Marsha Herbert, a veteran educator and former president of the Carroll County Board of Education, has officially announced her candidacy for a third term on the Board of Education. The announcement comes after she withdrew from the race for the District 3 Carroll County commissioner seat. Herbert, who previously served on the board from 2016 to 2024, filed her candidacy on Monday, aiming to contribute to the educational landscape in Carroll County once again.
Herbert’s decision to shift her focus back to the Board of Education follows a reconsideration of her initial plans. She had previously filed to run for the commissioner seat in March 2025 but has expressed a desire to return to the school system. “I just want to get Carroll County Public Schools back on the right track,” she stated, reflecting her commitment to enhancing the educational environment in the region.
As of now, Herbert joins five other candidates vying for three open seats on the Board of Education. The current board comprises five members who are elected at large to serve four-year terms. Notably, the terms of three existing members—Tara Battaglia, Patricia Dorsey, and Stephen Whisler—will conclude in December. Other candidates include Cleveland Christopher, Julie Walsh, Shannon Hinkhaus, Sharon Wilhide, and Lisa Maisano, all of whom filed their candidacies just hours before the deadline.
During her tenure on the board, Herbert held the positions of vice president twice and president three times. Although school board members are restricted to two consecutive terms, they are permitted to run for non-consecutive terms. Herbert’s extensive experience in the education sector spans over 40 years, primarily as a teacher at North Carroll High School, before her retirement in 2014.
Herbert emphasized the importance of supporting both students and educators within the school system. “We need to take care of our educators with their salaries,” she remarked, highlighting the necessity for teachers to feel valued in their roles. She aims to approach the position as a full-time commitment and expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with the current superintendent, Cynthia McCabe, and her staff.
One of Herbert’s notable achievements during her previous tenure was securing a waiver from the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, the state’s education reform plan. This waiver provided relief from stringent state requirements that could have resulted in significant personnel cuts within the school system. “Being an educator on one side for over 40 years, and then eight years being on the board, with that experience, that sets me apart from everybody else,” Herbert added, underscoring her unique qualifications for the role.
Herbert’s decision to return to the Board of Education reflects her dedication to improving educational outcomes in Carroll County. Her candidacy will undoubtedly shape the upcoming election as she strives to make a positive impact on the community’s educational landscape.
