Early voting will be held: Thursday, June 11, 2026 through Thursday, June 18, 2026

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Donna Blasdell

Profile

Committee Name: Friends of Donna Blasdell

Address: 609 Buoy Ct

Edgewood, MD 21040-2914

Phone: (410) 983-9430

Email: donnablasdell4harford@gmail.com

Social: www.facebook.com/DonnaBlasdellBOE 


Donna Blasdell is a dedicated public servant, experienced professional, and candidate for the Harford County Board of Education, District A, in the June 23, 2026 nonpartisan primary (with the general election on November 3, 2026).


Professional Background and Expertise

Blasdell brings a strong background in government operations, project management, and public service:

  • She worked for years as a government contractor in the Washington, D.C. area, supporting major federal agencies including the FAA, NASA, Department of Defense, and NIH. This experience gives her deep insight into efficient program management, budgeting, and large-scale operations.
  • She has served as a legislative aide to a Harford County Council member, gaining hands-on knowledge of local government, constituent services, and policy development.
  • She holds a BS in Business Administration and has pursued a Master’s in Public Administration.
  • She currently works as a Project Manager at JBS International, Inc.


Her combination of federal contracting expertise, local legislative experience, and advanced education positions her well to advocate effectively for Harford County Public Schools (HCPS) resources and efficient operations.


Commitment to Harford County

Blasdell has long been involved in Harford County issues. In her 2018 run for County Council (District A), she highlighted key community priorities such as:

  • Adequate funding for education and public safety
  • Support for balanced growth while addressing needs of existing communities
  • Expanded access to education and job training opportunities (e.g., bringing Harford Community College programs closer to areas like Edgewood and Joppa)
  • Improved public transportation options to connect residents to jobs and schools
  • Stronger community policing and resources for addressing addiction and mental health


These priorities reflect a consistent focus on practical solutions that improve quality of life, economic opportunity, and support for families.


Why She's Running for School Board

As a candidate for the Harford County Board of Education, Blasdell is committed to ensuring local schools have the resources, accountability, and focus needed to prepare students for success. Her experience equips her to navigate complex budgets, advocate for sufficient funding (while respecting taxpayer concerns), and push for policies that prioritize classroom results, student achievement, and family involvement.

She is running as a nonpartisan candidate and is listed alongside others in District A.


Positive Attributes as a Candidate

  • Experienced and Qualified — Proven track record in government and project management.
  • Community-Focused — Longstanding ties to Harford County and a history of listening to residents on issues like education access, safety, and opportunity.
  • Practical Problem-Solver — Emphasizes fiscal responsibility, resource adequacy, and collaborative approaches (e.g., dual volunteer/paid systems for emergency services in past comments).
  • Accessible — Active on platforms like X (@Donna_DistrictA) and has a campaign presence for direct engagement.

Christian Licier

Profile

Committee Name: Friends of Christian Licier

Address: 2402 Stoney Brook Rd

Fallston, MD 21047-

Phone: (443) 528-9460

Email: Clicie1@me.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61589909955973


Christian Licier is a nonpartisan candidate running for the Harford County Board of Education, District B (covering areas like Fallston and parts of Bel Air) in Maryland's 2026 elections. The primary is on June 23, 2026, with the general election on November 3.


Professional Background in Education

Licier brings direct, hands-on experience in public education leadership:

  • He served as principal at Bay-Brook Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore City Public Schools.
  • Prior roles include assistant principal at Patterson High School and other positions in Baltimore City schools.
  • His work focused on supporting students in diverse, urban environments, including addressing community concerns like immigration and safety for Hispanic and immigrant families.

This background positions him as someone with insider knowledge of school operations, challenges, and the needs of students and families.


Current Career and Community Ties

  • Licier is a State Farm insurance agent aspirant based in Fallston, Maryland, showing his commitment to the local Harford County community.
  • He holds education from Notre Dame of Maryland University.
  • He previously served on the State of Maryland - Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs, highlighting his advocacy for inclusive policies.


Campaign Profile

As a nonpartisan candidate, Licier emphasizes local education priorities without party affiliation. He aligns with independent, people-powered approaches (e.g., via platforms like GoodParty.org that stress transparency, civility, and grassroots focus).

His experience equips him to address key school board issues such as:

  • Improving student outcomes
  • Supporting teachers and staff
  • Ensuring safe, equitable learning environments
  • Fiscal responsibility in Harford County Public Schools


District B has no incumbent in this open seat, making it a competitive race with other candidates like Dominic Heath and Keri Geibler.


Licier represents a dedicated education professional transitioning to local governance to serve his community in Fallston and surrounding areas. For the latest on his campaign, check his LinkedIn or local election resources. Voters in Harford County can review full candidate details via Maryland State Board of Elections or Ballotpedia.

Joe Fleckenstein

Profile

Committee Name: Friends of Joe Fleckenstein

Address: 807 Stallion Dr

Bel Air, MD 21014-

Phone: (443) 904-4768

Email: joe.fleckenstein@gmail.com

Website: www.joe4boe2026.com


Joe Fleckenstein is a dedicated Bel Air, Maryland native and candidate for the Harford County Board of Education in District C in the 2026 elections (nonpartisan primary on June 23, 2026).


As a lifelong Harford County resident who attended local public schools from kindergarten through high school, Fleckenstein brings deep community roots and a commitment to improving education for local students.


Background and Experience

  • Education: Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Harford Community College (1991) and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland (1995).
  • Profession: Works as a defense contractor at Aberdeen Proving Ground, bringing practical experience in management, fiscal oversight, and real-world problem-solving to the board.
  • Family and Community Ties: Long-time resident with strong connections to the area; he previously ran for the school board in 2014, showing consistent dedication to local education issues.


Key Priorities (Positive Vision for Harford County Public Schools)

Fleckenstein’s platform emphasizes practical, student-centered improvements rooted in fundamentals, safety, and opportunity:

  • Academic Excellence: Strong focus on core skills in reading, writing, math, history, and science. He advocates holding students to high standards (no social promotion until fundamentals are mastered) and providing extra support like tutoring, especially in math, to build critical thinking and long-term success.
  • Support for Teachers and Fiscal Responsibility: Committed to competitive salaries to retain excellent educators in Harford County rather than losing them to neighboring areas. He wants to direct resources efficiently so teachers can focus on instruction without unnecessary agendas or burdens.
  • School Safety and Security: Strong backing for School Resource Officers (SROs) and tools like non-intrusive Open Gate technology at events and high schools. He prioritizes addressing behavioral issues promptly to maintain a safe learning environment.
  • Protecting Students: Clear stance on maintaining privacy and fairness—biological males should not compete in girls’ sports or use girls’ bathrooms/locker rooms.
  • Career and Technology Pathways: Expand hands-on programs that prepare students for real-world jobs and opportunities, building on a solid academic foundation.


Why Voters Like Him

Fleckenstein positions himself as a common-sense advocate who values local control, parental rights, and traditional educational strengths that made Harford schools strong in the past. He’s not a career politician but a community servant focused on integrity, accountability, and putting kids first. His campaign highlights restoring rigor, patriotism, physical education, and practical skills while opposing one-size-fits-all mandates.

Supporters appreciate his straightforward approach, defense of girls’ sports and privacy, emphasis on teacher support, and push for career readiness. His website (joe4boe2026.com) and platform reflect a positive, forward-looking vision: “Back to the Basics, and Beyond!”


For more details, visit his campaign site or follow updates on local Harford County election resources. He’s a solid choice for families who want experienced, principled leadership on the school board.

Melissa Hahn

Profile

Committee Name: Melissa Hahn for the BOE District D

Address: 3805 Belmont Dr

Jarrettsville, MD 21084-1406

Phone: (443) 819-0091

Email: hahnharcodistrictdboe@outlook.com

Website: www.hahndistrictdboe.wixsite.com

Social: www.facebook.com/melissahahnfordistrictdoftheharfordcountyboe


Melissa Hahn is an incumbent member of the Harford County Board of Education in Maryland, representing District D (Northern Harford County, including areas like Jarrettsville). She was first elected in November 2022, defeating the incumbent with a strong 69% of the vote, and is running for re-election in the November 3, 2026 general election.

Background and Experience

Hahn is a dedicated parent, educator, and community advocate with deep roots in public education. She holds certification in early childhood education and worked with preschool-aged children for over eight years. She then served as a case manager for Baltimore County Government for 16 years before focusing on her family.

After moving to Harford County, she became actively involved as a volunteer in Harford County Public Schools (HCPS). She served as Vice President of the PTSA, worked as a regular substitute teacher at North Harford High School, and has two children who attended (or are attending) HCPS schools—one a recent graduate and the other a current student.

Her firsthand experience in classrooms and as a parent has shaped her commitment to supporting students, teachers, and families.

Key Priorities and Platform

Hahn's approach centers on putting children's educational needs first. Her positive vision includes:

  • Parental involvement and transparency: Advocating for a "Parental Bill of Rights," accessible curriculum information, and giving parents a stronger voice in their children's education.
  • Teacher and staff support: Working to help teachers "love teaching again" by providing necessary tools, addressing retention issues, and reducing burdens so they can focus on student success.
  • Fiscal responsibility: Pushing for a full audit of expenditures to eliminate wasteful spending and redirect resources directly into classrooms.
  • Student-focused improvements: Addressing school safety and security, supporting mental health resources, and ensuring every child receives a high-quality education free from distractions that could hinder learning.
  • Community collaboration: Bringing together teachers, staff, parents, administrators, and the broader community to create a system that works for everyone and helps students become productive, successful members of society.

She has been advocating for these issues for years through public comments at Board of Education and County Council meetings.

Achievements and Service

  • Strong electoral support: Hahn's decisive 2022 victory reflected broad community backing for parental perspectives on the board.
  • Board leadership: She has served as Vice President of the Harford County Board of Education (elected by her peers), demonstrating colleagues' trust in her leadership.
  • Ongoing commitment: As a board member, she continues to emphasize accountability for the superintendent, transparency, and practical solutions drawn from her direct experience in schools.

Hahn is a passionate advocate who brings a parent's and educator's perspective to board decisions. She emphasizes elevating Harford County schools so that students thrive academically, socially, and personally. For more details, visit her campaign site (hahndistrictdboe.wixsite.com) or HCPS Board page.

Her profile highlights dedication, practical experience, and a clear focus on improving outcomes for Harford County's students and families.

Robert S. Wagner

Profile

Committee Name: Committee to Elect Robert S. Wagner

Address: 312 Prospect Mill Rd

Bel Air, MD 21015-1518

Email: robertwagner215@gmail.com


Robert S. Wagner is a dedicated lifelong Harford County resident and experienced public servant running as a nonpartisan candidate for the Harford County Board of Education (BOE) in District E in the June 23, 2026 primary.


Background and Experience

Born on July 1, 1957, in Harford County, Wagner graduated from Bel Air Senior High School (1975) and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Harford Community College (1979). He managed a family farm for over two decades (1980–2003) and later worked in freight brokerage while operating rental properties.

His extensive government service stands out:

  • Harford County Council, District E: Served 1990–2006 (including as President 2003–2006 and Vice President 1999–2001) and again from 2018–2022 (Vice President 2021–2022). He is one of the longest-serving council members in county history.
  • Key roles on boards and commissions: Board of Health, Audit Advisory Board, Harford Cable Network Board, Drug and Alcohol Abuse/Mental Health & Addictions Advisory Council, Community Mediation Commission, and Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.


Wagner brings deep institutional knowledge of county government, budgeting, public safety, health services, and community partnerships—assets highly relevant to overseeing school policies, budgets, and operations.


Strengths as a BOE Candidate

  • Proven Fiscal Responsibility: During his council tenure, he supported maintaining strong funding for education and public safety while preserving the county’s AAA bond rating.
  • Community Focus: Long involvement in local issues, including constituent concerns about schools (e.g., closures) and collaboration with the Board of Education on community projects.
  • Lifelong Local Ties: As a resident of the Bel Air/Fountain Green area with deep roots (including family farming), he understands District E communities and prioritizes practical, resident-centered decisions.
  • Bipartisan/Nonpartisan Approach: His council record shows work across groups on health, mediation, criminal justice, and economic issues—valuable for a nonpartisan school board role focused on students, teachers, and families.


Why He’s Running 

Wagner’s candidacy highlights his commitment to bringing experienced, steady leadership to Harford County Public Schools. With a background in long-term budgeting, inter-agency collaboration, and community service, he is positioned to advocate for:

  • Strong academic outcomes and support for teachers/staff.
  • Efficient use of resources.
  • Safe, responsive learning environments.
  • Partnerships that benefit students in District E and across the county.


His decades of service demonstrate reliability, knowledge of local government operations, and a track record of serving Harford County residents effectively. Voters seeking proven leadership with a deep understanding of county priorities often view him as a strong, stabilizing choice for the Board of Education.


For the latest on his campaign, check official sources like the Maryland Board of Elections or local news outlets covering the 2026 races. Wagner represents experienced, homegrown dedication to public service in Harford County.

Joseph L. Alton, Jr.

Profile

Committee Name: Citizens for Joseph Alton

Address: 717 S Union Ave

Havre De Grace, MD 21078-3535

Phone: (443) 506-4143

Email: joealtonforboardofeducation@gmail.com

Social: www.facebook.com/joealtonforhcpsboardofeducation


Joseph L. Alton Jr. (commonly known as Joe Alton) is a dedicated lifelong resident of Harford County, Maryland, running as a nonpartisan candidate for the Harford County Board of Education (HCPS) in District F (covering areas like Havre de Grace and Belcamp). The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.


Professional Background and Public Service

Joe brings a strong law enforcement career and deep community roots to his candidacy. He serves as Deputy Chief (previously Captain and Major) with the Havre de Grace Police Department, where he has held roles in administration, including managing support units like IT for law enforcement and fleet services. He joined the department in 2018 after retiring from the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. His career highlights a commitment to public safety, leadership, and service.


Community Leadership and Advocacy

Alton stands out for his extensive volunteerism, particularly with Special Olympics Maryland. For over 15 years, he has been deeply involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, raising more than $250,000 through fundraising events and an annual T-shirt campaign. His efforts started with a simple act of kindness and grew into a passionate drive to support athletes. He and his wife Christine have personally helped athletes with training, such as preparing one for international competition in Berlin.

This work earned him recognition as a "Do Good Heroes" honoree from National Life Group, celebrating community service beyond the call of duty. Colleagues and the community praise his genuine love for Harford County and his consistent efforts to strengthen it.


He actively participates in local events, supports schools (e.g., "Dress for Success" initiatives with police partners), and engages in community gatherings like fundraisers ("Tacos with Joe") and cultural activities.


Family and Personal Values

As a husband, father, and longtime Harford County resident, Joe emphasizes family involvement in his community work. His campaign highlights values of service, giving back, and finding ways for everyone to contribute—"finding your niche" to make a positive impact.


Campaign Focus

Through his campaign page and events, Joe positions himself as a hands-on advocate for students, drawing on his experience as a public servant and community leader. He aims to bring practical leadership, safety perspectives, and a commitment to supporting families and education in District F. His contact includes the campaign Facebook page (JoeAltonforHCPSBoardofEducation) and email (joealtonforboardofeducation@gmail.com).


Joe Alton represents a candidate with proven leadership in public service, a track record of impactful community volunteering (especially empowering youth and athletes with disabilities), and a strong local connection. Supporters view him as a collaborative, dedicated figure ready to prioritize students and families on the school board. For the latest updates, check his campaign page or local election resources.

Shernice Shermaine Mundell

Profile

Committee Name: Mundell for School Board

Address: 1311 Charlestown Dr

Edgewood, MD 21040-

Email: shernice4schoolboard@gmail.com


Shernice Shermaine Mundell (also referred to as Shernice Mundell) is a nonpartisan candidate running for Harford County Board of Education (HCPS) District A in Maryland. The primary is on June 23, 2026, with other candidates including Donna Blasdell and Dani Paez.


Background

  • Personal: Age ~48 (born ~1977), resides in Edgewood, MD (Harford County). Mother of three adult children who attended Harford County Public Schools. Product of Baltimore City Public Schools. Air Force veteran.
  • Professional: Worked in healthcare (e.g., Financial Access Specialist at Johns Hopkins Health Systems) for about a decade. Joined the federal Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in August 2024 as a probationary employee in a new department handling benefits for retired postal workers. She was promoted shortly before termination.
  • Campaign: Runs on a platform emphasizing student/parent advocacy, high academic standards, resources for students, strong teachers, welcoming/inclusive schools, diversity/equity/inclusion (DEI), and support for LGBTQ+ students. Her site highlights her as a "fighter" motivated partly by her federal termination.


Potential "Negative" Aspects (from Public Records)

Publicly available information does not reveal major personal scandals, ethical violations, criminal records, or performance issues in her prior roles. Key points that critics might highlight include:

  • Federal Termination (Feb 2025): Fired as part of broad Trump administration/DOGE-related federal workforce reductions. She was a recent hire/promotee in a new OPM unit and described the process as abrupt (via late-night email, prerecorded video meeting, performance cited in termination notice despite recent promotion). She has spoken publicly as an affected veteran/worker, participated in protests, "shadow hearings," and media stories criticizing the cuts, Project 2025, Elon Musk, and the administration. She called Musk a "welfare queen" and framed her firing as political/motivating her activism.
  • Political Positioning: Strong emphasis on DEI and LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools, which may draw opposition in more conservative areas like Harford County (Trump won the county by double digits in 2024). Some voters may view her federal background and post-firing activism as overly partisan or misaligned with local priorities.
  • Experience: Limited direct K-12 education governance or teaching experience. Her qualifications rest on parenting students in the district, military service, and healthcare/federal admin work. Opponents could question readiness for board oversight of budgets, curriculum, or operations.
  • Other: No notable controversies, lawsuits, or red flags in background searches. She has been vocal in left-leaning outlets and union contexts post-firing.


Her campaign appears motivated by the federal job loss, positioning her as someone fighting for "fairness and accountability." For a full profile, check her site (shernice4schoolboard.com), Ballotpedia, or local voter guides. Harford County voters can evaluate based on priorities like academics, parental rights, budgets, and school safety versus equity-focused approaches. No deep "oppo" dirt turned up in available sources.

Dani Paez

Profile

Committee Name: Friends of Dani Paez

Address: PO Box 62

Edgewood, MD 21040-

Phone: (443) 966-5131

Email: DaniforHarco@gmail.com

Website: www.daniforharford.com

Social: www.facebook.com/DaniPaezforHarCo

www.instagram.com/daniforharco



Dani Paez is a candidate running in the 2026 nonpartisan primary for Harford County Board of Education, District A (Maryland), with the primary on June 23, 2026. She is one of three candidates in that race (alongside Donna Blasdell and Shernice Mundell).


Background

  • Local roots: Graduate of Edgewood High School (District A); first-generation American with parents from the Dominican Republic; first in her family to graduate college.
  • Education: Two bachelor’s degrees from Arizona State University; pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration.
  • Professional: Works as a Social Media and Marketing Specialist at New Working Majority (consulting).
  • Campaign: Emphasizes equity, opportunity, transparency, free school meals for all students, and opposition to "book bans"/censorship. Campaign sites: daniforharford.com, Facebook (DaniPaezforHarCo), Instagram (@daniforharco).


Platform Highlights (from her Ballotpedia survey)

  • No Book Bans: Strongly against censorship; supports protecting educators/librarians, age-appropriate materials based on professional standards, and critical thinking on complex topics.
  • Free Breakfast/Lunch for Every Student: Aims to eliminate meal debt/stigma, improve nutrition/attendance/performance via local sourcing.
  • Transparency: Plain-language communication, parent/educator engagement before major changes.


She has endorsements from some local Democrats/progressives (e.g., linked to Harford County Democratic circles).


Negative or Critical Angles

Public criticism appears limited and mostly tied to her progressive-leaning positions in a county with ongoing school board tensions (e.g., past fights over curriculum, books, and leadership turnover).

  • Book/ curriculum stance: Her explicit opposition to "book bans" and support for broad intellectual freedom has drawn pushback in conservative-leaning Harford discussions. Some parents view this as allowing inappropriate content (e.g., references to a controversial book in local debates). Critics see it as prioritizing ideology over parental concerns or age-appropriateness.
  • Equity/ "woke" framing: Emphasis on equity, free meals regardless of income, and defending diverse perspectives can be portrayed negatively by opponents as expanding government spending, promoting certain social agendas, or downplaying academics/parental rights.
  • Experience: As a relative newcomer to elected office (marketing background, no prior board experience listed), skeptics may question her readiness for managing a large school district's budget, policies, and operations amid existing turmoil.
  • Political alignment: Tied to Democratic networks in a nonpartisan race; this could alienate voters seeking more conservative reforms (transparency pushes, anti-censorship from the other side, fiscal restraint).


No major personal scandals, legal issues, or widespread backlash turned up in searches as of now (early in the campaign cycle). Much of the "negative" profile stems from policy disagreements rather than personal attacks.

Keri L. Geibler

Profile

Committee Name: Friends of Keri Geibler

Address: 18 Fallston View Ct

Fallston, MD 21047-2542

Email: kgeiblerboe@gmail.com


Keri L. Geibler (age ~52, Fallston, MD) is a nonpartisan candidate running for Harford County Board of Education District B in the June 23, 2026 primary (alongside Dominic Heath and Christian Licier). No major public controversies, lawsuits, scandals, or negative news stories appear in available sources.


Professional Background

  • Current role: Middle Level Dean of Students at Notre Dame Preparatory School (private Catholic girls’ school in Towson/Baltimore area). She is part of the academic leadership team.
  • Experience: ~30 years in education, including public schools (e.g., as a 5th-grade teacher in Howard County around 2000–2001). She has also worked as a math/SAT specialist.
  • Location: Lives in Fallston, MD (Harford County). Past residences include areas in/around Annapolis and Silver Spring.


Campaign Context

She filed for the open District B seat (covering areas like Fallston and parts of Bel Air). Ballotpedia has limited details on her; she has not completed their candidate survey (contact: kgeiblerboe@gmail.com per their page). No endorsements or detailed platform are prominently listed yet.


Positive mentions are limited to her teaching (e.g., a 2000 Washington Post article on alternative drug education methods in her Howard County class, portraying it neutrally/positively as engaging students on peer pressure).


Profile Summary

Public records and searches turn up no evident negatives such as complaints, ethics issues, legal problems, or voter backlash. She appears to be a career educator transitioning to local school board politics in a standard nonpartisan race. If you're looking for opposition research, local Harford County forums, social media, or direct voter feedback might yield more (none surfaced in broad web/X searches). For the most current info, check Harford County election resources or her campaign contacts.

Dominic J. Heath

Profile

Committee Name: Dominic Heath for BOE

Address: 1719 Laurel Brook Rd

Fallston, MD 21047-

Phone: (443) 304-8079

Email: Dominic.Heath.84@gmail.com

Website: www.dominicheathforboe.com

Social: www.facebook.com/dominicheathforboe


Dominic J. Heath is a candidate for Harford County Public Schools Board of Education, District B, in the June 2026 primary. He positions himself as a non-partisan, family-focused parent from Fallston, Maryland, with a platform centered on "Parents Not Politics," school safety, transparency, and community involvement.

Local online discussions and shared materials have raised questions about the consistency between his current campaign image and past public behavior, as well as the overall seriousness of his candidacy:


Alleged Social Media History and Account Changes

  • Multiple local commentators and group discussions report that Heath deleted or significantly limited access to his personal Facebook profile shortly after announcing his candidacy. Critics describe this as an effort to present a more polished image.
  • A widely referenced screenshot circulating in Harford County Facebook groups (including Harford Happenings) attributes a highly heated and profane outburst to him. It was reportedly posted in response to questions raised about his fitness for the school board.
  • Other alleged past posts mentioned in local commentary include an image of a burning American flag as a profile picture and comparisons of U.S. political events to the rise of Nazi Germany. Detractors argue these elements conflict with his current emphasis on calm, family-oriented leadership.


Perceived Inconsistencies with Campaign Themes

  • Heath's materials stress non-political, parent-driven leadership and a focus on education issues. Some local voices contend this approach appears at odds with his history of engaging in strong criticisms of local officials and broader political topics.
  • Critics have also questioned the depth of his prior involvement in school-specific matters, suggesting some public comments on unrelated local issues (such as data centers) were made primarily for visibility.


Campaign Finances

  • Maryland campaign finance reports (as of the April 2026 filing) indicate limited external support: approximately $275 in small donations, a $400 self-loan, minimal expenditures, and roughly $674 cash on hand. Skeptics in local discussions view this as evidence of a low-momentum or exploratory effort rather than a broadly backed campaign.


These concerns appear primarily in local social media, community Facebook groups, and independent online commentary rather than in formal investigations, ethics complaints, or mainstream news reports. No criminal record or official disqualifications are noted in public records. Heath has referenced personal growth and invited in-person conversations with residents.


Voters are encouraged to review primary sources, including official Maryland campaign finance filings, candidate forums, and Heath’s own campaign materials (e.g., dominicheathforboe.com or his Facebook page), while considering the polarized nature of local Harford County discussions.

Cathy Kowalewski

Additional Information

Committee Name: Friends of Cathy Kowalewski

Address: 2048 Brandy Dr

Forest Hill, MD 21050-

Phone: (410) 294-4989

Email: CathyKowalewski4BoardofEd@gmail.com

Website: www.cathykforboardofed.com

Social: www.facebook.com/groups/4230030603878930


Cathy Kowalewski is a nonpartisan candidate for Harford County Board of Education (BOE) District C in Maryland. The primary is on June 23, 2026, with opponents Joe Fleckenstein and Shawn Ryan.


Background

She has ~42 years in education as a teacher, school counselor, licensed school psychologist, adjunct instructor, and licensed clinical professional counselor. She has lived in Harford County for nearly 30 years, raised two children who attended Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), coached Destination Imagination and lacrosse, supervised interns, served on committees, and presented professional development. She was nominated for Student Services Professional of the Year.

Her campaign emphasizes school safety (physical and emotional, including bullying), academic achievement (smaller class sizes), educator support, accountability/transparency, parental input, and balanced curriculum access with opt-out options.


Profile / Controversies

Public records, news searches, and available sources show no major scandals, ethical violations, lawsuits, or significant public criticisms tied to Kowalewski personally. She appears to be a career HCPS insider (recent or current school psychologist/mental health professional) with a low-profile candidacy so far.


Potential points of criticism (inferred from context, not direct attacks on her):

  • Insider/Status Quo Candidate: With decades inside HCPS, opponents or parents frustrated with district issues (e.g., past superintendent controversies, budgets, safety, or curriculum debates in Harford County) might portray her as part of the system rather than a reformer. Harford BOE has faced public scrutiny over administrative matters, though nothing links her directly.
  • Campaign Activity: Early filings showed zero contributions/expenditures in one report. Her campaign is grassroots (Facebook group, small donations via PayPal/Venmo/check). Critics of establishment figures could see limited visibility/fundraising as a weakness.
  • Views on Issues: Her platform supports "climates of acceptance," research-based decisions, facts over "misinformation," and parental opt-outs while keeping diverse materials available. Depending on the audience, some conservatives might view her mental health/psychologist background and emphasis on emotional safety/bullying as too progressive or insufficiently strict on discipline. Others might see her accountability language (students held responsible, private staff issues) as moderate. No evidence of extreme positions.


Overall, she presents a standard experienced-educator profile with no "gotcha" negatives in open sources as of now. Local races like this often stay low-drama until closer to the primary. For the latest, check her campaign site (cathykforboardofed.com), Facebook group, or Harford County election resources. If you're looking for opposition research, voter guides, or comparisons to other candidates, more specifics would help narrow it.

Shawn P. Ryan

Profile

Committee Name: Friends of Shawn Ryan

Address: 2037 Gannet Ct

Bel Air, MD 21015-6216

Website: www.ryanforboe.com


Shawn P. Ryan is a nonpartisan candidate for Harford County Board of Education District C in Maryland, with the primary on June 23, 2026.

He is a lifelong Harford County resident (Ring Factory Elementary, Bel Air Middle, John Carroll School graduate), father of two boys, and youth/varsity baseball coach. His campaign website (ryanforboe.com) emphasizes transparency, accountability, straightforward communication with parents, and putting students first over bureaucracy. He positions himself as a non-politician parent advocate.


Background and Motivations

Ryan has been active as a parent speaker at Harford County Board of Education meetings. He has criticized the district on issues like:

  • Alleged poor handling of hiring (e.g., individuals with serious criminal charges or misconduct histories).
  • Lack of transparency and accountability when parents raise concerns.
  • Deflection by leadership instead of direct responses.

A notable incident in late 2025 involved his sons being publicly questioned and embarrassed by a teacher for wearing "Freedom" shirts (associated with Turning Point USA/Charlie Kirk) during dismissal. Ryan spoke at a board meeting, describing his children as "embarrassed, humiliated, and hurt," and called for a clearer dress code policy on political attire to prevent teachers from injecting opinions or bullying students. The incident gained attention in conservative circles and helped spark his candidacy.


Negative Profile / Criticisms

Publicly available information yields limited negative material or scandals tied directly to Ryan himself. Searches for criminal records, arrests, lawsuits, or personal controversies in Harford County turned up no relevant hits on him. He appears to be a relatively new figure in electoral politics, entering as a parent activist rather than an established insider.


Potential points of criticism from opponents or skeptics (inferred from context, not widespread attacks):

  • His advocacy is framed by some as overly focused on "culture war" issues (e.g., political attire, teacher overreach on shirts post-Charlie Kirk assassination), which critics might dismiss as politicizing schools or seeking attention.
  • As a vocal critic of current district leadership and processes, he could be portrayed as disruptive or lacking administrative/governance experience compared to other candidates (e.g., incumbents or those with deeper education backgrounds).
  • Limited campaign finance visibility or name recognition outside activist circles (early filings showed few candidates with detailed reports).


No evidence of financial impropriety, ethical violations, or major personal scandals emerged in available records or news. His profile is largely that of a local dad/coach pushing back against perceived school system opacity and overreach.

For the most current or detailed view, check his site (ryanforboe.com), Ballotpedia, or local Harford County sources like The Aegis/Baltimore Sun. Local races like this often have more nuance in community forums than in broad searches.

Rachelle A. Johnson

Profile

Committee Name: Rachelle Johnson for Board of Ed - District D

Address: PO Box 223

Jarrettsville, MD 21084-

Phone: (443) 582-8933

Email: RJohnsonHCPSBofED@gmail.com

Website: www.rachellejohnson.com

Social: www.facebook.com/groups/rachellejohnsonharfordboe/

www.instagram.com/rachellejohnsonhcpsbofed


Rachelle A. Johnson is a nonpartisan candidate for Harford County Board of Education, District D, Maryland, in the general election on November 3, 2026. She is challenging incumbent Melissa Hahn. The primary was canceled, so both advanced directly to the general.


Background

  • Resident: Harford County (Jarrettsville area), parent of two neurodiverse sons.
  • Profession: Chief Financial Officer, business owner, and operations/financial leadership expert.
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Anthropology.
  • Involvement: Active in supporting public schools, worked with teachers/specialists on her children's education, participated in community advocacy (e.g., SECAC/special education). Emphasizes collaboration with educators, families, and leaders.


Campaign Themes

  • Putting Students First: Decisions should start with "What is best for students?"
  • Academic Excellence: Strong focus on foundational reading and math skills, curriculum quality, measurable outcomes, and data-driven policies. Supports thoughtful approaches like smaller class sizes in early grades when evaluated transparently.
  • School Safety & Management: Safe, supportive learning environments with clear expectations.
  • Parent Empowerment & Educator Support: Respect for teachers/staff, clear communication for families, and collaboration.
  • Responsible Stewardship: Transparent budgeting, accountability for taxpayer funds, evaluating programs for effectiveness before new initiatives.


Key Quotes from Her Site


"I am a proud Harford County resident, parent, and business owner committed to strengthening our public schools... Every student deserves a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed."

Campaign Website: www.rachellejohnson.com LinkedIn: Rachelle A. Johnson Facebook Group: Rachelle Johnson for Board of Education District D


She positions herself as a community advocate focused on practical, student-centered leadership without major public controversies or negative records in available sources. For the latest updates, visit her site or official Harford County/Maryland election resources.

Aaron D. Boyle

Profile

Committee Name: Friends of Aaron Boyle

Address: 246 Hemlock Ln

Aberdeen, MD 21001-2432

Phone: (667) 528-9616

Social: @BoyleAaron14442


Aaron D. Boyle is a nonpartisan candidate for Harford County Board of Education (BOE) District E in Maryland. The primary election is scheduled for June 23, 2026.

He lives in the Aberdeen area, has a child in Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), and has been involved locally for about 15 years. His background includes starting multiple local businesses, volunteering in schools (nominated as HCPS Volunteer of the Year), and creating a before-school STEM program for elementary students.


Campaign Platform

Boyle's priorities (from his campaign site) focus on:

  • Transparency & Trust — Clear financial reports and updates for families.
  • Community Collaboration — Partnerships with teachers, parents, and local groups.
  • Budget Advocacy — Prioritizing classroom resources and student programs while maximizing every dollar.


Other goals include better parent/teacher/student feedback mechanisms, regular school visits, supporting educators (pay/benefits), and collaborating on a strategic vision.

He has a campaign website (aaronboyleharfordboe.com), Facebook page, and contact: SchoolMattersAberdeen@gmail.com or (667) 528-9616.


Negative Profile / Controversies

Publicly available information shows no notable negative profile, scandals, controversies, or criticisms specifically tied to Aaron D. Boyle as a BOE candidate. Searches across news, social media, and public records turned up nothing substantive on complaints, legal issues, or backlash.

  • Harford County BOE races are currently low-profile, with limited media coverage and few filed candidates early on.
  • Broader district issues (e.g., superintendent controversies, budget concerns, administrative changes) exist in Harford County Public Schools, but these are not linked to Boyle personally.
  • His campaign appears grassroots and low-key, with a small online presence (e.g., Facebook page with very few likes).


In summary, Boyle presents as a community-oriented parent and volunteer emphasizing transparency, collaboration, and fiscal focus on classrooms. No red flags or negative information emerged in available sources. For the most current details, check his campaign site, Ballotpedia, or local Harford County election resources. If you have a specific aspect (e.g., voting record, statements, or comparison to other candidates), provide more details for deeper digging.

Matt Jones

Profile

Committee Name: Friends of Matt Jones

Address: 923 Whispering Ridge Ln

Bel Air, MD 21015-

Phone: (410) 914-7616

Email: friendsofmattjones@gmail.com


Matt Jones is a nonpartisan candidate for Harford County Board of Education (BOE) District E in Maryland.


Election Details

  • Primary: June 23, 2026 (nonpartisan)
  • General Election: November 3, 2026
  • Other Candidates in District E Primary: Aaron Boyle and Robert Wagner (incumbent in District E did not seek re-election)
  • Campaign Committee: "Friends of Matt Jones" (filed February 2024/2026 per state records)
  • Contact: VoteMattJones@gmail.com
  • Address (from filings): Associated with 923 Whispering Ridge Ln, Bel Air, MD


Professional Background

Jones works as a Facilities Project Coordinator in Harford County, with experience in strategy & planning, program management, and construction management (affiliated with MCFA).

His LinkedIn profile is available here: linkedin.com/in/matt-jones-0809053b.


Campaign Information

Public details on his specific platform, priorities, or personal biography remain limited at this early stage of the low-profile local race. He has not completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey (voters or supporters can request it via his email).

He appears in candidate lists for local events (e.g., Upper Chesapeake Bay Pride Foundation candidate meetups) alongside other Harford candidates.


No website, detailed policy page, or extensive media coverage was found in current public records. For the latest, check:

  • Maryland State Board of Elections filings
  • Harford County BOE or local outlets like The Aegis/Baltimore Sun
  • Direct contact via his campaign email

Kawaniee Flowe

Profile

Committee Name: Kawaniee Flowe for BOE District F

Address: PO Box 11

Gunpowder, MD 21010-

Phone: (443) 252-3831

Email: kfloweforboedistrictf@gmail.com

Website: www.linktr.ee/kfloweforboedistrictf

Social: www.instagram.com/kfloweforboedistrictf


Kawaniee (Kay) Flowe is a candidate for Harford County Board of Education (BOE) District F in Maryland, running in the general election on November 3, 2026 (the primary was canceled). She faces Joseph Alton Jr. in a nonpartisan race.


Background

  • She is a retired U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps veteran with over 30 years of experience in organizational leadership, nursing (MS, ACNP-BC), trauma nursing instruction, and public health (pursuing DrPH).
  • Lives in Belcamp, MD (Harford County area).
  • Campaign focuses on "change," quality education, listening to parents/teachers/students via community conversations and surveys. Low-visibility campaign with Linktree, Facebook, Instagram (@kfloweforboedistrictf), and fundraising pages.


Public information on her is limited — mostly campaign materials, Ballotpedia, LinkedIn, and local election filings. No major news coverage beyond standard candidate announcements.


Negative Profile / Criticisms

Searches for controversies, scandals, arrests, complaints, or significant criticism turned up nothing substantive. There are no reports of legal issues, ethics violations, professional misconduct, or public backlash tied to her candidacy or background.

As a low-profile challenger in a local race with minimal media attention, she has not attracted notable opposition research or attacks (as of May 2026). Opponents or voters might critique:

  • Limited public visibility/experience specifically in K-12 education governance (her background is military nursing and clinical instruction).
  • Standard "outsider" vs. establishment dynamics in school board races.


No evidence of financial, personal, or professional red flags in available public records. Local Harford County voters would need to review her survey responses (if completed), attend forums, or check campaign finance for more details. Her campaign email is kfloweforboedistrictf@gmail.com.

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