Kent County voters will soon have the chance to elect two members to the county’s public school Board of Education. The candidates are listed on the presidential general election ballot. Early voting is open through Oct. 31, with in-person voting also available on Election Day, Nov. 5.
The Spy attended the recent League of Women Voters forum for four candidates vying for two open seats on the Kent County School Board.
Laura McKenzie, John Queen, Piers Heriz-Smith, and Francoise Sullivan answered two prepared questions and several questions from audience members. Each question is highlighted in the video before the candidate’s answer. Rivers and Roads founder Sam Shoge moderated the forum.
This video is approximately one hour in length.
Gren Whitman says
School Board incumbent Francois Sullivan is seeking re-election. Joining her as the only other candidate who wants to keep the U.S. Department of Education was Piers Hariz-Smith, and for that reason only, they deserve both our votes.
Mike Waal says
Some thoughts regarding Kent County wealth, poverty, Kent County funding per pupil, and Kent County Tax Payers having to fund the Blueprint:
According to the State’s Wealth Formula spread sheet, of the 24 jurisdictions, that is 23 counties and one county equivalent, Kent County is 22nd poorest in three categories, 23rd poorest in three categories, and 24th poorest, last, in four categories, out of 10 of the 11 categories where a monetary wealth value is provided.
GDP is another metric used universally to measure the wealth of countries, states and counties. According to the US Dept. of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Kent County has the lowest GDP in the State of Maryland, last of the 24 jurisdictions. The next to last is Somerset County, which most would consider the least wealthy county in the Maryland. Well Kent County’s GDP is, round numbers, $100 million less than Somerset.
According to US Census Bureau information, based on total annual payroll, total employment, and a 40 hour work week, the average hourly wage in Kent County is around $20/hr., one of the lowest in the state. As a comparison, Montgomery County is $38/hr., almost double.
According to the Maryland Dept. of Legislative Services, in 2024 Kent County ranked 5th HIGHEST IN COUNTY PER PUPIL FUNDING of all 24 jurisdiction, albeit, 17th LOWEST IN STATE PER PUPIL FUNDING of all 24 jurisdiction. READ THAT AGAIN!
The County and State TOTAL per pupil funding is $19,869/pupil, 8th highest in Maryland. A high ranking for sure, but Not because of State per pupil funding but because of COUNTY FUNDING PER PUPIL!
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is a $40Billion plan. There are 2.2million households in Maryland.
Simple math, on average, round number, that is $18,000 per household to fund The Blueprint.
Talk about being regressive for Kent County where 41% of high school students are at or below the poverty line.
There is supposed to be a lock-box to fund The Blueprint, but it is and has been pretty much running on empty since the beginning.
The only revenue source that Kent County has to fund The Blueprint is Real Estate Tax Revenue.
According to our Finance Dept., JUST TO FUND The Blueprint will require right around a 35% increase in the real estate tax rate. My analysis shows it might will be closer to a 50% increase. Realize this 35% increase in real estate tax rate DOES NOT INCLUDE the funding and revenue necessary and required to run the rest of County Government, like building a new middle school at an estimated cost of $80million, $40million of which, right now, is the responsibility of us Kent County Tax Payers.
While The Blueprint is an excellent business plan for the business of educating our youth, any business plan is only good if it is monetarily sustainable and viable.
One more thought about The Blueprint; it is a “one size fits all” plan for all 24 Maryland school system jurisdictions.
A question, then; who among you reading this believe that every county across the State of Maryland requires the same edu plan, given the diversity across all 24 jurisdictions?
And there you have it!
Mike Waal