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Board of Education Member · District C · Harford County · 2026 Primary
Members of the Board of Education oversee the local public school system by setting educational policies, approving the annual operating budget, and hiring the superintendent. They make key decisions on matters such as student curriculum, school boundaries, and the maintenance of school facilities. This office is important because its members determine how tax dollars are spent to support student learning and the overall quality of schools in the community.
View all candidates in this raceCathy Kowalewski is a candidate for Harford County Public Schools Board of Education with nearly three decades of residency in Harford County and two children who attended HCPS. She brings 42 years of education experience across all levels from PK to college, having worked as a teacher, counselor, licensed school psychologist, adjunct instructor, and clinical professional counselor with over 17 years as a therapist and clinical supervisor. Her campaign emphasizes school safety initiatives, smaller class sizes for better student outcomes, support for educators, accountability measures, parental input on curriculum decisions, and transparency in communications. She was nominated for Student Services Professional of the Year at Harford County Public Schools and has supervised more than 15 school psychology interns within the district.
Sources: Campaign website
Cathy Kowalewski has lived in Harford County for almost 30 years. Alongside her husband, she has raised two children who attended Harford County Public Schools.
All students and staff deserve to feel safe, both physically and psychologically, in our school buildings.
Our educators need our support now more than ever, especially as part of the Cathy Kowalewski campaign for the Harford County Board of Education. Educators have spent years honing their expertise, and they deserve to be heard and respected.
I believe that all parents and caregivers have a responsibility to determine what books and materials are best for their child.
Source: cathykforboardofed.com
School Safety
Prioritizing physical and psychological safety in schools with resources for bullying prevention and acceptance climates
“All students and staff deserve to feel safe, both physically and psychologically, in our school buildings. I will prioritize school safety initiatives to ensure that safety remains a top concern for everyone.”
Academic Achievement
Advocating for smaller class sizes to improve test scores, engagement, graduation rates through individualized attention and feedback
“Research shows that smaller class sizes generally lead to higher test scores, better engagement, and long-term benefits like higher graduation rates due to more individualized attention, immediate feedback, and deeper learning opportunities.”
Support for Educators
Ensuring educator voices are represented in policy decisions including school calendar and other issues impacting student success
“Educators have spent years honing their expertise, and they deserve to be heard and respected. Their unique perspectives are essential when discussing policies and decisions.”
Accountability and Transparency
Collaborative accountability across staff, students, and families with private handling of staff issues and age-appropriate student accountability
“We all must work collaboratively and take ownership of our roles in the lives of children. Staff issues should be addressed privately after all information is known.”
Parental Input on Curriculum
Parents have responsibility to determine best books/materials for their child with opt-out options and technology to inform about library access
“I believe that all parents and caregivers have a responsibility to determine what books and materials are best for their child. Parents have the ability to opt their child out of anything they feel is not appropriate for their child.”
“With 42 years of experience in education at all levels—from PK to college—Cathy has worked as a teacher, counselor, licensed school psychologist, and adjunct instructor.”
Source“All students and staff deserve to feel safe, both physically and psychologically, in our school buildings. I will prioritize school safety initiatives.”
Source