Shebra Evans, who served on the Montgomery County Board of Education for eight years including two as president, was chosen unanimously to sit on the Montgomery County Council Tuesday morning.
She is filling the seat left vacant by Gabe Albornoz, who resigned Dec. 1 and is expected to be named director of the county’s Department of Recreation Tuesday. Her term expires following the November 2026 election, when voters go to the polls. As part of accepting the position, Evans agreed she would not be a candidate for that seat.
Evans was one of 67 candidates for the At-Large seat and one of three who were interviewed.
During her recent interview before the county council, Evans said her three priorities would be mental health, the budget and trust, and that she would “make it certain that you are passing a budget that serves all residents.”
Below is an archive MCM video statement featuring Evans when she was running for reelection to the Board of Education (she ultimately lost the race to Apple Ballot candidate Laura Stewart in Nov. 2024).
As for trust, Evans vowed to ensure residents understand her decisions. “I am here because I love this county,” said Evans. If chosen, she said she would “lead with compassion.”
Evans pointed to her time serving on the school board during the pandemic as proof that she can serve during a crisis.
Evans will be sworn in Tuesday and attend her first council meeting in January.
“I am honored to be appointed to serve on the Montgomery County Council until December 1, 2026,” said Evans. “With eight years of experience as a former Board of Education member, who worked in collaboration with many local and state leaders as well as residents, I will be hitting the ground running at the Council. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues on the issues that are important to community members,” Evans said in a news release.
Councilmember Sidney Katz nominated Evans, pointing to “her strong experience.” He added that, “She will be able to hit the ground running.”
Added Councilmember Will Jawando, “I know you have the character, intelligence, patience and calm to do this job well.”
Many of the councilmembers said they were proud that so many good candidates were willing to sit on council. “It really was an embarrassment of riches,” said Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe.
Balcombe reviewed each candidate to see who would best be able to handle the complexities of the county budget and hit the ground running.
“I know these are challenging times. The upcoming budget may be the hardest budget we have ever faced,” said Councilmember Evan Glass.
