By Adam Pagnucco.
Montgomery County PTA activist Wylea Chase has announced her run for the Board of Education At-Large seat being vacated by Karla Silvestre, who is running for county council. Chase is a Gaithersburg resident and is currently on the county PTA’s Restorative Justice Practices subcommittee. Also running for the seat is Omar Lazo, a Wheaton restaurant owner and Montgomery College trustee who ran unsuccessfully for the Council District 6 seat in 2022.
Chase’s announcement is reprinted below.
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For Immediate Release
November 18, 2025
WYLEA CHASE ANNOUNCES HER CANDIDACY FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD AT-LARGE
Gaithersburg, MD – Wylea Chase, a long-time Education Advocate and trusted community voice in Montgomery County, proudly announces her candidacy for the Montgomery County Board of Education At-Large seat.
“I am running for an at-large seat on the Board of Education because the moment calls for urgency, clarity, and courage,” said Chase.” My lived experience as a mother, wife, and a Black woman of strong faith led me here. I know that representation matters and it is important. This was confirmed for me after prayer, conversations with my husband and children and encouragement from people I trust and respect.”
Chase emphasized the need to shift away from “business as usual” and toward a school system that truly reflects and responds to the needs of students, families, and educators. “Our children deserve an MCPS that is transparent, equitable, and accessible,” she said. “Parents and caregivers deserve clear communication and real partnership. And our educators who are the backbone of our system deserve strong support, better work supports, and a district that is committed to retaining them. We cannot offer a world class education if we cannot keep and uplift the people who make that education possible.”
Known for bringing people together, Chase sees community partnership as essential to educational success. “MCPS cannot do this work alone,” she added. “I’m a convener, I bring people in, make space for their gifts, which helps us move forward together. We have enormous talent and passion in our trusted community stakeholders and it’s time to tap into them with intention and purpose. Many hands make light work.”
Wylea Chase has spent over two decades advocating for educational excellence, fairness, and accountability in Montgomery County. Her campaign reflects her commitment to creating a school system where every student has access to a strong and meaningful education. One where transparency, equity, and community trust guide every decision.
Chase lives in Gaithersburg with her husband. They are the proud parents of four children.
Connect with Wylea! To learn more about Wylea and to join the campaign, visit www.wyleachase.com
By Authority: Friends of Wylea Chase, Clarence Chase, Treasurer