1 00:00:06,830 --> 00:00:09,670 Thank you all for your patience. The time, the 2 00:00:11,880 --> 00:00:21,920 time is now 7-7-11. Good evening and welcome back to the June 11th. We might need to play that number today or something. I don't know. 3 00:00:24,320 --> 00:00:29,160 2026, Prince George's County Board of Education meeting on Brandon Jackson, chairman 4 00:00:29,160 --> 00:00:31,840 the meeting is being interpreted live in Spanish. 5 00:00:32,560 --> 00:00:41,200 To listen to this Spanish interpretation, please call 508-924-5155, again the number 6 00:00:41,200 --> 00:00:48,440 is 508-924-5155, please focus your attention to the screen for this Spanish version, please. 7 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:06,540 If for anyone 8 00:01:09,100 --> 00:01:16,160 unable to watch us live, this meeting will be recorded and available for later viewing on a PGCPS YouTube channel. 9 00:01:16,160 --> 00:01:23,180 Lastly, for recording purposes, the chairman reminds all board members to ensure that their microphones are turned on when speaking. 10 00:01:23,840 --> 00:01:27,600 Now for board prayer, Dr. Enderful, please lead us in the board prayer. 11 00:01:33,060 --> 00:01:39,680 Oh, God, we pray to administer that which is just in all educational policies being ever mindful of your guidance. 12 00:01:40,200 --> 00:01:44,580 Steers to action with love with them in understanding. Amen. 13 00:01:45,260 --> 00:01:47,580 Thank you. Please rise by the pleasure of allegiance. 14 00:01:47,580 --> 00:01:48,580 Ms. 15 00:02:08,150 --> 00:02:09,350 Johnson, please call the roll. 16 00:02:11,960 --> 00:02:13,160 Ms. Apalyeis. 17 00:02:13,420 --> 00:02:14,020 Present. 18 00:02:15,240 --> 00:02:16,360 Dr. Andrew Pooh. 19 00:02:16,740 --> 00:02:17,220 Present. 20 00:02:18,500 --> 00:02:19,580 Ms. Schrupper. 21 00:02:20,000 --> 00:02:20,260 Present. 22 00:02:21,460 --> 00:02:22,240 Mr. Breaks. 23 00:02:22,440 --> 00:02:22,660 Present. 24 00:02:23,640 --> 00:02:24,780 Mrs. Brown, here. 25 00:02:25,740 --> 00:02:26,940 Ms. Goyne's McCants. 26 00:02:27,420 --> 00:02:27,740 Present. 27 00:02:28,820 --> 00:02:30,140 Mrs. Jackson Saunders. 28 00:02:30,420 --> 00:02:30,880 Present. 29 00:02:31,540 --> 00:02:32,180 Dr. Moss. 30 00:02:32,700 --> 00:02:33,160 Present. 31 00:02:33,740 --> 00:02:34,460 Mrs. Olivo. 32 00:02:34,820 --> 00:02:35,240 Present. 33 00:02:35,820 --> 00:02:36,740 And Mr. Jackson. 34 00:02:37,160 --> 00:02:37,580 Here. 35 00:02:37,580 --> 00:02:39,800 There are 10 present. 36 00:02:41,320 --> 00:02:42,660 Thank you, Your Court, Ms. Present. 37 00:02:44,060 --> 00:02:49,000 If there is no objection to the June 11th, 2026 meeting agenda will be adopted. 38 00:02:52,780 --> 00:02:58,000 There being no objection to June 11th, 2026 meeting agenda is adopted. 39 00:02:59,180 --> 00:03:03,600 Are there any corrections for the May 7th, 2026 closed session meeting minutes? 40 00:03:04,640 --> 00:03:07,920 June 4th, 2026, special closed session meeting minutes. 41 00:03:07,920 --> 00:03:14,060 meeting summary, May 7, 20, 20, 26, Board Business Meeting Minutes. 42 00:03:15,280 --> 00:03:20,060 There being no objections or corrections, the meeting minutes are approved. 43 00:03:21,840 --> 00:03:29,800 Now, please turn your attention to Dr. Joseph for the PGCPS Spotlight Title Graduating Class of 2026. 44 00:03:30,840 --> 00:03:37,200 Good evening. It's a pleasure to share a quick look back at our graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2026. 45 00:03:37,200 --> 00:03:41,940 As you watch this, you're looking at the direct result of your leadership, our teachers 46 00:03:41,940 --> 00:03:46,060 hard work, and the incredible resilience of our Princeton Georgia's county students. 47 00:03:46,400 --> 00:03:51,140 You'll see future doctors, trade professionals, military service members, and entrepreneurs 48 00:03:51,610 --> 00:03:53,220 are ready to take on the world. 49 00:03:53,760 --> 00:03:58,160 More than anything, this video captures the pure joy and pride of our community. 50 00:03:58,660 --> 00:03:59,220 Let's take a look. 51 00:03:59,220 --> 00:03:59,800 for 52 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:10,200 it about graduation season in Prince George's County. 53 00:04:10,620 --> 00:04:14,960 It is the season where dreams become decisions. 54 00:04:16,140 --> 00:04:19,280 Take your time in life. You're your own person. 55 00:04:20,140 --> 00:04:21,360 Everything you need to continue. 56 00:04:22,220 --> 00:04:25,900 So take that risk. Explore, dream, discover. 57 00:04:26,820 --> 00:04:28,980 Never settle for life that other makes you happy. 58 00:04:29,880 --> 00:04:32,460 Now, it's my amazing highest future in the audience. 59 00:04:33,020 --> 00:04:34,160 Thank you for all of your help. 60 00:04:34,160 --> 00:04:36,700 with the independent motivations of all of us. 61 00:04:37,340 --> 00:04:40,140 Everyone in Europe sees the title of Founding Trend. 62 00:04:40,560 --> 00:04:43,900 They see the awards, educate these speeches, and accomplishments. 63 00:04:44,860 --> 00:04:52,180 But what they do not see is my mother who carries the pain of living behind her home, her family, and everything familiar. 64 00:04:52,560 --> 00:04:54,920 Just our children can have opportunity she never had. 65 00:04:55,520 --> 00:04:57,120 Be patient with your parents. 66 00:04:58,260 --> 00:05:01,920 Over these next several weeks, months, years, be patient. 67 00:05:01,920 --> 00:05:09,000 We raise you to be ready to live without us and to buzz off on your own, but the truth is we're really not ready. 68 00:05:09,620 --> 00:05:14,360 We're ready for you to grow, we're ready for you to learn, but we're really not ready, so be patient with us. 69 00:05:14,920 --> 00:05:25,360 You are not just graduates, you are not just scholars, you are the next generation of builders, leaders, protectors, and problem solvers. 70 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:32,440 You are the ones who must become strong by choice, not by circumstance. 71 00:05:33,540 --> 00:05:35,220 Some of you are going to be headed to college. 72 00:05:35,860 --> 00:05:37,540 Some of you are going to enter careers. 73 00:05:38,060 --> 00:05:43,000 Some will be pursuing military service, apprenticeships, or entrepreneurship. 74 00:05:44,200 --> 00:05:47,340 But every single one of you leaves here with something powerful. 75 00:05:48,380 --> 00:05:48,800 Purpose. 76 00:05:50,380 --> 00:05:51,920 On account of three, 77 00:05:55,690 --> 00:05:59,170 you are going to lose your tassels from right to left. 78 00:06:02,050 --> 00:06:05,550 One, two, three. 79 00:06:13,350 --> 00:06:18,110 Congratulations on 2026. 80 00:06:19,210 --> 00:06:21,410 Now go and be great. 81 00:06:41,500 --> 00:06:41,680 Yep. 82 00:06:41,960 --> 00:06:42,440 Thank you. 83 00:06:44,480 --> 00:06:45,120 Superintendents. 84 00:06:45,320 --> 00:06:50,100 The chairman now recognizes boy member Brown and Dr. Joseph for the District Five Community 85 00:06:50,100 --> 00:07:08,160 We are honored to recognize an outstanding Prince George County public school senior, Tristan Moghambi Emmanine, for being selected as the 2026 Bulae Scholar by the Sigma Phi Phi fraternity National Bulae Scholars Program. 86 00:07:08,160 --> 00:07:20,780 This distinction places Tristan among a select group of high achieving young men from across the nation who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, civic engagement, and commitment to excellence. 87 00:07:21,360 --> 00:07:25,860 Tristan has been admitted to Delaware State University, where he plans to study aviation. 88 00:07:26,400 --> 00:07:34,800 His accomplishments reflect not only his hard work and determination, but also the support of his family, teachers, counselors, and school community. 89 00:07:34,800 --> 00:07:41,440 Prince George County Public Schools is a proud to partner with organizations such as Epsilon 5, Boulais, 90 00:07:41,880 --> 00:07:46,580 that invests in our students' futures through mentoring, scholarship, opportunities, and leadership development. 91 00:07:47,080 --> 00:07:52,440 Tristan, on behalf of Prince George County Public Schools, congratulations on this remarkable achievement. 92 00:08:02,900 --> 00:08:10,280 As the board member representing District 5, I am especially proud to recognize a student whose accomplishments 93 00:08:10,280 --> 00:08:13,900 students bring distinction to both his school and our community. 94 00:08:14,460 --> 00:08:18,020 Receiving a National Boulay Scholarship is an extraordinary honor. 95 00:08:18,700 --> 00:08:23,260 Students selected for this recognition are evaluated on academic excellence, 96 00:08:23,560 --> 00:08:28,360 leadership, civic involvement, cultural engagement, and their commitment to serving others. 97 00:08:29,100 --> 00:08:34,940 Tristan's selection demonstrates what is possible when talent, discipline, and 98 00:08:34,940 --> 00:08:36,580 opportunity come together. 99 00:08:36,580 --> 00:08:46,600 He serves as an example for younger students throughout Prince George's County, who aspire to pursue higher education and leadership opportunities. 100 00:08:47,140 --> 00:08:53,860 I also want to recognize the educators, counselors, administrators, thank you for coming. 101 00:08:54,460 --> 00:09:02,040 And family members who help support Tristan throughout his educational journey, success at this level has never achieved alone. 102 00:09:02,040 --> 00:09:07,400 So on behalf of the Board of Education and the residents of District 5, congratulations 103 00:09:07,400 --> 00:09:08,080 Tristan. 104 00:09:08,920 --> 00:09:14,220 We are proud of your accomplishments and we are super excited to see what you will 105 00:09:14,220 --> 00:09:17,560 achieve at Dell State University and beyond. 106 00:09:18,020 --> 00:09:23,680 And I also want to make sure that I bring up Dr. Chase to provide some additional remarks 107 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:26,240 to present the certificate to Tristan. 108 00:09:26,400 --> 00:09:27,000 Congratulations. 109 00:09:31,950 --> 00:09:33,190 Thank you very much. 110 00:09:33,370 --> 00:09:33,790 Good evening. 111 00:09:35,150 --> 00:09:43,930 Let me take a, just a small point of privilege, you know, being from Baltimore, we had comments 112 00:09:44,590 --> 00:09:49,290 consistently about the public school system, just like in Prince George's County. 113 00:09:50,570 --> 00:09:55,410 My wife and I sent all three of our children to Prince George's public schools. 114 00:09:59,250 --> 00:10:02,570 My oldest son went to Douglas High School. 115 00:10:02,570 --> 00:10:07,770 He's now a physical therapist with his own practice in Wancid and D.C. 116 00:10:07,970 --> 00:10:08,970 doing extremely well. 117 00:10:09,650 --> 00:10:17,930 My daughter went to Green Park, she's a pediatric dentist working with her dad, and my youngest 118 00:10:17,930 --> 00:10:26,330 son went to Sutton High School, and he went to North Carolina AT&T, oh my daughter went 119 00:10:26,330 --> 00:10:27,050 to Delaware State. 120 00:10:28,230 --> 00:10:41,890 Just like her dad and mom, so my youngest son went to A&T, got a degree in engineering, got his master's at GW, and they are all doing well, why? 121 00:10:42,490 --> 00:10:45,730 Because of Prince George's County Public School, so we all thank you all. 122 00:10:53,160 --> 00:10:59,840 The chair, board member, Superintendent Joseph, educators, families, friends, students. 123 00:10:59,840 --> 00:11:07,400 On behalf of the Epsilon 5 boule of Prince George's County, it is my privilege to recognize 124 00:11:07,400 --> 00:11:14,520 and celebrate Tristan as our 2026 National Boule Scholar. 125 00:11:15,400 --> 00:11:22,620 The Boule Scholar's program was established by Sigma-Pi-5 fraternity as a national initiative 126 00:11:22,620 --> 00:11:34,080 to identify, encourage, mentor, reward, outstanding young African-American men who have demonstrated 127 00:11:34,940 --> 00:11:39,640 exceptional academic achievement and leadership potential. 128 00:11:40,260 --> 00:11:48,440 The program seeks to cultivate excellence and elevate educational aspirations from elementary 129 00:11:48,440 --> 00:11:53,060 secondary school through graduate and professional education. 130 00:11:54,080 --> 00:12:00,820 Each year, local bullets across the country nominate the most outstanding students for 131 00:12:00,820 --> 00:12:02,500 national consideration. 132 00:12:03,640 --> 00:12:11,160 This year's competition was exceptionally strong with 75 applicants out of which 10 were 133 00:12:11,160 --> 00:12:11,720 selected. 134 00:12:11,720 --> 00:12:20,840 From among nominees nationwide, only a select number were chosen to receive this prestigious scholarship. 135 00:12:21,560 --> 00:12:29,940 Tristan was selected as one of more than 50 scholars across the United States. 136 00:12:30,580 --> 00:12:39,700 As a national Boulais scholar, Tristan will receive a four-year scholarship, totally $10,000. 137 00:12:39,700 --> 00:12:40,100 dollars. 138 00:12:45,150 --> 00:12:46,850 He will join a distinguished 139 00:12:46,850 --> 00:12:49,990 network of scholars committed to academic 140 00:12:49,990 --> 00:12:52,930 excellence, leadership, and service. 141 00:12:53,930 --> 00:12:56,930 We are particularly proud that this 142 00:12:56,930 --> 00:12:59,110 achievement reflects the strength of the 143 00:12:59,110 --> 00:13:02,870 partnership between Epsilon Fibule and 144 00:13:02,870 --> 00:13:05,150 Prince George's County public schools. 145 00:13:05,890 --> 00:13:09,190 A special thanks to Dr. Faison and her 146 00:13:09,190 --> 00:13:12,150 staff as well as principals, teachers, 147 00:13:12,150 --> 00:13:20,390 school counselors. With their support, we are able to identify talented students 148 00:13:20,390 --> 00:13:26,370 for our Boulay Scholars Program. Support their aspirations and create path 149 00:13:26,370 --> 00:13:34,030 ways to success through mentoring, educational enrichment, and scholarship 150 00:13:34,030 --> 00:13:41,170 opportunities. The co-chairs, my co-chairs, tell me their support has been 151 00:13:41,170 --> 00:13:47,770 exemplary. Tristan, your accomplishments have brought honor to your family, your 152 00:13:47,770 --> 00:13:57,590 school, your community, and this county. We congratulate you and your parents on this 153 00:13:57,590 --> 00:14:03,870 well-deserved recognition and look forward to watching you continue to excel as a 154 00:14:03,870 --> 00:14:10,170 student, leader, and public servant. Congratulations, my brother. 155 00:16:40,180 --> 00:17:08,300 It takes a village. We have heard this saying many times. And tonight, especially, it's especially meaningful. The success of our graduates reflect not only their hard work and determination, but also the support of their families, educators, staff, mentors, and community members who have helped them along the way. The smiles laughter and excitement captured in this video, we saw reminded us of the not just graduation. 156 00:17:09,140 --> 00:17:14,320 It's not just more than a ceremony, but it's a celebration of the years of hard work, growth, and achievement. 157 00:17:14,660 --> 00:17:19,980 It is my privilege to recognize the accomplishments of the graduating class of 2026. 158 00:17:20,340 --> 00:17:28,820 Our seniors have demonstrated excellence in academics, athletics, arts, leadership, community service, and career preparation. 159 00:17:29,420 --> 00:17:36,560 Many have earned scholarship, college acceptance, military appointments, and workforce opportunities that will shape their futures. 160 00:17:36,560 --> 00:17:45,540 As a board member, we are proud of the resilience character, perseverance of this class and what they've shown throughout their educational journey. 161 00:17:46,180 --> 00:17:53,980 Their achievements are a testament to their education, to their dedication, and their strength in the community that supports them. 162 00:17:54,640 --> 00:17:57,900 On behalf of the Board of Education, congratulations to the class of 2026. 163 00:17:58,640 --> 00:18:02,320 We celebrate your accomplishments and wish you continued success in your future endeavors. 164 00:18:03,860 --> 00:18:08,660 Also, I want to just take an opportunity to recognize a student, she's not here today, 165 00:18:09,240 --> 00:18:15,100 but I was at the Central High School graduation, and this young lady has, you know, come to 166 00:18:15,100 --> 00:18:25,900 the Board of Education before Sonia Pearson, she is an amazing student, she was the valedictory 167 00:18:25,900 --> 00:18:27,260 in the Central High School. 168 00:18:27,260 --> 00:18:36,160 she graduated with a 5.0 GPA and she got yeah and she also is accepted to Harvard 169 00:18:36,160 --> 00:18:41,820 University on a scholarship as well so I just want to highlight those 170 00:18:41,820 --> 00:18:46,420 remarkable stories that are happening all over the district that don't get 171 00:18:46,420 --> 00:18:51,040 enough air time because PGCPS we're producing a lot of great talent I just 172 00:18:51,040 --> 00:18:55,380 wanted to stop and pause and recognize Miss Pearson for that tremendous 173 00:18:55,380 --> 00:19:01,740 It's a accomplishment and she's already published a book to and it's called I'm not your literature, yep 174 00:19:02,300 --> 00:19:03,000 So I 175 00:19:03,000 --> 00:19:09,420 Moving on I told more somber note at this time. I would like to call for a moment of silence as we honor 176 00:19:09,420 --> 00:19:14,300 The memory of the following PGCPS staff family and community members 177 00:19:16,470 --> 00:19:17,770 Amari Clark 178 00:19:20,110 --> 00:19:21,850 student at suitment high school 179 00:19:25,800 --> 00:19:26,800 journey long 180 00:19:28,320 --> 00:19:30,680 Student at Charles Herbert Flowers High School 181 00:19:34,360 --> 00:19:39,520 Daneika, Steth, classroom two teacher at Bowie High School, 182 00:19:43,140 --> 00:19:46,300 Brian Kane, son of two 183 00:19:46,300 --> 00:19:47,680 PGCPS administrators, 184 00:19:54,580 --> 00:19:58,760 Charmin Anderson, bus attendant at Bladensburg Bus Lock, 185 00:20:01,240 --> 00:20:05,260 Christopher Hill, resource teacher, Laurel High School. 186 00:20:12,130 --> 00:20:12,470 Thank you. 187 00:20:15,100 --> 00:20:16,440 The board informs the public of 188 00:20:16,440 --> 00:20:20,500 the following upcoming meetings. Please turn your attention to the screen on the list. 189 00:20:22,180 --> 00:20:22,780 The 190 00:20:28,540 --> 00:20:39,730 next business meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Thursday June 25th, 2026 at the SISAR Administration Building at 5.30 p.m. 191 00:20:40,310 --> 00:20:41,070 Thank you. 192 00:20:42,570 --> 00:20:46,330 Please continue to check the board web page for updates and more information. 193 00:20:46,770 --> 00:20:48,030 Now moving to a public comment. 194 00:20:48,710 --> 00:20:53,610 The chairman recognizes the register speakers for a public comment to our register speakers. 195 00:20:53,610 --> 00:20:56,950 You are allowed at three minutes to share your remarks. 196 00:20:57,490 --> 00:21:03,550 Speaking time and that be transferred to another individual, the board will not engage in dialogue during this portion of the meeting. 197 00:21:04,230 --> 00:21:08,250 Speakers are expected to refrain from using profanity or derogatory language. 198 00:21:09,010 --> 00:21:15,110 A warning will be issued once, continued misconduct will result in the speaker being muted or removed from the meeting. 199 00:21:15,730 --> 00:21:22,510 To support our professional and courteous environment, speakers are encouraged to refer to individuals 200 00:21:22,510 --> 00:21:27,490 by their titles such as Chairman, Board Member, Superintendent, etc. 201 00:21:28,370 --> 00:21:39,770 This evening we have received the total 15 public comments of those three individual registered to provide comments in person, and 12 comments were submitted in writing. 202 00:21:40,810 --> 00:21:50,930 The chair encourages those who are not able to speak to submit their comments to writing testimony at PGCPS, again that's testimony at PGCPS. 203 00:21:51,950 --> 00:22:01,950 We will now hear from our last speakers. Our first speaker is Timothy Meyer, individual talking about 15.1 and the future of PGCPS. 204 00:22:08,720 --> 00:22:17,160 Thank you. First, I want to offer congratulations to our soon-to-be permanent superintendent and the full team who has made this year a success. 205 00:22:18,080 --> 00:22:21,120 Equally important, thank you for accepting the job. 206 00:22:21,740 --> 00:22:26,720 I have been sounding the alarm a couple of times now about the fiscal crisis and challenges 207 00:22:26,720 --> 00:22:30,060 that we face, and this is not going to be an easy four years ahead. 208 00:22:31,060 --> 00:22:32,780 This was the easy budget cycle. 209 00:22:33,360 --> 00:22:37,500 Even with $150 million for the cuts, we should have never been forced to make. 210 00:22:38,400 --> 00:22:42,420 And let's be clear that every dollar of those cuts was forced on us. 211 00:22:42,420 --> 00:22:52,260 forced by SB 429 and HB 398 and 48 years of trim and politicians who think empty campaign 212 00:22:52,260 --> 00:22:57,080 promises of better schools give them a four-year pass to leave them underfunded. 213 00:22:58,080 --> 00:23:02,760 Once again our county and state budgets are being balanced on the backs of students. 214 00:23:03,660 --> 00:23:09,260 So to the superintendent, thank you for taking on this challenge and you have my four-year 215 00:23:09,260 --> 00:23:13,140 promise to work with you to deliver the resources that PGCPS needs. 216 00:23:14,680 --> 00:23:20,100 We must spend the next several years fighting on two fronts, in a napaless for every penny 217 00:23:20,100 --> 00:23:26,220 promised by law under the blueprint and across the county for the revenue reforms needed 218 00:23:26,220 --> 00:23:28,860 to truly build the PGCPS our students deserve. 219 00:23:29,880 --> 00:23:37,340 We will never fully fund PGCPS until we repeal trim, and the question is not how much repeal 220 00:23:37,340 --> 00:23:43,800 would cost, it is how much has nearly 50 years of trim already cost to Prince George's 221 00:23:43,800 --> 00:23:50,940 county. Five decades of lost opportunity, economic development that went elsewhere, generations 222 00:23:50,940 --> 00:23:57,140 robbed of wealth building potential that comes only from education. How many families across 223 00:23:57,140 --> 00:24:02,340 the county would be better off today if we had simply invested in PGCPS in the first place? 224 00:24:03,320 --> 00:24:08,860 We must rethink our legislative and lobbying strategy and treat the coming years as a permanent 225 00:24:08,860 --> 00:24:09,480 campaign. 226 00:24:10,140 --> 00:24:16,000 Write our own legislation, go on offense, mobilize against bad bills before they even 227 00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:20,200 get filed, and let's do some real parent advocacy training sessions. 228 00:24:21,480 --> 00:24:25,100 Finally, I want to wish good luck to all the Board of Education candidates. 229 00:24:25,800 --> 00:24:32,120 on June 23rd, we know lose, we're going to need each of you in this fight going forward. 230 00:24:32,920 --> 00:24:37,800 And as parents, educators, alumni, nonprofit and municipal leaders, 231 00:24:38,400 --> 00:24:40,740 we're going to need a mix of all of your perspectives. 232 00:24:41,780 --> 00:24:45,000 This board does not necessarily need to have nine parents to be effective. 233 00:24:45,640 --> 00:24:50,800 What we just need is a united team that's working to put students first and fight for them every day. 234 00:24:51,580 --> 00:24:53,100 That's always what matters most. 235 00:24:53,100 --> 00:24:59,040 Thank you and congratulations to the soon-to-be permanent superintendent and his team our 236 00:25:05,120 --> 00:25:06,640 next speaker is Julia 237 00:25:07,740 --> 00:25:08,300 Saladino 238 00:25:14,880 --> 00:25:16,800 Good evening. Thank you for having me tonight 239 00:25:16,800 --> 00:25:22,720 I'm the parent to a rising second grader an incoming kindergartener at University Park Elementary School 240 00:25:22,720 --> 00:25:28,620 I'm here today because I'm concerned about the use of screens in elementary school classrooms in Prince George's County 241 00:25:29,300 --> 00:25:34,780 I'd like to start by saying that I understand how complicated the issue of technology and children is for our 242 00:25:34,780 --> 00:25:39,180 educators, and I recognize the immense pressure educators are under in the classroom. 243 00:25:40,100 --> 00:25:44,780 One concern I have is about giving children school-issued devices that have Internet access 244 00:25:44,780 --> 00:25:47,480 and YouTube without ways to remove these features. 245 00:25:48,240 --> 00:25:52,340 My first grader who uses these Chromebooks at school has already come home with stories about 246 00:25:52,340 --> 00:25:56,600 students being distracted by videos during class time when they're supposed to be working. 247 00:25:57,580 --> 00:26:02,560 My Ryzen Kindergartener is especially activated by screens, and I'm concerned about his ability 248 00:26:02,560 --> 00:26:04,660 to manage the amount of work done on a computer. 249 00:26:05,280 --> 00:26:07,900 He's already expressed concern that he won't know how to use his laptop. 250 00:26:08,700 --> 00:26:12,760 I don't want my five-year-old to be worried about using a laptop when he should instead 251 00:26:12,760 --> 00:26:16,740 be developing social, emotional skills with his peers and learning to read. 252 00:26:17,620 --> 00:26:22,840 I have prioritized funding my children to our local neighborhood public school, but I'm 253 00:26:22,840 --> 00:26:26,680 grappling with the real possibility that tech in the classroom at such a young age will 254 00:26:26,680 --> 00:26:27,940 not be the right fit for my son. 255 00:26:28,540 --> 00:26:32,560 At best, YouTube and Internet access in the classroom is a distraction. 256 00:26:33,320 --> 00:26:38,720 At worst, it can lead to children being exposed to incredibly harmful, dangerous, and violent content. 257 00:26:39,660 --> 00:26:44,700 I've also seen teachers in the first grade classrooms opt to turn to YouTube as a classroom management tool. 258 00:26:45,500 --> 00:26:48,660 Why does a brain break or a stretch break need to have a screen involved? 259 00:26:49,640 --> 00:26:53,280 All of these moments that educators turn to the screens add up for the kids 260 00:26:53,280 --> 00:26:59,720 and teach them that the screen should be the first tool they turn to for education, enrichment, and regulation. 261 00:27:00,780 --> 00:27:05,860 Further, not all teachers use tech in the same way, so parents don't know what to expect for their children. 262 00:27:06,620 --> 00:27:10,840 We know that the use of Chromebooks has impacted students' brains and behaviors. 263 00:27:11,660 --> 00:27:16,560 There are countless articles out nowadays about how YouTube has taken over the classroom. 264 00:27:17,080 --> 00:27:21,000 How students no longer have the capacity to sit and read an entire book. 265 00:27:21,000 --> 00:27:24,300 how critical thinking skills are being taken over by AI. 266 00:27:25,020 --> 00:27:26,560 We can do better for our children. 267 00:27:27,520 --> 00:27:31,640 I'm organizing with nearly a hundred other PG County parents who share my concerns. 268 00:27:32,380 --> 00:27:37,980 We're asking for some solutions, including prohibiting device use during unstructured time at school, 269 00:27:38,360 --> 00:27:41,900 including between lessons during transitions and at recess. 270 00:27:42,780 --> 00:27:46,640 Establishing explicit grade-based daily limits on classroom screen time, 271 00:27:46,640 --> 00:27:51,800 minimizing or eliminating routine device use in early elementary grades and 272 00:27:51,800 --> 00:27:56,280 enforcing consistent device policies for all teachers. Thank you so much for 273 00:27:56,280 --> 00:27:57,560 your time and attention to the matter. 274 00:28:03,020 --> 00:28:07,080 Alison Cole, individual, technology, safety, 275 00:28:07,420 --> 00:28:08,500 and use in the classroom. 276 00:28:14,740 --> 00:28:18,160 All written or pre-recorded public comments are posted on 277 00:28:18,160 --> 00:28:21,460 diligent. Thank you all for your participation and input. 278 00:28:25,530 --> 00:28:26,290 All right moving on 279 00:28:26,290 --> 00:28:50,070 Before we do move to the superintendent's report, which we have you next, Dr. Joseph, I do want to take a point of privilege to recognize somebody that I didn't forgive, but sometimes we always look outward and not look internally, but I do want to recognize our student board member for graduating from Eleanor Roosevelt as the salutatorian as well. 280 00:28:50,070 --> 00:28:50,890 Friday, 281 00:29:14,850 --> 00:29:17,670 Dr. Joseph, the chairman and I will recognize Dr. Joseph for the Superintendents 282 00:29:17,670 --> 00:29:17,890 report. 283 00:29:19,230 --> 00:29:20,090 Thank you. 284 00:29:20,450 --> 00:29:21,030 Good evening. 285 00:29:21,290 --> 00:29:25,690 Tonight, we're going to provide an update on our student transportation system, a prime 286 00:29:25,690 --> 00:29:28,910 example of what it means for our district to move forward by design. 287 00:29:29,710 --> 00:29:33,730 Over the past year, we've taken a disciplined, intentional approach to this work. 288 00:29:34,390 --> 00:29:40,430 Our goals are clear, reduce variance, improve consistency, and strengthen the daily experience 289 00:29:40,430 --> 00:29:42,370 of our students, families, and schools. 290 00:29:42,370 --> 00:29:48,950 At every, excuse me, at the end of the day, our top priority remains the safe and on-time 291 00:29:48,950 --> 00:29:50,710 arrival of every single school bus. 292 00:29:51,370 --> 00:29:55,650 To achieve that, we're making our operations completely visible and measurable. 293 00:29:55,650 --> 00:29:59,390 by leveraging data, modern technology. 294 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:05,620 Cross department, collaboration, and clearer daily routines, we can now see exactly what is 295 00:30:05,620 --> 00:30:12,440 working pinpoint our challenges and make adjustments in real time. Most importantly, it allows us to 296 00:30:12,440 --> 00:30:18,760 directly connect our operational decisions to their impact on our families. Tonight's update will show 297 00:30:18,760 --> 00:30:24,840 you how our transportation action plan is being refined, scaled, and sustained for the future. With that, 298 00:30:24,840 --> 00:30:31,000 I will turn it over to our transportation team to walk the board through our progress, our process, and our next steps. 299 00:30:31,620 --> 00:30:38,000 Thank you Superintendent Joseph. Good evening board chair, Jackson, board members, staff, and members of the public. 300 00:30:38,520 --> 00:30:47,100 Tonight, we will provide substantive updates on the transportation action plan. A plan born from an independent audit and built on a commitment to transparency, 301 00:30:47,600 --> 00:30:49,740 accountability, and continuous improvement. 302 00:30:49,740 --> 00:31:03,240 Since the adoption of the action plan, the Department of Transportation has worked diligently to strengthen routing efficiency, modernize our systems, improve communication with families and build workforce capacity. 303 00:31:03,700 --> 00:31:07,480 What you will see tonight is measurable progress supported by data. 304 00:31:08,040 --> 00:31:18,020 Our team has achieved meaningful gains while simultaneously managing the day-to-day demands of transporting approximately 85,000 students safely across Prince George's County. 305 00:31:18,020 --> 00:31:23,180 Mr. Keyba Baldwin, Director of Transportation and Central Garage Services, will walk through 306 00:31:23,180 --> 00:31:28,440 these operational highlights, and Mr. Curtis Eugene, Senior Human Resources Partner, will 307 00:31:28,440 --> 00:31:30,060 provide a staffing update. 308 00:31:30,580 --> 00:31:36,560 We present this update not to suggest the work is complete, but to demonstrate that the 309 00:31:36,560 --> 00:31:37,780 action plan is working. 310 00:31:38,440 --> 00:31:43,400 The department is moving in the right direction, and we remain committed to the refinement 311 00:31:43,400 --> 00:31:45,740 and sustainability of these improvements. 312 00:31:46,280 --> 00:31:46,880 Director Baldwin. 313 00:31:46,880 --> 00:31:50,680 Thank you. Dr. Coleman. Next slide. 314 00:31:52,930 --> 00:31:56,730 So the routing discipline and our efficiency. 315 00:31:57,690 --> 00:32:04,410 Let's start with the AM trip imbalance. A trip here is the individual school run that 316 00:32:04,410 --> 00:32:11,870 situated on one of our three tiers, 73830 and 930. At the time of the audit in October 2023, 317 00:32:11,870 --> 00:32:15,930 Our imbalance was at 432 trips. 318 00:32:16,910 --> 00:32:20,650 As of April, 2026, that number has been reduced to 18. 319 00:32:23,030 --> 00:32:24,290 That's not a minor adjustment. 320 00:32:24,730 --> 00:32:28,710 That's a fundamental shift in how we manage our morning service. 321 00:32:29,790 --> 00:32:30,570 Trips are more balanced. 322 00:32:31,690 --> 00:32:37,070 Drivers are better utilized and our families are getting a more consistent, reliable start of the day. 323 00:32:37,070 --> 00:32:47,830 Next are trips per vehicle. We've moved from 5.3 trips at the audit baseline to 5.7 as of today. 324 00:32:48,410 --> 00:32:56,590 We've hit our peak at 6.3 during the year's will. This tells us that our vehicles are working harder and smarter. 325 00:32:57,990 --> 00:33:00,870 Can we go back to the last slide please? I'm not sure why I've shifted. 326 00:33:00,870 --> 00:33:11,110 Thank you. And our bus stops went from 13,882 down to 11,206. 327 00:33:14,460 --> 00:33:15,320 That means we're 328 00:33:15,320 --> 00:33:21,640 leaner, we're more focused on a routing structure. Our seat utilization moved 329 00:33:21,640 --> 00:33:29,320 from 60.8% to 62.8%, meaning we're filling buses more effectively and getting 330 00:33:29,320 --> 00:33:35,280 better use out of the capacity we have. Every one of these numbers reflects the deliberate 331 00:33:36,520 --> 00:33:42,660 discipline work by our team. The data, this is data-driven transportation management and it's 332 00:33:42,660 --> 00:33:42,920 working. 333 00:33:46,060 --> 00:33:49,920 One of the strategies we are most proud of is we have diversified our modal mix. 334 00:33:50,680 --> 00:33:56,080 modal mix means a combination of vehicle resources such as school buses, alternative transportation 335 00:33:56,080 --> 00:33:58,540 like vans and contracted services. 336 00:33:59,100 --> 00:34:03,760 Today, our Transportation Service supports more than 1,380 337 00:34:03,760 --> 00:34:07,520 McKinney-Vento students across these three service models. 338 00:34:08,160 --> 00:34:13,980 84.9% or approximately 1,179 students ride school buses. 339 00:34:14,660 --> 00:34:21,020 12.9% about 179 students are serviced by our VAN program. 340 00:34:21,480 --> 00:34:25,080 And 2.2% or 330 students are supported 341 00:34:25,080 --> 00:34:30,500 through contracted services. But what is key is this is actually three strategies and one. 342 00:34:31,180 --> 00:34:37,080 First, it is a student support strategy, ensuring McKinney-Vento students and others with 343 00:34:37,080 --> 00:34:42,820 specialized needs get the required service. Second, it is a resource alignment strategy, 344 00:34:43,200 --> 00:34:50,460 making sure we are not sending a full-sized yellow busch driven by a CDL driver to pick up one or two 345 00:34:50,460 --> 00:34:57,400 students when a van driven by a non-CDL holder can do the job and preserve that yellow bus 346 00:34:57,400 --> 00:34:59,480 for a route serving 60 students. 347 00:35:00,020 --> 00:35:05,940 And finally, it is a workforce development strategy because this van program has created 348 00:35:05,940 --> 00:35:07,000 a career pathway. 349 00:35:07,880 --> 00:35:13,460 Attendance and support staff can gain driving experience while holding a regular driver's 350 00:35:13,460 --> 00:35:19,380 license, build towards earning a CDL and grow within the transportation department. 351 00:35:19,380 --> 00:35:29,080 From zero vans and non-CDL drivers in September 2024 to 50 vans and 37 non-CDL drivers today, 352 00:35:29,540 --> 00:35:33,120 it is a program we built from the ground up and it is delivering. 353 00:35:35,720 --> 00:35:38,940 Good transportation requires good information 354 00:35:38,940 --> 00:35:43,220 and that's exactly what our technology investment have delivered. 355 00:35:44,380 --> 00:35:47,280 Bus planner is the operational background, 356 00:35:47,280 --> 00:35:53,240 back excuse me backbone of how we documented and monitor service delivering across our fleet. 357 00:35:53,600 --> 00:35:59,700 It gives our team real-time visibility into how routes are running, how vehicles are performing, 358 00:35:59,700 --> 00:36:05,840 and where adjustments need to be made. For the first time, we have the kind of system-wide 359 00:36:05,840 --> 00:36:11,360 accountability that allows us to manage transportation with precision and not guesswork. 360 00:36:13,140 --> 00:36:16,420 chipmunk because the numbers here are worth highlighting 361 00:36:18,980 --> 00:36:21,120 chipmunk is our family 362 00:36:21,120 --> 00:36:28,160 facing communication platform it's and it's gaining some real traction we 363 00:36:28,160 --> 00:36:34,840 currently have 16,000 subscribers our goal is to reach 70,000 that means we're 364 00:36:34,840 --> 00:36:39,460 building toward connecting every family in our system with real-time 365 00:36:39,460 --> 00:36:44,600 information about their student's transportation. But what it tells us is this 366 00:36:44,600 --> 00:36:50,260 tool is truly working and it's not just the subscriber count. In the feedback 367 00:36:50,260 --> 00:36:55,820 that is offered within the app, families are using it. We've had 2,000 families to 368 00:36:55,820 --> 00:37:02,340 rate the chipmunk app at 5 out of 5. On a scale where 5 means excellence, our 369 00:37:02,340 --> 00:37:08,560 families are telling us it works. We also have had it a powerful feature to the 370 00:37:08,560 --> 00:37:12,240 chipmunk app and that is allowing our students to directly 371 00:37:12,240 --> 00:37:14,880 download the chipmunk to their device. 372 00:37:15,460 --> 00:37:19,880 Paired with other hardware upgrades, our new GeoTab devices 373 00:37:20,540 --> 00:37:23,940 across the fleet were adding new tablets with turn by turn, 374 00:37:24,620 --> 00:37:27,300 student assignments and student attendance tracking, 375 00:37:27,620 --> 00:37:31,640 we're building a technology ecosystem that supports both 376 00:37:31,640 --> 00:37:33,540 the operators and our families. 377 00:37:34,140 --> 00:37:35,220 The foundation is strong. 378 00:37:35,220 --> 00:37:41,960 now our focus is with growth getting from 16,000 to 70,000 subscribers so that 379 00:37:41,960 --> 00:37:47,920 every family has access to the communication they deserve. The shift to bus 380 00:37:47,920 --> 00:37:53,460 planner and chipmunk is part of a larger improvement cycle. Bus planner gives us 381 00:37:53,460 --> 00:37:58,120 a better visibility into how services actually deliver and allows us to manage 382 00:37:58,120 --> 00:38:03,660 multiple trips assigned to one bus. This ability to substitute through bus planner 383 00:38:03,660 --> 00:38:08,480 is a more effective application for parent communication 384 00:38:08,480 --> 00:38:09,640 through the Chipmunk app. 385 00:38:10,260 --> 00:38:12,860 The data shows how progress, but more importantly, 386 00:38:13,120 --> 00:38:14,640 it shows how we work. 387 00:38:15,380 --> 00:38:17,080 Through the Transportation Action Plan, 388 00:38:17,080 --> 00:38:20,420 we are seeing stronger staff engagement with technology, 389 00:38:20,940 --> 00:38:23,580 increased use of data in daily decisions, 390 00:38:23,870 --> 00:38:26,540 and more intentional outreach to families, 391 00:38:27,100 --> 00:38:28,720 schools, and community partners. 392 00:38:29,500 --> 00:38:32,160 Through our collaboration with the Community Engagement Office, 393 00:38:32,160 --> 00:38:38,480 transportation has been present at schools, job fairs, PTA meetings, and community facing 394 00:38:38,480 --> 00:38:43,980 events like the Latin Educational Summit and the Washington Area Bicycleist Association. 395 00:38:44,680 --> 00:38:49,840 We have also strengthened collaboration with other divisions to include information technology, 396 00:38:50,560 --> 00:38:57,220 data accountability, academics, and schools to improve the quality and timeliness of enrollment 397 00:38:57,220 --> 00:39:01,500 information that is ultimately used to prepare student bus assignments. 398 00:39:02,180 --> 00:39:07,360 For sustained improvement, we rely on two pillars, operations and staffing. 399 00:39:08,000 --> 00:39:15,860 I will now turn the presentation over to Curtis Eugene, Senior Human Resources Supervisor to reach out about staffing. 400 00:39:16,760 --> 00:39:19,900 Good evening everyone and once again thank you again my name is Curtis