2024 BOE Finalist Candidate Questionnaire – Shebra Evans (District 4)

October 23, 2024

We sent the following questionnaire to all 6 BOE finalist candidates and will be posting each of them individually (in the order received) as well as a comparison between them on another page.

These are the responses by Shebra Evan who is running for District 4 (everyone in the County can vote regardless of district).

Note: Please read to the end as the candidates were given an open-ended text area to explain any yes/no answers or questions they chose not to answer. You can also check out our recent BOE candidate forum or the one we did before the primary for more information.

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Are you in favor of reinstating final exams for all high school classes?

Yes

Are you in favor of using class rank in high schools as a reportable metric?

Yes

Are you in favor of eliminating the 50% rule for grading?

Yes

Are you in favor of implementing an advanced science course track for middle school?

Yes

Are you in favor of revamping the elementary school social studies curriculum to include a comprehensive overview of 20th century history (including Depression, WW2, Holocaust, Cold War, FDR, JFK)?

Yes

Are you in favor of allowing parents to opt-out of curriculum for religious reasons?

No

I don’t support banning books or opting out of education. I believe it’s important to teach tolerance, kindness and civility in schools through the curriculum. Our world is so diverse and we live in one of the most diverse counties in the country. When students engage in learning that includes different perspectives, they gain opportunities to think critically about their own beliefs and better navigate the multicultural society that we live in. The school system should always strive to improve communication to and with our families, particularly around teaching and learning.

Are you in favor of keeping schools open and without mask requirements during surges of seasonal illnesses?

Yes

Are you in favor of reinstating the traditional SRO program in high schools, with an officer assigned to each school?

No

Finding the right balance between community support and policing is ongoing. An update on the CEO program is necessary for the Board and the community and that’s what I am pushing to schedule. I would like to have a broader conversation with staff, students, families, and security staff on what’s working and/or ways to improve.

Are you in favor of implementing merit-based pay increases and bonuses for teachers?

Yes

Merit based pay would be used as an incentive or bonus and not part of teacher evaluations.

Are you in favor of an Inspector General-led full audit of MCPS finances?

Yes

Are you in favor of a more widely-available COSA program where students could select a high school where they might feel more comfortable?

No

Policy JEE currently allows student transfers for extenuating circumstances involving the physical, mental, or emotional well-being of the student.

Are you in favor of county taxpayers funding MCPS over the Maintenance of Effort requirement?

Yes

I favor ensuring the school district continues to get the funding adequate for current enrollment (currently over MOE). Currently, salaries and benefits make up 90% of the school budget leaving 10% for instructional materials, school and district support. Inflation has not kept up with with increases in student enrollment. Closely monitoring progress and effectively evaluating programs for better returns on our investments will ensure we remain fiscally responsible.

Are you in favor of the position of a Board of Education member becoming full-time and then aligning a pay structure similar to County Councilmembers?

Yes

Do you support reinstating the Montgomery Virtual Academy (MVA) until there is a comparable state option?

No

I support the MVA for our medically fragile students. I support finding alternate solutions working with neighboring districts on other viable solutions outside of the state. I believe creative solutions such as virtual tutoring or additional supports virtually could be useful for students and their families.

Do you support a cell phone use ban during school time (note that doesn’t mean not being able to have them)

Yes

Are you in favor of publicly posting MCPS MPIA requests and responses?

Yes

Are you in favor of posting school community letters on the school and/or MCPS websites?

Yes

Are you in favor of the policy extending excused absences for student walkouts and/or protests during school hours? 

No

The school system currently allows peaceful protest onsite to reduce the absenteeism rates. It would be hard to predict the number of times a year that students would or could leave school for a rally or off campus event. Parents are able to send students to school with messages for early dismissal. It is important to communicate chronic absenteeism and the impact on students and the district as a whole.

Are you in favor of installing metal detectors and/or bag checks for entry into Middle and/or High Schools?

Yes

Special Ed: Are you in favor of moving the burden of proof to the school system instead of families? (See opinion piece here for explanation: https://moderatelymoco.com/david-vs-goliath-parents-and-advocates-pitted-against-msea-and-school-districts-in-the-maryland-legislature/)

Yes

Order the following priorities you believe should apply when considering school boundary changes (separate by commas for consistency): utilization, proximity, diversity, stability

utilization, proximity, diversity, stability

You can provide any explanations below for your answers above that you feel are necessary:

Explanations have been put in line based upon responses.

Website and Endorsements

Learn more about Shebra Evans on her website here or check out her list of endorsements here.

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