Our principles

Maryland families deserve schools that work. They deserve clear information, honest leadership, and policies grounded in real evidence — not ideology or special interests.

Better Maryland Schools is a parent-led, non-partisan education advocacy organization. We use public data, primary sources, and documented research to explain how decisions are made — and whether they are delivering results for students.

While we analyze education policy across Maryland, we currently publish school board endorsements only in Frederick County. Our goal is simple: Help parents and taxpayers make informed, fact-based decisions about both policy and the leaders responsible for it.

When we endorse candidates, we do so using publicly stated, evidence-based criteria focused on academic outcomes, fiscal responsibility, and accountable governance. Because Maryland law requires a legal structure to participate in elections, we operate transparently as a political action committee. That structure allows us to publish voter recommendations and support candidates who align with our principles.

We promote the following ideas to improve education in our county and across Maryland.

• Effective, evidence-based instruction. We support curricula and teaching methods rooted in strong evidence — including phonics-based reading instruction, mastery-oriented math instruction, and content-rich learning in all subjects.

• Sensible spending. We advocate for fiscal policies that prioritize teacher support, classroom resources, and operational efficiency — so that taxpayer dollars have maximum impact.

• Informed and balanced leadership. School board members and education leaders should demonstrate a command of policy, a focus on results, and a commitment to serving the whole community.

• Statesmanship. We believe public education should be governed with wisdom, integrity, and a long-term view focused on student success and community trust. We will strive to embody statesmanship in our work.

• Ethical campaigning. We believe school board candidates should run campaigns free of conflicts of interest, and not accept money or political support from unions or companies that contract with the school system.

• Parental rights. We believe parents should be informed partners in their child’s education, including timely notification of mental health concerns and the ability to opt in or out of curricula that conflict with their family’s values.

• School choice. We support a range of quality public education options — including charter schools, education scholarships, savings accounts, and other programs that responsibly expand choice and flexibility for families.