I’ve lived in Howard County since 2005, with 2 children attending our schools. I’m a Boston College alumnus, and served as a congressional investigator on Capitol Hill prior to having children. My education advocacy started with the PTA, and I served as PTA Council president for 3 terms. Since being elected to the BOE, I’ve tried very hard to represent the entire community and defend everyone’s rights to have input into board decisions. I believe it’s the duty of our elected officials to listen to the community, be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and make data-driven decisions.
Campaign Website: https://christinaforboe.org/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaDelmontSmallBoE/
What are the top three issues that you will solve as a Board of Education member?
- Reinforce the BOE as a check and balance on the superintendent/school system by providing the superintendent clear expectations and guidance.
- Institute responsible budgeting and spending of tax dollars that takes into account current and future needs, and improves individual student achievement.
- Improve the redistricting process through a thorough review of Policy 6010 – School Attendance Areas including community input, decisions based on capacity and proximity, and work with the county government to align the General Plan and development decisions with HCPSS school planning areas.
What unique skills & experience do you bring to the Board of Education?
As a former Congressional waste, fraud and abuse investigator, PTA member, PTACHC president, member/co-chair of the OBRC, and a BOE member since 2016, I’m intimately familiar with the inner workings of the school system and am uniquely qualified to continue to serve on the BOE.
I have a record of asking the superintendent to provide complete and accurate information in a timely manner, making decisions based on data, not emotions, telling it like it is – no matter how unpopular the truth may be, and governing using a commonsense approach that incorporates community input into decisions.
Why do you want to serve on the Howard County Board of Education?
I’m seeking re-election because there’s still work to be done to improve the transparency, oversight, and accountability of the BOE/HCPSS. I’ve worked hard to make improvements and want to continue to ensure that the BOE works with our community, stakeholders, employees, and funding authorities to sustain a school system that provides the education each child needs. To work together with the county/state government as we continue to face fiscal and capacity challenges, yet still maintain our independence and local authority to make decisions for the school system.
General Election Forums & Debates
Campaign Finance Data Analysis
August 25, 2020 Analysis
**Full analysis & opinion available here
Videos
Candidate Forum Introduction Statements
Mount Hebron PTA Forum – 2/11/20
HoCo NU / CAPA / ION / FEI / Scott E’s Blog / HoCo Kids Forum – 2/16/20
The People’s Voice Forum – 2/25/20
Achievement Gap & Education Equity
What is your plan for narrowing the social & racial opportunity gap in Howard County schools?
Budget
What’s your view on the proposed FY2021 HCPSS Operating Budget?
Would you present a budget asking for all possible covered needs? If not, what would you prioritize?
County & State Government Issues
Do you agree or disagree with the recommendations of the Kirwan Commission?
Miscellaneous
What are your top 3 priorities for the BOE?
How have you worked collaboratively with people that you don’t necessarily agree with?
What is one decision that you believe the current BOE got right?
What type of involvement do you currently have with the PTA and/or BOE?
Redistricting
What did you learn from the last redistricting process and what is your top factor for redistricting?
Would you consider rolling back the 2019 redistricting plan?
What are the pros & cons of the recent redistricting decision? What would you have done differently?
What has school board done to guarantee redistricted children who need before & after care will receive bus transportation?
School Construction & Maintenance
Do you feel that the next HS should be in on the location of the Timbers at Troy golf course?
How would you address developer involvement & advocacy in HCPSS affairs?
What will you do to help inner school capacity and do away with the allocation system?
What are your solutions to the perpetual school overcrowding that plagues our schools, especially on the Route 1 corridor?
School Policies & Issues
What is your plan for educating children from an early age about minority students to prevent bullying?
Should guns be allowed in schools? Does their presence serve to increase security?
How can discipline be improved in elementary schools?
Small Group Discussion
Mount Hebron PTA Forum – 2/11/20
Superintendent
What grade would you give the Superintendent for his performance on redistricting?
Candidate Forum Closing Statements
Mount Hebron PTA Forum – 2/11/20
HoCo NU / CAPA / ION / FEI / Scott E’s Blog / HoCo Kids Forum – 2/16/20
Attended but video not recorded
The People’s Voice Forum – 2/25/20