Montgomery Board of Education Approves Master Plan, Discusses Enrollment Trends, Capital Improvements Program


The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Tuesday, October 14, and, among other actions, approved the state-mandated Comprehensive Master Plan. The Board also approved a resolution urging the State Board of Education to delay implementation of the plan to link Maryland High School Assessment results to graduation in 2009 until concerns raised by various stakeholders have been resolved. The Board also received a staff briefing on enrollment trends and the Capital Improvements Program, and discussed issues related to the school system’s arts, music and physical education curricula and instruction.

Update on Enrollment and Capital Improvements Program
The Board discussed the current school enrollment count, as part of a staff briefing presenting enrollment and demographic trends that will have an impact on future enrollment. This year’s enrollment has grown dramatically since last year—up by more than 1,600 students—especially at the elementary level, and is expected to grow by another 5,000 students between now and 2014. The Board also discussed school construction and other capital projects in the Capital Improvements Program. After receiving the superintendent’s recommendations in late October, the Board will hold a worksession and public hearings in November and will submit its final CIP recommendations to the County Executive in late November.

Resolution on High School Assessments
The Board approved a resolution requesting that the Maryland State Board of Education delay linking the Maryland High School Assessment program to high school diplomas for at least one year until all the concerns raised by stakeholders have been resolved.

Final Approval of the Comprehensive Master Plan
The Board gave final approval of the annual update to the Comprehensive Master Plan, required by the Maryland General Assembly to be submitted to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) by Oct. 15. Not all assessment data and analysis have been completed by MSDE, so, at the recommendation of State Superintendent Nancy Grasmick to Maryland superintendents, the approved plan contains a disclaimer related to the data and analysis not yet available.

Arts, Music and Physical Education
The Board discussed instruction in the arts, music and physical education in light of state legislation proposed this year to increase physical education instructional time and recent stakeholder inquiries regarding arts programs in the school system. Part of the discussion focused on the amount of time that could be focused on art, music and physical education instruction within the confines of the current elementary school day.

American Indian Heritage Month
The Board approved the observance of American Indian Heritage Month in November in recognition of the many contributions made by the American Indian community. The Board recognized the importance of continued academic achievement of American Indian students and partnerships with parents, staff and community members to the success of the county, state and nation.

Montgomery County Public Schools Charity Campaign
The Board passed a resolution urging all employees to contribute to the Montgomery County Public Schools 2008 Charity Campaign, which will run from Oct. 27–Nov. 21. Employees can contribute through any of the following four organizations: the Montgomery County United Way, the Union Community Fund, the Montgomery County Community Foundation and the Montgomery Alliance. Last year, employees contributed about $213,000 to the campaign.

Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award
The Board recognized Michael J. Zarchin, principal of Thomas W. Pyle Middle School, as the winner of the Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award. The resolution noted that Zarchin has instilled the belief that all students can learn and be successful, and academic achievement at Pyle has increased significantly for all student groups.

National School Bus Safety Week
The Board proclaimed Oct. 20–24 as National School Bus Safety Week and expressed its continued support for the MCPS Ride by the Rules campaign.

HealthierUS School Challenge
The Board and superintendent extended congratulations to the cafeteria staff, principals, teachers and students in 44 elementary schools that earned the HealthierUS School Challenge recognition by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Montgomery County Board of Education: Mrs. Nancy Navarro, president. Ms. Shirley Brandman, vice president. Members: Mr. Steve Abrams, Mr. Christopher Barclay, Ms. Sharon Cox, Dr. Judy Docca, Mrs. Patricia B. O’Neill, and Ms. Quratul-Ann Malik, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary-treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.

The Board of Education is the official educational policymaking body in the county. The Board is responsible for the direction and operation of the public school system. The Board consists of seven county residents elected by voters for a four-year term and a student elected by secondary school students for a one-year term. Board members are elected countywide but run at-large or from the Board district in which they reside.