The Worcester County Board of Education held a series of formal approvals during its open meeting.
Agenda and minutes: The board unanimously approved the meeting agenda (motion by Donald Smack; second Bill Gordy) and approved open‑session minutes for February and March (motion by Donald Smack; second Dr. John Andes).
Closed session: The board voted to enter a closed session under the General Provisions Article, section 3‑305(b) of the Annotated Code of Maryland, to approve prior closed‑session minutes and discuss personnel and negotiation matters. The transcript records a motion and a second but does not specify individual mover/second names for that item. The motion passed by voice vote.
Personnel exhibit: The superintendent recommended the March personnel exhibit, which the board approved. The motion to approve the personnel exhibit was moved by Katie Addis and seconded by Dr. John Andes; the motion carried by voice vote.
Policies: The board approved several policy actions:
- Policy 2A‑17 (Recording of IEP and 504 meetings): The board adopted a new policy that prohibits recording meetings unless an accommodation is requested at least three business days in advance; the board will also make a district recording when a recording accommodation is approved. Motion by Donald Smack; second by Bill Gordy. Motion carried.
- Policy 1D‑05 (Service Animals — Visitors) and Policy 4D‑08 (Service Animals — Students): Revised policies were approved clarifying handlers’ responsibilities (feeding, exercising and cleanup). Motion by Donald Smack; second by Katie Addis. Motion carried.
- Policy 2B‑03 (Graduation Requirements): The board approved revisions to align district graduation requirements with COMAR 13A.03.02.03, explicitly specifying science course distribution (Earth/Space/Environmental Science, Biology, Physical Science) and clarifying social studies formatting. Motion by Dr. John Andes; second by Bill Gordy. Motion carried.
Financial report: The board approved the February monthly financial report, with non‑salary expenditures of $3,682,542.33, on a motion by Donald Smack and second by Bill Gordy.
Adjournment: The board moved and seconded to adjourn; the motion carried by voice vote.