[{"_1":2,"_136":-5,"_137":-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",[32,76,88,100,112,124],{"_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",6624387,"mediaKeyId","2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e","parentId",2765730,"title","Larry W. Johnson named Charles County director of special education","audioSeconds",294,"startMs",4279825,"endMs",4574655,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e&start=4279&end=4574","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e/thumbnail_4279825.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6624387/Maryland/Larry-W-Johnson-named-Charles-County-director-of-special-education","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624387-ff5385649d1961a2d048222265302d54/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083544&Signature=lzp1oJCqOJiJz6-wOwrtkZlsWgNMsITTh~Hpcwibgy1o18bqSSA3d14p2CQKLCrwxjpWTtAEeMcaMHIGOGmXIeO0UQmHbQCUJFuhLQPa896lfsqoqKMAThxSVcQKTXhW0jmuo9SymMhSUqDSI-wYiV8xKVY9NwwfcOhWGceiWbO97-gsUJg~b4pHMHdSD1dcgW-kuBC3Kei2PIDdUpjG4fFCR6jCH1DQlWdgK8a~-mXs2UbEb8ydYD0HuheIVpXrPTJwZFlXsIvPLzG-D976OrdMLGrxUWY-B9UNRZwQ1GJpW6~b3mJEsohNzL6sNylidhW54WUtimO30jOzOF6ACA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Charles County Public Schools","date","2025-03-25T19:16:50.63Z","article","Charles County Public Schools introduced Larry W. Johnson as the district’s new director of special education during the March 24 work session.

Board and district leaders described Johnson as a local product of the district with 18 years of teaching and leadership experience, 13 years at the district level as a special education content specialist, adjunct faculty experience, national staff development work and graduate study. Superintendent and executive staff praised Johnson’s experience in instructional and compliance supports and regionalized special education programs.

Johnson told the board he was honored to serve in the county where he grew up, thanked his family and colleagues and said he looked forward to supporting students, families and staff in the role. The appointment followed a personnel action earlier in the meeting; board members applauded and welcomed Johnson to the post.

No additional board action was recorded during the presentation; district staff said Johnson will assume duties as director of special education and work with existing teams on ongoing special education program delivery.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board Work Session - March 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board and staff introduced Larry W. Johnson as the new director of special education; Johnson thanked the board and credited family and mentors for support.","taxTitle","Charles County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",14205,"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},6624392,"District outlines retiree transition to Medicare Advantage, says most issues resolved but communication must continue",14,5598515,5613220,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e&start=5598&end=5613","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e/thumbnail_5598515.jpg","/articles/6624392/Maryland/District-outlines-retiree-transition-to-Medicare-Advantage-says-most-issues-resolved-but-communication-must-continue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624392-c539e480f127cc7e10f07c2302ab6ca9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083544&Signature=BG8kZTAlsmOL1l9E-syyADTzwk98ZnqS~T9Q4DXl-fK8bIGan-CT6nfhyzuTWYNT0VeEJXt0Btfitft9aWktL5~G2MDodlcSDccpFQEkENmiDThC5zkTx6Bug9PAeWpPUjV-IXOPgLGlkUoJTF08ZbUqzZqgv97~jI31uFl9uedvcmcDPX2YmG0Rqdj-uM28kbebV-cYM6S~MDRlMrnnwT3~fl5cRzLA1GUd0LgbC3IfMU5SkSVpdUDLuwjMlFtY~Js60CJ6K0CBZmcexfTAcnPXakJopr-fdn6G1MnHp0oaymrbdla6KtXjy5Ddr~nsLsgoSjirULiJgcnYWdHHog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","District staff briefed the board March 24 on the transition of retiree health coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan and described a high volume of retiree calls but generally positive resolution rates via the district’s vendor Retiree First.

Benefits staff said the change was chosen for plan design and cost reasons: the Medicare Advantage PPO offered lower out‑of‑pocket maximums, no medical or prescription deductibles for many services and a consolidated single ID card for medical, pharmacy, dental and vision. CareFirst/Blue Cross Blue Shield is the carrier and contracts with Retiree First as a Medicare advocate.

Staff reported that among 1,419 covered retirees (average age 75) Retiree First resolved roughly 1,006 cases in the October–February window. Average speed to answer was about 31 seconds and Retiree First reported a satisfaction score of 94. Staff acknowledged some persistent challenges: prior authorizations are now required for some procedures; non‑preferred retail pharmacy tier co‑pays rose and mail‑order costs for tier‑4 drugs increased; and some retirees did not receive mailed notices because they had moved and not updated addresses.

District benefits staff said they had provided multiple in‑person and virtual enrollment sessions and recorded those sessions for later reference. Christina Warner, benefits manager, and Karen Acton (presenting) said they are working with Blue Cross and Retiree First to resolve outstanding individual issues and that the district is expanding outreach: benefits staff are attending retiree association meetings and will post recorded materials and FAQs online. The district said it intends to add a dedicated retiree benefits position in the next budget to improve service capacity.

Retiree speakers in the public forum, including retired longtime staff, asked for in‑person meetings to address unresolved claims and requested more direct support from district staff. Board members acknowledged the communication challenge and urged continued outreach; superintendent Navarro said the district and Retiree First would attend retiree association meetings and make recorded materials available online.","Officials reported on March 24 that Charles County’s move to a Medicare Advantage retiree plan has had a high volume of calls but a strong resolution rate through the vendor Retiree First; staff said they will expand outreach and add a retiree benefits position in next year’s budget.",{"_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},6624396,"Renaming committee for General Smallwood reports low participation; board to act in April",1491,3641859,5133790,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e&start=3641&end=5133","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e/thumbnail_3641859.jpg","/articles/6624396/Maryland/Renaming-committee-for-General-Smallwood-reports-low-participation-board-to-act-in-April","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624396-15eb85b9ab98247e2b3b03fecf4ebed7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083544&Signature=D5mSfSFTp3b0I5lq~xpZ3SlnUtnZEmGjYVKJgu1JtTSdnP41HkYs7V3YlbJMJovzdlWDkXubJkyvDzMitT2Dzi1rXacco6i9R2t2yYMkQx354KXGqmkhp6mIgOLrXUd6WFbYCAVXAOutIzBCm1Q3W88k-coE34veyd438-uv6h1OLzOp9LXopnyMCfD6VANVxeuWbs7ybcqK3C2s4VLQ44CF~7dw-2WPtiivVxDNaU-bX9wF~oZyGnwdYZZOiaUKIsWJRNY-I3ZBn4mPoMopNLQMF29TueL8gEWmi1MaRPmm27qwlEPTi2NQVrvx5uSypJae5gLeuzP7hmMtrqJlVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Charles County school staff updated the Board of Education on March 24 on the General Smallwood Middle School renaming process and said two recent committee meetings did not reach quorum and produced no new recommendations.

Shelly Mackie, committee liaison, told the board the renaming committee was formed in fall 2024 under Board Policy 7230 and originally had 19 members; three members resigned during the process and attendance at two virtual meetings (March 13 and March 20) was too low to constitute an official committee meeting. Mackie said the committee used Robert’s Rules by vote earlier in the process but that the group’s low attendance meant there were insufficient members to take binding action at the recent sessions.

Mackie and committee chair Jenica Irvin urged the public and committee members to continue participating and to use the public forum to share views. Mackie said members had done research, contacted museums and local organizations and presented recommendations earlier; she described the work as “a labor of love” for many participants.

Several public‑forum speakers urged particular names and greater recognition of local history. Jenica Irvin, committee chair and a parent, described broad community involvement and urged the board to consider the committee’s work. Evette Apache, an emissary of the Piscataway Indian Nation, asked the board to consider naming a school for Chief Turkey Tayac, a longtime Piscataway leader who helped preserve local indigenous history and was instrumental in creating Piscataway Park.

Board members said they appreciated the committee’s work and acknowledged some community frustration. Mister Hancock said members felt “the wind was taken out of their sails” when committee recommendations were not adopted earlier, and several board members thanked committee volunteers and encouraged continued engagement. The board reiterated it will take final action at its April work session and said the original three committee suggestions remain in the record and available on the district website’s renaming quick link.

No renaming vote occurred on March 24; staff said the board will consider and vote on a name at the April meeting and that committee recommendations and public comment will be part of the record.","The renaming committee for General Smallwood Middle School met but failed to reach quorums at two recent virtual meetings; the board reiterated it will make the final naming decision at the April work session and encouraged public comment.",{"_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},6624400,"Board approves Pessota middle school course additions so students can finish arts pathways",3254,2439170,5694085,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e&start=2439&end=5694","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e/thumbnail_2439170.jpg","/articles/6624400/Maryland/Board-approves-Pessota-middle-school-course-additions-so-students-can-finish-arts-pathways","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624400-94434157dd7f854d4af4a1c5f38dda5e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083544&Signature=faj8SUsK-sv9vUufWSf3VF3OBuRyw6g5RZGhfOWNu9cz2TEW3MjJpqa1tbmy5T8HhaY1XojLbQwBKQmt3dxP5UCdqpk1L2pyAelOq3Rw0RsMVbqyDn35cT~yboZ9X~b2Va6xxWmQzz4BkwzOLppU91GVscCoWZwYr7xonW7YL~6k0YMwuT-9PflMn38nanW6CbOZ~jGiB6r4pHa6wks-E9lvsPCAbLEgx6Du7wzDocKaiUA-yrWglc5YoPqHo-2bl7fuet5bnYMR-yzOGWA1NQ2VTXkbl~OGMzLLclwLYyqhKA1AU-wDEkREawMDnangCPbZRFaj26Edc50j5uMMFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Charles County Board of Education on March 24 approved four course additions for the Pessota middle school to allow students entering their third year in arts pathways to complete their sequences.

District staff said the courses — Dance 3, Acting 2 or Stage Production 2 (depending on prior enrollment), and a digital art course in the visual arts pathway — had been reviewed by the Office of Teaching and Learning and vetted against standards, scope and sequence, objectives and assessments. Staff said the courses are necessary for students who started their pathway in sixth grade and need the third‑year classes in eighth grade to complete the pathway.

Pessota representatives said the school previously offered six pathways and reduced to five because of student choice and staffing. Pessota staff told the board that not approving the eighth‑grade courses would leave students with open electives instead of completing the intended scope and sequence and could prompt families to move students out of Pessota to seek other programs.

Board members pressed staff about staffing and enrollment; Pessota staff said teachers are available to teach the courses and that visual art was the most popular pathway with roughly 80 students, followed by theater and dance. The board voted without discussion to approve the courses. The motion to approve was made by Miss Warren and seconded by Miss Butler Washington; the clerk announced the vote as unanimous.

District officials said master scheduling is underway and that approval now avoids enrollment and staffing disruptions for the 2025–26 school year.","The board unanimously approved four Pessota courses to allow current students to complete three‑year arts pathways; staff said delaying approval would disrupt scheduling and students’ ability to finish pathway sequences.",{"_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},6624404,"Charles County reports rising pre‑K enrollment and Maryland ExcELS accreditation progress",470,3607658,4078385,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e&start=3607&end=4078","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e/thumbnail_3607658.jpg","/articles/6624404/Maryland/Charles-County-reports-rising-preK-enrollment-and-Maryland-ExcELS-accreditation-progress","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624404-770d97c0ada34668f93f0e0c5269e4ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083544&Signature=lw48DVINzURW0z5S44btIvZv-~NhabAydACM7eIEOR0FNTZFgfZgGyDKjJaogW6cqvRIG6HMyMcYk3jb6IKWoAz6sDSYS9q8fMs-KLx3DUNCQGyb3d3YnyrgtgtM~BdRzUIfVysAF~EOxB139dZ9228uAaTj8cvKLVvdH1dwvFP-5-43ro-VDUNab-Sp6kj8Sx70SEarNMmg-~62ktb1Jl99Y51YCc8OAQ8b~XjaYB1acwuWb043~HIHh0ld7EDBgRrhcifz9CGsgccmKENQSkZ6sg1UwEXgIZ-p5fTSc9293hwyIwViSZ0mM1xTnmeErmqOViw2rEzD7Mu2N6kdyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Charles County Public Schools presented a pre‑K program update at the March 24 work session showing increased enrollment, expanded special education placements and progress on Maryland EXCELS accreditation.

Assistant staff reported pre‑K enrollment rose to 1,252 students across pre‑K 3, pre‑K 4 and early pre‑K programs, with pre‑K 4 enrollment rising from 934 to 984 since the district’s September count. The early pre‑K site at the Epic Glynn Early Learning Center enrolls children with IEPs who turn 3 after Sept. 1 and currently serves 35 students in one‑day‑a‑week sessions.

Staff said the district expects to add two pre‑K 4 classrooms at Margaret Jamieson Gordon Elementary next year and that pre‑K 4 applications open April 22, 2025; pre‑K 3 applications open May 22, 2025. Officials reminded families that applications require income verification and that enrollment is prioritized by tiers (Tier 1: up to 300% FPL and students with IEPs, homelessness or foster care). Staff emphasized that Tier 2 and 3 applicants are placed on a waiting list and that enrollment is not guaranteed.

On program quality, administrators reported that additional schools achieved Maryland EXCELS ratings during the school year. Staff noted that Mary Bieniel Elementary was rated Level 5 and that other schools (Dr. Brown and Berry Elementary) also achieved accreditation mid‑year; the district said it aims to have all sites at Level 4 by July 1, 2025.

Assessment results presented showed growth in preschool early literacy indicators (PELI) and phonemic awareness measures in pre‑K 3 and pre‑K 4 from fall to winter administrations. Staff said they will disaggregate assessment data next year to show outcomes for students with and without IEPs and that teachers receive professional development on curricular materials, conscious discipline and phonemic‑awareness instruction.

The district also reported plans to broaden early‑childhood special‑education options: maintaining inclusion classes but expanding self‑contained settings and providing half‑day options when appropriate based on IEP team determinations. Staff said decisions about half‑day placements will be made during IEP meetings and driven by student needs.

The district invited families to its Early Learning Launch on April 26, 2025, at La Plata High School for application assistance and readiness activities. No board action was taken; staff said more detailed enrollment and disaggregated assessment data will be provided in future reports.","District officials reported growth in pre‑K 3 and pre‑K 4 enrollment, expanded special‑education continuum for early learners and progress toward Maryland EXCELS accreditation at several sites.",{"_33":125,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":126,"_41":127,"_43":128,"_45":129,"_47":130,"_49":131,"_51":132,"_53":133,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":134,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":135,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6624408,"Charles County schools keep summer boost and camps but add fees and cut some services amid funding changes",1141,45235,1186465,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e&start=45&end=1186","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2765730-3e29baae32e5f7a51bd4e8f90125d23e/thumbnail_45235.jpg","/articles/6624408/Maryland/Charles-County-schools-keep-summer-boost-and-camps-but-add-fees-and-cut-some-services-amid-funding-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6624408-79e32e0245bfc01449e52ec4003e561c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771083544&Signature=UzyBZk9dArWUmVpsq93C1NxNXeGEmRJ-hvGJTsz-hOLOgfdN86x~zGabtzhzQhjDbwGtIPpvxQw8Ptqpu4HkzcW3X5iJTVek3279hCzY4IR12vWy~aO8vu5vta5dqW~OGyUbkVkpOJvLlYb2DvB3L-k7iCxNKVPMTgH9coTrBnacCzz0-5~d9-N630fEBnd4Yq52jCufmzZqHJyOMs2O1r9qX9D0tN2ewDusKOhUiGrZQswWOjpXt3~AGihZ-fcy~Eka16XYpIkohfOCB0ATdYgTv1J5mDN6K~WLJwNQfvZ51osEncy4lfqg8hN6UrvS8Nl1hk4yVV4fQ8OdG-QMEw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Charles County Public Schools officials told the Board of Education on March 24 that the district will continue targeted, largely free summer learning programs for elementary students but will charge fees for some offerings after federal pandemic-era funding ended.

The announcement came during a work session presentation by Chief of Teaching and Learning Mister Lowndes and Dr. McKenna Lewis, who outlined details for elementary “summer boost,” middle/high school summer school, enrichment camps and extended‑year services for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Dr. McKenna Lewis said, “we are going to continue to be able to provide summer boost for our students, our rising kindergartners, and through rising fifth graders.” She described a narrowed, data-driven focus this year on phonics, phonemic awareness, informational text and foundational mathematics skills and said the elementary boost will run Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.–noon, July 7–20 at eight sites with transportation provided and breakfast and lunch served.

District staff said some program elements will now carry parent fees. AlphaBEST will continue to offer before‑ and after‑care for elementary families but at a reduced fee after the district stopped paying the full AlphaBEST contract. Officials gave the following AlphaBEST fees: before care $35 per week; after care $85 per week; before and after care combined $120 per week. AlphaBEST has indicated it may provide scholarships for some families, but district staff said corporate decisions about scholarships are made by AlphaBEST.

For middle and high school summer school, the district will provide make‑up and original‑credit courses and tutoring, but it will not provide transportation. Staff moved middle/high instruction to 8 a.m.–noon Monday–Thursday to make drop‑off easier for working families. The district said it must pay for students who are required by Maryland law to receive summer instruction to make up credits necessary to graduate; however, it will charge $300 per original‑credit course at the high‑school level (the same price the district charged pre‑COVID).

Enrichment and AP boot camps will run full days with fees. The enrichment week serving kindergarten–grade 8 will run July 28–31 and carry a fee of $150 per week; AP boot camps will be full day and run the last week of July. The James E. Richmond Science Center will operate STEM drop‑in days in June and July with per‑day fees; the junior space entrepreneur program for grades 10–12 runs July 21–Aug. 7 with a $150 program fee. District staff said many camp fees remain the same as pre‑COVID levels.

Extended school year (ESY) services for students with IEPs will be three weeks this summer rather than four. Dr. Lewis explained that the district added a fourth week in the years after the pandemic to provide compensatory services when students missed in‑person supports; district staff said compensatory needs have declined and a three‑week ESY period now meets identified requirements. ESY sites, staff said, will provide breakfast and lunch and transportation where indicated on the IEP.

Board members pressed staff on equity and access. Board member Miss Smith said she struggled with charging fees, noting transportation barriers for families in outlying parts of the county. A student speaker, Mister Burke, urged the board to create a system so lower‑income families can afford programs, saying summer course access can affect later academic opportunities. Superintendent Navarro and staff said reduced fees exist for students eligible for free or reduced‑price meals and that staff will look into additional supports for families facing hardship.

Vice Chairperson Kramer and other board members praised the district for keeping many programs running despite budget limits, while acknowledging the loss of some free services. Staff said family registration pages and scheduling details will be posted on the district summer school web page and that the district will email parents when registration opens.

The board asked the district to continue monitoring scholarship availability and transportation barriers and to return with clarifying materials about how families can apply for reduced fees or scholarships. No board action was required at the March 24 work session; staff said some program details were still pending (for example, final community school funding to extend AlphaBEST coverage).","District leaders told the school board on March 24 that federal pandemic funds that had paid for nearly all summer offerings have ended; the system will still provide targeted free programs but will charge for some camps, charge original‑credit high‑school courses and drop transportation for middle/high summer school.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Larry W. Johnson named Charles County director of special education

District outlines retiree transition to Medicare Advantage, says most issues resolved but communication must continue

Renaming committee for General Smallwood reports low participation; board to act in April

Board approves Pessota middle school course additions so students can finish arts pathways

Charles County reports rising pre‑K enrollment and Maryland ExcELS accreditation progress

Charles County schools keep summer boost and camps but add fees and cut some services amid funding changes