Brenda Bowers

The committee reviewed and disseminated information regarding forthcoming family support events, including a Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt, "Kindergarten, Here I Come," and a Resource and Transition Fair scheduled for March and April 2026. The Membership and Governance Subcommittee reported on revising the committee bylaws, having reviewed feedback, examined a Technical Assistance Bulletin, and examined bylaws from other agencies; the revised bylaws are slated for presentation in March. The Recognition and Awards Subcommittee provided an update on the awards application process, including finalizing application development, establishing opening/closing dates, creating a "Save the Date" notice for administrators scheduled for February 23, 2026, and developing a notification timeline.

The agenda for the Curriculum Council meeting includes detailed discussions and presentations on the Elementary and Secondary Mathematics Programs, as well as the ESOL/ML Program. The Council's charge involves developing knowledge of curriculum goals, networking with supervisors, communicating issues to parents and administration, reviewing and recommending instructional textbooks and materials to the Board of Education, and providing advice to the Superintendent and Board of Education on curriculum matters. The meeting materials also highlight instructional spotlights focusing on differentiation, co-teaching, discovery learning, and hands-on learning within the mathematics curriculum framework aligned with the CCPS Model for Quality Instruction (MQI) and the MSDE Mathematics Policy.

The meeting included reports from the Carroll County Student Government Association, which introduced candidates for the next student representative on the board, and provided updates on leadership workshops and community engagement. Board members provided updates on their activities, including attendance at legislative sessions, ethics bowls, career and technical education events, and budget workshops. Discussions included National School Breakfast Week, recognizing instructional assistants, and recognizing February as Gifted and Talented Education Month and Career and Technical Education Month. A board member also reported on discussions with law enforcement officials regarding ICE agents in schools and provided reassurance that student safety is protected. Furthermore, there was discussion regarding security measures like cameras and kiosks, and a report on curriculum council presentations covering elementary/secondary mathematics and ESOL/Multilingual Learners programs.

The event recognized students from the HVAC, carpentry, electrical, masonry, and welding programs for their achievements. The HVAC program highlighted student learning in areas such as mechanical engineering principles, thermodynamics, and securing certifications including OSHA 10 and EPA 608. The carpentry segment emphasized skills in transformation of raw materials, complex roof layout calculation, and mastering joints. Electrical students demonstrated proficiency in residential and commercial wiring, earning OSHA 10 and NCCR certifications. Awards and scholarships were presented, including the Boucher Industry Tool Award, the HACC Apprenticeship Award for HVAC students pursuing further studies, the Ultimate Electric Scholarship, the Thomas A. Vanderval Memorial Award for a carpentry student, and the Shelter Systems Tool for the Trade Award for an exceptional carpentry student. Several graduating students shared their post-graduation plans, including entering the workforce, attending college, joining the military, or pursuing apprenticeships.

The meeting served as the final work session prior to the formal adoption of the FY27 operating budget request in February. Key discussion points included updates based on the Governor's budget release on January 21st, analysis of state funding figures, and updates on one-time funding requests for FY27 related to charter school openings and facilities maintenance. The board was presented with a broader, multi-year budget forecast highlighting recurring challenges such as anticipated enrollment decline, low per-pupil funding compared to the state average, and previous operating budget reductions totaling over $40 million. The current deficit stands at $10.4 million based on proposed expenditures exceeding projected revenues. Actions to balance the budget involve closing the outdoor school program and reducing teacher FTE in line with enrollment decline. A significant update noted the charter school delaying its opening from FY27 to FY28, allowing for the removal of $4 million in one-time funding ask from the FY27 budget. Facility maintenance funding needs were reviewed, with a recommendation to increase the one-time ask from $2 million to $3 million for FY27 due to unexpected costs and exhausted fund balance. The discussion also emphasized the long-term nature of the budgetary challenges, extending beyond FY27.