Four candidates, thirteen questions, and concise answers were on hand at a school board candidates’ forum held in North Harford on August 24, 2010.
Budget constraints and school based decision making were recurring themes at the third and last in a series of forums sponsored by the Harford County Council PTA, this time for the candidates in District D.
School board elections will be held this year only for voters in District A (Edgewood/Joppatowne), District B (Fallston/Abingdon) and District D (North Harford). The September 14 primary will narrow down the candidates in each district to the top two vote-getters who will then face off in the November 2 general election. Voters do not have to be affiliated with a political party in order to vote for school board candidates in the primary; school board elections are non-partisan in Maryland.
Four of the five school board candidates in North Harford District D attended the PTA forum: Martha Dauphinais, retired Bel Air High School math department chair; Rick Grambo, project manager for an electrical engineering firm in Baltimore City; Joseph Hau, co- founder of an environmental consulting firm; and stay-at-home mother of two, Lorrie Warfield. A fifth candidate, Glenn A. Miller, Sr. did not attend the forum and said later that he had an illness in the family. [Miller’s responses were received shortly before this story was posted, and are included as provided.]
Emily Gudel, vice president of legislation for the Harford County Council PTA, moderated the forum before a gathering of about thirty people. A list of the questions and a summary of the responses are below. While the questions were asked of each candidate in a rotating order, the candidates’ responses are reported here in the same order, for the sake of clarity.
Opening Statements:
Martha L. Dauphinais retired in June from Harford County Public Schools, having taught for 40 years in a total of four states and six school districts. Saying that she had no hidden agenda except students’ success, Dauphinais advocated for a return to school-based decision making, charging the current school system with adding programs to schools without considering the consequences; throwing money at technology, and having a “top-heavy” central administration.
Rick Grambo is a 37-year Harford County resident with two young children, one of whom attends North Harford Elementary. In addition to his career as a project manager, Grambo has been a trade school instructor in Baltimore County. A self-described Constitutional conservative who is active in the liberty movement, Grambo said he would advocate for sound money, school choice and a back-to-basics approach, “I want to let the teachers teach.” He warned against wasting resources on a social agenda, adding “I realize the board of education works for you.”
Joseph A. Hau, co-founder of Chesapeake Environmental Management in Bel Air and a graduate of the Harford Leadership Academy, quoted Abraham Lincoln on the importance of education and said that he had no agenda to promote. The father of two said that he was the most qualified candidate, citing his volunteer work, financial skills, and experience as both a scientist and a business manager.
Glenn A. Miller, Sr.: I am 63 years old and presently have two occupations. I retired from Aberdeen Proving Grounds 13 years ago. I presently drive a Harford County School Bus that is operated by a contractor. In addition I am a part-time Instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institiue which comes under the umbrella of the University of Maryland. I graduated from North Harford High School in 1966. Have a Certificate for Complete Business Mangement from LaSalle Extension University. Also completed all my Emergency Medical Services requirements from Harrisburg Area Community College. I have been involved with the Harford County Volunteer Firemans Association for 41 years. In addition I was involved with Little League baseball at either the Coaching or assistant coaching position for 15+ years. I served the Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company for 41 years and am a life member. In addition I am a Charter Member of the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Company, as well as a Life Member. Am currently a member of the Darlington Volunteer Fire Company as well. I currently drive a Harford County School Bus and have had the chance to observe the knowledge of the current students and their level of performance. I feel that they are very lacking in Math Skills. Example not knowing how to count correct change without the aid if a Cash Register telling they what to give. Now the voters have the chance to pick who will serve on the School Board and not being a political appointment as in the past.
Lorrie A. Warfield is a 28-year Harford County resident and a graduate of North Harford High School, with an associate degree from Harford Community College. The mother of two said that she saw changes in the school system that were not for the better, citing low test scores in the Rt. 40 corridor schools, poor curriculum, and what she called “underhanded moves” by the school system, such as cuts to teacher salaries and potential school closures.
Q1. MSA and HSA scores indicate disparities between schools often by geographic locations. What do you believe is the Board’s role in closing the performance gap between these schools?
Dauphinais: There are wonderful teachers in every school; the scores are not necessarily a reflection of the teachers. Gather ideas from teachers and school administrations; allow schools to develop their own programs.
Grambo: Increase competition, including charter schools, and offer more choices to students.
Hau: Balance resources among schools, use incentives for teachers to put in extra time and rotate teachers in and out of low performing schools; adjust the curriculum where needed.
Miller: I believe all students should be given the same chance to preform wether it be Norrisville or Joppa.
Warfield: Talk to teachers, establish mentor programs and after-school tutoring; promote nutrition, look for undiagnosed learning disabilities among students, and find out what works in other school systems.
2.Given the demands of NCLB and state mandated curricula, should all schools have the same course offerings and schedule or should schools be able to “tailor” instruction to the needs of their population?
Dauphinais: Tailor instruction, offer choices. Don’t cut high-level classes due to low enrollment; if kids are ready to take Calculus 2, then the class should be offered. The four- period block schedule (which offers most classes every other day) may be okay, but math every day improves student achievement.
Grambo: Tailor instruction. Teachers say they are frustrated with the curriculum; they are talented and should be allowed to do their job. We should be careful about Race to the Top funding (from the federal government) which comes with mandates and is counter to community-based decision making.
Hau: Instruction should be tailored, with fundamental standards in math, English, and the arts; parental input and support for home learning activities are needed.
Miller: All students should have the same course offerings irregardless of location.
Warfield: Tailor instruction; students have different learning styles (i.e. hands on vs. visual learners); use magnet programs, which could help improve test scores.
3. As of 2009-2010 Harford County teachers are ranked 20th out of 24 districts in starting salary. Teachers are presently at a contract impasse – in these difficult fiscal times, how does the county improve teacher salaries and compensation packages to make this an attractive place to teach?
Dauphinais: First take care of teachers on the front line. Teachers don’t take the job to get rich and would be happy with pay parity with surrounding jurisdictions; good teachers will be lost. Cuts could come from central office salaries and equipment such as whiteboards and LCD screens for every classroom.
Grambo: Identify needs vs. wants. We need a sound plan to face financial problems ahead; the cost of teacher pensions may be pushed back on to the counties.
Hau: Teacher salaries are the largest line item in the budget and teachers are the school system’s most fundamental resource. Foster better relationships with other county agencies; help teachers find affordable housing, healthcare and other improvements to quality of life.
Miller: I am a firm believer that Teacher performances should be based on student performance on the MSA and HSA testing. I get the strong feeling that Teachers are in it for the paycheck not considering the final product which should be preformance in everyday life.
Warfield: Start at the top of the budget; if we lose the best teachers, parents won’t want to send their children to public schools. Some teachers have extra jobs, which doesn’t make sense; look for other cuts to make, such as new curriculum, new trucks.
4. Maryland law states that 50% of teacher evaluation be tied to student performance. Do you agree with this concept and how would you recommend this requirement be implemented in HCPS?
Dauphinais: There are factors that teachers do not control, so the concept is unfair; it will turn teachers into competitors, rather than colleagues, and be a disincentive to teach special education classes or to help a fellow teacher.
Grambo: Evaluation should not be tied to standardized tests – not sure how to get an effective measurement. Students will think the system has failed them if they graduate from high school but fail remedial math exam for college.
Hau: Evaluation should not be tied to test scores. Community input is needed on standards; a bonus incentive could be offered versus base pay.
Miller: I am a firm believer that Teacher performances should be based on student performance on the MSA and HSA testing. I get the strong feeling that Teachers are in it for the paycheck not considering the final product which should be preformance in everyday life.
Warfield: Salaries should not in any way be tied to student performance; teachers do not control attendance, undiagnosed learning disabilities, or a student’s home life. Teachers should get extra incentives for what they do above and beyond requirements. The proposal shouldn’t have gotten this far and should be corrected; teachers will leave for other counties or states.
5. Do you support school uniforms? Why or why not?
Dauphinais: Dress codes are good in theory, but hard to manage as students change clothes in the restrooms after they arrive at school. Uniforms would be a vast improvement, perhaps also for teachers. Polo shirts and khakis are appropriate for every body type; would improve student behavior and focus. “If you want a young man to fail, sit him next to a girl with cleavage, and it’s a done deal.”
Grambo: Yes, but let each community (and not just students) chose the uniform; police favor the idea.
Hau: Uniforms foster school pride and reduce social stress; either uniforms or a high level dress code could be decided at the local level by committee. The school board doesn’t have to mandate.
Miller: As far a School Uniforms are concerned. At this time of hard economic time I am not sure this is the time to address this issue. However I believe the School adminstrators should enforce the current dress policy which is not being done as I see it now.
Warfield: Uniforms do not fit every body type and bullies will find something else to focus on; there will still be “haves” and “have-nots” depending on where the uniform is purchased. A dress code should be enforced instead.
6. In 2010, PTA will be advocating to improve child health and wellness through the reauthorization of the child nutrition act. How can the school system address better nutrition and the issue of childhood obesity for our students?
Dauphinais: Teaching kids is the best way to improve health; anorexia is a problem as well as obesity. Continue making healthy changes to school lunches (such as salad bars), and switching water for soda in snack machines. Children with eating disorders will be referred to an eating disorder center.
Grambo: There is no easy answer; make changes in school cafeteria and snacks, but the issue is mainly for parents. Most people realize that certain things are unhealthy, but do them anyway.
Hau: Educate, don’t dictate. Offer healthy food in school; educate the community and students in kindergarten through high school, integrating other concepts such as math.
Miller: Only healthy foods should be served and possibly a exercise program. Don’t get a lot of exercise operating a Remote Control, Cell Phones and other electronic gadgets.
Warfield: Bring back more recess; kids need to play outside. Bring in crops from local farms; look into having kids exercise as soon as they arrive at school, as is done in other systems.
7. What is your position on charter schools? Are you generally in support, or do you see them as competition for public schools?
Dauphinais: Private schools that charge tuition are fine, but not with public funding.
Grambo: 100% support. Charter schools remove government bureaucracy, increase competition and choice; costs will come down; choice is the cornerstone of democracy.
Hau: Support, if charter schools are under school board authority and approval; charters offer experimentation; charters need to demonstrate how they benefit the pubic.
Miller: As far as Charter Schools go I feel that if the parents feel that their child is not receiving the correct instruction and can afford to sent them to a charter school so be it. When I went to school the teacher took great pride in their students. What I observe today is not that. All they appear to be in it for is the money.
Warfield: Charters could be beneficial for students with learning disabilities, but now is not the time to take money away from public schools.
8. Recently two board of education members resigned – citing the need to devote more time to their work/business and family. How do you plan to manage the balance between your BOE service with other demands?
Dauphinais: I am currently retired and have no other jobs.
Grambo: I have done other jobs after the regular work day and spent time reading the budget. My workplace is supportive and I will make time. “I can sleep when I’m dead.”
Hau: I have thought long and hard and expect to spend 25-30 hours/ week at the job. I own my own business, located ¼ mile from the school administration building, and co-founded with my wife on the premise of giving back to the community. Being on the board would be “purely public service that I would relish.”
Miller: If elected to this position I will be forced to quit driving a school bus and my position with the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute is strickly Part-Time. You are welcome to ask anyone what ever I am involved in I give 100%. The same will apply here.
Warfield: I left a full time job seven years ago to be with my daughters, now aged seven and eight. I will be reachable 24 hours a day. I want to be there for the teachers and can easily find balance.
9. Do you believe Harford County should offer universal pre-k for all students in Harford County Public Schools?
Dauphinais: Wonderful if funding and staff are available, but we can’t afford it in this economy.
Grambo: It would be nice, but not with the current budget; there are other options available to parents.
Hau: Pre-K prepares kids for school and provides the benefit of day care for families. The state is considering a mandate and 30% of the cost would have to come from the counties; support as long as funding is available.
Miller: If Pre-K is offered in one school it should be available in ALL SCHOOLS.
Warfield: Pre-K is a necessity, not all parents can afford cost of private pre-K. Cut other budget items to give kids a head start.
10. What ideas do you have regarding the expansion of classes (or programs) for advanced students (i.e. AP, GT). Would you support more money to pay teachers in these subjects?
Dauphinais: The teachers are already available, the school board needs to support allowing classes such as AP physics to take place even if there are only a small number students who want to take the class.
Grambo: Yes, raise the bar across the board; put advanced kids in classes together, utilize charter schools and tax credits.
Hau: Yes. The curriculum would also need to be adjusted; some magnet programs could be carried into each school; transportation would have to be addressed.
Miller: As far as advance Students. If it requires a special teacher to do the job fine. But they should be ecvaluated by the same standard as all teachers. Meet the standard get a raise. No meet standard NO RAISE.
Warfield: Explore the idea; boredom can become a problem for students as much as not knowing what is going on; provide more Advanced Placement, honors classes, science and math programs.
11. This evening you have all made several comments regarding technology and the money invested in technology in our schools – how can the board manage technology, not knowing what that will look like for our incoming kindergarteners?
Dauphinais: Technology is always changing; what matters is whether the technology improves education. Smart boards are not necessary to teach math; talented teachers make more of an impact.
Grambo: Computer labs are needed, but money for the latest technology could be better used for teacher salaries.
Hau: Spend money on education rather than technology, unless it is for advanced, applied technology classes. Look for multitasking devices and technology that excites children; consider parents’ input.
Miller: Technology is constantly changing. We have to keep up whatever the cost to do so.
Warfield: CD’s made cassettes obsolete, but as long as technology is working, it is advanced enough.
12. What changes to the current system would you recommend in order to increase community involvement in HCPS? Specifically, how can the business and parent community make meaningful contributions to the decision making process?
Dauphinais: Parents can join PTA; businesses can let the schools know their needs, which can be used to develop classes, for example in the healthcare field.
Grambo: Set up community advisory boards at each school, rather than countywide committees. Groups can recommend what should be taught and what technical skills are needed in the workplace.
Hau: Invite businesses into the classroom to discuss what they do. If elected, I will establish formal community input with one teacher and one parent representative from each district and take the input to the school board.
Miller: I would encourage all parents to be involved. It is a proven fact that Students do better if their parents are involved. What I see now a lot of parents never get involved until something directly affects their child.
Warfield: Parents can join PTA and go to school events. Businesses can show students what it’s like to work in a restaurant, for example; field trips can show students farming, landscaping and other businesses.
13. What are your thoughts on accommodating population growth and overcrowding, which directly affects classroom size?
Dauphinais: Redistricting is a hot-button issue; parents are often more upset than students. Avoid domino redistricting which is extremely upsetting to families.
Grambo: Redistricting will be over before any of us get on the school board; rather than close under-populated schools, convert them to charter or magnet schools to draw parents instead of forced redistricting.
Hau: Fully utilize existing schools before building more; plan, work and communicate more effectively with county government
Miller: I am a firm believer that Class Size effects student outcome. Some decisions that are made outside the School Board is not their fault. Meaning as example in the past the Harford County Council kept approving Expansion asa far as Home Building. All they thought about was the Permit fees and what the County could make off them. Never realizing the increased load on the Emergency Services and the Harford County School System. There is a lot of tax payer funds being spent uselessly within the Harford County School System that could be directed to other Departments within the Harford County Public School System.
Warfield: Enrollment is at 90% of capacity, redistricting is needed. The new Red Pump school will be overcrowded because of homes going up in the area; seek better relationships with county government
Closing Statements:
Dauphinais: The school board needs to listen, to question the superintendent, get thorough answers, and not foist the latest theory on the school system. Money spent must improve the classroom. I will ask – what do the parents and students think? How many did you survey? Where is the data? Have other school system’s tried this? How did it work out?
Grambo (rising and speaking directly to the audience): For the first time you will have a choice. All the candidates care, but you know what’s best for your student and I will help you get control.
Hau: I applaud my fellow candidates, but I am the most qualified, having real management and financial experience making payroll, directing large projects, appreciating other perspectives and finding waste. As an employer-scientist, I understand the importance of balancing math, science, and the arts.
Warfield: All of the candidates are great, you can’t go wrong. But I am not afraid to speak out, I will be reachable, and make sure things get done. “Anything will be an improvement over the current system.”
Candidates’ answers to additional questions from the PTA can be found on the HCCPTA web site: www.hccpta.org.
When in doubt, go for the one who is easy on the eyes.
Miller just lost my vote.
Why aren’t any of the candidates addressing the materials currently taught in school?? Stretch spelling? – (unacceptable!), Everyday Math? -(ridiculous!), Grammar lessons? (do not exist!), Handwriting? (our schools do not even teach this anymore!)
What happened to long division/multiplication? What happened to Phonics? These things worked for decades… why change something that is NOT BROKEN? These new ideas are just AWFUL!!!
Go back to basics! Our kids should know how to write in cursive and SIGN THEIR NAMES for God Sakes!
Someone needs to be the voice of the majority!!!! WHO IS STANDING UP FOR THESE THINGS???
Duck Farmer,
There are others who have raised issue with what is and what is not being taught in our schools. If you know people living in the other election districts (A and B) contact them and express your support for those candidates that share your views. Remember, once elected to the school board these people will be making decisions that affect the entire county. You do have a vested interest in who is elected in the other districts.
Bob Frisch
Board of Education candidate
District A (Edgewood, Joppatowne, Joppa)
http://www.BobFrisch.org
DuckFarmer, Everyday Mathmatics was one of the things that prompted my run for Board of Education. I believe that the Everyday Mathmatics program should have never been included in the curriculum in Harford County and needs to be removed before it damages anymore students. I have been against stretch spelling and insist on teaching my children how to spell correctly. My 8 year old daughter Sierra wanted to enter the spelling bee at the Harford County Farm Fair and I had to discourage her as it would have probably embarassed her to go against children who have consistantly learned to spell correctly. I feel that we are doing a disadvantage to the children of this county by providing them with curriculums that I fear will only handicap them in the long run. I believe that we need to return to the education type that we received while we were in school. It is sad that we are building these “Taj Mahal” schools while lessening the quality of educated students that are leaving them upon graduation. There has been a rise in students requiring remedial classes upon entrance to college, even our local community college. As Rick stated the four of us have been disatisfied with the current educational programs that are in place and want to make a change.
This election will mark a historic turning point for the county with the adoption of the blended school board. It is up to the voters and the candidates to make choices that will shape this counties educational system. If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me as well, I am running to be the voice of parents and community members across District D.
Lorrie Warfield
Candidate for Board of Education District D
lorrie.warfield@gmail.com
Duck Farmer,
I am an advocate of a back to the basics approach. It has been my pleasure to speak at several events across the county as well as have conversations with many people attending those events.
You are correct Stretch spelling, Everyday math, and time wasted on promoting a social agenda are all things we can do without. To be fair I have heard Lorrie, Martha, and Joe speak out against these programs as well. I would be happy to speak with you more in depth about my positions or even meet with you one on one. My website is http://www.rickgrambo.com Looking forward to exchanging ideas with you!
Rick Grambo
Rick, I am curious as to HOW ‘school competition’ as you put it would lead to lower costs? If ‘school choice’ means moving students between public schools within the county, the costs of transportation and the extra teachers and equipment needed for additional classrooms will certainly increase the basic operation budget. If you are talking about some sort of ‘tax incentive’ to send kids to private/religious schools (about which I would also question the legality), then ultimately we are taking money away from the public school system resulting in no net change of cost per student (in fact, even if many students did leave the public school system, some basic costs are fixed and thus the cost per student actually increases when we have lower enrollment).
Finally in your opening above you mention a ‘social agenda’. Exactly what do you see in HCPS curriculum that you feel is a ‘social agenda’?
Thank you.
Hey PD, I guess that was too challenging of a question for Mr. Grambo to answer!
Looks like this guy still has not got the brains or guts to answer this question. How pathetic that this man, a person whose positions threaten all of our public schools dramatically, can win so overwhelmingly in District D. It is shameful that this person will not answer simple questions, argues some sort of ‘constitutional conservatism’ while attempting to use government monies to send kids to religious schools, and yet still wins.
The saddest part: he will think his victory has to do with his positions, but in truth it is because he has a simple ‘American’ sounding name.
The best part: he is such a radical extremist that his views will be largely sidelined on the School Board, he will have little to no power and his woeful ignorance will be the most obvious aspect of his tenure.
Fellow Duck Farmers and North Harford County Citizens
My children have been attending North Harford schools for 9 years, and I’ve observed, and had numerous discussions with teachers and parents in our community, about what works and what doesn’t.
Everyday Mathematics happened to work for my children. It focused on giving them alternative ways to arrive at a numerical solution, while placing more of the responsibility for strict memorization of math facts on evening drills with us as a family. To be successful, this curriculum requires a commitment by our parents to shoulder some of the responsibility; but, it can be an effective way to instill in our children at an early age that “there is more than one way to skin a cat.” Quite frankly, as an employer of recently graduated scientists, the ability to find the solution, using a variety of creative or alternative means, is by far more valuable than a memorized fact.
Like Lorrie, I’ve also helped my children learn to spell correctly, but I also understand that one of the objectives of stretch spelling is to allow children to extend their thought process using a set of powerful tools – a pen and paper. Although stretch spelling temporarily suspends the focus on perfect spelling, it can be used to effectively introduce basic concepts of written communication, and encourage early experimentation with composition and grammar.
Nonetheless, in no way do I think that the curriculum cannot be improved. I frequently hear that Everyday Mathematics has been a source of frustration for many. The reason for this partly stems from the fact that it is foreign to the way we were taught. Although, I would not be a proponent of going back to a system of one size fits all, or rote memorization, I do believe that we need to provide alternative curriculum paths to account for the diversity in how each child learns best.
I’d like to take this opportunity, however, to speak more comprehensively about issues that are broader than curriculum. When you are considering the best candidate for our Board of Education, please consider this: The position, by its nature, requires listening to our community, understanding curriculum challenges, leadership, teaming and partnering skills, collaboration with the state and federal government, and the ability to work well, not only internally within our Board, but with our county council, and the various local agencies that provide social services and planning authority. A very long list!
The budget for the Board of Education is over $450 million; currently almost half of the entire county budget. Knowledge and experience with analyzing and managing a budget of this size is an important qualification for any candidate. Given the size of this allocation, and our current economic conditions, it is our responsibility to vigilantly plan, and implement a conservative schedule of expenditures for public school construction. This schedule must reflect our current fiscal realities, and must balance our children’s fundamental need for high-quality faculty, quality assurance, and administration support for primary curriculum, with our desire for state-of-the-art facilities. If it is our aspiration to provide challenging higher level programs, and to maintain the highest standards of excellence we expect from education in Harford County, then we may have to postpone our desire to improve our physical infrastructure until we can best afford it.
Lastly, please consider that within District D, we have essentially five, very diverse candidates running. Each candidate has some of the skills I’ve mentioned, but only one has all of them. I, alone, have a proven resume that demonstrates accomplishment of all of the critical components required for the job. In the course of managing the design and permitting of the private and public industry my company is involved in, I am routinely at the table with regulators, department heads and interagency task forces; and I have a reputation for getting things done, and for finding win-win solutions among very disparate stake-holders.
The outgoing board members of District B and C include a well respected medical professional and a Joppatown businessman. Our district is replacing Robyn Rich, a successful non-profit organization director. Currently the Board already has three teachers/educators comprising its make-up, and two highly qualified PTA leaders. Quite frankly, I believe that the voice of the teacher and PTA leader is necessary, but is already well represented on the board.
Please look closely at my qualifications and the qualifications of my fellow candidates. I encourage you to visit my Board website at http://www.joehau.com, and feel free to communicate with me there, or by phone at anytime. Also, please visit my company’s website at http://www.cemscience.com to find out more about my day-job, and some of our community involvement. In conclusion, as a businessman and community leader, I submit to you that I am the most qualified candidate on the District D ballot, and that I will bring balance, knowledge, and the right skill-set to the Board.
Joe Hau, Board of Education Candidate – District D
Fellow North Harford County Citizens
My children have been attending North Harford schools for 9 years, and I’ve observed, and had numerous discussions with teachers and parents in our community, about what works and what doesn’t.
Everyday Mathematics happened to work for my children. It focused on giving them alternative ways to arrive at a numerical solution, while placing more of the responsibility for strict memorization of math facts on evening drills with us as a family. To be successful, this curriculum requires a commitment by our parents to shoulder some of the responsibility; but, it can be an effective way to instill in our children at an early age that “there is more than one way to skin a cat.” Quite frankly, as an employer of recently graduated scientists, the ability to find the solution, using a variety of creative or alternative means, is by far more valuable than a memorized fact.
Like Lorrie, I’ve also helped my children learn to spell correctly, but I also understand that one of the objectives of stretch spelling is to allow children to extend their thought process using a set of powerful tools – a pen and paper. Although stretch spelling temporarily suspends the focus on perfect spelling, it can be used to effectively introduce basic concepts of written communication, and encourage early experimentation with composition and grammar.
Nonetheless, in no way do I think that the curriculum cannot be improved. I frequently hear that Everyday Mathematics has been a source of frustration for many. The reason for this partly stems from the fact that it is foreign to the way we were taught. Although, I would not be a proponent of going back to a system of one size fits all, or rote memorization, I do believe that we need to provide alternative curriculum paths to account for the diversity in how each child learns best.
I’d like to take this opportunity, however, to speak more comprehensively about issues that are broader than curriculum. When you are considering the best candidate for our Board of Education, please consider this: The position, by its nature, requires listening to our community, understanding curriculum challenges, leadership, teaming and partnering skills, collaboration with the state and federal government, and the ability to work well, not only internally within our Board, but with our county council, and the various local agencies that provide social services and planning authority. A very long list!
The budget for the Board of Education is over $450 million; currently almost half of the entire county budget. Knowledge and experience with analyzing and managing a budget of this size is an important qualification for any candidate. Given the size of this allocation, and our current economic conditions, it is our responsibility to vigilantly plan, and implement a conservative schedule of expenditures for public school construction. This schedule must reflect our current fiscal realities, and must balance our children’s fundamental need for high-quality faculty, quality assurance, and administration support for primary curriculum, with our desire for state-of-the-art facilities. If it is our aspiration to provide challenging higher level programs, and to maintain the highest standards of excellence we expect from education in Harford County, then we may have to postpone our desire to improve our physical infrastructure until we can best afford it.
Lastly, please consider that within District D, we have essentially five, very diverse candidates running. Each candidate has some of the skills I’ve mentioned, but only one has all of them. I, alone, have a proven resume that demonstrates accomplishment of all of the critical components required for the job. In the course of managing the design and permitting of the private and public industry work my company is involved in, I am routinely at the table with regulators, department heads and interagency task forces; and I have a reputation for getting things done, and for finding win-win solutions among very disparate stake-holders.
The outgoing board members of District B and C include a well respected medical professional and a Joppatown businessman. Our district is replacing Robyn Rich, a successful non-profit organization director. Currently the Board already has three teachers/educators comprising its make-up, and two highly qualified PTA leaders. Quite frankly, I believe that the voice of the teacher and PTA leader is necessary, but is already well represented on the board.
Please look closely at my qualifications and the qualifications of my fellow candidates. I encourage you to visit my Board website at http://www.joehau.com, and feel free to communicate with me there, or by phone at anytime. Also, please visit my company’s website at http://www.cemscience.com to find out more about my day-job, and some of our community involvement. In conclusion, as a businessman and community leader, I submit to you that I am the most qualified candidate on the District D ballot, and that I will bring balance, knowledge, and the right skill-set to the Board.
Joe Hau, Board of Education Candidate – District D
The problem is that the ‘voice of the teacher’ should be the most important voice by far! Us teachers know how to run a classroom for sure; and in many cases a department, school, and maybe even a system. Not saying that all teachers are so qualified, but I would most certainly trust a teacher running the school system over a politician that seems to have changed party affiliation recently in preparation (an effort to make him more competitive) for his candidacy to a supposedly ‘non-partisan’ race.
While I do not think that all members of the school board need (nor would it be desirable) have educator backgrounds I do believe such experience is the most relevant to being a school board member. PTA experience or affiliation is also an asset but does not equate the the level of training and expertise of a classroom teacher. Only current board member Mr. Osman qualifies as having recent classroom experience. Mr. Wheeler has been far removed from the classroom for so long he no longer can relate to the issues facing today’s classroom teachers. Ms. Rich had some teaching background but is also leaving the board so that perspective will be lost.
Classroom teachers are the backbone of the school system. If administrators disappeared tomorrow education would still go on. Not so in the reverse. Classroom teachers should have significant representation on the school board because their experience is the most relevant to the responsibilities of the board.
BSmeter,
Please do not mistake my interest in serving on the Board of Education as an interest is being a politician, because that could not be further from the truth. I come from a family of educators and feel passionately about this topic alone.
At this point, I would be shocked if anyone other than close family voted for Glenn Miller. He insulted parents, teachers and kids in his responses.
To be perfectly honest, I was likewise wary of Mr. Grambo. He seemed to be more concerned with stating his politics rather than his opinions. It sounds nice to say that you are for school choice and competition. Schools aren’t businesses, and they aren’t funded in that way. Being that supportive of a charter/voucher system that has A: Been less than successful based on the available research, and B: is financially unsustainable, makes me concerned about your ability to make decisions based on what’s best for the county. We don’t want a politician from EITHER side. We want an advocate.
Mr. Hau, you also had the tone of a politician, though not quite as much as Mr. Grambo. You DO seem to have a good background for a job such as this. Your tone makes you come off a little shrill, however. Rather than emphasize the fact that you are an excellent candidate, you repeatedly choose to package yourself as being better than the others. Frankly, you come off as a tad overconfident, particularly since you aren’t a clear-cut best choice. Your business background and budgeting experience sets you apart from the rest. That said, two of your fellow candidates bring other things to the table that you do not. Just one person’s opinion, but emphasize your strengths as your strengths. If you are indeed the best person for the job, people will see that without you telling them three times in one interview.
Ms. Dauphinais brings a wealth of classroom experience, which is fantastic, however I was a bit concerned at the fact that she always brought it back to math. I know she is a math teacher, but there is no “math seat” on the school board. I don’t know if she posts here,but if so, what are your views on some of the issues facing the other core subjects?
The more I read from Ms. Warfield, the more I like her as a candidate. She doesn’t have the longest resume, but intelligence is not indicated by the number of degrees on the office wall. I liked the fact that she was willing to admit that there are things she doesn’t know. I liked the fact that she identified teachers, parents and administrators as the people to go to to learn the things she doesn’t know.
If I still lived in the county, my vote would be torn between Ms. Dauphinais and Ms. Warfield. Mr. Hau, with a less aggressive approach, would still be a possibility.
That said, I don’t live in the county any longer. I used to teach History in Harford County. I loved my job. I enjoyed working with the kids, and the parents were (far more often than not) FANTASTIC. I left because the county has attacked high standards in the classroom. I witnessed too many administrators (many of whom were promoted because they were related to higher ups) change the grades of students who had failed. I witnessed a teacher get yelled at for catching a student’s plagiarism. I witnessed easy A teachers (the kind who show movies every week) get honors-level classes, because that would keep parents from complaining about the grades that were actually deserved (a small, but very vocal, percentage of parents).
Elementary students have been short changed by being given Stretch Spelling and Everyday Math. 9th graders are getting short changed by sitting through LiCW. Seniors have been short changed without anyone even noticing. Rather than 12th grade British Literature (a course that nearly every student gets before going to college), most of the seniors are getting a “21st Century” English class. The text for this class is full of short, poorly written articles about pornography, cell phones, and digital media. Why is this not common knowledge? Why is it not a campaign issue?
For years now, the mantra of those in charge in Harford County has been “lower that bar.” The system is run on the assumption that the students are just not bright enough to handle the difficult content. Teachers who challenge students and try to raise the bar all too often get trampled by those who would rather sacrifice standards in exchange for docile happiness.
I realize that the budget is an important issue. I realize that individual curriculum decisions are hot topics right now. Whoever wins this election–Be aware that the problem is systemic. There is a culture of mediocrity thriving in HCPS. Please address that issue. Get rid of administrators/central office staff who prefer smooth waters to actual achievement. I’ve worked with these kids. I’ve worked with these parents. They are intelligent enough to really shine, if only we can stop telling them (through our school system’s actions) how stupid they are.
I Left,
We hold many of the same views, Central Office reductions, curriculum review, specific class elimination, greater classroom teacher input, etc., all of which I have addressed in my position paper at http://www.BobFrisch.org. If after reading you find me acceptable I would appreciate any assistance you could provide.
See other Dagger articles “Edgewood/Joppa School Board Candidates Debate Issues at Harford PTA Forum” and “Harford Board of Education District A: Foster, Frisch, and Robinson.”
Bob Frisch
Board of Education candidate
District A (Edgewood, Joppatowne, Joppa)
I’ve been reading the site for awhile now, and I’ve read many of your posts. You seem to have a good head on your shoulders, and the teaching background is always a plus (particularly at Kenwood. That was a tough school to teach in a few years back). I’m not sure what assistance you would be looking for, however. I no longer live in Harford County.
I Left,
I appreciate your favorable comments. As you know a personal recommendation is always the best advertising. If you could pass my name along to anyone you may still have contact with in Harford County that could help, especially if they live or know someone that lives in my district.
Are you still in education?
Thank you,
Bob Frisch
I Left,
Thank you for that serving of humble pie. For the record, my wife agrees with you! I will tone it down. I am most defintely not overconfident, but understand how it sounds that way. I am very passionate about school issues, and guess I got a little carried away.
Mr. Hau,
I wasn’t out to try and embarrass anyone or make them look bad. I was just doing a write up of my impressions on the interview. As I said, you have a great resume to bring to the table. I know that I was very interested in reading HOW you would bring your background as a scientist into the school system. Science courses can be some of the most engaging courses that our students get to take (I know I would always enjoy hearing the kids in the hallways talk about the “cool experiments” and such that they did in their science classes).
Again, just in one person’s opinion, that’s how I would present myself as a candidate in your shoes. People want to know how board decisions will impact their kids. You did a good job explaining the benefits of you businessman background. What tangible benefits can you implement with your background as a scientist? How can you use that to help you raise the level of expectations in the county?
I am currently a veteran teacher in HCPS. I can empathise with I Left’s comments earlier, but he left a big one out that leads to mediocrity in the system: the fact that the students are constantly pulled out of instructional classes for athletics and social activities. We have only been in school for 8 days so far and EVERY day so far at least 6 to 8 students in my last block class (12:30 – 2:00) get up and have to leave to be transported to another school for athletics or some other activity such as practicing music in the band and orchestra for a performance.
I have not been able to get any administrator,HCEA, MSEA, local politicians or anyone to take this issue seriously – that students constantly pulled from class has a negative impact on performance especially in the AP classes! (Unless, of course, the grades are inflated as a public relations event to mollify parents and administrators)
Here’s a question for the candidates. Would you consider requiring that students NOT be pulled out early to attend athletics or social activities? Would you find a way to provide that transportation after school instead (perhaps with some race to the top $)? Or are you just going to say . . . “allow them to make up the work”. When?
TP,
My position on such matters has been very clear. School is about children getting an education that will provide them the foundations they will need to lead successful and productive lives after graduation. If that means holding athletic contests a bit later in the day and curtailing the number of assemblies during the school year so be it. Most students will never play another organized athletic event after they leave school and this should not be the highlight of their high school experience.
I understand the value that athletics, clubs, and school based activities have for students. I was involved in many such activities as a student and so were my children, but these things must be kept in perspective to the primary function of our school system.
Restrictions on RTTT funds would not permit their use as you suggest. A simple restructuring of schedules is the most cost effective means to address your concerns.
As a classroom teacher I too am frustrated by lost instructional time, especially when I am held accountable for the academic performance of students that miss significant classroom time. The reality is that these disruptions usually have little to do with core academic courses that students need to graduate.
It is the responsibility of the school board to address these types of issues, set policy, and direct the superintendent to implement that plan of action. It is a question of leadership at the top and a willingness to insure compliance down to the individual school level.
If elected to the board this is one issue that will receive my prompt attention and correction.
Bob Frisch
Board of Education candidate
District A (Edgewood, Joppatowne, Joppa)
http://www.BobFrisch.org
As a parent of 2 children in the Harford County Public School System I completely disagree with you. If a student is not capable of handling a sports commitment – then they should not sign up for the sport or the AP class. To me – sports are a very important part of growing and learning… as much as the written part. That is why when grades fall below a certain level – they are not permitted to play sports. This is nothing new…. and has been the same policy since I was attending high school.
TP, thank you! In middle school, student are required to attend lessons once a week in addition to their scheduled band/orchestra class. I have been fighting for a change in this and can’t get anywhere. The schedule rotates so a student isn’t supposed to miss one class repeatedly, but so what! They are only allowed to miss lessons if they are having a test that day, which to me would be the easiest thing to make up. My kids have missed science labs, book discussions, etc. None of that can be made up. Some music teachers are more flexible and will accept a note from the teacher saying it is a bad class to miss because the in class assignment cannot be made up and is crucial to the understanding of the unit. Others are not! My son, in 8th grade, was caught in an arguement between his english and his orchestra teachers. The english teacher said he had to stay in class, and the orchestra teacher told him he would receive a zero for the lesson if he didn’t attend since there was no test that day. No child should EVER be put in that position. My son chose to stay in english and he received a zero for the lesson and was not allowed to make it up. Of course, an email to the principal had that changed, but what a crazy policy. My son felt he was treated differently by his orchestra teacher from then on.
And make up lessons are ridiculous as that forces the student to miss 2 classes the following week. I can’t figure out why more parents aren’t complaining about this policy. Orchestra is a scheduled class. I don’t see math teachers pulling students out of other academic classes for more math time, why are music teachers allowed to do this?
The athletics schedule is also ridiculous. My daughter wanted to join the track team at her high school, and did so in her freshman year. They practiced every single day after school until after 5PM and on Saturdays. Is this really necessary? I don’t believe a child should have to give up all other interests just to join a high school sports team. She was also a very serious dancer, and now teaches dance as one of her part time jobs while in college. Students in athletis can’t even hold down a part time job because of how obsessive the sports schedules are. I see no reason the practice schedule should be so intense for a high school student. This is the time in their life where they should be able to explore different interests and the crazy schedule doesn’t allow for that.
TP,
I am completely in agreement with Bob on this issue. We reluctantly pulled our son out of band this year, his last in middle school, because of the frequency with which he was pulled out of core classes, especially his advanced math class. While we want our son to be fully educated, and this includes music, we realize that he will never be a professional musician. He will, however, need to have a command of math, science and the humanities no matter what career he chooses. Restructuring the schedule is definitely the way to go.
I Left,
If you have visited my website, you know that I am very concerned about America losing our lead in the production of top-quality scientists and engineers. Since you have asked, here is how I will bring my background as a scientist to the BOE.
First, we need to have basic scientific teaching tools in our classrooms. Our company donates microscopes and other teaching aids to HCPS each year for exactly this reason. I would not be shy about asking other scientific firms, or even APG, to do the same. It is very inexpensive for us, but makes a world of difference to the teachers and students.
Second, the science curriculum cannot be based on memorization of facts alone. Whether a student chooses a career in science, or not, he or she will definitely need critical thinking and problem-solving skills in any career. I will be looking to ensure that HCPS curriculum gives this education to our students.
Third, students need to “experience” science, not just “learn” it. Just as you say, they respond with much more interest to “cool experiments.” We have wonderful resources in APG, Eden Mill and Harford Glen. I will advocate increased use of these resources for such experiential learning.
I recently read in Progressive Farmer that 63% of graduate hires in 2009 had previous internship or work experience. That has been my experience at my company, where we have hired 67% of our summer interns. I also think that local businesses in these fields, including APG, should be contacted about having teachers as interns over the summer.
I Left, thank you for your contribution! The only thing I disagree about is school choice. I believe the competition would make our schools better.
I have said for a long time that if you are not an average student, HCPS will do everything they can to make sure you graduate as one. With the exception of the Science and Math Academy, high achieving students are ignored and special needs students are often mainstreamed into a classroom to sit in the back and be ignored.
I am, in general, not a fan of magnet programs, but my middle child begged and begged for us to allow her to apply to the SMA. She won us over when she insisted that she couldn’t believe we would deny her this opportunity. So we let her apply with the silent hope that she would be turned down. She graduated from the SMA last year and I am so glad she was so persuasive. She got an amazing education there. But this is not an endorsement of magnet programs! The SMA is different, in that the Army Alliance approached HCPS with the funding, the support, and the curriculum. The equipment they had access to was amazing, the teachers knew how to teach advanced students, and the capstone project, where they worked with a mentor in the field, was invaluable. I have researched the programs for the other magnets, in place and proposed. The Health Sciences magnet that was originally pitched for Bel Air High School is a joke. There are a few extra classes available, otherwise there is no difference. HCPS is actively seeking support and funding for the other magnets, where they were approached with the idea for the SMA. It would be a mistake to think that the other magnets are in any way similar to what the SMA is. Mostly because the administrators are not involved, therefore, it is a true learning experience for these students and they are pushed to learn as much as possible.
I think it is really a shame that some of these tools aren’t available to all of the students at HCPS, but I am so thankful that my daughter convinced us to let her apply. As a result, she was accepted into a Living Learning Program for Chemical Engineering at UMBC, her first choice. That alone was a $60,000 scholarship. She is doing a double major with music performance (oboe) and with her other scholarships we paid less than $1000 this semester and she is taking 21 credits.
The SMA thrives in spite of the administration of HCPS, not because of it. I believe our students would all have a better opportunity to a better education if the administration would undergo significant changes!
Sandy, my issue with increased choice has more to do with fiscal reality than wanting to keep people from finding a school that best fits their needs. Since school funding is often expressed in terms of “HCPS spends $(insert random number) of dollars per student,” people seem to think that that amount is actually spend evenly on each student.
The average kid actually benefits from only a tiny fraction of that number. Special needs kids (speech/language therapy, personal TA’s for emotional/developmental issues, etc etc) receive a far larger portion of the pie. That’s not a problem. They need more support, and they are constitutionally guaranteed to receive that support.
People who propose ideas like Mr. Grambo fail to take this simple economic reality into account. They think that funding is simply evenly distributed to each student. Thus, from their point of view, issuing a voucher or giving a tax credit for “that child’s slice of the pie” to go to a different school seems like common sense. It’s not. When an average kid (who in actuality only received 1/10th of the amount spent “per pupil”) is given a full “per pupil” amount of funding to go elsewhere, that leaves the special needs kids behind. Those kids still need their accommodations, and they are still guaranteed those accommodations by the Constitution. The problem is that the money is no longer there to pay for those accommodations.
Vouchers and tax credits, in practice, actually cripple the finances of a school system. The entire premise is set up around the idea of issuing $4,000 dollars to a child who had actually only been receiving $400 of the budget (due to differing levels of need). It’s unsustainable. Unfortunately, Mr. Grambo seems to be more concerned with scoring political points than in researching how schools are actually set up and operated. This holds true of Charter Schools as well. The vast majority of independent research on Charters has shown that Charter Schools have a horrible track record across the nation. They almost always fail, sucking millions of dollars of funding when they do.