Staff Focus: Javion Hinmon, School Bus Driver, Registrar

Javion Hinmon is passionate about his work as an HCPSS school bus driver. For him, driving a school bus is about much more than transporting students; it’s about building meaningful relationships.

Board Virtual Sessions on September 14: Closed Session and Kirwan Blue Print Work Session

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a Closed Meeting on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 4 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. The Closed Meeting will begin in open session to close, and the Board will return to open session for the Kirwan Blue Print Work Session at 4:30 p.m.

Parent Empowerment Virtual Conference, October 12-14, 2021

The HCPSS Department of Special Education invites parents, guardians and all caregivers to participate in the virtual Parent Empowerment Conference on October 12-14. Two sessions will be offered on each night of the conference at 6:30–7:30 p.m. and 7:45–8:45 p.m., as well as a Spanish-language session each night from 7–8 p.m. Conference registrants may choose to participate in as many sessions as they wish.

HCPSS to Acquire 4,600 HEPA Filters to Further Enhance Classroom Air Quality

During the September 2, 2021 Board of Education meeting, HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano announced his intention to make an emergency purchase of 4,600 HEPA filter units to be installed in all classrooms in every HCPSS school. The acquisition will provide an additional layer to the multiple mitigation efforts HCPSS already has in place to ensure a healthy in-person school learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Superintendent Presents Capital Budget Proposals

Howard County Public School System Superintendent Michael J. Martirano presented his Proposed Capital Budget for fiscal year 2023 (FY 2023), FY 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Program, and FY 2023–2032 Long-Range Master Plan to the Board of Education on Thursday, September 2, 2021.
 The proposed $99.5 million capital budget, $373.4 million capital improvement program and $954.9 million long-range master plan continue the work of the school system’s 2021 Feasibility Study and Comprehensive Maintenance Plan toward fulfilling the school system’s capital and maintenance needs in conjunction with the HCPSS Strategic Call to Action.

Board to Meet in Closed Session, September 1, 2021

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a Closed Meeting on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually. The Closed Meeting will begin in open session to close and the Board will not return to open session. Closed session meetings are not open to the public. Community members should email khanks@hcpss.org to observe the open session only.

HCPSS Named Among America’s 2021 Best Employers by Forbes

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has been named among America’s best employers by Forbes magazine. HCPSS ranked No. 7 in Maryland and No. 1 among educational institutions in the state. HCPSS was also the highest among the six school systems recognized.

Update on HCPSS Measures for Enhancing Air Quality in School Buildings, August 26, 2021

This update provides a comprehensive overview of the measures in place and to provide families and staff the assurance that HCPSS has deployed a combination of strategies consistent with the most current CDC guidance for ventilation in buildings.

HCPSS and Howard County Conservancy to Introduce Climate Change Curriculum Supported by NOAA Grant

The Howard County Public School System will incorporate a new climate change curriculum unit for all 6th grade science classes, supported by a nearly $400,000 grant to the Howard County Conservancy from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The new curriculum is unique among school systems in Maryland and the region, and will be piloted in three schools during 2021-2022 and incorporated through all HCPSS middle schools over the next three years.

JumpStart Dual Enrollment Virtual Information Session, August 26, 2021

This virtual information session will introduce prospective students and their families to HCC’s flexible and structured dual enrollment programs. The session is open to the public, free of charge, and will last approximately one hour or until all questions are answered. To register, please visit howardcc.edu/infosessions.