CHELTENHAM, MD — Candice Perkins has entered the race for Prince George's County Board of Education District 9. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.
Below you will find Perkins' responses, verbatim:
Name: Candice Perkins
Age on Election Day: 44
Hometown: Upper Marlboro
Political Affiliation: Democrat
Email address to be published: thecandiceperkins@gmail.com
Campaign website/Facebook page: website Facebook Instagram
Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office if elected.
Yes, I have substantial experience advocating for scholars, families, and the community in Prince George’s County. As a parent of 3 PGCPS scholars (1 recent graduate and 2 current pgcps scholars) I am the District 9 Representative on the Parent and Community Advisory Council (PCAC), where I work closely with school leadership to ensure family perspectives are incorporated into decision-making. Additionally, I serve as President of the Frederick Douglass High School PTSO and Chair of the CMITS Safety Subcommittee. Through these roles, I have developed skills in policy review, community engagement, and school safety initiatives.
These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in our schools, and the importance of equity, transparency, and collaboration in educational leadership. When elected, I will CONTINUE to bring this perspective to the Board of Education by ensuring that decisions are scholar-centered, informed by families, and grounded in data and best practices. My experience advocating for non-verbal learners, both of my own children and others in the community also underscores my commitment to ensuring every scholar receives the support they need to thrive no matter their circumstance.
What do you believe is the single-most important issue facing voters in the district you’re looking to represent? How do you intend to address those issues?
As a parent leader, PGCPS graduate, and longtime advocate for scholars and families, I believe the most important responsibility of a Board member is ensuring every scholar has access to a high-quality education, regardless of their ZIP code. Lasting progress requires accountability, transparency, and meaningful partnerships with families, it’s non-negotiable. I see and hear this daily. I will work to ensure resources are aligned to scholar needs and that the community clearly understands how decisions are made. Most importantly, I will be a visible, accessible leader who listens, engages, and delivers for District 9 scholars and families.
How do you differ from other candidates running against you? I am the only District 9 Board of Education candidate who is a proud PGCPS graduate, wife, and parent of three children, including one recent PGCPS graduate and two current PGCPS scholars. Long before this seat became available, I was already serving our community as President of the Frederick Douglass High School PTSO, District 9 Representative on the PGCPS Parent and Community Advisory Council (PCAC), Founder and Chair of the CMITS Safety Committee and a member of the Prince George’s County Literacy Commission, building meaningful relationships and driving family engagement across the district.
As a parent leader, community advocate, and proven collaborator, I have been doing the work and understand both the opportunities and challenges facing our schools. My more than 15 years of federal government leadership experience managing complex programs, budgets, performance metrics, and cross-functional teams equips me to provide strong governance and accountability. At the same time, my hands-on involvement in our schools keeps me connected to the everyday realities of scholars, educators, and families.
I bring a unique combination of professional expertise and lived experience. I understand how to oversee resources, evaluate outcomes, and build strategic partnerships, but I also understand what families need to help scholars succeed. That balance of leadership, advocacy, and community connection positions me to effectively represent District 9 and help ensure every scholar has access to a high-quality education.
How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you’ve outlined in your campaign and/or the office you’re seeking?
I bring a rare combination of federal-level program leadership and local school advocacy. I lead with data, strategy, and results but never lose sight of the scholars and families we serve. That’s how I turn vision into measurable impact in our schools.
What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve on it? If that is you - how do you plan to continue improving upon what you've already accomplished?
The current District 9 Board of Education member was appointed in February of 2026. While I respect the service of the current District 9 Board member, my focus is on building on the successes and addressing opportunities to better serve all of our scholars and families. I have a proven record of leading cross-functional teams, improving operational efficiency, and fostering stakeholder engagement in high-stakes federal programs. I will apply this experience to ensure that District 9 schools are safe, equitable, and high-performing by enhancing communication between families and the Board, strengthening school safety initiatives, and promoting data-driven decision-making to improve scholar outcomes. My approach centers on collaboration, accountability, and measurable results, ensuring that every child in District 9 has the resources and support needed to succeed.
How do you feel about the school system in your area and what improvements would you like to see be made?
Prince George’s County Public Schools continue to demonstrate pockets of excellence and tremendous potential as we shape and tell our story. Across the district, scholars, educators, and families are achieving great things, but there are still areas where we must focus our efforts to ensure every scholar has the opportunity to succeed.
As a parent leader and advocate, I have seen firsthand the importance of educational equity, safe learning environments, and meaningful family engagement. I am committed to strengthening school safety, expanding access to academic and support resources, and promoting data-informed decision-making to improve scholar outcomes.
I believe every scholar deserves access to a high-quality education, regardless of their zip code. That means fostering inclusive school communities, holding ourselves accountable for results, maintaining high academic expectations, and building strong partnerships with families and stakeholders. By working together, we can build on our successes, address our challenges, and ensure every scholar is prepared to thrive in college, career, and life.
What else would you like voters to know about you?
I’m running for the Prince George’s County Board of Education because I know our scholars deserve leadership that understands both how the school system works and what families experience every single day.
The Board of Education plays a critical role in shaping the future of PGCPS by setting policy, approving budgets, hiring and evaluating the Superintendent, and providing strategic oversight while partnering with district leadership. I understand and respect that responsibility, and I am prepared to serve thoughtfully, collaboratively, and with a focus on results.
My commitment to scholars and families is rooted in both experience and service. As the District 9 Representative on the Parent and Community Advisory Council, I advise the Superintendent and Board by elevating family perspectives and helping inform decisions that impact thousands of scholars. As President of the Frederick Douglass High School PTSO, I work closely with parents, educators, and community partners to support scholar success, strengthen family engagement, and expand access to resources.
As Chair of the CMITS Safety Subcommittee, I help advance conversations around school safety, emergency preparedness, and communication because scholars learn best when they feel safe and supported. As a member of the Prince George’s County Literacy Commission, I am a member of a group of community leaders who work to develop and implement strategies aimed at improving literacy across Prince George’s County.
Professionally, I bring more than 15 years of leadership experience in federal operations, program management, and performance analytics. My background allows me to approach challenges strategically, use data to inform decision-making, and ensure resources are managed effectively and transparently. I believe accountability means not only making decisions, but measuring outcomes and continuously improving results for scholars.
Most importantly, I am a parent, advocate, and lifelong Prince George’s County resident who listens, shows up, and believes every child deserves access to a high-quality education regardless of their ZIP code. I am running to be a steady, scholar-centered voice on the Board and to help ensure our schools are safe, equitable, well-managed, and focused on preparing every scholar for success in college, careers, and life.
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