The Howard County teachers? union endorsed three school board candidates to help it advance its campaign and credentials.
The union is endorsing Board Members Ellen Flynn Giles and Janet Siddiqui, and challenger Allen Dyer.
“We think they?re most qualified and will represent the things we?re most concerned about,” said Ann DeLacy, president of the Howard County Education Association, referring to its stance on adequately funding education and respecting negotiated teacher agreements.
“To me, the teachers in Howard County are the greatest asset,” said Siddiqui, a pediatrician from Clarksville.
“Having a good relationship with them helps provide a better learning environment for our students.”
“It?s a vote of confidence and a source of great pride when the association representing teachers says they have confidence in me,” said Dyer, a lawyer from Glenelg.
In preparation for running, Dyer will be “doing a lot of hand shaking,” attending community meetings and drumming up support at the Howard County Fair from Aug. 2 to 9.
Siddiqui also will be attending the county?s Fourth of July parade and fair as well as summer picnics.
Other candidates are college student Di Zou, of Glenwood; retired business owner Betsy Grater, of Ellicott City; and homeschool teacher Diane Butler, of Ellicott City.
The union couldn?t reach Zou for an interview, while Grater and Butler did not have as much knowledge about the school system, DeLacy said.
Butler said the endorsement didn?t really concern her, and she will continue to reach out to the community.
“You can?t please everybody all the time,” said the candidate, who finished third in the spring primary behind Siddiqui and Giles.
Giles, Zou and Grater couldn?t be reached for comment by press time.
In November, residents will vote to fill the three vacancies on the board for four-year terms.
