Tony Maalouf Running For Maple Newtown School Director

Tony Maalouf - Maple Newtown School Director

Age (as of Election Day)

37

Party Affiliation

Republican (also cross filed as a Democrat)

Family

Along with myself (Class of 2002), my brother Marcus, now 35, graduated MNHS (Class of 2003) as did my sister, Nawal, 34 (Class of 2004).

My parents are Zoe (Mother), 69 and George (Father), 65. Like many families do today, they moved to Newtown Square in 1993 because of the excellent reputation our schools have.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No one

Education

•Master's Degree in Political Science from Villanova University (2008)
•Bachelor's Degree in Political Science (Minor in Spanish) - West Chester University (2006),
•Professional Certificate in Human Resources Management from Villanova University: College of Professional Studies (2019)
•Took Courses in Economics and Arabic Language at Montgomery County Community College (2013)
•High School Diploma - Marple Newtown Senior High School (2002)

Occupation

•Human Resources Professional - 11 years experience
•Adjunct Professor at Delaware County Community College (2011-preset) and Montgomery County Community College (2010-2018)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

•Newtown Library Board of Trustees, 2018 - present)
•Judge of Elections (2017 - 2019) in Newtown Township, 2nd Precinct

Campaign website

facebook.com/tonymaaloufdelco

Why are you seeking elective office?

I've been looking for a new way to serve my township, my neighbors and the district, and this is an area where I have relevant experience to offer.

Having taught at the post-secondary education level for 11 years, I bring practical skills from my own classroom experiences (in person and online) to offer to the development of our curriculum, including the cyber school. That is where I hope to make a positive impact.

Also, as a graduate of Marple Newtown, I see serving on the board as a direct way to give back to the school district that helped me so much in my own successes.

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

As the 2020-2021 school year comes to a close, and more of the population receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, it's STILL important for the district and the board to maintain a sense of readiness, flexibility and vigilance to support the teachers, staff, students and administration when we enter the 2021-2022 year, especially if herd immunity is not reached or another unforeseen challenge emerges.

To that end, I intend to make myself flexible by playing a role wherever I can, be it in a sub-committee, a partnership with local government authorities, on a safety advisory board, liaison to a particular school, etc. Furthermore, I will to use my social media page to report on my school board activities to the public.

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

Actually, from what I've learned about the others running, there are several areas of agreement. I would like to see expanded opportunities for vocation and technical education and having taught at Delaware County Community College, where many great trades are learned. In addition to supporting our vo-tech program at MNHS, I hope to play a part in strengthening the ties between MN and DCCC along with other trade institutions, include the prestigious Williamson College of Trades in an effort to make those opportunities better known, more accessible. This can be done in many ways - dual enrollment opportunities or visitations are some good ideas to begin with, and faculty and guidance counselors should be a part of this discussion.

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

In a generic sense, there is always room for improvement, and I would like to see the board set new goals once the district, along with the rest of us, emerges from the pandemic and completes its current objectives in the Comprehensive District plan by 2022.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

•Continued partnership with the teachers and non-teaching staff is critical, not just in the reopening of the schools, but all multiple aspects of day-to-day management.

•I support our district's Diversity and Equity Committee, and in particular, am committed to to working with anyone and everyone who would like to share new ideas for (and work towards ending) anti-LGBT, religious or ethnic-based and cyber bullying.

•An increase in the school's use of renewable energy as part of it's operations would be in my goals.

•I strongly support our Music program. Having been part of MN Chorus and Orchestra, I consider it one of the best compliments to an education MN offers.

•I agree with the recent decision made by School Board members to broadcast/livestream School Board meetings. It adds to transparency.

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

Having been in the world of post-secondary education for 11 years, I know that I can offer a unique perspective in developing new policies to support a growing school district looking to expand co-curricular options for students and trade options, along with the traditional routes to 4-year colleges and universities. It brought me to a unique position to see what works and what institutions of secondary education might be able to do more of to prepare their students.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

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

I know that our teachers wear many hats. They are educators, but also advisors, parents, mentors, coaches, and many times, the best advocates for our students. I recognize and understand the work they do which extends beyond the traditional school day and over the weekend, and while I come ready to listen to all members of the Marple Newtown community, I feel it's important specifically let our teachers know, they will always be respected, appreciated and included.

Members of the community are welcome to check out my social media page, faebook.com/tonymaaloufdelco and ask questions.