Meet The Candidate: Kenneth Harris 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 Kenneth F. Harris II. He is running to represent District 7 on the Prince George's County Board of Education.

Harris is running against Alexis Nicole Branch. More information about Branch can be found here.

Before we meet Harris, you have to know what district you live in. Follow the instructions below to see if Harris 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.

Harris did not reply to Patch's candidate questionnaire, so we pulled information from his campaign website. The details below are direct quotes from Harris's webpage.

About Harris

"Acknowledged by Forbes Magazine amongst the world’s youngest and most impactful individuals in the field of science, Kenneth Harris is known for delivering thoughtful and dynamic leadership on programs of critical national and international importance. Since the age of 16, Kenneth has been involved in projects at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, totaling five satellites.

"Kenneth’s honors and awards extend beyond his professional service to recognition of his tremendous leadership in the STEM field and international community. A proud son of an Engineer Mr. Harris champions the importance of early STEM exposure and engagement. Reflected in his TEDx Talk presented to students globally, concerning the power of mentorship and guidance. Mr. Harris has also appeared as a featured keynote speaker at a number of professional events, conferences, & symposia."

Vision Statement

"To encourage safe & efficient learning environments that prioritizes our students education first, while hearing and truly tending to the needs of our educators! Intentionally working to prepare our students for their future careers, by looking Beyond The Classroom to encourage Internships, STEAM Programs, & Mentorship."

Plans

"Increase Access To Pre-K

• Expand Universal Free Pre-K
• Work to provide free preschool and pre-kindergarten for all 3 and 4 year olds
• Expand summer school and extended school day opportunities

"New Constructions & Renovations

• Work to rebuild Suitland High School
• Work to reopen Forestville Military School
• Prioritize rebuilding and renovating older school buildings

"Investing In Our Classrooms

• Working to lower the average class sizes
• Increase innovative programs to spark curiosity and encourage learning
• Increase teacher salaries
• Remove SRO's from school buildings"

Campaign Website

http://www.kennethfharris.com/

RELATED:

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

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