Board Discusses Preparation for School Opening, Work Priorities

August 30, 2010

ROCKVILLE, MD—The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Thursday, August 26, to conduct a work session on a process for prioritizing its work and the district's readiness for the opening of schools. The Board also approved the appointment of one new administrator and expressed appreciation for the work of former Board member Stephen N. Abrams, who passed away on August 1, 2010.

Annual Work Plan
The Board held a work session in the morning to discuss a disciplined process for adopting its annual work plan. At the end of the work session, the Board directed an ad-hoc committee of its members to apply the process to prioritizing a list of recommended business meeting items for the Board’s consideration at a later date.

Readiness for Opening Schools
The Board of Education heard oral reports from various offices at Montgomery County Public Schools regarding the district's readiness for the first day of school.

Human Resources Appointment
The Board approved the appointment of the following administrator: Marjorie D. Lope, currently acting supervisor, Division of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction, as supervisor, Division of Accelerated and Enriched Instruction

In Appreciation of Stephen N. Abrams
The Board of Education passed a resolution expressing appreciation for Stephen N. Abrams, who died August 1, 2010. Mr. Abrams served three terms on the Montgomery County Board of Education, from 1992–1996, 1998–2002, and 2004–2008. Both as a Board member and afterwards, Mr. Abrams was a strong advocate for Montgomery County students and staff and a believer in enhancing the academic ability of all children. Mr. Abrams was recognized as being a forward-looking, out-of-the-box thinker who was able to analyze issues from every side and spark meaningful discussions about structural changes in education.

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Montgomery County Board of Education: Ms. Patricia O’Neill, president; Mr. Christopher Barclay, vice president. Members: Ms. Laura Berthiaume, Ms. Shirley Brandman, Dr. Judy Docca, Mr. Michael Durso, Mr. Phil Kauffman, and Mr. Alan Xie, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary-treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.

The Montgomery County 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.

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