Sensible & Student Focused
I believe in the power and promise that a quality education holds for every student in our Calvert County Public Schools. As a school board member, I will work tirelessly to strengthen the relationships between schools, students, teachers, support staff, parents, community members and elected officials, so we are all working together for the benefit of our students.
In collaboration with other elected board members, I will:
• Advocate for equitable education for all students
• Promote innovative teaching methods and technology
• Foster supportive policies that address mental health challenges facing students
• Champion diversity and inclusion throughout the district
• Work to improve school infrastructure, ensuring adequate resources
• Address any disparities in school funding
My positions on key issues follow:
Safety & Well Being -The issues of school safety and student well-being demand comprehensive strategies. Schools should ensure the code of conduct is being enforced with fidelity. They should foster a supportive and inclusive school culture through initiatives like peer support programs, mental health counseling services, and anti-bullying campaigns, working with School Safety Liaisons to make sure robust security measures are in place.
Teacher Retention - The school board must advocate for investing in our educators
and providing them with the resources they need to create a more stable and fulfilling work environment that encourages retention and attracts talent. I will work with other board members to hold the Superintendent accountable for developing a plan to retain and attract teachers and to identify and implement equitable resources to support student achievement. I will also support an annual Superintendent Budget that is developed to achieve these priorities.
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future - Every student should have access to the resources and opportunities outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland's Future to fulfill its promise of improving education statewide. However, the State of Maryland should ensure that the counties receive the necessary funding for its implementation. I will support my state legislators in ensuring this mandate is fully funded for our district.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Maryland Educational COMAR 13A.01.06 states: "Each Maryland public school will provide every student equitable access to the educational rigor, resources, and supports that are designed to maximize the student's academic success and social/emotional well-being." I fully support this law.
Book Banning - School librarians have master's degrees and are teacher certified; they carefully build their collection to reflect curricular needs and their school's population. I trust the work and professionalism of school librarians. Any parent who is concerned about a book has the opportunity to speak with their school's librarian and principal.
Non-partisanship - School board races promote collaboration and prioritize the needs of the students above political agendas. Nonpartisan school boards are designed to remove conflicts that prevent its members from doing their job and members can focus on developing policies and initiatives that benefit all students. Fundamentally, students deserve a board member who strives to provide a loving, safe, and enriching learning environment.
Please vote Jeanette Flaim for the Board of Education
School Board Budget for FY25
At the School Board meeting held on January 25, 2024, the Superintendent gave a brief summary of his proposed FY25 budget. This was a very basic outline with many details still to be worked out. I will be able to comment when more detailed information is provided by the Superintendent. Read More
Qualifications: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this office?
My experience as a contracts and collections manager has taught me the value of gathering facts, negotiating agreements, and patience. These skills will enable me to navigate complex issues and find solutions that benefit our students and community effectively. Read More
Priorities: What are your top three priorities as a school board member, and why?
Retaining teachers ensures continuity, augmenting support staff addresses longstanding community concerns, and additional funding to support these priorities. I will encourage my colleagues to hold the Superintendent responsible for developing a plan to retain teachers and identify and implement equitable resources to support student achievement. I would support an annual Superintendent budget that is developed to achieve these priorities. Read More
Blueprint: What concerns do you have, if any, about the 'Blueprint for Maryland's Future' (major legislation about public schools passed in 2021)?
Every student should have access to the resources and opportunities outlined in the Blueprint for Maryland's Future to fulfill its promise of improving education statewide. However, the State of Maryland should ensure that the counties receive the necessary funding for its implementation. I will support my state legislators in ensuring this mandate is fully funded for our district. Read More
Safety & Well Being: What measures do you support to address issues of school safety and student well-being, including student discipline?
The issues of school safety and student well-being demands a comprehensive strategy that encompasses various aspects. Schools should ensure the code of conduct is being enforced with fidelity; foster a supportive and inclusive school culture through initiatives like peer support programs, mental health counseling services, and anti-bullying campaigns; and, work with School Safety Liaisons to make sure robust security measures are in place. Read More
Teacher Retention: What can the school board do to help keep highly qualified teachers in our school system?
The school board can advocate for investing in our educators and providing them with the resources they need to create a more stable and fulfilling work environment that encourages them to stay within our school system. I will work with other board members to hold the Superintendent accountable for developing a plan to retain teachers and support staff. Read More
Community Engagement: What is a school board member's role in engaging parents & community members to support student education?
I am involved and interact with diverse community members through various groups and organizations to which I belong. Adding the school community, events, and activities will be an excellent addition to help me form and forge new relationships and collaborations. Read More
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Explain why DEI should or should not remain a part of school system policies and procedures.
Maryland Educational COMAR 13A.01.06 states: "Each Maryland public school will provide every student equitable access to the educational rigor, resources, and supports that are designed to maximize the student's academic success and social/emotional well-being." I fully support this law. Read More
Book Banning: What is your position on banning books in school libraries?
School librarians have a Masters degree and are teacher certified and carefully build their collection to reflect curricular needs and their school's population. I trust the work and professionalism of school librarians. Any parent who is concerned about a book has the opportunity to speak with their school's librarian and principal. Read More
Non-Partisanship: In Maryland, school board races are non-partisan. What are your views on keeping them that way?
Non-partisan school board races promote collaboration and prioritize the needs of the students above political agendas. Nonpartisan school boards are designed to remove conflicts that prevent its members from doing their job and members can focus on developing policies and initiatives that benefit all students. Fundamentally, students deserve a board member who strives to provide a loving, safe, and enriching learning environment. Read More