The Board of Education met on Monday, March 27, and, among other items, tentatively approved a revised policy on the education of students with disabilities. The Board approved secondary non-core curriculum courses and a feasibility study for an addition to East Silver Spring Elementary School. The Board discussed items of legislation before the Maryland General Assembly and named an elementary school. The Board also marked the observance of the Month of the Young Child, Arab American Heritage Month, Autism Awareness Month, and National Student Leadership Week.

Tentative Action on Policy IOB, Education of Students with Disabilities

The Board took tentative action on revised Policy IOB, Education of Students with Disabilities. The policy affirms the Board’s commitment to the principles articulated in federal and state law regarding the provision of a free and appropriate public education, the protection of the rights of all eligible students with disabilities, and the principle that every child can learn and succeed. It promotes opportunities for all students to achieve at the highest possible levels. The policy will be sent out for public comment before final approval by the Board.

Secondary Course Proposals

The Board approved nearly 50 non-core curriculum courses for use in middle school magnet programs and high school signature, academy magnet, career and technology, and elective programs. The approval is in accordance with procedures established in Regulation IFA-RA, Curriculum, which allows externally developed curriculum and instructional programs to be used in place of MCPS curriculum following the review and approval process.

CIP Amendments/East Silver Spring Reorganization

The Board approved an amendment to the Capital Improvements Program that will provide funds to conduct a feasibility study in summer 2006 for an addition at East Silver Spring Elementary School. It replaces a feasibility study for an addition to Sligo Creek Elementary School that was requested in the FY 2007-2012 Capital Improvements Program. The change followed a report on East Silver Spring reorganization issues by a Roundtable Discussion Group comprising representatives from East Silver Spring, Piney Branch, Sligo Creek, and Takoma Park elementary schools. The Board also approved the reorganization of East Silver Spring Elementary School from a pre-k to grade 2 school to a pre-k to grade 5 school.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

• Louise Worthington, currently acting principal, John T. Baker Middle School, as principal, John T. Baker Middle School

• Kimberly Johnson, currently acting principal, Briggs Chaney Middle School, as principal, Briggs Chaney Middle School

• Susan D. Thompson, currently acting principal, Carderock Springs Elementary School, as principal, Carderock Springs Elementary School

• Albert P. DuPont, currently acting principal, College Gardens Elementary School, as principal, College Gardens Elementary School

• Rebecca A. Jones, currently acting principal, Damascus Elementary School, as principal, Damascus Elementary School

• Gail Scott-Parizer, currently acting principal, Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School, as principal, Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary School

• Teri Johnson, currently acting principal, Lake Seneca Elementary School, as principal, Lake Seneca Elementary School

• Deann M. Collins, currently acting principal, Montgomery Knolls Elementary School, as principal, Montgomery Knolls Elementary School

• James A. Sweeney, currently acting principal, Rosemont Elementary School, as principal, Rosemont Elementary School

• Robert W. Dodd, currently acting principal, Strathmore Elementary School, as principal, Strathmore Elementary School

• Mary R. Sherburne, currently acting principal, Wood Acres Elementary School, as principal, Wood Acres Elementary School

Naming of Downcounty Consortium ES #27

The Board approved the name R. Sargent Shriver Elementary School for Downcounty Consortium Elementary School #27.

Items of Legislation

The Board discussed the status of items of legislation before the Maryland General Assembly relating to education.

Month of the Young Child

The Board recognized the observance of the Month of the Young Child during April in Montgomery County. The theme of the month-long celebration is “Building Brighter Futures for Children.”

Arab American Heritage Month

The Board declared the observance of Arab American Heritage Month in April in recognition of the contributions of Arab Americans to the success of the nation, county, and school system.

Autism Awareness Month

The Board recognized April as National Autism Awareness Month, expressing appreciation to all who teach and work in support of individuals and families whose daily lives are affected by autism. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the United States. MCPS is currently responsible for the education of 943 students with autism.

National Student Leadership Week

The Board commended student leaders for their efforts and achievements and recognized April 16-22 as National Student Leadership Week in MCPS.