Matthew Harden
Candidate, Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District, Area 4
Elections and appointments
Education
Personal
Matthew Harden ran for election to the Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District, Area 4 in California. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]
Harden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
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Biography
Matthew Harden provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 16, 2024:
- Birth date: October 22, 1981
- Birth place: Castro Valley, California
- High school: Livingston High School
- Bachelor's: DeVry University, 2004
- Graduate: DeVry University, 2016
- Graduate: DeVry University, 2022
- Gender: Male
- Religion: Christian
- Profession: Business Management
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Be a part of the Change!
Elections
General election
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Harden in this election.
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Matthew Harden completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Harden's responses.
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I am a proud parent of 3 children ages 7 to 13. I was born and raised in the central valley and blessed to have been a part of the Newman Community for over 14 years. I am passionate for our children and our community in ensuring our children and parents have the awareness and availability of the magnificent programs that are available to further develop educationally and lead successful lives within our community. I aspire to deepen our community connections and bring the voice of the parents back to the Newman Crows Landing Unified School Board.
- Educational Development: Promoting continuous educational development through innovative programs for students and professional development for teachers.
- Student Safety: Prioritizing the safety and well-being of students with enhanced security measures and mental health support availability at all sites.
- Community Involvement: Fostering strong partnerships between schools, parents, and the community for student success.
Educational Equity: Ensuring equal access to high-quality resources for all students.
Curriculum Development: Advocating for a modern, inclusive curriculum.
Mental Health: Supporting student mental health with accessible resources.
Teacher Support: Providing resources and professional development for teachers.
School Safety: Implementing comprehensive safety measures.
Community Engagement: Encouraging active parent and community involvement.
Technology Integration: Enhancing learning through technology.
Fiscal Responsibility: Managing the budget effectively and transparently.
Environmental Sustainability: Promoting eco-friendly school practices.
Special Education: Expanding support for students with disabilities. My father, he has always sacrificed himself for the family, worked laborious back breaking work for years to provide for his family. He has always supported me and taught me that anything is possible if you work hard and stay determined.
I come from a God fearing blue collar family as the first college graduate. We played in the front yard and drank from the garden hose. I am not afraid of hard work nor am I afraid of manual labor. I grew up as a latchkey kid and I am proud of the value and virtues that have developed my character today as a result of my childhood here born and raised in the central valley. My political philosophy starts with God, then Family, then community. I wants what's best for my 3 children as much as I want it for all of our children. I come from the view of a parent, a community member and as a product of years spent in the educational programs within this state and abroad. I know the challenges and time invested as a parent trying to find the best development plan and best environment for my children to look forward to school and receiving a quality education. I want to take what I have experienced and learned thus far and make the path easier and more transparent for all so that the level of success my children have been able to enjoy can be built upon and shared with the entire community.
Integrity: Upholding honesty and strong morals.
Transparency: Being open about decisions.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions.
Empathy: Understanding the needs of students and the community.
Collaboration: Working well with others.
Vision: Having a clear, forward-thinking plan.
Commitment: Dedication to improving education.
Fairness: Ensuring equitable treatment for all.
Communication: Listening and conveying ideas effectively.
Problem-Solving: Finding effective solutions to challenges. I am determined, experienced in contract negotiations, change management and self motivated to learn and lead where I can. I'm passionate for our community and the well being of our children and staff. I see the need for change and want to partner with the community to enable the right topics for safety and education to be the main focus of the future of our children.
As a school board member, the core responsibilities include developing and approving district policies, overseeing the budget to ensure fiscal responsibility, and working closely with the superintendent. Ensuring high curriculum standards, engaging with the community, and advocating for the district's needs at various levels are vital. Additionally, overseeing school facilities, focusing on student achievement, promoting equity and inclusion, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations are essential duties. These responsibilities are crucial for fostering a supportive and effective educational environment for all students.
I would love to see our district become the leader of innovative educational programs that encourage and support our children in preparing for the college and life skills they will need to be successful and get a jump start on their future.
I was 4-5 years old and my father had an accident at work where he almost lost his thumb and had to have surgery and rehabilitation therapy to regain use of his hand.
Part Time Construction Worker for Chuck Wheeler Construction at the age of 12 I worked for my father cleaning up job sites, breaking out lumber packs and helping to frame homes in the central valley. I had this job for 6 years every summer and on holiday breaks until i left for college.
My favorite book is the Xanth Novels - i enjoy the fiction and puns interwoven throughout the series.
God's Country by Blake Shelton
I have always struggled with not being able to do more and feeling my voice has been muffled by political red tape and lack of transparency by the governing boards. I want to open the window and bring back community involvement and engagement through personal 1 on 1 interactions. I want folks to know who their area representative is and what they stand for.
In my view, the primary job of a school board member is to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education by setting strategic policies, overseeing the district’s budget, and working collaboratively with the superintendent. This includes maintaining high academic standards, promoting equity and inclusion, and engaging with the community to understand and address their needs. By focusing on these core areas, school board members can create a supportive and effective educational environment that fosters student success.
As a school board member, my constituents are the diverse group of individuals and communities I serve within my school district. This includes:
Students: Ensuring they receive a high-quality, equitable education and a safe learning environment.
Parents and Guardians: Addressing their concerns and keeping them informed and involved in their children's education.
Teachers and School Staff: Supporting their professional development, working conditions, and overall well-being.
Residents and Taxpayers: Ensuring responsible use of public funds and transparent decision-making.
Local Businesses and Community Organizations: Building partnerships to support educational programs and opportunities for students.
Future Generations: Making decisions that will benefit the long-term health and success of the district.
My role is to balance the needs and interests of all these groups to foster a thriving educational environment. Promote Equity and Inclusion:
Ensure access to high-quality resources for all students.
Enhance support for students with disabilities.
Offer resources for English Language Learners.
Inclusive Curriculum and Professional Development:
Advocate for a diverse and culturally rich curriculum.
Provide training for teachers and staff on diverse learning styles.
Community and Parental Engagement:
Foster open communication with parents and local organizations.
Establish regular feedback channels.
Mental Health and Safe Environment:
Expand access to mental health resources.
Implement policies for a safe and inclusive school environment.
Transparency and Feedback:
Maintain open and transparent decision-making.
Establish regular feedback channels to address evolving needs. Engage with the Local Chapter 551 (California School Employee Association)
What Constitutes Good Teaching?
Student Engagement: Interactive and relevant lessons.
Clear Objectives: Well-defined academic goals.
Differentiated Instruction: Tailored teaching methods.
Assessment and Feedback: Regular progress checks and constructive feedback.
Classroom Management: Positive and orderly environment.
Passion: Enthusiasm for the subject and teaching.
Continuous Improvement: Commitment to professional development.
How Will This Be Measured?
Student Performance: Test scores and grades.
Classroom Observations: Regular evaluations of teaching practices.
Student Feedback: Surveys and feedback forms.
Peer Reviews: Evaluations from fellow teachers.
Professional Development: Participation in training sessions.
How I Plan To Support Advanced Teaching Approaches is through
Professional Development Workshops in conjunction with Collaborative Learning Opportunities for teachers to share best practices.
I value the Mentoring and Coaching Guidance from experienced teachers and feel their seasoned strategies ensure effective teaching and support development of further advanced methods to enhance student learning. We need to invest more into college prep courses and potential satellite college campus presence within our local community's sphere. We need to have our staff more educated on dual enrollment programs through MJC as well as more focus on expanding programs like STEM, arts/music, and life skills education.
Ensuring schools are properly funded requires a comprehensive approach that includes both maximizing existing resources and seeking new funding opportunities. Here are key strategies and plans I would advance:
Advocate for State and Federal Funding:
Lobby for increased state and federal funding to ensure equitable distribution of resources across all schools.
Stay informed about and apply for grants and programs available for educational funding.
Efficient Budget Management:
Conduct regular audits to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.
Prioritize spending on critical areas such as classroom resources, teacher salaries, and student support services.
Local Funding Initiatives:
Work with local government and communities to secure funding through bonds, levies, and other local initiatives.
Engage with local businesses and community organizations for partnerships and sponsorships.
Public-Private Partnerships:
Develop partnerships with local businesses and philanthropic organizations to support specific programs, technology upgrades, and infrastructure improvements.
Foster collaboration with higher education institutions for resource sharing and joint initiatives.
Transparent Financial Practices:
Maintain transparency in financial decision-making and budget allocation to build trust and community support.
Hold public forums and provide regular reports to keep the community informed about how funds are being used.
Innovative Funding Solutions:
Explore alternative funding sources such as crowdfunding, alumni donations, and community fundraising events.
Implement cost-saving initiatives like energy-efficient practices and shared services agreements with neighboring districts.
By combining these strategies, we can create a robust and sustainable funding plan to support the educational needs of our schools. The principles driving my policies for safety in schools focus on creating a secure, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students, faculty, and staff. Here are the key principles:
Proactive Prevention: Implement measures to prevent safety issues before they arise, such as anti-bullying programs, conflict resolution training, and regular safety drills.
Inclusivity and Respect: Foster a culture of respect and inclusion, ensuring all students feel valued and safe, regardless of their background or identity.
Mental Health Support: Prioritize mental health by providing access to counseling services and mental health resources to address emotional and psychological well-being.
Collaboration and Communication: Encourage open communication and collaboration between students, parents, teachers, and local law enforcement to ensure a coordinated approach to safety.
Transparency and Accountability: Maintain transparency in safety policies and procedures, and hold all stakeholders accountable for upholding these standards.
Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update safety protocols based on feedback, new research, and evolving best practices to ensure they remain effective and relevant.
By adhering to these principles, we can create a safe and nurturing environment that supports the well-being and success of every student. I am closely involved in this aspect of our student environments, health and well being. I want to see more presence at each site with a fully dedicated staff and reduce the risk of having someone out of office or offsite in the event of a mental health emergency. We are faced with the fact we have children and adults who face adversity in their life both in and outside of the classroom and we need to make sure we have the resources properly trained and readily available to address those needs timely and effectively.
When I was a kid, my mother told me I could be anyone I wanted to be. Turns out, identity theft is a crime.
I want to fully understand the policies and their intent before I commit to wanting to make any changes. I see opportunities from the parent perspective but ultimately I tend to shy from a blanket approach strategy where all are forced to fit a ambiguously defined category. Students struggle for different reasons that merit different approaches that may work better depending on the circumstances of their situations. I think we need to look at policies and proactive resolutions that can pre-empt policy enforcement where we engage more with the student and parents in contributing to a developed plan that will right their educational path. Furthermore, I know sports qualifications centered around GPA minimum requirements has been a hot subject - I think we need to reevaluate how we set the right expectations for our children to be able to participate in sports, they should be able to maintain a minimum GPA, only be able to make up certain amount of "re-work or extra credit" to bring their GPA's up and have a set expectation of how they conduct themselves on campus as role models to their peers. I used to have to have a minimum 2.5 GPA and wear a shirt and tie on Fridays, we need to get back having our students be proud to show their school spirit, be a role model and invest their time in their education as much as they do in practices.
None - I would rather be able to meet folks face to face in the neighborhoods than to win an election solely because of an endorsement.
Inclusive and Supportive: A diverse classroom where all students feel respected, safe, and valued, fostering a positive atmosphere for self-expression and risk-taking.
Engaging and Interactive: Dynamic lessons using various teaching methods and technologies to keep students motivated, with opportunities for hands-on learning and collaborative projects.
Flexible and Resource-Rich: A versatile classroom setup that accommodates different learning styles and activities, equipped with a wide range of materials and resources to support diverse needs.
Student-Centered and High Expectations: Focused on student interests and needs, encouraging ownership of learning through choice and self-directed activities, while maintaining high academic and behavioral standards.
Strong Relationships and Holistic Development: Teachers who build trusting relationships with students, emphasizing not just academic skills but also social-emotional learning, critical thinking, creativity, and physical well-being.
This environment nurtures well-rounded individuals prepared for academic success and life beyond the classroom. I think the general reactiveness of the school district was good, but we always have opportunities to do better. Most kids didnt have parent fully engaged or technically savvy enough to support their children. The teachers who shared additional resources such as engage NY and Eureka Math as well as devoted additional time to engage with parents and students and bridge learning gaps made the difference. Unfortunately not all teachers teach with the same passion, transparency and level. I would have liked to see more administrative tracking, staff engagement and common goal alignment (professional share and learn type sessions) so teachers could expand their support more effectively and consistently across the educational landscape as we navigated Covid.
Attend ELAC and Second Cup of Coffee Meetings. Attend PTC and School Site Safety meetings. Be at the schools as much as I can to engage with students, staff and parent volunteers. Attend community and sporting events and be available to the community as much as I can.
Educationally Meets Minimum Criteria, but Qualitatively fits the culture we are looking to protect and grow within our smaller district schools.
We should focus on maintaining the highest transparency and accountability we can in regard to the federal and state funding we care for and budget against annually for our district.
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See also
External links
