PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS >  BROWSE

Board of Education Receives a Presentation and Discusses the Opening of Schools; Approves an Administrative Appointment; Discusses a New Business Item; and Awards Contracts for the Potomac Elementary School Revitalization/Expansion Project and the Thomas W. Pyle Middle School Addition Project

September 4, 2018

The Montgomery County Board of Education (Board) met on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.  During the meeting, the Board received a presentation and discussed the opening of schools; approved an administrative appointment; discussed a new business item; and awarded contracts for the Potomac Elementary School Revitalization/Expansion Project and the Thomas W. Pyle Middle School Addition Project.

The agenda for the meeting, with links to related materials, can be viewed on the Board of Education website.

Presentation and Discussion on the Opening of Schools

The chief operating officer, the deputy superintendent of school support and improvement, and the chief academic officer presented information to the Board regarding the work done throughout the year and summer in preparation for the start of the 2018–2019 school year.   The Board engaged in a robust discussion regarding the following:

Dr. Kimberly Statham, deputy superintendent of school support and improvement, reviewed the year-round process and continuing efforts over the summer to equip Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) leaders through the collaborative work across central services and the improvement of systems and processes.  She reported that efforts have been made to ensure a smooth transition for the restructured offices of the chief academic officer and the school support and improvement and the hiring and training of new staff members. She also referenced the work with and strengthening of MCPS partners and the successes of various MCPS summer programs.

Dr. Maria Navarro, chief academic officer, shared information with the Board about student learning that occurred over the summer, preventing summer learning loss and providing enrichment and accelerated learning, as well as credit earning opportunities.  She highlighted summer camps and learning opportunities for middle and high school students, and adult learning for staff.  She reported that 500 teachers continued their work and learning in cohorts across different content areas and various schools; 24 new principals were hired this year; and 4,000 elementary school teachers continued work throughout the summer around instructional shifts to build foundational skills in literacy.

Dr. Andrew Zuckerman, chief operating officer, described the work of the operational side of MCPS, highlighting that MCPS has hired nearly 900 new teachers, 250 supporting service employees, as well as the diversity of the MCPS workforce, with 17 countries represented. He reported the completion of water testing; efforts to strengthen MCPS infrastructure through completed projects, the opening of new schools and additions.  He highlighted the work around securing our schools through technology, infrastructure, training and initiating a re-fingerprinting program for all employees

New Business Item

Board Member Jill Ortman-Fouse raised concerns about the data showing the rise in the number of sexually transmitted infections and presented to Board colleagues a resolution for consideration.  The resolution seeks to have condoms available to students in high school health rooms, coupled with the education about preventing sexually transmitted infections.  The Board engaged in discussion; however no action was taken.  This new business item will come before the Board for action at the September 11, 2018 meeting.

Facilities and School Construction

The Board of Education awarded contracts for the Potomac Elementary School Revitalization/Expansion Project and the Thomas W. Pyle Middle Addition School Project.

Administrative Appointment

The Board of Education approved the following administrative appointment:

Theresa Testoni, currently business development associate, Adventist HealthCare Urgent Care, as supervisor, Strategic Industry Partnerships.

Future Meetings

The Board of Education will hold its next regular business meeting on Tuesday, September 11, 2018.  Please check the Board of Education website and meeting calendar for further information

About the Board of Education
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.

Montgomery County Board of Education: Mr. Michael Durso, president; Mrs. Shebra Evans, vice president. Members: Ms. Jeanette E. Dixon, Dr. Judith Docca, Mrs. Patricia O’Neill, Ms. Jill Ortman-Fouse, Mrs. Rebecca Smondrowski, and Ms. Ananya Tadikonda, student member. Dr. Jack R. Smith, superintendent of schools and secretary-treasurer. Office of the Board: 240-740-3030.

 

 

 

 

 

 

<<Back to browse