Liliana Norkaitis, a 21-year-old recent graduate from the University of Maryland, College Park, has officially announced her candidacy for a position on the Harford County Board of Education. Norkaitis is the second individual to file for a seat on the board, aiming to represent District C in the upcoming elections. Her campaign is centered on three primary goals: budget accountability, curriculum enhancement, and improved resources for students.
Norkaitis emphasizes the importance of a rigorous curriculum that challenges students and promotes high achievement. She stated, “It’s good for our students to have a rigorous curriculum that challenges them, that pushes them to succeed in the highest capacity that they can. That means more honors courses and ways to reward a culture of success among the highest performers of Harford County Public Schools (HCPS).” She believes that such measures will lead to improved test scores and a greater number of students achieving academic success.
Board Composition and Upcoming Elections
Next year, six of the nine seats on the Harford County Board of Education will be up for election. The board is composed of six elected members, three appointed by the county executive, and one student member elected by the Harford County Regional Association of Student Councils. The student representative serves a one-year term.
Norkaitis is competing for the seat currently held by Carol Mueller, who has not yet announced her intention to seek reelection. Mueller has been a board member since 2020, and her decision will significantly impact the race.
A graduate of Harford County Public Schools, Norkaitis has a background in student government and various organizations that have deepened her understanding of the Board of Education. Currently, she serves as the vice chair of the Harford County Commission for Women, a role that she says has strengthened her community connections. Additionally, she has been a member of the Republican Central Committee since 2024 and plans to retain her position during this election cycle.
Future Plans for Educational Resources
If elected, Norkaitis aims to conduct a thorough review of existing resources and programs within the school system. She believes it is essential for the board to allocate taxpayer dollars effectively to benefit students directly. Among her proposals is the introduction of financial literacy training, job market navigation, and basic maintenance skills for students. These trainings, she envisions, could be offered both online and in-person.
“As a school system, we set our students up with the intent that they will be attending college,” Norkaitis remarked. “It’s almost like we’re preparing our students for more school when we really should be preparing them to be well-rounded adults, to take on the real world when they reach graduation.”
Norkaitis’ commitment to enhancing educational outcomes is evident in her approach, which seeks to balance academic rigor with practical life skills. As the election draws closer, her campaign will likely focus on engaging the community and addressing the needs of students and families within the district.
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