Board member critiques $68K mission statement process for copying other school districts

The Calvert County Board of Education convened on April 10, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, including travel reimbursement policies and concerns regarding local curriculum development.

During the meeting, a motion was made and unanimously approved to revisit Policy 5,600, which governs travel reimbursements for board members. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to streamline administrative processes and address concerns about the current receipt collection system.

Another significant topic was House Bill 161, which has raised alarms among board members. The bill, if enacted, would limit local authority over curriculum development, shifting more power to state-level legislation. Board members expressed their discontent, emphasizing the importance of local input in tailoring educational content to meet community needs. A letter was sent to Governor Moore urging him to veto the bill.

The meeting also featured discussions on the district's mission statement and the "portrait of a graduate" initiative. Board member Ms. Goschwan highlighted concerns regarding the authenticity of the mission statement, noting that it closely resembles those from other districts and questioning the $68,000 expenditure for its development. She expressed disappointment over the lack of original content and the perception that the community's input may not have been adequately valued.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring that local voices are heard in educational policy decisions. The board plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, aiming for transparency and collaboration with the community.