The Board of Education met on Tuesday [July 8] and, among other items, approved a Comprehensive Master Plan and a policy on Curricular Expenses for Students. The Board also approved four administrative appointments, discussed the initial report of the High School Task Force and approved preliminary plans for an addition to John T. Baker Middle School. Also approved were tuition rates for nonresident students and fees for school breakfast and lunch. The Board voted to deny the application of the Success Academy Charter School.

Comprehensive Master Plan

The Board approved the Comprehensive Master Plan for Montgomery County Public Schools. The plan is a requirement of the Maryland Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act for local school systems to integrate state, federal, and local funding and initiatives into a comprehensive master plan to improve student achievement for all students and narrow achievement gaps among subgroups of students.

The Master Plan reinforces the initiatives that have been implemented since the Board adopted Our Call to Action in November 1999 and incorporates the Strategic Plan approved by the Board on June 10. The plan will be transmitted to the county executive and County Council. The Master Plan will be submitted to the Maryland State Department of Education on or before October 1, 2003.

Policy JNA, Curricular Expenses for Students

Following a period of public comment, the Board approved revised Policy JNA, Curricular Expenses for Students, which sets forth the objectives to be followed with regard to student expenses related to the instructional program.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

§ Brian J. Bartels, currently supervisor for psychologists, Howard County Public Schools, as director, Department of Special Education.

§ Dr. Gary W. Miller, currently principal of Silver Spring International Middle School, as principal of Gaithersburg High School.

§ James C. Song, currently school facilities designer, Division of Construction, as director, Division of Construction.

§ Denise B. Stultz, currently instructional specialist, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, as coordinator, special initiatives, Department of Enriched and Innovative Programs.

Report of the High School Task Force

The Board discussed the initial report of the High School Task Force exploring school practices and programs that support achievement for all students. The findings of the Task Force are grouped around the Standards for Success for High-Achieving Schools, a list of 14 characteristics derived from extensive research and discussion that are essential to all high-achieving schools.

A list of 11 recommendations for the school system and six recommendations specifically for high schools was developed to guide implementation of the Standards and will respond to the diverse needs of students and schools. Findings and recommendations of the Task Force will be posted on the High School Task Force web site and shared with stakeholder groups.

Preliminary Plans for Baker Middle School Addition

The Board approved preliminary plans for a classroom addition to John T. Baker Middle School.

Tuition for Nonresident Students for Fiscal Year 2004

The Board approved revised rates for tuition charged to students who are not residents of Montgomery County. The rates are $5,159 for half-day kindergarten, $10,319 for full-day kindergarten and elementary school, $10,004 for secondary school, and $20,759 for special education. The nonresident calculation is based on the approved operating budget, the cost of debt service, and the current revenue funding for the capital budget.

Fees for Food and Nutrition Services Program

The Board approved increases in the price of elementary school lunch from $1.65 to $1.75, secondary school lunch from $1.75 to $1.85, and adult lunch from $2.65 to $2.75. The price of breakfast will remain at $1.00 for elementary and secondary students. Eligible low-income students will continue to receive meals that are either free or, if they are reduced-price eligible, cost 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch. Increases reflect added expenditures in the food and nutrition services program for salaries and employee benefits and expected increases in the cost of food and supplies.

Success Academy Public Charter School Application

The Board reviewed the application of the Success Academy Public Charter School and voted to support the recommendation of the superintendent and a Blue Ribbon Panel to deny the application, citing the application’s failure to articulate a unique alternative to existing programs and the lack of alignment with educational and budgetary priorities of the Board of Education.
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Board of Education: Mrs. Patricia B. O’Neill, president; Ms. Sharon W. Cox, vice president. Members: Mr. Kermit V. Burnett, Mr. Reginald M. Felton, Dr. Charles Haughey, Mr. Walter N. Lange, Mr. Gabe Romero, and Mr. Sagar Sanghvi, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.