LaToya Caldwell-Nkongolo

LaToya Nkongolo was born in Wilmington, Delaware. She earned a bachelor's degree from Delaware State University in 2000, a graduate degree from Springfield College in 2003, and a graduate degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore in 2013. Her career experience includes working as a mental health professional.[2]

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Who are you? 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.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

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.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As a mental health therapist, I strongly advocate for schools offering support to students and staff. However, I recommend optimizing community resources. Schools should serve as hubs for parents and children to access information and seek referrals to various community-based providers within the county for comprehensive support.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official are the ability to work well with others, fostering a sense of unity and common purpose among colleagues and constituents, and prioritizing the needs of the community while diligently working to achieve desired outcomes. These are the qualities I possess, which led many elected officials and community members to encourage me to run for the Board of Education.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I come from very humble beginnings. Raised in low-income housing by a single teenage mother, I was encouraged to get an education and strive for a better life. I was always told that education is the ultimate equalizer. Going to college gave me the opportunity to build a great career, open a business, and raise my children in Severna Park. Education helped me break the cycle of poverty. The legacy I want to leave is that anyone can create a new life for themselves through hard work. I aim to help create a quality educational system that will once again make education a pathway to success.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The last song that got stuck in my head was "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John. Now, I'm sure it's stuck in your head too!

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

In my view, the primary job of a school board member is to develop and enforce policies that govern the operation of the school district to meet the needs of all students and staff. Additionally, school board members help set educational goals and standards and ensure that the curriculum is rigorous, relevant, and aligned with state standards.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

For nearly two decades, I have been deeply involved in Anne Arundel County, serving children and families from all walks of life. I am often seen throughout the county, engaging with individuals and listening to their needs. In this community, I am known as a bridge builder and a gap filler. When I identify a need, I take action, developing programs that address those needs. I am not just a listener by profession, but also by nature. When I speak with people, I truly hear them, remaining open-minded and ensuring that every voice is heard. I will continue this commitment in my role as the District 5 Board of Education representative.

How do you feel like your school district handled the coronavirus pandemic? What, if anything, would you do differently in the future?

I believe our school district's handling of the coronavirus pandemic could have been much better. Anne Arundel was one of the last school districts in the state to return to in-person learning, which had a profound impact on students both academically and mentally. I feel that the extended closures and delays in reopening were mishandled and ultimately caused more harm than good.

Private schools, in contrast, had policies in place that allowed students to return to in-person learning nearly a year before Anne Arundel. For example, their hybrid approach and A Day/B Day model, helped students maintain academic continuity.

In the future, I do not support prolonged school closures or a one-size-fits-all approach to pandemic shutdowns. It’s crucial to develop flexible, adaptive strategies that prioritize both the safety and educational needs of our students.

What are your preferred strategies for faculty, staff, and administration recruitment?

Recruiting 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.

LaToya Caldwell-Nkongolo did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.