Metro DC PFLAG Montgomery County District 1, 3, and 5 BOE Candidate Questionnaire Answers

In recent years, the Montgomery County Public Schools system (MCPS) has made great progress with respect to  LGBTQ matters.  MCPS policy, of course, is set by the Montgomery County Board of Education.  Below is the Questionnaire that the Metro DC Chapter of  PFLAG sent to all 2018 candidates for the Board of Education.  Scroll down for the answers provided by the District 1, 3, and 5 Candidates.  For those seeking more context, I suggest checking out the links provided in the Questionnaire itself.  NOTE:  In the June 26 primary election, the top two voter-getters move on to the general election in November.  Since there are only two candidates for the District 1 and 5 seats, the candidates for those seats will not be on the June 26 ballot.  Also, while district candidates must live in their district, all County voters may vote in all the district races.  (Answers from the At-Large candidates may be found at http://davidfishback.blogspot.com/2018/05/metro-dc-pflag-montgomery-county-at.html)

Dear __________:

For many years, the Metro DC Chapter of PFLAG has worked cooperatively with MCPS and the Board of Education to work foster a positive environment for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender, and Gender Non-Conforming students.

In order to inform our members and supporters of the viewpoints of the many candidates running to serve on the Board of Education, we respectfully request that you answer two questions (pasted below), one on Curriculum and one on Anti-Discrimination policies.  In order to provide a context, we include background materials.  As a 501(c)(3) organization, we will not be endorsing candidates for office, but we will pass along your answers, and anything else you would like to let us know, to our members and supporters.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

We would appreciate your response no later than May 1, 2018.  Typing in your responses in a Reply email would be appreciated.

Thank you,

David S. Fishback, Maryland Advocacy Chair

Metro DC PFLAG

fishbackpflag@gmail.com

1.  CURRICULUM

Background

On May 13, 2014, the MCPS superintendent recommended changes in the secondary school Family Life and Human Sexuality curriculum.  See pp. 5-6 of the Superintendent’s recommendation at https://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/mcpsmd/Board.nsf/files/9JVRVT6D30ED/$file/6%201%20Sec%20Health%20Ed%20Curr%20Framework.pdf  With respect to matters of sexual orientation and gender identity were no longer to be tightly scripted and, “[i]nstead of the scripted lessons, instructional planning resources will be developed similar to all other content areas, including sample learning tasks, suggested instructional resources, and teacher guidance (e.g., the American Psychological Association’s Answers to Your Questions for a Better Understanding of Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality, available at http://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/orientation.pdf[which references http://www.apa.org/topics/lgbt/transgender.pdf] This shift will permit teachers to plan instruction based on the specific needs of their students, as they do in all other content areas. 

On June 17, 2014, these recommendations were adopted by the Board of Education.  See, also, BOE Public Comments testimony from the Metro DC PFLAG Advocacy Chair at https://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/mcpsmd/Board.nsf/files/9L7HZB4AA1F7/$file/Fishback%2C%20David%20S.-Testimony.pdf

Question

What is your position on these steps regarding the MCPS health education curriculum?

2.  ANTI-DISCRIMINATION

Background

MCPS guidelines and regulations make it very clear that the Board of Education “expects all students and staff to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates mutual respect without regard to an individual’s actual or perceived personal characteristics, such as . . . gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, [and] family/parental status.”

See, for example, A Student’s Guide to Rights and Responsibilities, 2017-18

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/students/rights/2017_StudentRightsAndResponsibilities_Web.pdf (pp. 6-7, 15) 

and

Employee Code of Conduct, 2017-18

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/staff/Refresh_2013_Content_Pieces/0042.18_EmployeeCodeofConduct_BOOKLET_ENG_web.pdf (pp. 5-6, 14)

With respect to gender identity and expression, MCPS provides specific Guidelines.  See Guidelines Regarding Student Gender Identity Matters 

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/uploadedFiles/departments/studentservices/gender-identity-matters.pdf

Question  

What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies?

3.  IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE DO SO HERE.

DISTRICT 1

Maria Blaeuer 

Question 1: What is your position on these steps regarding the MCPS health education curriculum? 

First, I have no significant concerns about the content/substantive changes that were made.  I am generally in favor of seeking community engagement and buy-in for changes to the student experience - including changes to the curriculum.  I do understand the frustration you shared in your testimony- community engagement is not the same thing as allowing a small minority to prevent actions that reflect the consensus of the broader community (especially when the rights of the minority are not impacted).

 Question 2: What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies?  

 I am supportive of them; all students should feel safe and valued at school. To that end, I also think it is important that MCPS affirmatively support student affinity groups at our schools.    I have some minor concerns around the Guidelines Regarding Student Gender Identity Matters, but don't know if policy changes need to be made or if it is a matter of implementation and ongoing staff development.  Likewise, I am concerned that the restorative discipline approach as implemented in MCPS may not be truly restorative, and is not informed by best practices in restorative justice, as there has not be consistent training and support for restorative practices to be implemented meaningfully. 

Question 3: If there is anything else you would like to share with us, please do so here.   

I would be happy to meet with you and/or this chapter of PFLAG to talk about any of these answers, why I am running and your concerns.  As I am sure you know very well, some of the data regarding GBLTQ youth is alarming, and I would love to hear your thoughts about improving outcomes for them and meeting their needs within MCPS more effectively.  


Judith Docca (Incumbent)

Question 1: What is your position on these steps regarding the MCPS health education curriculum?

I am very pleased that we are beginning to seriously be concerned about issues related to social/emotional growth of our students. Providing students with unbiased curriculum, particularly when it is related to transgender equality issues, is an intervention we must continue. In the past, there was fear that to face squarely the issues related to LGBTQ was a step we were uncertain about letting our teachers face.There was fear about the backlash from parts of the community, so a tightly scripted syllabus was offered and teachers were trained to use the script. Since then, the whole nation has become exposed to more substantive information on these issues. Many facets of the community in the nation are more knowledgeable and accepting of many differences and similarities among the members of our population.The differences and similarities encompass race, religion, ethnic origin and LGBTQ information. It is a learning experience for many adults but students seem comfortable with appropriate access to knowledge.We will continue to normalize information, feelings, beliefs with authentic information and a well-trained staff. Parents and students still will have the opportunity to opt out of health education although sex-ed,which was very difficult to be passed by the BOE also provides life-learning information in other health and safety issues including, substance abuse, healthy dating behaviors, understanding processes to keep our bodies healthy, suicide prevention and the ability to choose activities that are beneficial to the body and the psyche.

Question 2: What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies?

MCPS has several policies which devolve around preventing discrimination for employees and students. As mentioned, policies against discriminating on the basis of religious freedom, ethnicity, nationality, gender issues, etc.are in place. There is a path for complaints or concerns for students and staff. Students may start with teachers, counselors, administrators and other staff, such as building service, food service, parent community coordinators in the school setting.Staff may look to directors, associate superintendents, the Deputy Superintendent, the Chief Academic Officer and the Chief Executive Officer the Superintendent,  principals the ombudsman and their own organizations for redress.

We encourage all students to identify with at least one adult in each building for support and/or advice and to be supported by parents also. All staff members received mandatory basic training in recognizing issues related to substance and sex abuse, suicide prevention, gang information, respect for ethnicity, religion and other pertinent issues for adults and students.

Question 3: If there is anything else you would like to share with us, please do so here.  

I am looking forward to even more training in the issues related to anti-discrimination and sex equity next year. I believe staff is paying more attention to serious issues, is reporting abuse and working closely with other staff members to make MCPS a workplace  and a school system where we are more respectful of each other.

DISTRICT 3

Lynn Amano 

Question 1: What is your position on these steps regarding the MCPS health education curriculum? 

I believe that education on LGBTQ issues is an integral and necessary part of public education and welcome it’s inclusion in the health education curriculum. I am in open communications with the LGBTQ community on how we can best continue to expand on our curriculum in ways that adapt to the ongoing and evolving needs of the LGBTQ community, including looking into models that work well in other school systems. I look forward to continuing this close relationship in the future.

Question 2: What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies?

It is imperative that all of our students feel safe and supported in our school environment. While I appreciate that MCPS has made inroads into supporting the LGBTQ community, it is clear that there is still a great deal of work to be done in executing anti-bullying policies and truly protecting and nurturing our LGBTQ students.

Question 3: If there is anything else you would like to share with us, please do so here.   

In general, I am supportive of all adaptations and changes that support, protect, and welcome LBGTQ students. I look forward to working with the LGBTQ community, LGBTQ students, and their parents and supporters to move policies forward that expand and improve upon our policies and their implementation to best serve our LGBTQ students.

Patricia O'Neill (Incumbent)

Question 1: What is your position on these steps regarding the MCPS health education curriculum? 

I am pleased with the MCPS curriculum.  It is a model that other districts should use.   I have been on the Board since 1998 and I have been working on this issue since 2002.  In 2013, I made the motion to unscript the lessons.  I fought the political and legal battles to help get us here.  I am proud of my work and I am proud to have worked with community partners in these efforts. We cannot afford to go backwards with our curriculum.

Question 2: What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies?

The MCPS Anti-Discrimination policies and regulation.s are good and sound.  One of my earliest votes was to add sexual orientation  to the policy  MCPS transgender bathroom policy is appropriate ,in spite of the Trump administration efforts to reverse course.

Question 3: If there is anything else you would like to share with us, please do so here.  

I am a twenty year veteran of the board.  I bring experience and courage to the table.  I have fought the "sex ed wars." I am proud of my motion and vote to name our newest elementary school after Bayard  Rustin.  This is the first school in Montgomery County to be named after a member of the LBGTQ community.

Laura Simon

Question 1: What is your position on these steps regarding the MCPS health education curriculum? 

I support the MCPS health education curriculum recommendations. am pleased with the MCPS curriculum.  It is a model that other districts should use.   

Question 2: What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies?

I also support the MCPS anti-discrimination policies. 

Question 3: If there is anything else you would like to share with us, please do so here.  

[No response.] 

DISTRICT 5

Peter Pykosh

No response submitted. Mr. Pykosh recently withdrew from the race.

Brenda Wolff

Question 1: What is your position on these steps regarding the MCPS health education curriculum?

I am proud to live in a county that values respect and teaches respect for differences. This curriculum process included input from all stakeholders.  I support the concept that instruction should not be scripted. The goal of any curriculum is among other things to teach critical thinking. I like that this curriculum is aligned with the strategic planning framework and promotes a focus on instruction that values diversity and differences.

I think it is important to note that parents opt in for their children to participate in sexual orientation instruction and that a high percentage of parents have chosen to do so.  This speaks well for our community although we know that there is still work to be done.  As a member of the board of education, I will monitor implementation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best educational outcome for all students.

Question 2:  What is your view of MCPS anti-discrimination policies?

 The anti-discrimination policies are comprehensive and consistent with MCPS’ core values.

The policies are designed to ensure that students and employees are treated consistently and fairly by providing clear standards of conduct that everyone has to follow, as well as procedures for handling complaints and conducting investigations. At a time when many protections against discrimination are being scaled back, I support the efforts of MCPS to make clear what will and will not be tolerated. 

 Question 3:  If there is anything else you would like to share with us, please do so here. 

My entire career has dealt with issues of equal opportunity and access. I started my career with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission adjudicating appeals from decisions of federal agencies on allegations of discrimination.

I spent 27 years in the US Department of Education in numerous positions.  I served as the Chief Regional Attorney in the Boston Office for Civil Rights and the Deputy Director and Acting Director in the Philadelphia Office for Civil Rights which has jurisdiction over the state of Maryland. 

I was appointed by the Secretary of Education as the Special Assistant for Gender Equity for the entire agency.  In that capacity I advised the Secretary and Deputy Secretary on issues of gender equity in all of the Department’s programs.  During that time I also took on the role of advancing the President’s One America Initiative on Race.   I facilitated discussions and activities in the Department that allowed staff to feel safe in talking about race relations in their offices and lives. 

I later became the Director of the National Institute of Educational Governance, Finance Policymaking and Management in the Office of Educational Research and Improvement of the US Department of Education becoming responsible for managing  studies on numerous school governance and policy issues concerned with improving the quality of education and ensuring access to equal education opportunities for all. During that time I also served as the Acting Director of the National Institute on the Education of At-Risk Students.

I subsequently moved to the National Center for Education Statistics serving as the Program Manager for the National Assessment of Education Progress.  In this position I was responsible for management of a budget in excess 0f $131 million dollars a year, Reporting and Quality Assurance. 

I am sharing this history so that you understand how committed how I am to ensuring that all children  are treated with dignity and respect and provided equitable access and opportunity to all programs and activities in MCPS.  This has been the work I have been involved in and continue to do.