FY
2008 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
SCHOOL BOARD BUDGET
Education Committee Statement for Council
The Council is pleased to see the FY-2008 Prince George’s Public School Budget focus on initiatives to accelerate academic gains, and other critical areas including technology to support elementary schools, and Special Education K-12 services. The effort should bring improved instruction and academic success to our classrooms. If the increase in the budget can improve the chances of success for more students, it is a worthwhile investment.
A recent State report released data that Prince George’s County Public Schools had more suspensions and expulsions than any other school district in the State of Maryland. As a result, we were pleased to see a meaningful increase in the number of Pupil Personnel Workers (PPWs) hired. We believe it is wise to direct those new positions to serve the students enrolled in the Intensive Support Intervention Schools (ISIS), with 12 additional positions in elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 2 assigned to Homeless Education Office. Directing resources to those students in need of additional emotional and behavioral support, can only aid in increasing attendance and decreasing truancy, suspension, and expulsions. The additional PPWs and the increase to 11 months for school counselors clearly addresses an important and immediate school system need.
Another important area of concern has been the need to engage parents. The FY-08 budget provides for additional staffing for parent coordinators in all schools to facilitate parent needs, to improve home-school communication, and to increase the number of schools with effective parent groups. This is a call to all parents to share in the responsibility of improving our public schools.
The need for all students to perform well on the High School Assessment is addressed by the Strategic Plan, which includes an increase in the number of Twilight Academies (prep classes for support) and the multiple opportunities for students to improve their ability to graduate on time. The Council has concerns regarding the need to alert the appropriate students and parents to take advantage of this outstanding opportunity. At present there is very limited student involvement. Here is another area where effective parent groups in schools would be an excellent support for a program.
The Council is pleased to see an increase in the area of Fine Arts with the addition of art and music teachers and added music programs which include the repair of instruments as well as staff development. With studies showing a connection between arts experience and success in academic subjects, the revitalization of the arts programs in schools has the potential to make a difference in student success.
One area in which the City Council of Bowie did not see a clear commitment, was the area of teacher Staff Development. We did see the annual PEIP or Professional Educators Induction Program mentioned, but we did not see dollars committed to meaningful, ongoing, professional development for teachers. Additionally, we would like to see the County schools system promote teaching as a career with such programs as Future Teachers of America.
Finally, while it is clear we are delighted with the opening of Northview Elementary School scheduled for 2007, the Council wants to reiterate the importance of building the new High School on Mitchellville Road. We were pleased to see the inclusion for planning dollars for the new High School site in the Capital Improvement projects listed with a completion date of August 2010. A report released on December 21, 2006, by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association, indicated that Bowie High School was the largest school in the State of Maryland. With additional home construction in the immediate area, the enrollment will only grow. We encourage CEO Deasy and Members of the Board of Education to continue their efforts to make the High School on Mitchellville Road a reality.
Thank you.