Candidate Survey: Julie Henn for Baltimore County Board of Education, District 5

TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey

Name*

Julie Henn

Age*

47

Office Sought*

Board of Education

County*

Baltimore County

District, if applicable*

5

Political Party*

Independent

Education*

Executive MBA - Loyola University in MD BA, Public Relations - Marquette University

Career/Occupation*

Information Technology

Political Experience*

Appointed to Board of Education in December 2016. Served two years as At-Large Member (2016-2018). Elected to Board of Education as Fifth District Member in November 2018. Served as Vice Chair (2018-2021) and am currently serving as Chair (2021-2022). Active education advocate and BCPS volunteer since 2006. Previously served on Northeast Area Education Advisory Council, Superintendent’s Transportation Advisory Council, and Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council.

Social Media Accounts*

Board Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JulieHennBCPS Campaign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electjuliehenn

Website*

Visit me on Facebook

Why are you running for office?*

I want to continue the work that we have started. There is so much that needs to be done. We need to realign taxpayer dollars back to the schoolhouses and empower local school administrators to use them for what they know their students need the most. I have called for a zero-based budgeting process that challenges the system to rethink every line item. Over 85% of the budget is staffing. Do we have the right people in the right positions? Are our schools adequately staffed? How can we provide more staff where they are most needed? We need to give teachers the autonomy to teach and free them from other extraneous responsibilities that take time away from teaching and learning. And we need to compensate teachers and support staff appropriately. For BCPS to be able to attract and retain professionals, we have to treat our staff as professionals and make the system a desirable place to work. Professionals are rewarded, have a voice in decision making, and have freedom to practice their chosen career without micromanagement. We need to invest in meeting students where they are and in alternative learning environments that allow every student to thrive in the environment that’s best suited for them. Every school must be healthy and safe for students and staff. And we must continue to invest in our SROs and school safety assistants and in facility enhancements to increase school safety. Students have to come to school on-time, every day, prepared to learn. And we have to ensure safe and reliable student transportation that meets our expectations of students for attendance - on-time, every day. We need to partner with Baltimore County Government to provide services and supports to families so students come to school prepared to learn. BCPS must refocus on its core mission of providing a world class education to all students because all students can learn if properly supported.

Who do you consider your political role model, and why?*

I have been inspired and supported by a group of incredibly strong and brilliant women in Baltimore County who have fought for better schools for our children. They have fought for an elected school board, for greater accountability and transparency in BCPS, for professional development for reading specialists and other educators, for air conditioning for our schools, for new healthy schools, for independence for our school board, for better curricula implementation, and countless other endeavors. They are my role models and those who truly know education in Baltimore County know who they are.

What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why?*

To be determined

What will be your top priority in office?*

School safety and transportation

What is the biggest issue facing your area?*

School safety

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland?*

Public safety

What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide)*

These issues will not come before the school board.

What is your position on taxes and spending?*

The school board does not have taxing authority; however, I support local control of spending by school administrators for maximum efficiencies and direct benefits to students. I believe taxpayers’ dollars would be better spent by school administrators who know firsthand what their students need.

What is your position on gun rights?*

I support the Second Amendment.

What is your position on the legalization of marijuana?*

I do not support legalization.

What is your position on the current three-tiered system for the sale and distribution of alcohol?*

No position.

What is your position on land use, growth, and development?*

I support the recommendations of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Task Force for balancing growth and development with investments in new school construction.

What is your position on crime and public safety?*

Safer schools start with safer communities. I support increased investments in public safety and fully support all investments to attract, retain, and protect our law enforcement officers.

What is your position on county tax caps?*

No position.

Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election?*

Yes

Do you pledge to accept the results of your election?*

Yes