April Fleming Miller

April Fleming Miller was born in Washington, D.C.. She graduated from Middletown High School in 1988. Miller earned a bachelor's degree in biology and psychology from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County in 1992 and a doctorate in optometry from Salus University in 1996. Miller's career experience includes working as an optometrist with Evich and Nathan Optometry and Optical Center.[1][2]

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Infrastructure: 1) Student safety and security 2) Equitable distribution of resources/technology 3) Balancing new construction vs. renovations and upgrades

Intervention: 1) Focus on learning success for each and every student 2) Special Education Strategic work group and goals to revise online IEP system 3) Implementing scientifically-based reading program 4) Continue to improve professional development and response to dyslexia

Innovation- 1) Continue to improve dual-enrollment program/Associate degree program 2) Implement Career Pathway Program 3) Develop/ utilize assessments that add value to the learning process 4) Addressing student mental health, impact of social media, increase in anxiety and behavioral supports

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about parents being an integral partner in their child's education and protecting student privacy.

I am passionate about alleviating the negative impact of increase in testing demands and the issue of a decrease in demanding curriculum. I am passionate that we put policies in place that support each and every child in reaching their full potential.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mother and father are the people I most look up to. My father dropped out of school, got his GED and joined the military. He used his experiences and training from the Air Force to create a career in telecommunications. My mother worked her way up from a bank teller to a successful branch manager, eventually earning a graduate degree in banking. Education and reading were priorities, we even moved to attend better schools. They taught me to never give up, to focus on solutions and to use my stubborn streak for good. They taught me my faith, gave me my family and became two of my best friends.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

My political philosophy is very simple - be real, be kind, listen more than you talk.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Integrity, Compassion, Communication Skills

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My pictures and my Kindle. My pictures are my family memories and my life story. My Kindle holds thousands of books so I can read other people's life story.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Shake It Off

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

School Board members set the vision and the goals for the school system. They create policies, budgets and improvement plans that are used to support the Board's direction for the school system. They hire the superintendent and hold him/her accountable for the day to day operations of the school and successful implementation of Board's goals and vision.

Who are your constituents?

Our students, their families and our community.

What will you do to build a better relationship with parents in the district? What plans do you have to be inclusive of parental involvement?

I have been focused on parent and community involvement for the last eight years. The Board room has become a place that welcomes public input, comment and feedback. We now even take additional public comment after our discussions and before our votes. Big initiatives have community/family communication plans in place. I constantly ask our system to look for ways to improve home to school communication. We are available and accessible via email, phone or meetings. We have increased involvement on our many Board committees.

In what areas would you like to expand curriculum? For example, do you see a need for advanced technical training or apprenticeships? What sort of innovative programming would you advance if given the opportunity?

Recently, our dual-enrollment program has been one of our most successful. We hope to expand it to offer a path to obtain an Associate's degree by graduation. We are also looking to expand our virtual school including a learning lounge at each of our high schools. We piloted the Apprenticeship program and will now pilot a career pathway program, starting at FHS. We continue with blended-learning to better reach our students.

Miller explained her themes for the 2014 race in an interview with The Frederick News-Post:

Why are you running for the Board of Education?

My priority the past three years has been creating a fundamental shift toward increased community, business and family involvement with the school system. I am seeking re-election to maintain the relationships we have built as we face an unprecedented change in the educational landscape. I ask the tough questions, am accountable and provide innovative ideas. I have three children at every school level in FCPS. This gives me a unique and valuable perspective of what teachers and students face every day.

What steps should the school system take to deal with financial uncertainty and maintenance-of-effort funding?

MOE attempts to stabilize school funding and reduce financial uncertainty. It is not working. For example, there is no incentive to help fund the sweeping changes in technology, curriculum and professional development that have been mandated by the implementation of Common Core and PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) assessments. Expenses go up, demands and mandates on the schools increase, students have greater needs, and revenue has been flat. We need to continue to work with other agencies to provide synergies, facilitate public-private partnerships, consider alternative funding sources and advocate for full funding of all mandates.

How do you intend to balance the competing needs of children, administration and teachers?

Every decision made should focus on the impact on the student and staff in the classroom. We should focus on creating learning opportunities and a supportive environment for staff and students while building a relationship with families and the community.

What should the school board's top priorities be?

Create high academic standards preparing students for life and career focusing on student-centered learning; provide equal opportunities for all students to learn; collaborate to form partnerships to promote the shared educational vision of the community; manage resources effectively; and become legislative advocates for education.

Other than the budget, what is the school system's biggest challenge in the next four years?

Steady erosion of local control and parent input on education; rapid transition to Common Core and PARCC assessments; impacts on student learning, graduation requirements, teacher evaluations and privacy; digital conversion of classrooms; teacher pension shift/increased health care costs; impact of unfunded mandates.

What is the biggest difference between your approach and that of the past Board?

My approach is to weigh any Board decision on how it impacts the student and staff in the classroom. I research, investigate and explore all options when making a vote. Four years ago, there was a disconnect between the Board and the community. The Board that I have been a part of has made community and student involvement a priority. I supported forming partnerships with the business community and collaborating with local governments. I encouraged legislative activism and educational advocacy.

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—The Frederick News-Post, (2014)

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