This article brought to you by Informed Carroll County.
With the candidate filing deadline passed on Friday, February 9th, the Carroll County Board of Education race is now down to four candidates vying for two open seats.
Despite swirling rumors of a fifth candidate joining the Board of Education race, this did not occur. With only four candidates needed to advance through the primaries, all four will immediately progress to the general election in November, and their names will not appear on the primary ballot.*
While the race for Board of Education is non-partisan, clear divisions have emerged among both parties.
Kristen Zihmer and Greg Malevauex have garnered early support from Carroll County Republican leadership. Zihmer’s platform focuses on strengthening partnerships between parents and teachers, rooted in her deep connection to the Westminster community. Malveaux, with a Ph.D. in higher education and 25 years of educator experience, pledges to maintain a steadfast focus on core academics.
Muri Dueppen and Amanda Jozkowski, both veterans of previous unsuccessful Board of Education campaigns, have been endorsed by the embattled teacher’s union and have ties to the local Democratic Party. Both are known for supporting child transgender rights and stand in opposition to a recent policy change by Carroll County Public Schools aimed at protecting students from sexually explicit material.
All four candidates are in contention for two Board of Education seats currently held by President Marsha Herbert and Donna Sivigny, both ineligible for reelection in 2024 due to the completion of their maximum two terms.
For those seeking additional information, a visit to the Maryland State Board of Elections website is recommended. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in this high-stakes race for the future of Carroll County’s education system.
*Information was confirmed with the Board of Elections.
