The Board of Education met on Monday [April 26] and, among other items, reviewed a framework to align Board policies with the strategic plan and approved a resolution regarding the High School Assessments program. The Board also clarified the admission process to the Chinese Immersion Program and approved preliminary plans for an elementary school. In addition, the Board approved the observance of National Student Leadership Week and Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Alignment of Policies and the Strategic Plan

The Board reviewed a framework developed by the Board Policy Committee that analyzes relationships between policies and the school system's strategic plan and identifies core governance policies. The objective is to facilitate ongoing work in the areas of policy development and revision.

Maryland High School Assessments

The Board approved a resolution to request the Maryland State Board of Education to postpone action to adopt any proposal on the High School Assessments (HSA) program until December 2004 to allow the Maryland State Department of Education to address concerns that have been raised by stakeholders. The Board's resolution included a list of six concerns about implementing, funding, and communicating the HSA program.

Chinese Immersion Program

The Board clarified the process of admission to the Chinese Immersion Program at Potomac Elementary School, defining “waiting list” as those students countywide who were not selected during the spring lottery process, but were to be given priority in the event of seats becoming available after the beginning of the school year and no later than April 1.

Preliminary Plans for Northwest ES #7

The Board approved preliminary plans for Northwest Elementary School #7. The plans incorporate “Green School” features that conserve energy and other resources.

National Student Leadership Week

The Board designated April 18-24 as Student Leadership Week in Montgomery County Public Schools and commended student leaders for their efforts and achievements on behalf of the school system.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
The Board approved the observance of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, recognizing the vision and achievements of Asian Pacific American students, staff, businesses, and community.

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