Citizens Above Partisanship Hosts Education Panel for Washington County

Photo by Ken Buckler

HAGERSTOWN, MD - On Monday, Citizens Above Partisanship hosted an education discussion panel at the Washington County Free Library. The panel, featuring Caren Cramer Executive Director of the WCPS Education Foundation and Paul Frey Vice-President of OnTrack Washington County Board of Directors, covered local education concerns ranging from post-secondary education paths to education funding.

“Because the economy’s changed based on technology, based on all kinds of issues, and so what we’re suggesting at OnTrack is we want cradle to career...so we’re suggesting if there’s a career, what steps do you have to take for that career.” stated Frey when discussing OnTrack Washington County and its impact on education in Washington County.

Another topic discussed was national vs local control of education. “I do believe that states should have control over their education system, and filter that to the local counties.” said Cramer.

A very engaged audience asked the speakers some tough questions regarding local education topics. A recording of the full panel discussion will be posted later this week on Citizens Above Partisanship’s YouTube Channel and their Facebook page.

Article by Ken Buckler, Editor of WashCo Chronicle.

Disclaimer: Ken is also the communications director for Citizens Above Partisanship.
The WashCo Chronicle is an independent news aggregator and news source. We have made every attempt to publish only factual information, but if we made a mistake please let us know and we'll correct it as soon as possible.

Washington County, MD Author Releases Early-Access for Identity Theft Book, Discounted Price

In his new book "Death by Identity Theft", Ken Buckler explores the many types of identity theft, its impact on victims, and how to reduce the risk for businesses and consumers.

Hagerstown, United States, June 03,2016 -- Identity Theft is quite honestly out of control. As a cyber security professional working as a Federal contractor for almost ten years, Ken has worked diligently to help protect others from this terrifying crime. In fact, he thought he had taken every precaution to protect myself and my family.

However, something he did not count on was that others would not take the same precautions. After receiving two data breach notifications from major retailers and a data breach notification from the Federal Government, he realized his identity was not as protected as he thought it was.

So he started researching, and what he found was terrifying. He knew identity theft was a serious problem in the United States, but he didn't realize just how serious.

What he has learned in the past ten years, including his past year of intense research into identity theft protection, will now be available in book form. Readers won't have to spend hours each day researching the best methods of protecting themselves, as Ken has already done that work for you.

The truth is, no-one can prevent identity theft. However, we can lower the risk, and reduce the consequences. Ken's new book, "Death by Identity Theft", aims to do just that.

Ken has setup an early access preview of his new book for only 99 cents (a $5.99 value). Those who purchase before July 1 using the coupon code "earlybird" will not only receive the full book when it's complete, but access to what Ken has written right now.

You can access the earlybird discount for his new book at https://leanpub.com/deathbyidentitytheft/c/earlybird

School Board Member Files Peace Order Against Local Blogger

HAGERSTOWN, MD - According to sources, on March 26, 2016, Washington County Board of Education member Karen Harshman filed a peace order against local blogger Ryan Miner.

Multiple people overheard Harshman threaten to file a restraining order against Miner during the local candidate forum on March 26th.

Mr. Miner discussed with WashCo Chronicle's editor, confirmed that he believes the peace order filed on the 26th was filed by Harshman, and stated that he has made no threats against Mrs. Harshman, and does not feel the peace order has merit. Miner is aware that the order has been filed, but the order has not been served at the time of writing this article. Miner is currently consulting with his attorney, and could make no further statement. He did however, offer to forward to the editor any emails he has sent to Harshman.

WC Parents Launches "Vote Washington County" Group

WC Parents, the Facebook page for Washington County parents, has launched an initiative to keep parents informed informed of factual election and candidate information.

Vote Washington County is brought to you by WC Parents. Here you will find election and candidate information, links to articles, forums and news. Elections can be confusing and information is often missed due to our full and busy lives. We have several moderators who are here to help you and keep you updated on all the local news, especially focusing on our school board candidates.

Your moderators are: Dottie Gruhler, Michael Frevert, Stacey Green, Jen Paugh and Jennifer White.

We invite you to share factual information, events and news that would help assist your fellow community members and parents!

 Anyone interested in joining can request approval at the Facebook Group.


WashCo Chronicle is not responsible for content at external links.

P-Tech Program Could Help Washington County Grow

According to the Washington Post, "Under the P-Tech (Pathways in Technology Early College High Schools) model, students spend six years navigating a high school and college curriculum tailored to prepare them for high-tech jobs."

Below is my recent letter to Governor Hogan regarding the P-Tech program, which was recently discussed in the Washington Post. I hope that my letter can help to implement this program in our area.

Governor Hogan,

I am writing to you regarding the P-Tech program, which I read about at https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-to-partner-with-ibm-to-open-six-year-high-school-college-programs/2015/11/23/ad8eb738-9192-11e5-b5e4-279b4501e8a6_story.html

As a cyber security professional and lifelong resident of Washington County, I would like to encourage you to establish a P-Tech program in Hagerstown. While Hagerstown Community College has excellent IT oriented education, we must provide an additional push to increase interest at the High School level.

Washington County was hit hard this year, with the loss of 528 jobs, through layoffs from Radio Shack, Home Depot, and BB&T. Our local economy is in a slump, and an educational program such as this may be exactly what Hagerstown would need to attract tech companies to our community, through a steady supply of IT-oriented graduates. Our community is strategically located within driving distance of Frederick, MD, Martinsburg, WV, and Letterkenny Army Depot in PA - three communities with a large federal IT presence, creating tremendous career opportunities for students upon graduating college with high-demand skill sets. With the P-Tech program, Hagerstown would be extremely attractive to new and relocating companies to set up shop.

I would absolutely love to sit down with yourself or members of your staff and further discuss why Hagerstown is a perfect location for the P-Tech program. Additionally, I would like to offer my insight and assistance as a cyber security professional, and lifelong resident, on helping implement this program in our area.

I love my community, and want to see it succeed. Please, help me help my community.

Ken Buckler

Editor, WashCo Chronicle

Ken Buckler is the editor of the WashCo Chronicle

Enhancing Security for Board of Education Meetings

The following letter was sent to the WCPS Board of Education and Superintendent on January 30, 2015, in response to recent concerns expressed by Board of Education member Mike Guessford. The letter is republished in its entirety.

To the Board of Education and Superintendent,

I am writing in response to recent concerns by Board of Education member Mike Guessford with regard to Board of Education meeting security, which was currently published in the Herald Mail.

I was wondering if Mr. Guessford could perhaps clarify what his concerns are? Have there been actual threats against Board of Education members?

Education is very important, and some members of the community can be quite passionate about education issues. I would like to encourage the board to make sure that any enhanced security controls do not interfere with residents right to express their views and participate in the meeting.

As a cyber security consultant, I am also required to learn physical security measures, in order to properly secure data centers, office spaces, etc. I believe that there are two deterrent controls which can be implemented at minimal cost to satisfy Mr. Guessford's concerns, as I understand them currently.

For those not familiar, deterrent controls are security controls designed to deter, but not prevent, a security incident or violation. A common deterrent control we're all very aware of is speed cameras, which deter, but not prevent, people from speeding.

The first deterrent control I would recommend is a simple pole and tape barrier between board of education members and those seated in the room. You've probably seen these barriers at movie theaters.  These barriers do nothing to actually stop someone from going past them, but provide a reminder that people should not pass the barrier unless authorized.  An example of such a barrier is here: http://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/3000mm-queue-barrier-tape-cassette-retractable_60132583782.html

The second deterrent control I would recommend is the presence of an unarmed security guard or off-duty police officer next to the barrier I mentioned above. The mere presence of a security guard or off-duty officer will have an excellent deterrence effect. However, once again, it is important that this guard or off-duty officer not prevent residents from expressing their views or participating in the meeting, as long as they remain on the correct side of the barrier tape. Should they cross the barrier tape uninvited, then that would of course be grounds for removal from the building.

Also, I noted that in the Herald Mail article, active shooter training is not mentioned. I have to strongly encourage active shooter training. I would recommend you watch this video of a New Hope council meeting to see how dangerous an active shooter situation can be to untrained individuals. In the video, the council members are told multiple times to stay down, because they had no idea how to react. Fortunately no-one was injured. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFkk8boW00g

I'd be happy to discuss this issue further with you all. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me.

Thanks,

Ken Buckler

http://www.washcochronicle.com

Note: After further review the Herald Mail article does mention Active Shooter training is not being considered. This letter was originally intended to state that active shooter training should be considered, contrary to what was mentioned in the original Herald Mail article. This was an editorial error. However, the letter above will remain as-is, as this was what was sent to WCPS and the Board of Education.

Ken Buckler is the editor of the WashCo Chronicle

Teachers' Union Calls Non-Member Teachers "Parasites"

This article is part of a series of looks into the activities of local non-profit and government organizations in Washington County.

UPDATE: WCTA has moved the "parasite" verbiage from their webpage, but refuses to return any requests for comment regarding this issue.

HAGERSTOWN, MD - In an online document published by the Washington County Teachers Association, non-member teachers are referred to as "a parasite living off the commitment of members paying to support a strong organization."

The webpage, titled "Answering The Hard Question About Joining the Association", is currently located at the WCTA website at http://washington.mstanea.org/answeringhardquestions.htm. (Note: This document has been modified since publication of this article. For a view at the original copy, please view this link.) The document is designed to be used by WCTA representatives to get non-member teachers to join the Association.

The webpage also states that "Individuals who do not join are freeloading off members who do. Those in the school system who pay and support negotiation services also pay to support salary gains for non-members."

And in a rather disturbing question, "If non-members don't want to join, would they be willing to turn their salary gains back to WCTA to be distributed to the members who paid the freight?"

Finally, the document also make multiple references to legislators not acting on the letters of voters, and that only lobbying will produce results. "'writing letters to your legislative representatives' does not produce legislation. It takes a powerful legislative lobbying effort, which is provided by WCTA, MSEA and NEA."

The fact that WCTA makes the claim that joining is the only way for teachers' voice to be heard by legislators is very interesting, considering the WCTA IRS filings state that they do not engage in direct or indirect campaigning, and have left blank for the past three years if WCTA participates in lobbying activities.

Excerpt from WCTA IRS form 990 filed in 2013

In 2010 the WCTA donated $430.00 to Karen Harshman's Board of Education campaign, but only after she won the election. Requests for comment from the WCTA have gone unanswered.

Additionally, WCTA president Denise Fry participated in an press conference at WCPS owned site for the future West Elementary school - a press conference which was not authorized or supported by WCPS or the City of Hagerstown, intended to criticize Maryland Governor candidate Larry Hogan's plan for reforming the state's budget.

This year, WCTA is clearly campaigning, as evidenced by president Denise Fry's Facebook post.

WCTA President posting about campaigning activities

Article by Ken Buckler, Editor

Candidate Miner Responds to Q&A Re-Usage of Content

Previously it was reported that Board of Education candidate Ryan Miner re-used content from websites without citing his sources. Below is his response.

Ken, 

Thank you for your email. My team and I began research in January to develop a comprehensive education platform for the campaign. I began attending education speeches, forums and other education-related symposiums years before the thought of launching a bid for the Washington County Board of Education was even a remote thought. My platform, ideas and vision for our Washington County Board of Education are exclusively organic and authentic. 

In the research process, my team and I read literally hundreds of pages of white papers, education position papers, education websites and we spoke with education experts, teachers, administrators, school support staff and many others who provided context to build a cohesive education platform. I developed these ideas into sub points and constructed my vision for our school system based upon the research we conducted. 

I recognize some of the parallels from the websites you provided, and based upon the snippets we certainly did agree with the technology segment and incorporated similar ideas into our own platform. When I began exploring Common Core, I read each individual standard and thus began my concerns with what I believe to be inherent flaws within the standards. I found examples during our research process how our exact feelings and sentiments reflected that of many others. We were in contact with many education expects and discussed different ways to present our message about local control as it relates to the formation and implementation of Common Core. But again, my ideas are my own ideas and I have put those ideas to the test since February 25, 2014, when I became a candidate for the Washington County Board of Education. 

Three of my opponents and their henchmen have focused almost entirely on destroying my credibility as a candidate using disgusting and underhanded tactics to degrade me personally and distract from the same issues that my opponents refused to discuss at an open forum. Instead, my opponents hold secret meetings and form dormant closeted agendas that will likely be executed should they be elected. My opponents have no vision for our school system, which is evident by their lackadaisical and sleepy performances during the one forum they actually bothered to show up to and address voters.  The Slate members are the least transparent candidates in the history of school board candidates in Washington County and they are being supported by a special interest group who has ignored their abject failures and clear lack of any coherent vision aside from their manufactured conflict between teachers and administrators. While two other candidates and myself are out in the public discussing our vision with voters, the Slate and their cohorts have been spreading venom and unleashing vile attacks on anyone who even slightly disagrees with whatever message they pretend to purport. 

Washington County is still waiting on what exactly the Slate and their supporters hope to accomplish. Does The Slate attempt to oust the superintendent? Will they ignore the interests of our students and instead push through their skewed personal agendas? Will the directly involve themselves in the day-to-day operations of our school system? What will be their role in the budget process? What business experience do they have that will be used to guide their decisions on the board? Every day, more questions are left unanswered and The Slate is not the least bit interested in working to provide interested voters with the answers. Moreover, the Slate and their social media friends have no interest in actually discussing issues; instead, they are more concerned about highlighting my past indiscretions and spreading misinformation about my character. 

The opposition formed against me has been bordering hysteria and they are clearly grasping at straws. We are focused our GOTV efforts in the next eight days. While my opponents and their echo chambers are obviously still immersed in the inconsequential drama of this race, I am making thousands of phone calls, knocking on doors and bringing my message directly to the voters of Washington County. I would suggest my opponents and their social media warriors actually learn how to a run campaign on ideas and focus on our kids instead of spending so much time and exerting energy to manufacture inane controversies like this one. 

There are eight days until November 4. I hope my opponents are spending their time contributing to the education conversation. For the Slate and their social media friends, this race isn't about what’s best for our students, it’s about satisfying a personal vendetta against me and stooping so low as to target my family, my girlfriend and her two children we are raising. My opponents and their flunkies have no shame in their actions. I pray for them. 

Ryan Miner 

WashCo Chronicle encourages discussion of current political issues and candidates, regardless of viewpoints. Please keep comments polite, and on topic.

Inquiry sent to Candidate Miner Regarding Re-Usage of Content in Q&A Response

Note: Ryan Miner has responded. You can read his response here.

Today WashCo Chronicle was notified that Board of Education candidate Ryan Miner may have re-used content in answering the Q&A published by WashCo Chronicle.

An inquiry has been sent to Mr. Miner's campaign regarding this issue, and his response will be posted once it has been received.

Below is the inquiry sent to Mr. Miner, as well as the screenshots which were provided.

Board of Education Candidate Harshman May Have Violated Mummers Parade Rules

HAGERSTOWN, MD - This morning a reader notified the WashCo Chronicle that Board of Education candidate Harshman had a convertible in the parade.

The Alsatia Club has a strict rule for the Mummers Parade against anything "political, controversial, obscene or of anti-religious nature in any form".

In response to this, I have sent the following email to the Alsatia Club to obtain clarification. I will post their response once I have received it.

Hello,

I am the editor of the WashCo Chronicle, and am following up on something submitted to me by a reader.

Attached are photos of vehicles at the parade with campaign signs for Board of Education candidate Karen Harshman. The pickup was parked at the beginning of the parade, and the convertible actually participated in the parade.

These signs appear to be in violation of the following parade rule:

"Nothing of political, controversial, obscene or of anti-religious nature in any form may be permitted in the parade."

Did the Alsatia Club authorize an exception to the rules for Mrs. Harshman's campaign, or was her use of political campaign signs in the parade unauthorized?

Were any exceptions for any other political candidates made?

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thanks,

Ken Buckler, Editor

WashCo Chronicle

www.washcochronicle.com

Article by Ken Buckler, Editor
Photos courtesy an anonymous source.

Teachers Union Donated Hundreds to Harshman after Winning 2010 Election

HAGERSTOWN, MD - Continuing the WashCo Chronicle's investigations into accountability of local government and non-profit organizations, WashCo Chronicle has begun reviewing campaign finance reports which are publicly available through the State of Maryland.

The first non-profit researched was the Washington County Teachers Association (WCTA), the union for Washington County teachers.

Most of WCTA's political contributions are regular contributions to Washington County Democratic Central Committee. However, one contribution in particular stands out - a 2010 donation to a Board of Education candidate.

A review of  2010 campaign finance reports shows that the WCTA donated $430.00 to Karen Harshman's campaign on November 15, 2010 - almost two weeks after Harshman secured a seat in the Washington County Board of Education in the 2010 General Elections.

Harshman is an incumbent in this year's Board of Education elections.

This contribution gave Harshman a total sum of $484.30 in her campaign account after the general elections were concluded. Additionally, this $430.00 contribution was not only the largest contribution Harshman received, but was also the largest political contribution on record ever made by WCTA.

Several days later on November 21, Harshman received a check from her campaign for the entire $484.30 to cover "Printing and Campaign Materials".

This raises several questions.
1) Why did WCTA donate to a candidate after the general election?
2) What exactly did Harshman spend the $484.30 on, and why did she purchase printing and campaign materials after she had already won the election?

WashCo Chronicle would like to encourage WCTA and Board of Education member Harshman to come forward publicly with answers to these questions.

Full campaign finance reports can be accessed by the public at Maryland's State Board of Elections website.

Article by Ken Buckler, Editor

UPDATE: Press Conference Criticizing Hogan not Authorized by WCPS or City of Hagerstown

HAGERSTOWN, MD - As reported by the Herald-Mail, on Monday October 13, Hagerstown Mayor Gysberts as well as Delegate John Donoghue and a representative from the Washington County Teachers Association held a press conference at the site of the future West City Elementary School, which is owned by Washington County Public Schools. This press conference criticized Maryland Governor candidate Larry Hogan, claiming that his savings plan would result in $450 million in school construction funds being cut.

In order to help determine if this press conference was paid for with tax dollars or a political action committee, WashCo Chronicle filed a Maryland Public Information Act request with Washington County Public Schools, requesting a copy of the completed Application for Use of Facilities.

In response to this request, WCPS provided the following:

Mr. Buckler,

In response to your request, there is no “Application for Use of Facilities” on file for the event referenced in your e-mail below.  Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.

Regards,

Richard Wright

Richard Wright, APR  |  Communications Officer

When asked for clarification if the usage of the property was not authorized, the following statement was provided by Richard Wright, communications officer for WCPS

"That is correct. We did not receive any requests for the use of the space."

According to the WCPS website, requests for usage of school facilities should be made two weeks prior to the activity date. Non-school groups wishing to use school facilities must present proof of liability insurance, and if applicable, workers compensation insurance. Regulations state that no signs, banners, or the like are to be placed without authorization by the school system. Additionally, "political signage" shall not be placed on or displayed on school property until after 5:00 am on election day.

Washington County Public Schools also has established a fee schedule for various group categories. Fees will vary based upon facilities used and the length of time of the activity. Since no Application for Use of Facilities exists, and the usage of the property was not authorized by WCPS, no fee was likely paid for usage of the property during the press conference.

Update 1:
On October 27, 2014, Erin Wolfe from the City of Hagerstown provided the following statement to WashCo Chronicle:

The press conference was not hosted by the City of Hagerstown nor did the City of Hagerstown pay any costs associated with it.

Given that this was not a City function, your other question should be directed to the individuals or organization associated with the event.

My apologies for the delay in the response.

Erin Wolfe

Communications Manager

This leaves the question - who did host this press conference, and who paid for any costs involved?


Article by Ken Buckler, Editor

Western MD Tech Showcase Speakers Discuss Economy, Jobs, Innovation

HAGERSTOWN, MD - A consistent message persisted throughout speakers at the Fort Detrick Alliance 2nd Annual Western Maryland Technology Showcase - Fort Detrick is an asset to our area, and can be used to keep Western Maryland competitive. Small businesses and representatives from many local organizations were present, including Hagerstown Mayor Gysberts, as well as a representative from Ben Cardin's office.

Congressman Delaney discussing keeping Maryland competitive.
Photo by Ken Buckler

Congressman Delaney spoke of the need to make western Maryland thrive, be competitive, and bring in jobs. Delaney also spoke of the need to maintain and improve transportation in our area to DC, and how there are currently five million jobs in this country which are not currently filled due to a skills gap. Community colleges such as Hagerstown Community College can help close that gap for area students. Two of the areas which Delaney spoke about were Cyber and Energy sectors. Both sectors are expected to rapidly grow and change over the next several years - and western Maryland can embrace these growing economic sectors.

Linda Berger, from the NSA's Technology Transfer Program, discussed how the NSA at Fort Meade is working to move information and technology from the NSA's Federal laboratories to the public for further innovation. Currently there are approximately 200 patent technologies owned by the NSA and licensed to the public.

Four different methods exist for transferring information and technology to the public:

• Patent Licensing Agreements
• Cooperative Research and Development
• Technology Transfer Sharing
• Educational Partnership Agreements

Some of the most important technologies available for sharing are cyber security related, helping to keep our nation's computer systems secure.

Daltof discusses licensing technology.
Photo by Ken Buckler

The NSA also shares their tools with other government agencies at no cost, in order to provide the latest technology to all agencies at no additional cost to the taxpayer.

According to a study, between 2000 and 2011, NSA's technology transfer program resulted in an extra $118 million in the US economy, and that current numbers are most likely far higher. Western Maryland businesses should take advantage of this program, and boost the area's economy.

Barry M. Datlof, from the Medical Technology Transfer program of the U.S. Army, also spoke about their efforts to license technology to the private sector. Innovations such as spray-able foam casts and caffeinated gum are available for private sector to license, manufacture, and market to the public - creating opportunities for start-ups to gain capital with lower start-up costs.

In all, the event provided excellent reinforcement that there are public and private organizations working to stimulate the economy of Washington County and the surrounding area.

More information about the Fort Detrick Alliance can be found on their website: http://www.fortdetrickalliance.org/

Article by Ken Buckler, Editor.

Q&A with Ryan Miner, candidate for Board of Education

The following are answers to the WashCo Chronicle Board of Education candidates' questionnaire for Ryan Miner, candidate for Board of Education. Thank you very much Mr. Miner for responding to the questionnaire!

1) Why should the citizens of Washington County vote for you to become a member of the Board of Education?
I offer Washington County a fresh perspective and a tinge of youth and enthusiasm, combined with applicable experience that certainly will lend itself well to the makeup of the board. I have a passion for children and education, and I believe I can parlay my experience in business, budgets, public policy, communications and substitute teaching into our school system.

I believe I have a profound understanding of our school system and its policies and operating procedures, and I understand the responsibilities of developing board policy and working through complex budgets while maintaining fiscal prudence on behalf of our taxpayers. Our school system is an entity of the state of Maryland; I have the political experience and have developed relationships across the board with state educational professionals, legislators and staff that will prove especially beneficial as a board member. If elected, I look forward to engaging with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and working on behalf of Washington County to advocate for our public schools and improve our education model for our children.

I am running on three basic platforms: 1) Local Control 2) Taxpayer Accountability 3) Common Sense Curriculum.

Q&A with Jackie Fischer, candidate for Board of Education

The following are answers to the WashCo Chronicle Board of Education candidates' questionnaire for Jackie Fischer, candidate for Board of Education. Thank you very much Mrs. Fischer for responding to the questionnaire!

1) Why should the citizens of Washington County vote for you to become a member of the Board of Education?
Incumbents must prove that they have earned re-election.  The end of a four year term is a great time to ask what an incumbent Board of Education member has done to deserve re-election.  For the last four years, I have served as Chair of the School Board’s Policy Committee.  This committee is responsible for reviewing existing policies, drafting and recommending new ones, and ensuring that local policy complies with state and federal requirements.

WCPS and Social Sentinel - In Depth

HAGERSTOWN, MD - On Friday, August 29, the Washington County Public Schools superintendent Dr. Wilcox was kind enough to meet with the WashCo Chronicle Editor to provide a demonstration and discussion on Social Sentinel, the service being used to monitor social media for threats against our county's schools and students.

One of the key points which was stressed by Dr. Wilcox is that Social Sentinel is only a small part of WCPS approach to keeping Washington County students safe, and is only a supplement to physical security measures which are already in place, such as security vestibules and security cameras across the county. While security cameras are in place on a county-wide, centrally monitored network, currently only Middle and High schools are being monitored by Social Sentinel.

Social Sentinel is currently under a one year contract with WCPS, for approximately $20,000. The agreement between WCPS and Social Sentinel is publicly available by contacting WCPS.

An Open Letter to WCPS Regarding "Social Sentinel"

The following letter is being sent to Washington County Public Schools to address the recent community concerns over "Social Sentinel". Any response received will be published in its entirety. 

Dear WCPS Board and Administrators,

There has been a lot of concern lately over the "Social Sentinel" software, which is going to be used to monitor social media in Washington County.  Particularly, growing concern has been seen over the possible use of Social Sentinel for monitoring completely unrelated to safety and security, such as monitoring parents' posts involving "Common Core" or other relevant issues.  This has generated a lot of hostility towards WCPS from parents, and even teachers.

Transparency and openness is crucial to the operation of any government. As such, I am asking you, on behalf of all concerned parents and other members of the community, to be completely open and honest about what is being monitored by Social Sentinel.

I hereby request that the following information about Social Sentinel be published to the WCPS website, and updated as the information changes:

• The current list of social networks being monitored by Social Sentinel
• The current list of keywords being monitored by Social Sentinel, and their associated "geofences", or if the "geofence" has been disabled for any keywords
• Statistics on how many alerts have been triggered by Social Sentinel, and how many of those alerts were credible threats to the safety and security of the school
• The current list of teachers, faculty, administrators, and any other WCPS staff, contractors, or elected representatives which have access to the Social Sentinel data
• All documents related to plans for current and future use of this tool, as well as all policies requiring the ethical use of this tool, and the consequences for abusing the tool in an unethical manner

By being completely transparent and open about what Social Sentinel is doing, and how it is being used, the community of Washington County will most likely be willing to work with WCPS, not against, to ensure that our schools are safe and secure.

I look forward to publishing your response in the WashCo Chronicle.

Sincerely,

Ken Buckler

Editor, WashCo Chronicle

www.washcochronicle.tk

Questionnaire Emailed to Board of Education Candidates

In order to help Washington County voters be as well informed as possible, I have sent the following questionnaire to all Board of Education candidates.

Hello,

I am the editor of the WashCo Chronicle, and currently working on covering local elections. Since you are a candidate in the November Gubernatorial Election, the following are the questions I wish to cover as part of the WashCo Chronicle.  Your assistance with this will be appreciated!

All responses will be published as received, and no editorial comments will be added.  Nothing will be added or removed from your response, so that voters can see the "raw" story.  All candidates are being sent the same questions.

Your participation is much appreciated!

1) Why should the citizens of Washington County vote for you to become a member of the Board of Education?

2) What do you feel the most important challenge is facing today's students? How can the county overcome this challenge, and meet the students' needs?

3) What has been your biggest challenge in your campaign so far? How have you overcome it?

4) How do you plan to improve the educational environment for our students?

5) An issue on everyone's mind lately is Common Core.  What are your thoughts on Common Core? Should WCPS implement this national standard, should only local standards be developed to meet local needs, or a combination of both? Please explain.

6) Do you feel that it is more important to elect same-minded individuals to the Board of Education, or more important to elect those with dissenting points of view, to provide a broader range of options? Please explain.

7) An important part of life is learning from the past, and relaying those life lessons to our children so that they can also learn. What is one of the toughest personal challenges you've faced in your life, and how have you overcome it?

8) Do you have any closing remarks you would like to share?

Thank you very much for participating in this questionnaire, and I look forward to publishing the results.

Thanks,

Ken Buckler

Editor, WashCo Chronicle

www.washcochronicle.tk

The above was emailed to all candidates who made it past the primary. This list will be updated as the candidates respond.

Mike Guessford (Awaiting Response)
Karen J. Harshman (Awaiting Response)
Stan Stouffer (Awaiting Response)
Jacqueline Fischer - Received
Ryan Richard Miner - Received
Peter E. Perini Sr. (Awaiting Response)

School Board Member Harshman's Home Foreclosure Sale on September 5

HAGERSTOWN, MD - Washington County Public Schools Board Member Karen Harshman's home will go to foreclosure sale on September 5, 2014.

According to Alex Cooper, the auctioneer, the home at 11102 Dolores Ct. in Hagerstown has a principal balance of $498,750.00 and an original interest rate of 2.625%, and the loan is currently in default (foreclosure).

The home will be sold outside the Court House, 95 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, MD 21740, on September 5 at 2:16 PM.

Harshman is currently an incumbent in the upcoming Board of Education elections this November.

As a Board Member Harshman is, among other duties, responsible for developing, approving, and managing the budget of Washington County Public Schools.

A request for comment was sent to Karen Harshman at Washington County Public Schools. After ten days, the following response was received:
"I am sorry, but I do not discuss personal issues on business e-mails.  Karen"

More information can be found in Alex Cooper's auction ad.

Note from the editor: The foreclosure sale was cancelled shortly before the auction.

Stock Photo. Photos courtesy of and copyright Free Range Stock, www.freerangestock.com

Local Author Looks to Tackle Bullying Through Childrens Book

Photo Courtesy of Stacy Einfalt

HAGERSTOWN, MD - Local author Stacy Einfalt, who lives in Hagerstown with her husband and numerous family pets, looks to tackle the subject of bullying with her book "The Horse That Looked Different".

Stacy encourages children to understand the problems with bullying through relating to animals.

In the book, the Brown family instantly fell in love with and welcomed Starlit, a spotted Appaloosa horse, to their farm. The family's three chestnut Quarter horses weren't as easily willing to accept him because he looked different from them. Until one day when the four horses went on a wild adventure and got lost. They soon begin to realize Starlit's unique qualities aren't so bad after all.

The book, which uses horses to address the issue of bullying, is dedicated to Stacy's horse Gotcha, who passed away two years ago while she was working on the story.

"I use horses to bring across the message to children that they should not judge or bully someone for being different, but rather accept and appreciate them for who they are. Children need to begin learning from a very young age that it is important for them to respect and accept one another rather than choose to bully. I feel my book could be a valuable tool to help teach children that lesson." says Stacy.

Stacy has been visiting elementary schools, daycare centers, Head Start centers, and Boys and Girls Clubs reading her story to pre-k and kindergarten aged children. She recently participated as a guest reader with her book in the Community Literacy Night event at the Hagerstown Public Library.

Nationally recognized literacy and anti-bullying organizations have given her book positive reviews and are also trying to help her spread the word about the story and its' message. Stacy has self published her book and it is available for sale in both paperback and kindle version on amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/The-Horse-That-Looked-Different/dp/1496192087). It is also available for sale on createspace.com (https://www.createspace.com/4707541) and at Turn The Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, MD.

"My brother was bullied in school and still at times gets picked on due to his lack of self esteem. Bullying has increasingly become worse in this day and age. It breaks my heart when I hear about a young person taking their own life or others due to them having been bullied. Children need to begin learning from a very young age that it is important for them to respect and accept one another rather than choose to bully." according to Stacy.

More information about the Stacy's book can be found at the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/thehorsethatlookeddifferent

This story contains contributions from:
Stacy Einfalt, Author
Othalia Hamilton, Independent Contibutor
Ken Buckler, Editor