Candidate Survey: Erica MacFarland for Anne Arundel County Board of Education, District 3
TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey
Name *
Erica McFarland
Age *
44
Office Sought *
Board of Education
County *
Anne Arundel County
District, if applicable *
3
Political Party *
Independent
Education *
I began college for Elementary Education before becoming a wife and a mother.
Career/Occupation *
Church Office Manager
Political Experience *
I do not have political experience but I am learning a lot by attending Board of Education meetings, working on the Citizen Advisory Committee and participating in the Strategic Planning Committee for AACPS.
Public Twitter/X Account
none
Public Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/friendsofericamcfarland
Public Instagram Account
none
Public TikTok Account
none
YouTube Page
none
Other Public Social Media Accounts *
none
Why are you running for office? *
I am running because I feel that I can make a difference in our schools and our community. I am thoughtful in listening to concerns, engaging in conversation, and in collaboratively coming up with effective solutions when issues arise. Through countless field trips, scout camp outs, career day, working in the classroom, being a cheerleading parent, helping out with the Chesapeake High School Robotics Team, and in my mentorship positions as an adult leader, I have consistently shown up for our children. I truly believe that they can make the world a better place. I want to support that. I want to be a part of that. Helping our children to rise to challenges, come up with creative solutions and watching them soar would make me so proud.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
My greatest role model is Jesus. It was in studying His life and forming a relationship with Him that made me who I am today. I do my best to be loving and compassionate towards others and to lift up the poor and the persecuted. I genuinely have no other motive but love.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
Political books are not really my genre.
What will be your top priority in office? *
Currently, the greatest need is staffing. We need to have enough mental health professionals, special education educators, nurses, food service workers, bus drivers, and all other positions that are critical to the needs in our schools. In order to do this, we need to offer competitive pay in today’s market and foster a positive work environment where our staff feels valued. Once we are fully staffed, many of the other issues, such as excellence in academics, and college and career readiness, become much easier to address.
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
In speaking with District 3 parents, one concern is that at the high schools and middle schools, restroom issues continue to be a problem. Every student should have access to a restroom that is close by and safe. There have been problems with bathrooms being inaccessible due to either being locked or students hanging out in them. I understand that sometimes we just don’t have the staff to monitor the restrooms but perhaps with the “Be Present” initiative, volunteers can help be a part of the solution in keeping our restrooms open and safe. I’m interested in exploring possibilities.
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
One issue is that it is often difficult to both live and work here. Home ownership in Maryland is just not realistic anymore for many people, even as they are working really hard to make ends meet. I see comparable salaries in surrounding states with home prices at a fraction of Maryland's.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
Not applicable to Board of Education position
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
I value your tax dollars that help fund the education of our children. I believe it is the duty of the stewards of the money invested in our children to spend wisely and to provide a good return. While recognizing that there are many moving parts and important projects and initiatives to fund, I am budget-conscious and fiscally responsible. We all want our children to have access to the best education, which sets them up for greater success in life. This does come at a cost, however, it is money well spent as an investment in the future of our community.
What is your position on gun rights? *
Not applicable to Board of Education position
What is your position on marijuana? *
Not applicable to Board of Education position
What is your position on transgender issues?
I love everyone with no exceptions. My values and my faith demand it. I believe that transgender people are created in the image and likeness of God and should be respected as such. As I see some people bullying and threatening this group of people, I feel called to stand up for their right to live their lives as everyone else. As it relates to students, as they grow and learn and figure themselves out, we need to just love and support them through it. As I tell my kids, "You can change your name or your pronouns or your mind over and over again, but my love for you will never change and I will always be here for you".
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
Not applicable to Board of Education position
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
As it relates to our schools, I think we need to have a look at our approach to discipline to ensure that it is producing the desired result- an end to the negative behavior through proper interventions. I believe that discipline should be restorative in nature. Measures that remove the student from the classroom may be necessary for the immediate safety of our students, however, we still need to consider that suspending a student further puts them behind academically, possibly leading to a cycle of poor behavior and poor academics. Negative behaviors stem from a root cause and care needs to be taken to ensure that student behavior is addressed with concern for the student.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
No position at this time. I am still learning about this issue.
What is your position on education? *
I support public education and feel that the more people who choose it, the stronger it becomes. Education is the tool that enables us to be successful in our endeavors and leads to a better world for all.
What is your position on parental involvement in schools?
I would love to see a school system where teachers and staff, students, parents, and the community all work together in the interest of our children. Parents or guardians play a necessary role in the education of our children and should be included and supported. I learned a lot through volunteering in my childrens' elementary school but I also recognize that not every parent has that opportunity. We need to meet families where they are and give them the support they need to help their children be successful in school.
Do you support a ban on biological males from playing girls or women's sports?
No
Do you support a ban on political flags (BLM, LBGTQ, Trump, etc) flags public schools
No
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *
Yes
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes