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Julie Kaplan
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Julie Kaplan ran for election to the Howard County Public Schools Board of Education to represent District 4 in Maryland. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Kaplan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Julie Kaplan was born in Silver Spring, Maryland. She earned a bachelor's and a graduate degree from the University of Maryland in 1994 and 1998, respectively. Her career experience includes working as a marketing executive.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: Howard County Public Schools, Maryland, elections (2024)
General election
General election for Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 4
Incumbent Jen Mallo defeated Julie Kaplan in the general election for Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 4 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Jen Mallo (Nonpartisan) | 51.3 | 16,787 |
 | Julie Kaplan (Nonpartisan)  | 47.8 | 15,643 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.8 | 266 | ||
| Total votes: 32,696 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 4
Julie Kaplan and incumbent Jen Mallo defeated Hiruy Hadgu in the primary for Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 4 on May 14, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Julie Kaplan (Nonpartisan) | 46.3 | 6,202 |
| ✔ | | Jen Mallo (Nonpartisan) | 36.6 | 4,899 |
 | Hiruy Hadgu (Nonpartisan) | 17.1 | 2,290 | |
| Total votes: 13,391 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Kaplan in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Julie Kaplan completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Kaplan's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Drawn to Howard County by its excellent school system and wonderfully diverse community, we have lived here since 1995. Both of my children went through the Howard County Public School System, from elementary to high school, underscoring my personal commitment to ensuring it continues to offer outstanding education. Professionally, I have been a successful executive leader, known for maximizing tight budgets and driving organizational transformation. These skills are invaluable in facing the current challenges within our schools. My campaign is built on principles of accountability, innovation, and effective resource management, aiming to enhance the educational experience for every student. As a dedicated resident and parent, I am committed to leveraging my expertise to nurture and expand the high standards of our educational system and community.
- Commitment to Excellence in Education: As a long-term resident whose children flourished within the Howard County Public School System, I am dedicated to maintaining and enhancing our schools' high standards. My goal is to ensure that every child receives an outstanding education that prepares them for a successful future.
- Proven Leadership and Fiscal Responsibility: With a strong background as an executive leader known for effectively managing tight budgets and driving transformational change, I bring proven skills that are essential for navigating the challenges facing our educational system. I am committed to applying my expertise to ensure efficient use of resources, promoting both fiscal responsibility and innovative educational practices.
- Commitment to Comprehensive Safety—In School and En Route: Safety is a cornerstone of my campaign, prioritizing the physical and psychological well-being of every student both within our walls and on their way to school. I am dedicated to creating a positive learning environment for every student enrolled in HCPSS. By improving both in-school safety measures and transportation infrastructure, we ensure a secure, supportive educational journey for every student.
I am passionate about ensuring that every decision made by the Board of Education is approached with rigor and thoughtfulness, qualities that are crucial yet currently lacking. My focus is on meticulous, evidence-based decision-making, especially in relation to budget management. It is essential that we optimize every dollar spent to maximize the educational benefits for our students, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently to support high-quality education and necessary improvements. This approach not only enhances our children's learning environment but also upholds our responsibility to the taxpayers of Howard County.
For a Board of Education member, the most important characteristics and principles center around the unwavering focus on what is best for the students. This means prioritizing educational outcomes over any partisan interests or pressures, ensuring that decisions are made solely based on how they benefit student learning and well-being. Accountability is another important quality. Board of Education members need to be transparent and responsible for the decisions they make, openly communicating with the community and standing by their actions. These principles ensure that the board remains dedicated to its primary mission: enhancing and safeguarding the educational experiences of our students.
I possess a disciplined approach to decision-making, ensuring that every decision is made thoughtfully and based on thorough analysis and community input. This methodical and evidence-based approach guarantees that our policies are effective, equitable, and responsive to the needs of our community.
The core responsibilities of a Board of Education member revolve around setting and upholding high educational standards, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and overseeing the effective implementation of policies that enhance the learning environment and operational efficiency of schools. It is imperative to engage in strategic planning and policy-making that directly benefits student achievement and teacher support. Board members must also ensure transparency and accountability in all decisions, especially in budget allocation and resource management. Additionally, fostering a collaborative relationship with the community, including parents, teachers, and students, is essential to understand and address the needs and challenges within the school district effectively.
The primary job of a school board member is to ensure that the school district operates effectively and efficiently, with a steadfast focus on enhancing educational outcomes for all students.
My constituents primarily include the residents and students of District 4, but as a member of the Board of Education, my decisions carry implications for students and educators across the entire county, to whom I am equally responsible.
To effectively support the diverse needs of our district's students, faculty, staff, and community, it is evident that a significant transformation is required within the Howard County Public School System. Despite existing diversity policies, the disappointing outcomes revealed by recent climate surveys, stagnant attendance rates, and an ongoing Title VI investigation highlight the urgent need for substantial improvements. My approach involves a rigorous reevaluation and enhancement of our current practices, emphasizing the reduction of administrative burdens on teachers to refocus on high-quality teaching and direct student support. I propose a comprehensive overhaul of our systems, incorporating advanced technological solutions and streamlined processes, all underpinned by transparent metrics and continuous feedback from our community. This will ensure that our commitments translate into measurable improvements in school climate and student outcomes, creating an inclusive and thriving educational environment for all.
To build strong relationships within our broader community, I will prioritize open, ongoing dialogues with key stakeholders, including teachers, parents, students, and local organizations. Specifically, I aim to engage directly with educators in a variety of ways, moving beyond traditional methods to truly hear and address their concerns. Recent findings from an HCEA study indicate that only 30% of teachers trust the Board of Education—an alarming statistic that underscores the need for significant change. To restore this trust, the Board must actively listen to and collaborate with teachers to develop solutions that enhance their working conditions and professional satisfaction. By integrating educators' insights and experiences directly into our policy-making process, we will foster a climate of trust and cooperation that enhances the entire educational ecosystem.
To better prepare students for both college and the workplace, I advocate for expanding our curriculum to include more advanced technical training and apprenticeship programs. Specifically, integrating courses that focus on AI, coding, and other emerging technologies will equip students with critical technical skills required in the modern economy. Additionally, I would push for innovative programming that emphasizes the development of strong interpersonal skills, ensuring our students are well-rounded and ready to excel in any professional or academic setting. These expansions will not only enhance their immediate educational experience but also provide them with a competitive edge in their future endeavors.
To ensure our schools are properly funded and operating efficiently, I would first initiate a comprehensive audit of current spending to identify any inefficiencies or areas where resources could be better utilized. This review will help us understand whether the perceived funding issues stem from misallocation rather than a lack of funds. If, after optimizing our resource management, we still find that funding is inadequate, I will collaborate closely with the superintendent to clearly define our financial needs. Together, we will develop a detailed advocacy plan to present to the relevant stakeholders, ensuring that our schools receive the necessary support to provide a high-quality education for all students.
My policies for safety in schools are driven by the principles of prevention, preparedness, and responsiveness. I prioritize creating a secure and supportive environment where all students can learn without fear, incorporating comprehensive safety measures alongside regular training and drills for students and staff. Central to this approach is the integration of restorative justice practices, which focus on building relationships and resolving conflicts through dialogue and mutual respect. This commitment guides my efforts to maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environment for every student.
To support the mental health needs of students, faculty, and staff, I will focus on creating environments that foster openness and inclusivity. For faculty and staff, this means establishing a workplace where they feel genuinely heard and supported, ensuring that their primary focus remains on student education and progress. For students, I will prioritize the development of a truly welcoming and inclusive school climate, addressing the deficiencies highlighted by the ongoing Title VI investigation. This holistic approach will help to nurture the mental well-being of our entire school community, contributing to a healthier, more productive educational environment.
I have bi-partisan endorsements. Check out my website https://www.vote4juliekaplan.com/ to read them.
The response of HCPSS to the coronavirus pandemic was fundamentally flawed, with prolonged school closures that failed to prioritize the essential needs of our students, particularly those most vulnerable. This misstep has resulted in persistent attendance gaps among special education and economically disadvantaged students, exacerbating educational inequities. In the future, I will insist on adopting proven strategies from school systems that have successfully reopened safely. This includes rigorously de-densifying classrooms and common spaces, installing necessary protective barriers, and employing additional health and safety measures. Our priority must be to safeguard both the health and educational progression of all students, ensuring no one is left behind in any crisis.
To build strong relationships with parents in the district, I will actively engage them through regular communication channels like newsletters and social media, and host frequent parent forums and town hall meetings to directly address their concerns and gather feedback. Additionally, I will advocate for the establishment of parent advisory committees to ensure their continuous input into decision-making processes. These efforts, combined with targeted outreach to underrepresented groups and non-English speaking parents, will ensure all voices are heard and valued, fostering a collaborative and inclusive educational environment.
To enhance our recruitment strategies for faculty, staff, and administration, I propose proactively extending job offers to exceptional student teachers prior to their graduation, thereby securing top talent early and fostering a sense of commitment and belonging. Additionally, we should actively recruit from our pool of paraeducators, offering them clear career progression paths and professional development opportunities to encourage their transition into full-time teaching roles. These strategies will help us build a dedicated and highly qualified team that is deeply invested in the success of our schools.
I firmly believe that financial transparency and government accountability are foundational to trustworthy governance. It's crucial that every dollar is accounted for and that all financial dealings are open to public scrutiny to ensure that resources are used wisely and effectively. Moreover, holding government officials accountable for their actions reinforces integrity and fosters public confidence. I am committed to upholding these principles in every aspect of my role to ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources and to build a transparent, accountable system that truly serves our students and our community.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate Howard County Public Schools Board of Education District 4 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 14, 2024
