Janie Inglis Monier, Member FCPS Board of Education

Last week was a busy and productive one for this board member!

Monday evening began with the SECAC meeting, featuring informative guest speakers from Civitan Frederick and the Maryland Office of Disability.

On Tuesday, I attended the County Council Budget Workshop to provide public comment in support of the FCPS budget. Ensuring our schools have the necessary resources remains a top priority.

Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting included a robust work session. We covered several critical areas:
- An update from the Special Education Department.
- An overview of AI guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education and our own FCPS work groups.
- Policy 412 to strengthen community and business partnerships with our schools.
- FCPS Budget team updated the board on changes affecting our proposed budget sent to the County Executive including Federal changes to Title 1 funding, inflation and utility costs, and the County Executive’s proposed budget for FY 2027

Thursday was Take Your Kids to Work Day. My two boys joined me for a visit to Hood College, where we sat in on a Political Science and Global Society class. We listened to an insightful presentation by Jamie Shopland regarding the intersection of Doughnut Economics and civic life.

We wrapped up the week on Friday at Whittier Elementary School to celebrate Arbor Day. Principal O’Hare shared my favorite quote of the week: "Trees may not have capes, but they have leaves."

The weekend has brought much needed rain to our county. Also, an opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends.

I hope you all found some time to recharge and connect with loved ones this weekend!

REMINDER: Class of 2026 graduations will be happening the first week of June. School specific information on which date each school is assigned can be found here: https://www.fcps.org/families_students/grades_and_graduating/graduation_dates

Board member Chad King Wilson and I visited the Frederick County Transitioning Youth Fair at the Frederick Fairgrounds.

Community partners with FCPS came together to connect with families and students to help make life after school possible for young people with disabilities.

Grateful for everyone who showed up and made it happen!

Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) http://www.fcps.org

Amazing afternoon at the SECAC Resource Fair!

💫 a special shout out to Ray of Hope, a nonprofit started by two Urbana high school students, Anvi and Tanvi Chaturvedi!

🏆 SECAC of Frederick County did an amazing job putting this together for our families. Thank you!!!

🍎 MD State Board of Education Meeting

📆 March 24th

State Board will consider the following:

1. Calendar modification requests
2. Updates on the Comprehensive Math
Curriculum
3. 2026 Legislative session
4. Student service learning hour
requirements

Stakeholder Engagement:
🎨 Arts Education in Maryland Schools

📌 Check out the Comments below for links to public comment, the agenda, and livestream 👇👇👇

Maryland State Board of Education to Meet Tuesday, March 24 – Maryland State Department of Education BALTIMORE (March 20, 2026) – The Maryland State Board of Education will meet on Tuesday, March 24, at 9 a.m. at the Nancy S. Grasmick State Education Building, 200 W. Baltimore St., in the Board Room (7th floor).

Have a joyous Eid Al-Fitr 🌙 ✨