Downcounty Consortium Elementary School Named


The Board of Education met on Thursday (April 19) and, among other items, approved a revised policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, named Downcounty Consortium Elementary School #28, and approved eight administrative appointments. A resolution was approved regarding non-recommended reductions to the FY 2008 Operating Budget. The Board also discussed a report on the Professional Learning Communities Institute and discussed a report summarizing legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly. A number of observances were noted: Secretaries Week, National Volunteer Week, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, and Teacher Appreciation Week.

Final Action on Policy JFA, Student Rights and Responsibilities

The Board approved revised Policy JFA, Student Rights and Responsibilities. The policy sets forth the scope of student rights and responsibilities and reflects the board’s expectation of ethical, legal, and appropriate conduct for students either seeking or occupying student government or other leadership positions.

Naming of Downcounty Consortium Elementary School #28

The Board approved Arcola Elementary School as the name of the Downcounty Consortium Elementary School #28. The School Naming Advisory Committee had submitted a report to the Board, dated April 2, 2007, with six recommended names, in order of preference.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

Leroy C. Evans, currently acting principal, Col. Zadok Magruder High School, as principal, Col. Zadok Magruder High School.

Melissa A. Brunson, currently acting principal, Cloverly Elementary School, as principal, Cloverly Elementary School.

Anne M. Dardarian, currently principal intern, Brown Station Elementary School, as principal, Highland View Elementary School.

Charlene Eroh, currently principal intern, Farmland Elementary School, as principal, Ashburton Elementary School.

Robin L. Malcotti, currently acting principal, Lakewood Elementary School, as principal, Lakewood Elementary School.

Pamela S. Nazzaro, currently acting principal, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, as principal, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School.

Suzann M. King, currently associate general counsel, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, as staff assistant, Policy and Communications, Office of the Board of Education.

Karen S. Roberts, currently acting program coordinator, Elementary/Middle School Mathematics, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, as program coordinator, Elementary/Middle School Mathematics, Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

FY 2008 Operating Budget: Non-recommended Reductions

The Board approved a resolution that affirms the Board’s desire that the County Council close the gap between the Board’s budget request and the Council’s operating budget spending affordability guidelines. The resolution further states that non-recommended reductions would be harmful to students and schools, affecting positions in a wide range of budget categories. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the County Executive and County Council.

Update on Professional Learning Communities Institute

The Board reviewed the implementation and development of the Professional Learning Community Institute, a promising approach for providing high quality ongoing professional development for school leadership teams, in 21 schools to date. The teams include administrators, teachers, supporting professionals, and parents. Participants review case studies, engage in reflective discussions, and examine their own practices and plans for school improvement.

Secretaries Week
The Board approved the observance of Secretaries Week during the week of April 22, 2007, and Secretaries Day on Wednesday, April 25, in recognition of the competence and dedication of secretarial and clerical employees.

National Volunteer Week

The Board approved the observance of National Volunteer Week from April 15-21, 2007, in appreciation of the more than 30,000 individuals who volunteer their time, skill, and talent to make a real difference in the lives of children. The theme for Volunteer Week in the school system this year is “Volunteers Light the Way.”

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The Board declared May 2007 to be observed as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month to recognize and honor the contributions of Asian Pacific American students, staff, parents, businesses, and community leaders.

Teacher Appreciation Week

The Board approved the observance of Teacher Appreciation Week from May 6-12, 2007, and Tuesday, May 8, as Teacher Appreciation Day, to recognize publicly all the ways that teachers contribute to the lives of children and to excellence in education.