SCANNED DOCS: Students Produce "Young Apple Ballot" for MoCo School Board Races // PLUS: Read Candidate Literature

MoCo students advocate for a styrofoam ban at a recent youth town hall meeting.

MOCO STUDENTS GET POLITICAL OVER THE ENVIRONMENT: Maryland Juice picked up a number of pieces of literature at a Montgomery County Board of Education debate last night. But the most interesting flyer I grabbed was a "Young Apple Ballot" endorsement card produced by a group called "The Young Activist Club." The student-led movement has been trying for years to persuade Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to eliminate environmentally unfriendly styrofoam trays from use in school cafeterias. Specifically, they have been trying to get permission to launch a pilot program at Piney Branch Elementary School (which happens to be about four blocks from my house). After their efforts were rejected the last few years, the young activists-in-training are now getting political. Below you can read a scan of their new endorsement card, along with some background information from their website (excerpt below):

YOUNG ACTIVIST CLUB: We want to replace the wasteful and toxic polystyrene lunch trays at Piney Branch Elementary School with 350 durable lunch trays and a tray washer (also called a ware washer).   Once the ware washer is installed, we want to track the costs and benefits of moving away from disposables and toward reusables.   We want this project to be a test or pilot for the county school district and then, if successful, a model for other schools anywhere in the country.

Money Raised to Date:  We have raised $10,115 to pay for a rebuilt dish washer and durable reusable trays to replace the disposable polystyrene lunch trays.

Status:  Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) administrators have denied our request to proceed with a pilot project.  In a December 23rd, 2010 memo to the MCPS Board of Education, then School Superintendent Jerry Weast cited cost reasons for his opposition to the project.  His staff continue to insist we need a $27,000 new ware washer, that installation costs are a whopping $12,000 (not true), and that two staff are needed to operate a ware washer in Maryland (also not true).... We will continue to appeal the decision and to present evidence justifying the merits of our pilot project which will save MCPS money during its operation, not cost money.  We are now asking new Superintendent Joshua Staff to meet with us so we can discuss the benefits of our project and seek his support to move forward.

Their website also contains a voter guide for this year's Board of Education races:

Board of Ed Candidates Who Support Healthy Schools and Our Dishwasher Project:

Annita Seckinger - District 4
Fred Evans - District 2
Rebecca Smondrowski - District 2
Morris Panner - At Large

Current Board of Ed Members Seeking Re-Election Who DO NOT Support Our Project:

Christopher Barclay - District 4
Philip Kauffman - At Large

Don't Forget to Vote!

Below you can see the literature they were handing out at the school board debate:
"Young Apple Ballot" from Moco Students Activists

BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATE LITERATURE: Maryland Juice also picked up a few pieces of literature that the school board candidates were handing out. Unfortunately, I did not see pieces from all of the candidates. Note that all Montgomery County voters will get to vote for candidates in all three school board races:

• DISTRICT 2:  Fred Evans vs. Rebecca Smondrowski
• DISTRICT 4: Chris Barclay vs. Annita Seckinger
• AT-LARGE: Phil Kauffman vs. Morris Panner

SAMPLE BALLOT: MoCo Hispanic Democratic Endorsements // Club Urges Vote For Dream Act, Marriage Equality & Question B

Montgomery County's Hispanic Democratic Club is mailing the sample ballot below to all registered Hispanic Dems in the county. Notably, the group has chosen to endorse the incumbents in the school board races, but chose Fred Evans over Rebecca Smondrowski for the District 2 open seat. The Hispanic Dems also endorsed a "vote for" the Dream Act (Question 4) and marriage equality (Question 6). The group made no recommendation on gambling or redistricting but endorsed a "vote for" Question B, which would repeal police "effects bargaining" rights. See below:
MoCo Hispanic Democratic Club 2012 Sample Ballot

4,000 Supporters for Later Start Time at Montgomery County Schools // PLUS: School Board Candidates & Experts Weigh In

Earlier this week, Maryland Juice reported on a fascinating movement for a later start to high school times in Montgomery County. School currently starts at 7:20 am (and did going back to when I was an MCPS student in the 90's), but parents, scientists and students want the time pushed back to 8:15 am or later. They cite numerous studies indicating positive health effects and a better learning environment from a later start time, given the natural biological clocks and rhythms of adolescents. The viral petition effort is now nearing 4,000 supporters, and politicians are beginning to weigh in. In fact, this article was easily the most-read blog post at Maryland Juice this week, garnering several hundred pageviews. See what the fuss is all about below.

BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES WEIGH IN ON LATER START TO SCHOOL: We asked all six candidates for the Montgomery County Board of Education to respond with their thoughts on the issue, and so far we have only received two comments:

• At-large school board candidate Morris Panner says, "As a parent, it certainly makes a great deal of sense.  I am reading the studies about the benefits and am impressed."
• District 2 school board candidate Fred Evans responded, "I believe it is worth studying."

Even more interesting, is that Maryland Juice found District 4 school board candidate Annita Seckinger's name on the petition. She was signer number 3598. You can ask the Board of Education candidates about this issue at two upcoming debates (see below). The candidates' email addresses are also available online.

Wednesday October 24, 2012 6:45pm to 9pm	Board of Education Candidates Forum Phil Kauffman Morris Panner Fred Evans Rebecca Smondrowski Chris Barclay Annita Seckinger	Progressive Neighbors State Delegate Bonnie Cullison Sharon Dooley Marva Deskins	Takoma Park Presbyterian Church Assembly Hall 310 Tulip Ave (at Maple St) Takoma Park
Monday October 29, 2012 6:15pm to 7:45pm	Board of Education Candidates Forum Phil Kauffman Morris Panner Fred Evans Rebecca Smondrowski Chris Barclay Annita Seckinger	League of Women Voters of Montgomery County and American Association of University Women	Wheaton Library 11701 Georgia Avenue

GOOD JOB, MOCO: In fact, Maryland Juice has had great fun reading through the dozens of comments from supporters of a later start time for high school. Poring through the numerous intelligent and insightful petition responses has reminded me of the unique blend of wonkiness and civic activism we often see in MoCo. In fact, by my estimation, the last time we've seen this much policy interest from ordinary residents was when County Executive Ike Leggett proposed a comically superstitious youth curfew in the midst of a historic crime decline.

Perhaps Montgomery County residents, who have one of the nation's highest concentrations of post-graduate degrees, have a greater expectation of policy grounded in evidence than in other jurisdictions? Below I highlight a sampling of noteworthy comments from petition signers:

[  SIGN THE PETITION TO START HIGH SCHOOL AFTER 8:15 AM  ]

COMMENTS FROM INSIDERS:

• Patrick Leanza, Silver Spring, MD: As an ex-school board member I know how difficult this is but it really is worth the effort. The problem of extra-curricular activities and sports is real so at least consider the winter and spring seasons.
• Oren, Silver Spring, MD: As a former PTA president I strongly support a later start to the school day.

COMMENTS FROM RATIONALISTS & WONKS:

• Laurie, Silver Spring, MD: This is a data driven school system: ACT on the DATA! 
• Michael, Wheaton, MD: I don't understand why MCPS would do something that clearly goes against what the research says. The research clearly says that teenagers' body clocks are on a later time cycle and need more sleep. If you had cancer and the research showed that a particular treatment didn't work would you use it anyway? It is ridiculous to start high school at 7:20.
• Lisa, Potomac, MD: This idea has been around for years and is repeatedly rejected by the school system but it is time to listen to the scientific evidence and get our priorities straight. More sleep equals more academic success. If the bus schedules are the issue have the elementary schools start earlier. 
• Terri, Chevy Chase, MD: This fight never ends: I worked for later MCPS bell times between 1998 and 2002 while my kids were in high school with no result. Parents need to get behind this.
• Susan, Takoma Pk, MD: This seriously needed change should have been enacted years ago. I realize the transportation costs increase greatly with the scheduling changes that accompanyh transporting high school students later in the day. BUT what is the point in saving money if we are properly educating students while they are on school campuses? And please do not let the arguments around conflicting priorities derail this effort - alert students able to perform at their bests in the classroom ARE the top priority!
• Kathy, Garrett Park, MD: This is just common sense. There is no good reason this can't be done if enough parents will it.
• Stephan, Bethesda, MD: Let get over the bureaucratic inertia and get this change done for the benefit of our teenagers.
• Barbara, Kensington, MD: MCPS should at least respond with a committee of parents, physicians and MCPS personnel to review evidence and impact.
• Jeff, Potomac, MD: The research on this issue is overwhelming. Please help Montgomery County serve our students' needs and enhance their education by making the school schedule fit their needs rather than forcing them to adapt unnaturally and with limited success to a schedule determined based solely on other bases.
• Karen, Kensington, MD: If there is a large concern about sports being impacted in the afternoon, you change them to the morning before school. Exercise before school should also help students concentrate better and kick start their day.
• Leslie, Chevy Chase, MD: The science has been known for years about the need for high school students need for sleep and shifting of their biological clock to later in the morning. Why not help contribute to their academic success rather than compromise it?
• Aren, Silver Spring, MD: This is of the utmost importance to both the physical and mental health of our children. Other area school districts (like Loudon Co.) have figured this out, and MoCo shouldn't be left behind.
• Heidi, Bethesda, MD: It's time to begin the discussion. Making this kind of change would have huge repercussions on everything from bus deployment to extracurricular activities, but the evidence is the evidence, and we are currently ritually abusing our adolescents. Children first!
• Merry, Potomac, MD: Today's Wall Street Journal adds even more ammo for this argument: http://on.wsj.com/R9XG4q No reason that bus schedules can't be turned around so elementary kids (who wake up earlier anyway) can't start school first, then middle, and then high school.

COMMENTS FROM PROFESSIONALS:

• Linda, Silver Spring, MD: As a parent of four, and as an adolescent therapist in MC MD, I have been advocating for this change for forty years. Lives, educations, and careers have been profoundly and negatively affected by this chronic sleep deprivation for financial/budget reasons which is unacceptable.
• Jeanine, Rockville, MD: As a Psychotherapist who treats children & adolescents with depression, school phobia and stress, it is with firm conviction I recommend a later start time for MCPS high schoolers. Let's set them up for success, starting early each day.
• AC, Bethesda, MD: I would be happy to arrange for experts in the field to educate and/or testify on the merits of the proposal. AC Koumbourlis, M.D., M.P.H. Chief, Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Children's National Medical Center Professor of Pediatrics
• Cheryl, Silver Spring, MD: As a psychotherapist, I strongly endorse this measure - all research and anecdotal data suggests the current start time for teens is highly destructive, both emotionally and educationally.
• Kathleen, Takoma Park, MD: As a researcher of adolescent health, I truly know the importance of sleep on adolescent adjustment, health, and well being.
• Leslie, Chevy Chase, MD: as an educator I believe that a simple change is in order - move the elementary school opening times to the earlier slots. This is all about bus schedules.
• M. R., Sandy Spring, MD: I am at NIH and have been involved in this type of research and the empirical evidence is overwhelming. However, my understanding is that these schedules depend on bus sharing and thus are economically driven. I believe the state of Michigan has done this. If I am wrong, please correct me! But I'm with you. Thanks
• Resnik, Bethesda, MD: As a psychologist and former high school special educator for MCPS, I think we would all gain from this change.
• Laila, Silver Spring, MD: As a clinical psychologist, I am aware of both the empirical and anecdotal evidence that starting high school later is immensely beneficial for children's emotional and academic development. Please make this change!
• Beth, Glen Echo, MD: As a parent of former MCPS students and as I teacher, I follow the arguments and the research. It is clearly advantageous to delay the start time and to revisit the staggering of opening to address the needs of our high schoolers.
• Judy, Bethesda, MD: I'm a neurologist. I completely and totally agree
• Brooke, Kensington, MD: Having taught high school and having had teenagers of my own AND having read the research-it never has made sense to have these students in class BEFORE they wake up!
• Jane, Takoma Park, MD: As a retired teacher and parent of an MCPS high school graduate, I feel that my daughter would have benefited from this change. Let's make it for future students. JH.
• Lee, Takoma Park, MD: My wife, a 6 yr. h.s. english teacher in the Montgomery Co. School system will attest that this measure will increase productivity across the board in her experience.
• Gloria, Silver Spring, MD: I'm a teacher and a mom and I see first hand how much worse kids learn before 8:00 a.m.

COMMENTS FROM TRANSPLANTS & FOREIGNERS:

• Tessa, Olney, MD: Moving from Texas to Maryland, I was surprised to learn that one of the top school districts in the state does not utilize evidence based data to help further improve education. Adults are barely productive at the hours our teens are in school. Why is there a delay in implementing what works. Our teens should not suffer because adults do not want to change their own schedule.
• Oskar, Bethesda, MD: I have experience with high schools in 4 countries (Norway, Bangladesh, India and the US) and US start times are by far the earliest. I have never understood the disparity between the starting times for elementary school and high school students in the US; it would be much more reasonable to reverse the start times, letting the teens sleep and reducing the need for before-care for elementary school students.
• Debra, Columbia, MD: I live in Howard County but we have the same issue here and I am very involved in trying to get school times changed here, as well. This is an important issue and I am glad that Montgomery county parents are getting organized. Good Luck! 
• Ben, Rockville, MD: I led a similar campaign as a student in West Hartford, CT in 1997. Let me know if I can help in any way.
• Joel, Rockville, MD: I am a college student now, but I was always for this, because it is absolutely ridiculous to have to wake up at 6:00 a.m. each morning for some. I go to school in France now, and schools start at 9:30.

COMMENTS FROM VICTIMS:

• Henry, Gaithersburg, MD: I M A SENIOR WITH 5 AP .. LET ME SLEEP OMG
• Patrick, Germantown, MD: As a student who is currently taking 4 AP classes, and playing sports both in and out of school- sleep can sometimes be scarce. The extra few of sleep would help tremendously with the academic and physical well-being of not only myself, but many others in the same position as my self.

 More on the battle for evidence-based policymaking soon!

ENDORSEMENTS: Montgomery County Teachers (MCEA) Release 2012 Apple Ballot Recommendations

For years, Montgomery County's teachers union (MCEA) has organized a sample ballot to be distributed at polling locations on election day. This year is no different, and below you can see what recommendations the teachers will be handing out on their "apple ballot." Note that earlier this week, Maryland Juice published a purple "school bus" ballot from MoCo's public school employees union SEIU. The apple ballot and school bus ballot differ on two matters: the District 2 Board of Education race and gambling. SEIU backs Rebecca Smondrowski in District 2 and also came out "for" Question 7 (gambling expansion). In contrast, the teachers are backing Fred Evans in District 2 and made no recommendation on gambling. Note: voters throughout Montgomery County can vote in all of the Board of Education races.
Montgomery County Teachers (MCEA) 2012 Apple Ballot

DEBATE SCHEDULE: Montgomery County Board of Education Candidates to Face Off // Fred Evans vs. Rebecca Smondrowski

UPDATE: Two readers inform us that there are two additional school board candidates debates. One on WED 10/10 and another on MON 10/29.  

10/10 DEBATE: School Board Candidates Forum on Public Safety, October 10 - 7 p.m.
Long Branch Community Center, 2nd floor Social Hall
8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring, MD

10/29 DEBATE: League of Women Voters of Montgomery County and the American Association of University Women are holding a School Board debate for all the candidates on Monday, October 29 at 6pm at Wheaton Library.

In Montgomery County, there are only a few hotly contested races on the ballot this November, and much of the attention has been focused on the 6th Congressional District battle between Democrat John Delaney and GOP Rep. Roscoe Bartlett. Meanwhile, the numerous referenda are attracting time and resources from local Dems -- (eg: police union rights, gambling, redistricting, the Dream Act and marriage equality).

But the real sleeper race is the Board of Education District 2 contest between former principal Fred Evans and MoCo politico Rebecca Smondrowski. Over the next two weeks, MoCo voters will have two opportunities to watch the school board candidates square off (details below):

DEBATE #1: OCT. 19 LEISURE WORLD DEMOCRATIC CLUB EVENT - Montgomery County's Leisure World community has long been a hotbed of Democratic Party activity, given that the thousands of retirees residing there have reliably high voter turnout. They are hosting a school board forum on Friday, October 19th (details below):

We in Leisure World have scheduled a Candidates Forum for the 6 candidates for the Montgomery County Board of Education. It will be held on Friday, October 19, 2012, from 2pm to 4pm. It is sponsored by the Democratic Club of Leisure World but since the Board of Education election is non-partisan, our Candidates Forum will be non-partisan too.

We have received acceptances from all 6 candidates, and we plan to have an in-depth conversation with all the candidates, in front of as many potential voters as possible. We won't have rigid time limits for answers, and won't have every candidate answer every question. Instead, each candidate will be given the opportunity to answer the questions he or she is most interested in, and to have a roughly equal amount of time to talk.

We've prepared a handout to help explain the MoCo Board of Education election, and I'll attach a copy of that handout to this email.

Leisure World is a gated community, where you need an invitation to enter, so if anyone would like to attend this event they can contact me (Paul M. Bessel at besselpaulm@comcast.net ) and I'll be happy to invite you so long as we have enough room.

Leisure World Debate Info: Montgomery County Board of Education

DEBATE #2: OCT. 24 PROGRESSIVE NEIGHBORS EVENT - Progressive Neighbors is a grassroots group of Montgomery County liberals, and on Wednesday, October 24th, they too are hosting a school board candidates debate (details below):

Save the Date: School Board Candidates Forum - Wednesday, October 24

WHAT: Montgomery County Education Forum, Progressive Neighbors, Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, and the African-American Democratic Club of Montgomery County invite you to join us for a community forum to hear from and ask questions of candidates for the Montgomery County Board of Education.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 6:45 to 9:00 pm

WHERE: Takoma Park Presbyterian Church, Assembly Hall –
310 Tulip Ave (at Maple Ave), Takoma Park, MD 20912*

WHO:
District 2: Rebecca Smondrowski, Fred Evans
District 4: Christopher Barclay, Annita Seckinger
At-Large: Phil Kauffman, Morris Panner
Moderators: Del. Bonnie Cullison, Sharon Dooley, Marva Deskins

Please forward this to friends, family, neighbors, listserves, and share it on Facebook.  For more information, please contact Terrill North at terrillnorth@hotmail.com.

*Ample street parking and walkable from Takoma Park Metro.

Doug Duncan Endorses Fred Evans for MoCo School Board // Signs of a Political Return from the Former County Executive?

Tonight, former Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan endorsed former principal Fred Evans for MoCo school board (aka Board of Education District 2). Evans is running against local political activist Rebecca Smondrowski. This development is the second time this year that Duncan has come out of hiding to make a political endorsement. Notably, he supported John Delaney in last April's 6th District Congressional Primary. Is Doug Duncan trying to make a political comeback?

Read the email announcement from Doug Duncan below:

Dear Friends,

Let me explain why I strongly support Fred Evans for the Montgomery County Board of Education.

I've known Fred for over 25 years. We first met when I was a Rockville City Councilman and he was an Assistant Principal at Rockville High School, where my sister was a student. We instantly connected with one another as we discussed education, politics, and sports.  Fred has the experience, dedication and leadership you hope to find in every teacher and principal. I have always relied on him.

It is important that we have individuals with Fred’s experience and knowledge on the Board of Education. With an annual budget of over $2.3 billion, we must choose someone who truly understands the resources needed by our teachers, students, parents, and community members. We must choose someone who can look at an award winning school system and strive to make it even better.

Fred is the clear choice because, for this job,
there can be no learning curve.
Fred’s three priorities to make our strong school system better are:

• Close the existing achievement gap among our students.

• Hold a series of "Educate the Board of Education" forums to provide the community an opportunity to express what works and what needs to be improved in MCPS.

• Conduct a comprehensive study of the MCPS budget to determine which programs work, which can be improved and which should be eliminated.

To learn more about Fred visit www.FredEvans2012.com or email info@FredEvans2012.com.

Sincerely,

Doug Duncan

WATCH: Fred Evans vs. Rebecca Smondrowski - MoCo School Board Debate // PLUS: Blaine Young vs. Frederick Teachers

This November, numerous Maryland voters will elect members of their local school boards. But some of these low-profile races are among the most competitive contests on the ballot. Below Maryland Juice highlights three notable Board of Education battles: Montgomery County, Frederick County & Prince George's County.

BOE BATTLE #1 - VIDEO DEBATE FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION (DISTRICT 2): Last April, Montgomery County voters nominated former principal Fred Evans and local politco Rebecca Smondrowski to run for the lone District 2 school board spot this November. Candidates from throughout Montgomery County can vote in this race. Fred Evans has the backing of the teachers union (MCEA), while Rebecca Smondrowski has the backing of The Washington Post and two other unions in Montgomery County: MCGEO and SEIU Local 500. Below you can watch Fred Evans and Rebecca Smondrowski debate on MoCo cable's "Political Pulse" show:



BOE BATTLE #2 - CANDIDATE WITHDRAWS FROM FREDERICK COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RACE: This November, Frederick County voters will vote to fill a portion of their Board of Education seats. The race is highlighting numerous ideological battles, as Frederick Tea Party leader Blaine Young is trying to wrest control of the school board. He needs one more vote on the school board to unleash his agenda. Last May, Gazette columnist Joe Volz gave a quick background on Young's attempts to gain control the Frederick County school board:

SEIU Local 500 Endorses Rebecca Smondrowski for Montgomery County Board of Education, District 2

SEIU Local 500, the labor organization representing employees in the Montgomery County public school system, has endorsed Rebecca Smondrowski for the Board of Education District 2 seat. Smondrowski is running against former principal Fred Evans, who has the backing of the teachers union (aka MCEA). In the April school board primaries, five candidates vied for the two General Election spots. The Primary Election results are below, followed by the endorsement press release from SEIU Local 500:

DISTRICT 2 BOARD OF EDUCATION PRIMARY RESULTS (April 2012)

1. Fred Evans - 16,495 (24.8%) - MCEA Endorsed
2. Rebecca Smondrowski - 14,938 (22.4%) - Washington Post Endorsed
3. Jeanne Ellinport - 14,487 (21.7%) - MCEA Endorsed
4. Susan Byrne - 13,828 (20.8%)
5. Saqib Ali  - 6,878 (10.3%)

PRESS RELEASE    SEIU Local 500 Endorses Rebecca Smondrowski for  Montgomery County Board of Education, District 2
History of commitment to education key to endorsement

GAITHERSBURG, MD – The executive board of the SEIU Local 500 unanimously voted to endorse Rebecca Smondrowski for the open, District 2 seat on the Montgomery County Board of Education.

SEIU Local 500 President Merle Cuttitta said:

“Local 500 members drive the buses that bring children to school, keep classrooms and hallways clean and safe and provide direct instruction to this community’s children as paraeducators and media assistants - and they are committed to giving our children a world class education. Local 500 members also have children and grandchildren who attend Montgomery County public schools. That’s why it is so important for all of us to have someone like Rebecca on the Board of Education, because she has proven her commitment to our schools, our community and our children.”

Rebecca Smondrowski expressed her appreciation of Local 500’s support:

“SEIU Local 500 members are on the front lines, working to keep Montgomery County schools among the nation’s best and I am honored to have their support.”

SEIU Local 500 members include supporting services employees at MCPS, Maryland family childcare providers, part time faculty at Montgomery College and employees at homes and centers for the developmentally disabled.

UPDATE: MoCo Board of Education Candidate Rebecca Smondrowski Holds 365 Vote Lead Over Jeanne Ellinport

Ten days ago, Montgomery County's Board of Education District 2 Primary ended with somewhat of a murky result. The top two candidates in the race will proceed to the November General Election, but last week there were only 452 votes separating the second and third place finishers:

After 1,652 absentee ballots were counted last week, Fred Evans maintained his first place finish, and Rebecca Smondrowski held a 371 vote lead over Jeanne Ellinport. Today, 2,259 absentee ballots have now been counted, and Ms. Smondrowski is still maintaining a 365 vote lead over Ms. Ellinport. This may be the end of this race, as Ellinport has only netted a handful of votes through the absentee count. See the current unofficial results below:

Board of Education District 002 | Non-Partisan (Vote for One)
Name	Party	Early Voting	Election Day	Absentee / Provisional	Total Votes	Percentage
Saqib Ali	Non-Partisan	860	6,021	230	7111	10.3%
Susan Byrne	Non-Partisan	1,463	12,381	627	14471	21.0%
Jeanne Ellinport	Non-Partisan	2,031	12,477	458	14966	21.7%
Fred Evans	Non-Partisan	2,098	14,429	571	17098	24.8%
Rebecca Smondrowski	Non-Partisan	1,745	13,213	373	15331	22.2%

---

Congratulations to Fred Evans & Rebecca Smondrowski!

Montgomery & Frederick School Board Primaries May Come Down to Absentees // Two Analyses of the Results

Below Maryland Juice prints two analyses from Maryland politicos regarding potentially up-in-the-air results in Montgomery and Frederick counties.

A Close Race in Montgomery // Background: In Montgomery County, the District 2 Board of Education primary will ultimately yield two winners who will proceed to the November General Election. But currently, the second and third place finishers are separated by about 450 votes, with over 3,000 absentee ballots outstanding. A Leisure World Democratic Club leader and advocate Paul Bessel provides a micro-analysis of the race. Leisure World is a massive retirement community in Montgomery County with a large Democratic Club, and its super-large precincts have historically had the highest turnout in Maryland. Bessel looks at the District 2 results thus far in the Board of Education race, and he concludes that the outcome could shift. Read his take below. The current results are as follows (click to enlarge):

A Close Race in Frederick // Background: Meanwhile, in Frederick County, the Frederick News-Post editorial board notes that Tea Party leader Blaine Young received a rebuke from voters, given the strong showing of teachers union-backed candidates in last Tuesday's school board primaries. Young has triggered famous wars with public employees in his quest to raise his profile for a run at the Governor's mansion. Nevertheless, the News-Post ed. board highlighted the potential for the results to shift slightly, given the large number of outstanding absentee ballots (relative to the narrow margins). The Frederick Primary is a preview battle for three seats on the county's school board. In last Tuesday's election, voters were allowed to select three candidates out of twelve -- but the top six will proceed to the November ballot. Read the Frederick News-Post's take below. The current results are as follows (click to enlarge):

To help guide you through the math of whether any election results might change, you may want to take a look at the numbers of absentee ballots that were mailed out by the Board of Elections - [Absentee Totals Here]. Also, note that ballots will continue being counted until April 13, 2012.

Maryland Schedule of Ballot Tabulation:

1. Early Voting: Reporting (Early Voting Results are expected to be posted by 8:30 p.m. on Election Night)
2. Election Night: 1851 of 1851 Precincts Reporting
3. Absentee 1: Reporting (The Absentee 1 canvass begins April 5, 2012)
4. Provisional: Not Reported (The Provisional canvass begins April 11, 2012)
5. Absentee 2: Not Reported (The Absentee 2 canvass begins April 13, 2012)

Current Leisure World Democratic Club Leaders : Paul Bessel is standing next to President Obama

MoCo Board of Education District 2 Outcome Could Change // by PAUL BESSEL

REPORT: MD Absentee Ballots Received Per District & County // P.S. MoCo School Board Has 452-Vote Margin w/ 3K Absentees

Maryland Juice was just flipping through the Maryland absentee ballot counts, so I thought I'd share them all with you. The numbers below show how many voters received absentee ballots, and how many have mailed them back. The numbers are split by Congressional District, and then by County. If you are monitoring any races that are currently too close to call, this may help you get a feel for your candidate's chances. Below, for example, the numbers give us an idea of whether the Montgomery County Board of Education results might change in the District 2 race.

SPOTLIGHT: 3,000+ ABSENTEE BALLOTS IN MOCO: One initial thing I've noted is that there appear to be well over 3,000 absentee ballots that have not yet been counted in Montgomery County. That means that the close result in the countywide Board of Education District 2 Primary *could* flip. The second and third place finishers are currently separated by a margin of 451 votes. You can think of a few scenarios why this result could change. For example, a candidate could be doing exceedingly well with absentee voters within a certain strong absentee demographic, or there could be a mundane scenario where a candidate simply didn't target absentee voters. Even still, I think a reversal is not terribly likely, given that there was a crowded field of strong challengers in the D2 race. That means for one candidate to gain 451 votes, they would have to do disproportionately well compared to their rivals. We'll know soon enough! See the pre-absentee results in the MoCo school board D2 race below. The absentees results will hopefully be out soon.

MOCO BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 2 (Results Without Absentee Counts)

1. Fred Evans - 16,495 (24.8%) - MCEA Endorsed
2. Rebecca Smondrowski - 14,938 (22.4%) - Washington Post Endorsed
3. Jeanne Ellinport - 14,487 (21.7%) - MCEA Endorsed
4. Susan Byrne - 13,828 (20.8%)
5. Saqib Ali  - 6,878 (10.3%)

Maryland Absentee Ballots Sent and Received - April 2012 Primary

MoCo Board of Education Primaries Bring Mixed Results for Washington Post & Teachers Union Endorsed Candidates

BACKGROUND: Only the most demented among Maryland politicos could enjoy following the longstanding endorsement rivalry between The Washington Post and Montgomery County's teachers union (aka MCEA). If you happen to be one of these deranged politicos, note that last night's Board of Education results in Montgomery County are a mixed bag for both The Washington Post and MCEA.

In both the Board of Education District 2 and At-Large races, voters were asked to choose only one candidate in each race. These "primaries" are non-partisan, and so in both the District 2 and At Large races, the top two finishers will appear on the November General Election ballot.

Board of Education District 2 (Vote for One): For the District 2 race, MCEA endorsed two candidates: Fred Evans and Jeanne Ellinport. Meanwhile, The Washington Post endorsed Rebecca Smondrowski. This skirmish will continue into November, as Fred Evans and Rebecca Smondrowski are the top two finishers in the unofficial vote totals. The 2nd MCEA-backed candidate Jeanne Ellinport trails Smondrowski by 451 votes, which represents over half of a percentage point difference between the two candidates.

1. Fred Evans - 16,495 (24.8%) - MCEA Endorsed
2. Rebecca Smondrowski - 14,938 (22.4%) - Washington Post Endorsed
3. Jeanne Ellinport - 14,487 (21.7%) - MCEA Endorsed
4. Susan Byrne - 13,828 (20.8%)
5. Saqib Ali  - 6,878 (10.3%)

Board of Education At Large (Vote for One): In the Board of Education At Large race, MCEA-backed incumbent Phil Kauffman dominated the primary election, winning over 60% of the vote. His nearest challenger, The Washington Post-backed Morris Panner, was over 42 points behind. Nevertheless, the At Large school board race is another race where MCEA and The Washington Post-backed candidates took the top two spots. That means this skirmish will also continue into November.

1. Phil Kauffman - 38,722 - (60.3%) - MCEA Endorsed
2. Morris Panner - 10,897 - (17.0%) - Washington Post Endorsed
3. Lou August - 7,649 - (11.9%)
4. Aryeh Shudofsky - 6,947 - (10.8%)

More on the MoCo Board of Education races soon!

MCEA Sends Direct Mail for Jeanne Ellinport Featuring Sen. Rich Madaleno and Delegates Bonnie Cullison & Heather Mizeur

UPDATE #2:  Rival Board of Education candidate Rebecca Smondrowski emailed to highlight that Delegate Heather Mizeur has endorsed both herself and Jeanne Ellinport for the District 2 seat. She forwards an email blast from Delegate Mizeur, which we excerpt below:

HEATHER MIZEUR: For the Montgomery County Board of Education (a non-partisan race), there is an open seat in District 2 where county-wide votes will be tallied to advance the top two vote getters for the general election. I recommend you consider supporting either Jeanne Ellinport or Rebecca Smondrowski.  Both bring considerable passion for and experience on educational issues in the County and would make fine additions to the Board of Education.

UPDATE: In the comments section below, MCEA political director Jon Gerson explains the omission of Fred Evans from the direct mail pieces below:

JON GERSON: While Maryland Juice chose to post recent direct mail pieces sent out by MCEA in support of Board of Education candidate Jeanne Ellinport, with commentary recognizing the organization's recommendation of both Ellinport and Fred Evans in the D-2 BOE race, and noting only one candidate was featured ("interesting"), the blog/author failed to mention that MCEA provided similar support to Evans (who used the direct campaign contribution to also fund an extensive direct mailing). In addition, MCEA provided comparable resources to their recommended At-large BOE candidate, Phil Kauffman. While posting (only one of) the candidates pieces might be of interest to Maryland Juice followers, it is important to provide the full account of MCEA's support to avoid misperception by those relying on the site for information.

Montgomery County's teachers union (MCEA) is sending out three postcards in support of Board of Education District 2 candidate Jeanne Ellinport. Each postcard features a state legislator, and coincidentally, all of the endorsers are from the LGBT Caucus: State Senator Rich Madaleno (D18), Delegate Bonnie Cullison (D19) and Delegate Heather Mizeur (D20).

It is worth noting that MCEA has endorsed two candidates in the BOE District 2 race, Fred Evans and Jeanne Ellinport. Evans is not mentioned on these mail pieces. Interesting!

MCEA Direct Mail: Board of Education District 2 Candidate Jeanne Ellinport