Schools

School Board Inducts Two New Members, Welcomes Two Back

New members say they'll focus on budget, vocational opportunities.

Two new members joined the Howard County Board of Education Monday, and two incumbents were sworn in for another term.

Circuit Court Clerk Margaret Rappaport swore the members in in front of a standing-room only crowd of attendees.

"No one can do anything alone and be successful," Sandra French said in a brief statement. "If we are (successful) … it's because we believe in each other, trust each other," she said, and work together to make things better.

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Incumbents French and Frank Aquino were sworn in along two new members, Brian Meshkin and Cynthia Vaillancourt.

Aquino thanked his friends and family for "putting up" with him both during his campaign and as he serves on the board. To teachers, students and administrators he said, "You make all of us look good."

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New member Meshkin said that after living in various places across the country, he was glad to be back in Howard County and grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. As a father to young children he said he had a unique perspective on the school system, especially in troubled economic times.

"Nothing affects the bottom line … more than what happens in our schools."

Cindy Vaillancourt, also a newcomer, thanked the "little people" who supported her – children, including Meshkins, who canvassed on her behalf. "My being here is a testament to community activism," she said.

The new School Board also elected a new chairperson and vice chairperson during Monday's meeting.  In response to a the actions of board member Allen Dyer, after votes were cast, board members agreed by consensus to confirm which candidates they voted for by a show of hands.

Dyer expressed concern last week in a letter to the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board that voting for the chairperson and vice chairperson by secret ballot might violate the Open Meetings Act. 

Siddiqui and Dyer were nominated for chairperson; French and Meshkin were nominated for vice chair.

By a vote of six to two, Siddiqui was elected the new chairperson of the board.

Voting for Siddiqui, who was nominated by Aquino: Aquino, French, Siddiqui, Giles, Adams, Meshkin.

Voting for Dyer, who nominated himself: Vaillancourt, Dyer.

French was elected the vice chair by a vote of five to three. 

Voting for French, who was nominated by Giles: Aquino, French, Siddiqui, Giles, Adams. 

Voting for Meshkin, who was nominated by Vaillancourt: Meshkin, Vaillancourt, Dyer.

During her term, Vaillancourt said she would like to focus on the need for "true and meaningful vocational and technical education" in the school system. And, sure to be welcome news to students, "a reasonable start time" for classes.

Meshkin, former co-chair of the operating budget review committee, said he was most concerned with increasing the quality of education in Howard County while working within the constraints of a fiscally responsible budget. "We need to figure out ways to do more," he said, "and spend less."

 

This article has been edited to correct the spelling of Cindy Vaillancourt's name.


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