Meet The Candidate: Alexis Branch Runs For Board Of Education

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — The presidential race gets the most attention, but Prince George's County has several local contests as well. Five school board seats are up for grabs in this year's election.

It's time to get to know one of the candidates. Meet Alexis Nicole Branch. She is running to represent District 7 on the Prince George's County Board of Education.

Branch is running against Kenneth F. Harris II. More information about Kenneth F. Harris II can be found here.

Before we meet Branch, you have to know what district you live in. Follow the instructions below to see if Brach is on the ballot in your town.

What District Am I In?

Your school district determines who represents you on the board. Head to this website to see what district you live in.

The county also has a searchable map that lists federal, state and local representatives, but it takes longer to load. Punch your address into the map to find your delegates.

Alexis N. Branch

Age (as of Election Day)

22

Town/City of Residence

Suitland, MD

Office Sought

County School Board

Party Affiliation

Democrat (non-partisan)

Family

Paul Branch, Ann Branch, Avery Branch

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bennett College 19' Graduate in Political Science, MPA Student at Bowie State University 21'

Occupation

Former Teacher, Board of Trustee Member for Bennett College (1 year)

Campaign website

alexisnicolebranch.org

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

n/a

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

The single most pressing issue facing our board/district is the culture of our schools. I plan on changing that by introducing new programs, more community involvement, and bring this community voice to the table.

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?

I do support BLM. I have participated in multiple protests surrounding this topic. I hope they keep going peacefully until justice and change comes.

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

I do not think they should be underfunded but their does need drastic change in our use of force law and accountability.

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?

I do not think there has been enough done to address the COVID-19. I think we need to do whatever it takes to save lives. Too many lives have been lost, and our children should not be the lab rats to see if its safe to get back to 'normal'.

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

I have experience in the classroom, I have a plan for most of the problems facing our schools not just stem, and serving on a board a the area of education. I am actually taking the time to connect with voters personally.

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

They do not know how to connect with the county in unique ways to even inform them or even the students of the board meetings.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Making sure this seat is filled with someone who cares about the community wants and not the establishment. Being for the people including the students.
Making sure our students are globally competitive.
Competitive pay for quality teachers
Change of culture

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

I helped my institution raise 8.5 million dollars in 50 Days.

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

Changing the way the country and county sees our schools. An increase in parents putting their kids back into the public school system.

Why should voters trust you?

My background speaks for itself on serving the people I represent. I have kept my word and fallen on the sword for the people I have represented.

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

I think that our residence are being taxed too much in property taxes for the quality of our schools. We need to look at taxing people who work in our county but do not live in our county.

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:

Closed mouths do not get fed, and the righteous are never forsaken, keep going!

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

I am the only candidate on the ballot with teaching experience. If I am elected I will be the youngest black woman elected to the seat, and this is a non-partisan race regardless of any fake democratic sample ballot you may have received.

RELATED:

• Prince George's Voter Guide 2020: Candidates, How To Vote, Dates

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.