Cheryl Pasteur

Cheryl E. Pasteur is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 11A in Baltimore County. A member of the Democratic Party, Pasteur has a background in education and has held various roles in both educational institutions and local governance. Prior to her election to the House of Delegates, she served on the Baltimore County Board of Education, where she was involved in significant educational initiatives and policy discussions.

Early life and career

Cheryl Pasteur was born in either 1948 or 1949. She pursued higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English education in 1971. Following her undergraduate studies, she attended Morgan State University, obtaining a Master of Science in urban education in 1975. Pasteur's career in education began shortly thereafter, as she took on various teaching roles. She worked as a teacher at Lake Clifton Eastern High School and Old Court Middle School, where she developed her skills in educational instruction and student engagement.

In addition to her teaching experience, Pasteur held administrative positions, serving as a principal at both Old Court Middle School and Randallstown High School. Her leadership in these roles contributed to her understanding of educational policy and school governance. From 1983 to 1988, she expanded her professional experience by working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which provided her with insights into organizational management and public service.

Pasteur retired from her teaching career in 2012, concluding a lengthy tenure in education that spanned several decades. Her extensive background in the educational system laid the groundwork for her subsequent involvement in local politics and governance.

Legislative service

Cheryl Pasteur's political career began in earnest when she was elected to the Baltimore County Board of Education in November 2018. She won her seat in Councilmanic District 2 with a significant majority of the vote. During her time on the school board, she was actively involved in discussions regarding educational reform and funding. In December 2019, Pasteur sought to become the chair of the Baltimore County School Board but was not elected, receiving six votes while the incumbent chair received five. Despite this setback, she continued to serve on the board and was appointed as vice chair in December 2021.

Her contributions to educational policy were recognized when she was named to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Funding Formula Workgroup in June 2019. This workgroup was established to address funding disparities in education across the state, and Pasteur's involvement underscored her commitment to improving educational outcomes for students in Maryland. In January 2020, the Baltimore County School Board endorsed the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission, which aimed to reform the state's education system.

In February 2022, Pasteur took a stand on a significant issue affecting her community by filing a declaration in support of a lawsuit that challenged the new council districts in Baltimore County. This lawsuit was aimed at addressing concerns that the new districts diluted the voting power of Black residents. Shortly thereafter, she resigned from the school board to pursue a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates for District 11A. Pasteur was the only candidate to run for the position, leading to her unopposed election.

Cheryl Pasteur was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2023. She is currently a member of the House Judiciary Committee, where she contributes to discussions and decisions regarding legislative matters related to law and public policy.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, Cheryl Pasteur represents District 11A, which encompasses parts of Baltimore County. Her background in education informs her legislative priorities, particularly in areas related to educational reform, funding, and equity in the school system. Pasteur's experience on the Baltimore County Board of Education has equipped her with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the educational landscape, allowing her to advocate effectively for policies that support students and educators.

In addition to her focus on education, Pasteur's involvement in the lawsuit regarding council districts highlights her commitment to civil rights and representation for marginalized communities. This reflects a broader concern for social justice and equity within her legislative agenda. Her work on the House Judiciary Committee positions her to engage with a variety of issues, including those related to criminal justice, public safety, and community welfare.

Cheryl Pasteur's tenure in the Maryland House of Delegates is characterized by her dedication to serving her constituents and addressing the pressing issues facing her district. Her legislative efforts are likely to continue to evolve as she responds to the needs of her community and the broader state of Maryland. As she navigates her role in the legislature, her background in education and local governance will play a critical role in shaping her contributions to Maryland's legislative process.