HAGERSTOWN, MD News (10/17/2024) – The Washington County Board of Education (WCBOE) held its latest public business meeting on October 15, 2024, where several key decisions were made regarding the school system’s budget, academic calendar, and other important matters.
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FY26 Budget Priorities Approved
The WCBOE approved its budget priorities for fiscal year 2026, aligning with the Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) strategic plan. The four key areas of focus are:
- Student Success: Promoting engaging and challenging learning experiences for all students.
- Access and Opportunity: Addressing barriers to student success and learning.
- Culture, Safety, and Wellness: Ensuring a supportive and safe learning environment for students and staff.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening partnerships with caregivers and the broader community to support educational outcomes.
These priorities will guide the development of the school system’s general fund budget, which the superintendent will present in January 2025. The WCBOE will hold public work sessions to refine the budget before final approval in mid-2025.
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School Year Calendars and Early Dismissal Days
The Board approved several updates to the current and future school calendars. Three early dismissal days were added to the 2024-2025 academic year to provide additional planning and grading time for teachers. These dates are:
- November 4, 2024
- January 17, 2025
- March 21, 2025
Additionally, the academic calendars for the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school years were approved and are now available on the WCPS website.
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Recognitions and Other Actions
- Educator Honored: Ellie Allen, a French teacher at Williamsport High School, was recognized as the Maryland Foreign Language Teacher of the Year by the Maryland Foreign Language Association. She is the first French teacher in WCPS to become a National Board Certified Teacher.
- School Safety Recognition: WCBOE acknowledged the contributions of School Resource Officers (SROs) and Safety and Security Assistants in ensuring the safety of students and staff. Partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, including the Maryland State Police and FBI, were also highlighted.
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Additional Board Decisions
The WCBOE took action on several other items:
- Approved June 19th as a paid holiday for 12-month employees.
- Revised policies on family and medical leave, employee orientation, and budget transfers.
- Approved various purchases, including security equipment, student Chromebooks, and a crisis prevention training program for staff.
These developments reflect the WCBOE’s ongoing efforts to prioritize student success, safety, and community engagement while ensuring effective operations within WCPS.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors
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