make each school and each teacher aware of those resources and how best to access them. Parents should be involved with home activities and studies to enrich the lives of each student.
• There are green programs happening right now in some schools, building compost bins and creating habitats. These should be supported and encouraged by the administration and teachers. Also, there are organizations that would be interested in helping, for example, Master Gardeners. The schools should use native plants and Bay-wise practices.
• The Howard County school system is one of the finest in the nation. Our schools have an excellent reputation. However, this does not mean it can't be improved. What it means is that the past and present Howard County school boards have done a good job, and future boards should address issues carefully to avoid drastic changes that could have unexpected negative consequences. I would work to see our schools reach even higher standards. I would like to ensure that all the Howard County students receive the best education (all around) that our funding can provide, and that our teachers can provide.
  

E-mail address: betsygrater@aol.com

Compiled from reports published by the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and the League of Women Voters.