The Montgomery County Board of Education met on Monday, April 26, and, among other items, discussed MCPS Careers, a web-based application that is automating the school system’s application and hiring process. The Board also discussed the Hiring for Excellence and Equity Project, whose goal is to create an organizational culture committed to excellence and equity. The Board approved five administrative appointments and passed resolutions honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Teacher Appreciation Week.

MCPS Careers

The Board of Education discussed an update on MCPS Careers, a web-based application that is consolidating data systems and successfully automating application and hiring processes. MCPS Careers provides a centralized location for candidates to search and apply for position vacancies. It can be accessed from any computer with Internet access. Hiring managers can easily review online candidate profiles and employment information. MCPS Careers has increased collaboration and resulted in aligned, paperless processes. Training and support for the use of MCPS Careers is ongoing. “MCPS Careers is a wonderful initiative that is streamlining our hiring process and moving us into the 21st century,” said Board Vice President Christopher Barclay. “Given fiscal constraints, it is even more important that we find efficiencies in our work processes, while ensuring that we have the best staff for our students.”

Hiring for Excellence and Equity

The Board discussed the Hiring for Excellence and Equity Project, whose goal is to transform the hiring and orientation process to accelerate creation of an organizational culture committed to excellence and equity. The Hiring for Excellence and Equity Selection Team is reviewing current hiring practices to evaluate whether job candidates share the beliefs, values, and motivation to meet the high expectation MCPS has for the education of students. The Onboarding Team, with representatives from all three employee organizations, is designing an orientation program for prospective and new MCPS employees that articulates the MCPS culture and expectations and emphasizes each employee’s contribution to achieving college and career readiness for every student. Components of the new process for hiring teachers are expected to be piloted for the 2010–2011 school year. “This new process will allow us to ensure that we are hiring and onboarding wonderful employees who subscribe to our core value of excellence and equity—all to the benefit of our students,” said Board President Pat O’Neill.

Human Resources Appointments

The Board approved the appointments of the following administrators:

• Frank H. Stetson, currently acting chief school performance officer, Office of School Performance, as chief school performance officer, Office of School Performance

• Chrisandra A. Richardson, currently acting associate superintendent, Office of Special Education and Student Services, as associate superintendent, Office of Special Education and Student Services

• Khadija F. Barkley, currently acting principal, Roberto W. Clemente Middle School, as principal, Roberto W. Clemente Middle School

• Edward K. Owusu, currently acting principal, Shady Grove Middle School, as principal, Shady Grove Middle School

• M. Catherine Long, assistant principal, Watkins Mill Elementary School, as principal Ritchie Park Elementary School

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The Board passed a resolution declaring May 2010 to be observed as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The resolution noted that Asian Pacific Americans have contributed significantly to the county and nation through their distinguished leadership in many fields.

Teacher Appreciation Week

The Board passed a resolution declaring that Teacher Appreciation Week be observed by the school system during the week of May 3–7 and that Tuesday, May 4, be designated as Teacher Appreciation Day for Montgomery County Public Schools. The Board recognized the many ways that teachers contribute to the lives of children—filling multiple roles as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators, and mentors. The Board thanked teachers for their contributions to excellence in education and encouraged families and schools to show teachers the appreciation they deserve.

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Montgomery County Board of Education: Ms. Patricia O’Neill, president; Mr. Christopher Barclay, vice president. Members: Ms. Laura Berthiaume, Ms. Shirley Brandman, Dr. Judy Docca, Mr. Michael Durso, Mr. Phil Kauffman, and Mr. Timothy Hwang, student member. Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent and secretary-treasurer. Office of the Board: 301-279-3617. 

The Montgomery County Board of Education is the official educational policymaking body in the county. The Board is responsible for the direction and operation of the public school system. The Board consists of seven county residents elected by voters for a four-year term and a student elected by secondary school students for a one-year term. Board members are elected countywide but run at-large or from the Board district in which they reside.