Prince George's County committee reviews Section 504 implementation, flags compliance gaps and student supports

Prince George's County Board of Education Academic Achievement Committee Chair Jonathan Briggs convened the Feb. 23, 2026 meeting and introduced a presentation on Section 504 services from the district's Office of Student Services.

The presentation, led by Doreen Hogan, instructional supervisor for professional school counseling services, reviewed year two of a Synergy rollout to house 504 plans, described monitoring procedures and flagged compliance issues stemming in part from weather-related schedule disruptions. Hogan said the district tracked 2,457 students on 504 plans in first quarter and recorded a 5.5% increase to 2,581 students as of Feb. 6.

"We are grateful for our school counselors who are service case managers who are returning to the building tomorrow to ensure that our 504 plans continue to remain in compliance," Hogan said.

The presentation stressed common accommodations and how they are used across grade levels: preferential seating in elementary schools; extended time and a "Flash Pass" at middle and high schools to allow a student to take a brief break and see a counselor or trusted adult. Hogan described the Flash Pass as a team-determined mechanism that classrooms and counselors tailor to each student's needs.

Quentin Southern, a senior in Project Lead the Way at Charles River Flowers High School, described being diagnosed with anxiety and executive functioning disorder and credited accommodations with helping him become an honor student. "Having extra time and the ability to take breaks when I'm overwhelmed helps quiet and calm my mind so I can be my best," Southern said. He noted strong standardized-test performance and several university acceptances and thanked school counselors by name.

Board members pressed staff on two compliance details. Responding to a question from Board Member Olivo, Hogan said a 504 plan may be flagged as out of compliance if even a single plan is one day late, and that teams have 30 days after an initial Synergy evaluation to finalize a plan. Hogan acknowledged that weather closures increased the number of flagged plans this reporting period and described the certified report principals receive each Sunday to highlight data issues.

Dr. Elizabeth Faizon, associate superintendent of student services, told the committee that, unlike special education, Section 504 does not carry a dedicated federal funding stream: "504 is not a funded mandate," she said, adding that equipment or services beyond school capacity must be funded by the school or through grants or departmental budgeting.

Hogan attributed persistent noncompliance in part to counselor vacancies and high caseloads, particularly at the high school level. "We won zero out of compliance, and that's our goal every week, every month, every school year," she said, explaining the office's outreach and training plan. The office has hired 34 new counselors this year and provides ongoing professional development and building-facilitator monitoring to support implementation.

On family engagement, Dr. Faizon said the Office of School Counseling has hosted virtual 504 sessions for families over the past two years and described a counselor-to-counselor "warm handoff" process when students transition between school levels to preserve continuity of accommodations.

The committee also discussed practical steps for families who believe accommodations are not being implemented. Hogan advised that parents first contact the school administrator, who will consult with the professional educator, determine barriers and request support or coaching from the Office of 504 when necessary.

The committee adopted the Feb. 23 agenda and approved the Dec. 15, 2025 minutes by unanimous consent before the presentation. Chair Briggs closed the meeting at 6:16 p.m. and noted the next committee meeting is scheduled for March 17, 2026.