Latest news with #HowardCountyBoardofEducation
CBS News
03-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Howard County Public Schools want input on cellphone ban policy
Howard County's school district is asking for input in a survey on its policy that restricts cellphone use for all students. The survey comes as students, mostly from high schools, have been vocal against the policy. High school students had the most cellphone access before the new policy was enacted. The survey is open until April 16. Howard County Board of Education Policy 8080 went into effect on March 3. It requires that all cellphones and other personal technology devices be out of sight and silenced during the school day. There are exceptions to the policy. Smart watches may be worn, but can only be used to check the time. Personal device use may also be used in emergencies and if allowed in something like a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). A device is confiscated until the end of the school day after the first offense. If a student is caught with a device anytime after, it will be confiscated until their parent or guardian can pick it up. The Howard County Public School System's (HCPSS) survey asks questions about the policy's impact and whether it accomplishes its intended purpose. The goal for this policy change was to reduce distractions and improve the social environment in schools. HCPSS is encouraging all students, their families, and staff to fill it out. You can find the survey here . Before the policy went into effect, several students spoke out against it at Howard County Board of Education meetings. Some students were worried about potential obstacles the policy would create. "Students cannot handle their devices to coordinate transportation, contact handle any sort of personal responsibilities they may have," said Neil Shandilya, a student at Howard High School. There were also some concerns about how the policy would be enforced. "At my school, a small number of busy administrators will be responsible for monitoring a student body of over 1,400 individuals," said Oakland Mills High School student Rosemary Kamalu. "Expecting a total of five staff members to regulate and confiscate devices on such a large scale is both impractical and unsustainable." There have also been several student walkouts over the policy before and after implementation, the most recent one happening on March 12. While students have vocally been against the policy, the Howard County Education Association -- the educators' union in the county -- said it's only heard good things about it from its members.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Howard school board apologizes for Eid al-Fitr miscommunication
Apr. 1—The Howard County Board of Education apologized to the Muslim community for its communications about holding a full school day on Eid al-Fitr. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. Originally Published:April 1, 2025 at 1:27 PM EDT
CBS News
01-04-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Howard County Executive proposes $367 million 2026 budget to fund, education, infrastructure projects
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball submitted his proposed $367 million 2026 budget to the county council this week. The 2026 Capital Improvement Plan contributes funding to education, public safety, flood control, community facilities, infrastructure and transportation in the county. The projects will be funded through $79.4 million in bonds, $74.8 million in pay-as-you-go funding and several low-interest loans, grants and other sources, Ball said. "This proposed capital budget has been developed to carefully balance Howard County's fiscal obligations, preserve our AAA bond rating, and meet the growing needs of our residents, businesses, and visitors," Ball said in a statement. "Despite uncertainty at the state and federal level, we continue to plan responsibly and make key investments that ensure an excellent quality of life for all." County Executive Ball's proposed budget fully funds the Board of Education's budget request with a recommendation of $100.6 million in local and state funding. The funding would include $66.7 million from the county and $33 million in anticipated state aid, according to Ball. The Howard County Board of Education approved its $1.257 billion 2026 operating budget in early March, which included funding to hire athletic trainers in all high schools, add 250 new full-time employees and increase pay for employees. County Executive Ball's budget prioritizes safety, infrastructure and maintenance across Howard County school facilities. More than $35 million will be used to support renovations and HVAC replacements. The funds will also be used to secure every high school with a single point of entry to increase student safety. According to Ball, $12.6 million will be used to address electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems at Oakland Mills Middle School and expand capacity at the school. $6.7 million will be used to renovate Dunloggin Middle School and expand capacity. Another $6.7 million will be used for roof replacements and maintenance, and $5.4 million will be used for technology investments, playground equipment and classroom relocation projects. The board of education is expected to pass the final budget in May after the county budget is adopted. Under the proposed budget, Howard County Community College (HCC) will get $5 million in County funding, $3.6 million in HCC funding and $11.9 million in state aid for the construction of the new Workforce Development and Trades Center. Another $1 million will support other renovations. Ball said $5 million in state funds, which are currently being held for contingency, will be used to support planning and design efforts of a new Howard County Library in Columbia. The proposed 2026 budget includes $2.5 million for renovations at the State Armory in Ellicott City that would transform the site into a training, safety and health facility. The budget would also fund the design and permit costs for a new fire station in North Columbia and fire water protection systems. Another $3.2 million was set aside for renovations at the Howard County Detention Center, including a new mental health unit and security updates. $1.9 million will be used to upgrade CCTV and projects at fire and police stations. "In Howard County, our residents shouldn't only be safe, but they should feel safe. These investments help build on collective efforts to prioritize public safety and enhancing our commitment to building a safe community," said Ball. Howard County Executive Ball included $23.2 million in his proposed 2026 budget to continue the Ellicott City Safe and Sound Plan. The initiative has removed more than 100,000 pounds of debris from waterways in and around Ellicott City since it launched in 2018, following devastating floods in 2011, 2016 and 2018. The plan has addressed flooding in the Tiber-Hudson Watershed by facilitating two major flood mitigation projects. Ball's proposed budget also includes another $500,000 to restore vulnerable watersheds throughout the county. Another $12.6 million will be used to replace the outlet structures of some existing stormwater management ponds. According to Ball, 82 of the county's 187 ponds are in critical condition. To address water delivery, sewer collections and distribution systems, $61 million will be allocated to the county's Department of Public Works (DPW) for maintenance and upgrades. Another $670,000 will be used to ensure DPW complies with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's lead and copper rule changes. The budget includes $11 million for IT infrastructure upgrades, AI tools in some county departments and expansion of the fiber network. "These investments will yield long-term benefits to enhance efficiency and accessibility for our residents across our County Government platforms," said Ball.
CBS News
05-03-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Howard County Board of Education approves $1.2 billion 2026 operating budget
The Howard County Board of Education approved the FY2026 operating budget Tuesday, which totals $1.257 billion. The approved budget is $111.9 million more than the 2025 budget, an increase of about 9.7%. Before approving the budget, the Board of Education added several additional priorities, including funding to hire athletic trainers in all high schools. The additions come after Howard County teachers, students and parents raised concerns about the safety of student athletes as there are no full-time athletic trainers in the district. Currently, the district contracts less than 10 athletic trainers. During a public meeting in February, several student athletes advocated for full-time trainers, saying the lack of personnel leaves many games and practices uncovered. "I'm only able to play because of my athletic trainer. She recognizes my symptoms before I say anything, communicate with my coaches, and has prevented multiple hospital trips for me," said Atholton High School student Grace Dejarnette. "My son, he wrestled, and his knee was dislocated in a match. He had to use his other leg to pop it back into place because no one was there," Cat Carter said during the meeting. According to our partners at the Baltimore Banner, a Hammond High School parent sued the district, claiming her son was paralyzed after school staff were unable to provide medical care when he collapsed during basketball practice. Additonal budget items The Board of Education added several other priorities, some of which address staffing shortages. The approved budget adds a total of 250 new full-time employees. The board included a request for additional special needs staffing to meet the demand in elementary schools. The budget includes additional literacy and math positions and other investments into reading and math instruction. The board also requested more assistant principals to address middle school staffing needs and more human resources, legal and print services staff. Other added priorities include increased funding for employee raises, expansions to the Innovative Pathways program, a replacement budget system software and some one-time improvements to security, water filtration and other equipment. The board also addressed the possible impacts of Gov. Wes Moore's proposed 2026 budget, which could include a $5.5 million reduction in state aid, a $2.5 million increase in special education non-public tuition costs and a $6.8 million shift in the reacher retirement system. "...The Board felt it was also important to leverage the budget request to memorialize some unfunded priorities of the system. The Board's proposal amplifies a commitment to special education services, adding 140 full-time positions," Board of Education Chair Jolene Mosley said. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is expected to present his budget to the county council in April. It includes funding for the school system. The board of education is expected to pass the final budget in May after the county budget is adopted.
