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 u
