by Lori Morrow
Board of Education meeting agendas and supporting documents are available at the PGCPS Boarddocs link: http://www.pgcps.org/board.
Newsbreak about Student Pages in the Maryland General Assembly: https://youtu.be/sNtzpTGSGq4?t=382
Public Comment, beginning with Senator Malcolm Augustine: https://youtu.be/sNtzpTGSGq4?t=1076
Registered speakers included comments about the Adelphi Area Schools Plan; the need for additional school psychologists/counselors/social workers; working conditions for PGCPS bus drivers and attendants; and members of LiUNA speaking about community benefits to hiring local.
Budget Consent Agenda: https://youtu.be/sNtzpTGSGq4?t=3943
BOE Member Ahmed asked for clarification on the change order for Francis T Evans ES. CIP Director Shawn Matlock explained that many of the change orders have been due to changes in permitting requirements but they are working to better incorporate the new requirements into budgeting.
Annual Operating Budget: https://youtu.be/sNtzpTGSGq4?t=4201
Members voted to approve the proposed FY2020 Operating Budget with an increased $10.6M in expenditures above the CEO’s proposal, including increased psychologists and social workers. The vote to approve was unanimous.
This request will be forwarded to the county level. If less than the full amount is approved by the county, the Board of Ed will need to reconcile their final budget in June. The CEO & Board Members encouraged the community to continue to advocate for funding at the county* and state levels.
2019-2020 School Calendar: https://youtu.be/sNtzpTGSGq4?t=5300
The agenda item for the 2019-2020 School Calendar was tabled until the March 7 meeting to provide additional time to review a requested modification by PGCEA. Dr. Goldson also noted the legislation, SB0128, in the General Assembly that could reverse Gov Hogan’s 2016 Executive Order. The bill has not been voted on yet in the House. Despite the possible change to the law, the CEO requested that the BOE not change the post-Labor Day start for 2019 because of school construction projects already in planning stages for this summer.
Adelphi Area Schools Plan: https://youtu.be/sNtzpTGSGq4?t=6083
Members approved the CEO’s recommendations for the Adelphi Area Schools Site Selection and Over-Enrollment Relief Plan, with an amendment that plans at the Cherokee Lane Site could be contingent on alternate road access. Members also discussed community benefits agreements in relation to construction projects as a way to support residents/economic development in Prince George’s County.
Emergency Item, 2018-2019 Calendar Update: https://youtu.be/sNtzpTGSGq4?t=6770
The Board of Ed voted to change March 11 to an early dismissal day to allow better participation in the March For Our Schools in Annapolis (marchforourschools.com). The next-to-last school day in June will change to a full day in exchange.
Board of Education meeting agendas and supporting documents are available at the PGCPS Boarddocs link: www.pgcps.org/board.
Read more about the board of education meeting. . .
Prince George's County Advocates for Better Schools 