COLUMBIA, MD — Mark Covington has entered the race for Howard County Board of Education. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.
Below you will find Covington's responses, verbatim:
Name: Mark Covington
Age on Election Day: 63
Hometown: Columbia, Maryland
Political Affiliation: Unaffiliated
Email address: covingtonforboe@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61580393421256
@MarkCovingtonforBoE
Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office if elected.
This is my first run for elected office.
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 candidate for the Board of Education, I believe fully funding our public schools is the most critical issue facing voters. Our schools should thrive, not merely survive. The question is simple: do we fully fund school budget requests and give our children every advantage possible, or do we continue asking schools to absorb the consequences of decisions made by federal, state, and local officials? Balancing budgets at the expense of our children is not acceptable, and research confirms this approach has long undermined the promise we've made to help students build their futures.
As a board member, I would work to build strong professional relationships between the County Executive, County Council, and Superintendent — all centered on what is best for our children. Good schools are the heart of good communities, and there is no better societal investment.
How do you differ from other candidates running against you?
My experience as a lifelong public school educator sets me apart. I have served as a teacher, school-based administrator, and college professor. Every candidate cares about students, but my firsthand experience in the classroom and school leadership gives me a unique perspective on what our schools and educators truly need.
How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you've outlined in your campaign and/or the office you're seeking?
My run for the school board reflects why I chose education as my career. I have always believed in both the individual and community value of a well-educated society, and that nearly every social challenge we face can be mitigated by a robust and equitable educational system. My career experience gives me the perspective needed to identify and remove the obstacles that interfere with our schools' effectiveness. Education is about the kids — and it must always be.
What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve on it?
I believe the current board has performed well overall. Board members routinely face difficult decisions with no perfect outcomes, and while I don't agree with every choice that has been made, I do believe they have acted with students' best interests in mind.
How do you feel about the school system in your area and what improvements would you like to see made?
Howard County Public Schools is one of the most effective educational systems in Maryland, staffed by dedicated educators and supported by communities invested in student success. Both of my children graduated from this system, and I am proud of the education they received.
That said, there are clear areas for improvement:
What else would you like voters to know about you?
I believe democracy depends on informed and engaged citizens. Please vote.
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