February 29, 2024 Staff and Community Update: Highlights from the Superintendent’s Press Conference
WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE
Dr. Myriam Rogers held a media availability today, February 29, to share updates and information on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 operating budget, upcoming community engagement events, the March 12 job fair, and BCPS’ ribbon cutting ceremony for Red House Run Elementary School. Dr. Rogers also answered questions from the media.
Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget
- On Tuesday night, the Board of Education voted to approve a $2.58 billion Fiscal Year 2025 operating budget request. The Board’s request will now be sent to County Executive Olszewski and the County Council for consideration and approval.
- The budget request reflects the collective efforts and goals of the Team BCPS community. And now, with the Board’s approval of the budget request, we are hopeful that we will receive the support and approval of our county leaders so that we can intensify our efforts to move this system forward and ensure that all students achieve at the highest levels.
- All members of Team BCPS are encouraged to stay engaged with the budget process as it goes before county leaders for approval. The County Executive is hosting a series of Budget Town Halls for residents of Baltimore County to provide their input into the budget planning process, and we need our staff, families, and community members to advocate for the Board’s budget request! A fully funded budget will help us fast forward student achievement and meet the diverse needs of our 110,000 students and 20,000 staff members.
Curriculum Nights and Community Conversations
- Comprehensive family and community engagement plays a critical role in student achievement. This is a top priority for BCPS and one of the focus areas of the superintendent’s strategic plan. This spring, BCPS will hold a series of Curriculum Nights and Community Conversations to provide families with an opportunity to engage with system leadership in conversations on a variety of topics.
- We will kick off this series of events with a Curriculum Night on March 12 at Woodlawn High School.
- Curriculum Nights are a great way for families to learn more about BCPS curriculum and our efforts to improve instruction in English language arts, mathematics, early childhood education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), and special education. We will also discuss what families can expect to see their children learning in the academic priority areas and will provide tips and resources on how to support students at home. Families will have an opportunity to view curricular and instructional materials and ask questions.
Upcoming Job Fairs and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- This afternoon, BCPS officials cut the ribbon on the new Red House Run Elementary School building. The $66 million project replaces the old school and features nearly double the capacity (775 seats) and square footage (107,774 square feet) of the former school building. Designed to relieve overcrowding and to provide a modern learning center for the community, the new school formally opened to students in January.
- BCPS will hold its annual systemwide job fair on March 12 at the Timonium Fair Grounds for all positions. We will offer on-the-spot interviews and are prepared to award conditional open contracts to new employees on-site. Our efforts to recruit are year-round and we invite all interested candidates to join us to learn more about joining Team BCPS.