Esther Wells Runs For Montgomery County Board Of Education District 1

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — It's primary election season in Maryland. Early voting runs through Thursday, July 14. Primary election day is Tuesday, July 19. Voters can also return their ballot by mail, or place it in a drop box.

Residents can learn when, where and how to can vote by clicking here. Voters can see which districts they live in by using this tool. Visit this link to see who is running in each district.

Patch asked Montgomery County Board of Education candidates to complete a questionnaire outlining their priorities.

Montgomery County Board of Education District 1 candidate Esther Wells participated in our survey. Wells' responses are posted below.

Name

Esther L. Wells

Campaign website

https://www.anewdawn4boe.com/about-esther

City or town of residence

Gaithersburg

Office sought

Board of Education, District 1

Education

Bachelor’s in accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park, a Master's In Taxation, and I am a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Maryland for over 12 years.

Occupation

Currently, I am a Senior Tax Manager at Washington Gas Light Company. I lead the State Indirect Tax Department with a proven track record of monetizing multi-million-dollar savings opportunities. I am a Certified Public Accountant in Maryland for over 12 years. I started my career at Ernst & Young Public Accounting firm, where I audited the tax provision of multinational corporations' financial statements.

Family

I am the proud mother of two boys, a 4-year-old and a 9-year-old who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD who attends MCPS.

Age

35

Why are you seeking this office?

The Board of Education’s decision to offer virtual only learning was a disservice to our students, specifically our developmentally disabled learners like my son. I am running to keep our schools open, refocus MCPS on high academic achievement and require financial literacy courses.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am the only candidate with professional financial statement experience and can provide adequate oversight of MCPS’ operating budget and financial statement audits. I will provide needed financial oversight of this $3 billion dollar budget and communicate about the finances of this school system clearly with the community. I am the only candidate in District 1 with any teaching experience. I’ve taught Junior Achievement curriculum at various schools here in MCPS. I’ve tutored MCPS and college students in Algebra through Calculus II math courses. I was hired to tutor Business School students in advanced level Accounting courses at the University of Maryland.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Rise in disorderly conduct, community violence, and school meals

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I lead the State Indirect Tax Department with a proven track record of monetizing multi-million-dollar savings opportunities. I am a Certified Public Accountant in Maryland for over 12 years. I am disciplined and work well under pressure.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Consistency is the mother of master. It's not over until I win.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As your next board member, I will elevate the voice of the most vulnerable populations as a black, immigrant, female, mother of a developmentally disabled son.