Baltimore County school board tries for better community relations
Lawrence Schmidt, school board president, is responding to criticism that the board has insulated itself from the public by making two changes.
First, the board will travel around the county to hold its meetings. The next meeting, on September 6, will be at Eastern Technical High School and the following meeting will move to New Town High School.
The board also will be changing its policy to allow public comment at the beginning of every meeting rather than the end of every other meeting. Schmidt said this will give the public a chance to comment on a policy before the votes, rather than after.
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
This makes me hopeful...apparently, the recent appointees to the board are focused on doing the right things for kids and responding to the community. I hope this holds true when it is time to offer a contract to the superintendent for the next four years. It is time for a change and a break with the entanglements that have caused and continue to cause so much damage. Thank you, Mr. Schmidt and other board members who are responding to the community.
Posted by: Hopeful | August 24, 2011 8:32 PM
Sounds like a good start. We'll see if the climate actually changes and if all stakeholders actually feel like their comments matter.
Posted by: BmoreEduc8r | August 25, 2011 11:01 PM
Now can the County begin to create more Charter Schools, and School Choice options? That needs to be addresed. The Windsor Mill, Woodlawn area needs more choices for Middle and HIgh Schools. Is anyone aware that these Middle and High Schools never made AYP? What is the County Plan?
Posted by: County Resident | August 27, 2011 9:48 PM