Howard County Public School System

The Legislative Committee meeting focused on considering several proposed bills. Key discussions included HB0459 regarding State Board of Education enforcement procedures, HB0575 concerning excused absences for civic engagement (recommendation: oppose), and HB0627 establishing a Commission on History, Culture, and Civics in Education (recommendation: oppose). The committee also debated HB0704 on the Community Eligibility Provision Expansion Program (recommendation: support with amendments), HB0755 regarding cell phone use policies (recommendation: oppose), and HB0962 concerning Local Public Campaign Financing for County Boards of Education (recommendation: No position, send to full board). Other proposed bills saw recommendations ranging from support with amendments (HB0837, HB1192) to opposition across various topics including mental health services, financial literacy requirements, and student fights. The committee also received an update on other legislative issues before adjourning.

The primary focus of the Work Session IV was the Superintendent's Proposed FY 2027 Operating Budget. Key actions taken included directing the Policy Office to revise policy 10020 regarding Community Use of Facilities to institute revised energy fees, change facility fees to use fees (including sites and grounds), and rescind the exemption status for nonprofit youth organizations. The Board adopted the Superintendent's recommended FY27 budget as the basis for their requested budget, subject to subsequent amendments. Several technical changes were approved for both revenue, including updates to State Aid and the removal of State Share Private Provider PreK Tuition funding, and expenditures, involving NBC Pay Adjustments, Lunch & Recess Monitor Wages, Pension Rates, and Worker's Compensation Costs. Additionally, funding placeholders were converted to specific FTEs and allocations, and budget restorations were approved for HS Science Paraeducators, Media Specialists, and Middle School media paraeducators. Motions to restore budget reductions to the BSAP Summer Program failed, while motions passed to accept technical changes for Summer School Tuition revenue and to add funding for Science of Reading Training, English Language Development Teachers, Dual Enrollment Tuition, and Operations Division Supplies & Materials. A motion to remove the addition of School Culture and Safety Assistant positions failed. The Board also approved increasing the interpretation service hourly wage.

The meeting involved a hybrid Public Hearing where the primary discussion topic was the Superintendent's Proposed FY27 Operating/Capital Budgets, which included thirty-four speakers. The opening items included the approval of the agenda for the session.

The Board of Education convened in a closed session to discuss personnel matters, specifically concerning the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of specific individuals under its jurisdiction. Staff presented appointments and promotions, following which Board members asked clarifying questions and cast votes on the matters presented.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, a report on OBRC Recommendations, and action on the Personnel Agenda concerning administrative appointments and promotions. The Consent Agenda covering Bids and Contracts was also addressed. During the Work Session focused on the Superintendent's Proposed FY 27 Operating Budget, motions were passed to increase the GT Summer Institute tuition fee to $470 and to increase the tuition for the BSAP Summer Institute to $1100. A motion regarding the acceptance of the Superintendent's recommendation for BSAP Summer Institute failed. The meeting concluded with adjournment.