The Board of Education met on Tuesday [January 14] and, among other items, tentatively approved Policy IKA, Grading and Reporting, and Policy ACA, Human Relations. The Board also approved six administrative appointments, approved recommendations on a program for parent and community outreach, approved the observance of African American History Month, and engaged in a dialog on the Maryland Bridge to Excellence Act and comprehensive master plan requirements.

Policy on Grading and Reporting

The Board tentatively approved revised Policy IKA, Grading and Reporting, designed to provide a fair and understandable process for evaluating and reporting student progress and ensure that reporting is in alignment with the rigor of the curriculum and high stakes testing. The policy and operational framework will go out for public comment for a period of 60 days before final adoption by the Board.

Administrative Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

Dale E. Fulton, currently director, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, as associate superintendent, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs. (Current associate superintendent, Judie Muntner, is retiring, effective February 3.)

Mark E. Kelsch, currently principal, Richard Montgomery High School, as community superintendent for the Winston Churchill, Richard Montgomery, Rockville, and Thomas S. Wootton clusters, Office of School Performance.

Geraline Joan Carroll, currently principal, North Bethesda Middle School, as director for the Northwest, Poolesville, Quince Orchard, and Seneca Valley clusters, Office of School Performance.

Lucille L. Ellis, currently principal, Col. E. Brooke Lee Middle School, as director for the Montgomery Blair, Albert Einstein, and John F. Kennedy clusters, Office of School Performance.

Cheri V. Lavorgna, currently program manager for Business Systems, as supervisor, Employee and Retiree Services Center Support Team.

Gary Levine, currently director, Department of Employment Standards and Operations, as director, Employee and Retiree Services Center Administration.

Policy on Human Relations

The Board tentatively approved revised Policy ACA, Human Relations, which will be sent out for public comment before final adoption by the Board. The policy maintains the major provisions of the previous policy, amended to reflect organizational changes, and adds “bullying” as an act not to be condoned.

Parent and Community Outreach

The Board approved an amended report that establishes recommendations on the structure, roles, and responsibilities for parent and community outreach efforts. The recommendations provide ways to align, coordinate, and evaluate the parent outreach program.

African American History Month

The Board approved the observance of February as African American History Month in Montgomery County Public Schools to actively honor the contributions of African Americans both locally and nationwide and to support the achievement of African American students.

Bridge to Excellence

The Board engaged in a dialog on Maryland’s Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act and the requirement for each local school system in Maryland to develop and implement a master plan for student improvement. A stakeholder involvement plan and timeline will be presented to the Board in February, and a final draft of the strategic plan will be submitted for Board approval in late May.

___________________________
Board of Education: Mrs. Patricia B. O’Neill, president; Ms. Sharon W. Cox, vice president. Members: Mr. Kermit V. Burnett, Mr. Reginald M. Felton, Dr. Charles Haughey, Mr. Walter N. Lange, Mr. Gabe Romero, and Mr. Mihyar Alnifaidy, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.