Former union head seeks school board seat

Making sure Calvert's public schools stay strong is the mission of Dona Ostenso, who had a 35-year career with the local system. To help continue that mission, she is one of four candidates vying for the two open at-large seats on Calvert County's Board of Education this year. Ostenso, 60, of Sunderland taught elementary schools for 28 years and then served for seven years as president of the Calvert Education Association. 'I think during my 35 years I've seen challenges and incredible achievement in classrooms,' Ostenso said, adding that a priority of hers is 'safe, supportive classrooms. Always put students first. Strong schools build strong communities.' If elected to the five-member board, Ostenso said she would be an advocate 'for our students and our educators, including support staffs.' For students, Ostenso said, 'I want to see the closing of achievement gaps.' A way to work for that longtime goal, she said, is emphasizing the importance of early education. Ostenso said pre-kindergarten to grade two are 'the most important years for getting it right academically.' 'I want to see us put our resources there and make it strong for all children,' Ostenso said. Putting resources into the elementary years, she added, will cut down on disciplinary problems in the advancing years. Ostenso supports having a gifted and talented program in every school, lightening staff caseloads and smaller class sizes. As for the school board's fiduciary responsibilities, Ostenso said she recognizes the challenges the county faces due to a tight budget and is aware of the 'high expectations of spending money.' She said it's important for the board and school officials to be 'open, transparent' with the community regarding any requests for additional funding. In addition to Ostenso, the other three candidates in the nonpartisan school board race are incumbents Jana Post and Lisa Grenis as well as another first-time candidate, Anne Jones. Get any of our free email newsletters.