A Statement From Dana Schallheim

October 7 will mark the first AACPS Board of Education meeting that will take place in our board room since March. While I applaud this decision on the eve of teachers and students returning to classrooms, I have asked, and been approved, for accommodations due to health concerns. Many of you know I am a cancer survivor with a variety of underlying health conditions, including asthma. Last May I had COVID-19 symptoms. I haven’t been that ill since cancer treatment and am still battling some effects of that illness. The decision to participate in Board of Education meetings from home for the time being, just as many parents will when hybrid learning models are implemented, is what is best for me, my health and family. This decision is based on science, including world, national, state and local guidelines, and knowing that the flu season is fast approaching. I hope to sit in the same room as my colleagues soon, but no matter my physical location, I will continue to do the work to offer every student the best education possible.