The Board of Education met on Tuesday (September 13) and, among other items, approved an update to the comprehensive master plan and amended criteria for preferred choice assignment in the Northeast Consortium. The Board also approved a compact on creating a systemwide culture of respect, discussed an update on the Maryland School Assessment and engaged in a dialog on current issues. In addition, the Board approved the appointment of two administrators, approved the observance of Hispanic American Heritage Month, and recognized school communities for their participation in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

Comprehensive Master Plan and Bridge to Excellence

The Board approved the annual update of the MCPS Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act--Comprehensive Master Plan for submission to the Maryland State Department of Education before October 17, 2005.

Northeast Consortium Criteria Amendment

The Board amended the criteria for preferred choice assignment in the Northeast Consortium to include “ever” participating in the Free and Reduced-price Meals program as one of the factors that can be considered in the assignment process. This modification aligns student assignment criteria with the other two consortia in MCPS.

Organizational Culture of Respect

The Board adopted a compact among the Board and the three employee associations on creating an organizational culture of respect in Montgomery County Public Schools to ensure success for every student. The compact expresses the parties' commitment to shared responsibility and collaborative partnerships to support this respectful organizational culture.

Update on the Maryland School Assessment

The Board reviewed the steadily improving results of students on the Maryland School Assessment and the relationship of this assessment program to ongoing initiatives in school improvement, especially elementary school reforms and efforts under way in middle school to provide curriculum improvements and extended learning opportunities.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

Steven Neff, currently special education supervisor, Division of School-Based Special Education Services, as supervisor, Upcounty Field Office, Office of Special Education and Student Services

Kent H. Weaver, currently high school counselor specialist, School Counseling Services Unit, as supervisor, School Counseling Services, Office of Special Education and Student Services

Dialog on Current Issues

The Board engaged in a dialog on the latest results of the SAT tests, the increasing numbers of students taking the test--with the greatest increases among African American and Hispanic students--and school system efforts to provide expanded opportunities for rigorous courses for all students.

Hispanic Heritage Month

The Board declared the period of September 15 to October 15 to be observed as Hispanic Heritage Month in recognition of the many contributions of students, staff, parents, and community members to the present and future success of Montgomery County and the nation.

Hurricane Katrina Support

The Board recognized the contributions of the many MCPS school communities that are providing support to children and families affected by Hurricane Katrina.