Write-in Candidate for the Board of Education
About Me
My name is Heather Fletcher, and I’m a Write-in Candidate for the Frederick County Board of Education! My husband and I have proudly called Point of Rocks, MD, our home for over 15 years, and as a mom of three beautiful school-aged children, I’m deeply committed to serving our community. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from the University of North Dakota and began my career as an Air Traffic Controller at Joint Base Andrews with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2009. My experience in high-pressure environments has sharpened my skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership—qualities that I believe will greatly benefit the Board of Education (BOE).
After starting my family, I made the decision to leave my position at the FAA to be a homemaker. Being home has allowed me to engage in various educational settings alongside my children, including preschool, public school, homeschool, and private school. My involvement has provided me with valuable insights into the educational needs of our community.
Three years ago, I had a concern that I brought to the BOE thinking that the problem would be resolved right away, but unfortuanelty my concerns were ignored. I decided to do more research and my inquiry uncovered several significant concerns that I believe all residents of Frederick County should be aware of:
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Critical Gender Theory in Education: Since 2018, FCPS has integrated Critical Gender Theory into the Family Life Curriculum for middle and high school students. The Maryland Comprehensive Health Education Framework, adopted in March 2022, also incorporates this theory. Many parents, doctors, and mental health professionals are concerned about its potential impact on children's health and well-being.
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FCPS Policy 443: This policy mandates that students be asked for their pronouns, which must be used in every interaction. It allows students to access facilities and teams that align with their gender identity, while teachers and staff are prohibited from disclosing any social or medical transitions to parents/guardians.
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Library Materials: FCPS has materials in its libraries that many consider explicit or obscene, raising concerns about compliance with Maryland law regarding the display of such items to minors. I am committed to advocating for the removal of the 34 books currently approved by Superintendent Dyson and addressing the other titles that have not yet been challenged.
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MCAP Testing Concerns: In 2022, Maryland lowered the standards of the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) by reducing test times and changing test criteria. Despite FCPS performing better than some districts, it still falls short of meeting our children’s needs. Last year, over 40% of students failed in English Language Arts, 68% in Math, and 66% of 8th graders failed Science—all while costing taxpayers nearly a billion dollars.
In an effort to protect our children, I ran for the Board of Education (BOE) in 2022, but I did not make it through the primary. Initially, I had decided not to run in 2024 since there were four conservative candidates in the race. However, only two of them advanced past the primary, and I didn’t want to hand a seat to an "Apple Ballot" candidate who would prioritize the interests of FCPS and the teachers' unions over the needs of our community. Therefore, I decided to enter the race, hoping to secure the third seat available on November 5th and to work towards protecting our children!
As a former Air Traffic Controller for Air Force One, I’m dedicated to guiding FCPS in a better direction focused on academic excellence, parental rights, and fiscal responsibility. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children! Please write in “Heather Fletcher” on your ballot. You can use my full name, Heather Fletcher, or simply write my last name, Fletcher!
I also encourage you to share this message with your friends and family. Please inform them about the concerning "Apple Ballot," which are candidates backed by teacher unions who prioritize political agendas over our children’s needs. To learn more about Maryland laws, as well as FCPS policies and curriculum, please click here:
Thank you for your support—I’m excited to work together to protect our children!