Understanding the Role and Impact of Maryland’s State SMOB
Most MCPS students know about our Montgomery County SMOB, a position currently held by Clarksburg High School senior Praneel Suvarna, but fewer are aware that the Maryland Board of Education also has a student member. While the county SMOB focuses on decisions affecting MCPS, the Maryland State SMOB has a broader role, influencing policies that impact all public school students across the state. This position strives to improve all aspects of Maryland’s education system, ranging from infrastructure to student well-being to career readiness.
The Maryland Student Member on the State Board of Education (SMOB) serves as a full voting member of the Maryland State Board of Education, collaborating with other Board members to shape education policy for the state’s prekindergarten through high school students. This position provides a critical link between the Board and the student population, ensuring that the student voice is heard in discussions about educational programs, standards, and legislation.
The nomination process for the 2025-2026 SMOB is currently underway. Each public high school in Maryland may nominate one sophomore or junior in good standing by November 18, 2024. Nominees apply, including essays, a video, and recommendations, by December 9, 2024. After screening and interviews, up to five finalists are selected to participate in the Maryland Association of Student Councils (MASC) Winter Leadership Conference. Delegates at the conference elect two finalists, whose names are forwarded to the Governor for appointment. The two finalists are Zaria Naqvi, a junior from Winston Churchill High School (MCPS) in Montgomery County, and O’Marie Barnes, a junior from Crossland High School (PGCPS).
The responsibilities of the SMOB are extensive and require significant dedication. As a member of the State Board, the SMOB attends monthly meetings, which include conversations on policy recommendations, budgets, and legislative materials. The SMOB must stay informed on statewide educational issues, participate in Board discussions, and vote on critical matters. Beyond Board meetings, the SMOB engages with student leaders statewide through school visits to ensure students understand the impact of educational policies. The SMOB also represents the Board at educational events and contributes to the training and selection of their successor.
Abisola Ayoola, the 2022-2023 HCPSS SMOB and the 2023-2024 State SMOB, focused her term on amplifying student voices and addressing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation. The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future will increase school funding over the next decade to improve the quality of education for all students, especially those from communities that have historically lacked access to these resources. During her tenure, she published monthly newsletters, managed the State SMOB Instagram account, and visited schools around the state to keep students informed about Board decisions. She currently attends Cornell University.
Written by Arav Giragani (MCR-SGA Press Deputy)
Published by the MCR-SGA Communications Department
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