[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6316922,"mediaKeyId","2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376","parentId",2375200,"title","Board approves facilities assessment contract; first 50 schools prioritized for CIP data","audioSeconds",414,"startMs",4265000,"endMs",4679000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376&start=4265&end=4679","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376/thumbnail_4265000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6316922/Maryland/Board-approves-facilities-assessment-contract-first-50-schools-prioritized-for-CIP-data","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316922-ee53d9ae472900a78930145da662ac61/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171384&Signature=QRCDfiXdixKU60xTQm9i5YLpvzx542SsIut~pbzrHhuIZNfSq7t5C~73MncBnCc38KAHQ1fuDQg2EFYwSs4YKG0r6~eii2p-e57kQo0aS~xSLhPLZOjxwm4pCvcpIqK8iyuvYRlrGkNSqdvhzm1l~VfXsVn1XBbhuSypAYdEl7nG4tNwhTOWlpNQMpP39E62qhLectty3j1SKSRXclBNsq4xeS31kJH4Hni3Trebk7CKE0p8yfRsc3WPHfxoF7uT31VpMPiWwQgow-iCNoktMADW1JLHWvZDnur7h~fhVkh5XZkvVHZQ02rWm2cBTMYJ~yKvnh2j9H0WJTV3JiIqAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Montgomery County Public Schools","date","2025-02-22T12:43:11.883Z","article","The Montgomery County Board of Education unanimously approved consent item 5.1 on Feb. 20, 2025, to contract for a comprehensive facilities assessment covering district schools.

Deputy Chief of Facilities Adnan Mamoun told the board the contract is designed to produce a district baseline of physical conditions. The vendor will inspect an initial list of 50 schools quickly so the data can inform MCPS's next Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) submission; staff confirmed the contract includes assessments for all 211 district facilities to be completed between this summer and next summer. Mamoun told the board the vendor provides a reporting platform and detailed sample reports that break needs into immediate, short‑term, mid‑term and long‑term priority work.

Board members asked about selection criteria for the first 50 schools; Mamoun said staff are cross‑referencing Maryland state assessment data, a six‑year‑old internal study and maintenance histories to finalize the list and would share the chosen schools with the board within a week. The vendor will provide software or reporting mechanisms as part of the contract.

Board discussion emphasized that a rolling assessment cycle is an industry standard and that most systems reassess facilities every four to six years. Staff said the vendor can return on an interval after the baseline is complete to create a sustainable reassessment cycle. Mamoun and Superintendent Taylor noted the assessment will also help rank projects and set CIP priorities and that having a districtwide baseline is important for equitable resource allocation.

A motion to approve item 5.1 passed unanimously.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Education - Board Business Meeting - 2/20/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Montgomery County Board of Education approved a contract to assess school facilities, beginning with 50 priority schools to inform the next Capital Improvement Plan and a baseline assessment of all 211 district facilities by next summer.","taxTitle","Montgomery County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",38270,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6316926,"Parents, staff and students press MCPS on budget cuts, Whitman lottery transportation, Argyle building and program cuts",2136,1867000,4003000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376&start=1867&end=4003","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376/thumbnail_1867000.jpg","/articles/6316926/Maryland/Parents-staff-and-students-press-MCPS-on-budget-cuts-Whitman-lottery-transportation-Argyle-building-and-program-cuts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316926-d7693ba050bc70825129fbb50f38d71a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171384&Signature=ZaKMOVMESObIIIbnQSpq-uICkgYH30iJD0Ec36YWmgznJyP7KkyexJc6wcNnq1F1qy3SEvBtKyhdP5j6KSGEgVYLqbrqrKd2DNLxsM340qIaHAdBD4zRR4M-dc-pSNrEnD1WrlCQw3-CtKuaZjNi6rX4PPV8YMK6u1t9bBfP4CQR6VWql1TtNznZEN5NTtCq4Tup6ibW8hsGexJZ2p03wLKFjVRYyfWwVReeD1XMuKwAT6j83D~j5ODq~8zh~ht-etNEWjzJk2ax6SsDiNY8Dg3KdiwTqSl7D6aJOp4eAb2zmRcwU53TOC73MlDQyeUme~~ZN8jMgiTc-TJhdy7xCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fifteen speakers addressed the Montgomery County Board of Education during public comment Feb. 20, focusing on budget decisions that affect staffing, student transportation for out‑of‑boundary lottery programs, aging school buildings and program continuity.

Union leaders raised concerns about recent reclassifications and staffing reductions for support professionals. Christine Handy and Carlene Pruitt of SEIU Local 500 described anxiety among support staff after positions were elevated or eliminated without finalized job descriptions and said promised reclassification increases were not applied; Pruitt said specialists who screened candidates and supported school safety and equity work were being replaced by roles that, she argued, lack the applied classification knowledge support professionals bring.

Several parents and students pressed the board to provide transportation for students admitted to Walt Whitman High School through the countywide Leadership and Social Justice Academy (LAHJ/LESJ) lottery. Multiple students and parents testified that lack of bus service forces long commutes, safety concerns on public transit, missed extracurriculars and financial burdens: \"Working families are being forced to spend over $600 a month on gas,\" said Megan Stone, a Whitman parent; students from Damascus and other distant parts of the county said some daily commutes take more than two hours each way and limit academic participation.

Whitman students and parents requested short‑term solutions (one or two dedicated bus routes or pick‑up points) and urged staff to examine FY 2025 supplemental funding the superintendent requested for other transportation priorities.

Teachers and program advocates urged the district to sustain specialized programs: Glenn Miller, lead CASE teacher at Sherwood High School, said MCPS has not developed a vision or investment plan to grow the Career and Technical Education agriculture pathway and said students already enrolled face disrupted pathways if programs are cut. A speaker representing virtual learners warned that the recent changes to MCPS virtual offerings have left students with reduced access to a local virtual community they previously had.

Multiple speakers representing or employed as Parent Community Coordinators said central removal or reduction of systemwide language‑specific services would harm families who rely on in‑person, language‑specific outreach. Annabella Almeida, a Portuguese‑language PCC, said PCCs serve thousands of families and that substituting machine translation would not replace human contact.

Argyle Middle School teacher Justin Fauntroy described failing HVAC and electrical systems, crowding, and safety concerns at the 1971‑era building and urged acceleration of reconstruction plans.

Board members acknowledged the testimony and requested follow‑up: several members asked staff to provide data related to early childhood attendance, transportation policy options for LAHJ students, and expedited responses to specific building safety concerns. The board did not take immediate action during the meeting but said follow‑up items would be routed to appropriate staff and returned to the board.","Fifteen speakers during Feb. 20 public comment urged the Montgomery County Board of Education to address job reclassifications and cuts, provide dedicated buses for Whitman's Leadership & Social Justice lottery students, fix aging Argyle Middle School facilities, protect CASE and virtual programs, and preserve Parent Community Coordinator roles.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6316931,"Board takes positions on multiple Annapolis bills, opposes several finance and program restrictions and supports limited measures",3064,4704000,7768000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376&start=4704&end=7768","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376/thumbnail_4704000.jpg","/articles/6316931/Maryland/Board-takes-positions-on-multiple-Annapolis-bills-opposes-several-finance-and-program-restrictions-and-supports-limited-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316931-1b71dbf21796d08612e8aef459888385/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171384&Signature=jdg4~pJ4JYqIXMC-E7VCePM3QtkGva786bu~lck49vGXgtaidxXKfREb-epGpndriRIkWQponQ-uPyMXzvz9Dc8Gp48ERhm0AkUSYVqkiiUyqRmR7RInkOLvdrM776RRYV2A0fOOsjHAEZpWg9SMGmoyAHds9IoiW3p2tAHeJqhyXu6HqygeYeOOxM-uR0YmlJWaViYNEcUC1hbQiP06jgtA6g69TqecQIGSX7U1Ya2Z-8lFGYbqgm5hvcLzre8PDSz~iuo3t0IsPxuRC889fJnHih2WHmXCnDX0i4OqYkijTUJAsqbTmQrcxkm1iOJzOewJ6jqjstCQgUfyk7fL3g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery County Board of Education reviewed and acted on a set of proposed state bills Feb. 20, 2025, instructing its legislative affairs staff to carry those positions to Annapolis and to report back as bills are amended. The board recorded unanimous votes on each stance taken during the meeting.

The board voted to oppose House Bill 232/SB 346 (Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program), citing roughly $1.8 million estimated upfront costs to implement a deposit‑refund program for beverage containers across district operations and additional staff overhead the system could not absorb. The board's memo said recovery through returned containers was uncertain because the system does not charge per item in cafeterias.

The board opposed HB 543 (County Board of Education substance abuse treatment student information disclosure policy) on the grounds that the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) already includes exceptions that permit disclosure to protect health and safety; board staff said the bill would be duplicative.

The board opposed HB 689 (restrictions on use of Medical Assistance reimbursement funds), saying the proposed limits would convert roughly $5.2 million in annual revenue into $2.2 million of allowable uses under the bill's narrow definitions and create an estimated $3 million shortfall for special education supports that MCPS currently funds with those reimbursements. Board members said local systems were best positioned to set priorities for those funds.

The board also opposed HB 811/SB 526 (Safe Alternative Routes to Public Schools), saying the requirement to prepare annual safe‑pathway reports and a likely county construction responsibility could impose multi‑million dollar costs; staff cited a cited fiscal note estimating costs in the tens of millions in early years.

The board voted to support SB 355 (delay of Family & Medical Leave Insurance Program implementation), favoring a two‑year postponement to allow state regulators and employers more time to plan and to mitigate immediate fiscal impact on employees and school finances.

It supported HB 608/SB 821 (Primary and Secondary Education Student Immunization Temporary Admission Period), which would allow a 60‑calendar‑day temporary admission period for students who lack required immunizations if families provide proof of a scheduled appointment within that window.

On a broad, multicomponent measure introduced as the \"Governor's Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act\" (HB 504/SB 429), the board did not adopt a single blanket position. Staff recommended \"support with amendments\" for some provisions (such as increased MSDE staffing for community schools and a special‑education funding study) while opposing provisions that would delay planned collaborative time funding in the Blueprint for Maryland and that would shift or reduce local per‑pupil foundation funding. Because the bill is lengthy and evolving, board members asked staff to continue engagement with the county delegation, MABE and P‑12 partners; the board postponed taking a final, firm position pending amendments and further analysis.

Board members emphasized they would revisit positions as bills are amended, and staff said they would submit late testimony or updates to the bill files and consult with Montgomery County delegates and senators during the session.

Votes at a glance (selected items discussed Feb. 20):
- HB 232 / SB 346 (Beverage container deposit program) — Motion: Oppose; Outcome: Unanimous oppose.
- HB 543 (Student information for substance treatment) — Motion: Oppose; Outcome: Unanimous oppose.
- HB 689 (Medical Assistance reimbursement restrictions) — Motion: Oppose; Outcome: Unanimous oppose.
- HB 811 (Safe routes to school / sidewalks) — Motion: Oppose; Outcome: Unanimous oppose.
- SB 355 (Delay Family & Medical Leave Insurance) — Motion: Support; Outcome: Unanimous support.
- HB 608 / SB 821 (60‑day temporary immunization admission) — Motion: Support; Outcome: Unanimous support.
- HB 504 / SB 429 (Governor's Excellence Act) — Staff recommended support with amendments for some items and opposition for others; board asked staff to continue engagement and did not lock in a single final stance immediately.

Board members noted the actions were conditional on evolving fiscal notes and amendments and instructed staff to report back as bills proceed.","At its Feb. 20 meeting the Montgomery County Board of Education voted on a slate of state bills. It voted unanimously to oppose measures it said would impose upfront costs or restrict local spending, and to support a short delay to the Family & Medical Leave Insurance rollout and a temporary expansion to student immunization admission windows.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6316936,"MCPS presents 'Away All Day' pilot findings; principals urge consistent implementation and community outreach",2281,8194000,10475000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376&start=8194&end=10475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376/thumbnail_8194000.jpg","/articles/6316936/Maryland/MCPS-presents-Away-All-Day-pilot-findings-principals-urge-consistent-implementation-and-community-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316936-81f42e6f5fbfd6d07e6bb78017cb0ef3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171384&Signature=FROrHQRjDO5hRAOqJcKglmJaui5QfIpE-Qe3rJPwdT0QDDnD2R13PL1yBT2T0FGb4Av7~PBX8g85TM1BxD7Kr1gbAJ4at2Qy1-t9kcYKoClH2X36UrxdbTyDYhhM1K-OpFjM5~QeSXKGak3xdChKVf8BMWr5eahtEUGTTV9Ax0J8y3TA7nvXjsc4RVsd~WA1l36dHtUgNrYv4JQR9odd32YZ5ySgOT4seYByFxt~WMMUC-JgnBXVCXn44um6IZnrIhNJp~u8jp4~ew2Jt3Br-F1pxwJj7Dgpt9apqidx3-YEURw7CXchT~AqznxUxJj31oYkbEqZHIpAsDK6WRSS5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Montgomery County Public Schools staff on Feb. 20 presented preliminary results from an \"Away All Day\" pilot, saying clearer restrictions on personal mobile devices have reduced classroom distractions but require consistent enforcement, teacher support and family outreach to succeed.

In a presentation to the Montgomery County Board of Education, district leaders said early returns show improved classroom focus, greater student engagement and fewer hallway disruptions in schools that tightened phone rules. \"Restrictions are great, but schools need support in how to implement them,\" said Stephanie Sharon, chief of strategic initiatives. The district will publish a final evaluation in early March and proposed regulation updates in May.

The pilot involved multiple secondary schools that tested different tactics: classroom caddies, teacher-managed storage, and locking pouches at Rockville High School. Kara Trenkamp, director of digital innovation, said schools chose their own implementation plans within district parameters and reported the greatest gains when staff and students agreed on clear expectations.

Rockville High School Principal Roshanda Pyles outlined a \"bell to bell\" expectation in which cell phones and other personal mobile devices are kept out of sight from the tardy bell until dismissal, with a graduated discipline plan that can include a locked pouch for repeat violations. \"We've seen improved learning in the environment, fewer interruptions and positive feedback from many parents and students,\" Pyles said.

Pyle Middle School Principal Chris Nardi recounted similar results at the middle‑school level, where staff buy‑in and consistent enforcement reduced confiscations and restored instructional time. \"We returned from medical leave in January and I was amazed at how few phones we had,\" Nardi said, noting most sixth graders complied easily after moving up from elementary schools that already restrict phones.

The district's preliminary survey data shows staff awareness of district device rules is generally higher than family awareness, and that perceptions of whether current rules are \"just right\" vary by level. Staff in participating schools were likelier to say the tightened rules were appropriate; some middle‑school students reported feeling more isolated at lunch, and a portion of students said the absence of phones increased stress. The district flagged those concerns for further study and recommended expanded supports — for example, supervised lunchtime activities and counseling — to reduce student isolation.

District leaders and the two participating principals underscored that a one‑size‑fits‑all mandate would not be sufficient without operational supports. The district has not proposed central procurement of pouches; several schools purchased inexpensive classroom caddies for staff use with local instructional funds. A broader policy update and implementation guidance will accompany the March evaluation.

Board members asked for clearer breakdowns of the survey samples (by grade level, school and demographics) and requested the final report include those details. Superintendent Monifa B. Taylor and staff said the forthcoming brief will supply the requested disaggregation and that any recommended regulatory changes would return to the board for review.

The district emphasized that exceptions remain for documented medical needs and other narrowly defined circumstances, and that schools keep phones available for emergency contact during field trips or other out‑of‑school activities.

The board did not take formal action on the pilot at the meeting; staff requested time to release the final evaluation and refine regulation language before any board vote.","Montgomery County Public Schools presented preliminary findings from an \"Away All Day\" cell‑phone pilot Feb. 20, 2025, saying restrictions improved classroom focus but implementation and community buy‑in will determine success. District staff will release a full evaluation in March and propose regulation updates in May.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6316917,"Boardroom at MCPS headquarters named for longtime board member Patricia O'Neil",77,8253000,8330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376&start=8253&end=8330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2375200-7116c8fa86833fc1d78a13d1360f3376/thumbnail_8253000.jpg","/articles/6316917/Maryland/Boardroom-at-MCPS-headquarters-named-for-longtime-board-member-Patricia-ONeil","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6316917-269aabe4c862bbd5831564d644cfb7e8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171384&Signature=YgT~Wym6zHLvQk~0Tv5Bwthy3T4ct~lAjp1PLkLsFzvyoGpQbbHAYjKprmgS3JNDJ4l4PV8Z4N9SL-eJ-zETB99HcnJ4nN4uGLw5rqmQ0kA5Oa~vjhUP20fWIuRwfvxA06nsjHxFhh5CCZJxDZte~67hhfpdRZuQ4WdScT8GfJv7iCRSa4KHP-i30jKSqauMdd8FQf3T~annHeroCrY3FJ767~8m-fqbQcjkcRqx1023rnqTE47g8E6zEjzw7tc0do-le-OSr8j5i1tG11Yiet6DavZ8iKvWl3~UuxEmJVUwZbEmUKBX5BTDIIOaZGaComptU-6e1g3WxLv9GDGrRw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Montgomery County Board of Education unanimously voted Feb. 20 to name its boardroom at 15 West Gude Drive the \"Patricia O'Neil Board of Education Room.\" The resolution honors Patricia (Pat) O'Neil, who served 23 years on the board — a record tenure in the district — and who led work on equity, governance and community engagement.

Board Member Brenda Wolf read the resolution noting O'Neil's multiple leadership roles, including five terms as board president, service on state advisory panels and long involvement in the Montgomery County Educational Foundation. O'Neil's husband, Rick O'Neil, attended the meeting and was recognized by the board.

The resolution calls the room a place for the community and the board to continue the work of ensuring equitable educational opportunities for all MCPS students. The board said a formal dedication event will be scheduled later in the spring.

A motion to approve the naming passed unanimously.","The Montgomery County Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution Feb. 20 naming the boardroom at 15 West Gude Drive in honor of Patricia O'Neil, who served 23 years on the board and was recognized for long service to students and governance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves facilities assessment contract; first 50 schools prioritized for CIP data

Parents, staff and students press MCPS on budget cuts, Whitman lottery transportation, Argyle building and program cuts

Board takes positions on multiple Annapolis bills, opposes several finance and program restrictions and supports limited measures

MCPS presents 'Away All Day' pilot findings; principals urge consistent implementation and community outreach

Boardroom at MCPS headquarters named for longtime board member Patricia O'Neil