Carrie Akins

The meeting commenced with the election of CAC leadership, resulting in Margot Densing as Chair, Benjamin Lee as Co-Chair, and Kris Nicely as Secretary. Key discussions included a presentation by the CCPS Chief Financial Officer detailing the current budget overview, including funding sources, fiscal year changes, grant allocations, expenditure categories (noting wages as the largest), budget approval processes, and development parameters. The presentation further elaborated on the four tracks of budget development. There was also a presentation on the Maryland Blueprint's minimum school funding requirements, emphasizing the legal requirement to spend 75% of revenue per student on specific programs and the need for monthly financial reporting to ensure compliance. The timeline for closing budget shortfall gaps, aiming for 50% closure by FY26 and full compliance by FY27, was outlined. The meeting concluded with an open dialogue between members and board members regarding substitute teacher training and policies for foreign exchange student programs.

The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed evolution of the grading policy, shifting from a letter grade model to a numeric value system incorporating grade floors, intended to combat student disengagement. Presentations detailed how the "product vs. process" grading weight differs across elementary, middle, and high school levels, noting concerns about students being forced through the system due to existing grade floors. A recorded focus group addressed various concerns, including opportunities for grade remediation, the impact on competitive GPAs, individual teacher flexibility, and accommodations for students with disabilities. The discussion concluded with comparisons of different grading models.

The Citizen Advisory Committee meeting included welcoming new members who introduced themselves and shared their motivations for joining the committee. The meeting established norms and expectations for participation, such as respecting multiple perspectives and grounding statements in evidence. The roles and responsibilities of the CAC were reviewed, followed by an activity to collaboratively identify the top questions the committee intends to explore throughout the school year. The session concluded with a question-and-answer period and a discussion with Ms. Post.

The meeting included a review of the agenda and general introductions. The Director of Special Education reported on MSDE monitoring, noting a focus on disproportionality reduction and LRE concerns, and confirmed the continued distribution of scholarships for family conferences. Follow-up discussions addressed concerns from the September meeting regarding School Health and School Safety. School Health clarifications included training for substitute nurses, daily verification of narcotic medications, medication documentation in eSchool, and resources available concerning School Health policy and handbooks. School Safety follow-up provided information on the Center for School Safety link and the 'Handle with Care' protocol for notifying staff of traumatic events. Action items from public comment included acknowledging representation on a new campus planning committee, requests for donation materials for the upcoming CCPS Math festival, and accepting book study recommendations for the Spring presentation.

This High School Planning Guide from Calvert County Public Schools assists students and families in navigating high school course options, graduation requirements, and post-secondary pathways. It outlines academic and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, dual enrollment opportunities, and provides detailed course descriptions to support students' academic growth and future aspirations. The guide is intended for students making informed course selections aligned with their individual goals and future college and career plans.