The Board of Education met on March 21 and, among other items, discussed the Middle School Program Review. The Board took tentative action on Policy BFA, Policysetting, approved boundary recommendations for Clarksburg/Damascus Elementary School #7, and made two administrative appointments. The Board also submitted three names for consideration for Quince Orchard Middle School #2 and recognized the observance of Arab American Heritage Month and the Month of the Young Child, both in April.

Middle School Program Review

The Board discussed the results of the Middle School Program Review, conducted by MGT of America, Inc., under contract with Montgomery County Public Schools. The review assessed the current status of middle schools as part of the school system's ongoing reform initiatives. The 11-month audit of all 36 middle schools outlines findings, commendations, and recommendations, as well as preliminary action steps required to continue the improvement of middle schools in a comprehensive and systematic manner.

Tentative Approval of Policy BFA, Policysetting

The Board tentatively approved revised Policy BFA, Policysetting, which clarifies the definition of “policy” for the purpose of setting policy. The revision also eliminates the limitation on the number of Board members needed to comprise the Board Policy Committee. The policy will be sent out for public comment.

Boundary Recommendations for Clarksburg/Damascus ES #7

The Board approved boundaries to establish a service area for the opening of Clarksburg/Damascus Elementary School #7. The approval follows the development of boundary options by the Boundary Advisory Committee, a work session to consider the superintendent's recommendation, and a public hearing. Boundary changes will be phased in, beginning with Grade K--4 students.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

· Ann B. Dolan, currently acting coordinator of special initiatives, as coordinator of special initiatives, Department of Curriculum and Instruction

· David I. Steinberg, currently principal, Colonel Zadok Magruder High School, as high school consulting principal, Office of Organizational Development

Items of Legislation

The Board voted to approve positions on a number of items of legislation before the Maryland General Assembly relating to education.

Naming of Quince Orchard Middle School #2

As part of the process for selecting a permanent name for Quince Orchard Middle School #2, the Board submitted the following three names to the principal of the school for consideration by the school naming committee: Otis Beall Kent, Lakelands Park, and Roscoe Nix.

Month of the Young Child

The Board endorsed a joint proclamation from county government, early childhood agencies, and the school system to observe the Month of the Young Child in April.

Arab American Heritage Month

The Board declared April as Arab American Heritage Month in Montgomery County in recognition of the contributions of Arab Americans throughout the county and the nation.