Board of Education Meeting: March 9, 2010

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Full Agenda (PDF)

Approval of the Agenda; Recommended Positions on Education Legislation

The Board discussed and took positions on a range of proposed state legislation that would affect Montgomery County Public Schools. Areas of proposed legislation included charter schools; construction/maintenance; fiscal retirement/benefits, revenue, and tax credit; human resources; Race to the Top; school safety; student athletics and curriculum; and other areas.

"The Board is actively engaged on items of legislation and testifying in Annapolis," said Board President Patricia O'Neill. "We are advocating strongly for our students’ needs and to protect their educational futures."

Public Comments

Board/Superintendent Comments

Final Action, Policy JHF, Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation

The Board of Education adopted the new Policy JHF, Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation, following a period of public comment. The policy sets forth the Board’s commitment to maintaining a school environment free from bullying, harassment, or intimidation and directs the school system to implement a systemwide prevention and intervention program.

A number of suggestions received—in areas such as timelines for investigation, notification of incidents, staff training, accountability, and consequences—were incorporated into the policy. "The Board took action to send a clear, strong message that we are deeply committed to addressing concerns about bullying so all our students can feel safe in their learning environment," said Shirley Brandman, chair of the Board's Policy Committee. "We recognize this policy is just the first, but important, step to building a strong foundation that encourages our schools to recognize and respond appropriately whenever bullying occurs."

Read the report

Consent Items

Human Resources Report

Monthly Financial Report

Presentation Plan for Herbert Hoover MS Modernization Project

The Board approved the report on preliminary plans for the Herbert Hoover Middle School modernization project.

Facilities Decisions

The Board approved recommendations related to the following facilities:

• The middle school assignment for Lois P. Rockwell Elementary School will be changed from Rocky Hill Middle School to John T. Baker Middle School.
• The western portion of the Bethesda Elementary School service area will be reassigned to Bradley Hills Elementary School. The boundary change will be implemented in August 2013 when a classroom addition to Bradley Hills is completed.
• Kindergarten students from Oakland Terrace Elementary School will attend school in the lower level of Sligo Middle School for the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years.

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