SMOB finalists call for transparency and student supports ahead of redistricting vote

Annapolis, Md. — When asked about an upcoming phase of school redistricting, the three finalists for Anne Arundel County’s student member seat said transparency, broad community input and robust support for displaced students should guide Board decisions.

Michelle Fadel urged the district to “listen to the communities” and to consider transportation and elementary‑school impacts when redrawing lines. She said the district should communicate clearly why boundary changes are proposed and provide orientation for students who move.

Braden Morgan emphasized transparency and direct outreach to students affected by changes, proposing programs that explain available opportunities at a new school to reduce anxiety. “By giving them more opportunities to learn about what opportunities are there for them in their new school … that can alleviate a lot of the fear,” Morgan said.

Jack Warwick said redistricting should be as “noninvasive as possible,” and he urged district officials to hold hearings in the communities that will be affected rather than only central meetings. All three asked that planners weigh longer-term impacts on communities as well as immediate classroom and extracurricular implications.

Candidates did not propose alternative boundary maps or specific policy amendments at the debate; their remarks focused on procedural criteria and student supports to accompany any future Board action.