WALDORF, Md. — Letonya Smalls, Ed.D., will assume her role as the at-large member elect on the Charles County Board of Education starting Dec. 16. Smalls will be sworn in officially at the Board’s meeting on Jan. 14 and will serve a four-year term through 2028.
Board Chairperson Yonelle Moore Lee, Esq., expressed enthusiasm about Smalls joining the Board, highlighting her campaign focus on supporting educators. “On behalf of the Board of Education of Charles County, I congratulate Dr. Smalls on her election and welcome her to the Board,” Moore Lee said. “We look forward to working with her to collectively ensure that our Charles County Public Schools scholars are receiving the best education possible in our 38 schools and seven educational centers.”
Smalls campaigned on increasing support and compensation for educators, a priority Moore Lee emphasized the Board will address collaboratively. “During her campaign, Dr. Smalls highlighted the need to increase support and compensation for our educators. We will collaborate with her to continue supporting our teachers, administrators and support staff. They are the heart and soul of our school system and make success for our students possible,” Moore Lee said.
Smalls’ Background in Education and Leadership
Smalls brings more than three decades of experience in education and leadership to the Board. She is the founder and CEO of Little Dreamers Early Learning Program/Family Childcare in Waldorf and a trainer and coach for Focus on Child, Inc. Smalls also leads the Transforming Minds Book Club, which focuses on leadership empowerment.
Her academic credentials include a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northcentral University in Arizona, as well as advanced certifications and degrees in curriculum and instruction, elementary education, interdisciplinary studies, and early childhood education.
Transition of Leadership
Smalls will replace Michael K. Lukas, who has served on the Board of Education since 2010. Lukas currently holds the at-large seat, which became available for a two-year term due to changes in Charles County Commissioner voting districts in 2022. His last meeting as a Board member will take place on Dec. 10.
During his tenure, Lukas held positions as chairperson and vice chairperson, contributed to Board subcommittees, and worked at the state level with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education. Moore Lee commended Lukas for his dedication to the Board and the community. “Mr. Lukas has been an instrumental part of the Board of Education for the past 14 years. Serving on the Board is a labor of love which involves sacrificing time with our own families to be of service to our community,” she said. “The Board thanks him for his leadership, commitment and service to CCPS.”
Looking Ahead
Smalls joins the Board during a pivotal time, with the next election for other Board seats scheduled for November 2026. Her term as an at-large member will focus on addressing pressing issues in Charles County Public Schools, particularly in supporting educators and advancing educational opportunities for students.
