Board of Education Meeting: April 28, 2008

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Full Agenda (PDF)

Approval of the Agenda

Public Comments

Resolutions: National Volunteer Week; Asian Pacific American Heritage Month; Teacher Appreciation Week

National Volunteer Week: The Board approved the observance of National Volunteer Week from April 27 through May 3 in recognition of the more than 30,000 parents, students, and community members whose volunteer efforts provide positive experiences for students.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: The Board passed a resolution proclaiming May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, recognizing Asian Pacific American students, staff, businesses, and community leaders for their significant contributions to the community.

Teacher Appreciation Week: The Board approved the observance of Teacher Appreciation Week from May 4 through 10, recognizing and thanking the teachers in Montgomery County Public Schools for their contributions to excellence in education. Tuesday, May 6, is designated as Teacher Appreciation Day.

Summary of the 2008 Regular Session of the Maryland General Assembly

The Board discussed a summary of the legislation passed at the 2008 session of the Maryland General Assembly. The Board took a position on 87 bills relating to education. A synopsis of the bills and action taken is available on the Board of Education web site.

Board/Superintendent Comments

Consent Items

Human Resources

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

• Suzanne A. Maxey, currently principal, Seneca Valley High School, as consulting principal, Office of Organizational Development.
• Nancy L. Erdrich, currently principal intern, Goshen Elementary School, as principal, Burning Tree Elementary School.
• Niki T. Hazel, currently principal, East Silver Spring Elementary School, as principal, Gaithersburg Elementary School.
• Gail M. West, currently principal intern, Bannockburn Elementary School, as principal, Brooke Grove Elementary School.
• Linda E. Ferrell, currently acting director, Middle School Instruction, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, as director, Middle School Instruction, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs.
• Rebecca L. Nelson, currently instructional specialist, Middle School Instruction and Achievement, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, as coordinator of special initiatives, Office of the Chief Technology Officer.
• Lyn Schaefer, currently director of test development, General Education Development Testing Service, Washington, DC, as coordinator of student assessment, Testing Unit, Office of Shared Accountability.

Continuing the Dialogue on Race: Study Circles

The Board discussed the ways that the Study Circles program, piloted in 2001 and implemented in 2003, has been addressing the school system's strategic goal to strengthen family-school relationships and continues to expand civic, business, and community partnerships that support improved student achievement. Parents, students, and staff meet with facilitators to discuss racial and ethnic barriers to student achievement and develop action plans for change. There have been Study Circles comprising students only and others conducted in Spanish.

A two-year study of the program by the Office of Shared Accountability shows that the dialogues created by this program strengthen schools, engage parents, and empower students. The Department of Communications' Division of Family and Community Partnerships has facilitated 87 Study Circles with approximately 1,300 participants.

FY 2009 Operating Budget: Non-recommended Reductions

The Board approved a resolution on non-recommended budget reductions stating that if the County Council requires major reductions to the FY 2009 Operating Budget request, significant cuts would be made in a range of teacher and staff positions. The County Council has required a list of reductions that reflect the Council's recently-adopted Spending Affordability Guidelines. The current budget guidelines adopted by the Council recommend $105 million less than the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) budget request.

The Board reaffirmed its support for the implementation of negotiated agreements with its employee associations, funding for the Early Success Performance Plan, expansion of middle school reform initiatives, continuation of the Middle School Magnet Consortium, and expansion of hours-based staffing for special education in middle schools. The non-recommended reductions, if required by the County Council, would reduce a variety of positions in the state categories of administration, mid-level administration, instructional salaries, special education, operation of plant and equipment, and maintenance of plant. A copy of the Board's resolution, which will be sent to the county executive and County Council, emphasizes the direct and serious effect on schools that reductions of this magnitude would have. The exact number and type of position cuts would depend on the amount of reductions made by the County Council in each state category.

Board of Education Items

Reconstituting the Special Education Ad Hoc Committee: The Board voted to reconstitute the Special Education Ad Hoc Committee into a standing committee that will be renamed the Committee on Special Populations. The committee will be charged with reviewing issues and instructional programs relating to the needs of populations that require special education services, gifted and talented instruction, alternative programs, ESOL services, and multilingual supports.

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