Board Member Shirley Brandman Recognized for Commitment to Children, Education

May 16, 2014

Board of Education member Shirley Brandman was honored this week by two organizations for her work on behalf of children in Montgomery County.

On Monday, May 11, Ms. Brandman was honored by the Commission on Children and Youth with the 2014 Nancy Dworkin Outstanding Service to Youth Award, in the Child Advocate category. The award honors those who have dedicated themselves to serving young people in Montgomery County. The Child Advocate category specifically recognizes those who have demonstrated a long-term commitment and have had a far-reaching impact on the well-being of youth.

The Commission on Children and Youth is the only County Commission to have an equal number of youth and adult members and engages in active advocacy and sponsors an annual Youth Voices forum.

On Wednesday, May 13, Ms. Brandman was recognized with the Community Service Award by the Bernie Scholarship Awards Program for her commitment to the organization and her service to the community. The Bernie Scholarships are given to low- and moderate-income students who live in affordable housing or receive assistance from the Housing Opportunities Commission to help offset the costs of higher education or training. The Bernie Scholarship Award Program is in its 19th year, providing assistance without which many of the recipients could not pursue their educational goals. The program is administered by the Community Foundation of Montgomery County and is funded through private donations. Ms. Brandman has served as a member of the Bernie Scholarship Awards Advisory Board.

“I am truly honored and very humbled to have received recognition from these two outstanding organizations that are doing so much to promote the well-being of our children and families,” said Ms. Brandman, of Bethesda. “I share these honors with my colleagues on the Board of Education and all the dedicated individuals and partners who work with us to make Montgomery County a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Ms. Brandman has been a member of the Board of Education since 2006 and has served as president twice and vice president twice. She is currently the chair of the Board’s Strategic Planning Committee and a member of the Committee on Special Populations. Ms. Brandman was appointed by Gov. Martin O’Malley to the Statewide Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board and has served as an elected officer for the Maryland Association of Boards of Education since 2012. She was appointed by County Executive Leggett to serve as a co-Chair of the Latino Youth Collaborative Oversight work group, and represents the Board of Education on the Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.

Earlier this year, Ms. Brandman announced she would not seek re-election when her current term on the Board expires in November.

More information about Ms. Brandman

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