Candidacy Announcement

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I’m honored to officially announce my candidacy for the Frederick County Board of Education (BOE) for the third time.

As a wife and mother of three school-aged children, and a consistent advocate for our community, I care deeply about the future of our schools. I’ve run before because I’m committed to protecting children and parental rights, and I firmly believe that with the right leadership, Frederick County can have world-class schools.

As a former Air Traffic Controller of Air Force One, I know the importance of safety and the principle of “first, do no harm.”

Unfortunately, the current liberal, teachers' union-backed majority on the BOE prioritizes identity politics and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives over academic excellence and parental rights. This has created a deep division in our community and has made many —especially those with conservative viewpoints—feel unsafe and unwelcome.

On February 26, 2025, our community witnessed something deeply disturbing. Two grandmothers—Patty Worsley, a former BOE candidate, and Pastor Donna Sandridge—were verbally harassed, and Pastor Sandridge was physically assaulted while trying to leave the BOE meeting. Both women are peaceful, respectful, and longtime attendees of these meetings. The attacks occurred because they oppose FCPS Policy 443, which allows students to use the bathrooms and locker rooms, participate in overnight stays, and join the sports teams of their choice. Students can also socially and medically "transition" at school and teachers/staff are prohibited from telling the students’ parents/guardians.

As Mrs. Worsley attempted to leave the BOE meeting on Feb. 26th, she was verbally attacked by several people inside and outside of the building. She felt very unsafe walking to her car because she had to walk through a large crowd of Policy 443 supporters that shouted slurs at her.

Pastor Sandridge, similarly, was confronted by a younger man several times her size who shouted obscenities and slurs in her face. Despite her pleas for him to stop, his aggression escalated. In the glass entryway of the building, he attempted to push her. Thankfully, there was a young woman with the man who deflected his arm, but he still managed to strike Pastor Sandridge in the forehead before they two of them fled the scene. In distress, she sought help and spoke with Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Dyson before being escorted to her car. At her family's urging, she reported the incident to the Frederick County Sheriff’s Department, where it was formally documented by Deputy McAdams.

At the following BOE meeting, Board Member Nancy Allen addressed the incident, condemning the aggression. She stated:

“Respect for rights has not been on display. An incident at our last Board of Education meeting saw an older woman verbally harassed and nearly physically harmed because she held opposing views on Policy 443. The actions that night were not about tolerance or acceptance. They were about rage, power, and intimidation.”

Concerns over escalating hostility have been growing for months. In January, President Rae Gallagher hired an independent investigator—funded by taxpayer dollars—to examine a comment made by conservative BOE member Colt Black during the January 8th meeting, in an apparent attempt to stifle free speech. Although the investigation concluded that Mr. Black’s comment did not constitute a Title IX violation, the four liberal BOE members released a public statement on behalf of the entire board saying:

“The Board of Education disavows Mr. Black’s comment and maintains our commitment to a safe and welcoming environment for all Frederick County Public School students, their families, and staff. We remain firmly committed to policies that prohibit discrimination, bullying, harassment, or intimidation against any person.”

In another troubling incident, conservative BOE member Jaime Brennan received a death threat at her home.

Despite the seriousness of these incidents, Superintendent Cheryl Dyson and BOE President Rae Gallagher have remained silent. There has been no official statement, no public condemnation, and no media coverage. Where is the protection for Mrs. Worsley, Pastor Sandridge, Mr. Black, and Mrs. Brennan? The silence of the Superintendent and President Gallagher speaks volumes and implies consent.

This pattern is deeply alarming. There is nothing fair, tolerant, or inclusive about the treatment of conservative voices by the Frederick County Board of Education. We are at a breaking point. Respect, safety, and civil discourse are under attack, and the absence of leadership is leaving many feeling unsafe and unheard.

That’s why I’m stepping forward once again.

Our children and community deserve to be protected and be heard. Enough is enough! Frederick County deserves BOE members who will work for the people—not for FCPS and the teachers’ unions. We deserve leaders who value safety, families, and educational excellence over ideology and bureaucracy. Please SAVE THE DATE and vote for me in the Primary Election on June 30, 2026 (Early voting runs from June 18–June 25). I support proven curricula that promotes academic excellence; parental rights; fiscal

responsibility; safety (including School Resource Officers); school choice;

and local control!

Thank you!!!

With dedication,

Heather Fletcher

Candidate for the Frederick County Board of Education

By Authority: Citizens for Heather Fletcher; Treasurer Michael Fletcher