Prince George's School Board Election 2024: Meet Zipporah Miller

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Residents will vote this fall to elect new members of the Prince George's County Board of Education. Patch invited each candidate running for a seat on the school board to complete a questionnaire about their campaign priorities, their views and themselves. Below you'll find the unedited, verbatim responses from Robin Brown, candidate for Prince George's Board of Education District 1.

Early voting runs from Oct. 24 through Oct. 31 and Election Day is Nov. 5. More information about voting locations, registration, mail-in ballots and dropbox ballots is posted here.

Effective July 1, 2024, the Prince George's County Board of Education consists of nine members elected by district to four-year terms. The board previously also had four appointed board members.

Here are the people who filed for candidacy with the State Board of Elections for the Prince George's County Board of Education.

District 1
Tiffini Andorful, BowieDonna S. Barriteau, Glenn Dale

District 4
Shayla D. Adams-Stafford, Lanham

District 5
Robin Brown, BowieZipporah Miller, Bowie

District 7
Kenneth Harris, Upper MarlboroPhelton Moss, Suitland

District 8
Zakyia Goins-McCants, Oxon HillAngela R. Jones, Ft. Washington

What is your name? Dr. Zipporah Miller

What position are you running for? Prince George’s County Board of Education Member – District 5

What ways can people contact you with questions? info@zipporahmiller.com

Campaign website? https://www.zipporahmiller.com/

Age as of election day? 56

Place of residence? Bowie, MD 20720

Family members? Married to Peter Miller, an assistant principal for PGCPS, and proud mother of two sons, David and Daniel, both attended PGCPS.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? Yes, I am the incumbent PGCPS District 5 Board Member.

Education? Doctorate of Education in School System Leadership; Master’s in Education – School Administration and Supervision

Occupation? Director of Organizational Learning – Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Previously held elected or appointed political positions? Current - Prince George’s County Board of Education Board Member – District 5

Why are you running for office? I am running for the school board as a parent of two PGCPS graduates and an educator with over 30 years of experience because I believe every child deserves a world-class education that not only imparts essential knowledge but also encourages exploration of their interests. Our students should have the chance to discover their passions and be well-prepared for college or career success after graduation.

As an educator and academic leader, I understand the challenges and opportunities within our schools. On the board, I have worked to make a lasting impact, from evaluating academic programs on the Academic Achievement Committee to collaborating with the community to save Pointer Ridge Elementary School.

I remain dedicated to prioritizing school safety by ensuring we have the proper equipment and protocols to protect both students and educators. I have led efforts to improve teacher recruitment and retention, recognizing that outstanding educators are key to student success. I also continue to support social-emotional wellness initiatives, ensuring our students are equipped not only academically but emotionally. Running for this position enables me to continue making a meaningful impact on the lives of our students and the future of our community.

What are your top 3 priorities?

Creating and Maintaining Safe Learning Environments for All Students and Staff: Every student and educator deserves to feel physically and emotionally secure in their school. As a current School Board member, I have worked tirelessly to introduce calming rooms in elementary and middle schools, and implement essential security measures, such as alarm systems, in high schools across my district. I remain committed to prioritizing initiatives that enhance safety and security for everyone in our schools.

Teacher Recruitment & Retention: Outstanding educators are the foundation of our education system. As a School Board member, I will continue to advocate for policies that attract and retain top-tier teachers, ensuring our students receive the high-quality instruction they deserve. Recognizing the pivotal role educators play, I will also allocate resources and support systems to prioritize their mental wellness, understanding that a well-supported teaching workforce is essential to student success.

Community Engagement and Transformative Learning Experiences: Access to an equitable, quality education is essential for unlocking every child’s potential. As a School Board member, I am committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, abilities, or circumstances, has equal access to innovative and enriching learning opportunities. I will continue to work relentlessly to break down barriers and create inclusive environments where all students can excel and pursue their passion for knowledge. Recognizing that education is a collaborative effort, I will strengthen partnerships between schools, families, and communities to ensure every child receives the support they need to succeed both academically and personally.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing the school board? The most pressing issue facing the school board is the teacher shortage, as teachers are the most critical factor in student achievement. In response to this national crisis, I actively advocate for expanding recruitment and retention programs to ensure that every classroom is led by a highly qualified educator. Addressing this shortage is essential to maintaining the quality of instruction our students deserve.

School safety is equally paramount. Ensuring both the physical and psychological well-being of our students and staff is a top priority. I have championed initiatives to equip schools with the necessary tools and practices to enhance safety, and I’ve successfully secured funding for programs that support the social-emotional well-being of students. Mental health is crucial for creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

Finally, addressing the achievement gap remains a key focus. Gaps in academic performance persist, but our district implements research-based programs designed to support diverse learners, including students with special needs, English language learners, and low-income students. I continue to provide oversight and advocate for the enhancement of these programs, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? The critical difference between me and my opponent is my extensive experience in education at the local, state, and national levels. With over 30 years in various roles, including in PGCPS and one other Maryland school district, I have a proven record of raising student achievement and supporting teachers, delivering tangible results that demonstrate my deep understanding of educational programs. Unlike my opponent, I have successfully led national initiatives to improve teacher instruction, including a program that enhanced science education for thousands of elementary school teachers nationwide. My leadership extends beyond theory to measurable impact in classrooms. Additionally, my long-standing commitment to community engagement sets me apart. For over 30 years, I’ve served in numerous leadership roles, from PTA president to committee leadership in local organizations, ensuring I truly understand and represent the community’s needs. My work on the Board of Education has already yielded results, such as preventing the consolidation of Pointer Ridge Elementary and advocating for increased bullying prevention funding. Finally, my involvement in shaping the Blueprint for Maryland Schools and my deep knowledge of its implementation plan further distinguish me as the most qualified candidate to lead systemic improvements in our district. My experience, proven track record, and community involvement make me uniquely equipped to continue making a lasting impact.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform. As I continue serving on the board, I remain committed to addressing critical issues impacting our students and schools. My campaign focuses on several key issues that impact our students and schools. Our students are the most important stakeholders, yet their voices are often overlooked. I prioritize ensuring that every student’s voice is heard by establishing close partnerships with student groups, such as the Student Government Association at Bowie High School, to address their concerns, including increasing water filtration systems. By collaborating with both the students and the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO), I’ve ensured that student voices are represented at the decision-making table, giving them equal weight in the conversation about solutions.

Addressing chronic absenteeism is another priority, as it directly affects the achievement gap and student success across the district. Chronic absenteeism in elementary school hinders students' ability to read at grade level, in middle school it leads to retention or special education identification, and in high school it contributes to higher dropout rates and delayed graduations. I am committed to working with the Superintendent, fellow board members, and key stakeholders to remove any policy barriers, examine practices, and allocate additional resources to combat this problem.

Improving special education programs is also a focus. As a member of the Academic Achievement Committee, I am working to enhance services for students with special needs. My involvement in the Academic Achievement Committee has enabled me to successfully advocate for programs to support students with special needs.

Lastly, school safety remains a top priority, and I am dedicated to continuously reviewing safety protocols to ensure a secure learning environment for all students and staff. My goal is to ensure that every child has the support and resources needed to succeed.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? My experience across multiple sectors of education has prepared me to continue serving as a strong advocate for our students, teachers, and community. Here are some of the accomplishments that demonstrate my ability to continue to handle the critical work of being your school board representative:

I have a proven track record of handling complex challenges in education. As a ninth-grade biology teacher in Prince George’s County, I successfully engaged students by making the curriculum relatable, improving their understanding and achievement. As an assistant principal, I tackled chronic absenteeism, raising attendance from 70% to 90% by developing individualized plans with staff and parents.

In my role as Science Supervisor, I improved the Biology High School Assessment pass rate from 30% to over 60% by implementing strategic professional development and curriculum changes. At the National Science Teachers Association, I managed large grants, restructuring financial oversight to retain funding and improve reporting.

As a School Board member, I spearheaded key initiatives, including keeping Pointer Ridge Elementary open and securing a Regional Autism Center, advocating for a new STEM charter school, and enhancing school safety. I’ve also led efforts in mental health, establishing calming spaces in schools, and improving teacher recruitment, earning national recognition for my solutions to the teacher shortage.

These accomplishments demonstrate my ability to drive positive change and my deep commitment to student success.

How will you handle LGBTQ+ and racial issues brought before the school board? When addressing LGBTQ+ and racial issues brought before the school board, I will ensure that all matters are handled in accordance with Board Policy 0101 - Educational Equity, which commits Prince George’s County Public Schools to fostering equity and reducing disparities in student achievement. Our district’s administrative procedure on Culturally Responsive Schools and Central Offices further promotes inclusivity and respect for all. In addition to upholding these policies, I am committed to providing staff with training on cultural competency, anti-bias practices, and how to create supportive environments for LGBTQ+ and racially diverse students. Equipping staff with the tools to address these issues sensitively is critical to ensuring that all students feel safe and valued. Moreover, I will advocate for expanding mental health resources to support students who may face challenges related to their identity or experiences with discrimination. These services will ensure that students have the emotional and psychological support they need to thrive. My approach will always reflect a commitment to respect, dignity, and inclusivity for all members of our community.

How will you handle book-banning issues brought before the school board? As a school board member, I firmly oppose book banning, as access to diverse perspectives is essential to a well-rounded education. The Freedom to Read Act ensures that all school districts, including Prince George’s County Public Schools, have fair, thorough policies for reviewing curriculum materials and library books, protecting against removal based on “partisan, ideological, or religious disapproval.” I will uphold these principles by ensuring that any book-related concerns are handled through established processes that safeguard intellectual freedom while promoting an inclusive, balanced education for all students.

Anything else you want people to know? My core values are family, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. Family is the fundamental foundation of every strong community, and I view our community as an extension of my own family. Integrity is non-negotiable—I practice transparency in all I do while respecting confidentiality. Lastly, my commitment to excellence drives everything I pursue. Education is not just my passion; it is my purpose and life's work. I am dedicated to continuing to serve our community and ensuring that every child has access to the educational opportunities they need to succeed. Together, we can build a stronger future for all.