Strengthening Education in Anne Arundel County and Maryland

Children are an average of 23% of Anne Arundel County’s population, but 100% of our future. Allison believes in a strong public school system coupled with competitive compensation for educators. We must continue our investment in our Education system including our public charter schools, our magnet school programs; STEM, International Baccalaureate and Performing Visuals Arts, and our Career and Technology centers.  Allison also believes in continuing to increase access to Pre-K programs for our youngest learners. But education stretches beyond graduation from high school.  We must also support funding for our Community College, Public Library system, and senior centers to ensure Anne Arundel County is fostering life-long learners and supporting our citizens in all their life transitions.  All our education programs should be strengthened to continue to provide all residents of Anne Arundel County with the best possible resources for their future.

If I earn the privilege to serve on County Council, I will be steadfast in communicating, advocating, and working toward solid budget and policy decisions that lead to an improved education system in Anne Arundel County.  My priorities include funding to reduce class size, competitive compensation for all teachers, and increased funding for more guidance counselors.

I am also very supportive of community schools as a concept. A community school is both a place and a set of partnerships between the school and other community resources. Its integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth and community development, and community engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families, and healthier communities.

Community schools offer a personalized curriculum that emphasizes real-world learning and community problem-solving. Schools become centers of the community and are open to everyone – all day, every day, evenings and weekends.

Using public schools as hubs, community schools bring together many partners to offer a range of support and opportunities to children, youth, families and communities. Partners work together to achieve the following results: children are ready to enter school, students attend school consistently, students are actively involved in learning and their community, families are increasingly involved with their children’s education, schools are engaged with families and communities, students succeed academically, students are healthy – physically, socially, and emotionally, students live and learn in a safe, supportive, and stable environment, and communities are desirable places to live.

Strengthening Education

Every child deserves a a great education no matter their zip code. During her first term, Allison has secured funding for seven new school buildings in our district. Also, she has funded 650 new teaching positions and increased salaries for ALL teachers. Investment in education is vital to a thriving community.

Allison served on the Joint Commission for closing the Opportunity Gap and sponsored the Council Resolution supporting the Joint Commission’s final report.

Budget Investments:

• • • • Funding the Old Mill Complex Master Plan in the Capital Improvement Budget (CIP) over the last 3 years.

• • • • Closing the pay gap on Back Steps for Teachers

• • • • Funding an additional 650+ new positions to include special education positions, positions for class size reduction, mental health positions, and additional teaching positions to staff the new Crofton High School.