Joe Goetz, President 

 

My interest in education began as a PTSA Member when my children were in elementary school. In addition to serving currently as the Kent County Public Schools Board of Education President, I hold the position as President-elect for the Maryland Boards of Education (MABE). I also serve as a Board Member for the Kent County Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, I served as the League President for Kent County Youth Softball.

 

I am currently employed in the food industry where I am responsible for building strategic plans specific to client needs, profit/loss evaluations, and forecasting, budgeting and contract negotiations.

 

I received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Delaware Valley University in Criminal Justice, with studies focused on Business and Psychology. My wife is a former teacher and now business owner in our community. My daughter is a 2019 Kent County High School graduate and my son is a rising senior who will be graduating in 2023.

 

(Term ends Dec.31, 2024)

 

My husband, Mark, and I moved to Worton from the “western shore” in 2003. We have two children who attend Kent County Public Schools. I run a website design business working primarily with local non-profits, artists and small businesses. I am the founder and organizer of Hebe’s Garden which takes place during the summer months at the Chestertown Farmers Market and provides free children’s programming. I am also a founding member

of the school advocacy group Support Our Schools. I like to volunteer and be involved in our community and have helped organize the Chestertown Tea Party Festival, the Chestertown HP Festival and I am on the Marketing Committee for the Garfield Center for the Arts. I have also participated on the GALES PTA and as part of the 2018 KCPS Facilities Strategic Planning Committee.

 

As the youngest daughter of a career United States Marine Corps father I grew up in various parts of our country including North Carolina, California, Hawaii, Virginia and Maryland but Kent County is my home. Between Kindergarten in Kaneohe Bay and Crossland High School in Prince George’s County I attended 6 different schools. I spent a year studying Elementary and Special Education at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Though teaching ultimately did not turn out to be my calling I have enormous respect for those who dedicate their lives to our children.

 

I look forward to supporting our schools and families.

 

(Term ends Dec. 31, 2024)

 

I consider myself a native Kent Countian, though I was born in Baltimore and lived there until moving to Chestertown at the age of 8.

 

I have a varied educational background, having attended parochial, public and private school. I am an honors graduate of St. Andrew's School in Middletown, Delaware and Washington College, where I received a bachelor's degree in history.

 

I am a fourth-generation journalist, having recently retired after 37 years at the Kent County News, where I am still a contributing writer and photographer.

I have been re-elected to a third term on the Board of Education. I am involved in community outreach and serve as a Character Counts! volunteer. 

 

I have coached high school field hockey for more than 30 years, most of that time at Kent County High School.

 

I attended Kent County Public Schools as have my children and grandchildren. After graduation, I became a certified senior cosmetologist. I have an Associate degree in theology. 

I am currently running two self-owned businesses. I have served the community on several committees, including the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice, along with several subcommittees including Education and Community. 

I am the co-founder of Lighthouse Non-Denominational Ministries located in Rock Hall, where I serve along with my husband who is pastor and co-founder.

Raised in Philadelphia, I came to the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the summers as a boy to spend time with my grandparents on their farm in Dorchester County. The Shore had an incredible draw on me and I returned as a young man to attend Washington College in Chestertown, where I graduated in 1983, with a B.A in history. 

 

I have lived in Kent County since that time, married and  raised my four children here. I own a custom furniture making, reupholstery and restoration shop in Chestertown, where we specialize in Chippendale and Queen Anne’s style furniture. In this community, I was able to transform my interest in using my hands and my mind into a viable small business, which draws customers from New York to North Carolina. The unique culture and history in Chestertown and Kent County provide ample opportunities for my craftsman and artisan nature to thrive. This community and our school system provides opportunities not always found in the fast-paced, technological world we live in. Nurturing the opportunities which abound in our community is at the heart of my desire to be an active and involved board member for the Kent County Public Schools.

 

My wife, Susan, and I have enjoyed raising our children in Kent County. Our twins currently attend Kent County High School, where we have become very active and involved in supporting the school and students. I believe that our school system is the lifeblood of our community and lays the foundation for the future of our children and this county. My personal goals in my work as a KCPS Board Member is to ensure that our schools are performing at the highest levels in academic performance and achievement, state of the art facilities and sports programs. These lofty goals will set the stage for all of our children’s future and the generations to come.

Student Member of the Board for 2023-24

 

(Term ends June 30, 2024)