Fraley seeks reelection to Allegany County Board of Education

The following announcement was submitted by Tammy Fraley, who is seeking reelection to the Allegany County Board of Education.

I am a local school board member in Allegany County serving since 2016 asking for your support in my reelection campaign. I am originally from Texas and moved to Allegany County in 2005. My family and I resided within the city limits of Cumberland for 15 years and now live in LaVale. We have four boys — 2013 and 2024 graduates of Allegany High School, 2017 graduate of Keyser High School and 2028 future graduate of Allegany High School. I am a senior systems integration specialist working remotely and my husband is in law enforcement in the state of West Virginia.

During my time on the board, I have been an advocate for education across the state as a board member of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education. I have testified at the state level regarding several key concerns including school safety and security as well as the mental health crisis. Outside of my work on the board, I served in Family Engagement Groups at my children’s elementary and middle schools.

I also continue to serve within several local organizations to include Salvation Army Advisory Board, LaVale Athletic Association, JCP Soccer and the Allegany County Citizens Review Board for Children.

Over the years of my children’s educational experience, I have seen teachers and teaching assistants spend countless “overtime” hours as well as their own funds to ensure that their classrooms run smoothly and that they are able to provide the best for their students. As a board, we must ensure that our teachers are able to meet the varied needs of our students by providing adequate compensation as well as a restructuring of the school specific budget allocations used in classrooms and by school-based organizations. We must ensure all dollars are spent equitably and appropriately.

Open communication is a key to success for any organization. There needs to be various avenues available to allow for direct input and feedback across our community from parents/ guardians to community leaders and public servants. Although the staff of ACPS does not directly report to the elected board, we, along with the superintendent, should be open to input directly from them regarding any ideas, issues and/ or concerns.

In summary, my top three priorities are:

• Promoting active parental involvement in your child’s education along with increased visibility and involvement of community leaders and public servants throughout all grade levels in the overall policy development and execution of the same.

• Ensuring a safe and secure environment is available to all students in all aspects to include physical location, mental/emotional resources, and basic health needs to include food and health care.

• Creating opportunities for students that allows for exposure to the world around them through technological advancements and partnering with education institutions across the state and the country.

I believe I am the best candidate for the position because of my willingness to engage at all levels and my continued focus on providing the best possible educational system in Allegany County.

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/ CitizensForTammyFraley.

TAMMY FRALEY