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Superintendent urges respectful discourse, highlights calendar flexibility under House Bill 226 and reports staffing numbers
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Bedell told the board he will address staff social-media posts that celebrate violence and urged civility. He also outlined a proposed change to the school calendar under House Bill 226, shared vacancy data and recognized district achievements.
Dr. Bedell, the superintendent, used his report to call for civility from staff and the community and to reaffirm the district’s focus on student-centered work. He also updated the board on staffing vacancies, recognized schools that earned national Special Olympics Unified Champion schools honors, and described an exploratory calendar change made possible by recent state legislation.
On tone and social media: Dr. Bedell said there is “no place anywhere, anytime where it is acceptable for anyone to applaud or celebrate the death of someone,” and that the district will address employee social-media posts that dehumanize individuals through established internal processes. “We must all remain focused on our core mission,” he said.
Calendar flexibility under House Bill 226: Dr. Bedell described a proposal, still under consideration, to eliminate multiple early-dismissal days at the end of marking periods. Instead, the district would shift to full student days followed by staff work days off-student, using the law’s allowance to count minimum seat hours rather than days. The district is collecting feedback through an online survey through October 1; Dr. Bedell said he would consider public feedback and possibly present a recommendation on Oct. 15 and a board vote on Nov. 5.
Staffing and recognitions: Dr. Bedell said the district is tracking vacancies across positions: roughly 5,900 teachers on staff with 30 teacher vacancies at the time of reporting; zero bus driver vacancies; three alternative vehicle drivers; food services vacancies reduced to 78 from 120 last year; and stable custodial staffing. He also noted that three schools — Arundel, Glen Burnie and Old Mill Middle South — earned Special Olympics Unified Champion National Banner recognition.
What the board will do next: The superintendent asked the community to complete the calendar survey by Oct. 1. He said any calendar recommendation would be brought to the board for action following public feedback and internal bargaining-unit discussions.
