Matt Levine - HoCo Watchdogs

Matt Levine is a resident of Howard County and lives in the Village of River Hill with his wife and two children. In December 2018, he was appointed to complete a term of the River Hill Board of Directors. In Spring 2019, he was elected to serve a full term on the Board.

He administers two Community Facebook Forums: “Village of River Hill Happenings” and “Howard County School Support.” Matt believes that we can do better to support students. Matt is committed to the idea that we must provide the quality education that all students need to succeed.

Campaign Website: http://www.VoteMatt4HoCo.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/VoteMatt4HoCo

What are the top three issues that you will solve as a Board of Education member?

End redistricting in its current form and make it an option only when new schools open.
Encourage first-rate educational programs for students with special needs.
Ensure transparent, collaborative planning and budget processes.

What unique skills & experience do you bring to the Board of Education?

I’ve been committed to our schools since I first volunteered to help design and build a new playground for my sons’ preschool. As a volunteer and as a parent, I have engaged in school technology issues, including teaching a technology class for elementary school students in the area. I’m also committed to our county. In addition to coaching wrestling for youth from across the county, I regularly attend Board of Education meetings to get a better picture of what works and what is most needed.

Why do you want to serve on the Howard County Board of Education?

There are several goals that I would like to achieve as a community advocate and member of the Board of Education. I would specifically like to encourage (1) an end to the current approach to redistricting; (2) a transparent, collaborative planning and budget processes; (3) consideration of novel cost containment strategies; (4) a critical review of operational practices regarding special education; and (5) an updated plan to optimize facilities investments.

Videos

Candidate Forum Introduction Statements

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

Budget

What’s your view on the proposed FY2021 HCPSS Operating Budget?

Do you agree with increasing class size in order to fund new central office admin positions?

Would you support eliminating G/T programs in the schools?

Would you present a budget asking for all possible covered needs? If not, what would you prioritize?

How can we maintain the quality of HCPSS educational excellence without significant tax increases?

County & State Government Issues

What is your opinion of Kirwan Commission recommendations and funding tax increases?

How will you work with a state delegation and County Council and ensure that you retain local control over HCPSS?

Debates

Scott E’s Blog Candidate Debates (May 2020)

Miscellaneous

What topic, issue or vote has been handled most poorly by the BOE in recent years?

Give an example of a data information gap that exists in HCPSS. How should the BOE fill that gap?

What experience or knowledge do you have about education and the student demographics in Howard County?

What changes would you make in order to improve process, efficiency, and transparency?

Redistricting

What did you learn from the last redistricting process and what is your top factor for redistricting?

Should we postpone the 2019 redistricting and allocate the money needed for that to other priorities?

What are the pros & cons of the recent redistricting decision? What would you have done differently?

School Construction & Maintenance

What are your thoughts on balancing building & preventative maintenance needs against limited financial resources?

School Policies & Issues

How do you propose to make school food better and safer?

What is your plan to decrease bullying and discrimination in schools?

Should guns be allowed in schools? Does their presence serve to increase security?

What is your opinion on school start time? Should it be changed?

Podcast Interviews

Surveys

Common Questionnaire

Community Allies of Rainbow Youth - LGBTQ+ Survey

The People's Voice - Ethics Ballot Questionnaire