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Catherine Carter

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Catherine Carter
Image of Catherine Carter

Nonpartisan

Elections and appointments
Last election

May 14, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

BYU

Personal
Profession
Sales
Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Campaign YouTube

Catherine Carter ran for election to the Howard County Public Schools Board of Education to represent District 5 in Maryland. She lost in the primary on May 14, 2024.

Carter completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Catherine Carter earned a bachelor's degree from the BYU. Her career experience includes working in sales and as a cybersecurity company owner and an English and ESL teacher.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Howard County Public Schools, Maryland, elections (2024)

General election

General election for Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 5

Andrea Chamblee defeated Trent Kittleman in the general election for Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 5 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Andrea Chamblee
Andrea Chamblee (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
52.5
 
19,313
Image of Trent Kittleman
Trent Kittleman (Nonpartisan)
 
47.0
 
17,310
 Other/Write-in votes
 
0.5
 
182

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 36,805
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 5

Trent Kittleman and Andrea Chamblee defeated Catherine Carter in the primary for Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 5 on May 14, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Trent Kittleman
Trent Kittleman (Nonpartisan)
 
43.1
 
5,870
✔
Image of Andrea Chamblee
Andrea Chamblee (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
32.5
 
4,430
Image of Catherine Carter
Catherine Carter (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
 
24.4
 
3,324

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 13,624
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Carter in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Catherine Carter completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Carter's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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My name is Cat Carter, former English and ESL teacher, small business owner for a cybersecurity company, education advocate, and candidate for Howard County School Board, District 5. I am running for school board to bring my successful nonpartisan education advocacy to our Howard County schools and community. Starting as an advocate for my own son and then transitioning into an advocate for all children has been a deeply personal and fulfilling journey for me. My initial experiences navigating the education system to ensure my son had the support he needed ignited a passion within me to improve outcomes for all students. This journey has shaped my approach to education advocacy, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies and equitable opportunities for every child in our community. As a nonpartisan advocate who has worked across the aisle, I have successfully passed multiple bills, policies, and programs to solve complicated problems facing our students and community. I have worked with Congress to support soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), the Atticus Act, Screening Reporting Bill, to changing state and national education policy for visually disabled children, and safeguarding Maryland doctors treating Lyme disease. In 2019, I brought in and managed a Howard County eye exam outreach program. We gave out 168 eye exams and 117 pairs of glasses. For 2024, I championed the Lifesavers School Program bill, promoting first aid training and peer mentorship programs.
  • Balanced School Budget: Maintaining fiscal responsibility is essential to ensure the efficient use of taxpayer funds while meeting the needs of our students and educators. A balanced budget allows us to allocate resources effectively, sustaining vital programs and services in all our schools.
  • Decreasing Classroom Size Through Educator Support: Smaller class sizes are crucial for fostering personalized learning experiences and improving academic outcomes. Achieving this goal requires prioritizing resources to retain our current high-quality educators and attract new talent to our district. By investing in competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and supportive working environments, we can decrease classroom sizes and enhance the educational experience for our students
  • Increased Funding for School Construction: Adequate facilities are essential for creating safe, modern learning environments conducive to academic success. Investing more funding into school construction allows us to address overcrowding issues, improve facility conditions, and accommodate our growing student population. By prioritizing school construction projects, we can ensure that every student has access to high-quality educational facilities that meet their needs.
I am an education advocate who has worked for the last nine years to ensure our kids have the resources they need to learn through legislative and policy changes. I am a small business owner of a cybersecurity company who believes in a balanced budget and preparing our students with the skills they need for the future workforce. I am a former English and ESL teacher who has taught in affluent, migrant, and Title 1 schools. I understand that an effective school has a bottom-up approach of empowering our schools and ensuring the classroom teacher receives the support they need to teach our children.
As a school board member, I aim to be a proactive problem-solver who attentively hears out community concerns, devises nonpartisan strategies backed by bipartisan consensus, and delivers practical, lasting solutions.
As a school board member, I firmly believe in upholding several core responsibilities crucial to serving our community effectively:

1. Hiring and Overseeing School Leadership: This includes selecting and evaluating the school superintendent to ensure effective leadership and management of our educational institutions.

2. Policy Making: It is imperative to actively participate in creating and implementing policies that promote student success, teacher development, and overall school improvement.

3. Financial Oversight: Ensuring fiscal responsibility by approving and monitoring budgets, allocating resources efficiently, and maintaining transparency in financial matters.

4. Community Engagement: Actively listening to and addressing the needs, concerns, and feedback of students, parents, teachers, and community members to foster collaboration and support.

5. Advocacy: Being a strong advocate for quality education, equitable opportunities, and resources for all students, regardless of background or circumstance.

By fulfilling these responsibilities diligently, I strive to contribute positively to our educational system, promote student achievement, and enhance the overall well-being of our community.
One of the biggest struggles in my life has been advocating for my son within the education system. It was a journey that opened my eyes to the challenges many families face and fueled my passion to create positive change not just for my child, but for all children. This personal experience shaped my path towards becoming an education advocate, pushing me to work tirelessly to ensure that every child in our community has access to quality education and support.

As a former teacher who has worked in diverse school settings and now a small business owner in cybersecurity, I bring a unique blend of experiences to the table. I believe in a balanced approach to education, where we prioritize equipping students with the skills they need for the future while ensuring our schools and teachers have the resources and support necessary for success. My advocacy work, from supporting soldiers with Traumatic Brain Injury to championing mental health programs in schools, reflects my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families.
I believe the primary job for someone elected to this office include hiring and overseeing the school superintendent, passing school policies, ensuring a balanced budget, and attentively addressing the needs of both schools and the community at large. These responsibilities collectively contribute to the effective governance and progress of our educational system.
The students, school staff, and residents of District 5 and Howard County at large.
I believe in supporting the diverse needs of our district by prioritizing responsible resource allocation and fostering inclusive educational practices. This includes ensuring that resources are distributed efficiently to address specific student needs while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

I also advocate for partnerships with community organizations and ongoing professional development for educators to promote cultural understanding and inclusivity in our schools. By taking a balanced approach that values both fiscal prudence and social responsibility, we can create an environment where all students, faculty, and community members have the support they need to succeed.
As a school board candidate, building strong relationships with members of the broader community is crucial to ensuring a collaborative and effective educational system. I plan to engage with various groups, organizations, and stakeholders to understand their perspectives, address concerns, and work together towards common goals. Specifically, I will target parent-teacher associations, local business associations, civic organizations, and neighborhood groups to foster open dialogue and collaboration.

I believe in transparent communication and regular town hall meetings to gather input and feedback from community members. By actively listening to diverse voices and involving stakeholders in decision-making processes, we can create policies and initiatives that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our community. Together, we can build a stronger educational system that benefits all students and prepares them for success in the future.
Good teaching, from my experience, is about engaging students, fostering their passion for learning, and creating an inclusive classroom environment. It involves dynamic lessons that cater to different learning styles, making content relevant and interesting. Additionally, effective teachers stay updated with educational trends, utilize innovative methods, and demonstrate strong subject expertise.

To measure good teaching, I suggest a holistic approach including classroom observations, student and parent feedback, ongoing professional development, and collaborative assessments. This comprehensive evaluation captures student engagement, progress, and the overall learning experience. Supporting advanced teaching approaches requires providing resources, training, and mentorship to educators for implementing innovative strategies such as project-based learning, technology integration, and interdisciplinary studies. These approaches challenge students to think critically and creatively, preparing them for success in a dynamic world.
As a school board candidate aligned with the goals of our Maryland State Superintendent to raise reading and math scores, I see opportunities to expand our curriculum in critical areas that prepare students for both academic success and future career pathways. One area I would prioritize is advanced technical training and apprenticeships, recognizing the growing demand for skilled workers in various industries. By offering robust technical education programs and partnerships with local businesses, we can provide students with hands-on learning experiences and pathways to high-demand careers.

In addition to technical training, I advocate for innovative programming that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills. This includes initiatives such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, entrepreneurship courses, environmental sustainability programs, and interdisciplinary projects that integrate multiple subjects. These innovative approaches not only engage students more deeply in their learning but also prepare them for the complexities of our rapidly evolving global economy.

Given the opportunity, I would collaborate with educators, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to develop and implement these innovative programs, ensuring that our curriculum remains relevant, rigorous, and inclusive for all students while also aligning with the state's goals for academic achievement and workforce readiness, including our neurodivergent students.
As a school board member, I am committed to implementing a comprehensive multi-year budget and development plan in collaboration with stakeholders to ensure sustainable funding for our schools. This strategic approach involves engaging with parents, teachers, community members, and local businesses to gather input and prioritize areas of investment that align with our educational goals and priorities.

By developing a multi-year budget plan, we can forecast financial needs, identify long-term funding sources, and allocate resources strategically to address current challenges and future needs. This includes investing in essential infrastructure improvements such as fixing our buses and modernizing facilities to create safe and conducive learning environments for students and staff.

Furthermore, involving stakeholders in the budgeting and planning process fosters transparency, accountability, and buy-in from the community. It allows us to make informed decisions that reflect the values and priorities of our district while also addressing past financial shortcomings. Together, we can work towards fiscal responsibility, program sustainability, and educational excellence for all students.
As a candidate for school board, my policies for safety in schools are driven by principles of proactive intervention, collaboration, and accountability. One key aspect is implementing robust teacher mentorship programs focused on enhancing class management skills. By providing mentorship and professional development opportunities, we can empower teachers to create positive and structured learning environments that foster student engagement and success.

Additionally, I prioritize initiatives to reduce class sizes, recognizing the significant impact smaller class sizes can have on student learning, teacher-student relationships, and classroom management. Smaller classes allow for more personalized attention, increased participation, and better opportunities for teachers to address individual student needs effectively.

Ensuring consistent administration adherence to policies on bullying prevention and intervention is another essential aspect of my safety policies. It's crucial that school administrators are trained, vigilant, and responsive to instances of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. By enforcing clear policies, providing training, and promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, we can create safer and more welcoming school environments for all students.

Overall, my approach to school safety combines proactive measures such as teacher mentorship and class size reduction with strong enforcement of anti-bullying policies, fostering a culture of safety, support, and academic excellence for every student.
To support the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff, I would implement comprehensive programs that prioritize wellness and provide valuable skills and resources. One initiative I would champion is the Lifesavers School program, legislation I have worked on in Annapolis. This program offers training in first aid/CPR and mental wellness/peer mentorship for students and staff, utilizing their professional development and community service hours.

By equipping individuals with these lifesaving skills and mental health resources, we empower them to respond effectively to emergencies and support each other in times of need. For instance, students can learn to recognize signs of distress in their peers and connect them with appropriate resources, fostering a supportive school community. Additionally, providing mental wellness training for faculty and staff promotes a healthier work environment and enhances their ability to support students' mental health needs.

Overall, initiatives like the Lifesavers School program not only improve physical safety but also contribute significantly to the mental wellness of our school community, creating a culture of support, empathy, and proactive care.
As a school board candidate, I have identified several areas where I believe changes to existing district policies or the implementation of new policies can significantly benefit our students and educational community.

Firstly, I aim to improve the hiring process within our district to ensure that we attract and retain high-quality educators who are passionate about supporting student success. This involves refining recruitment strategies, enhancing professional development opportunities, and implementing fair and transparent evaluation practices.

Secondly, I advocate for allocating adequate bus resources to support student athletes and games. This includes ensuring reliable transportation for teams to attend competitions and practices, promoting inclusivity and participation in extracurricular activities.

Additionally, I am committed to ensuring equity in education by implementing policies that guarantee all students have access to the same quality of education regardless of their background or circumstances. This involves providing necessary resources, support services, and opportunities for academic and personal growth for every student in our district.

Lastly, I support aligning equity-based decisions with data-supported strategies, as advocated by the state superintendent. By analyzing data on student needs, performance metrics, and resource allocation, we can make informed decisions to enhance effectiveness and equitable distribution of resources across schools and programs.

These policy changes and implementations are essential steps toward creating a more inclusive, supportive, and high-performing educational environment for all students in our district.
As a school board candidate and former teacher who values kindness, dignity, and inspiring students to see the possibilities in their future, my ideal learning environment prioritizes holistic development and personalized growth for each student.

First and foremost, I believe in fostering a culture of kindness and respect throughout the school community. Students should feel valued, supported, and encouraged to express themselves while embracing diversity and empathy. Dignity plays a central role in this environment, ensuring that every student is treated with fairness, compassion, and understanding regardless of their background or circumstances.

In terms of academics, I envision an environment that promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. This includes offering diverse learning opportunities such as project-based learning, hands-on experiences, and collaboration with peers and mentors. It's crucial to inspire students with the art of the possible by exposing them to a wide range of careers, experiences, and pathways for success beyond the classroom. By nurturing a positive and empowering learning environment grounded in kindness, dignity, and limitless potential, we can help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally as they prepare for their futures.
I believe our school district handled the coronavirus pandemic with a necessary focus on safety for students, staff, and the community. However, looking back, I think there were areas where a more balanced approach could have been beneficial. While prioritizing safety is paramount, we also saw the significant academic, emotional, and mental struggles many students faced during remote learning and restricted access to in-person education.

In the future, I would advocate for a more nuanced approach that considers both safety concerns and the well-being of students. This could involve implementing hybrid learning models earlier, providing additional support services for struggling students, and improving communication channels to keep families informed and engaged. By learning from our experiences during the pandemic, we can better prepare for future challenges while minimizing the long-term impacts on our students' education and mental health.
As someone who has advocated for my own child's education and understands the challenges parents face, building a strong relationship with parents in our district is deeply personal to me. I know firsthand the importance of ensuring that every child has the resources they need to succeed academically and personally.

To connect with parents, I plan to be accessible and approachable. I'll make it a priority to attend school events, PTA meetings, and community gatherings to listen to parents' concerns and ideas directly. I want parents to feel heard and valued, knowing that their input shapes the decisions made for our schools.

Additionally, I'll work to foster a culture of collaboration and transparency. By keeping parents informed about school policies, initiatives, and opportunities for involvement, we can work together to create a supportive and enriching educational environment for all our children. Building these personal connections and partnerships with parents is key to ensuring that every child in our district receives the quality education they deserve.
As a former English and ESL teacher who has taught in affluent, migrant, and Title 1 schools, I understand that the foundation of any good school is having the resources to ensure staff are well trained, supported, not overburdened, paid fairly, and see their future pay enough to keep up with cost of living. This applies for all staff, the teacher, janitor, paraeducator, and more. All the essential staff make the foundation of a good school to teach our students.
What happens in the classroom is key to ensuring our students are getting a quality education. A teacher who has the right training, mentorship program, classroom management, classroom supports, is not overburdened by overcrowded classrooms (which have increase by 3.5 since 2023) and administrative support, will have the skill, time, and energy to teach better. The experienced, supportive staff who have enough money to support their family and see their salary increasing are more likely to stay.
As a school board candidate, I prioritize financial transparency and government accountability as essential pillars of effective governance. I firmly believe in implementing a multi-year strategic budget and development plan that not only ensures fiscal responsibility but also promotes long-term sustainability and growth within our educational system. Transparency in financial matters fosters trust among stakeholders, while accountability measures guarantee that taxpayer funds are used wisely and for the betterment of our schools and community.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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External links

Candidate

Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 5
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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 30, 2024
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