FCPS racial equity committee plans April 8 community forum with student breakouts and resource fair

The Frederick County Public Schools Racial Equity Committee announced details for a community forum and resource fair planned for April 8, 6–8 p.m., and asked committee volunteers to arrive early to assist with setup and welcoming.

Committee Co-chair summarized the event format: an initial public comment period, breakout sessions for students and parents, and a concurrent community resource fair intended to connect families with organizations that support the district’s racial-equity goals.

"The thing that looks differently this year is that we're adding a community resource, portion to the fair this year as well," the co-chair said, describing the change in format. "So we are inviting a number of community organizations … to really help educate the community about the resources they have to support them."

Staff asked that volunteers be on site by about 5 to 5:30 p.m. to help set up the large space and greet attendees. The committee expects students to have opportunities to speak during breakout sessions and emphasized that the forum is intended for listening and information-sharing rather than extended debate.

The committee said a flyer with basic event information is available and that members who want to assist further should sign up with staff after the meeting. Committee members discussed logistics including space layout and volunteer check-in; one staff member said a laptop with the volunteer list would be available at the meeting for sign-ups.

No formal actions or policy decisions were made at the meeting regarding the forum; staff will continue outreach and finalize the event agenda prior to April 8.