CALIFORNIA, Md. – The recent school board elections in Maryland have sparked intense debate over the role of national politics in shaping local education. In Calvert County, candidates endorsed by the 1776 Project PAC—Melissa Goshorn, Paul Harrison, and Joseph Marchio—emerged as victors in three contested races, signaling a shift toward a conservative-leaning board. Similar results were seen in Talbot County with Anna O’Connor and Karla Wieland-Cherry, and in Allegany County with Crystal Bender.
How School Board Elections Work in Maryland
School board elections in Maryland are typically nonpartisan, with members elected by district to represent the interests of students and the community. These elections play a critical role in determining education policy, curriculum standards, and the allocation of resources. In Calvert County, the board consists of five members who oversee the administration of the public school system, making decisions that directly impact teachers, students, and parents.
The winners in this election cycle defeated opponents who campaigned on broader educational equity and inclusion platforms. The 1776-endorsed candidates, however, ran on platforms emphasizing parental rights, transparency, and a return to traditional values in education.
Who Is the 1776 Project PAC?
The 1776 Project PAC is a national conservative organization founded in 2021 to counter the teaching of critical race theory (CRT) and promote traditional American history curricula. Its name references the year of American independence, aligning with its emphasis on patriotism and “restoring parental control” in schools. The PAC operates by endorsing and financially supporting candidates across the country who align with these values, particularly in school board races.
In Maryland, the PAC endorsed 19 candidates in this election cycle, with many achieving significant victories. Its growing influence highlights a shift in public sentiment around education, with increased national attention on what is taught in classrooms.
Controversy: Messaging Without Transparency
Despite its success, the 1776 Project PAC has faced criticism over its campaign practices. In 2022, the PAC was fined for sending over 13,000 text messages to Carroll County voters during school board elections without including the legally required authority line. This marked the largest fine for such a violation in Maryland history.
Critics argue that this breach reflects a broader strategy of using aggressive, sometimes opaque methods to influence local elections. While the PAC paid the fine, the incident raised concerns about the transparency of its operations and the ethical implications of national organizations influencing local governance.
Why the Aggressive Messaging?
Observers suggest that the PAC’s heavy-handed tactics, including the unauthorized text campaign, stem from its urgent mission to reshape local education. By targeting school board elections, the 1776 Project PAC seeks to ensure that its endorsed candidates can swiftly enact policy changes without prolonged opposition. The messaging campaign underscores the high stakes of these races, where a few seats can significantly alter the direction of education policy.
What Does This Mean for Maryland Communities?
The election of 1776-backed candidates raises questions about the future of education in Calvert County and beyond. Supporters argue that these candidates will return education to “fundamental values,” focusing on traditional curricula and parental involvement. However, critics worry about the potential for rollbacks on diversity initiatives, equity programs, and inclusive policies that reflect Maryland’s growing demographic diversity.
The local implications are significant. In Calvert County, the new board members have the power to shape curriculum, allocate funding, and address issues such as teacher retention and student performance. As they assume their roles, the community will watch closely to see how their policies impact students and whether the influence of national organizations like the 1776 Project PAC aligns with local needs.
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“However, critics worry about the potential for rollbacks on diversity initiatives, equity programs, and inclusive policies that reflect Maryland’s growing demographic diversity.” This is the main reason these individuals won BOE their seats, to reverse the blatant discrimination and racism, and the promotion of sexual perversions, that permeated past BOE’s. Now it will revert back to simply respecting everyone regardless of their background, to bring merit based policies, and to end the sexual grooming of children.
Horse hockey, dude. God forbid full context of history is taught. Just another fragile conservative.
Teaching instead of indoctrinating.