Education Advocacy
- Maggie Domanowski
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Education shapes the future. It is the foundation upon which communities build their success and resilience. In Baltimore County, the conversation around education advocacy is gaining momentum. Parents, educators, and voters alike are asking: How can we ensure our schools serve every student well? How do we improve transparency and fiscal responsibility in our school system? These questions are at the heart of all my efforts as a member of the Baltimore County Board of Education.
The Importance of Education Advocacy in BCPS
Education advocacy is more than just a buzzword. It is a commitment to championing the needs of students and ensuring that schools provide equitable opportunities for learning and growth. BCPS has a diverse student population with varying needs. Advocates must address challenges such as resource allocation, curriculum relevance, and student support services.
Advocacy means listening carefully to parents and educators. It means pushing for policies that improve student outcomes and holding the school system accountable. Baltimore County public schools need leaders who understand the community’s unique needs and who will work tirelessly to improve transparency in decision-making and budget management.
Why does this matter? Because every dollar spent in education should directly benefit students. Every policy should be designed with their success in mind. And every voice in the community deserves to be heard.
How Education Advocacy Can Drive Change in Baltimore County
Effective education advocacy requires clear goals and practical strategies. Here are some key areas where advocacy can make a difference in BCP:
Improving Student Outcomes: Advocates push for evidence-based teaching methods, better access to technology, and expanded extracurricular programs. These efforts help students develop skills needed for college and careers.
Enhancing Transparency: Parents and taxpayers want to know how funds are spent. Advocates demand clear reporting and open communication from the school board and administration.
Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility: Budgets must be managed wisely. Advocates work to prevent waste and ensure resources are directed toward classrooms and student services.
Supporting Educators: Teachers are on the front lines. Advocacy includes fair pay, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
Promoting Equity: Every student deserves equal access to quality education, regardless of background or zip code.
These focus areas are not abstract ideas. They translate into real policies and actions that improve the daily experience of all BCPS students and educators.
How many students does BCPS have?
Baltimore County is home to a significant number of students across its public schools. BCPS enrolls approximately 110,000 students district-wide. Throughout the five planning zones, BCPS has over 100 elementary, 25 middle, 24 high, and 13 other, special, chater schools, programs or centers each with student populations ranging from under one hundred to over a thousand.
Understanding the size and diversity of the student body is crucial for effective advocacy. Larger student populations require more resources and careful planning to meet varied needs. Smaller schools may face different challenges, such as limited program offerings or staffing shortages.
The We Can Play in Educational Advocacy
My tenure as a Board of Education representative for Baltimore County's district three has been rooted in a deep commitment to improving education for all BCPS students. My focus remains on three pillars:
Positive Student Outcomes: Advocating for policies that support academic achievement and social-emotional coping skills. I believe in creating environments where students can thrive both inside and beyond the classroom.
Transparency: I've pledged to increase openness in school board decisions and budget allocations. This transparency builds trust between the school system and the community.
Fiscal Responsibility: I remain steadfast in my dedication to careful budgeting and maximizing the impact of every dollar spent on education to improve student outcomes.
I beleive in listening to stakeholders and making data-driven decisions. I understand that advocacy is not about quick fixes but sustained effort and collaboration.
Advocacy is a shared responsibility. Here are some ways you can get involved and support education advocacy in Baltimore County:
Attend School Board Meetings: These meetings are where decisions happen. Showing up and voicing concerns or support can influence outcomes. You might not think it matters, but it does!
Engage with Local Candidates: Learn about their education platforms. Ask questions about transparency, budgeting, and student support.
Volunteer in Schools: Helping in classrooms or extracurricular activities strengthens school-community ties.
Stay Informed: Follow local education news and updates, like the Baltimore County Student & Parent Coalition. Knowledge empowers effective advocacy.
By taking these steps, community members can help create a school system that truly serves all students.
Looking Ahead: Baltimore County's Educational Future
Baltimore County stands at a crossroads. The decisions made today about education will shape the community for decades.
Education advocacy is not a one-time effort. It requires ongoing commitment and collaboration. I started this journey four years ago because my three children attending Baltimore County public schools, but now all BCPS students have become like my children and my purpose is for them.
The path forward is clear. It is time to support those who put students first and demand accountability from our education system. Our students are depending on it.
Comments