The Board of Education met yesterday [February 23] and, among other items, submitted names for Downcounty Middle School #9/Wheaton Cluster Middle School #2, conducted a worksession on boundaries for Clarksburg/Damascus Elementary School #7, and voted their positions on items of legislation before the Maryland General Assembly. The Board also made an administrative appointment, reviewed an update on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, and approved the observance of Women's History Month in March.

Naming of Downcounty MS #9/Wheaton Cluster MS #2

The Board submitted a list of four names for consideration by the School Naming Advisory Committee for the Downcounty Middle School #9/Wheaton Cluster Middle School #2. The process is in accordance with Policy FFA, Naming of School Facilities, in which the School Naming Advisory Committee presents for Board approval its preference for the school name in priority order from among the listing of names provided by the Board of Education and up to two additional names recommended by the committee.

Clarksburg/Damascus ES #7 Boundaries Worksession

The Board discussed boundary alternatives for Clarksburg/Damascus Elementary School #7, including the superintendent's recommendation to adopt Boundary Option 2A. On March 8 at 6:00 p.m., the Board will conduct a public hearing limited to this boundary recommendation. Final action is scheduled for the Board of Education meeting on March 21, 2005.

Items of Legislation

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

Appointment

The Board approved the following administrative appointment:

· Suzanne E. Wood, currently director, Food and Nutrition Services, Somerset County Public Schools, as assistant director, Division of Food and Nutrition Services

Reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Board reviewed an update on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, now referred to as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). IDEIA incorporates many aspects of the No Child Left Behind Act to ensure that high standards are consistent across grade and curriculum levels for all students with disabilities. It renews the obligation of both local and state educational agencies receiving federal funding to continue serving students with disabilities and focuses on improving educational results for these students.

Women's History Month

The Board approved March as Women's History Month in MCPS to recognize and honor the contributions of female students, staff, business community members, and community leaders.