Q&A with Todd Hoffman, Candidate for Mt. Lebanon School Board

I firmly believe in the importance of nurturing the whole child, not just their academic achievements. With my experience in educational leadership, I understand that a student’s success is not just measured by test scores, but by their social-emotional well-being, physical health, and personal growth. I will work to ensure that our schools prioritize a whole-child mindset and provide resources to support the holistic development of our students.

Our next post of our 2023 primary election season series ‘Political Q&A’ with progressive candidates throughout Pennsylvania. Candidates can be anywhere in Pennsylvania running for any level of office. Please note that these are not necessarily endorsements, more of an opportunity for candidates to connect with the LGBTQ community, progressives neighbors, and others with an interest in Western Pennsylvania. If your candidate would like to participate, please contact us pghlesbian at gmail dot com. We welcome candidates at all levels of government across the entire Commonwealth.

By participating, candidates are saying that they

must be an LGBTQIA+ ally, specifically supporting equality and dignity for transgender persons
identify as pro-choice
must affirm that President Joe Biden won the 2020 election and that they accept the certified Pennsylvania’s election results

Todd was one of the very first people to connect with me and the first to reach out to me without any prompting on my part. We set up a timeframe to create and publish his Q&A. I was impressed that he was working in collaboration with other candidates to send affirming messages. His response explaining how he transitioned from the classroom to IT work and then to education data analysis illustrates how school districts requires lots of skill sets and experiences. And on perhaps a small note, I see a recurring theme of education candidates referencing nature. Hmmm.

Your Name: Todd Hoffman

Your Pronouns: he/him

The Office You Seek: School Board Director Mt Lebanon School District

How do you describe your identity? I am a white cishet male who embraces the broad continuum of gender and sexual identities that exist.

Tell us about your district. What is a hidden gem most people might not know about?

Mt Lebanon is a great place to live for those that like having the ability to walk to schools, restaurants and shops and has easy access to public transportation. For years we lived in the city of Pittsburgh in the Greenfield and Point Breeze neighborhoods and Mt Lebanon provides a very similar living experience. A great hidden gem is Bird Park where you can find walking paths and even a fire pit. During the early days of lockdown I spent quite a bit of time with my kids in Bird Park exploring nature and learning about the natural environment.

How has redistricting impacted your district? Redistricting has had less of an impact in Mt Lebanon than other areas in the state.

Tell us about the first LGBTQ person you met and what impact they had on your life? Using initials or pseudonyms is fine.

The first out person that I met was a friend in college in the late 90’s. Him coming out to me was a big moment because it made me appreciate the privilege that I hold because society does not require the hetero community to come out. It made me realize that I should never assume anyone’s sexuality and that as a cishet I need to use my privilege to encourage and create change that supports the LGBTQ community.

Based on this, what do you understand to be our top LGBTQ concerns and priorities for the Mt. Lebanon School Board? How will you respond to those priorities?

I have been directly engaged with the LGBTQ community in Mt Lebanon to listen and learn about the current and historic experiences of students in our schools. I’ve heard from students in elementary school all the way up through high school graduates and it’s clear that there is more work to be done to support this community. Just this February, a group of students presented a set of policy recommendations to the board for review and approval. This draft document was written by students and based on existing policy templates from GLSEN and support from COSF. One of my top priorities is to ensure that all students feel safe and supported in our schools.

Please give an example of how intersectionality has informed your work.

The complexity of identities and recognition of intersectionality impacts my work and general outlook on life. I’ve seen Black women in positions of power and authority get ignored and/or pushed out of organizations because leadership culture remained tied to historical roots of sexism and racism. This doesn’t always happen overtly but I became hyper-aware of it early in my career as I witnessed Black women in meetings having to work twice as hard to be heard and respected. This experience again made me realize that my own identity carries a level of unearned privilege at the workplace and in public life. It’s also why I tend to focus on the root cause of problems. So often organizations think diversity and inclusion are things to check off a to-do list. That by simply creating a diversity statement or making a few key hires they have done the work. The reality is that systems need to shift internal culture and change their approach to business-as-usual so that diversity, equity and inclusion become part of the fabric of an organization and not just a catch phrase.

Furthermore, school board members should be prepared to seek out and evaluate evidence-based research, data and facts to make informed decisions. It is important to avoid decisions based on personal beliefs or opinions that are not grounded in evidence.

Please give an example of when a coworker has persuaded you to change or adjust your perspective on an issue.

Over the course of my career I have come to appreciate the ways that deep conversation can lead to new perspectives and understandings. Early in my career as a young eager teacher I thought I had things figured out. I thought that my sheer passion for education and convictions would be enough to guide me to solve the challenges that I would face. It wasn’t until I allowed myself to be vulnerable and humble that I could appreciate the full wisdom and lived experiences of others. As an IT Director responsible for two school buildings and thousands of stakeholders I too often would make decisions in isolation in the name of efficiency. It was a bad practice and one that I wish I could’ve changed sooner in my career. I would make a decision, purchase devices and then wonder why they weren’t being appreciated or fully utilized in the classroom. A colleague in a different department whom I had a good working relationship with had a deep and honest conversation with me about how to improve. They helped me to understand that not only did I need to adjust my expectations but I had to become more collaborative in my approach to consensus building and decision making. This has been an impactful learning experience for me and one that has fully changed my approach to work, leadership and decision making. I now root my decision making in collaboration and spend time to understand the needs and wants of the stakeholders impacted by any decision that I make. It’s helped me gain more empathy and ultimately become better at not just decision making but also implementing new programming because more people are part of the process early on rather than waiting until after a decision has been made.

You started your career as a middle-school social science teacher. How long did you teach and what led you to move out of the classroom into data analysis?

I was a middle school teacher for three years and when I moved back to Pittsburgh I couldn’t find a teaching job so started working in edtech. This work took me to schools and classrooms across the country and taught me a lot about how schools work and operate. I began to understand that technology is a tool and not an end in itself as well as the importance of strong leadership at the building and district level. I built such a strong relationship with one school that I became their first IT Director and helped to establish strong infrastructure and communications systems while working with all key stakeholders of the school system. In my final years as an IT Director I began to realize the value and importance of data and started my own company called Mend the Gap to work with k-12 schools across the planet to unify data processing systems and visualize data to support learning outcomes and the entire student experience. I continue to believe in the power of data and data visualization and plan to bring this passion to our district if elected.

On your website you say you are running “to make a positive difference in the lives of students and create a more equitable and just education system.” What are some concrete policies that would addressequity and justice for LGBTQ students in Mt. Lebanon?

I mentioned the draft policy document proposed by students and believe this to be a great start. The school policies offered by GLSEN are reflective of what I see as a movement in the right direction. It’s important to not only have gender affirming language in policy but also to articulate how students are protected and to ensure that student protections are being fulfilled in every single school in the district. A few specific examples include:

Implementing anti-bullying policies that specifically address harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ students.
Providing training to teachers and staff on issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as how to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Ensuring that school policies and practices are inclusive of LGBTQ students, such as allowing students to use the restroom and locker room that corresponds to their gender identity.
Providing resources and support for LGBTQ students and their families, such as counseling services, support groups, and access to community organizations.

As of February 9, 2023, 301 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced across the United States compared with 315 total in 2022. While Pennsylvania has no active legislation on the State level, there is motion specifically targeting drag queens and drag performances. And we have seen activity at the school board policy levels stripping LGBTQ students of their rights. Tell us about the impact these numbers have on students and other youth. What outcomes can we expect as this legislative tsunami grows?

The high number of anti-LGBTQ bills being introduced across the United States, as well as the specific targeting of drag queens and drag performances in Pennsylvania, has a significant impact on students and the larger community. These bills send a harmful message to LGBTQ students and other youth that their identities are not valid and that they do not deserve equal rights and protections.

Research has shown that when LGBTQ students feel unsupported or discriminated against in school, they are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. In addition, LGBTQ youth are more likely to experience bullying and harassment, which can lead to decreased academic performance and lower rates of school completion.

The outcomes of this weaponized legislation are concerning, as they will further marginalize and harm LGBTQ youth. With such legislation we can expect to see an increase in discrimination and harassment against LGBTQ youth, as well as a decrease in their overall well-being and academic success.

It is important for school boards and other policymakers to actively work against these harmful bills and instead prioritize policies that promote inclusion and equity for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. By creating safe and welcoming environments for LGBTQ students, we can help ensure that they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

What is the gold standard for LGBTQ affirming school district policies?

The gold standard for LGBTQ affirming school district policies would involve several key elements, including:

Inclusive language and definitions: School district policies should use inclusive language and definitions that recognize and validate the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Non-discrimination policies: School district policies should include clear non-discrimination statements that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all aspects of school life.
Transgender and gender nonconforming students: School district policies should address the unique needs and concerns of transgender and gender nonconforming students, including access to facilities that match their gender identity, privacy, and confidentiality.
Anti-bullying and harassment policies: School district policies should include comprehensive anti-bullying and harassment policies that specifically address LGBTQ students and staff.
Curriculum and education: School district policies should include provisions for the inclusion of LGBTQ-related content in the curriculum and provide professional development for staff to create a safe and affirming learning environment.
Support for LGBTQ students: School district policies should provide support and resources for LGBTQ students, including counseling services and support groups.
Allowing students to participate in extracurricular activities (such as sports teams or school dances) and use facilities that align with their gender identity.
Parent and community involvement: School district policies should encourage and facilitate parent and community involvement in creating and implementing LGBTQ-affirming policies and programs.

Overall, the gold standard for LGBTQ affirming school district policies is a comprehensive approach that recognizes the diversity of LGBTQ students and staff and ensures that they are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness in all aspects of school life.

It is a contentious time to serve on school boards – safety threats, intractable extremists, people clinging to inaccurate information, and letting irrational fears drive policy. What is necessary to bring reason and fairness back to school boards?

Firstly, it’s important to maintain a focus on the well-being and education of students. School board members have a responsibility to put the interests of students first and ensure that they receive a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment.

It’s also important to establish clear communication channels and engage with all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community members. Listening to their concerns, ideas, and suggestions can help build trust and ensure that decisions are made with a full understanding of the community’s needs and perspectives.

Furthermore, school board members should be prepared to seek out and evaluate evidence-based research, data and facts to make informed decisions. It is important to avoid decisions based on personal beliefs or opinions that are not grounded in evidence.

Lastly, it’s crucial to maintain civility and respect in all interactions, even when disagreements arise. Board members should model the behavior they want to see in others, such as demonstrating respect for differing viewpoints and avoiding personal attacks or name-calling.

Overall, navigating a contentious climate requires a commitment to putting students first, clear communication, evidence-based decision-making, and civility and respect in all interactions.

How do competitive primary elections benefit the residents of a community?

Choice is a cornerstone of democracy and critical in meeting the needs of any community. It’s important for the electorate to have options when voting because then more voices can be heard.

What are three reasons people should vote for you/support your campaign?

Educational Expertise: With 20 years of hands-on experience in education, I have developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with improving educational outcomes. My background as a teacher, educational consultant, and IT director has given me a unique perspective on how to design and implement initiatives that prioritize stakeholder engagement, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. I am confident that I can leverage this experience to create positive change in our school district.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: As a senior data analyst with Degree Analytics, I work directly with higher education and K12 clients to improve student outcomes, streamline workflows, and optimize spending. I have developed a strong proficiency in using data analytics to present outcomes and design initiatives with qualitative and quantitative measurements. I believe that data-driven decision-making is essential to improving educational outcomes and ensuring that our students are receiving the best education possible.

Whole-child Mindset: I firmly believe in the importance of nurturing the whole child, not just their academic achievements. With my experience in educational leadership, I understand that a student’s success is not just measured by test scores, but by their social-emotional well-being, physical health, and personal growth. I will work to ensure that our schools prioritize a whole-child mindset and provide resources to support the holistic development of our students.

Tell me about your other endorsements and supporters.

I have been endorsed by the Mt Lebanon Democratic Committee

As an IT Director responsible for two school buildings and thousands of stakeholders I too often would make decisions in isolation in the name of efficiency. It was a bad practice and one that I wish I could’ve changed sooner in my career. I would make a decision, purchase devices and then wonder why they weren’t being appreciated or fully utilized in the classroom. A colleague in a different department whom I had a good working relationship with had a deep and honest conversation with me about how to improve.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

I take the responsibility of being a School Board Director seriously and look forward to getting to know more people in our community in the coming months and years.

Where can readers find your campaign on social media?

Facebook LeboForEveryStudent

Instagram LeboForEveryStudent

Thank you, Todd.

Other Q&A’s in this election cycle series. You can read previous cycle Q&A’s here.

Discover more from Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Pgh Lesbian Correspondents