Redistricting Public Hearings

[Sharon]

The Board of Education of Charles County is holding two public hearings to gather input on redistricting alternatives for Theodore G. Davis Middle School, William A. Diggs Elementary School and Mary B. Neal Elementary School. The redistricting also rezones some students at Matthew Henson Middle School, Milton M. Somers Middle School, J.C. Parks Elementary School and Berry Elementary School. Complete descriptions of the alternatives can be found at Charles County Public Schools - Parents & Community - Transportation - Redistricting.

Public hearings are set for 7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Thomas Stone High School and 7 p.m., Monday, March 26, at North Point High School. The hearings will be held in the school auditoriums. The first public hearing is to address recommendations made by a Redistricting Committee to the superintendent and the Board. The second public hearing is to address the superintendent’s recommendation to the Board. Public hearings will end no later than 9 p.m.

· The Board welcomes public comment on the redistricting plans. In order to allow proper time for all interested speakers, the following guidelines have been established for public hearings:

· Any person wishing to speak during the public hearing must sign the sign-in sheet. The sign-in sheet will be available outside the school auditorium beginning 45 minutes prior to the start of public forum. No one arriving after the start of the hearing at 7 p.m. will be allowed to sign in or speak.

· Speakers will be called to the podium by number. Numbers will be issued to each speaker as they sign in.

· Individuals should limit their comments to the redistricting proposals.

· Comments should be concise and to the point, and limited to three minutes. A screen showing the time provides warnings when speakers have one minute and 30 seconds left to speak. The Board chairman will ask the speaker to stop at three minutes in order to provide equal opportunity to all those who would like to comment.

· Engaging in active debate with the Board of Education or audience members will not be allowed. All comments and questions must be directed to the Board.

· Board members are there to listen to comments and gather information for use in making their decisions on redistricting. Board members will not answer questions or comment to speakers during the hearing.

· Remarks must be respectful and courteous, free of name-calling and personal attacks. Inappropriate language will not be tolerated.

· The Board of Education appreciates the cooperation of citizens in honoring these guidelines, and looks forward to hearing from the public.

For a complete overview of redistricting, fact sheets outlining the proposals for each school, a redistricting school locator and other information, visit
Charles County Public Schools - Parents & Community - Transportation - Redistricting.