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Superintendent outlines boundary-review start, graduation schedule and budget uncertainty
Summary
Superintendent Jason Barnes (title from transcript: Superintendent Barnes) told the board the boundary review (redistricting) process is starting under Policy 6010 to balance enrollment; graduation dates at Merriweather Post Pavilion were announced and the operating budget remains uncertain pending county and state actions.
Superintendent Barnes updated the Howard County Board of Education on March 27 about several district matters, including the start of a boundary-review process to balance enrollment, announced graduation dates at Merriweather Post Pavilion and warned of uncertain operating-budget prospects.
Barnes said the Board previously voted to begin a boundary review under Policy 60/6010 (school attendance areas) to address schools outside the 90–110% capacity-utilization range. He said the district would use the term “balancing enrollment” in communications but acknowledged the process is commonly called redistricting and can generate anxiety for families; staff will provide opportunities for public input and seek to keep the process transparent.
On graduation scheduling, Barnes said Merriweather Post Pavilion remains the district’s preferred venue because of streaming capabilities that are not available at many school sites and because the Pavilion’s calendar must be negotiated. He announced graduation dates (high-school ceremonies at Merriweather on May 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29; senior last day May 20) and said ceremonies would be rebroadcast on the district’s cable channel and streaming platforms.
Barnes reported that the county executive announced full funding for the capital budget, but stressed that operating-budget outcomes remain uncertain. He said county executive Ball will present his proposed budget to the county council April 14 and that the county council will adopt a final budget on May 21; school operating budget decisions will follow. Barnes described state fiscal uncertainty and potential federal changes as complicating factors and said district staff are preparing multiple scenarios for the board and community.
Barnes also summarized the Student Member of the Board process: delegates selected Aaron Allister and Jeremy Wong as SMOB finalists, and the SMOB election is scheduled for April 30.
Board members asked questions about the timeline and requested clear public communications; Barnes and staff said more information would be shared in the coming weeks.
