The Montgomery County Board of Education is seeking nominations from the public for its fourth annual award for distinguished service to public education. The award is sponsored by the Board to recognize and show appreciation to individuals, groups, or organizations that have made exemplary contributions to public education in Montgomery County.

Nominations will be accepted in the following categories:

ú business individual/organization,

ú community individual,

ú community group/organization,

ú Montgomery County Public Schools staff,

ú individual pioneer.

Up to three awards will be given in each of the categories.

"Pioneer award" nominees must be individuals who may not be active currently, but who have made extraordinary contributions in the past. The nominee's contributions must have had a profound effect on the school system over a sustained period of time.

Nominations in other categories must be of individuals, groups, or organizations that have, within the past three years, provided service, support, and commitment to public education as demonstrated by:

ú an outstanding contribution of time and expertise to school system programs,

ú development and/or implementation of an exemplary program or project, or

ú a contribution that results in systemwide benefit.

In addition to community groups and individuals, nominations may be made by businesses, the superintendent of schools, members of the Montgomery County Board of Education, or through self-nomination.

The deadline for submission of nomination forms is September 14, 2000. Forms may be obtained from local schools, government service centers, libraries, or the Carver Educational Services Center (Room 112 or 123). Nomination forms may also be requested by telephoning 301-279-3301. Completed nomination forms must be postmarked by September 14, 2000, and mailed to:

Montgomery County Board of Education

Carver Educational Services Center, Room 123

850 Hungerford Drive

Rockville, Maryland 20850

For more information, contact:

Ms. Fran Brenneman, ombudsman/staff assistant

Montgomery County Board of Education

Tel.: 301-279-3301