Candidate Colleen Cusimano
Responds to FCAST Letter

Dear Mr. Kavanaugh,

I must tell you that I fully support our swimming program here in
Frederick County. I think swimming is among the most valuable sports
programs and deserves every effort to ensure that it remains available to
all of our students. I have been disappointed that FCPS has not looked to
expand our swimming programs by building some of the new schools with
swimming pools.

I was present at the meeting at Oakdale High School when students had
organized a peaceful protest of the cuts to the swimming program. I was
very impressed by the maturity, and display of unity in the effort. I was
and am disheartened that our community's voice is seldom heard by this
current Board without extreme displays such as this. Even then, they seem
to turn a deaf ear when making these budget decisions.

As a candidate, I have a unique perspective, having worked at Central
Office. My experience in my local schools was that money was in short
supply, was carefully managed and priorities were carefully chosen with
our children's best interest at heart. My experience at Central Office
could not have been further from that reality. The last 3 years, watching
the display of cuts they were advocating, while I was personally
witnessing outrageous waste, compelled me to run for the Board of Ed.

I can assure you that my priorities are our children. My spending cut
list would place administrative expenses (which have outpaced growth of
any other measure in our schools) at the top, and anything that directly
services our children at the bottom. I have publicly mentioned my support
of the swimming program specifically - on my website at http://www.colleenc4boe.com/backgr.htm , there are links on the bottom left
corner of some interviews I have done. The SeniorsTalkRadio one, I talk
about the student protest and how we have to continue advocating for these
resources for our children.

I am very impressed and proud of how your organization has proactively
sought to work with the school system to address costs. I believe if the
priorities were in order, this would not be necessary. But if the pools
remain open, and costs are reduced, it is a win for all concerned.

I would appreciate any support your organization can offer. In the
Primary election, I came in 5th of 8 candidates. I will have an uphill
battle to get into the top 4. I want Board members that put our kids
first, and who listen to our community. I hope to be one of them in a few
weeks.

Sincerely,
Colleen Cusimano
Candidate, Board of Education
Frederick County, MD
colleen@colleenc4boe.com