Therapist LaToya Nkongolo Aims To Improve Reading, Math If Elected To School Board

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Patch invited every candidate running for the Anne Arundel County Board of Education to complete a questionnaire on their campaign priorities. We are posting stories with their unedited, verbatim responses.

Get to know District 5 candidate LaToya Nkongolo below.

Voters can check what district they live in at this link. Early voting runs from Oct. 24 through Oct. 31. Election Day is Nov. 5. More information on voting locations, registration, mail-in ballots and dropbox ballots is posted here.

Name: LaToya Nkongolo (newcomer)

District: 5

Hometown: Severna Park

Age On General Election Day: 46

Profession: Mental Health Therapist

Campaign Website: https://latoya4boe.com/

Campaign Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaToya.Nkongolo

1. What are your three biggest policy priorities?

Academic Excellence: In less than a decade, AACPS, once top-ranked in the State of Maryland, has faltered, now mediocre at best despite rising taxes and increased funding for public school education. I aim to restore academic excellence, equip students and teachers, and enhance parental involvement. My goal is to revive our schools' former greatness and ensure taxpayers' investment yields returns.

Fiscal Oversight: My budgetary priorities revolve around ensuring adequate funding for essential educational resources, improving reading and math proficiency among elementary students and updating curriculum materials. To balance these priorities with the Maryland Blueprint for Education mandates, I would allocate resources strategically, prioritizing initiatives that align with the blueprint's goals while seeking innovative and cost-effective solutions to meet all educational needs.

Safe, Supportive Environment: To secure safe, supportive, and conducive learning spaces, I would prioritize tackling physical safety measures foremost. I'd also hold individuals accountable for disruptions hindering teaching and learning, fostering a culture of respect to create an environment where teachers can teach effectively and students can learn without impediments.

2. What is the biggest educational issue in Anne Arundel County?

I believe our school district could have handled the coronavirus pandemic much better. Anne Arundel was one of the last districts in the state to return to in-person learning, which had a profound impact on students, both academically and mentally. The extended closures and delays in reopening were mishandled and, ultimately, did more harm than good. We now need to take aggressive measures to get our students back to reading and doing math at grade level to address the learning loss caused by COVID.

3. What is the biggest educational issue in your district specifically?

District 5 residents have voiced numerous concerns about decisions made over the past five years, including the effects of prolonged school closures, changes to start times, and decreased academic performance. The most pressing educational issue in our district is the redistricting process. Parents are seeking a process that minimizes academic and social disruptions for students, and I am committed to advocating on their behalf to ensure their concerns are addressed.

4. How will you address the teacher shortage?

Attracting and retaining high-caliber teachers and staff across the district requires a multifaceted approach. Professional development must be a priority as this will enable teachers to refine their skills and excel in their profession, striving to become top-tier professionals in the field. Additionally, soliciting feedback from staff and implementing their suggestions can enhance job satisfaction and retention.

5. How will you approach balancing the budget?

My budgetary priorities revolve around ensuring adequate funding for essential educational resources, improving reading and math proficiency among elementary students and updating curriculum materials. To balance these priorities with the Maryland Blueprint for Education mandates, I would allocate resources strategically, prioritizing initiatives that align with the blueprint's goals while seeking innovative and cost-effective solutions to meet all educational needs.

6. How will the end of pandemic-era funding affect your budgetary decisions?

With a strong background in managing budgets, both as a county employee and as an entrepreneur, I plan to take a strategic approach to allocate funds most effectively. I will prioritize critical areas and use my established relationships with small businesses to seek partnerships and explore additional funding sources through grants and fundraising.

7. How will you approach school redistricting? If your district is part of this redistricting, what are some of your priorities?

When approaching school redistricting, my main priority will be to ensure that the process is fair, transparent, and centered on the best interests of our students. My district is part of the next phase so I will focus on prioritizing minimizing disruptions to students both academically and socially. This decision will also involve soliciting community input and engaging in long-term planning to account for future growth and changes in our county.

8. If you are an incumbent, why do you deserve another term? If you are a challenger, why are you the best candidate?

For nearly two decades, I have been deeply involved in Anne Arundel County, serving children and families from all backgrounds. In addition to my longstanding commitment to the county, I bring a range of skills and expertise that are currently lacking among our Board representatives. Every program I’ve developed throughout the county has been successful and continues to serve as a vital resource for our community. As an entrepreneur with strong leadership and budgetary skills, combined with my data-driven decision-making, mental health expertise, and focus on academic achievement, I believe I am the most qualified and capable person to guide our schools toward academic success.

9. How will you handle LGBTQ+ and racial issues brought before the school board?

I believe in ensuring that all students are treated with dignity and respect while also maintaining a primary focus on academic excellence and core educational values. I will advocate for policies that foster a positive and inclusive environment without allowing any agenda to detract from our primary mission: providing a high-quality education. My goal is to address these issues thoughtfully and constructively, ensuring that all voices are heard and that decisions are made with the best interests of our students in mind.

10. How will you handle book-banning issues brought before the school board?

I do not support book banning, as I believe students benefit from exposure to a wide range of age appropriate ideas and perspectives. If concerns about specific books arise, I would approach these issues thoughtfully and with an open mind, ensuring that we have a balanced and respectful discussion. I believe in engaging parents, teachers, and educational experts to review the content in question. I support parents' rights to have a say in what their children are exposed to and believe that schools should collaborate with parents to make informed decisions that prioritize our students' best interests.

11. Please tell us about yourself.

I am an award-winning mental health expert and entrepreneur who has served Anne Arundel County in various capacities for nearly two decades. As a former county employee, I developed many successful programs while effectively managing budgets. I have collaborated with the last two county executive administrations, state legislators, county council members and served on numerous boards. In 2020, I was honored with the Distinguished Leader Award by Leadership Anne Arundel. I also served as the Severna Park Representative for AACPS' Citizen Advisory Committee, where I effectively advocated for enhanced mental health resources in public schools.

12. Is there anything else we should know?

I want to acknowledge the support I’ve received from local elected officials, community members, and several sitting Board of Education members who encouraged me to run for the Board of Education. Having served in the county for nearly 20 years and developed many successful programs, I have been urged to apply my skills and experience to enhance academic success. I look forward to the opportunity to serve as the District 5 Board of Education representative.