Washington County Public Schools Board Advances AI Policy, Attendance Zone Changes, and Budget Timeline

A recent public business meeting of the Washington County Board of Education (WCBOE) has resulted in several key policy advancements and operational adjustments, according to information released by Washington County Public Schools. The board approved the first reading of a new policy concerning the responsible use of artificial intelligence in educational settings, alongside revisions to attendance zone policies and the establishment of a timeline for the FY2028 budget.

The newly advanced policy on Artificial Intelligence, titled Policy ACB, addresses its integration into teaching, learning, and overall school operations. This policy is a direct response to Maryland’s Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act and incorporates guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education, as well as existing AI directives developed collaboratively with educators, students, administrators, and library media specialists within Washington County Public Schools (WCPS). Further details regarding specific expectations for AI usage will be elaborated upon through accompanying regulations and instructional guidance. This policy was passed unanimously. In addition, the board also gave unanimous approval to the first reading of proposed amendments to Policy JCA, which governs the establishment of school attendance areas. These revisions aim to remove WCPS’s local rated capacity as a determinant for attendance-area adjustments, shifting the standard to rely solely on state-rated capacity. The proposed changes also introduce a formal procedure for developers to petition the board for attendance-zone realignments, while simultaneously allowing Washington County Government to provide input on such requests. These updates bring the policy into alignment with recent modifications to the county’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance.

In parallel to policy developments, the WCBOE has also set forth its calendar for the development of the FY2028 General Fund Operating Budget. This calendar was unanimously approved and designates January 26, 2027, for the superintendent’s draft budget presentation during a board work session. This later presentation date is intended to allow WCPS staff to incorporate additional information regarding the governor’s proposed state budget and preliminary state education funding allocations. Furthermore, the board’s final budget approval has been moved to a later date in the spring. This adjustment is designed to provide WCPS with a more definitive understanding of the funding amounts anticipated from both state and county sources before the final budget is approved, thereby potentially reducing the necessity for subsequent budget revisions. Residents can follow the WCBOE’s budget process via the school system’s website at wcpsmd.com/departments/finance/budget-audit-information/fy2028-budget.

The board also unanimously approved the WCPS Virtual Learning Plan for the upcoming academic year. This plan, mandated by Maryland law, details the procedures for providing virtual instruction should an emergency situation prevent students from attending school in person for an extended duration. Such emergency scenarios, as defined by Maryland law, include prolonged states of emergency that necessitate at least 14 consecutive school days of absence from in-person attendance. These circumstances could encompass natural disasters, civil disturbances, public health emergencies, or specific security threats. The plan outlines the educational framework for students and delineates the responsibilities of both students and staff during such extended emergency closures. It is important to note that this plan is distinct from virtual learning days designated for inclement weather. WCPS will not be utilizing virtual learning in place of traditional inclement weather days for the upcoming school year. This is primarily due to the current availability of Chromebooks, which are exclusively provided to high school students, meaning the school system lacks sufficient devices to equip all elementary and middle school students for system-wide virtual instruction during weather-related school closures.

Beyond these significant policy and budgetary decisions, the board took several other actions. These included the approval of a $308,020 purchase for 130 Apple computers intended to enhance graphic communications and video/audio production labs at five high schools. This investment is expected to benefit over 700 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students pursuing industry-recognized Adobe certifications and related career skills, with $235,000 of the cost covered by Federal Perkins grant funding. Additionally, contracts for snow and winter weather removal services were renewed with various companies. These contractors will be responsible for clearing snow at schools located on the Clear Spring, Boonsboro, North/Northern, Smithsburg, Williamsport, and Hancock campuses, from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Finally, the board approved the sale of up to 20 surplus school buses following the receipt of new vehicles, with these buses to be sold through GovDeals.com or to the highest bidder via a request for quotation process.

It was noted that the board revised its agenda at the meeting’s commencement, deferring consideration of recommended names for the new Downsville Pike Elementary School. This item was removed from the agenda to allow for further discussion during an upcoming work session scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. A public vote on the naming of the new school is anticipated at the September 15 public business meeting.

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

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