Accokeek Academy middle school students thought that they would begin the new school year in a newly renovated building, but due to construction delays, they are still in portable classrooms. The Academy is a K-8 school, and the elementary school portion of the renovation was completed in 2014. However, the new HVAC system has not worked properly since the upgraded building opened. (Sentinel)

In a September 24 meeting, the Board of Education discussed the need for better maintenance of facilities and debated whether there is inequity between schools in the southern and northern regions with respect to the system’s responsiveness to maintenance needs. (Sentinel)

In 2014, only 12% of PGCPS students who took the SAT demonstrated college readiness, compared with a 41% of students in the state of Maryland. PGCPS hopes that literacy coaches in schools will help to change that. (ABC 7)

Arne Duncan’s departure as Education Secretary — happening in December — has been met with a wide range of reactions. The Washington Post publishes a roundup of reactions, from Duncan’s critics and supporters. (Washington Post)

PGCPS is hiring full-time bus drivers and registered nurses. To qualify, bus drivers must be 21 years old, have no more than two points on their driving record, and have at least five years of driving experience. (PGCPS)

In 2013 and 2014, Prince George’s County had a net gain of 3,700 new residents, more than any other city or county in the D.C. area except Loudon County. During the same period, the Montgomery, Fairfax, and the District saw population declines. (Washington Post)

Evidence from both the international PISA test and the American NAEP suggests that heavy use of computer technology in schools does not correlate with better academic performance. The author of this Washington Post posits five mistakes in education technology and how to fix them. (Washington Post)

New legislation passed by the county council Thursday will allow food trucks in Prince George’s County for the first time in a decade. The vendors will be highly regulated, however, with extensive health and safety inspections, licensing fees, and restrictions on location and garbage disposal. (Washington Post)