Vicky Cutroneo, Howard County Board of Education Member

Follow Dr Chen's official FB page at this link. New member reception at 330pm, swearing in at 4pm followed by chair/vice chair election. Will post link to Jacky McCoy's social media as soon as its available.

watch livestream at hcpss.org.

Linfeng Chen, HCPSS BOE Member My views are my own, speaking as an individual, not an official page of the Board

Last day for this page and just feel like I need to say this before I ride off into the private citizen sunset:

There have been so many baseless, untrue and damaging rumors spread thru social media land (esp during campaigns) but I feel compelled to speak directly to one of them in particular.. because I think its continued proliferation creates a narrative that is diluting HCPSS's ability to recruit and retain educators.

HCEA (the teachers union) never swayed any Board member during difficult Covid decisions because "we were in their pocket". Each BOE member has made decisions HCEA didnt like...just ask HCEA President Colleen Morris....pretty sure she sometimes never wanted to talk to me again 😬.

It is HCEA's job to advocate for their members. It is the BOE's job to consider that feedback. It is also the BOE's job to consider feedback from across a diverse county with extremely diverse needs/priorities and to balance those needs with our decisions as best we can.

✔️July of 2020 decision: yes HCEA made no secret that they were pleased the Board decided on virtual for first 2 quarters but that doesnt mean they were in our pocket. (what advocacy group isnt pleased when a vote goes the majority's way?) It was simply the will of the Board. As a side note... every single county ended up being virtual for the first 2 quarters.

✔️December 2020, 3rd quarter decision: HCEA was not even aware until decisions made in December 2020 for the third quarter, yet they were blamed because "they are in our pocket..." I can assure you, HCEA is not laundering money to any BOE members bank account.

✔️December 2021: During the Delta surge 1 year ago, it was Ms Morris's Herculean behind the scenes efforts that kept impacted high schools open; yet rumors spread that HCEA was trying to close schools down.

Pls stop making strawman enemies out of groups that represent educators. HCEA is doing their job advocating and balancing the needs of their own diverse membership, just like the Board does countywide.

Blame the BOE for decisions you don't like. Please don't blame advocacy efforts. Please lift up and support educators at every turn you can.

The Maryland State Board of Education is hosting a meeting on Tuesday, December 6, 2022.

The meeting will include a presentation highlighting Maryland Leads program implementation in Caroline and Frederick counties, a review of the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment and Maryland School Survey results, as well as updates on the Spring assessment and NAEP.

Learn more: https://news.maryland.gov/msde/maryland-state-board-of-education-hosts-meeting-tuesday-december-6

*Registration for public comment is now open.

Twas the weeks before Lisbon Christmas Parade #1 - Raising Connections The Lisbon Christmas Parade Committe would like to share some of the silly and joy that goes into the behinds the scenes prepping for the Horses, Tractors and fun! Join me for part 1 of How the parade comes to Lisbon!

Blueprint board adopts multibillion-dollar education plan, sends it to lawmakers - Maryland Matters The Blueprint plan includes expanding early childhood education, boost college and technical education and strengthen professional development opportunities for staff.

School principals say culture wars made last year 'rough as hell' A new survey of high school principals reveals that political fights with parents and community members are on the rise and taking a serious toll.

Simply one of the best.. former Glenelg HS Principal David Burton.

My colleague Jen Mallo and I hanging for the day with Jacky McCoy and Dr Linfeng Chen for new Board member orientation.