Teachers Union Withdrawls Recommendation in District 5 Race

Christopher Barclay is a democratic candidate in the District 5 County Council race.

The Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA) has voted to rescind its recommendation of Christopher Barclay in the race for the District 5 seat on the Montgomery County Council.

The vote follows reports of Barclay’s use of a school board  issued credit card for unauthorized expenses.

MCEA President Doug Prouty issued the following statement on June 4:

“As teachers and childhood educators, we hold ourselves to the highest of standards. It is what our community expects of all those in public service. We also believe that Chris Barclay has been – and we hope will continue to be – an important voice for our county’s neediest students, schools and neighborhoods. Nevertheless, we regretfully withdraw MCEA’s recommendation of Mr. Barclay in the June 24th primary election for the vacant County Council District 5 office. We look forward to continuing to work with Chris as a member of the Board of Education. We believe that he – and we – can continue to be strong partners in focusing resources and attention on the challenge of closing student achievement gaps and narrowing the growing income gaps in our community. We believe Chris can have a good future in public service in the county. But in light of the recent news and financial disclosures, we cannot recommend him in this race at this time”.

The Representative Assembly consists of elected MCEA representatives from schools and worksites across the county.

Approximately 130 MCEA Representatives participated in the discussion and decision. The action required approval of a super-majority (58%) of those voting.

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