Board Discusses Operating Budget Interests for FY 14; Holds Work Session on Strategic Plan Core Values

July 18, 2012

The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville. Among other items, the Board discussed its operating budget interests for FY 2014, had a discussion on the process for revising its strategic core values and approved the creation of a plan to reduce MCPS’ carbon footprint. The agenda for the meeting, with links to related materials, can be viewed on the Board of Education website.

Operating Budget Interests for Fiscal Year 2014
The Board began a discussion with Superintendent Joshua P. Starr about its operating budget interests for Fiscal Year 2014. This is the second year that the Board has shared its budgetary interests with Dr. Starr as he begins the process of developing an operating budget recommendation for next fiscal year. The Board will continue this discussion at a future Board meeting. Dr. Starr will present his FY 2014 Operating Budget recommendation to the Board in December.

Reducing MCPS’ Carbon Footprint
The Board held a wide-ranging discussion on the school district’s commitment to reducing its overall carbon footprint and the need for investing in concrete initiatives that will help the school system achieve that goal. The Board approved a resolution directing the superintendent to develop a plan for reducing the school system’s carbon footprint. Each year, beginning with the coming school year, a progress report will be given to the Board on this initiative. The plan should include all aspects of stewardship, including existing programs and new efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the school district, its schools and facilities. Read the Board Item

Work Session on Strategic Plan Core Values
The Board held a work session on the process for reviewing and possibly revising its core values. The discussion was held as the Board is considering making revisions to its strategic plan—Our Call to Action: Pursuit of Excellence. The facilitated discussion centered on how the Board will move forward with developing a working draft of the definition, purpose, criteria, and candidates for its core values. Read the Board Memo

Appointment to Board Committee
The Board passed a resolution appointing John B. Mannes III, student member of the Board, as a member of the Board of Education’s Policy Committee. He will serve on the Policy Committee until the expiration of his term of office on June 30, 2013. Read the Board Item

Impact of Severe Weather on MCPS
The Board received a brief update on the impact of the Derecho storm that hit the region on June 29, 2012. Immediately following the storm, more than 60 percent of the district’s operations were without power, including more than 130 schools and facilities. There was some damage to buildings and property, including fallen trees and utility poles, damage to electrical equipment and technology and a small amount of structural damage. As a result of the extensive power outages, MCPS had to close all schools and facilities two days—July 2 and July 3—and had to adjust the schedule of some summer school programs. Most programs and activities in MCPS schools resumed on Thursday, July 5 and power was restored to all buildings by Friday, July 6. The Board and Dr. Starr thanked the hundreds of employees that worked throughout the week to get schools ready to reopen as quickly as possible.

Resolutions
The Board passed a resolution congratulating the recipients of the Montgomery County Public Schools Educational Foundation Inc. Scholarship Awards, as well as a resolution in appreciation of Ms. Lois O. Stoner.

Appointments
The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointment:

-Carl Bencal, currently principal intern, Herbert Hoover Middle School, as principal, Seven Locks Elementary School

About the Board of Education
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.

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

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