The Board of Education met yesterday [Monday, April 26, 1999] and, among other items, reviewed the "high stakes" assessment process being developed as part of the state's High School Improvement Program. The Board also identified $2.2 million in potential "non-recommended" reductions in the Fiscal Year 2000 operating budget.

The Board also approved Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and Student Leadership Week.

High School Improvement Program

The Board discussed an update on the preparation toward the High School Improvement Program of the Maryland State Department of Education and the introduction of "high stakes" high school assessments, the first of which are scheduled to affect the graduating class of 2005 (current sixth graders). Dr. Paul L. Vance, superintendent of schools, also announced that efforts are underway to form a partnership with the Sylvan Learning Center to provide evening and summer high school mathematics instruction, particularly in Algebra 1, for students having difficulty with regular high school courses.

Non-Recommended Reductions, FY 2000 Budget

The Board approved the identification of $2.2 million in potential "non recommended" reductions for consideration in the event that the Board's operating budget request for Fiscal Year 2000 is not fully funded. The Board will ask that the Montgomery County Council consider these as "wish list" items to be retained if funding becomes available. The Board said that although the list would not directly affect classroom instruction such reductions would have "harmful long-term effects" on the school system. The reductions would affect computer security and disaster preparedness for computer systems, special education legal fees, residency compliance, bus purchases, postage, telecommunications, utilities, and non-instructional equipment.

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

The Board approved the observance of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in recognition of Asian Pacific American students and staff and their "contributions to the success" of the school system.

Student Leadership Week

The Board recognized the week of April 25-30 as National Student Leadership Week and commended student leaders for their efforts and achievements on behalf of their schools, communities, and the school system.