The Board of Education met earlier this week [Tuesday, June 8] and, among other actions, reviewed the implementation of the policy on gifted and talented education and the possibility of exemptions for certain exams. The Board also approved the Fiscal Year 2000 operating budget and reviewed the status of school construction projects for the new school year.

The Board also discussed new initiatives in organizational staff training and development and recognized the achievements of several employees who graduated from a special college program. The Board also appointed three elementary school principals.

Gifted and Talented Policy Implementation

The Board discussed the implementation of the policy (IOA) on gifted and talented education and a staff report on the provision of accelerated and enriched academic instruction and activities for gifted and talented students.

Double A Exam Exemption

The Board discussed a resolution but did not support a proposed change in high school examination requirements that would have exempted students with two A grades in a semester from having to take a semester exam for that course. The Board requested that staff provide additional information on whether to waive such exams or provide alternative assessments for graduating seniors.

FY 2000 Operating Budget Action

The Board approved amendments to the requested Fiscal Year 2000 operating budget to reflect the appropriation of $1.1 billion from the County Council, an amount that represented 99.6 percent of the Board's request. The final funding amount was $4 million less than the Board requested and required several specific cuts in non-instructional services.

Construction Status Report

The Board received a status report on current construction projects, including 12 modernizations and additions at facilities being readied for the new school year, as well as about $8 million in other smaller projects throughout the system.

Personnel Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

Kathleen A. FitzGerald, currently administrative intern at Oakland Terrace Elementary School, as principal of Montgomery Knolls Elementary School.

Shawn D. Miller, currently administrative intern at Rachel Carson Elementary School, as principal of Woodfield Elementary School.

Lamar Whitmore, currently principal at Logan Elementary School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as principal of Flower Hill Elementary School.

Employee Training and Development

The Board received an update on the implementation of the transitional plan for the improvement of employee training and development, including the ongoing work of the Organizational Development Team and the strategic planning alignment of staff training with the Success for Every Student Plan.

MCPS-Bowie State University Program

The Board recognized the graduates of a special program at Bowie State University who are supporting services personnel of the school system. The program offers a bachelors degree for those employees holding an associate of arts degree.

Board of Education: Mr. Reginald M. Felton, president; Mrs. Patricia O'Neill, vice president. Members: Mr. Steve Abrams, Mr. Kermit V. Burnett, Mrs. Beatrice Gordon, Ms. Nancy J. King, Ms. Mona M. Signer, and Mr. Geonard Butler, Jr., student member.

Dr. Paul L. Vance, superintendent and secretary treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617