John F Ander

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, followed by the unanimous approval of three personnel appointments: Stephanie Wallace as Supervisor for Social Workers, Dr. Mary Jane Ennis as Principal of Georgian Forest Elementary School, and Mrs. Catherine West as Principal of Baird Rustin Elementary School. Key recognition segments addressed Arab American Heritage Month (declaring April 2022 as such), National Autism Awareness Month (declaring April 2022 as such), and Celebrating the Arts Week (declaring March 24th through 31st, 2022, as such). Public comments featured testimony regarding concerns over the militarization of elementary schools through the addition of security guards and police, racial disparities in school discipline, and the need for improved accessibility and implementation of mental health resources following violent incidents across the county.

The meeting focused on providing an update regarding the Districtwide Boundary Analysis. Key discussion points included clarifying the scope of the analysis, which examines facility utilization, geographic configuration, school diversity, and data dive into current boundaries in response to enrollment growth (which increased by 2,600 students this year and 23,662 in the last ten years). Presenters emphasized that the analysis will not reassign students and serves as a foundational reference document for future redistricting efforts. The discussion also addressed misconceptions, specifically confirming that the project will not result in immediate student boundary changes, and detailed the four factors (geography, facility utilization, student body demographics, and stability of assignment) that guide the analysis according to Policy FAA. Furthermore, the team clarified that while traffic analysis was removed from the scope due to being less quantifiable, proximity variables like walkability and distance to schools are being analyzed. The status of community engagement and the timeline, leading to a final report in June 2020, were also reviewed. A question concerning the inclusion of program assignments, such as consortium enrollment, was addressed, noting that assignment data will be the primary focus with program data overlaid.

The Latino Student Achievement Action Group (LSAAG) partners with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to address the achievement gap among Latino students. Its core mission is to engage with the Latino community and MCPS leadership to identify and overcome barriers, including language difficulties, challenges in navigating the school system, and limited access to academic enrichment and career technology education opportunities. The group advocates for increased support for ESL students, improved cultural competence among staff, and aims to enhance student outcomes and graduation rates. Key activities involve conducting listening sessions with parents and collaborating with school system leaders to implement necessary changes.

The committee meeting convened to discuss the mid-year academic progress of students receiving special education services. Key discussion points included an analysis of PARCC data comparing performance across different disability primary codes and program placements from 2014-2015 to 2017-2018, noting growth in student populations, particularly in the autism and pre-K programs. The committee reviewed literacy and math performance data, noting improvements in literacy across elementary and middle school levels but declines in math for middle and high school levels, which prompted plans for new math interventions and training. There was discussion regarding the distinction between learning disabilities and English language needs, referencing the Bilingual Assessment Team's role in identifying dual-need students. Furthermore, the group discussed the implementation of new Orton-Gillingham training and interventions, as well as a systematic approach to screening and intervention using the new Performance Matters tool to provide targeted support to individual students.

The meeting commenced with special remembrances honoring the late colleague, Patricia O'Neill, who was the longest-serving member of the Board. Board members shared extensive tributes detailing her legacy of service, mentorship, institutional knowledge, and dedication to equity and student access. Following the remembrances, the Board proceeded with business, which included a proclamation honoring Mrs. O'Neill's life and service to Montgomery County Public Schools. Discussions and work continued related to potential facility namings, a comprehensive sustainability policy, and ongoing board work, even as members processed the significant loss of their colleague.