Jason Henry
Running for school board in Charles County District 2
Email: jasonihenrysr@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElectJasonHenry/
How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 3)?
55
Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?
Inova Health System
What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?
Control Data Institute of Technology
Why are you running for the school board?
I am running for the school board to make a tangible, positive impact on the educational experience and future opportunities of students in Charles County. I am committed to supporting teachers, support staff and administrators by advocating for essential resources, professional development and updated tools that enable effective teaching and learning. Serving as a positive influence and a role model for youth, I aim to foster a supportive and inclusive school environment. Advocating for the advancement and quality of Charles County education is vital to the long-term success and well-being of our community’s children and everyone involved in their educational journey.
What makes you a good candidate for the board?
My strong connection with the youth in Charles County, particularly in District 2, sets me apart as a candidate for the Board of Education. This engagement gives me a deep understanding of the community's needs and what students require to become successful adults.
What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?
The top priority for the Charles County school board is addressing the rising behavior issues among students. It's crucial to take strong action so teachers can feel safe in their classrooms. When students feel secure, they are better able to learn and succeed. Second, teachers and support staff salaries. Third, funding to address class overcrowding and new school construction.
Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.
The person I deeply admire is my late great-uncle William A. Diggs. He was an educator who dedicated his entire life to serving Charles County, and education was very dear to him. His unwavering commitment and values left a lasting impression on me.
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, passed by the General Assembly in 2021, is a 10-year plan that includes increased funding to support early childhood education, higher teacher starting pay, college/career-readiness standards for high school graduates, and expanded services to multilingual and impoverished families, among other goals. Since the Blueprint's implementation, test scores have increased modestly in many parts of the state, but some school officials complain about the costs and administrative burdens placed on them by the Blueprint. Please tell us your views on the Blueprint and how it is affecting your school district.
The Blueprint plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of student education across Maryland, with particular emphasis on Charles County. Securing adequate funding is essential to effectively implement the Blueprint's strategies, ensuring its success and contributing to the overall development of Maryland’s educational system.
Chronic absenteeism has been a problem in many schools since the Covid-19 pandemic. How big of a problem is absenteeism in your school district, and what if anything can the Board of Education do about it?
Absentees in District 2, a largely rural area, highlight the persistent struggles faced by students in meeting their basic needs. Many students often lack access to essentials such as food, clean running water, electricity and high-speed internet — things that many of us may take for granted.
Are you satisfied with your school district's policy on AI use by students? If so, why? If not, what would you suggest to improve the AI policy?
The AI policy that Charles County Public Schools has adopted needs to be advised as AI is continuously changing.
Youth mental health has been a growing concern for years now. Do you think your school district has the resources and personnel in place to deal with this issue adequately? If not, what would you suggest to improve the situation?
I don’t think the Charles County Public School system is meeting all students' mental health needs because funding, professional staff and resources are critical in addressing students' mental health issues.
Do you think there are circumstances when books should be removed from school libraries? If so, what kind of books should be removed, and who should make those decisions?
If reading material makes a student feel uncomfortable, it should be removed.
