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Superintendent reports ESSA funding delays and launches districtwide "Fit Check" dress-code campaign
Summary
Superintendent told the board federal ESSA Title II‑A, III and IV‑A funds are delayed; the district has short‑ and longer‑term plans and will update the board in September. WCPS also launched a "Fit Check" campaign to explain updated dress-code rules, including a prohibition on hats/hoods inside school except for medical or religious reasons.
Washington County Public Schools officials told the board July 15 that disbursement delays in federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) funds are affecting the district’s Title II‑A, Title III and Title IV‑A allocations.
Superintendent’s staff said those funds support professional learning for educators, some academic enrichment programs, technology expansion and a smaller portion that assists multilingual students. District leaders said they have developed short‑term contingency plans and are preparing longer‑range options if the delays extend into the school year. The district said it expects a more definitive update from the Maryland State Department of Education and federal partners in September and will keep the board informed.
Separately, WCPS launched a “Fit Check” campaign designed to help students and families understand the district’s updated dress-code regulation. The campaign uses visuals and reminders posted in schools ahead of the school year. Staff emphasized the district’s request that students not wear hats, hoods or head coverings inside school buildings unless there is an approved medical or religious reason.
District leaders described the campaign as aimed at creating a respectful, focused learning environment. The board was told the dress-code changes and the Fit Check materials will be displayed in schools for the upcoming school year.
