07/09/2026
Regarding the ACEA Endorsement Process:
This week, I received an invitation from the Allegany County Education Association (ACEA) to participate in their candidate endorsement process for the upcoming Board of Education election.
Over my past three terms serving on the BOE, I have appreciated many opportunities to engage with our local teachers and staff. Their perspective is valuable, and I respect the work they do for our students every day.
However, after careful consideration, I have decided not to participate in the ACEA endorsement process this election cycle.
Throughout my time on the Board, I have consistently campaigned and governed based on a strong conservative platform.
My priorities remain focused on:
Upholding Parental Rights: Ensuring parents are the primary decision-makers in their children’s education.
Fiscal Responsibility: Managing the BOE budget efficiently to maximize resources for classroom instruction and teacher salaries, without overburdening taxpayers.
Academic Excellence: Focusing on a rigorous, back-to-basics curriculum that prioritizes core subjects and critical thinking over political ideologies.
The ACEA platform publicly advocates for a very different, liberal approach to education and school governance. I believe that actively seeking the endorsement of an organization whose core platform fundamentally disagrees with my conservative convictions would be disingenuous to the voters who have supported my vision for Allegany County schools.
I firmly believe that our teachers are a vital part of our school system. Throughout my time on the Board, I have advocated for treating our educators well, providing them with competitive compensation and supportive environments, within the realities of our county’s budget and without overburdening our taxpayers.
However, I also believe that a clear distinction must be made between valuing our teachers and seeking the political endorsement of the teachers’ union. The primary role of any union, understandably, is to represent the collective bargaining and workplace interests of its members—interests that are directly tied to their profession and livelihood.
In contrast, the role of a Board of Education member is to oversee the entire school system on behalf of the taxpayers, parents, and community. At times, the requests of a bargaining unit may conflict with what is fiscally or operationally responsible for the system as a whole.
To fulfill my duty as a prudent steward of public funds and an independent voice for our community, I must maintain impartiality and represent the broader public interest, rather than aligning myself with an organization dedicated to its own specific negotiating objectives. For that reason, I have chosen not to participate in the ACEA endorsement process.
I look forward to continuing to earn your support and discussing the critical issues facing our school system during this campaign.
Sincerely,
David Bohn
Candidate for Allegany County Board of Education
