VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am running to continue serving Plymouth-Canton Community Schools with steady, collaborative leadership. As a Trustee since 2024, Policy Committee member since 2017, nonprofit leader, and mother of four, my focus is always on what best supports our students and classrooms. My background in empirical research enables me to ask the right questions, examine data thoughtfully, and build consensus across diverse perspectives. As a multilingual, second-generation immigrant, I am deeply committed to ensuring every family in our district feels heard, valued, and included. I envision a district that accelerates student achievement, supports educators, maintains fiscal responsibility, and prepares every child for a bright future.

Addressing our district’s priorities requires practical, student-focused leadership. First, I will advocate at state & local levels to secure stable funding that directly supports classrooms and facilities. Second, because teaching conditions are learning conditions, I will champion the resources needed to attract and retain exceptional educators. Third, I will work to close achievement gaps by expanding proven academic support so every child thrives. Finally, I will foster a welcoming district culture where every family feels heard, safe, and valued. By focusing on fiscal responsibility, transparent decision-making, improved communication and strong community partnerships, I will ensure P-CCS adapts to prepare every student for the future.

I have lived in Plymouth for 17 years, have had two children graduate from Salem high school and my third is a sophomore. I have seen many ups and downs in the many years I’ve been here. I want to help create a proactive school board, that focuses on creating a positive learning environment. Giving teachers what they need to give our kids the opportunity to be their best.

The school board needs to be more proactive as opposed to its reactive state now. There needs to better accountability for funds. The board and administration need to be more transparent with decisions and policies By having better communication with our community I feel we can keep our them up to date on what’s happening. The board, now, has a tendency to react to events rather than being proactive and predicting events to stay ahead of any problems. This goes along with the board being a better fiduciary of our tax dollars. Thinking where short falls may happen and getting I don’t of it and having the superintendent focus on the budget to address issues. Now they only react to down falls with nothing in place. Let’s be leaders, not fol.

Professional Perspective: In my 24 years at Rocket Mortgage, I’ve learned how to lead in a high-intensity, data-driven, and customer-focused environment. I want to bring that same level of accountability and analytical thinking to our board.

A Voice for All Students: As a father of a son with special needs, I understand the vital importance of inclusive, robust support systems. I am a lifelong advocate for public education and believe every child deserves the resources to succeed.

Rooted in the Community: Having been a part of this community for over two decades, I am deeply invested in the long-term success of our schools and the property values and community spirit they support.

District Finances- Starts with transparency and accountability, where is our money being spent and are we getting our money's worth? Next is prioritization, we will never have "enough" money so are we spending it on the right things to help all students learn and succeed? Supporting our Teachers- My wife is a teacher in the district, I understand the importance of a well supported and motivated teacher force. We can do a lot to support them that doesn't have to cost more. Safety- Physical and virtual safety is paramount! We must ensure our students and staff are physically safe and emotionally safe. That means following proper measures to secure our buildings and setting safeguards around the type and amount of technology in our schools.

My name is Joe Tollefson and I am a parent in the district, youth advocate, and youth workforce development professional with 18 years experience supporting Career and Technical Education, as well as 6 years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate within the foster care system.

I am running for Plymouth-Canton School Board because our schools are facing immense pressure right now between skyrocketing operating costs, chronic underfunding, state-wide enrollment decline, and the very challenging political environment we’re in. We need engaged, constructive leaders who are champions of public education — and equitable access to it.

In July I was appointed to the board through the end of 2026, and am continuing to run for a full term.

With only 750 characters to answer I'll focus on funding.

Funding issues are resulting in difficult choices about how to manage spending, most notably with our facilities at the moment. A big factor here is the lack of a sinking fund locally for P-CCS for maintenance. We are the only district in the immediate area that does not have a sinking fund in addition to our current bond program and that is putting financial strain on the district at a local level where resources could be better allocated to the classroom and teacher recruitment and retention. If elected I will vote that a sinking fund proposal is put on the ballot for voters and will work tirelessly to support its passage.