Charles County Public Schools plans graduation and community resources event

The Charles County Public Schools Board Meeting on May 13, 2025, highlighted several key initiatives and community events aimed at enhancing educational experiences and safety for students. Superintendent Dr. Maria Navarro opened the meeting by announcing the upcoming graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2025, which will take place from May 27 to May 29 at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf. The ceremonies will be livestreamed, ensuring that families can celebrate their graduates regardless of weather conditions.

In addition to graduation preparations, Dr. Navarro emphasized the importance of community engagement, particularly through the annual Community Resource Day scheduled for March 15. This event will connect families with essential services, including clothing, school supplies, and mental wellness support, while also providing information on summer camps and pre-kindergarten enrollment.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on school safety, following a recent virtual town hall that attracted over 500 participants. Dr. Navarro expressed gratitude for community involvement and announced that a recording of the meeting, along with frequently asked questions, would be made available on the school system's website. The discussions included both short-term and long-term safety enhancements that will be integrated into the strategic plan for 2025-2029, with ongoing updates to be provided to the community.

The meeting also featured a presentation by Kevin Lowndes, Chief of Teaching and Learning, and Larry Johnson, Director of Special Education, who outlined a strategic plan for improving special education services. This plan aims to address the challenges faced by students with disabilities, including the need for better support and resources for educators. Key highlights included the development of programmatic handbooks to clarify expectations for special education instruction and the establishment of a committee to evaluate the workload of case managers.

The board members engaged in discussions about the importance of early intervention and the need for comprehensive training for general education teachers to support students with diverse needs. They also acknowledged the necessity of creating a centralized resource for parents to access information about special education services and transition planning.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of Charles County Public Schools to foster a safe and inclusive educational environment while actively engaging with the community to address the needs of all students. The board plans to continue refining its strategies and will keep stakeholders informed of progress and developments in the coming months.