Fees Set for Summer School and Evening High School Programs

The Board of Education met on Tuesday (March 13) and, among other items, approved a policy on naming school facilities and set fees for summer school and evening high school. Tentative action was taken on a revised policy on early childhood and elementary education. Preliminary plans were approved for the modernization of Paint Branch High School and improvements to Ridgeview Middle School. In addition, the Board voted to approve positions on legislation before the General Assembly and approved a statement on High School Assessments. The Board also recognized teachers who earned certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Final Action on Policy FFA, Naming School Facilities

The Board approved revised Policy FFA, Naming School Facilities, which includes a change that would begin the school naming process at the same time the facility planning project is initiated.

FY 2008 Fees for the Summer School and Evening High School Programs

The Board approved an increase of $25 in the full fee for revenue-based summer school courses (from $300 to $325 for elementary courses and from $265 and $275 to $290 and $300 for high school core and non-core courses, respectively). Summer school revenue-based program reduced fees will be increased by $15 (from $65 and $100 to $80 and $115, respectively). Student online summer courses will be decreased by $65 to $300. The summer school minimal fee-based program and evening high school course fees will remain the same. The High School Plus Program will offer instruction at no charge to students who failed courses required for graduation, including courses related to the High School Assessments.

Presentation of Preliminary Plans

The Board approved preliminary plans for the modernization of Paint Branch High School and improvements to Ridgeview Middle School.

High School Assessments

The Board approved a statement supporting a delay in linking the High Schools Assessments (HSAs) to graduation until all concerns raised by stakeholders have been addressed. The Board approved the formation of a task force to delineate the technical problems and issues of equity that are of concern. The statement will be forwarded to the Maryland Association of Boards of Education.

Tentative Action, Policy IEA, Framework and Structure of Early Childhood and Elementary Education

The Board tentatively approved revised Policy IEA, Framework and Structure of Early Childhood and Elementary Education. The policy was revised to affirm the Board’s commitment to a challenging and comprehensive educational program for young students. The policy emphasizes, in partnership with parents, families, and community stakeholders, the importance of academic achievement as well as promoting intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth and development of students in their early learning years. The policy will be sent out for public comment before final approval.

Items of Legislation

The Board voted to approve positions on items of legislation relating to education that are before the Maryland General Assembly.

Recognition of Teachers Who Earned Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2006

The Board recognized the 68 teachers in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) who achieved certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards this year. This brings the total number of nationally certified teachers in MCPS to 294.