The Board of Education met on Tuesday [October 14] and, among other items, received an update on enrollment and the Capital Improvements Program and approved a resolution regarding recalculation of Adequate Yearly Progress on the Maryland State Assessment. The Board tentatively approved a policy on travel study programs and class and student organization trips. A policy on out-of-classroom enrichment was rescinded.

Five administrative appointments and preliminary architectural plans for two school projects were approved. The Board recognized the observance of American Indian Heritage Month and designated the participation period for the Montgomery County Public Schools Charity Campaign. The Board recognized the winner of the Mark Mann Award for 2003 and discussed the effects of county revenue shortfalls.

Update on CIP/Enrollment

The Board received an update outlining significant demographic changes in the school system and the implications of these trends for policy decisions affecting areas such as facilities, interventions needed for English language learners and students living in poverty, and continuing opportunities for rigorous academics.

High School Assessments and Maryland School Assessment

The Board reviewed various aspects of the High School Assessments, including the graduation requirement timetable and reporting of test results for both 2002 and 2003 to local school systems and parents. A discussion of the Maryland School Assessment included results at the system and school levels, reports to parents, and factors affecting Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and accommodations for special education and ESOL students. The president of the Board introduced a resolution, approved unanimously by the Board, asking the Maryland State Department of Education to clarify and adjust the calculation of AYP so that students receiving accommodations are not penalized and to seek clarification of relevant Federal regulations.

Tentative Action on Policy IPD

The Board tentatively approved Policy IPD, Travel Study Programs, Class and Student Organization Trips, for public comment. The policy provides guidance for planning, approving, implementing, and evaluating various types of school trips. The revisions reflect a strengthened emphasis on the relationship between the purpose of the proposed trip and instruction.

Rescission of Policy IPB

The Board approved the rescission of Policy IPB, Out-of-Classroom Enrichment, which has been superseded by other policies and regulations.

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

§ Diane Mohr, currently acting administrative assistant to the Chief Information Officer, as administrative assistant to the Chief Information Officer, Office of Global Access Technology.

§ Virginia A. Ross, currently special education instructional specialist, Division of Programs and Services, Department of Special Education, as supervisor, special education, Division of School-based Special Education.

§ Stephen C. Whiting, currently assistant principal at Poolesville High School, as principal, Rocky Hill Middle School.

§ Sean R. Yarup, currently environmental health and safety manager, The George Washington University, as environmental safety coordinator, Department of Facilities Management.

§ Lynn Zarate, currently safety manager, Georgetown University, as environmental safety coordinator, Department of Facilities Management.

Preliminary Architectural Plans

The Board approved preliminary architectural plans for an addition to Forest Knolls Elementary School and the conversion of the Clarksburg area high school.

American Indian Heritage Month

The Board approved a resolution commemorating the observance of American Indian Heritage Month in November in recognition of the significant contributions of American Indians to the county, state, and nation, and for the many ways the American Indian community has developed outreach activities and partnerships in support of academic achievements within the school system.

Montgomery County Public Schools Charity Campaign

The Board approved a resolution designating the participation period of the MOntgomery County Public Schools Charity Campaign from October 27 through December 1, 2003, and urging all employees to donate to the Campaign as a reflection of their commitment to addressing the needs of people who need support.

Mark Mann Award

The Board recognized Kennon Evans, principal of Dr. Sally K. Ride Elementary School, for receiving the Superintendent’s Annual Mark Mann Excellence and Harmony Award.

Implications of County’s Revenue Shortfall

The Board discussed the implications for the school system of Montgomery County’s revenue shortfall.

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.