Red Maryland Candidate Survey: Steve Solomon for Montgomery County Board of Education

Name
Steve Solomon

Age
43

County
Montgomery

Education
Bachelors degree in Economics – University of Maryland College Park

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Career/Occupation
Radio producer/host

Education Experience
none

Political Experience
Candidate for Montgomery County Council – at large in 2018, volunteer for several different campaigns

Website
www.VoteSteveSolomon.com

Social Media Accounts
Twitter – @SteveSolomon www.Facebook.com/VoteSteveSolomon

Why are you running for office?
To make a difference in the community and to make sure the proper changes are made, and the improper changes are not made

Who do you consider your political role model, and why?
Colin Powell – he’s done it all and is respected by both sides. Secretary of State, National Security adviser, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs .

What is your favorite book about politics and policy, and why?
I read very few books about politics – all my book reading is to educate myself about things I want to learn to do (training my dog, gardening, automotive repair)

What is your favorite book about education, and why?
I read very few books about education – all my book reading is to educate myself about things I want to learn to do (training my dog, gardening, automotive repair)

What will be your top priority on the Board of Education?
Create more of a technical curriculum across Montgomery Conty

What is the biggest issue facing your county schools?
Population growth

What is your position on the Kirwan Commission recommendations?
I like the idea of revamping curriculum to better prepare high school graudates

What are the three biggest issues facing Maryland schools?
Maintaining full funding in the face of population growth and inflation, economic growth and development across the state to bring in jobs, having all counties meet the standards of the top counties like Montgomery County.

Have you read your county schools curriculum? If so, which parts do you like and which parts do you dislike?
Yes. Elementary, middle, and high school is very different than it was when I grew up. More critical thinking is introduced at an early age, and of course and STEM classes are now as big a part as any other.

What is your position on school spending?
We can’t overspend in case of budget shortfalls – which have occurred in Montgomery County.

Please identify the three areas which you believe should be prioritized when it comes to school funding
School Maintenance
Techonology Programs
Vocational Skills

What is your position on teacher tenure?
I understand the need for an evaluation and probationary periods before tenure is given. Teaching is not for everyone, and the school and the teacher need time to make sure it’s a good fit and a career they want to embark on.

What is your position on standardized testing?
Over testing is not necessary

What is your position on classroom size?
It should be analyzed year to year to keep it down.

Do you believe the Board of Education should have taxation authority?
Taxation authority over who?