Elementary school redistricting is the one and only topic on the agenda for the February 7 meeting of the Harford County Board of Education planned for 7 p.m. in the Bel Air High School auditorium.
Scheduled as work session, where public attendance is welcome but public comment is not allowed, the meeting will open with a new comprehensive redistricting proposal presented by Joseph P. Licata, chief of administration and chairman of the Superintendent’s Technical Advisory Committee (STAC).
The new elementary redistricting proposal will include revisions previously announced, including some made public as recently as Friday afternoon. School board members are expected to discuss the plan, along with issues such as grandfathering 4th and 5th graders to remain at their current school and the policy on boundary exceptions, which allows students to attend county schools outside their home district.
Board action on a final redistricting plan is scheduled for February 28, with the plan to take effect for the 2011-12 school year.
The February 7, 2011 work session agenda appears below: Please note that while the agenda indicates that the meeting will be held at the HCPS A.A. Roberty Building in Bel Air, school officials have confirmed that the correct location is the Bel Air High School auditorium.
WORK SESSION OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2011
HCPS A. A. ROBERTY BUILDING
102 S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, MD 21014Board Work Session – 7:00 P.M. – Board Room
7:00 P.M. Call to Order – Mr. Mark M. Wolkow, President
Introduction of Topic
Dr. Robert M. Tomback, Superintendent of Schools7:10 P.M. Presentation of New Proposal – Comprehensive Elementary Redistricting Initiative
Mr. Joseph P. Licata, Chief of Administration9:00 P.M. Adjournment
Did anyone attend last night? What was decided on boundary exemptions?
Discussion, but no decisions on boundary exceptions – any decisions would have to come at a board business meeting (next one is Feb 14)
Board Member Bob Frisch speculated that boundary exception requests for childcare would increase as a result of redistricting and said that the board may have to “look at our policy.” Board President Mark Wolkow said that even without a change in policy, the board may need an implementation plan in connection with redistricting. Wolkow talked about “liberal implementation” as a consideration.
Thank you !!