Editor’s note: Fourteen candidates are running for three open seats on the Montgomery County Board of Education. Board members serve four-year terms. Three incumbents are among the candidates running: school board Vice President Lynne Harris (At-Large) and board members Rebecca Smondrowski (Dist. 2) and Shebra Evans (Dist. 4). MoCo360 is running profiles of the candidates based on questionnaire answers submitted for our voters guide.
Shebra Evans
City/town of residence: Silver Spring
Date of birth: November 25, 1971
Current occupation and employer: Member of Montgomery County Board of Education representing District 4
Political experience: Board of Education member since 2016
Website: www.VoteShebraevans@com
Email: EngageExducateExcel@gmail.com
Why are you running for this office?
I’m committed to ensuring our students receive a high quality education and believe that commitment requires a proven track record to get the job done. I have successfully collaborated with my colleagues over the years, worked with partners at the various levels of government and devoted my time locally and at the state level to address the inequities that have disadvantaged students for far too long. The race for excellence has no finish line and my commitment has me seeking re-election.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I was elected to the school board in November 2016. I served two consecutive terms as the board president and twice as vice president. I am chair of the board’s Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Committee, serve on the Strategic Planning and Policy Committee. At the state level, I am treasurer for the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, the current chair of MABE’s Educational Equity Committee and serve on Policies and Procedures. Prior to serving on the school board, I was a passionate advocate and activist for public education serving in numerous volunteer leadership roles with Montgomery County Council of PTAs (MCCPTA) and various other workgroups. I believe my experience coupled with my leadership will be an asset.
What is the most important issue in this race? How do you plan to address it?
In my opinion, improving outcomes for students is the most important issue. The superintendent has been directed to use every board meeting to discuss how MCPS is progressing on improving outcomes for students in math and literacy for grades three, six and nine. Additionally, it will be important to further improve the communication infrastructure to build more trust and improve the ways in which families receive pertinent information.
Transparency and accountability have been particularly challenging for the school system as shown by the recent sexual harassment scandal involving a former MCPS principal. How do you plan to help the school board rebuild trust with the school community?
As mentioned in the answer above, our communication to staff, students, families and community members on important issues will be key. Also, continuous implementation of the recommendations from the Inspector General for the Department of Compliance and Investigation with regular community updates on the progress of implementation prior to the regular updates to the office of the IG.
Do you have a child in the school system? What school do/did they attend and what grade?
Our oldest daughter is a graduate of Montgomery County Public Schools. Our youngest daughter is currently enrolled at John F. Kennedy High School as a senior.
Are you an MCPS alumnus? Which school(s) did you attend? What year?
I grew up and attended school in the Midwest. My husband and I purposely chose Montgomery County as our place of residence because of the premier public school system.
Bethany Mandel
City/town of residence: Silver Spring
Date of birth: 1986
Current occupation and employer: Freelance writer and commentator
Political experience: Have never held political office
Website: www.bethany4boe.com
Email: bethany4boe@gmail.com
Social media links (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.): Bethany4BOE on X
Why are you running for this office?
There are serious issues in this county’s school district, and my opponents in District 4 represent the status quo. I am running for office because the children and families of our community deserve a functioning school system that we can be proud of; one that produces literate and critical thinkers and prioritizes knowledge and education. I entered the race because the children of our community deserve better. I’m running because families in our community deserve to be treated as respected partners in the education of our children.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
As a journalist and commentator, I’ve focused on MCPS and its issues for some time. During the summer protests outside of Board of Education meetings, I spoke to dozens of parents about why they were protesting the county’s decision to remove their ability to opt their children out of certain readings. They were literally locked out of meetings and felt ignored and disrespected.
What is the most important issue in this race? How do you plan to address it?
Our students are not okay; that fact is evidenced by a number of statistics in our schools: test scores, violence, attendance, enrollment. We have hit a crisis point and the arsonists are still running the fire stations. We need to clean house in MCPS, starting with the Board of Education and MCPS top leadership. Our students need to be our number one priority, not the adults.
Transparency and accountability have been particularly challenging for the school system as shown by the recent sexual harassment scandal involving a former principal. How do you plan to help the school board rebuild trust with the school community?
I will be unafraid to stand up for the children of our community, and those entrusted with their care. I will rebuild trust with the community by prioritizing the community and not the political establishment of Montgomery County. When the Montgomery County Council met to discuss these issues, the members of the board were not put under oath because, as County Councilmember Andrew Friedson said, he didn’t want it to be a witch hunt. My question is: Why not? Everyone in the Montgomery County government are friends, everyone and everything is intertwined. Change is needed now.
Do you have a child in the school system? What school do/did they attend and what grade?
I have six children, three of whom are currently school aged in fourth, third and first grades. They are homeschooled. In Maryland you can homeschool two ways: Either via a portfolio review that is conducted by MCPS or via an umbrella which is overseen by the Maryland State Board of Education. Every homeschooled child in this county, including my own, register with MCPS every year.
Are you an MCPS alumnus? Which school(s) did you attend? What year?
I attended public schools my entire education in the state of New York from kindergarten through 12th grade. I have the utmost respect for dedicated educators that helped me to have the knowledge and skills I have today as a writer and a parent. Learn more about my background and share what is important to you on my website, www.bethany4boe.com.
Laura M. Stewart
City/town of residence: Silver Spring
Date of birth: Feb. 18, 1971
Current occupation and employer: full-time volunteer
Political experience: Local PTA president and county/state advocacy vice president, former Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club president, Democratic precinct chair, campaign volunteer
Website: LauraStewart.org
Email: Laura@LauraStewart.org
Social media links (Facebook, Instagram, X, etc.): X: @LauraStewartBOE
Instagram, threads: @stewart.laura
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556752623209&mibextid=LQQJ4d
Why are you running for this office?
This is a precarious time in our county. I will bring my vast advocacy experience with accountability and transparency to the board to ensure that we use our limited resources most effectively to best educate and support our kids. I have spent many hours listening to school communities and fellow advocates about possible solutions on providing equitable pathways, addressing the opportunity gap, and better engaging all kids. The board should also focus on supporting educators and administrators so that they have the tools to deliver the best education. I am ready to do the work from day one.
What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this office?
I’m a mom with two recent MCPS graduates and have been in PTA and other children’s advocacy leadership positions at the local, county, and state level for over a decade. I’ve rebuilt organizations after controversy while developing productive relationships with decision makers at every level of government. My advocacy has led to initiatives like the Safe School Drinking Water Act, funding for school construction, and increased wraparound services to address family needs. My previous work experience includes telecommunication support for government markets and teaching music lessons. I come from a customer-service mindset and will bring that to the board.
What is the most important issue in this race? How do you plan to address it?
My priority is addressing students’ basic needs so they can reach their potential—whether those needs are educational, physical, or emotional. To improve outcomes, MCPS must reform systems and structure from the top down. For example, Human Resources has failed to provide a safe environment for employees, which in turn affects our classrooms. I would also suggest family and student navigators to help break through MCPS bureaucracy. Also, needs assessments should be performed across all schools so that resources are targeted appropriately. We should triage by focusing resources on third grade literacy in order to set up kids for success.
Transparency and accountability have been particularly challenging for the school system as shown by the recent sexual harassment scandal involving a former principal. How do you plan to help the school board rebuild trust with the school community?
I would encourage the superintendent and the Board of Education to get out of central office and do town halls in the communities they serve in order to reconnect with families. The board should commit to providing open data, building on the one spreadsheet they released after many years of advocacy. The budget should also be broken down so that the public can see where contracts, contractors, and temporary part-time workers on special assignments in the central office are budgeted. All memos, presentations, and answers to board questions should be posted and easily seen on Boardocs.
Do you have a child in the school system? What school do/did they attend and what grade?
I have two children that are MCPS graduates. My eldest child attended Woodlin Elementary School, Oakview Elementary School, Takoma Park Middle School, and graduated from the Richard Montgomery High School International Baccalaureate program in 2019. He graduated from University of Maryland with an engineering degree in 2023 and is now a research fellow at the University of Washington. My youngest attended Woodlin Elementary School, Sligo Middle School and graduated from the Albert Einstein High School Visual Arts Center in 2023. He is currently attending University of Maryland Baltimore County studying computer game development. My children have benefited from special programs and I would like to expand those opportunities.
Are you an MCPS alumnus? Which school(s) did you attend? What year?
I’m a 1989 Bowie High School alumnus from Prince George’s County. I then attended the University of Maryland and Prince George’s Community College. I received my associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Prince George’s Community College in 1996.