► Richard Specht

Richard Specht (Incumbent)

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Work:

IT consultant (retired). Education: Washington Univ. BS in computer science.

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Important issues:

We must focus on the academic, social, and emotional impacts from the pandemic. Our administration and staff have done an exceptional job. We must take the lessons we learned to provide the best educational experience for our children.

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Second, we should continue the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Through the community forum held last summer and the recently completed Cultural Diversity Audit, we know we can do better. We must incorporate the outstanding work our staff has begun into our curriculum.

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Finally, we must focus on the future. We’ve had significant turnover on the Montgomery School Board in recent years. It’s vital we develop a cohesive, productive, and positive relationship within the board, and with the superintendent and staff.

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Qualifications:

I am a 35-year Montgomery resident and have two daughters who graduated from MTSD. I served two terms on the school board, including as president in 2005-06, and was appointed to the board last fall to fill a vacancy.

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My technical and analytical experience along with my ability to work with diverse teams to solve problems are important and needed skills on the board.

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Why running for office:

When I retired last year, I was looking for a way to volunteer and use my experience to help our community. I am running to continue my service.

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School and the community:

It is critical for the community to support the district. Board members have an important role to play, representing the community to the school administration. We should add more opportunities for the community to be involved, such as when we update our strategic plan. We have had community forums with the superintendent and the board. We will enhance our communications to be more proactive and to use social media.

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COVID-19 and school:

I agree with the plans outlined by the superintendent’s for full-day in-person instruction. Based upon the governor’s executive order and the state and local health departments, and our school physician, masks will be required in the schools. Masks also will be used for sports, except when students are actively participating. The district will continue to monitor local conditions and make adjustments as conditions change. ■

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