Candidate Survey: Scott Joftus for Montgomery County Board of Education, District 3
TheDuckpin.com Candidate Survey
Name *
Scott Joftus
Age *
53
Office Sought *
Board of Education
County *
Montgomery
District, if applicable *
3
Political Party *
Democrat
Education *
Master's of Public Policy, Doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership
Career/Occupation *
--Founder and President, FourPoint Education Partners (an education consulting firm) --Adjunct Professor, George Washington University's Graduate School of Education
Political Experience *
I am currently a member of the Montgomery County Board of Education
Social Media Accounts *
Twitter: @ScottJoftus LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/scott-joftus-b5b1664a/ Facebook: Scott Joftus
Website *
www.Joftus4BoE.com and FourPointEducation.com
Why are you running for office? *
I have spent the past 30 years working to improve outcomes for all students, and I believe this experience, my resulting expertise, and passion for equity are needed to help Montgomery County Public Schools recover from the pandemic and transition to a permanent superintendent. My experience as an educator, consultant for school boards and superintendents, and current board member will be an important asset to MCPS as we address several challenges exacerbated by Covid-19, including broken trust with the community, lost learning time for our most vulnerable students, and the exhaustion and mental health challenges suffered by students, families, educators, and staff. At the same time, my work with districts from across the country will enable me to help MCPS take advantage of the Covid-related opportunities, including a deeper awareness of the mental health crisis and inequities in our communities as well as the innovative use of instructional technology.
Who do you consider your political role model, and why? *
I'm honored to have been appointed by the Board of Education to be fulfilling the term of Pat O'Neill, who passed away in September 2021. She served the district for 25 years and was universally admired and respected by all who knew her.
What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why? *
I loved the novel "All the Kings Men" by Robert Penn Warren, because it shows how corrupting power can be. One nonfiction book I love is "Political Education: National Policy Comes of Age," which looks at the political maneuverings behind the creation of the U.S. Department of Education. It was written by my co-founder of FourPoint education, Christopher Cross.
What will be your top priority in office? *
My priorities are: ● Protect the health and safety of students and staff in schools ● Rebuild trust with the community through improved communication and stakeholder engagement ● Address the loss of learning due to COVID through expanded tutoring and extended learning opportunities (e.g., summer school, after school) ● Increase student and staff access to mental health supports, including counselors and psychologists ● Promote innovation through investments in MCPS’s Virtual Academy and other initiatives ● Increase young children’s access to preK and older students’ access to career pathways that promote exploration and engagement
What is the biggest issue facing your area? *
--Mental health crisis among our children --Broken trust between the community and the school system
What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland? *
For Montgomery County Public Schools, the biggest issues are the mental health crisis among our students, the broken trust between the community and district, and the declining achievement among students, especially low-income students and students of color.
What is your position on life issues? (abortion, assisted suicide) *
I am pro public education!
What is your position on taxes and spending? *
MCPS was once considered to be among the best districts in the country. I would like it to become that again. For FY 2023, we are dealing with a "same services" budget and next year's budget is supposed to be worse. So I do think additional tax revenues are needed.
What is your position on gun rights? *
I believe that children have too much access to guns and that this must be curtailed.
What is your position on the legalization of marijuana? *
I believe that marijuana should be legal for individuals who are older than 21 and that there needs to be additional research about its potential risks and benefits.
What is your position on land use, growth, and development? *
As it relates to public education in Montgomery Education, I believe that we need to continue building capacity of our schools despite a recent downturn in enrollment because many schools are already overcrowded.
What is your position on crime and public safety? *
This year, public safety was related primarily to addressing the Covid pandemic and dealing with horrific gun violence. I think the Board and administration could have done a better job communicating clearly about Covid policy and decisions, and I have already begun to address that as a current board member. As for the gun violence, we must figure out more ways to reduce children's access to guns.
What is your position on county tax caps? *
This is not really a Board of Education issue, but as I indicated I do believe the County needs to increase its tax revenues for public education.
Was Joe Biden legitimately elected President of the United States in the November 2020 Election? *
Yes
Do you pledge to accept the results of your election? *
Yes