Ethics Panel

The AACPS Ethics Panel is charged with devising, receiving, and maintaining all ethics forms generated by school system policies and regulations; providing advisory opinions on ethics matters, making determinations as to complaints filed by any person alleging violations of policies or regulations; referring findings regarding complaints and other enforcement matters to the Board for action; and conducting an information program regarding the purposes and application of regulations.

The panel meets annually unless more frequent meetings are required. All meetings are open to the public, but a portion of any meeting may be closed in accordance with the Maryland Open Meetings Act.

For more information, contact Diane Howell, Executive Assistant, 410-222-5311 or dhowell@aacps.org

Read about the Anne Arundel County Public Schools Ethics Panel members below:

Jacqueline Boone Allsup, Vice Chair, Term July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024                                                                   

As both educator and community leader, Jacqueline has worked to achieve a quality of life for others and to bring about positive social and community change. As a retired Professor of Anne Arundel Community College, she is maximally involved in her church and community.  Jacqueline served three terms as the president of the Anne Arundel County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). A resident of Anne Arundel County, Jacqueline retired after 30 years of service to the State of Maryland in the field of nursing, where she provided services as an evening hospital supervisor, adolescent nurse manager, coordinator of treatment program and nursing program supervisor, and assistant director of nursing. She has many years of experience as a registered nurse and administrator.  Ms. Allsup is a graduate of Leadership Anne Arundel, where she gained an awareness and understanding of county and regional issues, as well as acquired valuable hands-on experience. She is a product of Glen Burnie High School and was inducted into the Wall of Honor. She earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Bowie State University.

Charles D. Jeffries, Term July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2024                                                       

A lifelong resident of Maryland, Mr. Jeffries graduated from the University of Maryland in 1979 with a degree in Agricultural and Life Sciences.  In 1980, he opened American Striping, a company that performs pavement maintenance services in the Baltimore area.  Mr. Jeffries opened his second company in 2005, Robeks, a company committed to informing and inspiring its clients about healthier lifestyles.  Robeks is an active member of the local community, often involved in school functions, civic events and health expos.  Mr. Jeffries and his wife Dawn have three children, all who attended or are attending Anne Arundel County Public Schools.  He has lived in Anne Arundel County since 2003 and is a resident of Davidsonville. Although Mr. Jeffries has retired, he remains a resident and acting member of the Anne Arundel Community. 

Kia Chandler, Chair, Term July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026

As a resident of Anne Arundel County, Ms. Chandler holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a Minor in International Relations from Syracuse University and received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. She is currently the Managing Attorney of The Chandler Law Firm, LLC.  In the past, she has served as an Assistant General Counsel for Salisbury University providing counsel to executive leadership and the campus community regarding a wide variety of matters; as a Contract Attorney for Carney, Kelehan, Bresler, Bennett & Scherr, LLP providing legal counsel to local Boards of Education and Superintendents throughout Maryland; as a legal assistant at the White House, Office of Administration, Office of the General Counsel; as a law clerk for a Judge in Denver, Colorado and as a law clerk in the civil litigation practice group for the Denver based law firm Hall & Evans, LLC. 

Her passion for education has led her to serve on various committees and panels in Anne Arundel County’s Public School System, and as a member of the Board of Visitors for Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences. Ms. Chandler has three children, all who attended or are attending Anne Arundel County Public Schools.

Kerry O'Dell, Term July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026

Kerry O'Dell is a lawyer, musician, and veteran. She became a resident of Anne Arundel County in 2000 after enlisting with the United States Army Field Band. She is an active member of the local classical music community and is currently the principal flutist of the Londontowne Symphony Orchestra. She is an ethics official in the federal government, currently serving with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and has previously served as an ethics official for the Department of Homeland Security and the Executive Office of the President. Her children have attended or are attending Anne Arundel County Public Schools. She received a Bachelor of Music degree summa cum laude from Temple University and Juris Doctorate from the Georgetown University Law Center.

Valerie Anias, Term July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2025

Valerie E. Anias, Esq. is a resident of Anne Arundel County, Maryland. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Law from Binghamton University and her Juris Doctorate from University of Baltimore School of Law. Since receiving her J.D. in 2016, she founded two law firms and continues to practice locally in Anne Arundel County. Valerie's primary areas of practice include family law, estate planning, and estate litigation. Her understanding, compassion, and thoroughness in her practice has led her to serve on various committees, including the Anne Arundel County Public Schools System.

Revised 7/13/2023 - DH