Board hears update on Alternative Programs and Blair Ewing; facilities work completed with remaining asbestos abatement scheduled
Loading...
Summary
MCPS officials told the board the Alternative Programs consolidated sites after a lease was not renewed; the program currently serves about 129 students (capacity ~180). Facilities staff described completed roof, drywall and HVAC work at Blair Ewing, ongoing air‑quality monitoring, and scheduled removal of remaining asbestos‑containing ceiling tiles during a long weekend in February.
District leaders updated the Board committee on Alternative Programs and the Blair Ewing site, addressing consolidation, capacity, security and recent facilities concerns.
Program structure and capacity: Associate Superintendent Damon Monteleone and Alternative Programs leadership said the system previously operated three Alternative Program sites (down county, up county, central Rockville) but did not renew one lease. They consolidated operations into two active sites and maintained a third temporary site; Alternative Programs currently serve about 129 students across sites with an operational capacity up to 180 at one time (program update; Damien Ingram; DJ Connolly).
Safety and staffing: Leadership acknowledged some incidents earlier in the year but said the program’s rate of serious incidents is not elevated compared with past years. Security staffing was described as one security assistant per site (three total), with two security staff assigned in a shared building where two programs operate together. The district said it has codified referral processes for placements, followed COMAR guidance on reportable offenses and put additional security and mediation practices in place (security update; Damien Ingram).
Facilities and indoor air quality at Blair Ewing: Facilities staff (Adnan Mamoun and team) said work orders from September and October addressed roof leaks, replaced damaged drywall and ceiling tiles, sanitized and updated HVAC equipment, and that classrooms are being continuously monitored for air quality. Facilities reported that most mitigation work is complete; one administrative office still contains asbestos‑containing ceiling tiles and is scheduled for replacement during a long weekend in February with post‑work air quality checks (facilities update; Adnan Mamoun).
Board requests and next steps: Board members asked for longitudinal program metrics—how long students remain in Alternative Programs, academic outcomes, reentry/recidivism, and whether students receive appropriate special education services while placed in alternative settings. Monteleone said staffing augmentation requests (additional special educators, resource teachers, electives, counselors) have been submitted as part of the current staffing/budget cycle to better meet students’ needs. Facilities confirmed the asbestos removal timeline and said the remaining work requires classrooms/offices to be emptied and air testing after completion.
Ending: The committee said it will track Alternative Programs more closely in the coming year, requested follow‑up data on student outcomes and placements, and scheduled site visits; facilities staff invited board members to visit Blair Ewing to review completed and pending work (closing).
