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.
Compiled from reports published by the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and the League of Women Voters.
No comments:
Post a Comment