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Board of Education Member · Frederick 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 raceRae Gallagher is a Frederick County Board of Education member who was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2020 and later won a full term in 2022. She has served in multiple leadership capacities including Chairperson of the Policy Committee, two terms as Vice President, and a term as Board President. A parent of two FCPS students with special education needs—her daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia in third grade—she holds a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Baltimore and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish from Kalamazoo College. With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector focused on education and youth development, Gallagher advocates for equitable funding, inclusive policies, transparent decision-making, and putting students first across all budget processes.
Sources: Campaign website
I spent the last four years as a Board of Education member in Frederick County - fighting for what matters most for our students: equitable funding, inclusive policies, and putting students first.
Frederick County's average cost per student as calculated by the Maryland State Department of Education consistently ranks at the bottom of all Maryland counties. Despite starting to recover from drastic under-funding, our system simply continues to do more with less.
I have always maintained a commitment to student-centered policies and worked to enhance educational outcomes for all learners. I advocated for equity, inclusion, and policies that support a broad range of student needs and backgrounds.
Source: rae4boe.com
Equitable Funding
Advocates for sufficient resources to school buildings and classrooms, arguing FCPS must direct adequate funding while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Notes that under-spending in past years forced prioritization resulting in inadequacies.
“FCPS must continue to direct sufficient resources to school buildings and classrooms to ensure that every student is afforded an opportunity to be nurtured, fed, inspired, and educated in an environment conducive to learning.”
Educator Investment
Emphasizes that the education system depends on investing in classroom teachers, bus drivers, instructional assistants, administrators, food service workers, and all staff. Notes pay scales lag behind surrounding counties.
“Our education system will always be as good as the people who make it work. Each year, FCPS has an opportunity to advocate for transformational change and invest in the people and programs necessary for all of our students to succeed.”
Special Education Services
Advocates for expanded access to special education services as a priority. Has personal experience navigating special education needs with her daughter diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
“The time to expand access to special education services, career and technical education, and multi-lingual education is far overdue.”
Transparency and Accountability
Led Policy Committee efforts to ensure thorough policy review processes including updating inclusive policies for library materials and curriculum. Committed to public understanding of complex budget processes.
“Throughout my tenure on the Board of Education, I led the updated Policy Committee's efforts to ensure a thorough and clear policy review process - including updating inclusive policies such as selection of library material policies and selection of key district curriculum.”
Community Voice
Implemented quarterly community listening sessions around Frederick County to interact directly with students, parents, and staff members. Maintains commitment to community collaboration in decision-making.
“This includes implementing community listening sessions on a quarterly basis around Frederick County to interact directly with students, parents, and staff members.”
Inclusive Schools
Advocates for inclusive policies that support a broad range of student needs and backgrounds. Believes every child deserves world-class education regardless of zip code, background, or abilities.
“I believe every child—regardless of their zip code, background, or abilities—deserves a world-class education.”
“I spent the last four years as a Board of Education member in Frederick County - fighting for what matters most for our students: equitable funding, inclusive policies, and putting students first.”
Source“More dollars allocated does not automatically equate to improved outcomes – I argue for fiscal responsibility with the dollars that we do allocate.”
Source“I am committed to ensuring public understanding of complex budget processes and priorities, while working together with parents, state legislators, and county elected leaders to ensure schools are funded.”
Source