Meet The Candidate: Ken Baughman Runs For Board Of Education

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The presidential election gets the most attention, but Anne Arundel County has several local races as well. Three Board of Education seats are up for grabs in the general election.

It's time to get to know one of the candidates. Meet Ken Baughman, a candidate for District 3 on the school board.

Baughman is running against Corine Frank. More information about Frank can be found here.

Before we meet Baughman, you have to know what district you live in. Follow the instructions below to see if Baughman is running in your town.

What District Am I In?

Your County Council district determines who represents you on the Board of Education. Punch in your address at this website to see what district you live in.

Candidate Name

Ken Baughman

Age (as of Election Day)

65

Town/City of Residence

Pasadena

Office Sought

County School Board

If you are a congressional candidate, please indicate for which district (District 1, District 3, etc.)

District 3

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Lynne - Wife, Dustin - son, Becky - daughter, Constantinos -son in-law, Audrey - granddaughter

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, My daughter and son in-law work for the federal government.

Education

Bachelor of Technology Education, Masters in Special Education, Post Grad on Technology Education Leadership Program

Occupation

Retired Teacher - Long Term Substitute Teacher

Campaign website

www.kbaughman.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Current President - Foundation of Educational Excellence, Co-Chair COPE Committee. Past Vice President of Teachers Association of Anne Arundel County plus a past chairs of a variety of TAAAC committees and MSEA including past Political Action Co-chair

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

COVID 19 and how and when it is safe for returning back to school. What should be done is following the health professionals guidance. They are the professionals that know the safest way to reopen school. I believe should be a bottom up decision since students, teachers and staff are going to be most affected.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

Yes, we need to to develop a better understanding of black and brown students, as well as, many other ethnicities in the world. What people must understand that most people that protest are not looters and most police do a very good job.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?

I would proceed with this carefully. I know Police are underfunded much like teachers. I would like to see more crisis intervention people to handle mentally unstable folks.

What are your thoughts on the state and national response to the coronavirus pandemic? Do you favor such measures as limiting operation of non-essential businesses or restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a nationwide mask mandate?

COVID- 19 is a virus that kills people and it is easily past from one person to another. We should listen to the Scientific Professional and abide what is best for all to be protected. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, and wearing a mask.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have worked in all three high schools in district 3. I have started the foundation for students in this county to provide them things to help them succeed. The Foundation of Educational Excellence, which I was a founder, provides glasses for students, warm clothes, and scholarships for college. It is a one stop shop for students. I am a parent of two children that graduated from Northeast and a granddaughter that is attending Riviera Beach Elementary School. So I have a vested interest in what happens in our schools.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Expand learning opportunities to include pre-K programs for all four year old's, better vocational trade program. Academic support for struggling students. Access to physical and mental health services, Improve recruitment and retention of qualified teachers, Teachers deserve a living wage. We need to hire more teachers of color and with different ethnic backgrounds to reflect the diversity in our schools.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been an active member of county and state groups for many years. I have taught in this county for all of my adult life, so I am aware of the school system workings. We need someone that has been in the classroom to give another perspective to the Board.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

Listening to all view on a given topic that is being discussed. I feel being a good listener and understanding other points of view is essential. I am passionate about finding solutions to the challenges our students, parents, and teachers face.

Why should voters trust you?

I have devoted my life to the children of this county, The students, parents, and teachers trusted me to work for their best interest. If they trusted me then you can too,

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

We must be fiscal responsible especially in the upcoming year. With the current virus we could be facing lean years. But, we live in one of the wealthiest areas in the country.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

No

The best advice ever shared with me was:

To be safe in this Pandemic. Follow the Health professional guidelines.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am always for the students and their educational success. Working with the special education students for so many years and seeing their needs first hand made me a more compassionate teacher and gave me a better understanding of what they really need. Being vice President of TAAAC and on their negotiating team, I know what teachers would like to see. I have good insight of the school system and its workings.

RELATED:

• Anne Arundel Voter Guide 2020: Candidates, How To Vote, Deadlines

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