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Prince George's County disability board authorizes testimony on school construction accessibility, approves retreat and outreach plan
Summary
At its Sept. 9 meeting the Prince George's County Disability Issues Advisory Board authorized members to submit testimony prioritizing accessibility at a Sept. 17 Capital Improvement Program hearing, and approved a member retreat and an outreach document for schools; the three motions passed by recorded votes.
The Prince George's County Disability Issues Advisory Board voted Sept. 9 to authorize one or more members to prepare and deliver testimony — written or oral — for the county school system's Capital Improvement Program hearing on Sept. 17 that prioritizes accessibility, and to take several related outreach steps.
The action matters because the six-year Capital Improvement Program funds school construction, modernization and major facility repairs that affect accessibility for students with disabilities.
Board member Britney Patrick moved the motion to authorize testimony, saying, "I just wanted to make a motion, for DIAB to authorize 1 or more representatives of our body to prepare and deliver testimony either orally or written at the public hearing on September 17 for the capital improvement program." The motion was seconded and approved by the advisory board. The board recorded the motion as passing with 15 in the affirmative and 3 absent.
Members agreed that Tara Blackwell, the advisory board chair, would serve as the primary person to deliver the group's public remarks and that multiple members should also submit written testimony. The board discussed logistics: the hearing is virtual and accepts written and video testimony; submissions may be emailed to testimony@pgcps.org, and anyone who intends to speak must sign up. Patrick and other members said they planned to submit written testimony whether or not selected as a verbal speaker.
Board staff and members also discussed how to produce a single consolidated statement without violating the Maryland Open Meetings Act. Staff advised using a designated small drafting group (fewer than a quorum) or relying on the existing subcommittees to draft language so the work would not create an unintentional public-meetings quorum. The board agreed to circulate a Google document for members to add input and to have the chair consolidate and circulate a final version for review prior to the hearing.
Votes at a glance
- Authorize testimony for Sept. 17 Capital Improvement Program hearing (priority: accessibility): moved by Britney Patrick; second recorded; outcome: approved, 15 affirmative, 3 absent. - DIAB retreat for 2025–26 school year: moved and seconded during the meeting; outcome: approved, 15 affirmative, 3 absent. - Prepare a document by the end of the school year to inform schools about DIAB and its work (for distribution at back-to-school nights): moved by Wingate Robinson; seconded; outcome: approved, 14 affirmative, 1 abstention, 3 absent.
Members discussed next steps: Blackwell will complete the sign-up form to speak at the hearing and the chair and staff will consolidate written input submitted by members. Staff reminded members that coordination by a small drafting team avoids triggering Open Meetings Act requirements for a quorum and that subcommittees (facilities, policy 1700, recruitment/hiring) could provide initial language.
The board also committed to follow up on logistics for retreat funding and venue and to seek donated space where possible; members noted potential custodial or catering costs if a weekend facility use is required.
Ending: The advisory board scheduled follow-up work in advance of the Sept. 17 hearing and asked members who plan to submit testimony to email drafts to the chair and staff so the consolidated testimony can be reviewed before filing.
