Superintendent of Schools Maria V. Navarro, Ed.D. presented her middle school redistricting recommendation to the Board of Education at its Sept. 14 meeting, suggesting Proposal A with no modifications.
The middle school redistricting process is comprehensive and focuses on expanding the attendance zone at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School. Stoddert is undergoing a complete renovation and expansion that will increase the state rated capacity for students from 711 to 975.
In a presentation to the Board, Assistant Superintendent of Supporting Services Michael Heim said the recommendation moves a smaller number of current Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students and better balances growth in neighborhoods zoned for Stoddert and Milton M. Somers Middle School. These neighborhoods are in growth areas of St. Charles and La Plata. Proposal A moves 992 students and slightly shifts the enrollments at all eight middle schools.
Navarro said she recommends Proposal A with no changes because it focuses on capacity needs at all middle schools.
“We are making a redistricting solution based on capacity. I am recommending Proposal A because it has the least amount of student movement and maximizes the use of our facilities. We are also looking at areas where we will have high or expected growth and Proposal A puts us on a three to five-year roll out where our buildings are fully used. I respect the work of the committees and at this point in time, I am recommending Proposal A as presented,” Navarro said.
The middle school redistricting takes effect August 2022 and coincides with the completion of the renovation of Stoddert.
The Board will accept comments on the Superintendent’s proposal at two public hearings planned for later this month. The first hearing is 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 27, in person at Westlake High School. The second hearing is 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 28, virtually through Zoom.
Click here for the virtual hearing link. The passcode is 842223. Those interested in joining the virtual hearing will need an active Zoom account to participate.
Community members are encouraged to attend the public hearings and provide comments to the Board about the superintendent’s recommendation. Comments can be shared electronically to redistrict@ccboe.com.
A complete overview of redistricting, the proposals and interactive maps are posted on the CCPS redistricting website at https://www.ccboe.com/index.php/redistricting-middle-school-ql.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).
The middle school redistricting process is comprehensive and focuses on expanding the attendance zone at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School. Stoddert is undergoing a complete renovation and expansion that will increase the state rated capacity for students from 711 to 975.
In a presentation to the Board, Assistant Superintendent of Supporting Services Michael Heim said the recommendation moves a smaller number of current Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students and better balances growth in neighborhoods zoned for Stoddert and Milton M. Somers Middle School. These neighborhoods are in growth areas of St. Charles and La Plata. Proposal A moves 992 students and slightly shifts the enrollments at all eight middle schools.
Navarro said she recommends Proposal A with no changes because it focuses on capacity needs at all middle schools.
“We are making a redistricting solution based on capacity. I am recommending Proposal A because it has the least amount of student movement and maximizes the use of our facilities. We are also looking at areas where we will have high or expected growth and Proposal A puts us on a three to five-year roll out where our buildings are fully used. I respect the work of the committees and at this point in time, I am recommending Proposal A as presented,” Navarro said.
The middle school redistricting takes effect August 2022 and coincides with the completion of the renovation of Stoddert.
The Board will accept comments on the Superintendent’s proposal at two public hearings planned for later this month. The first hearing is 6:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 27, in person at Westlake High School. The second hearing is 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 28, virtually through Zoom.
Click here for the virtual hearing link. The passcode is 842223. Those interested in joining the virtual hearing will need an active Zoom account to participate.
Community members are encouraged to attend the public hearings and provide comments to the Board about the superintendent’s recommendation. Comments can be shared electronically to redistrict@ccboe.com.
A complete overview of redistricting, the proposals and interactive maps are posted on the CCPS redistricting website at https://www.ccboe.com/index.php/redistricting-middle-school-ql.
About CCPS
Charles County Public Schools provides 27,000 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 37 schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.
The Charles County public school system does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Kathy Kiessling, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event. CCPS provides nondiscriminatory equal access to school facilities in accordance with its Use of Facilities rules to designated youth groups (including, but not limited to, the Boy Scouts).