HANDBOOK. League of Women Voters of Baltimore County

Transcription

1 HANDBOOK League of Women Voters of Baltimore County 6600 York Road, Suite 211 Baltimore, MD Office hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday

2 LWV Baltimore County Handbook INTRODUCTION This handbook is intended as a reference to the League of Women Voters of Baltimore County, including our overall purpose and policies, our study and action, programming, leadership, and committees. The membership directory provides a means for members to connect. The handbook also provides an overview and reference of LWV (national) and LWVMD (state) and contact information for all. Whatever the issue, the League believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibilities, adequate financing, coordination among levels of government, effective enforcement and well-defined channels for citizen input and review. ii

3 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION... ii CONTENTS... iii LWV PURPOSE... 1 LEAGUE NONPARTISAN POLICY... 2 LEAGUE OFFICES... 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PORTFOLIOS... 5 CALENDAR... 6 MEETINGS... 6 COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM ITEMS: POSITION STATEMENTS... 12

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5 Handbook LWV PURPOSE The League of Women Voters is an organization dedicated to the principles of self-government established in the Constitution of the United States. The League has been active in Baltimore County for over sixty years. Its members live in all areas of the County and work together to promote political responsibility through informed and active participation of citizens in government. Membership is open to anyone age 16 or older who subscribes to the purposes and policies of the League. Payment of annual dues entitles one to membership in the national (LWV), state (LWVMD) and local Leagues. Members receive subscriptions t the LWV Maryland Voter, Report from State Circle (January April) and the LWV Baltimore County Voter. WE ARE NON-PARTISAN: We neither support nor oppose candidates for office. As an organization, the League does not support or oppose candidates for public office, but acts only on those issues chosen by the membership for study and action. The League believes that political parties are essential to the American system of government and that participation of informed citizens is beneficial to the political parties and to the system. Consequently, the League encourages its members as individuals to be active in the political parties, in funding and supporting candidates for political office and in seeking election to public office. 1

6 Handbook LEAGUE NONPARTISAN POLICY THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS BELIEVES in representative government and individual liberties established in the U.S. Constitution. WE BELIEVE THAT Democratic government depends upon the informed and active participation of its citizens. Every citizen should be protected in his/her right to vote; have access to free public education which provides equal opportunity for all, and no person or group should suffer legal, economic or administrative discrimination. Efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, clear assignment of responsibility, adequate financing and coordination among the different agencies and levels of government. Responsible government should be responsive to the will of the people, should maintain an equitable and flexible system of taxation, promote the conservation and development of natural resources in the public interest, share in the solution of economic and social problems affecting the general welfare, promote a sound economy, and adopt domestic policies which facilitate the solution of international problems. Cooperation with other nations is essential in the search for solutions to world problems. The development of international organizations and international law is imperative in the promotion of world peace. 2

7 LWV Baltimore County LEAGUE OFFICES National Office League of Women Voters (LWV) Chris Carson, President 1730 M Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC Phone LWV@lwv.org Fax web site: State Office League of Women Voters of Maryland (LWVMD) Co- President, Elaine Apter, Richard Willson 111 Cathedral St., Suite 201 Annapolis, MD lwvmd@verizon.net LWV Baltimore City Office League of Women Voters of Baltimore City President, Lois Hybl 6600 York Road, Suite 211 Baltimore, MD info@baltcity.lwvmd.org LWV Baltimore County Camille Marx and Camille Wheeler, Co-Presidents 6600 York Road, Suite 211 Baltimore, MD (Wilma Rosenberger, Office Manager) lwvbaltimore@comcast.net 3

8 Handbook BOARD OF DIRECTORS Officers Co-Presidents Camille Marx ( ) Camille Wheeler 1 st VP Neilson Andrews ( ) 2 nd VP Jennifer Haire ( ) Secretary ( ) Sheila Maleson Treasurer ( ) Directors Betsy Sexton Terms Ending 2019 Terms Ending 2018 Barbara Crain Leslie Grant Barbara Hopkins Caroline Seamon Barbara Ensor Karin Kinzel Theresa Lawler Ralph Rigger Jessa Goldberg Endowment Fund Directors Caroline Seamon ( ) Barbara Simmons ( ) Camille Wheeler ( ), chair Nominating Committee Barbara Dezmon Sharalyn Luciani 4

9 LWV Baltimore County Tracy Miller PORTFOLIOS Each Board member is accountable for specific League tasks, or Portfolios, within our league. Off-board members also fulfill committee responsibilities. To volunteer or request more information, please contact the person responsible. Board Affordable Housing/Home Act Board Handbook Candidate Forums Communications/Marketing County Council Observer Corps Jessa Goldberg Endowment Fund Event Planning Finance committee Land Use Library lecture series/voices of Democracy Management Fund Membership Roster/Database Report from State Circle Reporter Treasurer Voters Service Poll Evaluations Voters Guide Voter Registration Website Year-End Fundraising Betsy Sexton Caroline Seamon Board Karin Kinzel Betsy Sexton Caroline Seamon, Barbara Simmons Camille Wheeler, Betsy Sexton Ralph Rigger Jen Haire Neilson Andrews Jen Haire Neilson Andrews Betsy Sexton Barbara Ensor Barbara Crain Barbara Crain Sheila Maleson Board 5

10 Handbook Off-Board Portfolios Education Committee International Relations Committee s World Agriculture Learning Group: LWVUS Ruth S. SHUR Fellow/National Coach - Consultant on LWV issues Publications Subcommittee on Food Insecurity Voter Editor Judy Miller Cindy Farquar, Ruth Smith JoAnn Ross Sharalyn Luciani Laurie Taylor Mitchell Sharalyn Luciani CALENDAR All calendar events for can be found in The Voter. Please save your copy or check the online version at MEETINGS Board Meetings Board Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. in the League of Women Voters Office. Members are welcome to all Board meetings. 6

11 LWV Baltimore County Daytime Discussion/Consensus Meetings Discussion/Consensus meetings are small group meetings where issues that face the League, including local, state and national studies, are discussed and consensus is developed as needed. Unit meetings also provide an avenue for members and the Board of Directors to communicate. Daytime Discussion/Consensus Meeting Locations Because unit meetings are held only 3 times yearly, it is important to check The Voter for exact dates, times and locations. Broadmead Retirement Community (Board Room) York Road, Cockeysville, MD Charlestown Retirement Community (Card room, Charlestown Square Bldg.) 715 Maiden Choice Lane, Catonsville, MD At a member s home, on a Sunday afternoon. Location will be announced in The Voter (newsletter) of the previous month. 7

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13 General Meetings LWV Baltimore County The league sponsors several meetings each year. The purpose is to highlight a specific topic on which the League has a position. Formats include panel discussions, forums and guest speakers. Annual Meeting This meeting is held to elect officers and adopt both the budget and the program for the following year. Consideration of Amendments to the bylaws may take place. It is also a time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year. There is always a guest speaker. Please bring guests to any of our meetings and encourage them to join the League. COMMUNICATIONS Newsletter: All Baltimore County League members receive our monthly newsletter, The Voter either by mail or . The updated calendar, description of upcoming events, clarification of positions and activities, and important information about studies and action are communicated monthly from September through June. Website: Our League website, is a vital source of current and historical local league information and links to connected resources. Facebook: Please follow us on Facebook, Baltimore County League of Women Voters. Your Elected Officials: Updated after each election, this brochure is circulated to members and interested parties. Call the office for the most current guide. 9

14 Handbook PROGRAM ITEMS: Studies and Action LWVUS LWVUS has completed studies adopted at the 2016 convention, and are focused on ACTION in the following areas: Protecting Voters o Voter Rights o Improving Elections o DC Voting Rights Educating and Engaging Voters o Registering and Educating Voters Reforming Money in Politics o Money in Elections o Ethics and Lobbying Defending the Environment o Clean Air Defense o Global Climate Change o Clean Energy Other Work o Redistricting o Reforming Immigration o Advancing Health Care o Gun Safety o Fixing Fiscal Policy o Improving Government o Global Democracy More information can be found online: 10

15 LWV Maryland Four studies were adopted at Convention 2017: Corrections and Bail Civic Education Services for the Aging in Maryland Death with Dignity LWV Baltimore County LWV Baltimore County At the 2017 Annual Meeting no new studies were adopted, but the following action initiatives were approved. Action initiative: The Education Committee will work to increase awareness of poverty, hunger, and homelessness in Baltimore County Public Schools. The League will also seek to publicize the efforts of privately funded programs providing supplemental food to students at risk of hunger on weekends, such as Food for Thought of Baltimore County, the Baltimore Hunger Project, and the Assistance Center for Towson Churches (ACTC). Reactivate the County Council Observer Corps so that we can be alerted in a timely fashion to bills proposed in the Council and testify on local positions as needed. Baltimore County will have a hybrid school board with elected and appointed Board of Education members. The Education Committee will set up meetings and send press releases informing citizens of the processes for election to the school board and appointment to the commission that will submit names to the governor for his four appointees. Collaborate with Baltimore County Public Library on Voices of Democracy panel discussions on issues that affect the county s residents. Work with the State League to promote redistricting reform and educate Baltimore county residents 11

16 Handbook Conduct candidate forums during the election year POSITION STATEMENTS The League of Women Voters establishes positions on issues only after careful, thorough study, member discussion and consensus. Action follows when and if appropriate. Positions are researched at all league levels, National (LWV), State (LWVMD), and local. (LWV Baltimore County). LWV Position Statements LWV Mission Statement (lwv.org) The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. SUMMARY OF PUBLIC POLICY POSITIONS Information can be found at 1. REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT Promote an open governmental system that is representative, accountable and responsive A. Voting Rights Citizen s Right to Vote - Protect the right of all citizens to vote; encourage all citizens to vote DC Self-Government and Full Voting Representation - Secure for the citizens of the District of Columbia the rights of self-government and full voting representation in both houses of Congress 12

17 LWV Baltimore County B. Election Process Apportionment - Support apportionment of congressional districts and elected legislative bodies at all levels of government based substantially on population Redistricting - Support redistricting processes and enforceable standards that promote fair and effective representation at all levels of government with maximum opportunity for public participation Money in Politics - Campaign Finance regulation should enhance political equality for all citizens, ensure transparency, protect representative democracy from distortion by big money, and combat corruption and undue influence in government. The League believes that campaign spending must be restricted but not banned. The League supports public financing, full disclosure, abolishing SuperPACs and creating an effective enforcement agency Selection of the President - Promote the election of the President and Vice-President by direct-popular-vote. Support uniform national voting qualifications and procedures for presidential elections. Support efforts to provide voters with sufficient information about candidates C. Citizen Rights Citizen s Right to Know/Citizen Participation Protect the citizen s right to know and facilitate citizen participation in government decision-making Individual Liberties - Oppose major threats to basic constitutional rights Constitutional Amendment Proposals - In addition to League positions, consideration should be given to whether a proposal addresses matters of abiding importance, makes our political system more democratic or protects individual rights, could be achieved by less difficult legislative or political approaches, and is more suited to a constitutional 13

18 Handbook and general approach than to a statutory and detailed approach Constitutional Conventions - Concerned that there are many unresolved questions about a Constitutional Convention. Certain conditions must be in place: limited to a single specific topic, full transparency, delegates selected by population, and voting by delegates not by state Public Policy on Reproductive Choices - Protect the constitutional right of privacy of the individual to make reproductive choices 14 D. Congress and the President Congress - Support responsive legislative processes characterized by accountability, representativeness, decision making capability and effective performance The Presidency - Promote a dynamic balance of power between the executive and legislative branches within the framework set by the Constitution Privatization - Ensure transparency, accountability, positive community impact and preservation of the common good when considering the transfer of governmental services, assets and/or functions to the private sector 2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Promote peace in an interdependent world by working cooperatively with other nations and strengthening international organizations United Nations - Support a strong, effective United Nations to promote international peace and security and to address the social, economic and humanitarian needs of all people Trade - Support U.S. trade policies that reduce trade barriers, expand international trade and advance the achievement of humanitarian, environmental and social goals

19 LWV Baltimore County U.S. Relations with Developing Countries - Promote U.S. policies that meet long-term social and economic needs of developing countries Arms Control - Reduce the risk of war through support of arms control measures Military Policy and Defense Spending - Work to limit reliance on military force. Examine defense spending in the context of total national needs 3. NATURAL RESOURCES Promote an environment beneficial to life through the protection and wise management of natural resources in the public interest Natural Resources - Promote the management of natural resources as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems Resource Management - Promote resource conservation, stewardship and long-range planning, with the responsibility for managing natural resources shared by all levels of government Environmental Protection and Pollution Control - Preserve the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the ecosystem with maximum protection of public health and the environment Air Quality - Promote measures to reduce pollution from mobile and stationary sources Energy - Support environmentally sound policies that reduce energy growth rates, emphasize energy conservation and encourage the use of renewable resources Land Use - Promote policies that manage land as a finite resource and that incorporate principles of stewardship 15

20 Handbook Water Resources - Support measures to reduce pollution in order to protect surface water, groundwater and drinking water Waste Management - Promote policies that reduce the generation and promote the reuse and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes Nuclear Issues - Promote the maximum protection of public health and safety and the environment Public Participation - Promote public understanding and participation in decision making as essential elements of responsible and responsive management of our natural resources Agriculture Policy - Promote adequate supplies of food and fiber at reasonable prices to consumers and support economically viable farms, environmentally sound farm practices and increased reliance on the free market Federal Agriculture Policies - Provide financial support to subsidize agriculture in specific instances, enforce federal antitrust laws to ensure competitive agricultural markets and apply clean air and water regulations to all animal and aquaculture production. The federal government should fund basic agricultural research to provide adequate safety of our food supply 4. SOCIAL POLICY Secure equal rights and equal opportunity for all. Promote social and economic justice and the health and safety of all Americans A. Equality of Opportunity Education, Employment and Housing - Support equal access to education, employment and housing 16

21 LWV Baltimore County Equal Rights - Support ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and efforts to bring laws into compliance with the goals of the ERA B. Federal Role in Public Education Support federal policies that provide an equitable, quality public education for all children pre-k through grade C. Fiscal Policy Tax Policy - Support adequate and flexible funding of federal government programs through an equitable tax system that is progressive overall and that relies primarily on a broad-based income tax Federal Deficit - Promote responsible deficit policies Funding of Entitlements - Support a federal role in providing mandatory, universal, old-age, survivors, disability and health insurance D. Health Care Promote a health care system for the United States that provides access to a basic level of quality care for all U.S. residents, including behavioral health, and controls health care costs E. Immigration Promote reunification of immediate families; meet the economic, business and employment needs of the United States; be responsive to those facing political persecution or humanitarian crises; and provide for student visas. Ensure fair treatment under the law for all persons. In transition to a reformed system, support provisions for unauthorized immigrants already in the country to earn legal status 17

22 Handbook F. Meeting Basic Human Needs Support programs and policies to prevent or reduce poverty and to promote self-sufficiency for individuals and families Income Assistance - Support income assistance programs, based on need, that provide decent, adequate standards for food, clothing and shelter Support Services - Provide essential support services Housing Supply - Support policies to provide a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family G. Child Care Support programs and policies to expand the supply of affordable, quality child care for all who need it H. Early Intervention for Children at Risk Support policies and programs that promote the well-being, development and safety of all children I. Violence Prevention Support violence prevention programs in communities J. Gun Control Protect the health and safety of citizens through limiting the accessibility and regulating the ownership of handguns and semi-automatic weapons. Support regulation of firearms for consumer safety K. Urban Policy Promote the economic health of cities and improve the quality of urban life 18

23 LWV Baltimore County L. Death Penalty The LWVUS supports abolition of the death penalty M. Sentencing Policy The LWVUS believes alternatives to imprisonment should be explored and utilized, taking into consideration the circumstances and nature of the crime. The LWVUS opposes mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses. N. Human Trafficking Oppose all forms of domestic and international human trafficking of adults and children, including sex trafficking and labor trafficking PRINCIPLES Whatever the issue, the League believes that efficient and economical government requires competent personnel, the clear assignment of responsibilities, adequate financing, coordination among levels of government, effective enforcement and well-defined channels for citizen input and review. LWVMD Positions For complete text of positions and supporting information log onto ACTION tab, and select Positions. 1. GOVERNMENT A. Law State Constitution: ACTION to secure a constitution that is clear, concise and confined to fundamentals. (1962) Local Government: ACTION to support county home rule, with preference for charter. (1967, 1983, 1985) 19

24 Handbook Administration of Justice: ACTION to secure an effective nonpartisan judiciary and to promote fair and appropriate sentencing, including the abolition of the death penalty; and a correctional system, including probation and other alternatives to incarceration, that protects society and prepares offenders for successful reintegration into the community. ACTION to support access by indigent criminal defendants to legal counsel at every decisional stage of the judicial process, including bail hearings. (1963, 1964, 1967, 1970, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2005, 2010). Judiciary: SUPPORT for a statewide uniform and unified judicial system. B. Order Firearms Control: ACTION to strengthen gun control laws. (1991) Concurrence with Baltimore County Position Sentencing (1985): SUPPORT for sentencing based on the offense, the offender's previous record, aggravating or mitigating circumstances, and the impact on the victim. Capital Punishment (2005): The League SUPPORTS the abolition of the death penalty in Maryland. For so long as Maryland has a death penalty, the League supports reforms for its equitable and consistent application. Corrections (1971, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1987, and 1989): SUPPORT for alternatives to incarceration in state prisons and a well-staffed correctional and probation system. C. Elections Election Process : ACTION to assure fair campaigns and elections. Action to institute elections to fill vacancies in the General Assembly. ACTION to support a closed primary election, a mix of single and multi-member legislative 20

25 LWV Baltimore County districts and coterminous boundaries. ACTION to oppose term limits for members of the General Assembly. ACTION to assure an election system that is equitable, accessible, fiscally responsible, accountable and enforceable. Opposition to a requirement for a uniform voting system unless funded by the state. (1972, 1985, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2013) Election Administration: Detailed position available in publication Study and Action. Includes topics: early voting, permanent absentee ballot lists, online voter registration, provisional ballots, Instant Runoff Voting. (2013, 2014) Redistricting: ACTION to assure a state redistricting process and standards that promote fair and effective representation in the state legislature and House of Representatives with maximum opportunity for public scrutiny (2004) D. Fiscal Policy ACTION to promote an equitable and efficient fiscal structure for Maryland and to improve the fiscal relationships between the state and its political subdivisions (1981) ACTION to Support or oppose proposed changes to Maryland's revenue structure, by using the following principles to analyze and evaluate the proposed changes (1999). ACTION to increase the budgetary authority of the legislature and to achieve a more effective budget process. (2004) 21

26 Handbook 2. NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT Coal: ACTION to oppose strip mining on slopes steeper than 20 degrees (1983); ACTION to support the collection of taxes and fees from the coal industry for costs to the public resulting from the mining of Maryland coal. (1987) ACTION to oppose the granting of eminent domain for and the construction of, a coal slurry pipeline through Maryland. (1986) Hazardous Waste Management: ACTION to promote the environmentally sound management of hazardous waste and to educate the public on safe disposal procedures. (1984) Solid Waste Management: ACTION to promote informed decisions affecting solid waste management (1995) Land Use/Growth Management: ACTION to encourage the State to establish goals, guidelines and standards for land use, with local implementation of land use policies (1975, 1979, 1991) Transportation: (Also pertinent to Fiscal Policy) ACTION to support an integrated transportation system and mass transit systems which are efficient, safe, clean and accessible. SUPPORT for adequate and equitable funding and cooperative regional programs is necessary to achieve these goals. (2001) 3. SOCIAL POLICY Adult Literacy: ACTION to ensure availability of free or low cost basic English language instruction for adult Maryland residents who are not proficient in reading, writing, speaking and understanding English. (2009) 22

27 LWV Baltimore County Children s Services: ACTION to SUPPORT a comprehensive range of child-centered services to ensure all children a chance to grow toward stable, productive adulthood (1995) Domestic Violence: ACTION to SUPPORT preventing initial and repeat occurrences of violence against spouses, domestic partners, the elderly, and children; ACTION to SUPPORT a strong statewide response to violence that is integrated, interdisciplinary, and adequately funded, involving all segments of the law-enforcement and judicial systems, the medical community, the schools, social services, animal care and control agencies, and the private sector, with a primary focus on the safety of victims (2000) Drug and Controlled Substance Abuse, Policies and Laws in Maryland: ACTION to legalize the use of marijuana for any use, including medicinal, subject to restrictions on production and distribution. (2012) Drunk Driving: ACTION to promote strong governmental measures and educational programs to address the problems of the drinking driver (1983, 2001) A. Education Attracting and Retaining Competent Teachers: ACTION to support the State aiding local school systems in attracting and retaining competent teachers. (1989) Choice in Education /Charter Schools: Action to encourage the inclusion of the following criteria in any legislation or regulations governing the establishment of Public Charter Schools: No consensus was reached on whether or not we oppose or support Public Charter Schools. (2001). Choice in Education Vouchers: ACTION to oppose using public funds for private schools for vouchers for elementary and secondary school students. Voucher programs permit 23

28 Handbook parents to use public funds to send their children to private schools. (2001) Financing Education: ACTION to SUPPORT measures which recognize the primary responsibility for funding public elementary and secondary education lies with the state. (1972, 1975) High School Graduation Testing: ACTION to insure students have an opportunity to pass high school graduation tests (2005) B. Equality of Marriage/Civil Unions ACTION to ensure that Maryland law does not discriminate in its recognition of all marriages/civil unions on the basis of gender or religious definitions of marriage (2007) C. Health Care Health Care Appeals: ACTION to ensure a health care appeals system which protects patients, makes insurers accountable and objectively addresses patients' concerns. (1999). D. Housing ACTION to develop a state housing policy responsive to the need for more affordable housing and to clarify landlord/tenant relationships (1982, 1983, 2007) LWV Baltimore County Positions Position statements are summarized briefly. Complete texts and the background for these positions are available in the League office. 24

29 1. GOVERNMENT A. County Government/Charter LWV Baltimore County ACTION to support the concept of charter government and measures to make it efficient, effective and responsible (1969) ACTION to oppose a full time County Council (1969) and a full time Council Chairman 1974) Action to oppose the County Attorney serving as a legal advisor and advisor and legislative draftsman for both the County Council and the County Executive. (1976) ACTION to support maintaining the present number (7) of County Council Districts (1992) (2002). ACTION to support retention of the position of People's Counsel (see Land Use Positions, 1992) Firearms Legislation (1977) ACTION to strengthen gun control law Real Property Assessments and Taxation (1978) ACTION to support continued use of the real property tax as a major source of revenue for Baltimore County B. Transportation ACTION to support financing transportation and Action to support the role of Baltimore City Government 2. NATURAL RESOURCES A. Land Use ACTION to support a good system of planning and zoning Sludge Management Utilization (1988) and/or disposal of sludge from wastewater treatment plants 25

30 Handbook ACTION to support legislation prohibiting, regulating or restricting discharge of pollutants into the sewer system or waters of Baltimore County by individuals, commerce or industry. (1982) B. Solid Waste Management (1971) ACTION to support improved solid waste management goals and practices in Baltimore County. ACTION to support increased financial aid for, and greater public awareness of, solid waste management problems (See Recycling) Source Reduction and Recycling (1990) Action to support emphasis on recycling and source reduction. 3. SOCIAL POLICY A. Alternatives to the War on Drugs (2005) ACTION to support: continuation of present drug treatment programs focusing on treatment instead of incarceration on every level when evaluated for efficacy; focusing the Government s budget mainly on education and treatment instead of enforcement and punishment; lengthening of drug treatment options to a year or longer; legalizing drugs with various degrees of regulation; decriminalizing drugs as a first step; allowing addicts to obtain their drugs from licensed medical professionals; sentencing adult dealers to prison and giving judges flexibility for first time offenders. B. Department of Aging (1987) ACTION to support programs, services, and personnel to meet the needs of Baltimore County Senior Citizens 26

31 C. Economic Development (1981) LWV Baltimore County ACTION to support economic development in Baltimore County through integrated planning, transportation, site selection assistance, loan guarantees, promotion and giving priority to the above order D. Education Quality of Education, Part I (1999) Affirmation of the following to be the purposes of public education: To prepare students to be responsible citizens and to understand and affirm the democratic values in our society To prepare students to be economically self-sufficient To prepare students to be life-long learners, appreciative of the arts, knowledgeable about technology and sensitive to cultural and individual differences. ACTION to support the following to ensure that students in BCPS have well-qualified teachers in their classrooms: Strengthening and extension of pre-service training and continued professional development Recognition and celebration of teachers of high quality Promotion and marketing of the teaching profession with students and the general public Strengthening support services for new and experienced teachers (e.g. technology training, mentoring, programs, etc. Provision of diversity training that engenders respect for academic, socio-economic, and cultural differences among students and staff Establishment of high standards for supervision and accountability and adequate staff to ensure that performance actually meets the standards ACTION to support the following measures in order to motivate accomplished persons to enter and remain in the teaching profession: 27

32 Handbook Incentives (ex: small schools and small classes, adequate materials, well maintained physical plants, funds for moving expenses, etc.) Salaries competitive with other professions Salary supplements (merit pay) for those with high performance ratings and for those who achieve certification by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards ACTION to support budget priorities of staff, instructional materials and school maintenance Sabbaticals and professional conference attendance Efforts by BCPS to explore incentives to induce persons in other disciplines to enter the teaching profession Finding ways to enable principals to be primarily educational leaders Quality of Education (Teaching), Part II (2000) 28 ACTION to support the following g programs that will ensure the Quality of Teaching: Promotion of parent involvement in every school Promotion of interaction between parents and teachers Promotion of requirement by BCPS that all teachers be trained in a variety of strategies to reach and teach students coming from diverse backgrounds Provision of the addition of non-teaching support staff for non-teaching activities Provision by BCPS of instructional aides in all schools Continued implementation of the recommendations of the Minority Achievement Implementation Committee (now called the Diversity and Achievement Steering Committee) as well as the recommendations for systemic change listed in the State Minority report, Minority Achievement in Maryland Inclusion of all stakeholders in any surveys regarding special education not just parents and teachers of special education students Funding and development of pre-school education

33 LWV Baltimore County Greater coordination and cooperation between BCPS and DSS in improving the quality of day care programs Increased compensation in order to recruit and retain high quality teachers Provision of teachers of high quality to provide remediation, acceleration and enrichment programs in elementary schools with high percentages of low achieving students E. Early Childhood Education (2002) ACTION to support the following early childhood education initiatives: Provision by BCPS of parent education and assistance with pre-literacy and enrichment activities to families in greatest need Provision by BCPS of Pre-K education for 4-year olds from disadvantaged families and those with special needs with an ultimate goal of provision of pre-k for all children Funding of pre-k and all-day kindergarten with federal, state and local financing, preferably from general revenues F. The Principalship (2005) Affirmation of the following principles: The principal s role is key to a well-functioning school and sets the tone for its mission to successfully educate all of the students. The principal is the chief administrator of his/her school and his/her main responsibility is that of Instructional Leader. ACTION to support the following: Provision of discretionary funding that would allow the principal to hire a person to supervise tasks which are not directly instructional in nature Encouragement of BCPS to expand its training program for potential principals to include all of the requirements 29

34 Handbook necessary to become a full principal and to include spending part of that training in challenging schools and with an emphasis on human relations Encouragement of BCPS to put in place mechanism for teachers to evaluate the principal as part of the teacher s overall evaluation ACTION to support principal evaluation procedures which include appropriate input by teachers and parents 30 G. Safe Schools/Safe Communities (1996) ACTION to support the following: A fair, equitable, consistent discipline code and suspension policy in the Baltimore County Public Schools (frequently disseminated to parents and students), with emphasis on the need for removal of the most chronically disruptive students from the regular day school setting to a separate, alternative setting with appropriate curriculum, and for the establishment of in-school detention programs where suitable and feasible. Increased and enhanced before and after-school programs Increased cooperation between BCPS and other government agencies dealing with children s welfare Provision of funding, public and private, as needed to create and maintain safe schools and safe communities with emphasis on prevention and early intervention H. Charter Schools (1998): The League of Women Voters of Baltimore County neither supports nor opposes Charter Schools but does support specific criteria which should be implemented should Charter Schools be permitted in Baltimore County. Definition: Charter Schools are public schools, non-profit and non-sectarian, which offer alternative approaches to

35 LWV Baltimore County education and are exempted from certain rules and regulations, except those related to health, safety, civil rights, special education, criminal background check and financial disclosure, in exchange for accountability after a specified length of time. Common characteristics are: small size, (usually fewer than 300 students); relative degree of autonomy over decisions regarding curriculum, staffing, and budget; significant parent involvement; and innovative programs. Criteria: Parents, teachers, institutions of higher education, community agencies and existing public schools should be free to apply to form charter schools. However, Boards of Trustees of Charter Schools may hire for-profit companies for specific services (e.g. tutoring, accounting, janitorial help). Federal moneys, foundations, businesses and other agencies can supply start-up funds. For operating expenses, customary funding from local, state and federal sources should flow to charter schools. State certification for a majority of the teachers is important. Strengthening the certification process for charter school teachers, as well as other public-school teachers, along with continuous staff development is recommended. Charter School Contracts should be reviewed frequently (e.g., one year, followed by contracts for three to five years). Students desiring to attend should be admitted using a lottery system. Students should take customary tests in Maryland. The charter school, itself, should be held accountable for student success, based on its curriculum plan, after three years. Charter schools should be open to non-intrusive visits from citizens who have scheduled appointments. There should be 31

36 Handbook open disclosure of finances, including annual audits, which are reported to education boards and the public. The State Board should not limit the number of charter schools. All governing and advisory boards and councils for charter schools should include lay citizens. Transportation of students to charter schools should be addressed. Monitoring and accountability are crucial for the success of charter schools by local and state boards or by bodies appointed by them to do so. I. Selection of Board of Education Members (2014) SUPPORT for change to either a fully elected or a hybrid system (some elected/some appointed) of selection of members of the Board of Education. SUPPORT for a staggered system of election so that the terms of all Board members would not end at the same time thus providing continuity. SUPPORT for a four-year term of office. SUPPORT for candidates running on a non-partisan basis. SUPPORT for the requirement that no person serve who has a conflict of interest. If there should be a hybrid system of selection: SUPPORT for a requirement that the governor use his/her appointments to ensure diversity on the Board. J. Health Care (1976) ACTION to support adequate community resources 32

37 K. Housing LWV Baltimore County ACTION to support the National League position of equal opportunity for all, with emphasis on housing for low and moderate-income families (1968) ACTION to support the local Land Use position of affordable housing opportunities for low and moderateincome families and individuals throughout Baltimore County near centers of employment, public transportation, and community based support services, and where appropriate, in existing dwelling (1991) ACTION to support the Basic Human Needs position of increasing the current local supplement for all assistance recipients who currently receive a supplement; creation of additional shelters through funding support by the county, but operation of shelters by private, non-profit groups (1988) L. Human Relations Commission (HRC) (1989) ACTION to support a strong Commission under our national human relations position of equal rights for all M. Job Retraining (1984, 1990) ACTION to support retraining of dislocated workers which should be planned for in advance and occur on an ongoing basis. N. Meeting Basic Human Needs (1988) ACTION to support increasing the current local supplement for all assistance recipients who currently receive a supplement; creation of additional shelters through funding support by the County, but operation of shelters by private, non-profit groups. 33

38 Handbook O. School Age Child Care (SACC) (1985, 1990, 1992) ACTION to support assumption by Baltimore County of the role of Facilitator for a diverse range of SACC services, including regulation, child care information and referral, planning, training and technical assistance; designation of SACC services as second in priority for use of school facilities; assumption of funding for SACC programs by parents and business community with government involved only for low income families on a sliding scale. 34