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Community Advisory Council chair urges better follow-through on translation, prayer-space logistics and chronic absenteeism
Summary
The newly elected CAC chair told the board Sept. 25 the council will press for improved follow-through on translation and outreach, better communication about designated prayer spaces in schools, and creative approaches to chronic absenteeism — including transportation pilots for high-absence schools.
Liz Hammond, the newly elected chair of the Howard County Community Advisory Council, told the Board of Education on Sept. 25 that the CAC will prioritize follow-through on several operational issues: access to district translation services for outreach, clearer communication and signage for prayer-space logistics, and a stronger, locally tailored approach to chronic absenteeism.
Translation and outreach: Hammond asked whether CAC and volunteer groups could be granted easier access to HCPSS translation services or a small dispensation for materials so the council can better reach multilingual parents. She said volunteers had solicited community translations but that those volunteers were often connected to the district, and she urged a streamlined approach so the CAC can be more inclusive.
Prayer-space logistics: Hammond said staff had made prayer spaces available in some schools but students reported difficulty finding the rooms and understanding excusal protocols; she asked the district to improve signage and protocols so accommodations are effective in practice.
Chronic absenteeism and transportation: Hammond flagged substantial absenteeism at some middle schools and urged the district to pilot transportation solutions tailored to neighborhoods with high absence rates. She and board members discussed non-transportation-zone rules, crossing-guard availability and whether creative routing or reassigning bus stops could increase attendance. Board members and Superintendent Barnes suggested targeted pilots and said the board chair and others volunteered to work with principals and transportation staff on options.
What the board said and next steps: several board members volunteered to examine attendance data and meet with principals and transportation staff. Board member Dr. Chamblee said she had already signed up to work on absenteeism and suggested route adjustments in communities with high absence could be explored. District staff said they would follow up with CAC about options for translation access, signage and pilot transportation programs.
Ending: Hammond closed by urging the board to seize the moment to implement improvements and to maintain transparency and follow-through; the board indicated willingness to partner on pilots and to return with recommendations.
