Matthew Harper: Let’s get back to the basics

RACE FOR HUNTINGTON BEACH UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

Name: Matthew Harper

Age: 28

Occupation: Realtor for Star Real Estate and Governing Board

member, Huntington Beach Union High School District

Family: Single.

Community Activities: Governing Board member, Huntington Beach

Union High School District; member, Huntington Beach High School

Alumni Assn.; lifetime member, USC General Alumni Assn.; Leadership

positions in local and statewide partisan organizations since 1991.

Education: Bachelor’s from School of Public Administration,

University of Southern California; graduate, Huntington Beach High

School.

Favorite Leader: Ronald Reagan.

Contact Information: (714) 969-8387;

www.matthewharper.org;

[email protected].

HARPER ON:

* STUDENT SAFETY:

I believe it takes people and teamwork to ensure student safety.

When I ran for the high school board four years ago, I made a

commitment to support a school police officer on every campus and my

voting record reflects that commitment. During the most recent round

of budget cuts I opposed elimination of any school police officer

position, and instead, moved for additional cuts in administration.

However, I was outvoted.

* RAISING STUDENT TEST SCORES:

In order to improve test scores the district must challenge all

students in the instruction of English, especially those who are not

native English speakers. In order to get the best possible education,

parents and students should be allowed to choose their high school

unrestrained by district racial quotas.

* FISCAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE DISTRICT:

It’s about time the high school board became fiscally responsible.

Budget cuts are required only when the school board commits to

obligations it cannot pay for. Additionally, the district needs to

set aside more of its budget for the future needs of campus

facilities. I have the strongest voting record on the high school

board when it comes to fiscal and administrative accountability.

* BIGGEST ISSUE FACING THE DISTRICT:

The biggest issue facing the district is whether we are willing to

commit ourselves to focus on the basics, like math and English, over

the school-to-work model of education. Our students on all of our

campuses are counting on us to do what’s best.