Board of Education Welcomes New Members and Elects New Leaders

December 3rd, 2018

Four new Board of Education members were sworn in during the December 3, 2018 meeting of the Howard County Board of Education, and the Board selected Mavis Ellis as Chair and Kirsten Coombs as Vice Chair. New Board members Vicky Cutroneo, Jennifer Mallo, Sabina Taj and Chao Wu were elected in November.

Ellis becomes the first African-American woman in Howard County history to serve as Chair on the school board. Both Ellis and Coombs were elected in 2016 to terms effective through 2020.

“I believe that we can move the Howard County Public School System from being a really good system for some, to a great school system for all, by focusing our efforts where they are most needed,” Ellis said during her remarks, adding that she looks forward to working with the entire Board, Dr. Martirano and staff to become “more disciplined, efficient and effective, to attain the highest goals for all of us.”

“I am delighted to congratulate Ms. Ellis and Ms. Coombs, and to welcome our new Board members, each of whom brings a very different background and perspective that will be invaluable in leading our system forward,” said Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “I look forward to continuing a very positive and productive relationship with the Board as we work together to provide the best education to every Howard County child.”

Biographical information about all Board members and additional information can be found online.