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Monday, November 2, 2020 Edition 4
A Message from Dr. Terry Alban
As I publish this newsletter just before Election Day, I am keenly aware of the anxiety related to this election that many are feeling as our nation sees record numbers of absentee ballots submitted. Will all votes be counted? What happens if we do not have a winner identified on November 3rd? These questions coupled with fear related to the significant polarization in our nation have added additional stress. FCPS is committed to supporting social-emotional wellness for our students and staff; therefore, we prepared resources related to the election process to enable our teachers to address questions from students. Additionally, we provided resources (linked below*) to guide staff in handling conversations about political and other sensitive topics.
Recognizing these questions and concerns are also prevalent in our community, I asked staff to provide a brief summary of the process used throughout our history as a nation for close elections:
As the means of voting have changed for many due to the pandemic, we may not know the winner of the Presidential election and other national contests as early as we usually do. Though the politics of the 2020 electoral process have been turbulent at times, the United States has historically experienced peaceful transfers of power, with the Presidential transfer expressed in the Constitution’s 25th Amendment and codified in federal and state statutes. The checks and balances provide mechanisms for settling election issues and ensuring continuity of government.
In the event neither Presidential candidate receives 270 or more electoral votes, the House of Representatives will each get one vote per state. The candidate receiving a minimum of 26 House votes (26 of the 50 states represented) will be the next President.
Here’s a snapshot of the electoral process timeline:
In the event no candidate is declared President by noon on January 20 when the current President’s term ends, the process resorts to the line of succession. The first person in line is the Speaker of the House resulting from the November 3rd election. The Vice President is not the next in line because the Vice President’s election would be in dispute along with the President’s. As our Constitution provides for an orderly transfer of power, there will a President in office on January 20. If you haven’t yet voted, please make sure your voice is heard, and visit a polling place on Election Day.
*Promoting a Culture of Civility, an evolving resource to help FCPS staff foster a culture in which all students, their families, and staff feel safe and valued.
Please feel free to share your comments via Superintendent@FCPS.org. Follow me on Twitter @FCPSMDSuper.
Hot Topics
Videos:
The COVID Cover Up Norms for Virtual Learning
Reminders
Tuesday, November 3: Schools Closed for Students: Election Day Monday, November 9: Schools Closed for Students: Teacher Work Day Thursday, November 12: FCPS Veterans Day Event Monday, November 16:
Superintendent's Chat Wednesday-Friday, November 25-27: Schools and Offices Closed: Thanksgiving Break
Resources
FCPS Face Covering Guidance in School Buildings
Superintendent's Off the Cuff Blog: - The Importance of Self Care - Searching for Pearls
FCPS International Office Reopens Follow Superintendent Alban on Twitter
Highlights
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Author Visits Walkersville Elementary
Frederick High and West Frederick Middle Host Community Outreach Event
Tweet of the Week -October 20 Virtual Study Abroad
-October 27 Whatever It Takes: Ensuring Students Succeed
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