Gov. Martin O?Malley is expected to consider six candidates, from a field of more than 20 hopefuls, for two open Anne Arundel school board positions.
The decision will be made promptly, before the new members take office July 1, according to O?Malley?s office.
The candidates nominated by Anne Arundel?s School Board Nominating Commission this week are:
n Teresa Birge, of Odenton, and Sam Georgiou, of Severn, for the new District 32 seat, which includes Glen Burnie, Linthicum, Millersville and parts of Severn;
n Current board President Tricia Johnson, of Davidsonville; Walter Chitwood, of Annapolis; Kevin Jackson, of Edgewater; and Evelyn Mason, of Glen Burnie, for the at-large position.
“I want to make sure our students get the best education from the best possible teachers in the best possible facilities,” said Birge, the mother of a kindergartner and 3-year-old.
Birge, an accountant with Walsh & Associates Financial Services Inc., volunteers at the Seven Oaks Elementary School and is a PTA member.
Georgiou, a pharmacy manager at Giant Pharmacy and former chairman of the county?s Citizens Advisory Committee, said major issues include inconsistent or poor achievement among students across socioeconomic classes and the maintenance backlog.
Johnson, a five-year board member, said budget issues were most critical, especially those concerning building infrastructure and the need to replace or renovate old buildings.
Several other competitors, including Chitwood, a budget and management analyst with Prince George?s County government, and Jackson, a project manager at ITT Corp., an engineering and manufacturing company, said recruiting and retaining dedicated teaching staff is pivotal.
Mason, a retired teacher, said her main issues were ensuring full funding for the school system, providing a safe school environment and making sure all students achieve at the same high level.
