Anne Arundel School Board Member Candace C.W. Antwine Dies

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Anne Arundel County Public Schools board member Candace C.W. Antwine died Friday. No cause of death was listed in the news release the school system issued on Saturday.

The Baltimore Sun reported Antwine was 45.

A U.S. Navy veteran, Antwine was elected to a six-year term representing District 1 on the Board of Education in November 2018 and took her oath of office on Dec. 3, 2018.

The district described Antwine as a committed voice for children in need and for military families throughout Anne Arundel County. She also worked to eradicate bullying and racial tension in schools and bring more specialized accommodations to students with disabilities.

“Having seen firsthand the education her son, Joey, a Meade graduate, received, Ms. Antwine was proud of the quality of our school system and was committed to ensuring every student receives the same opportunity,” Board President Melissa Ellis said in a statement. “She was passionate about equity and inclusion for all students. Not one to just point out issues that needed to be addressed, Ms. Antwine instead worked closely and energetically with members and staff to drive action that would lead to effective solutions. She was both a cheerleader for the school system and a voice for the community, particularly those who needed a champion.”

At the time of her death, Antwine was also a member of the board’s policy and equity committees. She also served on several committees of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education.

“I will remember Ms. Antwine as someone who sought at every turn to leave our school system in a better place than it was when she arrived,” Superintendent George Arlotto said in a news release. “She was devoted to doing that for the families in her district and throughout our school system.”

Antwine served her country in active duty, reserve, and civil servant capacities, including positions with the National Security Agency via the Naval Security Group, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Homeland Security.

She held a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting from the Mississippi University for Women and a master’s degree in acquisition and procurement from Webster University. She also completed graduate work in communication, leadership and organizational change at Hawaii Pacific University.

Under Maryland law, the County Council must appoint a successor to fill Antwine’s seat.