BCPS Students Elect New Student Member Of The Board Of Education

TOWSON - Kayla Drummond, a Parkville High School junior, was selected by her peers from across Baltimore County to serve as the student member of the Board of Education of Baltimore County (SMOB) for the 2023-2024 school year.

The student member is far from a ceremonial role. They are an official member of the Board of Education and, by statute, can cast a partial vote. The goal is for the student member to provide an “informed student viewpoint” and develop a position that will be consistent with the best interest of all Baltimore County students.

The student member votes on all issues except collective bargaining, capital, operating budgets, school openings and closings, and boundaries.

Drummond is an honor roll student at Parkville and serves as a class officer and in leadership roles in the school’s AVID Club, Student Council, and One Love Club. She is a National Society of High School Scholars Ambassador and a member of the Rho Kappa National Honor Society. She has also participated in Parkville’s varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads.

The Parkville junior is active in community service, volunteering at Manna House, the Love for Our Elders program, and AVID Family Nights. She has also worked as a camp counselor at the YMCA of Central Maryland.

Before the voting, students watched video Q&A sessions where Drummond and fellow candidates Nick Dimitriades, a junior at Towson High School, and Nathan Harris, a junior at George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, shared their visions for what the student member should represent.

In her campaign speech, Drummond emphasized her ability to represent students of all colors, gender identities, and coming from all walks of life.

“Your student member of the board must be determined, passionate, and overall willing to take on the challenges that come with the position. Someone that listens to, empathizes with, and appreciates the students unconditionally. A SMOB who admires the power of all BCPS students. A leader who believes that each and every student of color, LGBTQ+ member, and those who have been marginalized by society feels secure and loved. Someone who believes that a student’s quality of education should always be at the forefront of concern,” Drummond said.

Her one-year term will begin July 1, 2023, after the conclusion of the current SMOB, Roah Hassan’s term.