Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
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 raceShawn P. Ryan is a Harford County native born and raised in the area who has spent over three decades serving the public as a father, baseball coach, and community member. He is running for Board of Education Member in Harford County and explicitly states he is not a career politician but rather someone dedicated to putting kids first. His campaign emphasizes straight talk without politics, accountability for schools, and transparency in communication between administrators and parents. Ryan believes educators should communicate plainly with families instead of managing risk or deflecting concerns through messaging strategies that protect the system over students. He positions himself as approachable, clear, and connected, guiding schools with respect and straightforward answers.
Sources: Campaign website
"Harford County Native – 30+ Years Serving the Public Father, Coach, Community Guy — Not a Politician"
"I'm not a politician. I'm a dad raising my family here. A baseball coach who believes in teaching, patience, and teamwork."
"Our children deserve schools that listen, act, and put their needs first. That's exactly what I'll fight for."
"The Board of Education Shouldn't Confuse Parents It Should Guide Our Schools — Clearly, Honestly, and Simply."
"Straight talk. No politics. A Board of Education candidate who puts kids first."
Source: ryanforboe.com
Student-Centered Approach
Ryan emphasizes that the Board should prioritize students over bureaucracy and unnecessary processes.
“"Focused on Students, Not Bureaucracy The Board exists to serve students and families, not to complicate things with unnecessary processes."”
Clear Communication
He advocates for straightforward communication without jargon or runaround between schools and parents.
“"Clear and Easy to Understand No jargon. No runaround. Just straightforward communication and clear explanations for parents, teachers, and students."”
Accountability
Ryan identifies deflection and avoidance of accountability as problems he wants to end in the education system.
“"I've seen the system from the inside for over a decade. I recognize deflection, narrative-spinning, and the avoidance of accountability — because I've watched it happen in real time. That ends with me."”
Respectful Treatment
He believes everyone in the school community deserves patience, empathy, and real support.
“"Respectful and Human Everyone in our school community deserves patience, empathy, and real support — not frustration or dismissal."”
Environmental Action
Campaign includes an Environmental Action Day rally supporting environmental protection efforts.
“"November 5 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Environmental Action Day Rally and volunteer cleanup event supporting environmental protection and sustainability efforts in our community."”
Justice & Equity
Campaign hosts a Justice & Equity Listening Session on criminal justice reform and restoring trust.
“"November 10 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Justice & Equity Listening Session A community dialogue on criminal justice reform, public safety, and restoring trust between citizens and institutions."”
“"I've seen the system from the inside for over a decade. I recognize deflection, narrative-spinning, and the avoidance of accountability — because I've watched it happen in real time."”
Source“"Environmental Action Day Rally and volunteer cleanup event supporting environmental protection and sustainability efforts in our community."”
Source“"Justice & Equity Listening Session A community dialogue on criminal justice reform, public safety, and restoring trust between citizens and institutions."”
Source