[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6590466,"mediaKeyId","5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b","parentId",5551773,"title","Calvert schools publish strategic‑plan dashboard and outline priorities for student excellence, culture and community engagement","audioSeconds",1741,"startMs",6496000,"endMs",8237000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b&start=6496&end=8237","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b/thumbnail_6496000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6590466/Maryland/Calvert-schools-publish-strategicplan-dashboard-and-outline-priorities-for-student-excellence-culture-and-community-engagement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590466-f06d37ffa848c5e60bbd30c6462d7e18/orig.mp4?Expires=1770511958&Signature=KWcHEcxtyjUDEvVhnHuSvakTT5bzaHUW~l-cPwDnBcmHu74neRBxo6~0PLbnpOO37xf-~hRvmkML903GjBLJuZpTKqOJdA9lPs9fJqONf8otqkVtR8EdxabyjDOONV1A11myo0M5nrUqu0xsMpCYiD1ysCHyNGRNt4taN5igLA5q6PxHNv5BjFIiyUuVz4uehsdhEr0Ai1mxJ1N2-I50GBTxTVDzKJH-PSggBjpuHzQP4fYfyuFWhNIyBuycJ9cdSipoa7wTEeYGqntE89kSxfeB9meectfJY0Z9Ec19SQYBMhoQFNMuhvRdFZ1Oc66G7w4HkLJiFlkJjSXs6~sSmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Calvert County Public Schools","date","2025-08-07T00:00:00Z","article","District leaders presented a strategic plan update and announced a public dashboard that shows progress on priorities including student excellence, culture for learning, organizational accountability and community engagement.

What staff presented
Dr. Susan Johnson, chief operations officer, joined by Scott Johnson (CFO), Jackie Jacobs (chief academic officer) and other staff, reviewed updated strategies and measures. Staff said the publicly accessible dashboard is posted on the district website under the strategic plan page and provides indicators and strategy status for each priority area.

Key priorities and actions highlighted
- Student excellence: audit of core curriculum alignment, professional learning for administrators and teachers, strengthening MTSS tier 2/tier 3 interventions using a digital platform, and expansion of early college pathways with the College of Southern Maryland (35 students in one‑year program; 15 in two‑year associate' program this year).
- Culture for learning: focus on attendance and chronic absenteeism, universal SEL instruction and bullying‑prevention lessons; staff said chronic absenteeism is calculated as missing 10% or more of enrolled days and noted interventions at tiers as absences accumulate.
- Organizational accountability: new project plans for fundraising policy/procedures, job description analysis and blueprint alignment for resource allocation.
- Community engagement: staff defined family engagement and said they will track measurable indicators including parent participation in meetings, volunteers and active partnerships; parent satisfaction with district communication was noted at 90.51% from the climate survey.

Data and transparency
Staff said assessments, intervention monitoring and other measures will be viewable via the dashboard and that Performance Matters and other platforms will be used for assessment analytics and growth reporting. The district said it will continue to refine indicators and post progress publicly.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Calvert County Public Schools - Board of Education","oneSentenceSummary","District leaders presented an update on the strategic plan, released a public dashboard and summarized work on curriculum audits, tiered interventions, early college programs and family engagement indicators.","taxTitle","Calvert County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",17515,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6590469,"Master feasibility study shows options to co‑locate Calvert Elementary and Calvert Country; swing space could enable other CIP projects",917,4292000,5209000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b&start=4292&end=5209","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b/thumbnail_4292000.jpg","/articles/6590469/Maryland/Master-feasibility-study-shows-options-to-colocate-Calvert-Elementary-and-Calvert-Country-swing-space-could-enable-other-CIP-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590469-7897b74c569dcff0aa8b6652f9ca3c60/orig.mp4?Expires=1770511958&Signature=Z3jd9cUFFNqbEWEuwao-y0v~4el0e8pDrpUIXVPUhGIKj9LQg1AQkcChCZbm52jgimRw5TgBBbQjt~L4pZHR2ybFHKmGY7QQ7PnWikcnZpIqPlDjD~-wF7AUHRcf7h20trAWSQ1NpSKYJla~sDW0EcuhIssYWqfbiAVq5lLkz9KQOUpsjFZOY-JqSp1hJqqnyHY3Bv3mYxbekdYEzV0yrCDWD0osB~VzKx0GFc-0DlMTr7EOAc25o8hFetW9oF8k38wv~cTjvVGZo4hUmkxgQyhWH~bpyHGQYQ5yuaXyW5zdDnxgLUyrgv04Ws5lCTtI3iNocuzwnqaMpsGXmsmB4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning and construction staff presented a master feasibility study for the Calvert Elementary and Calvert Country campus and the Brooks Administration Building, describing an \"art of the possible\" approach that would co‑locate Calvert Country School and Calvert Elementary and retain existing buildings for future uses.

Presentation and core findings
Suchita Warner, Director of Planning and Construction, told the board that state approval and funding for the Calvert Country School project are contingent on co‑location with Calvert Elementary. The study shows that two new buildings (Calvert Elementary and Calvert Country) can be sited between the existing school buildings, with adequate parking and bus circulation, while keeping existing facilities for future uses.

Potential uses and sequence
Staff outlined several possible long‑term uses for the retained buildings: a regional pre‑K or limited alternative education center, an infants and toddlers program, centralized departmental space (special education, student services, instruction), or swing space to support the later renovation of Mount Harmony Elementary. Warner emphasized that a viable swing space would make it possible to pursue partial renovations or additions to constrained sites such as Mount Harmony.

Costs, timelines and state funding
The presentation included order‑of‑magnitude cost and square‑footage estimates for a test‑fit; staff cautioned those estimates must be escalated for time of construction. Warner also said the district's state participation rate in school construction has been reduced in staff calculations from 56% to 54% and is projected to fall to 51% in FY 2029; she said staff will show the revised state/local shares in the next CIP iteration and will seek Board of County Commissioners and MSDE support if needed.

Next steps
Staff recommended convening a stakeholder committee to study regional program needs and to develop implementation plans for the CIP, including inserting work to make Calvert Elementary usable as swing space (HVAC, partial roofing and painting). The board did not take action; the presentation was informational only.

","Planning staff presented a master feasibility study for the Calvert Elementary and Calvert Country campus that shows a possible co‑located replacement, opportunities to repurpose existing buildings as swing space and a range of long‑term CIP options.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6590473,"Calvert board names Marcus J. Newsom interim superintendent",349,1035000,1384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b&start=1035&end=1384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b/thumbnail_1035000.jpg","/articles/6590473/Maryland/Calvert-board-names-Marcus-J-Newsom-interim-superintendent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590473-e948349452c881d979abcc7a574c041d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770511958&Signature=TizL~6-4KuJ8O5249E6X~s0oUsGhr52sjGTh35wokkUczU8B6L-QYsczm3VtOF7SMbAyMs9uPLZtGoYBYDhitLnk9yVa-NF-sGmjIWOn~lOrBnn3l6e9c7lquhR6qw1VdEBUGZURm~31U6sJxgiZow-Ja3BKPHrgRJirrvltRPzIaWzJkgFj1HJzXwopdSfqPMBMv7eaF5whrZ4XCjDN8SeoKfivyF6vIsrDdr~ue2-vwfsJeK65pd49cJAXcWanzOXC72UsLuw4gW0odKnu~3a3Ct76GpNedMQfUNmvHgU1Db2k1MxWCKBjaQlZ0KqC98xQr6HH1fV6mDz1oBWAWA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Calvert County Board of Education approved Dr. Marcus J. Newsom as interim superintendent. The motion to appoint Newsom was made and seconded at the meeting and carried by voice vote.

Newsom's background and priorities
Board materials and the presentation introduced Newsom as a veteran educator and superintendent with more than 30 years in public education. The transcript lists prior service in multiple districts (including Newport News and Chesterfield County) and roles in digital learning and professional development. Staff noted he has authored books on educational leadership and has academic affiliations as described in the board materials.

In brief remarks after the vote, Newsom said his family and he are part of the community and described his top priorities for the interim period: \"My priorities are number 1 making sure that our children are safe, number 2 striving for academic excellence, number 3 accountability and transparency, and number 4 ... making sure that I laid the groundwork in partnership with the board to bring you your long term superintendent within a year from now who will take this school district to the next level.\" He closed by saying his commitment is to \"make every decision that is in the best interest of children.\" (Direct quote from his remarks at the meeting.)

What happens next
Staff and the board will proceed with onboarding and public communication. Newsom said he will serve for up to a year while the board and staff pursue a permanent selection process; the board did not set a specific search timeline at the meeting beyond Newsom's stated one‑year horizon.

","Dr. Marcus J. Newsom, a veteran educator with more than 30 years of experience, was approved as Calvert County's interim superintendent. He outlined priorities including safety, academic excellence, accountability and a one‑year plan to find a permanent superintendent.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":92,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":95,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6590478,"At a glance: Board appoints interim superintendent, approves bus contracts and several vendor awards; multiple policies posted for public comment",3029,4064000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b&start=1035&end=4064","/articles/6590478/Maryland/At-a-glance-Board-appoints-interim-superintendent-approves-bus-contracts-and-several-vendor-awards-multiple-policies-posted-for-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590478-8666a981bc7e970e3c9475d587cab37d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770511958&Signature=nodSXyWuig2ZfHtdznshxTvXyChop1LRHvuo1-mBPK067HpwTOzgpTHJNQGygIaCWShPQurmGUY5kiJYTjxRr2bGDAAcbdzZw7ZozMIa3hAWYl-RhyrqBEILn-kSh6Jg~809w6yhyW7StmU9~oTXfDrVabsN7LbBvvq-Uj3OIPTRmZF0NWl2gKMlOwJKgDS9TusMcqiFNMYRt6Y9h52-FLLyfKTJOCv8zGeT95~GNJwRhYx~gBa3WPk02sY8b-7oDzIaLKhb7qjtr8qzXgaTVluNtrK6Xua~1xrK96uiZa3ZrTg6rSRhmp6bWGxbuiW6LUiGA6RB-0glEcUjPuw3bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Calvert County Board of Education approved a series of operational items at the meeting, including the appointment of Dr. Marcus J. Newsom as interim superintendent and multiple procurement awards and contract actions. Several policy updates were also posted for up to 30 days of public comment.

Key votes at a glance
- Interim superintendent: The board approved Dr. Marcus J. Newsom as interim superintendent. (Motion carried; recorded as unanimous.)
- Bus contracts: Full‑term and short‑term bus contracts for FY 2026 were approved; the only change in the attachments was CPI‑driven adjustments for driver pay, management fee and trip fees (CPI 2.6% this year). (Motion carried 5‑0.)
- Purchase — College planning and FAFSA support: The board authorized a purchase from Chesapeake College Plan LLC (Prince Frederick) for college planning and FAFSA/MSFAA assistance for FY 2026 for $45,424, funded from the student services budget. (Motion carried.)
- Facilities — Plum Point Middle partial roof replacement: Using the Omnia Partners/ Garland DBS cooperative process, the board approved a partial roof replacement at Plum Point Middle School to be performed by subcontractor JVK for $34,492, funded by the school construction budget. (Motion carried 5‑0.)
- Professional learning — Gallup Global Strengths: The board approved purchase and travel for Gallup Global Strengths coach training (Title II funds) for up to $76,800. (Motion carried 5‑0.)
- Copy center/printer lease and purchase: The board approved a five‑year copy center production printer refresh and maintenance plan with Konica Minolta (Ramsey, N.J.) with year‑1 cost of $73,068 and years 2–5 at $30,290 per year (equipment and maintenance included). The plan was presented as a net savings versus the prior five‑year agreement. (Motion carried 5‑0.)
- Tuition rates: The board approved in‑state tuition of $12,045 and out‑of‑state tuition of $19,478 for students (FY 2025‑26). (Motion carried 5‑0.)
- District assessment plan: The board approved the district's assessment plan developed under the Time to Learn Act; staff confirmed the plan keeps testing within the state time limits (2.3% for grade 8; 2.2% all other grades). (Motion carried 5‑0.)
- Negotiation teams: The board approved the district negotiating teams for each employee association (annual designation). (Motion carried 5‑0.)

Policies posted for public comment (up to 30 days)
Staff presented and the board voted to post the following policies for up to 30 days for public review and comment rather than adopt them outright at the meeting: Policy 14‑60 (child abuse and neglect reporting), Policy 17‑60 (professional boundaries), Policy 19‑40 (political neutrality), Policy 19‑45 (flags and schools), Policy 5‑520 (fund balance — draft language under discussion), Policy 15‑15 (budget transfers), and Policy 5‑600 (travel reimbursement). In each case staff described updates or clarifications; the board directed the items to the public‑comment period.

What it means
The operational approvals fund services that will affect student supports, transportation, professional learning and facilities maintenance in the coming year. The posted policies will return for later action after public comment; some items (for example, fund balance language) will be reworked and returned to staff for edits before final consideration.

","At the meeting the board confirmed an interim superintendent, approved several contracts and awards, and posted multiple policies (including child abuse and professional boundaries) for up to 30 days for public comment.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6590483,"Calvert County Board repeals anti‑racism policy; community leaders and parents urge reinstatement",12198,1352000,13550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b&start=1352&end=13550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5551773-399136e5371ac416568f3fd47061f52b/thumbnail_1352000.jpg","/articles/6590483/Maryland/Calvert-County-Board-repeals-antiracism-policy-community-leaders-and-parents-urge-reinstatement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6590483-cc0d12332979c1c3b25d59ff525878c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770511958&Signature=HZaAOTLQo7CNOIrS7HXY3WgHwRnURddiCe7slHsx~Iw0DasdHzFoGAPcGAvwY4RPL801MPnhWQkfnPnhZrJJKK3hT7zZ18iRXZVL9Cel55Ow3h2DPbtX5k2P1aWMR2dNRnZnImWT6P1yY5tc-2VjFwqvaidVAXE7qPYwS-j1BtuPR6Hbt77FmvehHAM1u8MxzahExQRqt75nAe0Uya6p8gI-GEXydFJQqr1VgyL~IKrpdNczpQb6P8q-m7oe1ILTxzHBcX67vxs6mogXE1f-6-zIMnBs-iAQmG6gPhX0IMYWw2nS~ixFtxnA0WEH~0T-NxHTc8eotqpNa6GHSsFUdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Calvert County Board of Education voted to repeal Policy 10‑18, the district's anti‑racism policy, and announced the decision will be posted for 30 days for public comment.

Board President Karen Post (motion) moved to repeal the policy; a second was offered and the motion carried on a voice vote, recorded by staff as unanimous. The board did not include additional explanatory language at the time of the vote.

Why it matters: supporters of Policy 10‑18 said it provided concrete guidance for staff and a mechanism for responding to racist incidents. Opponents said the board's existing non‑discrimination rules are sufficient. The decision prompted dozens of speakers during the public‑comment period, many urging the board to keep the policy or to explain the rationale for removing it.

Board action and immediate explanation
Board President Karen Post introduced the motion to repeal Policy 10‑18 during a discussion of policies up for review, saying the district already has a discrimination policy and that a separate anti‑racism policy is redundant. After a second, the motion passed on a voice vote. The board chair then said the repeal \"will be posted for 30 days for public comment.\" The transcript records the motion and the chair's direction but does not include any additional, written rationale provided at the meeting.

Public response
Community members and local organizations used the meeting's public comment period to press the board to restore the policy or to explain its removal. Deborah Harris, president of the Calvert County NAACP, said, \"we are here today to express our deep concern regarding recent decisions by the board to remove the anti racism policy from the school district's strategic plan and related policies.\" Edsel Brown of the Southern Maryland Minority Chamber of Commerce told the board the repeal \"signals to every student of color\" that their experiences may not be acknowledged.

Other speakers recounted incidents they said demonstrated the need for an explicit anti‑racism policy, including reports of racial slurs, swastikas and graffiti in schools. Several speakers asked the board for a written explanation of the change and for a plan to address equity, discipline and culturally responsive instruction going forward.

Board and staff context
At the meeting staff repeatedly said other policies and state law address discrimination; several board members agreed in discussion that existing state and local nondiscrimination frameworks apply. Supporters of the repeal argued a separate policy could imply prioritization of one form of discrimination over others. Critics said those arguments ignore the practical value of an explicit anti‑racism policy as a tool for school staff and students.

What comes next
The board posted the repeal for a 30‑day public comment period, per the motion, and accepted public comment at the meeting itself. Many speakers asked the board to provide a written response to civic groups including the NAACP and to publish metrics showing how the district will continue to ensure equitable access, discipline fairness and culturally responsive instruction.

Community reactions and next steps will be reviewed at a future meeting or through the posted comment period; the board did not announce a date for reconsideration or further action at the meeting.

","The Calvert County Board of Education voted to repeal Policy 10‑18 (the anti‑racism policy) and will post the decision for 30 days of public comment. The move drew sustained, mostly critical public comment from parents, civil‑rights groups and educators.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Calvert schools publish strategic‑plan dashboard and outline priorities for student excellence, culture and community engagement

Master feasibility study shows options to co‑locate Calvert Elementary and Calvert Country; swing space could enable other CIP projects

Calvert board names Marcus J. Newsom interim superintendent

At a glance: Board appoints interim superintendent, approves bus contracts and several vendor awards; multiple policies posted for public comment

Calvert County Board repeals anti‑racism policy; community leaders and parents urge reinstatement