Aimee Olivo Appointed to Prince George’s Board of Education
Aimee Olivo has been appointed to the Prince George’s County Board of Education to fill the District 4 seat that became vacant following Shayla Adams-Stafford’s resignation in order to run for the County Council.
The Board of Education has a requirement to resign in order to file for a different office.
Interim Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson supported Olivo for the appointment in February, and Olivo was one of 27 applicants for the position.
“She brings a proven track record of inclusive leadership — including meaningful relationships within our county’s Latino community and a commitment to ensuring every family feels seen, heard and valued,” said Jackson in a social media statement shortly after the appointment.
Olivo, who formerly served as chief of staff for a then-councilmember Danielle Glaros, is currently the executive director of the local nonprofit Art Works Now. In addition, Olivo was also appointed by former Governor Martin O’Malley to Prince George’s Community College’s Board of Trustees in 2010, where she served until 2022.
“I am confident that Mrs. Olivo will bring a thoughtful and student-centered voice to the board, and I look forward to her contributions as we continue working to strengthen our public school system and expand opportunity for every child in Prince George’s County,” Jackson continued.
District 9 Board Member Lolita Walker and longtime county resident and advocate LaVonn Reedy Thomas congratulated Olivo on her appointment.
“Congrats again and I look forward to working with you,” said Walker. “You bring a wealth of experience that will only add to the diversity of thoughts and perspective on the board.”
Thomas, who has been a frequent voice in front of the Board of Education and County Council, said: “Congratulations, Aimee!!! Grateful for your dedication to serve,” in a social media post.
While they are happy to see Olivo in this new role, Adams-Stafford and Central American Solidarity Association lead organizer Viviana Lozano insisted the Board of Education needs even more Latino representation to meet the needs of the Prince George’s County Public Schools student population, which is roughly 40% Latino.
Former Delegate Susie Proctor spoke in favor of Olivo during her hearing and cited her collaborative abilities while they both served on the Prince George’s Community College’s (PGCC) Board of Trustees,
“Aimee holds the banner high for what she knows is possible for all residents in the county in pursuit of education,” said former Delegate Susie Proctor. “She understands the roles and responsibilities of the boards and the government standards that ensures that she listens to her constituents.”
Prince George’s Residents Rally to Save Community Television
A tightened county budget has imperiled Prince George’s Community Television (CTV), a longstanding independent media source that has operated since 1989.
The broadcasting company operates two public access channels and if these cuts are enacted, CTV will cease to exist, at least temporarily.
“The proposed budget, presented to the county council, calls for the closing of CTV in the upcoming fiscal year,” said Sandra F. Peaches, executive director of CTV in a video message. “For more than 30 years, Prince George’s Community Television has been your independent voice in the community, providing essential news related to County news, events, people, and services.”
Peaches encouraged supporters to contact their respective Prince George’s County Council members and request that CTV funding be allocated in the next budget.
“CTV needs your help: the county’s proposed budget is about to silence your voice,” she said.
County residents held a rally at Largo’s Wayne K. Curry Administration Building to voice their concerns about ending CTV.
“I want to uplift public television,” said Laurel advocate Martin Mitchell, who attended the Largo rally, ran a show on CTV during 2017 and 2018, and has been a regular contributor in recent years.
Mitchell noted the importance of CTV as an archive of local news.
“CTV is a foundational institution of Black media, local media, and Prince George’s history,” Mitchell continued. “It helps to mold and shape new media talent, and also serves as a hub for guidance and leadership for seasoned media voices.”
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the district Aimee Olivo represents on the Prince George’s County Board of Education.
