Voter’s Guide

Independent. Transparent. Principled.

For Frederick County
Board of Education
we strongly recommend…

Shelley Potter

Geoff Seidel

Tyler Walker

There are four seats available. If you wish to select a fourth, we encourage you to review our candidate ratings to identify individuals who demonstrate a commitment to academic outcomes, transparency, and working effectively with families.

Early Voting: June 11-18, Election Day: June 23

To get reminders to vote, sign up here.

Our Evaluation Criteria

Indicators of Stronger Candidates

Academics — Acknowledge current student achievement challenges and present a clear, evidence-based plan for improvement.

Budget — Focus on budget efficiency that directs resources to teachers and classrooms.

Parental Rights — Support expanding high-quality educational options for families, including charter schools and other choice programs, and respect diversity of beliefs, including religious families.

Campaign Funds — Funded by individual donors rather than special-interest organizations.

Indicators of Weaker Candidates

Academics — Minimize academic performance challenges or fail to emphasize the use of proven, evidence-based curricula.

Budget — Emphasize increased spending without presenting evidence of improved student outcomes.

Parental Rights — Oppose expanding educational options for families or prioritize political issues over academic outcomes.

Campaign Funds — Receive significant financial support from organizations representing district employees, raising potential conflicts of interest.

Methodology & Disclosure
Better Maryland Schools evaluates candidates using publicly available data, candidate questionnaires, interviews, and campaign finance disclosures. We do not accept funding from candidates, political parties, or employee unions. Our goal is to provide voters with independent, research-based guidance.

Click here to learn about the issues behind our evaluation criteria.

Candidates’ Views

Our evaluation process has two phases—a candidate forum and a written questionnaire. Examine these and decide for yourself.

Candidate Forum on March 12, 2026

Candidate Questionnaire

Official government provided candidate registration information is here.