by Lori Morrow

Over forty Prince George’s County parents, staff, community advocates and elected officials gathered at the TGI Friday’s in Forestville, Maryland on Saturday, February 17 to find out more about Delegate Dr. Darryl Barnes’s Parent Involvement and Education Advisory Committee.

Led by Chair Earnest Moore and Vice Chair Tramaine Crawford, the advisory committee was established to “tackle lingering issues in the Prince George’s County Education System.”

Delegate Barnes emphasized that the focus of the committee is not to “throw stones,” but rather to develop ideas and solutions that can help move our system forward. Collaboration was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Individuals were charged to bring together our diverse knowledge and resources, as well as learn from those who have come before us. Ultimately, the goal is for the committee to present findings and recommendations to decision-makers including the County Council, Board of Education, and General Assembly as appropriate.

Those present for the planning breakfast were invited to volunteer for at least one of the seven subcommittees that most fit their expertise or passion. Mr. Crawford introduced the seven topics: Special Education; Restorative Practices and Bullying; Charter and Public School Law; Teacher and Administrator Policy/ Betterment; Public School Improvement; Minority Male Involvement/Mentorship; and English Language Learners. Subcommittees will meet via teleconference or in person, with initial tasks to choose and chair and develop work plans and timelines. The full advisory committee will meet again in approximately 30 days to share updates with the Chairs and Delegate Barnes.

Community members who were unable to attend the initial meeting may still participate in the advisory committee by contacting Mr. Moore (mooreel3@hotmail.com), Mr. Crawford (tramaine@tramainecrawford.com), or Courtney Finklea Green, Director of Education Policy (CourtneyFGreen@gmail.com).

In closing, Delegate Barnes reiterated that they are looking for committed individuals to take on this challenge. “We don’t want to hear that we met and nothing happened.”