The Board of Education met this week [Tuesday, August 24] and, among other items, discussed student performance measures, the continuing disparity in student achievement by race and ethnicity, and the variance in student achievement throughout the county.

The Board also approved four administrative appointments, preliminary architectural plans for three schools, and a series of facilities management and budget items. The Board also reviewed status reports on new construction, legal fees, and participation of minority-, female-, or disabled-owned business vendors.

Accountability Framework

In a major report on student assessment, the Board reviewed data illustrating performance gaps between African American and Hispanic students in comparison to White and Asian students. The report also focused on school productivity measures and identified distinct differences among schools, including those with similar demographics and from similar areas of the county.

Personnel Appointments

The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointments:

Dr. Jerrilyn V. Andrews, currently assistant to the associate superintendent, Office of School Administration, as assistant to the deputy superintendent of schools.

Nancy C. Evans, currently assistant principal of Judith A. Resnik Elementary School, as principal of Kemp Mill Elementary School.

Richard G. Hawes, currently acting director, Department of Facilities Management, as director of the department.

Dr. Frieda K. Lacey, currently director, Division of Equity Assurance and Compliance, as executive assistant to the superintendent of schools.

Architectural Plans

The Board approved preliminary plans for modernization of Rock Creek Valley Elementary School, an addition to Col. Zadok Magruder High School, and a gymnasium addition for Burnt Mills Elementary School.

Facilities Management and Budget Items

The Board approved a series of facilities contracts and budget items, including architectural appointments for Rockville High School and Northwest Elementary School #6.

Status Reports

The Board reviewed information in the construction progress report for the period ending July 31, 1999. The Board also reviewed the legal fees report for May 1999, and the minority-, female-, or disabled-owned business procurement report for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 1999.