The Board of Education met yesterday [February 13] and, among other items, approved a report by the School Resource Officers (SRO) Task Force not to implement an SRO program in schools. The Board voted to approve a revised policy on curriculum and appointed two administrators. The Board also approved a process for accepting certified employee resignations and discussed the use of final exam scores in three courses. In addition, the Board voted positions on upcoming legislation in the Maryland General Assembly and passed a resolution regarding Federal education funding pending before Congress.

Update on School Resource Officers

The Board approved the superintendent's recommendation to accept the report of the School Resource Officers (SRO) Task Force. The report did not recommend implementation of an SRO program, stating that a clear and convincing need for the program was not demonstrated. The report also made recommendations for future action designed to enhance data-collection, reporting, training, expansion of existing prevention and safety programs, and development of alternative models. The Board requested periodic updates on the status of these recommendations.

Policy IFA "Curriculum"

The Board voted to approve a revised policy IFA "Curriculum" to provide a new overarching policy designed to encompass all facets of curriculum design and revision, including staff development and monitoring.

Appointments

The Board approved the following two administrative appointments:

Barry D. Amis, currently regional director, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development in Alexandria, Virginia, as director, Staff Development Initiatives, Department of Staff Development.

Theresa Cepaitis, currently mathematics resource teacher, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, as program supervisor, Pre-K-12 Mathematics, Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

Acceptance of Employee Resignations

The Board adopted a resolution allowing the superintendent or his designee to accept resignations of certified employees.

First Semester Final Exams

The Board discussed issues surrounding the decision not to include the grades from final exams in three courses (Biology, English 9, and National, State and Local Government) as part of students' first semester grades.

Items of Legislation

The Board approved positions on items of legislation pending before the Maryland General Assembly.

Federal Education Legislation

The Board approved a resolution taking positions on Federal education funding pending before Congress. The resolution will be sent to members of Maryland's congressional delegation, the National School Boards Association, the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, and all school boards within Maryland.

Board of Education: Board of Education: Mrs. Nancy J. King, president; Mr. Kermit V. Burnett, vice president. Members: Mr. Steve Abrams, Ms. Sharon W. Cox, Mr. Reginald M. Felton, Mr. Walter N. Lange, Mrs. Patricia O'Neill, and Mr. Christopher A. Lloyd, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.