Scott Joftus was approved as an acting member of the Montgomery County Board of Education on Dec. 2.

There were multiple steps to his selection process, which took place over the past few weeks. The board held interviews for the eight final candidates, including Mr. Joftus, to fill the board’s current vacancy, which was caused by the passing of former board member and president Patricia O’Neill in September.

Applications were accepted for the District 3 seat following Ms. O’Neill’s death. The eight candidates who moved forwards to last Tuesday’s interview process were selected from a group of 18 by Current Board of Education members. 

Interview questions probed each candidate’s experiences in the public and vocational realms, along with goals for the position and grasp of its significance. 

The following candidates and credentials are in order of interview appearance. 

Cynthia Anderson-Clay is the current Director of Development at George. B. Thomas Sr. Learning Academy. She has experience in areas of business development and project management, and is a graduate of Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. In addition, she has worked to advocate for students as well as adult career readiness in her community.

Ana Sol Gutierrez is a former Maryland State Delegate serving District 18 of Montgomery County, with experience in public office with roles such as the Federal Executive Public Policy Administrator. She has served on the Montgomery County Board of Education for eight years in the past. Her focus policy issues include educational equality, as well as rights for immigrants, minorities, and employees.

Scott Joftus is the Co-founder and President of FourPoint Education Partners, a consulting firm working to improve the quality of education on the national scale. In addition, he is adjunct professor and graduate of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development of George Washington University. 

Benjamin McDonough is the Chief Counsel of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, U.S. Department of the Treasury with experience in law and federal policy as a previous member of the Federal Reserve Board. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and has served in the community as an educator.

Neal Orringer is the Founding President of Applied Science and Technology Research Organization (ASTRO America) as well as federal government staffer for the U.S. Defense and Commerce Departments and Senate. He is a graduate of Georgetown University and has been involved in several Parent Teacher Associations. 

Debby Orsak is President of Cagley & Associates, Inc., a structural engineering business that has worked on several educational buildings, including MCPS. She is an active member of MCPS working groups and the Parent Teacher Association of MCPS schools, as well as a graduate of West Virginia University

Vashti Van Wyke is the Co-President of Cabin Johns Citizens Association and Vice Chair of Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board. In addition, she is the founder of Indivisible Cabin John, a grassroots organization focused on progressive change, and graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School. 

Julie Yang is a College and Career Coordinator of MCPS as well as Co-Chair of the MCPS Asian Pacific American Student Achievement Action Group. She is a graduate of the College of Education at the University of Hawaii, as well as an active member of a variety of MCPS projects, from teacher training to career seminars. 

Mr. Joftus’ term will last until Nov. 30, 2022, and he will be sworn into office next Tuesday.