The Board of Education met on Tuesday (June 14) and, among other items, adopted the FY 2006 Operating Budget, appointed twelve administrators, and approved a modified implementation plan for Policy IKA, Grading and Reporting. The Board also discussed an application process for early entrance to kindergarten and reviewed a report on implementation of the gifted and talented policy. In addition, the Board recognized the Leadership Montgomery Youth Community Service Leadership awardees and recipients of scholarships from the Hispanic Employees Association.

Recommendations on the FY 2006 Operating Budget Following County Council Action

The Board adopted its FY 2006 Operating Budget reflecting changes as approved by the County Council on May 27, 2005, and affirmed support for the negotiated agreements with its employee organizations and for the increases in salary costs that they contain.

Update on Implementing Policy IKA, Grading and Reporting

The Board approved a modified implementation plan for Policy IKA, Grading and Reporting. The implementation timeline for all grade levels beyond the 2005-2006 school year will be reassessed pending evaluation of the 2005-2006 school year implementation process. Evaluation will include regular updates to the Board throughout the upcoming school year.

Early Entrance into Kindergarten

The Board discussed a process for early entrance into kindergarten, which provides application guidelines for children who turn five years old after the kindergarten entry date.

Monitoring and Implementation of Policy IOA, Gifted and Talented Education

The Board reviewed a report on the monitoring and implementation of Policy IOA, Gifted and Talented Education. The report focused on the efficacy of the monitoring process of the elements of the program, identification process, extended outreach and nurturing for underserved students, curriculum, communication, training, and accountability.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

LaVerne G. Kimball, currently director of school performance, as community superintendent for the Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, and Seneca Valley Clusters, Office of School Performance

Myra J. Smith, currently principal, Strathmore Elementary School, as director of school performance, Office of School Performance

Adrian B. Talley, currently principal, Rosemont Elementary School, as director of school performance, Office of School Performance

Heath E. Morrison, currently principal, Thomas Stone High School, Charles County Public Schools, as director of school performance, Office of School Performance

Lori-Christina Webb, currently coordinator, Department of Reporting and Regulatory Accountability, Office of Strategic Technologies and Accountability, as human relations compliance officer, Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Schools

Stephen M. Zagami, currently principal, Cradlerock School, Howard County Public Schools, as director, Department of Student Services, Office of Special Education and Student Services

Felicia Piacente, currently supervisor, Special Education, Department of Special Education, as director, Division of Preschool Special Education and Related Services, Office of Special Education and Student Services

Ellen L. Schaefer, currently supervisor of Special Education, as director, School-Based Special Education Services, Department of Special Education

Amy S. Cropp, currently school psychologist, Developmental Evaluation Services for Children, as coordinator, Preschool Education Programs, Office of Special Education and Student Services

Darryl L. Williams, currently principal, William H. Farquhar Middle School, as principal, Gaithersburg High School

Matthew A. Devan, currently principal intern, Viers Mill Elementary School, as principal, Viers Mill Elementary School

Stephanie G. Spencer, currently executive director, Benwood Initiative, Public Education Foundation, as principal, Watkins Mill Elementary School

Leadership Montgomery Youth Community Service Leadership Awards

The Board congratulated the five high school student winners of Leadership Montgomery Youth Community Service Leadership Awards and thanked the law firm of Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy and Ecker, P.A., for sponsoring and funding the cash awards for the past eight years.

Scholarship Recipients from the Hispanic Employees Association

The Board congratulated 20 Distinguished Hispanic Scholars of the Class of 2005, recognized for their commitment to academic excellence and community involvement. The awards, totaling $10,100, were provided by the Montgomery County Public Schools Hispanic Employees Association.