Newton Candidate Profile: Alex Koifman, School Committee

NEWTON, MA — There will be several contested races in this fall's election, including for school committee, which is a citywide vote. Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

There are eight seats, one from each ward, up for election to the school committee. There are only three contested seats - in Wards 4, 5, 6. And there are 11 candidates vying for eight two-year term seats on the ballot.

Alex Koifman, 61, is running for the seat from Ward 4. He's facing off against Tamika Olszewski to replace Diana Fisher Gomberg, who steps off the board as her term limit is up. She was elected in 2011.

Koifman said he moved to Newton about two decades ago and has two children, David and Rebecca. David graduated from Newton North.

Koifman comes with computer science experience from when he studied it at Brandeis University. He also attended a National Personal Training Institute. And he said he brings some three decades experience in Software Engineering and IT. He's also the president of the Russian Jewish Community Foundation.

He took some time to respond to Patch questions. Here's what he had to say. His answers have not been edited.

Read this, too: Newton Election Calendar 2019: What To Know About Election

Are you running for office in Newton? Contact Jenna Fisher at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Newton Patch.

The single most pressing issue facing our (city, schools, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Schools! Improving public school academics to prepare students for 21-century careers so parents do not have to spend their valuable resources for additional after-school tutoring. Many parents cannot afford tutoring because of lack of time or money.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The banner of my campaign is: THE STUDENTS FUTURE BEGINS IN SCHOOL
I present specific areas of improvement to Newton public schools, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education, vocational training (carpentry, plumbing, etc) and put public school curriculum (in math, history, etc) online. Start rigorous math education in elementary schools because students who only rely on public school preparation are behind those who were fortunate to receive after school tutoring. It is impossible for them to overcome this gap.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

There is no incumbent in Ward 4

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Drugs in school is a big problem that needs to be addressed. Documented anti-Israel bias in HS school history curriculum when students are presented with only one side of the ME conflict is troubling especially for me who experienced Antisemitism since early childhood when growing up in the Soviet Union.

What accomplishments would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I came to the US when I was 19 years old without a profession, knowledge of English and money. I was able to graduate from college with a degree in computer science. I have had a successful career in high-tech. I have been president of all-volunteer non-profit organization (RJCF) for 7 years. Also, I have graduated from a very rigorous National Training Institute.

I am a proven problem solver and able to talk to people on both sides of the aisle.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Take care of yourself and others. Enjoy life.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Being a former refugee from the Soviet Union, I have built a good life in the USA. I am grateful to America and Newton for providing this opportunity to me. I believe when we have been successful in life, it is our responsibility to give back. I want to contribute by improving Newton schools.

Your public social media info (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)

Candidate left this blank

My favorite aspect of this city is...

Responsible people and beautiful scenery.

What's your take on all of the development projects across the city?

We have to be prepared to handle it whether it is related to increased traffic or student enrollment

Check out a debate between Koifman and his opponent:

More on Newton Elections:

• Newton Election Calendar 2019: What To Know About Election
• Ward 5 Residents To Head To The Polls Sept. 10
• Humphrey, Winters Win Preliminary Election In Newton's Ward 5
• Rick Lipof Is Running Unopposed
• Mark Laredo- unopposed
• Becky Grossman, At-Large Ward 7

More candidate profiles:

• Kathryn Winters - Ward 5
• Bill Humphrey - Ward 5
• Rena Getz - Ward 5 (write in)
• Andreae Downs - At Large Ward 5
• Deb Crossly - At Large Ward 5
• Brenda Noel, Ward 6
• Vicki Danberg - At Large Ward 6
• Emily Norton (Incumbent)- Ward 2
• Bryan Barash - Ward 2
• Jake Auchincloss(Incumbent) - At Large Ward 2
• Susan Albright (Incumbent) - At Large Ward 2
• Tarik Lucas -At Large Ward 2
• Jennifer Bentley, At Large Ward 2
• Ruth Goldman - School Committee
• Kathleen Shields - School Committee
• Bridget Ray-Canada -School Committee

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).