The Frederick County Public Schools Policy Committee voted Oct. 22 to forward a revised Policy 1‑01 (Organization of the Board) to the full board for first reading after committee edits clarifying officer roles and emergency spending authority.

The draft adds language saying decisions about board or system funds should be made during a public board meeting but authorizes the board president, “where exigent circumstances make it necessary,” to encumber up to $50,000 of board funds without convening the full board. The proposal requires the president to notify the full board in writing within three business days, describing the exigent circumstances, goods or services purchased, expected total cost and rationale.

Committee members said the $50,000 threshold aligns with purchasing authority already delegated within the system to the purchasing manager, and they framed the change as preserving transparency while enabling prompt action when delay would be harmful. A member asked staff to change the notification timeline from seven days to three business days; the committee adopted the shorter timeframe.

Other edits clarified that the board president is responsible for the evaluation of the superintendent and FCPS employees assigned to support the board (with input from board members) and added language to designate who will serve if both the president and vice president are unavailable. The committee also adjusted advisory‑committee language to state that, “except as the law may require,” advisory committees comply with open‑meetings rules (calling out the ethics panel exemption).

A motion to move Policy 1‑01 to the full board for first reading was made and seconded; the committee approved the recommendation unanimously.

The revised Policy 1‑01 will go to the full board at its next meeting for first reading, where members said staff will present the edited language and supporting procedural guidance.