The Board of Education met on Tuesday [September 9] and, among other items, postponed implementation of the revised Grading and Reporting Policy, reviewed the operation of the opening week of school, and made an administrative appointment.

An update on technology initiatives and the data warehouse also was discussed, as well as information regarding food and nutrition services. The Board also supported a change in the county Annual Growth Policy. The observance of Hispanic Heritage Month was approved, and the United Way affiliate for the annual Montgomery County Charity Campaign was authorized.

Implementation of Policy IKA

The Board temporarily postponed implementation of the revised Policy IKA, Grading and Reporting, following recognition that the policy needed a longer phase-in process to allow more opportunities for training, communication, and practice. The Board endorsed a recommendation by Superintendent Weast to halt the implementation and prepare a multiyear plan that would respond to concerns that were expressed. The Board requested that the new implementation plan be provided by January 2004 and that the phase-in process begin with the 2004-2005 school year.

Update on the First Week of School

The Board reviewed the operation of schools during the opening week of the 2003-2004 school year with the community superintendents and other senior staff.

Appointment

The Board approved the following administrative appointment:

§ Lynn T. Brown, currently human resources specialist, Office of Human Resources, as coordinator of accountability initiatives, Office of Shared Accountability.

Update of Technology Initiatives and the Data Warehouse

The Board reviewed an update on school system technology systems, including technology modernization in schools, the Instructional Management System offering access to assessment data through the school system web site, information technology security, and the data warehouse system. The data warehouse, launched for the first time in July 2003, provides a central source of information used to assist administrators in developing school and systemwide improvement plans.

Food and Nutrition Services

The Board reviewed an update on the food and nutrition program, nutrition education curriculum, and physical education programs offered by the school system.

Annual Growth Policy

The Board voted to support the county Planning Board recommendation for the Annual Growth Policy as it pertains to schools, including the recommended school impact tax rates per housing unit, provided that it is applied to all units awaiting building permits. A copy of the Board’s resolution will be forwarded to the County Council, county executive, and the Planning Board.

Hispanic Heritage Month

The Board approved the observance of September 15 through October 15, 2003, as Hispanic Heritage Month, in recognition of the continued successful education efforts of Hispanic American students and the outstanding contributions of the Hispanic community to the present and future success of the county, state, and nation.

Employees Charity Campaign

The Board authorized the United Way of the National Capital Area as the United Way affiliate to be used as a vehicle for charity giving by employees during the 2003 charity campaign.

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. Sagar Sanghvi, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617.