Update from the Superintendent and Board Chair on Possible Bus Driver Strike →
Year One Priorities in Special Education →
Supports for Families During Federal Government Shutdown →
Zum Bus Services Drivers Authorize a Strike – No Interruption to Service →
Boundary Review Process Continues with Upcoming Work Sessions and Public Hearings →
HCPSS Presents Fiscal Outlook for FY 2027 Operating Budget →
Create with Kindness Grant Fosters Conversations about Student Digital Well-Being →
Howard County families that have lost pay due to the federal government shutdown may apply for the Free and Reduced Meals (FARMS) program and the HCPSS Food and Nutrition Office will determine their eligibility status within 24-48 hours. Families that did not previously qualify could now be eligible due to the current loss of income.
System
The Board of Education directed HCPSS to initiate the boundary review process outlined in Policy 6010 to consider redistricting selected schools that are outside the capacity utilization range of 90-110%. Changes as a result of this process will take effect for the 2026-2027 school year.
System
HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes in January 2025 launched the HCPSS 2024-2029 strategic plan: Together we will BE GREAT! The plan establishes the system’s vision and mission, elevates the shared values of the community, and details five primary priorities that will influence system work.
Partnerships
Since 2008, Roy and Susan Appletree have led Prepare for Success (PFS), a non-profit dedicated to ensuring that Howard County students have access to the new school supplies they need to succeed in school.
River Hill High School junior Penelope Tofigh has been named Howard County Youth Poet Laureate. During her one-year term, she will serve as an arts ambassador, helping to coordinate readings and literary events in Howard County.
HCPSS Superintendent Barnes recently announced Girls Flag Football as a varsity sport at all HCPSS high schools beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Howard County Parks and Recreation Department will offer a Girls Flag Football program this fall, followed by HCPSS advancing it as a varsity sport the following school year.
HCPSS educators have been awarded more than $29,000 in grants by the Bright Minds Foundation, the school system’s education foundation. The grants will fund 27 innovative school-based projects during the 2025-2026 school year.
Students
Recent updates to the HCPSS Bullying, Cyberbullying, Harassment and Intimidation form allow users to report hate bias incidents as a type of harassment, and provide space for greater description of the type of hate bias to help inform HCPSS staff decisions on how to best support students and staff members.
Students
In alignment with Howard County Board of Education Policy 3000 Religious Observances, a student absence for observation of a religious holiday is considered a lawful absence. Additionally, the HCPSS Student and Parent Handbook details the accommodations for religious observances.
Families
HCPSS Connect is made up of several tools, including Synergy, Canvas and Family File, all of which provide access to a variety of student information and classroom instructional tools. Learn more about Canvas, HCPSS’ Learning Management System, through which parents/guardians and students can find upcoming assignments, grades, announcements and more.
HCPSS