Salem Avenue Elementary Renamed to Honor Beloved Principal, New Safety Measures for Athletics Approved

Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) has announced several significant decisions stemming from its recent Board of Education public business meeting, including the renaming of a school, the implementation of enhanced safety protocols for athletic events, and the approval of a substantial expansion project for Jonathan Hager Elementary School. These developments aim to honor past contributions, improve student safety, and accommodate growing enrollment within the district.

The Board of Education unanimously approved renaming Salem Avenue Elementary School in tribute to its former principal, Thomas J. Garner. Mr. Garner dedicated over two decades of service to the Salem Avenue school community, earning widespread recognition for his unwavering commitment to students, families, staff, and the broader community. A petition supporting the name change gained considerable traction among the school community during the 2025–2026 academic year. Following a period for public comment, the Board voted 6–0 to officially adopt the new name, Thomas J. Garner Elementary School. Visible updates to signage, communications, and other school materials are currently underway.

In a move to bolster security at school sporting events, WCPS has introduced a new safety plan designed to standardize security procedures across the county. This plan adopts a tiered approach, calibrating the necessary security staffing and precautionary measures based on the specific event. Factors influencing these decisions include the type of event, anticipated attendance, the presence of rivalries, and any pre-identified safety concerns. Events with higher attendance or perceived higher risk may be subject to increased school security personnel, administrative oversight, law enforcement support, and other safety resources. The plan also incorporates additional measures such as a no-bag policy at designated athletic events and a formal credentialing process for members of the news media. These initiatives are intended to streamline entry, assist staff in identifying authorized individuals, and reduce the volume of items requiring screening within athletic venues. WCPS developed this plan to establish clearer and more consistent procedures across all schools while striving to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for students, families, staff, and community members. Information regarding event-specific expectations will be communicated to families and spectators in advance of these measures taking effect.

The Board also advanced the expansion project for Jonathan Hager Elementary School by approving its schematic design. This approval allows the project to proceed to the subsequent phases of design and state review. The proposed expansion includes a nearly 32,000-square-foot, two-story addition intended to create new classrooms and student support areas, while also improving internal circulation for students and staff. This expansion will increase Jonathan Hager Elementary’s capacity from three classrooms per grade to five, accommodating an additional 400 students. The design development was informed by educational specifications previously approved by the Board in June, which detail the necessary instructional, operational, safety, and support spaces for the enlarged school. Project planners have also focused on maintaining grade-level cohorting and minimizing disruptions to students during construction. The total construction budget for this project is projected at $22.5 million, with an anticipated opening in August 2028, contingent upon state approval, funding, final design, and successful construction.

In other business, the Board gave final approval to Policy JHCF, concerning Epinephrine and Bronchodilator Availability and Use Requirements. This policy permits school staff to administer the nasal form of epinephrine, known as “Neffy,” during emergencies for students experiencing anaphylaxis. Additionally, the Board approved the final reading of Administrative Regulation BBFE-R, detailing Washington County Board of Education Ethics Regulations. Updates to this regulation include clarifications of definitions, specification of response timelines, and alignment with state mandates. The Board also approved advertising rights for the Smithsburg High School Athletic Boosters Club, identifying businesses that will advertise within the school’s gymnasium, stadium, and tennis courts. Furthermore, the Board accepted a donation of a wrestling mat valued at $10,000 from the Clear Spring Youth Wrestling Association to Clear Spring High School, intended to support the establishment of a new wrestling program for the 2026-2027 school year. A donation exceeding $15,000 from Boonsboro Athletic Boosters, Inc. to Boonsboro High School was also approved to support its softball, baseball, and lacrosse programs, as well as the Spring and Senior Athletic Banquets.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Washington County Public Schools

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