The union for bus drivers, maintenance workers and other service employees in Montgomery County Public Schools has endorsed one incumbent and one newcomer in two Board of Education primary races.

Like the Montgomery County Education Association, which represents classroom teachers, SEIU Local 500 announced Feb. 13 it is endorsing Jeanne Ellinport in the District 2 race for an open seat. For the at-large seat, it is endorsing incumbent Phil Kauffman of Olney.

In a statement announcing the endorsement, the union — which has about 8,500 members — praised Ellinport, who at one point worked in the White House under former Presient Bill Clinton, for her work on education initiatives in various levels of government. Meanwhile, the union said Kauffman had demonstrated he represented the best interests of the schools and union members.

Unlike the teachers union, the service workers union did not also endorse Fred Evans, a former principal and teacher in the school system, in the District 2 race.

The two candidates who get the most votes April 3 in each race will advance to the general election Nov. 6.

Because the District 4 race only has two candidates, incumbent Christopher S. Barclay of Takoma Park and Annita Seckinger, both will face off in the general election.

aujifusa@gazette.net