BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Ahead of the 2026 general election in November, Patch has invited candidates running to represent Baltimore County to complete a questionnaire touching on a variety of key issues.
Candidate responses will be published verbatim in the run-up to Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Related:
Questionnaire responses for Kelli McClelland, who is running to serve the 3rd District on the county school board, can be found below:
Name: Kelli McClelland
Age: 44
Hometown: Timonium, Maryland
Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time on the Baltimore Co. Board of Education if elected.
My legislative advocacy journey began in 2010, after my family was struck by a drowsy semi-truck driver in a fatal crash. With the help of other victims and survivors, I learned how to take that fight to Capitol Hill, advocating for truck safety legislation and educating lawmakers.
I eventually led a first response outreach program, providing other families with the same support I had received. I have worked with Republican and Democratic lawmakers and supported families regardless of politics.
Safety isn't partisan, and neither is public education. I will bring that same commitment to coalition-building, advocacy, and results to the Board of Education.
What is the biggest issue facing Baltimore County Public Schools, as well as students? How do you intend to address those issues?
Budget strains exacerbated by a lack of public trust in how BCPS spends taxpayer dollars are among the biggest challenges facing our schools.
As a Board member, I will advocate for greater transparency and accountability, ensuring budget information is clear, accessible, and readily available to the public. We need to build trust so we can turn our attention where it belongs: ensuring every dollar spent is directly tied to improving student outcomes.
How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you've outlined in your campaign and/or the office you're seeking? How do you differ from other candidates running against you?
As a career educator, advocate, and trained social scientist, I bring a unique breadth experience to this role. I have seen how educational systems operate at every level, from the classroom to program administration, and I understand how decisions impact students, educators, and families. My experience has taught me how to navigate complex systems, build coalitions, and turn advocacy into meaningful results. What sets me apart from my opponent is the depth of my professional experience and my proven commitment to doing the hard work necessary to improve outcomes for every student.
What is your opinion of the work being done by the current seat holder, and how will you improve on it? If being reelected, please state how you will grow initiatives further.
We are at an exciting moment for BCPS, with a new superintendent and a full board bringing fresh energy, new ideas, and opportunities for meaningful progress. I believe we need leadership that builds trust and brings people together. I will bring a commitment to professionalism, mutual respect, and integrity, while prioritizing responsive constituent services and open, honest communication with families and the community. My focus will always be on improving outcomes for students.
A student brings a gun/weapon to campus without setting off any red flags.
What security measures would you advocate for to prevent such an incident? Do you believe schools need stricter security measures? Metal detectors? Explain.
Any breach of security demands that leadership thoroughly evaluate the circumstances, identify the failures that contributed to the incident, and take meaningful corrective action to prevent it from happening again. Accountability, transparency, and student safety must remain the priorities.
The county has seen a spike in incidents involving teen brawls. What steps would you take to curb incidents?
Our schools have an important role in preventing these events. I would build on existing efforts to help students develop social-emotional skills, including conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and healthy decision-making. When these incidents occur and BCPS is involved, it is imperative that we remain consistent in our discipline, while also embracing our commitment to Restorative Practices and Conscious Discipline.
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