Two Candidates Seek Baltimore County School Board Seat in District 1

Two women are running for the Baltimore County Board of Education seat in District 1, a position that carries the authority to set local policy, hire the school system superintendent, and approve the district budget. The race will be decided on November 3, 2026.

The board consists of a blend of elected and appointed members, with terms varying by district. Candidates Candice Logan-Washington, 45, and Lisa A. Mack, 68, both bring extensive experience in education and community service to the contest.

Logan-Washington holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Frostburg State University. She earned master’s degrees in education counseling from Coppin State University and in education and human development from George Washington University. She also holds a doctorate in educational leadership and social policy from Morgan State University. She served in district leadership roles at Baltimore County Public Schools from 2013 to 2022 and taught for 18 years, including at Woodlawn High School.

Mack holds an associate degree in general studies from Catonsville Community College. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s degree in management from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. She served on the board of education from 2018 to 2022. Prior to that, she worked at Verizon from 1979 to 2007. She has also served as a court-appointed special advocate and a licensed foster parent.

The candidates outlined their positions on several key issues during the primary period. On the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, Logan-Washington stated that she believes the initiative has been helpful to school districts. She cited goals to strengthen academics and expand access to opportunity. She noted that implementation brings fiscal and operational challenges but argued the long-term goals are essential.

On student device use, Logan-Washington supported reasonable restrictions on personal devices when they interfere with instruction. She stated that policies should distinguish between personal device use and purposeful instructional technology. She argued that schools should consider the individual child, the type of content, and whether technology is supporting learning or replacing important activities such as physical activity.

Regarding math achievement, Logan-Washington said improving outcomes requires more than additional testing. She emphasized the need for consistent access to a high-quality, research-based curriculum. She also called for investment in high-quality professional development for teachers to help them identify misconceptions and differentiate instruction.

On enrollment trends, Mack noted that declining numbers require thoughtful planning. She stated that school closures and redistricting should never be based on enrollment numbers alone. She argued that schools are anchors in their communities and that districts should consider academic programming, building utilization, and neighborhood impact before making major decisions.