Washington County Public Schools Board of Education Addresses Attendance Zones, Policy Changes, and Budget

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) Board of Education recently held a public business meeting, addressing significant changes to elementary school attendance zones, updates to district policies, and a pending budget approval. The meeting outlined the Superintendent’s recommendations for reconfiguring attendance zones in response to the closure of Hickory Elementary and Fountain Rock Elementary schools at the end of the 2026-2027 school year, coinciding with the opening of a new facility on Downsville Pike. These adjustments aim to smoothly transition students from the closing schools and establish new boundaries for the Downsville Pike Elementary School.

The Superintendent’s recommendations align with the 14 proposals put forth by the Facilities and Enrollment Advisory Committee (FEAC). Among these, two specific measures were highlighted for their immediate impact. The Board is considering an effective date of the 2027-2028 school year for a recommendation that would relocate approximately 130 kindergarten through fifth-grade students from Salem Avenue Elementary to Jonathan Hager Elementary. Additionally, the Board is reviewing a proposal to adjust the attendance zone for a currently undeveloped neighborhood. This neighborhood, slated for development and presently within the Boonsboro Middle/High attendance zone, would be reassigned to the Smithsburg Middle/High attendance zone. As no homes have yet been constructed in this area, this change is not expected to affect current students. To gather public input on these proposed attendance zone modifications, two public hearings are scheduled for Wednesday, May 13, 2026, and Thursday, May 14, 2026. Both hearings will commence at 6:00 PM at the Center for Education Services, located at 10435 Downsville Pike in Hagerstown, Maryland.

In addition to attendance zone changes, the Board discussed outcomes from the recent Maryland General Assembly legislative session. The WCPS Legislative Response Team actively participated, reviewing and providing testimony on various bills impacting the school system. Among the supported legislation that passed was a new Truancy Reduction Pilot Program, set to launch on October 1, which will allow a Circuit Court administrative judge to implement a program within juvenile court to address student attendance concerns. Another bill, effective July 1, will prohibit certain contract provisions, such as indemnification and “hold harmless” clauses, in public school system contracts, offering clearer legal guidance for school systems when working with vendors. The Board noted that a proposed bill concerning collective bargaining, which would have made class sizes a negotiable item, did not pass. Similarly, a separate bill that would have eliminated the Judicial Nominating Commission for vacancies on County Boards of Education also did not advance.

The Board is also set to revisit the approval of the Fiscal Year 2027 General Fund Operating Budget, as a recent vote resulted in a split decision. The budget will be reconsidered at an upcoming public business meeting.

Significant policy changes were also approved. The Board adopted revisions to Policy IKAB, the Elementary School Grading System, aiming for an approach that better reflects students’ achievement of grade-level expectations and their overall progress. A key element of this revised policy involves the implementation of a new number-based scoring scale for students in grades 3 through 5, while students in kindergarten through second grade will utilize a performance scale focused on developmental progress and skill acquisition. WCPS anticipates that this new grading system will provide families with clearer insights into their children’s educational growth. Furthermore, changes were made to Policy BDDA, the Agenda Format for Public Business Meetings, to offer greater flexibility. The revised policy designates the agenda format as a guide rather than a strict requirement, allowing the agenda planning committee more latitude to adjust meeting schedules as necessary for items such as student recognitions or special topics.

The Board also reviewed proposed changes to Policy DGC, School Loans (Depository Funds), and Policy DIE, Audits, which underwent their first read. Community feedback on these proposed policy revisions is being actively solicited. Comments can be submitted by May 8, 2026, via email to boe@wcps.k12.md.us or by mail to the Washington County Board of Education, 10435 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown, MD 21740. The Board is expected to consider these policies for final approval at its May 19, 2026, public meeting.

In other business, the Board approved the purchase of new playground equipment for Clear Spring Elementary School, with installation planned for the summer to be completed before the start of the new school year, addressing the need for repairs to the existing aging equipment. The renewal of an agreement with Dairy Maid Dairy, LLC, to supply milk for all WCPS school locations was also approved. This expense is estimated to cost approximately $800,000 for the upcoming school year, though monthly milk pricing is subject to fluctuation.

The meeting also included celebrations of student and staff achievements. Biligyar P. Begzad from North Hagerstown High School and Ella Rechtorovic from Williamsport High School were recognized as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. Biligyar was also honored for achieving a perfect score on the ACT exam. The district celebrated its Carson Scholars, recognizing both new and returning students for their academic excellence and community involvement. The Smithsburg High School boys track team was acknowledged for their championship win in the MPSSAA 1A Boys Indoor Track competition, with individual state championship wins for athletes from Clear Spring High and North High also highlighted. The 2026-2027 WCPS Teacher of the Year and finalists were also announced, alongside a thank you to Student Pledge Leader Annie Young, a fourth-grader at Old Forge Elementary.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Public Schools

Video Spotlight