Maryland Governor Faces Scrutiny Over School Choice Message
Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore is under fire for what some see as a disconnect between his public support for public schools and his personal choices regarding education. A campaign ad he filmed in 2022, focused on improving Maryland’s public schools, was recorded inside the prestigious Calvert School, a private institution where he sends his own children.
The ad, which emphasized the need to ensure every Maryland student has the opportunity to succeed, featured the school’s distinctive wooden lockers, a detail easily recognizable from Calvert School’s website and promotional materials.
Tuition at Calvert School exceeds $33,000 per year. The school prides itself on offering a nurturing environment where students and families feel valued. While the Governor’s team defends his commitment to public education, the choice of location for the ad has raised eyebrows.
Critics argue that filming a public school advocacy ad in a private school sends the wrong message. Doug Mayer, a former communications director for Governor Moore’s predecessor, called the decision “the height of hypocrisy” and political arrogance. He suggested that only someone who believes the rules don’t apply to them would promote public schools while sending their own children to private school.
Governor Moore himself has publicly identified as a “Calvert parent.” He participated in a virtual talk for the school in 2020, discussing issues of racial inequity and reform. He expressed pride in the Calvert School community and its response to these challenges.
Calvert School emphasizes a unique educational model that caters to the different social, emotional, and instructional needs of young boys and girls. The school’s approach includes both single-sex and co-educational settings.
During his term, Governor Moore has maintained connections with Calvert School. Students from the school were given special seating at his inauguration. In May 2024, he visited the school to share his educational journey with the students.
The focus on Governor Moore’s education choices raises questions about fairness and equal opportunity. While every parent has the right to choose the best educational path for their children, some believe that those in positions of power should demonstrate their commitment to the public school system through their actions, not just their words.
The debate over school choice continues to be a significant issue. Proponents of school choice argue that parents should have the freedom to select the schools that best fit their children’s needs, regardless of income or location. They believe that competition among schools, including private and charter schools, ultimately leads to better educational outcomes for all students.
Opponents of school choice argue that it diverts resources from public schools, which are essential for providing a quality education to all children. They believe that investing in and improving public schools is the best way to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
As the debate continues, it is crucial for elected officials to carefully consider the impact of their decisions on all students, regardless of whether they attend public or private schools. Their actions and choices should reflect a genuine commitment to ensuring that every child has access to a quality education that prepares them for a successful future.
