Bipartisan Duo Seeks School Board Seats in Carroll County

In a notable collaboration, Lisa Maisano, a Democrat, and Julie Walsh, a Republican, are campaigning together for seats on the Carroll County school board. Their partnership stems from a shared commitment to address local education challenges, transcending party lines.

The duo's journey began in February 2025, when they, along with other parents, convened at Maisano's home to discuss concerns over state-mandated education reforms that threatened to cut 92 teaching positions in Carroll County Public Schools. This gathering led to the formation of the Carroll Education Coalition, which successfully lobbied for a reprieve from the strict funding rules imposed by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

Despite the nonpartisan nature of Maryland's school board races, the political landscape in Carroll County has become increasingly partisan. The current board has faced controversies over issues such as school library content and curriculum related to gender identity. Walsh and Maisano aim to steer the conversation back to essential local issues, such as budget management, school renovations, and effective technology use in classrooms.

Walsh, who previously lobbied for the Maryland Catholic Conference, and Maisano, a former engineer turned stay-at-home mom, emphasize their commitment to education over political affiliation. They believe that partisanship should not interfere with the educational needs of students. Their campaign focuses on advocating for smaller class sizes, adequate funding, and thoughtful implementation of technology in schools.

As they prepare for the upcoming election in November, they will face four other candidates vying for three available seats. Their approach has garnered attention, with the county teachers union endorsing their slate, while some Republican supporters have backed their opponents.

Walsh and Maisano's campaign highlights the importance of collaboration across party lines, aiming to demonstrate that a Democrat and Republican can unite for the betterment of education in Carroll County.

Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).