HCPSSPress Releases
HCPSS Seeks Members for Policy Advisory Committees
HCPSS is currently seeking candidates for membership on the following 2020-2021 Policy Advisory Committees: Policy 6010 School Attendance Areas and Policy 9260 Student Search and Seizure. Applications are due by September 1, 2020
HCPSS 2020-2021 Reopening Plan Posted Online
The Howard County Public School System Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 school year is posted on the HCPSS website. The plan fulfills all requirements of the Maryland Department of Education’s Maryland Together: Maryland’s Recovery Plan for Education ahead of the August 14 MSDE deadline.
HCPSS Announces 2020-2021 Fall Reopening Plan
The Howard County Board of Education approved the Howard County Public School System Reopening Plan for the 2020-2021 school year during its work session on August 6, 2020. HCPSS will submit its plan to the Maryland State Department of Education for approval prior to the MSDE August 14 deadline.
HCPSS Announces Grant Awards; Acceleration of 1:1 Device Deployment
The Howard County Public School System has been awarded over $13 million in COVID-19 Federal Relief Funds, which will provide critically needed dollars to support the 2020-2021 Reopening Plan, especially to meet technology needs for virtual instruction.
MPSSAA Postpones 2020-2021 Fall and Winter Athletic Competition Seasons
The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) on September 11, 2020, finalized its plan for a two-semester return to athletics. With this plan, athletic practices and competitions will not resume until the second semester.
Access to Learning Fund Campaign Update
Bright Minds Foundation, the educational foundation of the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS), and HCPSS have used initial funds from the foundation’s Access to Learning Fund for critical student tools, supplies and resources that support learning during the extended coronavirus school closure.
Electric School Bus Pilot Program Supports HCPSS Environmental Commitment
HCPSS is introducing two electric school buses in a pilot program supported by a grant from the Maryland Department of the Environment and through partnership with bus contractor MBG Enterprises and BGE. Powered by electricity, the two zero emissions vehicle school buses and charging stations will replace two diesel powered vehicles currently in use, delivering a significant improvement to air quality.
Howard County Board Joins Class Action Lawsuit Against JUUL Labs, Inc.
The Howard County Board of Education has joined a lawsuit against JUUL Labs, Inc. for the company’s role in cultivating and fostering an e-cigarette epidemic that disrupts the education and learning environment across the District, interfering with District property and public resources.
Board of Education Adopts FY 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets
The Howard County Board of Education unanimously adopted its Operating and Capital Budgets for the 2020-2021 school year (FY 2021) on Thursday, June 18, 2020. The operating budget totals $918.7 million, an increase of $17.3 million over FY 2020. The FY 2021 capital budget totals $102.4 million, an increase of $45.8 million over the prior year budget.
Board of Education to Hold Virtual Special Meeting: Work Sessions on Fall Reopening and FY21 Budgets, June 16, 2020
The Howard County Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. The meeting will include a Work Session on Fall Reopening at 4 p.m., and a Work Session on FY21 Operating & Capital Budgets at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually.