Story Category: Politics »

Members of the Calvert Education Association (CEA) and Calvert Association of Educational Support Staff (CAESS) have endorsed Clifton Savoy for the Board of Education’s (BOE) District 1 seat and Kelly McConkey in the District 3 race.

Debbie Russ, the CEA’s president, confirmed the reported endorsements Thursday, Aug. 9. The CEA represents Calvert County Public Schools’ (CCPS) teachers.

Savoy, who ran in the BOE’s at-large race in 2010, had received the employee groups’ endorsement in that four-person race for two seats. “We liked Clifton then,” said Russ. “The experience was a factor this time. He a little more seasoned and he’s a strong advocate for teachers and support staff.”

Savoy is running against first-time candidate Joe Chenelly in the District 1 race.

McConkey ran for county commissioner in 2010 and did not receive the CEA/CAESS endorsement. Russ indicated that a belief McConkey has grown as an advocate plus disappointment with the incumbent played a role in the endorsement council’s decision to give him the nod.

“Teachers didn’t get a raise this year,” said Russ. “We are looking for a champion. He seemed to be that guy.”

McConkey is challenging incumbent Rose C. Crunkleton in the District 3 race. Crunkleton, who received the employee groups’ endorsement in 2008, is currently serving as BOE president.

“The interview [with the endorsement council] went well,” said Crunkleton, who defended the efforts of the current school board to fairly compensate CCPS employees. “These are tough times. We’ve been trying to do what we can and have been working with the commissioners.”

“I think we expected a lot more from Rose,” said Russ.

“I am honored,” McConkey stated on his Facebook page about receiving the endorsement.

“The associations’ choice is puzzling but not shocking,” Chenelly stated. “This is a union endorsing a union rep, after all. But it is disappointing as I have been an outspoken proponent for wiser spending and a stronger partnership between the Board of Education and the teachers. Cutting wasteful expenditures and redirecting those saved funds to the classrooms is in the best interest of the children, teachers and staff. I have spoken with many teachers from all over the county in the past several months, and I believe my views are in line with theirs.”

The CEA and BOE recently agreed to the compensation component of the union’s current three-year contract. While the pact includes some opportunity for incentive pay, it contains no cost of living adjustment (COLA) or salary step increases. Negotiations on a new, three-year contract are scheduled to begin this fall.

Russ indicated the two CCPS employee organizations might form an alliance with Calvert County Government employees and sheriff’s deputies who have also not received COLAs or step increases.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com