Week 4: 2 Testimonies, Annapolis, & A New School Visit!
- Peter Boyko
- Feb 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 9
Welcome to Week 4 of the Peter for SMOB '25 Campaign Blog! Throughout this blog, you'll find behind-the-scenes information on all of the happenings in and outside of the campaign.
2 TESTIMONIES
FY2026 Operating Budget Hearing
On Monday, January 27th, Peter testified to the MCPS Board of Education during their last Budget Hearing in support of increased funding for security and to emphasize the importance of school safety. He stated, "We can’t wait until something devastating happens. We must work on the front line to keep our schools out of the headlines." His comments were made in light of a previous gun threat at his school back in September 2024.
The budget currently includes increased funding for school security guards, but it is a part of discretionary funding that could get cut. Peter testified "to encourage the Board to always prioritize student safety and wellbeing, so it’s not first on the chopping block." He ended by saying, "If we want our schools to be and feel safe, if we want better enforcement of the ID policy and additional safety measures, it must start with the budget, and we have over 160,000 reasons to do so."
Maryland General Assembly's Ways and Means Committee Hearing
This year, the Maryland General Assembly has THREE bills on the table to heavily restrict cell phone use in Maryland public schools. On Wednesday, January 29th, Peter shared his thoughts to the Maryland General Assembly's Ways and Means Committee about how a strict cell phone ban would not be ideal for multiple reasons.
ANNAPOLIS ADVOCACY DAY
On Wednesday, January 29th, Peter traveled with the Lynne Harris Student Internship to Annapolis to meet with multiple elected officials and advocate for various bills. Peter had the opportunity to testify in opposition to a Cell Phone Ban bill and advocate for other bills, including those that are centered around sustainability, restorative justice, and civic engagement. He looks forward to future trips to Annapolis!
HERBERT HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL VISIT
On Thursday, January 30th, Peter was excited to visit the Herbert Hoover Middle School SGA and share his vision for a better future in MCPS. This visit marked exactly 4 weeks after Peter first announced his SMOB candidacy and it was his 9th school visit so far in the campaign.
HOW TO VOTE PETER FOR SMOB
Nominating Convention is the annual event where over 450 middle and high school delegates from across the county come together to vote for the two SMOB finalists. This year, it will be held during the school day at Watkins Mill High School on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 from 10:30am - 1:00pm.
Please talk to your school's SGA Advisor ASAP about attending so you can vote Peter to be one of the final SMOB candidates!
STAY IN THE LOOP!
Don't miss out on any news! Follow Peter on social media @peterforsmob, learn more at peterforsmob.com and text @petersmob to 81010 to join the Remind. See you next week!
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