Parent and PTO officer urges board to keep Crellin Elementary on capital improvement plan

Amanda Mattingly, a former Crellin Elementary student, current parent and secretary of the Crellin PTO, addressed the Garrett County Board of Education during the public‑comment portion of the meeting to thank the board for placing Crellin Elementary on the capital improvement plan and to describe the school’s community role.

Mattingly said she and her family have deep ties to the Crellin community and that the school “allows [students] to thrive in every way.” She described recurring community events—an October fall festival and parade, trick‑or‑treating through town, holiday poinsettia deliveries to elderly residents and volunteer yard cleanups—that involve students, faculty and residents and said the school’s atmosphere encourages volunteer participation. “Every person who comes into the school feels a sense of inclusion,” she said.

Mattingly told the board the school is at maximum capacity and that the principal, Dr. McCauley, teachers and staff have been instrumental in the school’s popularity. She said proposed capital improvements “are greatly, greatly needed” and that any additional capacity created would likely be filled.

The board did not take action on the comment; public comment items are recorded for possible future consideration.