Meet Salem School Committee Candidate AJ Hoffman

SALEM, MA — AJ Hoffman is an early education professional and volunteer seeking a spot on the Salem School Committee in next week's citywide election.

Hoffman is one of four candidates — two incumbents and two challengers — vying for two open seats on the School Committee on Nov. 7.

Hoffman told Patch that building up public support for the school and bringing a unique voice to the School Committee will be among his priorities if elected.

Patch sent out a series of candidate profile questions to those in contested races with these being Hoffman's responses.

Campaign website/social media page:

AJ Hoffman For School Committee

Share some details about yourself, your ties to the city, your career in public office and/or professional life.

I've lived in Salem for 25 years. My wife and I bought our home in 2010, just three months after our son was born 25 weeks early. We were very excited to raise our family here in such a vibrant and welcoming community.

My career has mostly been in early childhood education. In my early years in Salem, I also worked at Red Ravens Love Noodle on Congress Street for many years, which was a great way to get to know our community. I've been very involved in our public schools, creating safe spaces. I'm a proud volunteer at NAGLY helping to lead their Little Rainbows program among other initiatives, and pride myself in working to build a community for marginalized people and families.

Why are you seeking this elected office?

I'm seeking a seat on the School Committee because I think I offer a new, necessary and unique voice to the conversations taking place in the committee and can bring a unique perspective to those currently elected.

What are the key issues facing Salem Public Schools and how would you address them, if elected?

We've done great work in our schools and it's time our community broadly reflects that and supports our staff and students so one thing I'd like to do is work to shift the narrative around the quality of our schools and build up public support for them. We have so many wonderful and compassionate success stories that should be told and celebrated to help build more faith in our schools.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this office?

One of the key differences between myself and other l candidates is that I've been involved for the last 8 years — volunteering, being on school site committees, PTOs and many other committees, working directly with school leadership on important issues for our kids. I think this is a great candidate pool too — we all want what’s best for our schools and we have the heart behind it.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My platform is focused on building community and getting community members involved in deepening support of our schools. I'd like to help guide us into the future of Salem Public Schools. We are on the way to greatness and I’d like to keep that momentum moving forward.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I know I have some things to learn for sure about Committee governance, but I am dedicated and committed to our public school system. Give me your trust and a chance. I hope to lead our schools in the most positive ways possible.