R004-9899

10				A RESOLUTION CONCERNING 
20		SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND

30	WHEREAS:	Only a few county school boards in the state of Maryland are 
40			elected; and,

50	WHEREAS:	The other school boards being appointed are not electorally 
60			accountable to their constituents in the county; and,

70	WHEREAS:	Appointed school board members are more likely to simply
80			align with the state Department of Education policies and the 
90			governor than with the views of the county residents; and,
 
100	WHEREAS:	Decisions affecting curriculum are addressed at the local level, 
110			including reading lists which are 
120			often varying in controversy by local standards; and,

130	WHEREAS:	Parents deserve to have a say in who controls the local education
140			budget, which curricula are taught, and how the schools should 
150			be administered.

160	THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:	  That the Maryland Student Legislature urges
170			the General Assembly to pass and the governor to sign
180			comprehensive legislation phasing out appointed positions on 
190			local school boards while phasing in elected positions to fill
200			these slots; and,

210	BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:	That the comprehensive legislation will not
220			alter the budgetary and policy jurisdictions of county school
230			boards in effect now.

240	MANDATES:	Gov. Parris N. Glendening
250			Sen. Thomas V. Miller
260			Del. Casper Taylor

Sponsor:
Kenneth A. Shepherd
Vice Delegation Chairperson
5143 Cumberland Hall
University of Maryland
College Park, MD  20742
(301) 314-2126
shep@wam.umd.edu

Co-Sponsor:
University of Maryland, College Park 
Delegation of
The Maryland Student Legislature