There are a number of existing policies that MCPS has implemented within just the last school year that are controversial among students, parents, and staff. Though these policies were undoubtedly created with good intentions, given the debate surrounding their existence and implementation, regular reevaluations of them should exist to reassure MCPS stakeholders that the policies are working. As SMOB, I will push to ensure effective policies are promoted and non-effective policies are cut.

 

Among the most controversial of modern MCPS policies include the Personal Mobile Device policy and security policies requiring the use of lanyards and IDs, and in certain cases, even metal detectors. Students who object to these changes have every right to do so, as in certain aspects, they can be inconvenient and disruptive. However, if the policies are achieving the desired effect, there is no reason they should be rescinded. As such, extensive reviews of these policies should be conducted and then published for public viewing, such that MCPS can be transparent with the community about whether or not policies that draw significant attention are really doing their jobs.

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At this point, I think it's become clear that security initiatives that involve student IDs are not particularly effective. As SMOB, I will carefully evaluate whether or not student identification is a viable path towards keeping our schools safe, or if they might only be getting in the way.

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Such reviews and publication of the results would promote openness and communication from MCPS to county stakeholders, and give reason as to why the county makes certain decisions. Transparency matters a lot to me, and as SMOB, I will do everything I can to ensure students and parents know what is happening in our county.