60%: The reading proficiency rate cited by District C board candidate Joe Fleckenstein

Joe Fleckenstein, 55, will appear on the ballot as the Republican candidate for the Harford County Board of Education District C seat. In an interview with Patch, Fleckenstein identified student proficiency as the primary concern for voters in the Bel Air and Forest Hill area. He noted that approximately 60% of Harford County Public Schools students passed the state-level English Language Arts Exam. He added that only 50% passed similar assessments in Math and Science, figures he contrasted with the district's over 90% graduation rate.

Fleckenstein, a 1989 graduate of Bel Air High School, plans to address these gaps by refocusing on core academic skills. He advocates for a curriculum centered on reading comprehension, phonics, cursive writing, and traditional math instruction. He also proposed reducing screen time in elementary schools and requiring students to master current grade material before promotion. Fleckenstein described his approach as prioritizing academics over political activism, stating that parents should manage their children's engagement with political topics outside of school hours.

The candidate currently works in access control and customer service at Aberdeen Proving Ground as a defense contractor. He stated that his daily interactions with diverse groups, including military personnel and government civilians, prepare him for the varied audiences a school board must serve. He also cited his role in access control as fostering a strong appreciation for school safety and security needs. Fleckenstein is running in District C, which includes Bel Air and Forest Hill.

Fleckenstein criticized the current board composition, noting that the incumbent office holder is term-limited and cannot run for re-election. He described the outgoing member as a former teacher who supports education but votes in favor of what he termed woke policies and activism. He argued that these philosophies distract from fundamental academic learning and have left many students unprepared for real-world challenges.

The candidate outlined five specific improvements for the school system. He called for greater transparency so parents can opt out of controversial topics. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to understand the school budget and track spending. Fleckenstein also proposed ending pay-to-play practices in student sports and restricting biological boys from using girls' locker rooms or participating in girls' sports.

Fleckenstein is the only Board of Education candidate currently listed for District C. He described his platform as a return to the school system's core mission of teaching fundamental academics. He stated that strong leadership is needed to hold students accountable and ensure parents maintain control over their children's education. The election is scheduled for the upcoming general election date.

Voters in Harford County will select the next member for District C on Election Day. Fleckenstein's campaign is managed through a Facebook page dedicated to his bid for the seat. He remains based in Bel Air and continues his work in the defense sector while campaigning. The district he seeks to represent has faced ongoing discussions regarding test scores and curriculum standards in recent years.