HCPSSPress Releases
CANCELED: Board of Education Sept. 14 Closed Session
The Howard County Board of Education Virtual Closed Session, previously scheduled for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, has been canceled. A schedule of all upcoming Board meetings is available at https://www.hcpss.org/board/.
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.
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.
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.
HCPSS to Require COVID-19 Vaccines or Testing of All Employees for 2021-2022 School Year
All HCPSS employees will be required to provide proof of full vaccination or undergo regular COVID-19 testing for the 2021-2022 school year.
HCPSS, HCEA and HCEA-ESP Announce Tentative Agreements
The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) and the Howard County Education Association certificated unit (HCEA) and its educational support professionals unit (HCEA-ESP) announced today that they have reached one-year tentative agreements covering the 2021-2022 school year. The agreements will go into effect retroactively from the start of the fiscal year, which began on July 1, 2021, upon ratification and funding approval.
HCPSS Health and Safety Updates for 2021-2022 School Year
HCPSS update on health and safety protocols related to the 2021-2022 school year, including mask use, air quality, student meals and more.
Howard County Public Schools to Eliminate Health Fund Deficit Two Years Ahead of Schedule
Howard County Public School System Superintendent Dr. Michael J. Martirano, joined by Board of Education Chair Dr. Chao Wu, County Executive Calvin Ball, County Council Chair Liz Walsh, and system and county leaders, today announced the school system’s health fund deficit will be eliminated this year (fiscal year 2022) – two years ahead of schedule.
HCPSS Seeks Members for Mathematics Academic Advisory Committee, Apply by August 19, 2021
HCPSS is currently seeking Howard County parents/guardians, community members, high school students, and staff interested in joining the Mathematics Academic Advisory Committee. Advisory committee members share their expertise and exchange ideas to promote continuous improvement of the instructional program for all students and provide guidance and advocacy for the mathematics-related programs.