Board of Education in Somerset County District 1, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Valentina Downing — Board of Education in Commissioner District 1, Maryland

  Valentina Downing is a Non-Partisan candidate running for the Board of Education, Commissioner District 1, in Somerset County, Maryland. A resident of Princess Anne, Downing has actively participated in local government, previously serving as a Board Member on the Board of Supervisors of Elections for the Town of Princess Anne. Deeply connected to her community, she has collaborated with local first responders and residents to support domestic violence services following a tragic loss in her own family. Downing now seeks to bring her commitment to public service to the county's educational system.

• Andrew S. Gleason — Board of Education in Commissioner District 1, Maryland

  Andrew S. Gleason is a non-partisan official who was elected to the Somerset County Board of Education in Maryland, representing Commissioner District 1, in the November 2022 general election. Serving as Vice Chair of the Board, Gleason has been involved in local policy debates concerning budget transparency, curriculum approvals, and library media policies. In early 2026, he faced an inquiry by the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education regarding residency compliance, which noted inconsistencies but did not substantiate claims that he had abandoned his District 1 home. Gleason remains an active figure in Somerset County's local educational governance.

• Sharyn Yuloff — Board of Education in Commissioner District 1, Maryland

  I'm a former special education teacher, a certificated parent educator and a 20+ yr HR professional who also earned an MBA in Non-Profit Management while serving on 2 non-profit Boards including 7+ years on a Los Angeles Neighborhood Council. All of this experience, combined with being a local small business owner and consultant, make me uniquely qualified for your Board of Education, District 1 seat. Why I am Running: I have stood in a classroom as a Special Education Teacher and walked along side families as a Certificated Parent Educator. I understand first hand the challenges our students face and the extraordinary potential they carry. I'm running to ensure every child in Somerset County has the opportunity, support, and leadership that comes from experience and heart. Thank you for your consideration!