Deborah Boyce-Herron

The committee meeting covered a departmental update from the new Director of Student Services and Special Education, noting 100% compliance in comprehensive and MA audits. Old business included reviews of fiscal and grant funding for inclusive education and transition initiatives, as well as an update on the Partners for Success outreach program. New business focused on the selection process for the Shining Star Awards. Additionally, the committee discussed potential adjustments to future meeting formats, specifically surveying members regarding virtual versus in-person attendance.

The board meeting included several recognitions and awards. The outgoing student member of the board was celebrated for her service. The board recognized the 2026 student salute scholarship winners and the newly recognized Carson Scholars for their academic excellence and community service. Additionally, the Allegany County Women's Action Coalition presented the Changemaker Scholarship and two honorable mention awards to students for their contributions in areas such as mental health awareness and community leadership.

This document outlines the Service-Learning Implementation Plan Review for the Board of Education of Allegany County, covering the 2016-2020 school years. The plan details the integration of service-learning into the curriculum for grades 6-9, ensuring students meet the 75-hour requirement through interdisciplinary projects in Creative Arts, English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Key areas of focus include fostering student engagement, ensuring a significant action phase in projects, offering diverse service experiences (direct, indirect, advocacy), establishing clear assessment and evaluation processes, and outlining transfer policies. The plan also emphasizes connections between service-learning and broader educational initiatives such as character education, civic education, STEM, financial literacy, and environmental education, aiming to cultivate civic responsibility, academic achievement, and career preparedness.

The meeting focused on design development for the Allegany High School replacement project. Key discussion topics included project status updates, cost analysis regarding the base-bid versus bid alternates for the Performing Arts Auditorium, classroom bay reductions, and playfields. Additionally, the interior design presentation featured concepts for classroom daylighting and views, as well as the development of the student commons area.

The board meeting involved opening ceremonies, including a call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance. The board moved into an executive session to discuss personnel matters, litigation, consult with legal counsel, and conduct administrative functions as permitted under the Open Meetings Act.