The Board of Education met on Wednesday (July 6) and, among other items, discussed an update on the Middle School Magnet Consortium, appointed two administrators, and tentatively approved an organizational structure for the Committee on Family Life and Human Development. The Board also approved the development of secondary school pilot courses and revisions to minority business enterprise procedures for state-funded school construction projects. A resolution on early childhood education was forwarded for consideration by the Maryland Association of Boards of Education.

Update on Middle School Magnet Consortium

The Board discussed an update on the new Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC), including a description of program goals and design, the student outreach and choice process, and the program evaluation plan. The three schools in the MSMC are Argyle Magnet School for Information Technology, A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for Creative and Performing Arts, and Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology. The Board will receive periodic updates on the progress of implementing the magnet program.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

Hollis Krotchko, currently acting coordinator of testing, as coordinator of testing, Student and Business Technologies, Office of Strategic Technologies and Accountability

Scott W. Murphy, currently assistant principal, Neelsville Middle School, as principal, William H. Farquhar Middle School


Approval of Secondary School Pilot Courses

The Board approved the development of pilot courses in support of the three new Middle School Magnet Consortium schools, as well as signature, academy, and elective programs in high schools. The non-core curriculum course proposals were submitted by local school staff, with the approval of their principals, as required by the Board's policy and regulation on curriculum.

Revisions to Minority Business Enterprise Procedures for State-Funded School Construction Projects

The Board approved modifications to procedures for minority business enterprise participation adopted in August 2001, to include the March 2005 revisions to the State Procurement Regulations promulgated by Maryland State Bill 903.

Reconstitution of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Family Life and Human Development

The Board discussed a framework for the reconstitution of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Family Life and Human Development and tentatively approved an organizational structure for the committee. A final decision is scheduled for the Board's meeting on July 27.

Early Childhood Resolution

The Board approved a resolution to be submitted for consideration by the Maryland Association of Boards of Education to support statewide initiatives that provide funding for and access to high quality child care and early childhood programs that are aligned with local systems' learning standards and goals, including training for teachers that is culturally appropriate.