MoCo Board of Education Adopts Option for Virtual Learning on Inclement Weather Days for School Year 2022–2023

The Montgomery County Board of Education (Board) held a business meeting on Thursday, January 12, 2023. During the meeting, the Board adopted an option for virtual learning on inclement weather days for school year 2022–2023; discussed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future initial implementation plan; issued an Open Meetings Act (OMA) statement; and made three administrative appointments. The agenda for the meeting, with related links, can be viewed on the Board website. Watch the meeting recording.

Virtual Instruction on Inclement Weather Days: The Board voted to approve an option for virtual learning on inclement weather days for school year 2022–2023 that allows for the transition to virtual learning when school buildings are closed due to inclement weather, or other days that may interrupt regular in-person operations. The plan must now be approved by the Maryland State Department of Education prior to being implemented. Read the memorandum to the Board. View the PowerPoint Presentation

Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Initial Implementation Plan: MCPS staff presented an initial implementation plan for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Act (Blueprint). Reporting required for the Blueprint includes discrete data collection, previous school year data, future year projections, and narrative descriptions including five Pillars—Early Childhood Education and Expansion, High Quality Teachers and Diverse Leaders, College and Career Ready Including Career and Technical Education, More Resources to Ensure All Students Are Successful, and Governance and Accountability.

Reporting and monitoring under the Blueprint continues through 2032 and enacts “a strong accountability system” in Maryland. It also will allow MCPS an opportunity to celebrate many of its accomplishments and demonstrate its successes and statewide leadership in supporting student achievement and well-being. Read the memorandum to the Board. View the PowerPoint Presentation

OMA Statement: Ms. Silvestre made a statement, on behalf of the Board, regarding a December 7, 2022, Open Meetings Compliance Board opinion which found that the Board violated the Open Meetings Act by failing to make sufficiently detailed disclosures before its September 22, 2022, closed session meeting.

Administrative Appointments– The Board approved the following administrative appointments:

Shiho C. Shibasaki, currently Architect School Facilities, Division of Design and Construction, Office of District Operations, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, as Assistant Director, Department of Facilities Management, Office of District Operations, Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Shafeena Yunus, currently Senior Specialist, Technology, Reporting, and Services Support, Department of Employee and Retiree Services, Office of Finance, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, as Assistant Director, Department of Employee and Retiree Services, Office of Finance, Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Stephanie R. Dinga, currently Principal, Goshen Elementary School, as Principal, Clarksburg Elementary School #9

Recognitions

• African American History Month
• Career and Technical Education Month
• Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
• National School Counseling Week

Future Meeting: The Board is scheduled to hold its next business meeting on Tuesday, February 7, 2022. The agenda is subject to change. Please check the Board website and meeting calendar for further information.

About the Board of Education: The Board is the official educational policymaking body in the county. The Board is responsible for the direction and operation of the public school system. The Board consists of seven county residents elected by voters for a four-year term and a student elected by secondary school students for a one-year term. Board members are elected countywide but run at-large or from the Board district in which they reside. Montgomery County Board of Education: Ms. Karla Silvestre, president; Mrs. Shebra L. Evans, vice president. Members: Ms. Lynne Harris, Ms. Grace Rivera-Oven, Mrs. Rebecca Smondrowski, Ms. Brenda Wolff, Ms. Julie Yang, and Mr. Arvin Kim, student member. Dr. Monifa B. McKnight, superintendent of schools and secretary-treasurer. Office of the Board: 240-740-3030.