Name: Mindy Koch
Campaign website: www.vote4mindy.com
Date and place of birth: 7-21-1953, Bronxville, New York
After five years, the school district’s state rating fell from A to B in 2023. What specific steps are needed to restore an A rating?
The district needs to concentrate more of its efforts on Pre-K and grades 1-3 reading and mathematics. Statistics clearly show, the better a child is performing in reading and math by third grade, the more likely they are to graduate high school.
What do you think of plans to install metal detectors in Palm Beach high schools? What else should be done to ensure school safety?
The school district has decided to expand upon the pilot program it has been testing the past few years and install metal detectors in all Palm Beach County high schools. I support their decision. I also support continued efforts to “harden” every school, particularly with single points of entry during school hours. The district currently has at least one school police officer per school. Some schools have more than one. I support adding more police to the force.
The Legislature in 2024 passed, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed, a law allowing voluntary chaplains in public schools (HB 931), subject to district approval. Do you support or oppose this law and why?
I support the law allowing volunteer school chaplains provided students aren’t required to partake of their services.
In June, the district revealed three plans to comply with a new state law mandating later school start times. Do you favor any of these plans, and if so, which? If not, what is your plan to comply with state law?
I’m not satisfied with any of the proposals. The start times are too late in the day for the average working parent. The new proposal also shortens the academic day for elementary and middle school children. If anything, elementary and middle school children need more hours of classroom instruction, not less.
How would you assess the performance of Superintendent Michael Burke?
I believe Mike Burke is doing a good job. He is transparent and responsive. I am confident he will improve student performance and regain our “A” rating.
List in reverse chronological order each college or university attended with years of attendance.
⦁ Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.), Nova Southeastern University, 2000
⦁ Master’s in Gifted Education, University of Alabama Burmingham, 1985
⦁ Bachelor of Arts (BA), Special Education, California University, 1975
⦁ Interim Study, American University, Washington, D.C., 1971-1973
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Broward County School District: 2003-2016
⦁ Crystal Lake Community Middle School, Acting Assistant Principal; Language Arts Teacher, Language Arts Department Chair
⦁ McNab Elementary School, ESE Specialist; Department Chair
Palm Beach County School District: 1986-2003
⦁ Boynton Beach Community High School, ESE Specialist; Department Chair
⦁ Western Pines Middle School, ESE Specialist; Department Chair
⦁ Boca Raton Community Middle School; ESE Specialist; Dwyer Award Nominee
⦁ S.D. Spady Elementary School; Teacher of Gifted Students
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
Yes, we filed bankruptcy in 2007, prior to my husband’s death, due to medical expenses.
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
As a resident of Boca Raton since 1985, a 40-year educator (elementary school, middle school, high school, and college) a former assistant principal with a Doctorate in Education, and a proud CTA (classroom Teachers Association) union representative, I am the most qualified candidate for school board. None of my opponent’s education experience even comes close.
What in your life experience best qualifies you to serve as a school board member?
My 40-year career in both public education and with a Jewish day school is what qualifies me and distinguishes me from my opponents. I’ve been a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and union representative. And I have had the privilege of working with several of the existing board members through the years. I can hit the ground running on day one!
