The Board of Education met on Tuesday [February 23] and, among other items, approved a policy on naming school facilities and a policy on retainage of funds for contractors. The Board discussed an update on the High School Assessments. The superintendent's recommendations on a boundary change, the disposition of three school sites, and the articulation pattern of two elementary schools also were discussed. In addition, the Board voted its positions on legislation pending before the Maryland General Assembly and approved the observance of Women's History Month in March.

Policy FFA, Naming School Facilities

The Board approved revised Policy FFA, Naming School Facilities, after a period of public comment. The policy sets forth the approval authority and process to be followed for naming schools.

Policy FED, Reduction of Funds Retained Pending Completion of a Contract

The Board adopted revised Policy FED, Reduction of Funds Retained Pending Completion of a Contract, after a period of public comment. The policy sets forth the amounts to be retained from progress payments to construction contactors pending the completion of a project.

Summary of High School Assessments and Implications

The Board discussed an update on the status of the Maryland High School Assessments (HSA), including performance on the 2003 administration, and present implications and challenges of these high-stakes tests.

Recommendation for Boundary Changes

The Board discussed the superintendentss recommendation for boundary changes between Benjamin Banneker and Briggs Chaney middle schools. The recommendation and an alternative proposed by the Board will be discussed at a public hearing on March 3. The changes are designed to relieve overutilization at Banneker by reassigning students to Briggs Chaney.

Recommendation for School Sites

The Board discussed the superintendent's recommendation to relinquish two properties to the county as part of its workforce housing initiative (Brickyard Road and Edson Lane sites). The superintendent also recommended delaying discussion of relinquishing the Kendale Road site pending a feasibility study on building a new school to serve the needs of current Seven Locks Elementary School students. The recommendations will be discussed at a public hearing on March 3.

Recommendation for School Articulation

The Board discussed the superintendent's recommendation to initiate in September 2004 the articulation pattern changes for East Silver Spring Elementary School from Grades K-3 to Grades K-2 and to change the grade organization for Piney Branch Elementary School to include Grade 3 from East Silver Spring Elementary School. The Board will take action on this recommendation at its March 22 meeting.

Items of Legislation

The Board voted its positions on items of legislation regarding education issues that are pending before the Maryland General Assembly.

Women's History Month

The Board approved the observance in March of Women's History Month in the Montgomery County Public Schools, recognizing the hard work, vision, and achievements of female students, staff, business, and community leaders.