The Board of Education met yesterday [Monday, July 2] and, among other items, approved a curriculum framework and an amendment to the superintendent’s contract expressing a desire to extend the employment of Dr. Jerry D. Weast. The Board also appointed five administrators, adopted a policy on Board advisory committees, approved a draft policy on policysetting and approved a request to develop reading courses. In addition, the Board approved preliminary plans for the modernization of Richard Montgomery High School and discussed the Fundamental Life Skills curriculum.

Amendment to Superintendent’s Contract

The Board of Education approved a contract amendment that expresses its desire to extend the employment of Dr. Jerry D. Weast as superintendent of the Montgomery County Public Schools for another four years after the completion of his current term.

Curriculum Framework

The Board approved a newly developed curriculum framework for mathematics, science, social studies and English/language arts that will outline what students are expected to know and be ready to learn at each grade level from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. The framework, developed over the past several months and involving extensive collaboration with teachers, principals, parents, and community representatives, responds to a request by the Board of Education for greater specificity and consistency in the design and implementation of curriculum in the Montgomery County Public Schools.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

Judith H. Beiter, currently principal of Samuel Ogle Science, Mathematics, and Technology Elementary Magnet School, Prince George's County Public Schools, as principal of Westover Elementary School.

Stephen L. Hagenbuch, currently principal of Youth's Benefit Elementary School, Harford County Public Schools, as principal of Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary School.

Janis E. Mills, currently chief educational administrator/principal of Laurel High School, Prince George's County Public Schools, as principal of Albert Einstein High School.

Dr. Margaret B. Pastor, currently leadership outreach coordinator at the University of Maryland College Park, as principal of Stedwick Elementary School.

Carol K. Blum, currently acting director of High School Instruction, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, as director of High School Instruction.

In addition, the superintendent announced the following administrative placement:

Dr. Gary W. Miller, most recently acting principal of Langley High School, Fairfax County Public Schools, as interim principal of Silver Spring International Middle School.

Policy BMA, Board of Education Advisory Committees

The Board approved Policy BMA, “Board of Education Advisory Committees.”

Policy BFA, Policysetting

The Board tentatively approved draft policy BFA, “Policysetting,” for public comment.

Development of Reading Courses for Grades 7 and 8

The Board approved the development of reading courses for students in Grades 7 and 8 for those students who have documented reading deficits and are in need of formal reading instruction.

Richard Montgomery High School Modernization Plans

The Board approved preliminary plans for the modernization of Richard Montgomery High School.

Fundamental Life Skills Curriculum

The Board discussed the Fundamental Life Skills K-12 curriculum, currently being piloted in elementary, middle, and high schools. This alternate curriculum addresses the needs of students who are pursuing a Maryland High School Certificate and is scheduled for Board approval in 2003.

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 B. O’Neill, and Mr. Dustin Jeter, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.