BOE

Carry the torch and move forward

Part of my speech at 4/7/2018 African American Coalition and Delta Sigma Theta Soroity BOE Candidate Forum:

When I grew up, Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech “I have a dream” was one of the few English articles I was asked to recite. I really like it and he motivated and changed this county.

If it were not for Dr. King and the civil rights movement, I would not even be here, let alone running for BOE.

Civil rights movement never ends until everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Education is one of the key parts of this movement and this dream. We must provide equitable learning opportunities for each student. We must also encourage our students to overcome all difficulties and pursue their dream.

 

2018 First Generation Candidates in Howard County

There are many first generation American citizens running for public office this year in Howard County. I asked Baltimore Sun (Columbia Flier) to have some coverage on this topic and have not heard back yet. I believe this is an interesting topic. Every candidate can share his/her unique story.

For the 2018 BOE election, there are four first time and first generation candidates: myself, Saif Rehman, Anita Pandey and Sabina Taj. For the county council, there are three candidates: Raj Kathuria( District 1), John Liao ( District 2), Hiruy Hadgu(District 3).

I had an interview with ACM media in Rockville, Maryland in March, 2018. I talked about why I want to run and what I want to bring to the Howard County BOE. It was conducted in Chinese. Both John and I were interviewed together.

I am running for BOE because I want to bring change and a new perspective to the school board. School budget, school safety and student performance are my top priorities. I want to bring an engineer and analyst background to the board, seek common ground and look for practical and optimal solutions to solve many problems HCPSS is facing now.

If you can understand Chinese a little bit, please watch it.

School Safety is my top priority

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Safety for our students has always been one of my top priorities. The arrest of the HCPSS substitute teacher Steven Katz in Montgomery County and the shooting at Great Mills High School of Maryland have clearly shown that these nationwide issues could very well end up happening in our own schools. These tragedies have shocked and saddened me. My condolences go out to those families who have been negatively impacted. As adults, we have the obligation to protect our kids. We must stop just talking about the issue and start taking action NOW. Our kids shouldn’t feel scared when going to school. I am determined to make school safety a top priority as it should have been all along if I am elected as a  BOE member.

I will re-examine and strengthen information sharing among government and law enforcement agencies to make sure that our school system has up-to-date information available regarding school safety. The arrest of Steven Katz was known to the public before the news reached to the HCPSS offices.

I will ensure allocation of adequate resources for mental health to help both students and school staff better handle pressure, access counselors whenever needed, and, again, streamline information sharing between parents, schools, and other partners. We also need to put more efforts to curb cyber bullying which is now a prevailing problem for teenagers.

I will not allow guns on campus, except for those owned by school resource officer (SRO) which should reside in each and every high schools.

I will continue to work on the overcrowding issue at school, to reduce portable classrooms gradually (at least focusing on the portable classroom safety now) and install alarm system for the school facilities.

We should also continue to monitor and improve school bus safety.

It is shocking to see so many school shootings this year. I strongly condemn these events including the latest one at Great Mills High School. We must work together to prevent such events in the future. I welcome your participation and suggestions as this will be one of my top priorities as a BOE member. Strong school safety is what everyone needs. 

 

HCPSS Equitable and Effective Discipline Forum

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I joined many community members in this forum and listened to Dr. Gina Massella’s presentation this morning at Long Reach High School at 8:30.

In my table, we had a NAACP of HoCo member, a LRHS student council student, Barb Krupiarz from HCPSS Special Education Advisory Committee and an HCPSS teacher(facilitator). I learned a lot and we should improve the situation asap.

We have a lot to do. In one way, we should not be afraid of discipling students because we want to have our numbers look good. But most important, we should address the discipline problem with students, staff and parents to help our students grow and succeed. Out-of-school discipline is especially not good to the students and should be minimized. The process probably will not finish in a day, but I am confident we can achieve that. And we should have the urgency to fix it too.

Attached are some figures.

Feedback from my February candidate community meetings

Thanks to Alan Klein and Janet Evans’s support. I had two “meet your candidate” meetings at Village of Harper’s Choice and Village of Long Reach in this February. I really like this kind of small scale community meetings such that we can have great dedicated convetsation.

Here are the questions I heard from our communities.

  1. School ranking: why are some schools are better than others?
  2. How do you view standardized test?
  3. What can the board do to help disadvantaged children?
  4. Why you are running?
  5. What do you think about Dr. Foose?
  6. Did you get teacher association’s endorsement?
  7. Issues: school start time, school redistricting, vocational schools

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2018 HoCo BOE Overview

Overview of Howard County Board of Education

There was a CAPA civic seminar: an overview of HoCo BOE on January, 27,2018. I wish you find it is useful. It talks about what is Board of Education, who are the BOE members and what they are doing.

I asked the audience to name any BOE members after masking their name. Unfortunately among 40 audiences, only a few can name the BOE members’ names.

Questionnaire and Answers (First)

From Dr. Chao Wu, 2018 Howard County Board of Education Candidate

The following answers are my positions to the questionnaire presented to me by Corey Andrews, former BOE candidate and the Administrator of Facebook Group: Howard County, Maryland.

Q1. What experiences do you have that qualify you to serve on the Board of Education?

A1: I have been actively involved with the school system. I served on the BOE Operating Budget Review Committee (OBRC). I have testified on multiple issues during Board of Education hearings including later school starting time and school redistricting. Most recently I provided suggestions to the school regarding transportation optimization. I have been attending the HCPSS Community Advisory Committee and my local PTA meetings.

I have been elected twice as a Board Member of Columbia Association and River Hill Village Association. I am a strong proponent of fiscal health and great customer service for Columbia Association.

I was educated in three different education systems, China, Singapore and USA. My unique international education experience gives me a multi-dimensional perspective and approach while looking at issues and solving problems.

Originated from my training as an engineer, I am always looking for optimal and practical solutions to problems that I have encountered. I strongly believe that with good education and hard-working spirit, our students will find a great future for themselves after graduating from HCPSS.

Q2. What role does a member of the Howard County Board of Education fill?

A2: A school board member should serve as a policy maker to serve all the students and families in the county.

Q3. Have you ever attended a meeting of the Howard County Board of Education?

A3: I have been consistently attending the board meetings. And I testified in front of BOE numerous times on important issues that face HCPSS students and their families.

Q4. Numerous officials have indicated that the Howard County government will be facing a few difficult years ahead in budgeting and finance. How do you propose the Board of Education address these challenges?

A4: The BOE should look both inside and outside. Inside the school system, we should make any school programs accountable to reduce waste, improve efficiency and reduce cost. Outside the school system, we should advocate for more funding from county government, state government and other possible funding resources.

We should also communicate these difficulties to the parents. We may need to cut programs and service which will negatively impact some students. With their help and understanding, it is easier for the school system to move forward. The board should have a clear vision and direction how we can get out of the mounting deficit in an orderly manner.

Q5. Based on the information available to you, briefly assess Dr. Martirano’s first year in office.

A5: I am satisfied with Dr. Martirano’s first year. He communicates with the community well and seeks common ground while making important decisions.

Q6. What does “equity” in education mean to you, and how should HCPSS achieve it?

A6: I believe equity is great and is an achievable goal for our community. HCPSS should utilize resources accordingly to make sure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Q7. In specifics, how should the Board of Education address school overcrowding?

A7: The BOE should make sure to use every method to address school overcrowding, increase facility utilization rate in every school, slow down or stop increasing the portable classroom gradually.

Since the board approved high school #13 at Mission road, the board should continue look for high school 14. The board should make sure high school #13 will be completed on time. The board should make sure the elementary school in Turf Valley be on track. The board should make sure we build schools where the students are residing.

The board should always have a long term vision on the growing student population, prepare and plan for this growth.

Q8. Briefly, what are your top three priorities if elected?

A8: My top three priorities would be:

1: Fix the deficit problem,

2: Increase board collaboration,

3: Provide equitable opportunities for students and motivate students to learn.

2018 Final HoCo BOE 13 Candidate List

There are 13 Board of Education candidates (We need elect 8 for the primary on Tuesday 6/26/2018 and elect 4 on Tuesday 11/6/2018). School board member has a part time job, but the work is tremendously important to our community. Their work can help us strengthen our school system and guarantee a quality education for all of our children on this county.

I will be your candidate who listens to you, seeks common ground and makes sound and practical judgements.

Here is the list of 2018 HoCo BOE candidates and I will highlight how I know them before.

Candidate Website Background
Chao Wu http://www.chaowu.org It is me, an engineer and analyst, a Board Member of Columbia Association and River Hill Village Association
Sabina Taj sabinataj.org Adjunct Professor at Howard Community College
Mavourene Robinson none CAC member, used to be River Hill Village Board Member
Saif Reihman http://www.vote4rehman.com A private business owner
Carleen Pena none CAC member
Anita Pandey http://www.anitapandeyboe.org Professor from Morgan State University
Robert Miller http://www.miller4boe.org Retired HCPSS teacher, ran BOE in 2016
Jen Mallo votejenmallo.com CAC member. I knew her husband through BOE Operating Budget Review Committee meetings before.
Danny Mackey dannymackey.org HCPSS graduate
Christopher Michael Hilfiger hilfigerforboe.com none
Timothy Hodgson Hamilton hamiltonforboe.com none
Bog Glascock http://www.bobglascock.org retired HCPSS teacher
Vicky Cutroneo none ran BOE in 2016, current PTAC president

Here CAC stands for Community Advisory Committee for HCPSS. When I wrote the article around 9:30PM tonight, we had only twelve candidates. Now we got the 13th candidate:Vicky Cutroneo.

Meet your candidate twice in February

I am inviting you to meet your HoCo BOE candidate Chao Wu at the following two events:

First One:

Time: Monday 7:00-9:00PM, February -19- 2018

Location: The Marchand Room of Kahler Hall, Village of Harpers’ Choice

Address: 5440 Old Tucker Row, Columbia, MD, 21044

Pizza and drinks will be provided. Kids are welcome.

Second One:

Time: 7:00PM-9:00PM, Wednesday, Februrary-21-2018

Location: The Jeffers Hill Neighborhood Center, Village of Long Reach

Address: 6030 Tamar Dr, Columbia, MD 21045

Pizza and drinks will be provided. Kids are welcome.

 

My Thought on Proposed HCPSS FY 2019 Operating Budget

I am sharing some of my thoughts on the superintendent Dr. Martirano’s proposed 2019 HCPSS operating budget.

  1. It is great that he proposed something reasonable than previous superintendent did. A 3.9% increase of funding request will be more likely funded by the county government and others. In the previous year, a nearly 10% increase of funding request was proposed and they knew it would not be approved. Then some people played political games. I wish in the future, they always come out with a reasonable funding request. It will be even better that they consult with the county government on the possible funding.
  2. I am glad to see that a four-year plan to address the Health Fund structural imbalance and deficit is proposed, especially Dr. Martirano will be the superintendent for the next four years. The deficit balance has accumulated over several years and is projected to reach a balance of $50.5 million by year end FY 2018. So HCPSS spent around 150 million dollars on the employee’s health care yearly (?). While I sat on the BOE Operating Budget Review Committee in 2017, I immediately realized how serious the deficit problem would be. I believe the HCPSS health care plan should be restructured. Incentives should be given to those staff who may use some high detuctble insurance plan, etc.
  3. I am glad that teachers’ salary increase is on the table. We should always treat our teachers with respect and pay them well.

Several considerations from myself:

  1. The HCPSS transportation issue was not discussed. I wish they continue to optimize the bus service such that they increase the safety of bus service (hiring more staff from last year ORBC recommendation), increase the efficiency of the bus service ( route planning/optimizing using high technology). This is also related to the “start high school later” movement which I believe in. A reasonable school start time for all schools between 8:00-9:30 is more acceptable. The number one concern is that doing so will increase the transportation cost dramatically so I wish optimization and technology will find a way to implement this change.

What is your thought?

Our first campaign finance report is out

I am so grateful for the vast support from the community. Until 1/10/2018, I received 144 donations, total of $11,267. The maximum donation is $500 and the minimum is $10. The average donation is $78 and the median donation is $50.

Thank you so much for all of your support and trust in my campaign. I believe I will make a great BOE board member with my three main focuses:

  1. Building Trust with a Collaborative and Open Mindset
  2. Providing Equitable Learning Opportunities for All by Informing and Empowering Students, Parents and Families
  3. Motivating Students to Achieve Their Success

For details, please look at my platform www.chaowu.org/issues/

For donations, please visit www.chaowu.org/donate

New Issue with HCPSS New High School 13

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Update on 3/9/2018: The high school #13 was chosen to be at the Mission Road during 3/8/2018 board meeting.

Last week, the HCPSS board of education has officially rejected two potential sites ( one is near Rockburn Park and the other is near Mission road (with an active quarry there) for consideration of high school 13.  With the current situation, the originally conceived to be opened in 2022 High School 13 seems far from settled.  It seems that it will take much longer to find a suitable site for this school. Unless we select the site, we will not be able to get the Maryland state funding for this construction.

Considering the huge impact generated by last year (2017) HCPSS school redistricting, the high school #13 is at least a consensus for many county residents and politicians. In reality, the site selection should start much earlier before this crisis.

This is actually not the only issue of high school 13. We are facing a problem of long term planning for high schools.  We need an immediate high school 13 to relieve the overcrowding issue in several high schools. We need high school 14 very soon to accommodate our annual student growth ( by 1000 a year at least).

If I am elected as board member this November of 2018, I will keep new school constructions on the board agenda all the time. We need at least focus on the following issues:

  1. Looking at different school models, for example, expanding existing old schools, building larger schools or smaller schools depending on the land purchase situation.
  2. Purchase/reserve future school site(land) now with consideration of population growth. If we only purchase land when needed, the land price will be much higher at the time. With a potential site determined earlier, it will also help guide future county development.

I am looking forward to hearing from you as well.

 

My Interview with Columbia Flier

This was published on Nov. 16, 2017. I was email interviewed by the reporter Mr. Andrew Michaels. He asked me the top ONE priority as a new school board member and I honestly just presented one point.

Here are what I believe important to the students, parents and the community:

  1. Motivate all students to learn and achieve their dream
  2. Expand learning opportunities for all students
  3. Have accountability and transparency in HCPSS. Just check the other news that 23M deficit from school health fund.

The online version is here: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/columbia/ph-ho-cf-board-candidates-20171109-story.html

As many can see under the candidate introduction, there is the news about $23M deficit from school health fund.  I talked about this problem long time ago and it is the exact example why we need transparency and accountability in HCPSS.

Final 2018 HCPSS School Redistricting

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Final 2018 HCPSS School Redistricting

After this long summer and fall with the first feasibility study version, two Area Attendance Committee versions and the superintendent version, the final 2018 HCPSS School redistricting result is out tonight. After the vote, each board member and the superintendent Dr. Martirano shared their thoughts about the process and the result.

To find your polygon number and Final Adopted School Year 2018-19 Attendance Areas (each house is assigned a number( called polygon) and the school is attached with that number) at: ttp://hcpss-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=69b81ef51ffa4bf8b7160a5432e40bed

The original document is here http://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/hcpssmd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=ASRRFW6CD61C. But the polygon number is not there yet and it is hard to read. I will make sure the following polygon numbers are correct. Email me if you find inconsistency.

Elementary School Changes

Sending School          Receiving School      Polygon Number

Bellows Spring            Rockburn                     83,1083

Clements Crossing     Pointers Run               127

Deep Run                     ES #42                           30,1030,2030

Ducketts Lane             ES #42                          33,35,1035,1036,2035,4035

Rockburn ES               ES #42                          32,1032

Manor Woods            Triadelphia                   1171

Manor Woods            Waverly                        304

Manor Woods            West Friendship          171, 178, 179, 1178, 1179

Middle School Changes

Sending School             Receiving School           Polygon Number

Burleigh Manor             Mount View                       171

Harpers Choice             Wilde Lake                          66, 134, 1066, 1134, 2134

Lime Kiln                       Clarksville Middle              117, 118, 120, 123, 126, 127, 296, 1117, 1120, 1123, 1296

Mayfield Woods           Elkridge Landing                83,1083

Thomas Viaduct           Mayfield Woods                  82,2082

High School Changes:

The school uses Jump Start and  Direct Open Enrollment to alleviate the overcrowding schools.

Other Policy Changes:

  1. Allow students at Howard High School, Centennial High School, and Long Reach High School to enroll in the JumpStart Program at Oakland Mills High School or River Hill High School, and to also allow trailing siblings, who will share at least one year in the high school together to enroll at the school of their older sibling in the Jump Start Program. HCPSS will provide transportation through collector sites for the duration of the JumpStart program.
  2. Move that, as capacity allows at Oakland Mills High School or River Hill High School and after students and their siblings are enrolled in the JumpStart Program that students from Centennial High School, Howard High School, and Long Reach High School may apply for directed open enrollment to Oakland Mills High School or River Hill High School. HCPSS will provide transportation through collector sites for the duration of the JumpStart program.
  3. Move to direct the Superintendent to propose revisions to Policy 9000 to support the JumpStart Program, enrollment of siblings of students enrolled in the JumpStart Program, and directed open enrollment, for review on December 7, 2017.
  4. Move that parent(s) may request that their rising eighth grade student remain at their 2017/2018 middle school with transportation provided by parent(s). The parent(s) must apply using the Student Reassignment process as outlined in Policy 9000 Implementation Procedures, Section IV. Student Reassignment Initiated by Parents. Deadlines to request reassignment are to be announced.
  5. Move that parent(s) may request for their student with an Individualized Education Plan or Section 504 plan to remain at their current school until completion of that school level with transportation provided by parents. If transportation is included in the IEP or 504 plan transportation would continue to be provided by HCPSS. The parent must apply using the Student Reassignment process as outlined in Policy 9000 Implementation Procedures, Section IV. Student Reassignment Initiated by Parents. Deadlines to request reassignment are to be announced.
  6. Move that parent(s) who, as defined by Policy 9000, is/are currently active duty military personnel, may request for their student(s) to remain at their current school until completion of the school level, with transportation provided by parents. The parent(s) must apply using the Student Reassignment process as outlined in Policy 9000 Implementation Procedures, Section IV. Student Reassignment Initiated by Parents. Deadlines to request reassignment are to be announced.
  7. The board will continue discussion on the school redistricting if further changes are needed.

Survey on HCPSS superintendent search

The choices are:

1.     INTEGRITY:  Honest and ethical, with strong moral principles, self-confidence and personal performance. Inspires trust and optimism.

2.     PEOPLE SKILLS: Builds relationships and interacts with others respectfully.  Develops productive working relationships to minimize conflict and maximize rapport. Presents a positive image of the school system.

3.     CULTURAL PROFICIENCY:  Responds to the challenges presented by a culturally diverse community.  Demonstrates cultural competence on issues of equitable educational outcomes and diversity.

4.     COMMUNICATION & LISTENING SKILLS: Strong oral and written communicator, willing to listen to stakeholder input. Possesses the ability to work with the media.

5.     INNOVATION & CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Knowledgeable regarding emerging research and best practices in education.  Change agent who leads large organizations in innovation and focusses on continuous improvement efforts to enhance student achievement.

6.     STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT:  Able to enhance student performance, as well as identify and close or narrow the gaps in student achievement. Establishes a culture of high expectations for all students and personnel.  Focusses on student needs, and provides for the urgent needs of underachieving students.

7.     WHOLE CHILD & STUDENT FIRST PHILOSOPHY: Committed to a “student first” philosophy.  Creates a learning climate for student achievement and promotes positive student behavior. Addresses the educational and social/emotional outcomes of all students.  Emphasizes preparing every student to maximize his/her potential and graduate from HCPSS ready to enter the job market or begin college.

8.     MOTIVATIONAL LEADER:  Possesses a deep understanding of the teaching and learning process, and promotes the importance of providing a safe and caring school environment. Respects and inspires teachers, administrators, and staff to be student-focused and innovative. Recruits and retains high-caliber staff and teachers throughout the school system. Ensures all staff members receive relevant professional development. Selects school and central office administrators who advance the vision of the school system.

9.     COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP & COLLABORATION: Community-focused and fosters a collaborative, positive, and professional climate of mutual trust and respect among all stakeholders – faculty, staff, administrators, students, parents, Board of Education, and community members.  Knowledgeable about Howard County, Maryland and HCPSS.  Can build consensus and commitment among individuals and groups. Establishes meaningful, long-term partnerships with a wide range of civic, community, educational, and governmental organizations throughout Howard County and Maryland. Develops and maintains a mutually beneficial relationship between the business community and the school district.

10.  LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE:  Can lead an organization throughout the legislative process and works with legislators on key topics.  Works cooperatively with the Board of Education and keeps members informed.

11.  EDUCATION LEVEL & EXPERIENCE:  Has a record of success as an educational leader of a large school district or other institution of similar complexity with and has demonstrated strong leadership skills in previous positions. Possesses an earned Ed.D. or Ph.D. degree.

12.  STRATEGIC PLANNING – VISION & MISSION:  Develops and communicates a vision of quality education for HCPSS students.  Implements educational priorities consistent with the interests and needs of students, staff, board and community. Develops both short and long-range district goals.

13.  BUSINESS MANAGEMENT & FINANCIAL ACUMEN: Demonstrates sound management practices, includes stakeholders in planning and decision-making. Experienced with employee representative groups/unions. Able to delegate authority appropriately while maintaining accountability. Knowledgeable regarding sound fiscal procedures.  Manages the long-term fiscal health and stability of the system.  Ensures efficient daily operations and long-range planning for the school system.

14.  DATA DRIVEN & DECISION MAKING: Clarifies the nature of the problem before deciding on an action, recommendation or decision. Generates alternatives and efficiently selects the best option based on data rather than assumptions or anecdotal input.

15.  RISK TAKING:  Calculates appropriate measures of risk when pursuing goals.  Actions are highly strategic and enhance the overall achievement of the school system.

16.  DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP:  Invites stakeholders to participate in the decision-making process.  Open and collegial style allows ideas move freely with open discussion.

 

My testimony on the School Redistricting

School Redistricting Issues facing our school system

By Chao Wu

Unfortunately I could not speak at the public forum due to a time conflict. Here is my written testimony.

2017-11-07

My name is Chao Wu, a candidate running for the 2018 school board. Thanks for the board taking  extraordinary time and discussion on the very important issues we are facing now. I would like to share my thoughts:

1)     Allow walkers be walkers to keep communities together and to minimize the extra transportation time and resources. There are many guidelines in the Policy 6010 to keep contiguous community together.  Walkers are a key and stable part of the community. We hope the board and the superintendent will keep this principle in mind while we find ways to alleviate overcrowding.

 2)     Have a back-up plan and prepare for redistricting to alleviate the overcrowded schools if the superintendent’s JumpStart could not enroll enough students.

 3)     Accelerate the construction of high school #13 and new elementary schools that are much overdue. There is an immediate need for the new high schools and elementary schools. I hope the board can keep working with the county council, county executive, and state government and allow the construction to start as soon as possible.

 4)     Don’t forget the effort on pursuing a more scientific school start time that affects all the County’s children. There are much research indicating the advantages of starting school later.  Some of our high school children have to get up as early as 5:30 AM to board the school bus which is clearly not healthy for our school age children. Last year’s proposals were not able to correct the high school student school time problems without creating new problems. We hope the board and superintendent will not forget this important priority that affects all our children.

 I believe we are a student focused education system. We can do better. We need to find a common sense solution and seek common ground for the benefit of all our students.

First Baltimore Sun Report on my BOE Campaign

This is the first Baltimore Sun report on my BOE campaign. The reporter Andrew Michales emailed me questions and I answered them by email.

Extracted from the newspaper:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/columbia/ph-ho-cf-board-candidates-20171109-story.html

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Wu, who currently has children in the school system, said his time on the Columbia Association’s Board of Directors has shown him how to incorporate diversity and equity into the decision-making process. Wu has represented the Columbia Village of River Hill on the association’s board and been a board member of the River Hill Village Association since 2015.

Giving children the motivation to achieve is crucial to his platform, Wu said.

“If our children are motivated to learn and excel, there will be no difficulties we could not overcome,” he said. “Each child has different potential and the teacher and school should help to find it and drive the student to achieve that with help from their families.”

The photo was taken from that report.