The Board of Education met yesterday [Tuesday, April 25] and, among other items, endorsed the superintendent's decision to alter the penalty for student use or possession of cellular phones on school property, approved non-recommended reductions to the Fiscal Year 2001 Operating Budget request, and approved the contract for a curriculum audit and program review.

The Board also appointed two administrators and recognized observance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Student Leadership Week, National Teacher Day, and Autism Awareness Month.

Guidelines for the Use of Cellular Phones

The Board endorsed the superintendent' s decision to reduce the penalty for possession of cellular phones by students on school property. Principals now will have the option of suspending students for one to ten days, instead of the current automatic 10-day suspension.

FY 2001 Operating Budget Non-Recommended Reductions

The Board approved the superintendent's list of prioritized non-recommended reductions to the Fiscal Year 2001 Operating Budget request. The list is required in the event full funding of the budget is not obtained. A resolution listing the reductions, totaling $16.3 million, and stating the detrimental impact of these reductions on the quality of education was transmitted to the county executive and the County Council.

Curriculum Audit/Program Review

The Board approved authorization for a contract with Phi Delta Kappa to conduct an external audit and program review of the pre-K through 12-mathematics curriculum. The audit responds to the Our Call to Action Trend Bender: Broadening the Concept of Literacy.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

Jody L. Silvio, currently assistant to the associate superintendent for pupil and community services, as the new executive assistant for the deputy superintendent for organizational development.

Nivea C. Berrios, currently an instructional specialist for ESOL/Bilingual Programs, as the new supervisor of the International Student Admissions Office.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The Board approved the observance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May in recognition of the contributions of Asian Pacific Americans to Montgomery County and the nation.

Student Leadership Week

The Board designated April 30 through May 6 as Student Leadership Week to honor all student leaders for their efforts and achievements on behalf of the school system.

National Teacher Day

The Board approved the observance on May 9 of National Teacher Day in Montgomery County Public Schools to recognize the important contributions of teachers to the future of our society.

Autism Awareness Month

In recognition of Autism Awareness Month in April, the Board approved a resolution expressing appreciation to all who teach and work in support of individuals and families affected by this developmental disability.