Board of Education

In Frederick County, a seven-member elected Board of Education sets policy not otherwise controlled by federal and state laws. It reviews and approves education budgets that are presented to the Board of County Commissioners for funding and oversees local education expenditures from county, state, and federal sources.

The Board of Education also monitors the implementation of the school system's master plan, reviews the work of the superintendent of schools, and gives final approval to curriculum matters and materials, grant applications, staff additions and replacements, equipment purchases, land acquisitions, and school construction, repairs, and alterations.

Voters elect three or four board members to four-year terms every two years.  The Board also includes a student representative, a high school student selected by the Frederick County Association of Student Councils.  A member of the Board of County Commissioners serves in a liaison capacity. The County Commissioners will fill midterm vacancies on the Board of Education.

Board of Education meetings are conducted in an orderly and businesslike manner using Robert's Rules of Order as a guide. At times the business may seem to move quickly and without much discussion. It is important to know that board members spend many hours in committees studying agenda material prior to board meetings. A great deal of study on the part of each board member takes place before an item is voted upon.

PUBLIC COMMENT

The board welcomes and encourages public comment.  It will provide opportunity for public comment during planning sessions at the discretion of the board.

The board will also provide opportunity for public comment at the start of regular meetings. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker. One individual per organization will be allotted five minutes for comments. Speakers may not yield all or part of their time to another speaker. A maximum of 30 minutes will be reserved for public comment at the beginning of the meeting. If more people wish to speak than time allows, public comment may continue at the discretion of the Board.

With the exception of confidential matters, citizens may speak about matters relating to the school system. If individuals have specific issues relating to actions of staff members, such concerns may be communicated to the superintendent.