Meet Montgomery County School Board Candidate: Michael Fryar

GAITHERSBURG, MD — When voters cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 elections, they will be asked to select individuals to serve on Montgomery County's Board of Education.

Patch asked each candidate to answer questions to help provide voters with information about who they are and their stances on various issues. We are printing their responses in full, unedited except for spelling or punctuation. Below are the responses from candidate Michael Fryar.

Age (as of Election Day)
52

Town/City of Residence
Gaithersburg

Office Sought
County School Board - District 2

Party Affiliation
NA - non-partisan

Family
I have two children in school, Ryan, 6th grade and Jack, 4th grade

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No

Education
Bachelors - Communication, Masters - Early Childhood Dev., JD, MBA

Occupation
Teacher - 31 years, Attorney - 15 years, Media Content Creator - 25 years

Campaign website
michaelfryar.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office
NA

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
Distance Learning and I intend to get kids back in the classroom safely.

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?
There is not just one fight or issue in our communities. The Board of Education must focus on those issues that face our communities and have a direct impact on schools or the education system. There are issues that have come to light with regard to racial tension and discrimination within the Montgomery County public school system that need to be dealt with despite not having a national stage or media coverage.

What are your thoughts on the campaign to "defund" the police?
The Board of Education must focus on those issues that face our communities and have a direct impact on schools or the education system.

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?
This is a complex issue that would require pages to delve into and does not lend itself to a short answer. Focusing specifically on Board of Education, there are many districts that have shown that a hybrid model is possible with no exposure and we can move to a return to full time in person school soon.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
I feel there is a need for redistricting and my opponent voted against the boundary analysis.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?
Given my 30+ years in education as a teacher and advocate, a social worker and attorney for children and families, as well as my experience in a district that faced and overcame many of the challenges that Montgomery County currently faces, I am better qualified to guide us through the coming issues.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
Addressing the achievement GAP, enhancing Gifted and Talented education, and examining curriculum issues.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
30+ years of experience in the education profession in various capacities.

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?
A redistricting that benefits everyone and the start of the creation of theme and magnet schools to expand public school choice.

Why should voters trust you?
I have worked for the benefit of children for 30+ years, motivated by a desire to help lift up our most vulnerable.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?
We need alternative funding methods as explored and proven by school systems with limited tax bases.

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:
Cut your own path. It's harder but far more satisfying.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
I would encourage voters who want to know more about me to visit my website at www.michaelfryar.com as I have shared a detailed bio and a variety of blog posts on key issues there.

SEE ALSO:

• Meet Montgomery Co. School Board Candidate: Rebecca Smondrowski
• Meet Montgomery County School Board Candidate: Dr. Sunil Dasgupta
• Meet Montgomery County School Board Candidate: Steve Solomon