The Board of Education met on Tuesday [November 11] and, among other items, tentatively approved policies on the naming of schools and retainage reduction for contractors. The Board also approved two administrative appointments and preliminary plans for an addition to Gaithersburg Elementary School. The Board reviewed an update on curriculum implementation, discussed the utilization of the Mark Twain School, and reviewed the monthly financial report. The Board also recognized the observance of Veterans’ Day and American Education Week.

Policy FFA, Naming of Schools

The Board approved for public comment a revised policy on the naming of schools, which clarifies the process for naming portions of a facility and prohibits the use of naming rights to generate revenue without express approval of the Board. The recommendation includes a change in policy title from “Naming Schools” to “Naming School Facilities.”

Policy FED, Retainage Reduction for Contractors

The Board approved for public comment a revised policy on retainage reduction for contractors that reflects recent changes in Maryland law regarding the amounts that can be retained from progress payments on state-funded projects. The recommendation includes a change in policy title from “Retainage Reduction for Contractors” to “Reduction of Funds Retained Pending Completion of a Contract.”

Appointments

The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

§ Ann E. Bedford, currently instructional specialist, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, as coordinator, Special Initiatives, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs.

§ Dr. Ghassan J. Tarazi, currently principal, Ellen Glasgow Middle School, Fairfax County Public Schools, as director, Middle School Instruction and Achievement.

Preliminary Architectural Plans

The Board approved preliminary architectural plans for an addition to Gaithersburg Elementary School.

Update on Curriculum Implementation

The Board discussed an update of the implementation process of the comprehensive curriculum revision. The implementation schedule has made considerable progress but has been slowed in response to stakeholder feedback to ensure that professional development is well-planned and ongoing and the implementation is monitored, reviewed, and revised accordingly.

Continuation of CIP Worksession: Mark Twain School

The Board discussed the need for a study to explore alternate models that would allow full utilization of the Mark Twain School facility, which is currently at 37 percent capacity, and also continue and enhance the high-quality academic program for students.

Monthly Financial Report

The Board received the monthly financial report and discussed the effects and implications of the spending freeze in effect to address budget shortfalls in the current fiscal year. The spending restrictions are designed to replicate previous cost-avoidance measures that netted considerable savings.

American Education Week

The Board approved a resolution to observe American Education Week in Montgomery County Public Schools from November 16 through November 22, 2003, encouraging parent, community, and business involvement in the education process.

Veterans’ Day

The Board approved a resolution commending students, parents, staff and the entire community for commemorating, honoring, and celebrating the contributions of veterans.

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.