If you’ve lived in Frederick County for more than five minutes, you know that our school board races aren’t just local footnotes. They’ve become high-stakes ideological battles. Honestly, picking Frederick County Board of Education candidates is probably the most direct way you can impact your property taxes and your kid’s Monday morning all at once.
The 2026 election cycle is already heating up. We have four seats up for grabs this time around. These are the seats currently held by Nancy Allen, Rae Gallagher, Dean Rose, and Karen Yoho. Because terms are staggered, the board's entire balance can shift in a single night.
Who is actually running in 2026?
Right now, the official list is just starting to fill up. Filing only opened recently, but we already have some names on the board. Shelley L. Potter and Geoffrey Seidel have officially filed their paperwork. Chloe Celeste and Jess Douglass are also in the mix.
It’s interesting to see the early birds. Usually, those who file early are trying to build name recognition before the big money starts flowing into local PACs. Geoffrey Seidel, for instance, is running under the "FCPS Common Sense" banner. That’s a phrase you’re going to hear a lot. It’s often code for a specific type of fiscal conservatism or a "back to basics" curriculum approach.
Then you have the incumbents. Will Nancy Allen or Rae Gallagher run again? Usually, incumbents wait a bit longer to announce. They have the benefit of a "sitting" platform, so they don’t need the early buzz as much as a newcomer does. But make no mistake: their records over the last four years will be the primary target for every challenger.
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The current board dynamic
To understand the newcomers, you have to look at who is already there. The 2024 election brought in Jaime Brennan, Janie Monier, and Colt Black. They were often seen as a "slate" focused on parental rights and transparency.
The board is currently a mix of ideologies. You’ve got veteran voices like Karen Yoho, who has been there since 2018, and Dean Rose, who moved into the President role in late 2025. It’s a delicate ecosystem. If the 2026 election swings the same way 2024 did, we could see a total shift in how Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) handles everything from library books to the "Classroom Camera Pilot" programs that just launched.
Why the "Non-Partisan" label is kinda tricky
Technically, the Frederick County Board of Education candidates run without a "D" or an "R" next to their names. It’s supposed to be about the kids, not the parties.
But let’s be real.
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In 2026, the parties are more involved than ever. You’ll see the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA) putting their "Apple Ballot" out, which usually leans one way. On the other side, you’ll see local conservative groups backing their own favorites. Voters basically have to do their homework because the ballot won’t tell you the candidate's political philosophy.
One candidate to watch is Jess Douglass. Her social media presence suggests a focus on equity and student well-being. Contrast that with someone like Shelley Potter, and you start to see the battle lines forming over what "quality education" actually looks like in a post-pandemic world.
The big issues for 2026
- The Budget: This is always the elephant in the room. With inflation and the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future" requirements, the board has to find money where there isn't any.
- Safety and Tech: FCPS recently launched a pilot for classroom cameras. Some parents love it; some teachers hate it. It's going to be a massive talking point for candidates.
- Curriculum Transparency: People are still arguing about what should be in the media centers. This isn't going away.
- Special Education: There's a persistent feeling that the county is falling behind in supporting students with different needs.
How to vet your candidates
Don't just look at the lawn signs. They're everywhere and they tell you nothing.
First, check the Maryland State Board of Elections website. That’s where you see the "Campaign Finance" reports. It’s a bit of a rabbit hole, but it’s worth it. If a candidate is getting all their money from out-of-state donors or specific special interest groups, that tells you something about who they’ll listen to once they’re in office.
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Second, watch the Board of Education meetings. They’re streamed. You can see how the current members interact. Is it a professional debate or a shouting match? Knowing the current vibe helps you decide if you want more of the same or a total house cleaning.
Actionable steps for Frederick County voters
If you want to have a say in who runs your schools, don't wait until November.
- Verify your registration. The primary is where the field gets narrowed down. If you aren't registered by the deadline (usually a few weeks before the May primary), you lose your first chance to filter the candidates.
- Attend a candidate forum. Groups like the League of Women Voters usually host these. It’s the only time you get to hear the candidates answer questions that aren't scripted by their campaign managers.
- Check the "Apple Ballot" vs. the "Local Slate." See which organizations align with your personal values and look at who they endorse. It’s a quick shortcut to understanding a candidate's platform.
- Read the fine print on the "Classroom Camera Pilot." Since this is a hot-button issue, ask candidates directly where they stand on expanding or killing this program.
The filing deadline for the 2026 election is February 24, 2026. Until then, expect the list of Frederick County Board of Education candidates to grow. Keep an eye on those who emphasize specific policies over vague "pro-student" slogans. Everyone says they are pro-student. The real question is how they plan to prove it with a billion-dollar budget.