Every year, Frederick County students have the opportunity to vote for the following school year’s Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB). 

Despite its importance, SMOB is a position many people do not know much about. Becoming SMOB is a huge leadership opportunity and a way to make changes to better the county. As SMOB, the individual elected on the board participates as the voice for students in the county.

They must manage gathering feedback and spreading information across all 23 middle and high schools in order to accurately gauge opinions and represent the student body. 

The SMOB will go to county-wide events like the Frederick County Association of Student Councils general assemblies, review the informative packet before each Board meeting and vote at those Board meetings, depending on the issue raised. 

This year, Linganore sophomore Alex Thomas is running for the position and has been campaigning on Instagram.

Thomas has had a passion for leadership and bettering his community since elementary school. As current president of the 2026 Class Council, he has gathered a lot of experience working with other students to bring positive benefits to the student body, as well as work cooperatively with staff members.

Not only does he have the experience, but Thomas has strong hopes for the betterment of FCPS. 

“Removing outdated SEL [social-emotional learning] lessons, expanding school lunch choices, addressing the mental health crisis [and] violence in our schools, expanding job programs, and building community involvement and trust in our schools are just a few of the other issues I wish to address,” Thomas said in his speech at the Frederick County Association of Student Councils (FCASC) general assembly on January 3.

Thomas has a clear drive for change and will not quiet down until it is made. However, he has made it apparent the most important aspect of this position is to represent and listen to the voices of all the students in our county. “Together as a student body, we can fight for change,” Thomas said. “With me as your SMOB, my only priority is you.” 

“The time for change is now, and your fight is on this ballot,” said Thomas.

Student Member of the Board elections open at 6 p.m. on  January 4. More information on the SMOB candidates and the voting form for the 2024-2025 school year can be found here.