The Board of Education met on Tuesday, October 10, 2006, and, among other items, tentatively approved a revised policy on naming schools and reviewed an update on the Middle School Magnet Consortium. The Board approved the Comprehensive Master Plan, approved preliminary plans for two additions and a gymnasium, and rescinded two policies. The winner of the Mark Mann award was recognized. The Board approved the observance of American Indian Heritage Month and National Bus Safety Week. The Board also urged employees to participate in the 2006 Montgomery County Public Schools Charity Campaign.

Tentative Action on Policy FFA, Naming of School Facilities

The Board tentatively approved revisions to Policy FFA, Naming of School Facilities. The policy provides a process by which the Board of Education adopts official names for county public school facilities after soliciting community preferences. The revised policy, which will be sent out for public comment before final approval, allows for compelling circumstance in which the Board would provide notice to the community of its intent to designate a school name and waive the process for community involvement.

Update on the Middle School Magnet Consortium

The Board received an update on the Middle School Magnet Consortium (MSMC), composed of Argyle Magnet School for Information Technology, A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for the Creative and Performing Arts, and Parkland Magnet School for Aerospace Technology. MSMC was implemented for sixth graders last year and expanded to seventh grade this year. It is designed to raise academic expectations and achievement for all students and is being evaluated as a model for systemwide middle school reform. Evaluation of the first year of the program for sixth graders indicates that the choice process is reducing socioeconomic isolation in the three schools, increasing opportunities for academic rigor, and increasing student achievement.

Comprehensive Master Plan

The Board approved the Comprehensive Master Plan, submitted annually to the Maryland State Department of Education as a requirement of the Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act of 2002. Our Call to Action: Pursuit of Excellence—The Strategic Plan for the Montgomery County Public Schools 2006-2011 has served as the basis for updating the state-mandated master plan.

Rescission of Policy GBD and Policy GEE

The Board voted to rescind Policy GBD, Recognition of Employees, and Policy GEE, Teachers and Principals Holding Second-Class Certificates, because they are superseded by core governance Policy GAA, Positive Work Environment in a Self-renewing Organization.

Presentation of Preliminary Plans

The Board approved preliminary plans for additions to Fallsmead and Wayside elementary schools and a gymnasium at Stonegate Elementary School.

Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award

The Board congratulated Sylvia K. Morrison, principal of Northwest High School, for receiving the Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award. The award honors exceptional performance in promoting academic excellence, positive human relations, and community outreach.

American Indian Heritage Month

The Board approved the observance of American Indian Heritage Month in November in recognition of the many significant contributions of American Indians that enrich the county, state, and nation.

National Bus Safety Week

The Board proclaimed the week of October 15-21 as National School Bus Safety Week and committed its continued support for the Ride by the Rules campaign.

Montgomery County Employees’ Charity Campaign

The Board urged school system employees to donate to the annual Charity Campaign as a reflection of their commitment to addressing the needs of people who need support. Employees may choose to contribute through four organizations: the Montgomery County United Way, the Union Community Fund, the Montgomery County Community Foundation, and the Montgomery Alliance.