Alternative Education & Mindfulness: Mr. Kirk Howie, Director of Student Services reported that he recently surveyed DCPS administrators regarding the DCPS Alternative Education Program. Administrators favored retaining the Therapeutic Support Program (TSP) and expanding the DCPS Alternative Education Program to include Tier 2 Alternative Education classrooms in each school and an elementary-level New Directions Learning Academy (NDLA). A staff survey also indicated support for continuing TSPs. However, administrators indicated they could not establish such programs with current levels of staff. It was noted that TSP is a voluntary intervention, not a mandatory placement. Board members sought additional information about the typical length of time spent in the TSP and the behavior of returned students over time.
Mr. Howie explained that very few students have completed the TSP program. About 26 students are currently in full time TSPs, 7 are in part-time TSPs, and 7 students have fully returned to the regular classroom. The new Mindfulness Utilization Program is being implemented in about 80% of schools. Administrators indicated a need for additional staffing and training. Space, staffing, and resources are the current challenges to full implementation of both programs. *
DCPS Blueprint Strategic Plan Update: Ms. Regina Teat, Director of Leadership & School Improvement explained that the Maryland Blueprint for education emphasizes the work needed to achieve successful implementation and evaluation of mechanisms to ensure excellence for all students through governance and accountability. DCPS is conducting countywide opportunities for Stakeholder input through February, 2023. DCPS must develop its initial plan (for School Year 2023-2024) by March 15, 2023. Additional iterations will be required each year. State funding determinations will be released in Spring of 2023 and will require greatly intensified reporting to the State on use of funds by individual students and programs. Superintendent Bromwell recently learned that Dorchester County’s statutory taxation limit does not apply to funding for implementation of Blueprint requirements. It was noted that the State currently maintains a significant budget surplus, but the extent to which this surplus will be used to support Blueprint requirements has yet to be determined. *
Board Committees. Dr. Morgan announced the following appointments to Board Committees.
County Council Committee – Dr. Morgan, Mr. Diaz, and Mr. Bromwell
Budget – Dr. Morgan and Mr. Diaz
Policy – Ms. Layton and Dr. Stafford
Curriculum – Ms. Layton and Ms. Hubbard
Legislative – Ms. Hubbard
Alternative Education – Dr. Morgan, Dr. Stafford, and Mr. Howie
President Morgan’s Statement: I would like to thank President Laura Layton for her years of service as President and Vice-President Sherry Hubbard for the time she has devoted to her position. I also want to welcome our newest Board member, Dr. Theresa Stafford. I look forward to working with her. I am anxious to partner with our new Vice President, Mike Diaz, in our efforts to serve the students of DCPS. Thank you, Board Members, for putting your trust in me. I pledge to work hard to justify that trust.
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