The Board of Education met in an abbreviated session on Thursday (August 25) and, among other items, reviewed preparations for the opening of school and approved the appointment of seven administrators.


Oral Update on Readiness for the Opening of School


The Board discussed an update on readiness for the opening of schools. Among the areas of discussion were new and expanded programs, curriculum, facilities, transportation, staffing, student support services, and community outreach.


The school system will open after a summer of intensive staff development activities, with 140,000 students in 194 schools. One thousand new teachers will be part of the teaching staff of nearly 11,000.


The new year is marked by the opening of two new schools, the launch of the Middle School Magnet Consortium (at Loiederman, Argyle, and Parkland middle schools), and expansion of full-day kindergarten to 93 elementary schools, an addition of 20 schools. Class size reductions have been instituted across the county with the addition of 175 teaching positions, and special education also has received additional staffing.


Appointments


The Board approved the following administrative appointments:


JoAnn A. Leleck, currently acting associate superintendent, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, as associate superintendent, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs


Elizabeth B. Strubel, currently principal, John T. Baker Middle School, as director of school performance, Office of School Performance


Stephanie P. Williams, currently regional counsel for mid-atlantic region, Aetna Health, Inc., as supervisor, Policy and Records Unit, Department of Reporting and Regulatory Accountability


Virginia K. Lockhart, currently instructional specialist, School-based Instruction and Achievement, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Programs, as coordinator, Special Initiatives, Department of Curriculum and Instruction


Angelo Orelli, currently assistant principal, Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents (RICA), as coordinator, Alternative Program, McKenney Hills Center


Yolanda Speights, currently acting supervisor, Pupil Personnel Services and Section 504 Coordinator, Department of Student Services, as supervisor, Pupil Personnel Services, Office of Special Education and Student Services


Elton Stokes, currently chief architect, Office of Information and Organizational Systems, as coordinator, Integrated Quality Management System, Office of Information and Organizational Systems