Garrett County Public Schools

The Board discussed various policy revisions, including the Code of Conduct, staff-student dating, use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, and student technological resource use. Key procurement items were approved, including a door replacement project for Northern Garrett High School and the purchase of playground equipment and ADA accessibility improvements for Yough Glades Elementary. The board also reviewed the educational facilities master plan, discussed the successful opening of the new Broadford school building, and conducted recognitions for the Teacher of the Year and the Maryland Green School award recipient.

This public information session outlines Garrett County Public Schools' (GCPS) planning and implementation efforts for the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future," specifically addressing Pillars 2, 3, and 4. It details the goals and accomplishments related to Pillar 2, "High Quality Teachers and Leaders," which aims to elevate the teaching profession, enhance recruitment and diversity, improve professional development and collaboration, establish career ladders, and increase National Board Certification. The overarching strategic direction involves transforming teaching, fostering professional growth, and ensuring adequate resources for all students to achieve college and career readiness.

This document outlines an update to the strategic plan, detailing draft core priorities for Garrett County Public Schools for the 2024-2027 timeframe, aligned with Blueprint outcomes. The plan focuses on three key priorities: Staffing (to recruit and retain high-quality staff), High Quality Instruction (to ensure all students have access to quality instruction and support), and Partnerships (to foster collaboration between schools, community, and families). The plan aims to monitor improvements in student college and career readiness, teacher retention, kindergarten readiness, academic proficiency in ELA and Math, and chronic absenteeism.

This document is a presentation detailing Pillar 5: Governance & Accountability of the Garrett County Public Schools' Blueprint for the Future. It outlines the strategic objectives for this pillar, which include supporting blueprint implementation planning, establishing and deploying expert review teams, coordinating Maryland's participation in international student assessments, and monitoring blueprint outcomes. The plan emphasizes rigorous and transparent accountability processes, a shift to a weighted student funding model, and extensive stakeholder engagement, with implementation timelines extending through 2032.

This plan outlines the procedures and framework for implementing virtual learning days due to inclement weather for the 2026-2028 school year. It details the community engagement and board approval process, new virtual learning components including synchronous instruction requirements, and the use of traditional make-up days before virtual learning. The plan also covers communication protocols, provisions for devices, Wi-Fi access, and instructional materials, specific accommodations for students with disabilities and multilingual learners, and attendance procedures for both students and staff. It includes sample schedules for elementary and secondary students and teachers for regular virtual learning days and for days with a two-hour delay.