Name: Nancy A. Allen
Nancy A. Allen
Where you live: Middletown
Current occupation and employer (may also list up to two previous jobs you’ve held); if retired, list your last job and employer: director of operations and contracts for a professional membership association, 2005 to present
Political experience (public offices held and when; as well as unsuccessful campaigns for office and which years; do not include political party positions): This is my first run for a public office.
PTA or other school district-related experience: I served on the PTA for South Jefferson Elementary School in Jefferson County, W.Va., when both of my children were in the same elementary school. I started as a volunteer in the school's PTA and completed a one-year term as president of the PTA.
Campaign information:
- email: nallenboefcps@gmail.com
- website: www.ENI2022.org
- Facebook: ENISlate
1 – Why are you running for the school board? (75 words max)
I am running on the Education Not Indoctrination slate with Olivia Angolia, Mark Joannides and Cindy Rose. The four seats open on the BOE represent the majority and our goal is to fill all four of the seats. We want to refocus FCPS back to a schedule of solid academics and apply sound fiscal policies in the management of resources collected from the taxpayer. Go to ENI2022.org to fully review our platforms.
2 – What is the most important issue in this race? How specifically would you address it? (100 words max)
As a slate and a candidate on the slate, we see several important issues to address. Those issues include school safety, accountability and transparency. I will speak directly to safety in my response there. We would like to have universal safety protocols in place for every school, cameras in the classroom and expand the SRO program.
3 – What experience (work, political or other) has prepared you to hold this position? (100 words max)
I have 20 years in the profession of human resources and 10+ years of experience as a director managing business operations. My experience provides the skills and abilities to manage staff, business operations, assets and resources, along with a solid knowledge of grants and contracts.
4 – What is one major issue the current school board has handled poorly? What would you have done differently? (100 words max)
When FCPS closed its doors for over a year, it was a disservice to the students and staff. FCPS could have followed the example of other schools who were able to open their doors and provide in-classroom learning while keeping the students and staff protected. FCPS made decisions based on fear and feelings, not facts and science. The setbacks in learning and mental health of the students is just now being realized and published. While we cannot change the past, you can change how you will operate in the future. Has FCPS learned anything from the past two years?
5 – Has the district responded appropriately to the U.S. Department of Justice investigation into restraints and seclusions? (100 words max)
The Board of Education did not respond appropriately to the community regarding the DOJ investigation. No apology or statement of accountability was made by the BOE. This is where accountability and transparency are so very important. Parents have lost their confidence and trust in FCPS. Complaints have been voiced for years in regards to training of the staff for children with special needs and the expectations of staff to handle situations that far outweigh their training.
6 – What do you think of the district’s family life curriculum? (100 words max)
The BOE adopted the framework and defended their decision by blaming the state. When parents voiced their opposition, the BOE shut down teachers and parents and downplayed the objectives contained in the framework. The objectives for elementary students is inappropriate and questionable for those in the higher grades. We support the parent’s right to know about materials, resources and the full extent of curriculum being used in the classroom. Teachers are overburdened with curriculum and materials they are not trained to teach. Keep the focus on academic studies to enrich the student’s abilities to be productive members of their communities.
7 – What do you think of the school board’s choice of Cheryl Dyson as superintendent and of the process for choosing her? (100 words max)
Dr. Cheryl Dyson’s resume and experience indicate she has the experience to manage the position as superintendent of FCPS. A real assessment of her ability to manage FCPS can be made by the newly elected board of education members.
Frederick County tax payers just gave the outgoing Superintendent an $800,000 golden parachute while resigning under unfavorable terms. The sitting board members participating in the selection process were directly and indirectly responsible for the atrocities that took place in the special education program. The search and selection process should have been held until the next BOE was in place.
8 – Frederick County ranks below other similar school districts for teacher pay. Does the district need to address that? How? (100 words max)
If discrepancies exist and exit interviews indicate pay is the primary reason for leaving FCPS, it should be addressed. A market analysis should be conducted by the FCPS HR office no less than every three years to ensure FCPS stays competitive in recruiting and retaining teachers and used as a tool negotiating teacher contracts.
The newly elected board members should take the time to understand the total work environment the teacher is experiencing. While pay plays a significant role in retention of your workforce, you cannot ignore the other factors that are sometimes equal or more important to the employee.
9 – The school district has an achievement gap between students of different racial and ethnic groups. How should the district address this? (100 words max)
The gaps that currently exist are socioeconomic, not racial or ethnic. If FCPS wants to strengthen the academic standards and close the “achievement gaps,” they should restore teaching practices and principles that are proven to increase the student’s ability to achieve at higher standards. For example, memorization of multiplication tables, spelling tests, phonics, comprehension and critical thinking exercises. Remove the focus on teaching from a lens of equity/identity and refocus on the student’s abilities and competencies.
10 – How well did the district handle instruction and safety during the pandemic? (100 words max)
Children have the lowest statistical chance of being affected negatively by COVID. FCPS ignored the science. Masking a child eight hours a day was irresponsible and borderline criminal. The failed leadership during COVID is too great to measure and FCPS is not an exception. Research shows that excessive screen time for children is detrimental to their mental and physical health. Yet, we turned to virtual learning as the solution. Academic levels have plunged. The effects of virtual learning and closed doors are playing out and the students are the ones who are paying the price.
