building better schools, one student at a time.
Students must be given the chance to succeed—not just in the classroom, but in life.
As a candidate for Kent County Public School’s Board of Education, I will focus on strengthening the County’s career and technical education for students. Students need resources and access to more career-readiness educational programs that boost professionalism, develop their work ethic and prepare them for the next stage—whether that’s college, a trade or a professional career.
My Vision
A student-first approach, with an emphasis on providing an individualized path for students that supports and builds upon their interests, skills, and abilities.
Developing new programs and trainings designed to support students in their post-graduate lives as entrepreneurs, professionals, tradespeople, or college students.
Focusing on the “career and readiness” pillar of the new Blueprint for Maryland’s Future by working closely with the new Superintendent to build our administration and staff through qualified, enthusiastic and authentic community leaders and instructors.
MY EXPERIENCE
Youth program and community organizer as Co-Founder and President of Bayside H.O.Y.A.S since 2013
County Captain and community partner of Strong Schools Maryland
Practical, hands-on work with community and school-based programs addressing poverty, racism, and education for children and families
Parent of two Kent County Public School students
ENDORSEMENTS
“ John Queen has my endorsement for Kent County school board for several reasons. For over a decade, he has demonstrated a passion for the youth and families in Kent County. I strongly believe that a fresh set of eyes would benefit the school board, and having strong relationships with families and youth in Kent County would benefit John in fufulling the duties of a board member. John tells it like it is you—agree with him or not, you can count on an honest, thoughtful opinion. That type of transparency is needed of a public servant. Lastly, I believe John will work tirelessly to move KCPS forward through effective leadership, communication, and an innovative approach to old problems.”
“ As an ordained minister and coach in our community, I have known about the good work of John Queen and the Bayside HOYAS for several years. We had met a few times and members of the parish I serve formed close alliances with John. In May of 2023, I found myself working alongside John as together we attempted to serve the many homeless and poor members of our county residing in a local motel, a place we call a “For Profit Homeless Shelter.” It didn’t take long to catch the “Queen Spirit” and see the many gifts he possesses.
That is why I am honored to endorse John Queen for election to the Kent County Board of Education.
I offer three reasons and I ask you to give him your full support on Election Day:
1. John Queen is an authentic servant leader. What you see is what you get. John has the innate ability to speak clearly and decisively on the primary issues affecting our school community. He knows not only what it means to struggle in life, but to chart a path forward, overcome obstacles and flourish as a community leader and advocate for young people. He will be transparent and honest and will not shy away from the questions others are afraid to ask and to answer.
2. John Queen respects the dignity of every human being. I have seen John with persons of every single demographic in this county and trust me, they all receive the same respect and compassion. John is a leader for all people and he will approach his board of education tasks the same way. John treats the corporate president the same way he treats the janitor. They all are in his eyes, people of worth and dignity.
3. John Queen is not a follower of the status quo. He thinks for himself. He has original ideas. At the same time he knows what it means to be a team member and to listen to others. We need that in this county. Our children deserve that in this county.
John has become not only a professional colleague but a good friend. We share many of the same thoughts on how to move this school system and even this county forward. My vote will not be wasted. Join me in supporting John Queen for the Board of Education. It is time for Change NOW!
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“I’m excited and looking forward to voting for John Queen for Kent County School Board in our upcoming election. John has been a friend, a sounding board and a mentor to me for the past seven years. His day-to-day work as the Executive Director with the Bayside HOYAS, shows his long-term commitment to improving the lives of children in our community. John and the HOYAS’s mission are promoting academic excellence, positive character development and civic responsibility among secondary youth. He and his wife have two children in the Kent County School District. John led the Chestertown Equity Advisory Committee for the Town of Chestertown, he’s organized Frederick Douglass Day of Acknowledgment and Juneteenth Celebration annually, bringing together our community, honoring the contributions of African Americans in the history of the Eastern Shore and recognizing and celebrating African American leaders making significant impacts in our community here and now. John is approachable and engaged, he is sincerely dedicated to children in our community.
Please join me in voting for John Queen for Kent County School Board.
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“I’ve known John Queen since he entered the Kent County Chestertown scene in 2010. As soon as he was available, I tapped him for the CMUS youth programs for Cecil, Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties where he THRIVED. His ability to connect or alternatively “set the line” for our at-risk youth was natural. He was subsequently hired away from CMUS to QACPS as a Behavioral Specialist and currently serves Anne Arundel Public Schools in the capacity of someone who connects with the students who are unconnected; AACPS Title Behavioral Student Advocate. I FULLY endorse John M. Queen as a person who understands our students, who serves our communities’ poverty, who inspires our youth, and who supports our students in their future and the future of our community.
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“John Queen is a great candidate for our local school board as he outwardly serves his community with a passion and caring heart for helping people in need within the community through his Bayside Hoyas organization, along with helping the youth. Mr. Queen has developed various programs and partnerships with Washington College, Kent County Community Food Pantry, Reconnect for Life, Kent County Frederick Douglass Day events, and various others to help make a difference within Kent County.
With Mr. Queen’s push for change, leadership, and his experience with local community engagement, he would be a great addition to our local school board.
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“Many candidates running for Kent County Public School’s Board of Education are worthy of being elected. However, there is one candidate that stands out and is nothing short of remarkable, that candidate is John Queen. John Queen is an honorable man, as he is a husband, father, friend, and mentor. Mr. Queen has actively made a positive impact on the youth in Kent County for well over 10 years. A little over 10 years ago, Mr. Queen started a Non-Profit Youth Organization called the Bayside H.O.Y.A.S., which used the game of basketball to create a safe place in the community for young boys and girls to receive tutoring and learning service hours for school, the organization provided mentorship, a hot meal, and most importantly a good laugh every time you came around the program. Mr. Queen has turned troubled kids into successful young men and women and pushed kids like myself who come from a good family to exceed past limitations and shoot for the stars. If you have paid attention to Mr. Queen over the years, you would have noticed that he has always pushed himself to do more, even when faced with setbacks or awarded with praise for accomplishments he just doesn’t rest, and that’s the type of leader you want on the Board of Education.
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“There are a lot of candidates exclaiming their platform with this year’s election coming up. However, there is one candidate who stands out. That candidate is John Queen. He is not only active in his beliefs, but he is also great man of integrity who will uphold the beliefs that are supported by the people if it’s in their best interest.
He’s a husband, father and a great advocate for our youth. When he founded the Bayside Hoyas, it was much more than a group of youth playing basketball. It was a community formed that encouraged young boys, mentored us and provided life skills that propelled us to be successful men and beat the odds of what’s expected of kids that come from poverty, single family households and small rural areas such as Kent County. If he was able to change the lives of so many without such a title, the sky’s the limit as to what he can do as our next board of education leader.
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“I have known John Queen for a while now and recommend him for the Kent County School Board. We need persons of integrity, intelligence and high standards on our Board. He has instilled these in his daughters and will bring these qualities to any job he does.
His work to better the community is outstanding. He cares about all people of all ages and works to make their lives better. He wants to bring back and conserve the rigorous education that is a life long benefit to all students whether they are college bound or planning a future in the trades or other business.
Please vote for John Queen in this election.
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2024 John Queen BOE Campaign Video
Media & Press
Press and media contact: changenowkent@gmail.com
“Commentary by John Queen: The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is law — and that’s a good thing for the Eastern Shore, ” Maryland Matters, July 4 2023