The Superintendent is responsible for making a boundary recommendation to the Board, and may collect feedback in a variety of ways, one of which is the AAC. This year, the Superintendent is utilizing virtual Feasibility Study Focus Groups to engage more community members in the process. Community members have many other ways to get involved as well.
Update: June 16, 2022
Community members may express interest in participating in virtual focus groups by completing the interest form at the end of the Feasibility Study survey by 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 23. Focus groups will be composed of no more than 15 people each. If the level of interest exceeds the focus group meeting capacity, participants may be selected at random to participate. Individuals selected to participate will receive an email by Friday, June 24.
Board of Education Policy 6010 School Attendance Areas lists criteria that are to be considered when evaluating boundary adjustment options. Costs associated with any of those criteria may be presented, where applicable, upon request of the Superintendent or Board members.
The HCPSS Office of School Planning is comprised of three employees who have other responsibilities beyond reviewing school boundaries. In order to provide the Howard County community and the Superintendent with the support required, the services of a consultant were pursued.
On Dec. 19, 2021, the Board of Education accepted a bid from Cooperative Strategies, Inc., not to exceed $395,000, to lead the boundary review process.
There are limits to the amount of capacity that can be added to our buildings. Some have structural limits, others would require core improvements that may end up approaching the cost of a new school. In many cases, there is enough enrollment growth in an area causing excessive crowding in existing schools, to justify a new school. When appropriate and possible, additions and renovations are planned, such as the one currently under construction at Hammond High School.
There are 15 factors listed in Board of Education Policy 6010 School Attendance Areas that are considered when attendance area adjustments are proposed. These factors are categorized in the following groupings:
