The Board of Education of Howard County convened on January 30, 2025, to discuss various topics impacting the school district, including diversity initiatives, student engagement, and administrative appointments.

The meeting began with a presentation by Matthew Vaughn Smith, an educator and activist, who expressed gratitude for the board's ongoing support of the Black Lives Matter School Week of Action. He emphasized the importance of mandated black and ethnic studies in the curriculum, advocating for a recommitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Smith highlighted the need to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder marginalized groups and called for continued training on unconscious bias and white supremacy within the educational framework.

Following Smith's remarks, the board moved to the personnel agenda, where a motion to approve administrative appointments and promotions was unanimously passed, with one abstention.

Next, representatives from Wilde Lake High School presented their student government report. SGA President Liz Cho, Vice President Antonio Clay Hardy, and Treasurer Christopher Moore outlined their school's core principles: finding purpose, creating equitable learning communities, and fostering a sense of family, or "Ohana." They shared various initiatives, including a principal's advisory committee aimed at amplifying student voices and a mentorship program designed to support struggling students. The SGA also highlighted successful community events and achievements, such as a clothing drive and a strong performance in athletics.

Board members praised the students for their presentation and the sense of community at Wilde Lake. They expressed enthusiasm for the initiatives discussed, particularly the mentorship program and the principal's advisory committee.

The meeting continued with a report from the student board member, who acknowledged the contributions of Wilde Lake students and discussed the upcoming revised cell phone policy, which aims to balance technology use with academic focus. The board also prepared for a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, emphasizing the importance of community input in shaping educational priorities.

Superintendent Dr. Michael Barnes concluded the meeting by introducing a new executive director of human resources and celebrating recent student achievements in various competitions. He reiterated the board's commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's dedication to enhancing educational equity and student engagement within Howard County Public Schools.