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Board reviews revised redistricting policy draft; first reading moves to public comment
Summary
The board held a first reading of a revised JCAA policy on school boundary realignment that adds language on 'increased capacity or overcrowding' and sets an April 30 notification timeline for affected students; the policy will go to public comment at the next meeting and return in July for approval.
The St. Mary's County Board of Education reviewed a revised first-reading draft June 4 of policy JCAA, which governs school district boundary realignment.
Staff presented edits requested at the May meeting, including clarifying language that realignment may result from new school construction, increased capacity or overcrowding at existing schools, budgetary constraints, efficiencies, emergencies, or school closures. The draft also replaces the prior wording in two places so the board "shall ensure" (rather than "a shore") the actions described in the policy.
The draft references the board’s authority under Section 4-109C of the Education Article, Maryland Annotated Code, and directs the superintendent to develop procedures for continuous evaluation of facilities and to "implement and ensure communication to the community" a redistricting timeline. The timeline in the draft requires notification to students affected by boundary changes "no later than April 30 of the school year prior to redistricting taking place." The policy also retains an advisory-committee process for community involvement.
Board members praised the edits and asked for next steps. Staff said the revised policy will be posted for public comment at the board’s next meeting; the board expects to consider final approval in July after reviewing public comments.
Because this was a first reading, no board vote to adopt the policy occurred; the board provided direction to post the draft for public comment and return with any revisions and a final recommendation.
