Zipporah Miller

Zipporah Miller was a member of the Prince George's County Board of Education in Maryland, representing District 5. She assumed office on April 26, 2022. She left office on December 2, 2024.

Miller ran for re-election to the Prince George's County Board of Education to represent District 5 in Maryland. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

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

Biography

Zipporah Miller earned a bachelor's degree from Chadron State College in 1988, a graduate degree from Bowie State University in 1997, and a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2017. Her career experience includes working as an educator and administrator. She has been affiliated with Jack and Jill of America Incorporated, Prince George’s County Chapter; Delta Sigma Theta Inc., Prince George’s County; and The Links Inc., Annapolis Chapter.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Prince George's County Board of Education District 5

Robin Brown defeated incumbent Zipporah Miller in the general election for Prince George's County Board of Education District 5 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Robin Brown (Nonpartisan)	56.4	32,213
	Zipporah Miller (Nonpartisan)	43.1	24,625
	Other/Write-in votes	0.5	283

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 57,121
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Prince George's County Board of Education District 5

Incumbent Zipporah Miller and Robin Brown defeated Kim Carter and Iyamide House in the primary for Prince George's County Board of Education District 5 on May 14, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Zipporah Miller (Nonpartisan)	30.5	6,769
✔		Robin Brown (Nonpartisan)	24.7	5,496
	Submit photo	Kim Carter (Nonpartisan)	23.8	5,281
		Iyamide House (Nonpartisan)	21.0	4,670

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 22,216
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Miller in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

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

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dr. Zipporah Miller: A dynamic and visionary leader with a rich tapestry of international, national, state, and local experiences in education. Beyond my professional endeavors, I am also proud to be a devoted wife and mother to two remarkable sons who both attended Prince George’s County Public Schools.

With a doctoral degree in School System Leadership complemented by a degree and degree in Business Administration, I possess a comprehensive understanding of overseeing school systems, spanning from the intricacies of teaching and learning to the operational and business facets. My passion and dedication to STEM education has propelled me to the forefront of the field, where I have authored two acclaimed science programs adopted by school districts nationally and internationally. Moreover, as a committed community leader, I champion educational initiatives across various organizations, serving as a catalyst for positive change.

Central to my mission is advocating for equitable access to high-quality education for every student, regardless of their background. As School Board Member, my unwavering commitment remains steadfast in prioritizing the safety and success of our students. I am deeply invested in cultivating safe learning environments and nurturing the well-being of both students and staff. Furthermore, I am committed in my efforts to champion mental wellness initiatives throughout our school community.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I embody the values crucial for our community's progress: family, integrity, and commitment to excellence. As a school board member, I've proven my dedication by safeguarding Pointer Ridge and prioritizing safety with anti-bullying initiatives, just to name a few. I prioritize family as the cornerstone of our society, and my integrity ensures transparency and trust. Through active listening and decisive action, I will continue to advocate for our community's needs, and keep you informed through transparent communication channels.
Ensuring Physical and Psychologically Safe Learning Environments: Every child and staff member deserve a safe place to learn and work. I'm committed to continue prioritizing measures that guarantee safety and security for all students and staff.
Mental wellness is crucial for academic achievement. I'll continue to advocate for resources and programs that support students' mental health, ensuring they're ready to learn.
Our educators are essential. I'll continue to prioritize allocation of funds to support their mental wellness, acknowledging their pivotal role in student success.
As your school board member, I recognize the three levers to student success encompass the following: Access to Transformative Learning Experiences, Recruiting and Retaining Top-Tier Teachers, and Strengthening Family and Community Engagement. I will continue to advocate tirelessly for these pillars, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am committed to shaping policies in two critical areas: the mental wellness of students and staff, recognizing it as paramount to student success. Ensuring students are emotionally ready to engage in learning is essential. Equally vital is providing staff with the necessary support to navigate the demands of their profession. Additionally, I am concerned with the responsible integration of emerging technologies in classrooms, balancing their benefits with potential risks. Through formation of a diverse working group to develop clear guidelines and precautions, involving experts from various fields, we aim to ensure the policy addresses safe and effective use of emerging technologies while deterring misuse through strict penalties.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My father is the greatest leader I have ever known. Three of the many lessons he taught me in leadership were:

1. If you take on a responsibility, do not settle for anything less than excellence.
2. Face every challenge as an opportunity.
3. My measure of success is not determined by the number of people I serve but rather by the number of people I help succeed.
He never uttered these words; these are lessons I learned through his actions.

That said, the greatest lesson in leadership is you lead by example. It is not what you say that matters, it is what you do.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity: Constituents must trust their elected representatives. Operating with transparency is paramount, ensuring the community is fully informed about decisions and advocacy aligning with community needs. Active listening and decision-making in the community's best interest are vital, with a commitment to sharing final decisions openly.

Humility: Elected officials are servants of the community. Embracing humility acknowledges the responsibility to serve with grace and a willingness to listen and learn from constituents.
Responsiveness: Understanding and addressing community needs are central to effective governance. Elected officials should be attentive and proactive in responding to the concerns and priorities of their constituents, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
Knowledgeability: Comprehensive understanding of the role and responsibilities of elected office is essential. Whether it's overseeing a school system or any other domain, adequate preparation and experience are crucial. Community members rely on elected officials to be well-informed and capable of providing meaningful assistance in navigating challenges they face. Continuous learning and staying informed are integral to fulfilling this duty effectively.
Empathy: An effective elected official must possess empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By empathizing with diverse perspectives and experiences, elected officials can make decisions that prioritize the well-being and interests of all members of society.

Accountability: Accountability is fundamental for elected officials. This entails taking responsibility for outcomes, acknowledging mistakes, and being transparent about their actions. By being open to scrutiny and feedback, accountable leaders demonstrate integrity and build trust with their constituents, fostering a culture of accountability and ethical governance.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

As the current school board member and lifelong educator, my character is defined by profound values that guide my actions and decisions. Family stands as the cornerstone of my existence, shaping my sense of responsibility and empathy. Raised in an environment that prioritized love, support, and unity, I carry these values forward, recognizing the significance of community and inclusivity.

Integrity is the bedrock of my character. I firmly believe in honesty, transparency, and ethical conduct in all endeavors. Integrity ensures that my actions align with my principles, fostering trust and respect within relationships and institutions. Upholding integrity is non-negotiable; it forms the basis of my credibility and reliability as a leader.
Commitment to excellence drives my pursuit of personal and professional growth. I strive to surpass expectations, continuously seeking ways to enhance my skills and knowledge. This commitment manifests in my work ethic, attention to detail, and dedication to achieving meaningful outcomes. Whether in education, community service, or leadership roles, I approach each task with a determination to deliver excellence.

My family-oriented outlook infuses compassion and understanding into my interactions with diverse communities. I recognize the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving shared goals, fostering environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. Integrity ensures that I conduct myself with honesty and transparency, fostering trust and credibility. By upholding these principles, I demonstrate respect for others and build strong relationships based on mutual understanding. Lastly, my commitment to excellence drives me to continually improve and innovate. I believe in setting high standards for myself and others, striving for excellence in every aspect of my work. This dedication ensures that I deliver impactful results and contribute positively to any endeavor I undertake.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Some of the core responsibilities of a school board member are as follows:

Oversee the school district's operations by setting clear objectives for student achievement in both the short and long term. This involves actively engaging all stakeholders in the strategic planning process, including parents and community members, to ensure their voices are heard. Additionally, keeping everyone informed about the progress toward these goals fostering transparency and collaboration within the community.
Establishing policies that guide the operations of the school district. Oversee the implantation of the policies to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
Serving as advocates for students, families, and the community, representing their interests and concerns in board discussions and decision-making processes. This includes engaging with stakeholders, attending community events, and soliciting feedback to inform board decisions.

Ensuring transparency in decision-making processes, communicating openly with stakeholders, and maintaining public trust through ethical conduct and responsible governance.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy I aspire to leave as an educator and school board member is one where I consistently prioritized children above all else in every decision I made. Throughout my career, I have strived to ensure that all students feel valued, supported, and empowered within our educational system.

Children have always been the cornerstone driving my work and decisions. Their well-being, growth, and academic success have been at the forefront of my educational initiatives. I believe that every child deserves access to quality education, opportunities for growth, and a nurturing environment that fosters their development.
Placing children first means advocating for equitable resources, inclusive policies, and supportive programs that address the diverse needs of all students. It involves listening to their voices, understanding their challenges, and championing their rights to ensure they receive the education they deserve.
In every school board decision, I have been committed to upholding the principle of putting children's needs and interests above personal or political considerations. This commitment extends beyond the classroom to encompass broader issues such as school safety, mental health support, and equitable access to educational resources.
I believe that by prioritizing children and ensuring all students are valued, we can create a school system that nurtures their potential and prepares them for success in life. It is essential to cultivate a culture of empathy, respect, and inclusivity where every child feels seen, heard, and supported.

As I reflect on my tenure and the impact I hope to leave behind, I am committed to continuing this legacy of placing children first in education. By doing so, we can collectively work towards building a brighter and more equitable future for all students in our community and beyond.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was a teacher at a child development center during my college years, an experience that profoundly influenced my educational philosophy. Initially puzzled by the director's unconventional approach of never saying no to children, I soon grasped its profound significance. Over three formative years, I honed the skill of redirecting behavior positively, a skill that would prove invaluable in my subsequent career.

Transitioning to the role of a science teacher, I carried with me the belief in student-led discovery cultivated during my early teaching experience. I recognized that imposing strict boundaries stifles genuine learning, while fostering curiosity is the key to unlocking true intellectual growth. By refraining from saying no or simply providing answers and instead encouraging exploration, I empowered students to inquire, discover, and learn authentically.
This philosophy extended beyond the confines of the classroom. As a mentor to new teachers, I emphasized the importance of cultivating curiosity and creativity in educational environments. Guiding them to adopt a student-centered approach, I shared strategies to create an atmosphere where questioning is encouraged, and curiosity thrives.

Moreover, my commitment to nurturing curiosity led to significant contributions beyond my immediate sphere of influence. I had the privilege of coauthoring two innovative science programs, which have been embraced by school districts both nationally and internationally. These programs reflect my unwavering belief in the transformative power of curiosity-driven learning and stand as a testament to my dedication to shaping educational experiences that inspire and empower students to reach their full potential.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

As school board members, our core responsibility is to be the unwavering voice of our students, advocating tirelessly for their academic and social-emotional needs. We believe that every student deserves access to a high-quality education, which we achieve through governance and policy-setting.

Through strategic policymaking, we establish frameworks that prioritize equitable opportunities and inclusive learning environments. Collaborating with stakeholders, we develop policies that reflect and address the diverse needs of our students, ensuring accountability for measurable outcomes.
Overseeing the superintendent's work is vital to translating policy into action. We entrust the superintendent with implementing policies that advance student achievement, holding them accountable for fidelity in decision-making and program management.

Our advocacy extends beyond policymaking to championing resources and initiatives that support student success. By prioritizing student-centered governance and fostering collaboration, we aim to create a school system that empowers every student to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, setting the stage for lifelong achievement.

Who are your constituents?

Students, Parents and Community Members

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

Building strong community relationships is crucial for fostering a collaborative educational environment. I will continue to prioritize engaging with Parent-Teacher Organizations to strengthen trust and collaboration between schools, parents, and students. By attending PTO meetings, listening to concerns, and actively involving parents in decision-making processes, we strengthen trust and collaboration.

Collaborating with local businesses benefits both schools and the community by providing resources and real-world experiences for students. Strengthening ties with early childhood institutions and higher education establishes a seamless educational pathway, promoting continuity and preparing students for future success.
Engaging homeowners associations fosters community involvement and support for schools. By addressing shared concerns and collaborating on neighborhood initiatives, we build pride and investment in education.

Through targeted outreach and meaningful engagement, I aim to continue cultivating partnerships that benefit students, educators, and the entire community. By leveraging the strengths of each stakeholder group, we can create a cohesive educational ecosystem that supports the growth and well-being of every student. Together, we can build a community-driven educational system that prepares our students for success and nurtures a sense of belonging and pride in our schools.

What principles drive your policies for safety in schools?

My policies center on school safety with two guiding principles: First, students need to feel secure to focus on learning and second, staff also thrive in safe environments. This aligns with Maslow's hierarchy of needs that identifies safety as a fundamental human need. I advocate for creating inviting spaces, not akin to correctional institutions, yet equipped for safety. This means implementing security measures while nurturing a supportive, inclusive atmosphere conducive to learning and growth.

How might you support the mental health needs of students/faculty/staff?

I have actively supported the mental health needs of both students and staff through various initiatives:

Bullying Interventions: I've advocated for funding to support anti-bullying initiatives, ensuring crucial resources are available for both victims and perpetrators. Additionally, I've spearheaded a review of the bullying policy, making necessary enhancements to strengthen its effectiveness. By fortifying language and protocols, we're fostering psychologically safe learning environments for all students.
Calming Rooms in Schools: Recognizing the vital role of mental health support, I passionately pushed for the establishment of calming rooms in elementary and middle schools. These spaces provide students with a sanctuary to alleviate stress and refocus, promoting overall well-being.
Hazel Health Awareness: I've raised awareness about Hazel Health, an online platform connecting students with clinicians for mental health support, ensuring accessible resources for those in need.

Moving forward, I remain committed to advocating for enhanced support for staff. This includes championing funding for staff wellness initiatives, prioritizing their mental and emotional well-being in our educational community.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I made up this joke - What does Levi and DNA have in common? "Jeans/Genes"

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Senator Ronald L. Watson, Ph.D.

Maryland State Senator, District 23

Delegate Marvin E Holmes Jr.
Maryland State Delegate, District 23

Delegate Kym Taylor
Maryland State Delegate, District 23

Council Member Ingrid S. Watson
Prince George’s County Council, District 4

Mayor Timothy J. Adams
Bowie City Council, Mayor

Councilmember Wanda Rogers
Bowie City Council, At-Large Councilmember

Councilmember Michael Estève
Bowie City Council, District 1

Councilmember Clinton Truesdale, Sr.,

Bowie City Council, District 3

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

Salaries and Compensation: Educators and staff should not live below the poverty level or struggle to support themselves and their families. Competitive salaries are crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. We must compare our salaries with neighboring districts and consider the local cost of living to ensure all staff members can afford to live where they work. I will continue to advocate for funding that prioritizes all staff members, including competitive salaries, benefits, and professional development.
By prioritizing competitive compensation, supportive working conditions, and meaningful collaboration, we can create a school community where educators and staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to excel in their roles. Together, we can build a strong foundation for student success and the future of our educational system.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Maintaining transparency is crucial to our role as school board members. We have a responsibility to the community to ensure that every aspect of our decision-making process is open and accessible. By operating transparently, we demonstrate our commitment to serving the needs of all stakeholders, and it's essential that everyone understands how we arrive at decisions that align with the community's interests.

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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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 29, 2024

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 29, 2024

[1]

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Zipporah Miller

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Prince George's County Board of Education District 5

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Prince George's County Board of Education District 5

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

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Public Policy

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Services

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