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Board of Education Member · Washington 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 raceRobin A. Merchant-Spickler is a candidate for the Washington County Board of Education, bringing 44 years of experience as a retired elementary teacher within the Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) system. A lifelong resident of Washington County and member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, she positions herself as a deeply rooted community member invested in the future of local schools. Her platform focuses on improving teacher recruitment and retention through increased pay and providing better support for students by hiring more behavioral health staff and paraprofessionals. She advocates for strengthening early childhood education and special needs support, as well as expanding career and technical education programs. Merchant-Spickler emphasizes the importance of safe, welcoming school environments and high-quality instruction. She also intends to work collaboratively with County Commissioners to ensure schools are funded through the responsible and creative use of taxpayer dollars.
Sources: Campaign website
As a retired elementary teacher from WCPS, I know what teachers need, what families worry about, and where students fall through the cracks.
I spent my career in the classroom, so I understand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to supporting students and teachers.
I’m not just running for the Board of Education—I’m invested in the people, the schools, and the future of our county.
Be responsible and creative with how we use taxpayer dollars.
I am committed to providing representation and voice for those who live throughout the county and for issues related to our board of education.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention
The candidate aims to increase teacher pay to ensure the county can attract and keep high-quality educators.
“Increase teacher pay to help recruit and retain great educators”
Student Support Services
Advocates for increasing the number of staff members dedicated to behavioral health and classroom assistance.
“Hire more behavioral health staff and paraprofessionals to better support students”
Specialized Education Programs
Focuses on providing more robust support for early childhood learning, special education, and workforce preparation.
“Strengthen early childhood education and support for students with special needs; Expand career and technical education programs to prepare students for the workforce”
Fiscal Responsibility
Proposes a collaborative approach to school funding and careful management of public money.
“Be responsible and creative with how we use taxpayer dollars; Work collaboratively with the County Commissioners to secure the funding our schools need”
Reporting indicates that the candidate filing period for the 2026 election season concluded on February 24, with Robin Merchant-Spickler among those seeking a seat on the Washington County Board of Education. Local coverage notes that the midterm cycle includes various county and district offices, with primary elections scheduled for June 23.
“Maintain high expectations with strong, quality instruction”
Source“Strengthen early childhood education and support for students with special needs”
Source“Hire more behavioral health staff and paraprofessionals to better support students”
Source“Be responsible and creative with how we use taxpayer dollars”
Source“Expand career and technical education programs to prepare students for the workforce”
Source