Crawley plans to stay in Prince George’s

By Ovetta Wiggins

Prince George’s County School Board Chairman Verjeana Jacobs (District 5) said Friday that Alvin Crawley, the county’s interim school superintendent, has agreed to stay in his position until school reopens in August.

Crawley did not return repeated calls for comment on Friday.  County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) said Thursday that he planned to ask Crawley, who has served since September, to rescind his resignation. His original contract was scheduled to end on June 30, but Crawley submitted his resignation last month and was scheduled to leave on June 3.

Some worried that Crawley’s decision would create additional uncertainty for the school system, which has had rapid turnover. The decision came after the General Assembly approved legislation that gives Baker the power to select the new schools chief, appoint three school board members and name the board chairman and vice chair.

Crawley has served as interim superintendent since September, replacing William R. Hite Jr., who left to take the top job in Philadelphia. Crawley became the school system’s seventh schools chief in 14 years.

Jacobs said during a “unity” breakfast hosted by Baker that the board knows changes are coming, and “we are doing what we need to do to make the shifts.”

Jacobs used the breakfast to provide those in attendance with information about successes in the system: 235 of the 250 graduates at Largo High School are headed to college; Central High School seniors received $2.9 million in scholarships, and Oxon Hill High School seniors received $4.6 million.

“At the end of the day, if adults fail, kids fail,” Jacobs said. “It is our obligation.”

Christian Rhodes, Baker’s education liaison, said Baker has been meeting with members of the school board, union leaders and employees.

He said a committee has been selected that will review the 160 applications for the three new appointed spots on the school board. M.H. Jim Estepp, president of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable and a member of Baker’s education commission, will serve as chair.

Baker told the group that he apologized for the timing of his legislation to take over the school system. But he did not apologize for doing it.

“Whether you are for what we did or not, we are all tied to it now,” he said.

Audit: Prince George's County schools used stimulus funds for principals' watches, microwave ovens

A federal audit shows that Prince George's County schools misused nearly $167,000 in stimulus money on things like a microwave oven and mini fridge for a school administrator, engraved watches for principals and a legal book on the firing of school employees.

The audit by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of the Inspector General also found that Prince George's schools couldn't produce adequate paperwork to back up an additional $124,000 in stimulus expenses, including electric bills, over payments to vendors, catering end-of-year events and a mother-daughter tea.

The report reviewed how Prince George's and Baltimore City schools spent federal grant money in 2009 and 2010. It also found that Prince George's school teachers and officials were using tablet computers for personal use and had downloaded unauthorized applications, such as the games Angry Birds and Words With Friends, the Bible and instant messaging service Skype.

Those unallowed expenditures include $8,736 for 145 engraved watches and velvet bags to hold them, 100 engraved laser pens that doubled as USB drives and 150 personalized folders that were handed out during a 2011 principals' meeting. Prince George's schools also spent $525 for a trip to a skating rink for students who improved their behavior and $1,083 for a rental car that the school district can't provide a receipt for.

"We are aware of the draft audit report findings, and have responded with our comments," Prince George's County Public Schools spokesman Briant Coleman wrote in an email. "While we do not concur with a number of the findings, we do agree there is room for improvement and we will continue to work with [the U.S. Department of Education] to rectify this matter."

Prince George's County argued in a response to the government that $124,369 of the $166,606 in expenditures that auditors found to be unallowable were actually permitted under the rules of the grants. The county said it did indeed have documentation to back up $95,994 of the $123,889 in inadequately supported or unsupported expenditures.

Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker has pushed for more control over a school system that has lagged behind neighbors in test scores and has had trouble keeping superintendents. The General Assembly earlier this year passed a bill to allow Baker to appoint a superintendent from a list provided by an independent committee, as well as add new members to the school board.

A spokesman for Baker did not respond to a request for comment.

The audit recommends that Prince George's County return the money it wasn't authorized to spend and any money for which it can't provide proper documentation.

Maryland Department of Education spokesman Bill Reinhard said the state is providing more information and working with the federal government to resolve the findings of the audit and wouldn't comment further until that process is complete.

abrownfield@washingtonexaminer.com

Pr. George’s official tapped as chief of staff for Montgomery schools superintendent

Katherine Frey/The Washington Post - Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Joshua Starr on July 25, 2011, at Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville.

By Lynh Bui

Andrew Zuckerman will serve as Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Joshua P. Starr’s new chief of staff starting June 17.

Zuckerman is an associate superintendent in Prince George’s County public schools and will replace Brian Edwards. Edwards has been chief of staff since October 2007, but added duties overseeing the school system’s communications department when the chief communications person left in 2010.

Starr said having a chief of staff dedicated solely to overseeing the operations of the superintendent's office will be important as Montgomery takes on new initiatives to redefine the county’s definition of a successful student. Starr has added social emotional well-being and creative problem solving to the cadre of skills students should have upon graduating Montgomery schools, along with the traditional academic competencies.

The switch will allow Edwards to focus on communications, which will become increasingly important as the system grows and the district plans to expand Curriculum 2.0 in grades 4 and 5 next school year.
“Despite the most heroic efforts, it’s not always possible to do two jobs at once,” Starr said of splitting the chief of staff’s responsibilities.

Edwards was a key part in helping Starr transition as head of Montgomery County schools after Starr left his job leading the school system in Stamford, Conn. Starr has been superintendent in Montgomery County since July 2011.

Before coming to Prince George’s, Zuckerman served as an administrator for public charter schools in Brooklyn, N.Y., and New Haven, Conn. He also worked as dean of students at KIPP DC: Key Academy in Washington, D.C.

Zuckerman’s position doesn’t increase the budget since the school system plans to use existing funds to make the change, according to school officials.

Samuel Ogle educator named 2013 Christa McAuliffe Outstanding Teacher

UPPER MARLBORO, MD –  

William Moulden, science teacher at Samuel Ogle Middle School, was recently selected as recipient of the 2013 Christa McAuliffe Outstanding Teacher Award. Moulden was selected for this honor by a peer committee of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) educators. “Mr. Moulden exemplifies the creativity and excellence in instruction that we strive to recognize through the Christa McAuliffe Award,” said Dr. Alvin L. Crawley, Interim Superintendent of Schools. "To be selected by a committee of fellow educators makes this honor all the more meaningful."

Moulden will be honored by the Prince George’s County Board of Education and school system administrators during the annual Employee Recognition Dinner on May 30. In addition, his name will be inscribed on a plaque displayed in the Board of Education Meeting Room at the Sasscer Administration Building in Upper Marlboro.

Moulden is a veteran educator with 36 years of experience. Twenty-five of those years have been spent serving PGCPS students, and he has been teaching sixth-grade science at Samuel Ogle for the past eight years. School staff nominated him for the award not only for his experience and effectiveness in the classroom, but also for his enthusiasm, charisma and ability to excite students about science.

“William Moulden is an outstanding teacher – one of the best in our school,” said principal Mark Covington. “He influences students and peers alike, and like Christa McAuliffe, he is fully committed to education.”

A leader at his school, Moulden is Grade Level Chair, member of the School-Based Leadership Team and photo assistant for the school’s Yearbook Club. Colleagues describe him as having a “highly-engaging” and “student-driven” teaching style that appeals to all students. As testament to his success in the classroom, outgoing eighth-graders have voted him the “Teacher That Makes Learning Fun” for the past three years in a row.

Moulden earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Baker University in Kansas. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, just because he felt that he “should have some appreciation of schoolhouse administrative burdens.” He has kept his teaching “fresh” throughout his career by taking part in many professional development opportunities, both inside and outside of the school system. In 2005, he earned national board certification – the highest certification a teacher can achieve – from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). He also received his principal licensure certification in 2007.

Moulden has been an active member of the National Education Association (NEA) since 1975, serving in a variety of positions, and is currently his school’s representative. A former Green Beret Sergeant, Moulden continues to support the military community by leading the “Treats for Troops” initiative at Samuel Ogle that to date has sent more than 93 parcels – or 8.4 tons – of comfort items and treats to those serving in Afghanistan, Iraq and at sea. He is also a political advocate for education, and in wake of the incident at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut, initiated legislation in Maryland that would provide a death benefit to children of teachers killed in action.

The Christa McAuliffe Award honors an outstanding educator based on competitive standards of excellence established by other teachers. The award is a tribute to McAuliffe, America’s Teacher-In-Space, who was lost in the January 1986 explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger. McAuliffe taught in Prince George’s County from 1971 to 1978.

The following teachers joined Moulden as nominees for this year’s award: 

Sarah Barias, Panorama ES

Cassandra Daniel, Lamont ES

Gina Losey, Brandywine ES

Michelle Macanlalay, Oxon Hill ES

Cynthia Manos, Lake Arbor ES

Marivit Mariano, Panorama ES

Melanie McLaughlin, Riverdale ES

Sharada Muralidaran, Adelphi ES

Ibrahim Omar, John Hanson French Immersion

LeAnn Reddick-Weatherspoon, Cool Spring ES

Prince George’s school board adds 15 new employees weeks before Baker takeover

By Ovetta Wiggins, Published: May 17 E-mail the writer

In one of its final actions under the current school governance structure, the Prince George’s County Board of Education voted to hire more than a dozen employees who will work for and report to the board. The emergency measure, which was approved with no discussion, comes with a $145,000 one-month price tag for the remainder of the current fiscal year and is projected to cost the school system nearly $2 million next year.

The action comes just weeks before state legislation is scheduled to take effect that allows Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III (D) to select the school system’s school superintendent, known as the chief executive officer. Baker will also be able to appoint three board members, creating a hybrid school board, and choose the board chair and vice chair.

Read More Here

Bright Futures for Students are Fading

High school students and their parents experience high stress and anxiety the closer a students’ senior year comes. Senior years are a time for celebrations, high expectations, looking towards future careers and entering into higher education. College and university entrance opens doors to brighter futures for youth especially Black youth seeking to better their lives.

A young person with a college degree will make a million dollars more than a young person with just a high school diploma. Even McDonalds, Burger King and other establishments will or are requiring their management people to have a minimum of two years college education.  New standards would dim many students Bright Future opportunities as the Bright Future Scholarships goes under many changes and modifications. Florida is known for its educational reform, but many parents wonder if these reforms are designed to keep minority students and students of color from obtaining a college education. More students of color are attending some type of higher educational institution and entering in careers that they normally don’t show an interest. Even in STEAM – Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics there is a growing minority presence because technology allows Black students better opportunities for exposure and employment. Are minorities being systematically being closed out of earning a college degree to keep them from growing?

The Bright Futures program was designed to reward high-achieving high school students with the cost of college. Orlando Sentinel’s Scott Travis and Denise-Marie Ordway have written that new state rules may slash the number of Florida students eligible for the state's most popular type of Bright Futures scholarship. One of the requirements students will have to score higher on tests to be eligible for the scholarship rewards. This will drastically impact students and hurt many students particularly minority first generation college students. The opportunities for a quality college education are slowly diminishing for youth and parents need to be prepared to provide more financial support and look for alternative financial resources. The state of Florida has four Bright Futures scholarships the most popular is the Florida Medallion scholarship. The Legislature in 2011 toughened criteria so that students entering college in the fall of 2014 will need higher ACT and SAT scores than in the past to be eligible to qualify.

Students will have to score at least an 1170 on the SAT in 2014, up from 980 in 2012. The best possible SAT score, when math and critical-reading sections are combined, is a 1600. The minimum required ACT score rises to 26. The cutoff score last fall was 21, the highest possible composite ACT score of 36. That means students will really need to focus on academics skill sets when taking these assessments. As a parent I had my children take both the SAT and ACT twice to obtain as high a score as possible. I encouraged them when they entered into high school to be a part of academic clubs and organizations to build on their academic abilities early, looking towards the future. Sports was secondary academics was primary, but the involvement in extra-curricular activities was important to because of the exposure to new ideas, critical thinking skills and higher order learning. During the summers we attended events at the libraries, museums, etc. to continue to build on knowledge.

Parents need to understand that even in high school they need to stay in contact with their children’s teachers, administrators and even guidance counselors. On several occasions I had to meet with guidance counselors because I felt that I was not taken seriously and provided with enough and the proper information to make good decisions about my children and their college entrance. That is the responsibility of a parent to stay engaged and ask questions. There are no stupid questions when the needs of your child are the priority. Don’t rely totally on your child and expect them to know everything, they are still children and concerned with academics, assessments and other stresses. Parents should talk to their children regularly.

A disservice is being done to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The changes will affect the tuition at these schools and the desire of students, not just Blacks, but other races from attending. The fear is that many freshmen entering HBCU’s would not qualify for Bright Futures in 2014. My son attends #FAMU, his major is Microbiology and he is an honors student. These changes may not affect him, his sister will be affected, she is a junior in high school and will graduate in 2014, so it is vital for her to continue to be academically successful and a strong test taker even if it means tutoring. Black parents need to realize if their children are struggling there is no shame to ask for a tutor. 

Malcolm X made the statement: “By any means necessary” this can be used in education also, use all means to
make sure your child is successful tutors, visits to libraries and museums, academic programs, etc.

Major universities will see the affects in their Freshmen classes, many freshmen at the Universities of Central Florida, Florida and Florida State University received scholarships last school year. Their numbers may drop when the new requirements are imposed. The opinions from school administrators and parents is rising, Michele Erickson, Principal at Orlando's Edgewater High School, "I'm definitely concerned that not as many students will have the benefit of such a great opportunity." Conner Gilbert, Assistant Principal at Harmony High School in Harmony, “such a jump makes the Florida Medallion almost untouchable for the vast majority of our students." Parents talk to guidance counselors about scholarships, grants, Internships and other financial options. Don’t wait until too late as deadlines get closer. The competition will be fierce for what
little monies are available, research scholarships where ever possible.

Resources:
Video:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/videogallery/75297556/Video-Florida-could-see-drop-in-Bright-Futures-scholarships

John Hanson French Immersion Parent Named PIMA Finalist

April 25, 2013

For Immediate Release

CONTACT:

Office of Communications

301-952-6001

communications@pgcps.org

UPPER MARLBORO, MD - Kimberly Hall, parent volunteer at John Hanson French Immersion School in Hillcrest Heights, has been named a semifinalist and will represent Prince George's County in the competition for the 2013 Parent Involvement Matters Award (PIMA). Five finalists and the statewide winner will be announced during a gala event on May 17 at Eastern Technical High School in Baltimore.
"We are extremely proud of the many contributions Mrs. Hall has made to her children's school," said Dr. Alvin L. Crawley, Interim Superintendent of Schools. "She truly sets the bar for parent involvement, and we wish her all the best on May 17 when the winner of the award is announced."

The PIMA Program, created by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), recognizes parents from local school systems across the State of Maryland who have been nominated for their contributions in one or more of the following areas: Communication, Volunteering, Learning, Decision Making and Community Collaboration. It is the nation's first statewide initiative to recognize parents and legal guardians for their exceptional support of public education. The program's theme, "Choose Your Seat. Get Involved." encourages parents to get involved by making the point that there are many ways to support public school education.

"Mrs. Hall volunteers and works tirelessly with our school administration, county Board Members and parents to ensure that matters pertinent to our school's program are addressed," said Lysianne Essama, principal of John Hanson French Immersion School. "I continue to be impressed with Mrs. Hall's ethics, consistency and reliability evidenced by the actions she has conducted in our school; actions that have helped shape and improve our French Immersion program."

Hall's contributions have been many and varied. She's served as Classroom Mom, currently oversees the school's Middle School Programs and started the school's annual Black History Celebration. She is a member of the school's Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), was elected to serve as PTSA President for two terms (2008-2010), acted as the PTSA School Board Liaison (2010-2012) and currently serves as the PTSA Program Chair. Hall formed and led a committee that successfully established a school uniform policy in 2009.

Hall has also expanded academic enrichment opportunities for students, including bringing the Mad Science program to the school to improve science scores on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA), leading after-school dance classes and initiating the Mandarin Club to offer middle school students the chance to experience the Chinese language and culture. Most importantly, she played a major role in the quest to find a new site for the expanding French Immersion program - which has since moved into the former Shugart middle school site.

Hall is married, has a career and has three children who attend John Hanson French Immersion School in kindergarten and grades 2 and 6.

For more information about this year's PIMA program, click here. To read bios of all 24 nominees for the 2013 PIMA Award, click here.

Statement from the Board of Education regarding the earlier departure of Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley

April 25, 2013

For Immediate Release

CONTACT:

Office of Communications

301-952-6001

communications@pgcps.org

On Thursday, April 25, Prince George's County Public Schools Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley notified the Board of Education of his intent to resign effective June 3, 2013. The Board has accepted Dr. Crawley's resignation. 

Statement from the Board of Education regarding the earlier departure of Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley:“

 

We are saddened by Dr. Crawley’s decision to leave early; however, due to the passage of the recent legislation changing the governance structure of our school system, we fully understand. We regretfully accept Dr. Crawley’s resignation and express our gratitude and appreciation for his consistent dedication to student achievement.”

 

Statement from Interim Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alvin L. Crawley: “It is with mixed emotions that I submit my letter of resignation effective June 3, 2013. I have enjoyed my tenure as Interim Superintendent of Schools and appreciate the support of our Board, staff, parents, students, and members of the community. I am very proud of the accomplishments we have achieved during my tenure.”

Background: Dr. Crawley was hired in August of 2012 under a contract that was set to expire on June 30, 2013. Maryland House Bill 1107, which passed on April 9, 2013, significantly changes the governance structure of PGCPS by giving the County Executive the authority to appoint the Superintendent of Schools as well as the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Education.

Parent Talk Live: Part 2-Teacher Attrition

Dr. Mike Robinson, host of Parent Talk Live on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 8:00 pm concluded his two part discussion on Teacher Attrition.  Is the American teaching profession in trouble?  Does the profession which serves as the gateway to nearly every occupation in the world garner the appropriate honor and importance in society today? How much of the challenges facing teachers are created by demand parents, increase student accountability and potentially poor working conditions? 


Dr. Robinson was joined by Gail P. Bingham. Ms. Bingham is a veteran teacher of more than 21 years and she is the author of a soon to be released book TEACHING Is The New Slavery. In her book, Ms. Bingham explores what she describes as a culture of persecution, retaliation, abuse, bullying and harassment as means to control teachers, which ultimately drives many teachers to leave the profession. Ms. Bingham suggests teacher attrition rates are to a large extent attributed to the "Pressures teachers face from administrators and other members of the community due to an expectation that teachers are solely responsible for student success and failure." She also believes the pressure and mistreatment experienced by teachers has led to tragic outcomes and simply quitting is the least of the effects on the lives of educators.

To listen to this amazing discussion click here!

County Executive and County Council Accept Applications for Appointments to Prince George’s County Board of Education

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:

April 19, 2013

For more information, contact:

Scott Peterson

Deputy Manager of Communications, Press Secretary

Office of Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III

(240) 619-9400

Karen D. Campbell

Director

County Council Office of Communications

(240) 508-7406 

                      

UPPER MARLBORO, MD – Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III and the Prince George’s County Council are accepting applications from residents who are interested in serving as appointed members of the Prince George’s County Board of Education.  These appointments are the result of the new school governance structure laid out in Maryland House of Delegates Bill (HB) 1107 , recently signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley.

Under the new structure, the County Executive and County Council are required to appoint a total of four members to the Board of Education. The County Executive's three appointments must demonstrate high knowledge and/ or experience in at least one or more of the following areas: education; business/finance; higher education and management (non-profit, private or public sector). The County Council appointment must be the parent of a student currently enrolled in the County public schools system.  Appointees, who must be County residents, will serve four-year terms.

Applications are available on the County website, in public libraries and the County Administration Building upon request. Applications should be emailed to educationboard@co.pg.md.us or mailed/delivered to the Office of the County Executive, County Administration Building 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772-3050.  All applications must be postmarked or date stamped by Friday, May 10, 2013. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be reviewed and referred for final consideration by the County Executive and County Council. Additional information may be requested of appointment finalists.

HB-1107, which goes into effect on June 1, 2013, also enables County Executive Rushern L. Baker III to select the next Superintendent who, pursuant to the legislation, will be referred to as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Prince George’s County Public Schools.   The legislation authorizes the Governor to appoint a three-member selection committee for the CEO of PGCPS that will identify three finalists.  The County Executive will choose the new CEO from the finalists referred to him by the selection committee.  

Visit Parents and PGCPS at: http://parentsandpgcps.ning.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network