Sally McCarthy – Candidate for Board of Education District 3(Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)

This post is part of the Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series. Candidates who did not receive the questionnaire via email or need more information can get access through our contact form. The information in this post was submitted directly by the candidate and does not represent the views of Moderately MOCO or its publication.

Basic Information

Political Party: N/A

Campaign Website: www.sallymccarthy.org

Social Media: @sally4boe IG and FBk

Why Are You Running For Office?

I value public education and want MCPS to improve on delivering the basics for all students, families and staff. Right now, MCPS urgently needs dedicated and diligent oversight as the system heads toward big shifts – from boundaries and program changes to math curriculum. MCPS can’t tackle the fundamentals like closing student achievement gaps, lowering class sizes and safeguarding school facilities without aligning budgets to strategic plans, so that all students and staff are supported in the classroom. MCPS also must seek community engagement and consider feedback when decisions are most impactful.

What Is The Biggest Issue Facing Voters In This Race?

I am in school communities every day. What I hear from students, families and staff is very clear. MCPS must do better to provide clean and safe buildings where all students and staff have what they need so they are ready to thrive and succeed. Public trust is declining, too. Voters want to know what it will take for MCPS to actually improve and how prospective Board members will help make this happen. The BOE actually has very limited powers, but its primary lever is big: the ability to scrutinize and hold MCPS accountable for spending. I believe the BOE should amplify its oversight here, beginning with requests for monthly briefings by independent staff, reporting publicly on core functions like facilities, safety, academic metrics, accompanied by expenditures. The BOE needs better tools to elevate its own deliberations if it wants to help schools deliver the fundamentals, make schools and classrooms safe, reduce class sizes, improve outcomes and build-back community trust.

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What Experience Best Prepares You For This Role?

I have decades of professional experience in public education and understand BOE governance and budget processes. I hold a PdD in education policy, worked in government relations, higher education policy research and served as an adjunct instructor at UMD. I work collaboratively; my community connections are deep and countywide. I’ve spent 15 years working with the Montgomery County Council of PTAs in leadership roles, as an executive board member and Capital Budget Committee Chair. I’ve also served as Wood Acres PTA President, Whitman Cluster Coordinator and as a facilitator of community-based, MCCPTA-MCPS led school construction impact teams.

What Would You Like Voters To Know About You Personally?

I was born in Silver Spring, raised in North Potomac and live in Chevy Chase. My parents were MCPS teachers, I’m a Wootton graduate, my husband graduated from Churchill and my girls graduated from Whitman. I’m ready to serve my community, offer my expertise and time to help improve oversight and accountability in our schools. I don’t view this role as a part time endeavor because the stark reality is that the current oversight structure is woefully insufficient. The Board role demands full-time attention. MCPS is a massive, complex agency. It consumes over half of the County budget, educates 156k children and employs over 24K staff. I am persistent and possess the pragmatism needed to be an effective member.

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