Report to Bowie City Council
On Education Priorities

Bowie Education Committee
October 23, 2006

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The opening of Whitehall Elementary, the move of sixth grade students to middle school, the change of Samuel Ogle back to a middle school, as well as the use of the Belair Annex for 9th grade students from Bowie High, have all made a difference in the population of local public schools. While most schools are still above State Rated Capacity, the extreme overcrowding has begun to subside. The opening of the new elementary school on Northview Drive did not take place this year, but is scheduled for August 2007. It should bring additional relief to overcrowding, so we are certainly better off than we were just two years ago. The proposed new high school in Bowie is another current priority, which will bring relief to the serious overcrowding situation that has plagued Bowie High for many years.

Results of statewide testing were somewhat encouraging, although more work is needed to improve the scores of many county students. School System CEO, Dr. Deasy has implemented plans for assisting students who have not passed the High School assessments, but there are many students in need of assistance.
Students must be properly prepared to be competitive in the college and job markets they will encounter.

The shortage of teachers in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the United States continues to be a problem. The improved compensation package should assist in retaining teachers, but recruiting and retaining current teachers will be an ongoing problem. With a nationwide teacher shortage, it is one that may be with us for a long time to come. This shortage results in a greater need for substitute teachers to take over classrooms on a regular basis. Little is discussed about the qualifications of substitute teachers, yet the accountability requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB) require each school day to be filled with meaningful instruction.

Another teacher related concern is the success of new teachers. Improved staff development, professional training and mentoring may assist them in acquiring the necessary skills to succeed in the classroom.

Despite progress in increasing the annual operating budget in Prince George’s County over the past few years, the County still ranks at the bottom in per pupil expenditures when compared with surrounding counties. Money may not be the solution to all problems, but the question of whether there is a relationship between the low expenditure per pupil and low test scores must be addressed. The end result must be the success of our students.

The Committee hopes that Council will continue the dialogue begun with Dr. Deasy this summer.

On the subject of communication there continues to be a need for timely and professional responses to phone calls. Parents and community members must be able to speak to members of staff during and outside of school hours. It is unacceptable that potential teachers have been unable to speak with someone regarding teaching positions. As a result some have taken their talents to another school system.

Fine Arts
As budgets were cut, beginning in the 1970s, so were arts programs. The arts, in spite of studies that have shown a connection between arts experience and success in academic subjects, have become an option for many students. Many elementary schools lack or must share Art teachers. If revitalizing arts programs in the schools has the potential to make a difference in student success, it seems prudent for this to be a priority.

The Committee would like to thank the City Council for the City’s continued support of education, teachers, Bowie students and the local schools. Your commitment to making education a priority, even though it is not a City school system, is admirable, and we look forward to continued dialog with Council regarding education issues.

Full Report to Bowie City Council On Education Priorities 10/23/06 (pdf format)