Thursday, March 2, 2023

Previous editions of the BCPS Staff Bulletin are archived and available for viewing on the BCPS website.

Board of Education Adopts $2.595 Billion Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget Request

The Board of Education approved a $2.595 billion Operating Budget recommendation for Fiscal Year 2024 on February 28, 2023. The Board’s adopted budget continues BCPS’ focus on raising the bar, closing achievement and opportunity gaps, and preparing all students for the future.

The budget reflects key amendments based on Board and community feedback and prioritizes people, progress and salary increases to support recruitment and retention of highly qualified staff. Within a specified funding amount, negotiations are ongoing to:

• Increase compensation for all members of Team BCPS

• Provide all eligible employees with a step and COLA

(cost of living adjustment) or equivalent

• Implement minimum of $15 per hour for AFSCME

• Increase starting salary for teachers to $59,000

• Implement initial phase of BCPS modified enhanced and compressed scales for TABCO and ESPBC

The Board’s budget request will be submitted to the Baltimore County Executive and the County Council. The County Executive is expected to release his FY 2024 Operating Budget recommendation by April 13. Learn more in a BCPS news release.

FEATURED VIDEO:

Black Excellence Program Closing Event

On Saturday, February 25, students from around the county shared presentations at Loch Raven High School for the culminating event of the Black Excellence Program.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE...

• MSDE: Phase 2 of Strategic Plan and Engagement Report

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released Phase 2 of the Strategic Plan on February 28. The Strategic Plan will be released in three phases leading up to June 2023. Phase 1 of the Strategic Plan was released in October. Phase 2 of the Strategic Plan refines Phase 1 elements and develops the goals and metrics linked to each of the priorities and enablers outlined in Phase 1. Phase 2 will guide MSDE’s organizational direction as it leads the transformation necessary to achieve excellent and equitable outcomes for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved. The goals and metrics released in this phase will provide guidance and direction as the State Board of Education and MSDE move into Phase 3 of the plan. The MSDE news release is available online.

• New Feature Enabled in Focus

A new feature has been enabled in Focus. The School Information module, located under the Setup menu, will provide basic information about each school, including administrative staff, administration, and general information such as school address and phone number. 

In addition, principals and assistant principals have the ability to enter four pieces of school information:

·    Web Address

·    School Mascot

·    School Colors

·    School Logo (a location to upload is provided)

School administrators are asked to update these four fields, using the School Information directions, by Friday, March 10. 

Stay tuned for additional data available in the School Information module throughout the rest of this year and summer. 

• Service-Learning Recognition Deadline

Each year the Office of Family and Community Engagement issues recognition materials for students in Grades 8 and 12 who have achieved high levels of service-learning engagement. Recognition is based on total independent hours, and these hours must be entered into FOCUS by the end of the third marking period to qualify.

Middle schools will receive certificates for their top five Grade 8 students who have achieved 75+ independent service-learning hours.

High schools will receive certificates and cords for their top 10 seniors who have achieved 150+ independent service-learning hours.

Please have hours entered by COB Friday, March 24. Hours entered after this date will not be considered for recognition as the office needs time to process and mail recognition packets to schools.

Updates are shared within our Service-Learning Coordinator Schoology group (XD28-9MDJ-RVNGK).

• Education Foundation Exchangeree March shopping dates

The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc. is hosting shopping days during March, for all full-time BCPS educators and support staff (school counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and pupil personnel workers).

During \March, the Exchangerees will continue to provide the opportunity to PTT (Pick the Time) and PTC (Pick the Center) that fits into the educator’s schedule to visit. There will be no registration and no appointments needed but shoppers must bring their BCPS photo ID and shopping bags/boxes for their shopping convenience.

On the following dates, educators can shop for both school supplies and new and gently used books:

• •Tuesday, March 7, from 3 to 6 p.m., Rosedale/Golden Ring
• Thursday, March 16, from 3 to 6 p.m., Windsor Mill
• Tuesday, March 28, from 3 to 6 p.m., Rosedale/Golden Ring

More information is available in a BCPS News Hub post.

• Request for Nominations: School Counselor, School Advocate, and Rookie School Counselor of the Year

The Baltimore County Association for Counseling and Development is seeking nominations for:

• School Counselor of the Year

• School Advocate of the Year

• Rookie School Counselor of the Year

The deadline for nominations is Monday, March 13.

• Touchdown for Teachers



The Baltimore Ravens and M&T Bank are inviting nominations for their 10th annual Touchdown for Teachers program, which recognizes local teachers who provide outstanding service for their schools and communities. The online application form will be open through Friday, April 7. All finalists will be notified of their selection by April 21.

• Upcoming Parent University Programs

In March, BCPS Parent University will present the following virtual programs:

"Building Confidence, Trust & Hope: 3 Things to Help an Anxious Child" - In partnership with Mariposa Education

Beginning March 16

Family College Night - Presented by Office of School Counseling

Wednesday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m.

Family College Night (en español) - Presented by Office of School Counseling

Thursday, March 23, at 6:30 p.m.

• BCPS Scholarship Loan Program



The BCPS Scholarship Loan Program is designed to encourage and assist new graduates of BCPS to consider a professional career in education. After earning a degree from an approved Maryland teacher education program, these former BCPS students will return to BCPS as teachers and role models for students. This program will provide a $4,000 scholarship loan for up to four years. Information and application will be available online beginning March 1, 2023. The application and fact sheet about the program are available online. The deadline for the scholarship loan application is Friday, March 17.

• Bowie State University - Symposium for Current and Aspiring Conditional Licensed Teachers

In an effort to address the current teacher shortage crisis, Bowie State University is hosting a symposium for conditional licensed teachers on Saturday, March 11, at 11 a.m. Current and aspiring conditional educators will have an opportunity to learn from the experts who will provide:

• an overview of the state certification process and support
• school district requirements and supports
• PRAXIS & EdTPA requirements and supports
• course offerings for content requirements

This event will be held at Bowie State University. Those interested in attending should register.

• Johns Hopkins Art and Science Internship

Johns Hopkins is offering a paid summer internship opportunity for BCPS high school art students. Interns will create artwork inspired by the images from the Webb and Hubble space telescopes. Students are asked to submit samples of their artwork along with the application. The deadline to apply is March 31.

• Year-Round Orientation Afterschool Workshops



New educators hired after New Educator Orientation in August 2022 are invited to participate in Year-Round Orientation Afterschool Workshops. New educators will be paid $37.86/hour for participation. Any new educators who are unable to participate will be welcome to participate in needed modules during New Educator Orientation in August 2023. Learn more in a BCPS News Hub post.

National School Social Work Week

A new blog post features brief profiles of five BCPS school social workers. The profiles highlight their responsibilities, approaches, engagement in their school communities, and backgrounds. By spotlighting these five professionals, BCPS celebrates the invaluable contributions of all its school social workers.

Spread the word! Systemwide Job Fair set for March 8

Spread the word! BCPS is hiring! Join us at the Timonium Fairgrounds on March 8 to learn why you should join Team BCPS! On-the-spot interviews will be available, and all 176 BCPS schools, programs, and centers will be represented.

We recommend that attendees start their applications prior to the fair! BCPS interns as well as priority and voluntary transfers are encouraged to attend! More information is available online.

Special Education Parent Involvement Survey

Special Education Teachers: Help spread the word! Each year the Maryland State Department of Education surveys parents of children receiving special education services. The purpose of The Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey is to hear from parents about how well they think their children’s school is partnering with them and promoting parent involvement in their children’s education. Surveys were mailed by February 10 and must be returned (by mail or online) by May 19. Parents can also complete the survey online.

Community Message: Free Meal Service for Students

We are pleased to share that Baltimore County Public Schools intends to provide free breakfast and lunch to all BCPS students, beginning next school year (2023-2024). Learn more in today's community message.

The Board of Education of Baltimore County has selected McPherson and Jacobson LLC to assist in the national search for a new superintendent. Learn more in a BCPS news release.

Celebrating National Public Schools Week

National Public Schools Week (February 27 - March 3, 2023) is a time to celebrate public schools and the administrators, teachers, specialists, parents, and school board members who work diligently for our students.

CCBC and BCPS are hosting College Fair 2023 on March 14 at CCBC Dundalk and March 15 at CCBC Catonsville! Meet representatives from more than 100 universities, HBCUs, colleges, and trade and military schools. Parking for this event is free, and we encourage both high school students and families to attend.

Math Homework Helpers LIVE—plus new Shorts

On Wednesday, March 15, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., join us for “Math Homework Helpers LIVE” on BCPS-TV Verizon channel 34 / Comcast channel 73, and streaming on the BCPS website and the BCPS-TV YouTube channel.

Students are encouraged to call in for live, on-air help with their math questions. The chat feature on the YouTube page can also be used to submit questions. Prizes will be awarded to students who participate by calling or sending in questions during the hour.

In addition, taped “Math Homework Helpers Shorts” can be viewed on Schoology, YouTube, Vimeo, and on BCPS-TV channels Verizon 34/Comcast 73. The “shorts” are math lessons aligned with the elementary math curriculum.

Harriett Tubman Educator Webinar

Tuesday, March 21, at 7 p.m.

Educators and curriculum specialists are invited to join Maryland Public Television and the Karson Institute for Race, Peace, & Social Justice for "Learning from the Past, Leading Our Future, Part II," a virtual screening and discussion of MPT's film "Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom."

1) The Board voted to adopt a $2.595 billion Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget request. The budget request, which prioritizes Team BCPS staff and school system progress, will be sent to the County Executive and County Council for review. Association negotiations are ongoing to achieve increased compensation for all employees and address salary scales and Blueprint requirements in the Board’s requested budget. 

2) The Board approved the Student Member of the Board’s resolution on mental health. The resolution calls for the creation of a BCPS Mental Health Advisory Council.

3) The Board approved a contract with McPherson and Jacobson LLC to coordinate efforts to find a new superintendent for BCPS.

4) The Board received an update on BCPS’ Blueprint for Maryland implementation plan.

5) The Board approved four administrative appointments.

You may submit a shoutout for a variety of reasons. For example, you may want to offer a pat on the back to a colleague for helping out, recognize a staff member or student achievement, or welcome a new employee. When your shoutout appears in The Staff Bulletin, your name and school/location will be included.

BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Raising the bar, Closing Gaps, Preparing for our future

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dept. of Communications/Community Outreach

443.809.5908 | communications@bcps.org