Cynthia Marrah Jurrius
Running for school board in Talbot County District 6
How old will you be on Election Day (Nov. 5)?
65
Are you currently employed? If so, where, and what is your job title?
I am the director of a statewide mediation and conflict resolution office, supporting the use, availability and quality of productive dispute resolution across Maryland.
What is the highest level of education that you completed, and where did you get that degree?
Bachelor’s degree, Lehigh University; law degree, the George Washington Law School.
Why are you running for the school board?
Our public schools play a pivotal role in shaping our community’s future, and we need community members on our board who can help move Talbot County Public Schools forward to excellence. I serve to make a difference, I care about kids, and I have skills and experience to contribute. I will listen to all perspectives and value the richness in diversity of opinion. I am a natural collaborator skilled at helping people work together to find solutions to challenging community problems. I am also willing to speak up and ask tough questions when necessary. I want to ensure that our Talbot Board of Education continues to function effectively, and that the destructive polarization that has infected many school districts stays out of our community. We have many strengths on which to build, and working together, we can solve any challenge.
What makes you a good candidate for the board?
As a seasoned community leader and mediator, I am committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all perspectives are heard, valued and considered. Through my community involvement, career as an attorney, community mediator, former director of a local nonprofit and in my current role, I have honed the skills necessary to navigate complex community challenges. As director of youth and family services for Mid Shore Community Mediation, and later, as executive director, I launched school-based programs focused on conflict resolution, leveraging limited resources for successful outcomes for students. I thrive on bringing people together to discuss diverse perspectives and find innovative solutions that benefit all. As the parent of three Talbot County Public Schools graduates, I understand the importance of advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize the well-being and academic success of every student. As a family member of educators and school administrators, I bring a multifaceted understanding of the educational landscape. We have many good things to celebrate in the Talbot County Public Schools — a great foundation of caring and skilled teachers, experienced administrators, an effective board and fantastic kids. I am dedicated to listening, collaborating and working hard to ensure that our schools continue to evolve and thrive for the benefit of our entire community.
What is the most important issue facing your school board and what would you do about it if elected?
The most significant issues facing Talbot County Public Schools are interrelated:
• Student mastery of essential knowledge and skills.
• Retention, recruitment and support of excellent teachers.
• Positive, safe, effective, inclusive school climate for all learners.
• Family and student engagement.
Although test scores are not always indicative of a student’s mastery of the subject matter, statewide and local assessments indicate that many of our Talbot County Public Schools students are not yet achieving grade level standards in essential subjects. One of the most significant indicators for student success is an effective teacher, and, like the rest of the nation, Talbot has faced significant teacher shortages. A positive, safe, effective and inclusive school climate is fundamental for student success, as well as teacher retention. Finding innovative ways to engage families, including non-English speakers, and students will support all aspects of student success.
The current board and superintendent are making progress toward addressing these issues despite many challenges, such as the learning gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Through additional instructional support, expanding use of innovative community partnerships, strategic use of technology, targeted allocation of resources, and engaging all sectors of our community, I believe that working together we can accelerate progress in these areas.
Please name a public leader you admire and explain why.
When asked this question growing up, my answer was often the same: my dad. He grew up poor in a small town in Ohio; his dad had an eighth-grade education. He went into the Navy, went to college on the G.I. Bill, and completed his doctorate in education when I was 10. When we moved into a wonderful town with a crumbling high school, he led the campaign to promote funding and building a much-needed new school, with a courageous slogan of “Give A Damn, Vote Yes!" He went on to be elected to the town council and mayor. This was in the ‘70s, and he saw equity and inclusion, treating all people with dignity and respect, and helping youth reach their highest potential as key to a successful community. These values were not about party or politics; they were about building a strong, vibrant community where all can thrive.
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, passed by the General Assembly in 2021, is a 10-year plan that includes increased education funding to support early childhood education, increased teacher starting pay, college/career-readiness standards for high school graduates, and expanded services to multilingual and impoverished families, among other goals. Please tell us your views on the Blueprint and how it will affect your school district.
Talbot County Public Schools' current board, superintendent and team have a detailed plan for managing the Blueprint. I commend the transparency with which they are approaching this massive undertaking, providing regular reports on Blueprint progress for public review. There are areas of the Blueprint that Talbot was already tackling, and new areas that are now required to be addressed. Smaller districts such as Talbot may need to have different approaches from larger districts. There are many aspects of the Blueprint that are positive; however, some of the most challenging aspects of the Blueprint in Talbot are state mandates without sufficient funding. I would support continued efforts to address the state funding formula as it has been applied to Talbot County.
Some school districts nationwide are placing new limits on the use of cellphones in middle and high schools. What do you think should be the policy on student use of cellphones in your district, and why do you support that policy?
Cellphones have become integral to modern life, offering quick communication and access to information. However, we have seen that excessive or unregulated use in school can disrupt learning, contribute to distraction, and even increase anxiety and bullying through social media. Cellphone policy enforcement, or a lack of enforceable policy, can be challenging and frustrating for teachers. There are a variety of ways to manage cellphone use during the day in a way that minimizes use and distractions during instructional time. One method, the use of securing phones in individual pouches during the school day, has been used in other districts and will be piloted in one school in Talbot County this fall. By incorporating feedback from teachers, parents, and students, we can create policy that is enforceable and effective at reducing distractions, and promotes safety, student well-being and positive school culture.
Are you satisfied with your school district's efforts to ensure the safety of its students? What, if anything, should be done to improve school safety in your district?
Like many people, I am not satisfied with the safety of our students in the United States. Talbot County Public Schools has made strides in ensuring student safety by increasing and training school resource officers, and there is always room for improvement. We need to ensure that safety protocols are consistently reviewed and updated, and it is crucial that we prioritize both physical safety and emotional well-being. This includes expanding mental health resources, fostering a positive school climate, and providing ongoing training for staff and parents on recognizing and addressing safety concerns. In addition to preventing incidents, school safety is also about creating an environment where every student feels supported, respected, and secure in their school and in their ability to learn.
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?
I believe in providing access to a wide range of books that inspire a love of reading and learning, foster critical thinking, and engage empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives. I welcome parental input and value our educators' expertise. I respect parents’ values and encourage them to guide their own children’s reading choices, rather than restricting access for all. I support a transparent review process for new curriculum, similar to the current Talbot County Public Schools system, which involves teachers, administrators and opportunity for community feedback. This ensures that materials are evaluated fairly, respecting diverse perspectives while maintaining a curriculum that fosters learning, critical thinking and strong reading skills.
Some school districts enact policies allowing transgender and gender nonconforming students to use their preferred pronouns while at the same time not informing those students' parents about that decision. What is your opinion of such policies?
It is important to create a safe and supportive environment for all students, where they feel respected and acknowledged. And, I recognize the vital role that parents play in their children's lives and education. Open communication between schools and families is key to fostering trust and ensuring that all students' needs are met.
There are a wide variety of circumstances to be considered, and any policies regarding pronoun use should prioritize both student safety and transparency with parents, while considering each student's unique circumstances. Our goal should be to create an inclusive school climate where all students can thrive.
