Category: Uncategorized

I was able to attend the candidates forum via Zoom meeting, many thanks to the organizer and volunteers to make it happen. Hope everyone stay healthy and strong! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFkf2nOM7JE&list=PL0DScJ4THhgQWZI2dgsSzAaB6Ax_9pPq9

Come to join me and other candidates (Executive, Councilman, BOE) on May 14th 1-5:30PM at Miller Branch Library, hosted by Asian American Communities (CAPA, KSM, IONHoCo). I look forward to seeing you there!

1-1:15 networking

1:15 – 2:30 County Executive
Allan Kittleman
Calvin Ball

2:45 – 4:15 County Council D1
Sean McCurdy
Nuveen Kurtom
Liz Walsh

County Council D4
Hank Boyd
Janssen Evelyn

4:30 – 5:30 Board of Education:
Tudy Adler
Linfeng Chen
Susan Dreisch
Julie Hotopp
Jacky McCoy
Dan Newberger
Monique Richards
Meg Ricks

Join me and other candidates on Howard County BOE candidate forum hosted by PTA Council of Howard County (PTACHC) on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Oakland Mills High School (9410 Kilimanjaro Road, Columbia, MD  21045). 

The format of the forum will be similar to past live events hosted by PTACHC.  There will be a moderator.  Candidates will be given an opportunity to introduce themselves, and then asked to answer a series of scripted and unscripted questions.  Equal time will be allotted for all of the candidates to answer the questions and present their views.  

Come to join me and other 5 candidates on Board of Education Candidates Public Forum on May 7th 10-12PM at Miller Branch Library, hosted by Howard County Chinese School. If you have any questions for the candidates, please click here to fill in the form, or scan the QR code on the flier below. I look forward to seeing you there!

1. If elected, what are the top three priorities you will pursue during your term?

My top three priorities are:
(1) addressing the staff shortage;
(2) providing adequate school infrastructure;
(3) improving student physical health and mental health.:

2. What actions will you take to address the impact the pandemic has had on students, especially related to learning loss, social development, and mental health?

HCPSS should provide and sustain a safe in-person learning environment for all students and bring back classroom instructions to pre-Covid levels. In-person learning is critical for children’s social development and mental health. In terms of learning loss, we can recruit high school students and staff to tutor students and reinforce any identified weak spots after school and during summer break. 

3. What changes would you make in how school funding is allocated so as to obtain the best results for students at the most responsible cost to taxpayers? Which interventions would you emphasize to provide the greatest benefit to students?

The allocation should have a priority list each year and be agile enough to meet new challenges. Staff salary and benefits should be No.1 priority this year due to staff shortage and the high inflation rate. The school budget needs to be sustainable and reflect the county revenue projection. Additionally, HCPSS should always scout cost effective new technologies/methods to solve pressing issues. 

4. What are the factors that should be considered for attendance area changes (redistricting), and what should trigger that review?

Redistricting should be least disruptive to students and families. Redistricting should only be based on school utilization and should be done less frequently and more predictably. Redistricting is the least effective method to address academic performance. HCPSS should work with the community to build a supportive and encouraging environment inside and outside schools. 

5. How would you support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion of all students and their families in our schools?

I support diversity, equity, and inclusion and this is one of my platform issues. An inclusive school system should treat everyone fairly, appreciate their differences, and recognize their identities. Everyone should feel safe and welcomed at school. No one should be treated less because of their race, gender, identity, or ability. 

Dr. Linfeng Chen needs your help and support to win this election and make a positive impact on our schools. Please visit his website at http://www.chen4boe.org/volunteer to sign up for volunteer opportunities. Also you can write to Dr. Chen at Chen4BOE@gmail.com, he will get back to you with questions and inquiries. Thank you for any help on Dr. Chen’s Campaign for Howard County Board of Education!

Do you care about the Mental Health of both Students and Teachers in Howard County? I certainly am concerned, and that’s one of the reasons I am running for the Howard County Board of Education. Join my team of volunteers and help me prioritize mental health in our school system. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our students and teachers. Click here to join our campaign team.

I will be looking for ways to work with the Superintendent, Howard County Council, the County Executive, and our Howard County Health Department to get much-needed support into our schools. Not only for our students but also for our beloved teachers who have shouldered a larger burden of educating our children during a pandemic.

The challenges faced by teachers and students in special education are problematic and need to be addressed urgently.

The biggest problem is staffing. We should add more special education teachers, paraeducators, and student assistants. In order to retain and recruit student assistants and paraeducators in special education we need to provide a differential salary above what is paid for the same title in a regular classroom setting. We should mandate a better salary and benefits in addition to offering more training to the temporary employees hired. Currently, temporary employees receive very little money, no benefits, and no paid days off, while working with special education students with the most severe disabilities and behavioral issues. Temporary employees in this field have high turnover and the current practice is not sustainable.

In addition, we should reduce the overwhelming paperwork and bureaucracy faced by these teachers. Documentation should be placed in an electronic system that is secure and protected, but with easy access for use in evaluation of the student’s placement and progress.

All special educators should have immediate access to communication equipment so they can readily ask for more support in any emergency situation.
The special education goes beyond the school system. The school system, parents, community organizations, federal agents, and the county’s health department work together to provide students in need wraparound services. The school system should frequently seek the feedback from special education educators to make continuous improvements to the programs.

Dr. Chen believes in the importance of the School Resource Officers (SROs) in maintaining a safe learning environment for students. And Chen is in support of keeping the current 13 SROs at all high schools and Homewood Center and restoring 6 SROs who are shared among middle schools. Here is Chen’s view on SROs:

• Enhance safety: SROs help address emergencies in schools, have quick access by radio or call when needed, provide safety training to both teachers and students, and serve as the go-to person for “see something – say something” for students at school. Also, the presence of an SRO may deter potential aggression and violence.
• Career role models: SROs can show a positive impact on students by giving safety instructions on topics such as drugs, DUI, traffic, etc., so our kids could better learn the rights and responsibilities to protect themselves. SROs can be the first point of contact for a student interested in a law enforcement career.
• Responsibility: SROs should be thoroughly vetted before entering the program. Continuous training – throughout the year and during summer breaks – should be in place for them, too.

If you are interested in discussing this issue with Dr. Chen, please feel free to leave a comment, or send email to chen4boe@gmail.com.

Here comes the full video of Dr. Linfeng Chen’s Kickoff meeting on Feb. 27.

It was a great kickoff and thank you for all your support!