Munachi Obinali, a La Plata High School sophomore, is the Student Member of the Board of Education of Charles County elect for the 2025-2026 school year. A total of 1,741 votes were cast in the election held March 31 through May 2. Students in Grades 6-12 were eligible to vote in the election.

Obinali was the only finalist to run in the election and received 80%, or 1,399, votes of yes to her serving in the role. She received 342 votes, or 20% of all votes, of no to her serving in the role. Because she was the sole finalist, Obinali was required to receive at least 50% of the votes in favor of, or a vote of yes, her for the position.

She will officially be sworn into the position at the June 23 Board of Education work session. Student Board Members serve one-year terms. Obinali will take over the role, also known as SMOB, from Samarjeet “Sam” Virk, the current SMOB and member of the upcoming graduating Class of 2025 from North Point High School.

Details outlining the SMOB election process are posted on the Charles County Association of Student Councils (CCASC) website at https://ccboemd.sharepoint.com/sites/CCASC. 

About CCPS

Charles County Public Schools provides 28,162 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 38 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Dr. Mike Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).