URGENT - PRINCE GEORGE'S SENATE DELEGATION'S HEARING ON SCHOOL BOARD BOUNDARIES

(Posted 17 Feb 2006 )

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---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: electedboard@aol.com
Date: Feb 17, 2006 5:25 PM
Subject: URGENT - PRINCE GEORGE'S SENATE DELEGATION'S HEARING ON SCHOOL BOARD BOUNDARIES

ALERT - Please attend a hearing on the Prince George's County school board boundaries being called by the Senate Delegation, February 23, 4:00 p.m . in the Miller Senate Office Building, Verda Welcome Hearing Room, (Fourth Floor), Annapolis.

Senators will discuss a variety concepts:

1. Senator Exum will be proposing language to return to nine single-member school board districts (essentially the same ones that existed prior to 2002, with adjustments to reflect population shifts since that time ). This proposal mirrors HB 1360 now moving through the House of Delegates process. It was passed by the Prince George's House Delegation in early February with only one NO vote (Giffith, District 25).

2. Senator Pinsky may discuss the "hybrid board" idea - five school board members to be elected by district; four members to be elected at-large). To date, he has not submitted legislation or a map.

3. There still may be an effort to extend the appointed board.

4. Other proposals may surface.

Why support nine single-member districts?

IT TAKES NINE! Nine elected school board members are needed so that--

1. The interests of Prince George's diverse communities can be represented;

2. Board members can effectively communicate with constituents. Huge districts decrease the ability of board members to respond to parents' questions and concerns in a timely manner. Huge districts reduce the board member's ability to monitor each school regularly and develop school-community partnerships;

3. The public can be clear about who their school board representative is and whom to hold accounable.

Why oppose the "hybrid board" idea?

The five-district proposal creates huge districts - 80% larger than the ones in place prior to 2002! More geography, more population, more schools! For example, District 5 in the

5-district model is huge - stretching from south Laurel to Bowie, south to Clinton, Baden, Accoceek and Eagle Harbor.

Why oppose extension of the appointed board?

Legislators, KEEP YOUR PROMISE! Legislation enacted in 2002 includes language stipulating the return to an elected board in 2006. Current board members should stand down or stand for election.

REMEMBER: Without action during the 2006 General Assembly, current law (HB 949 enacted) will be implemented - school board candidates must declare residency in one of five districts; 4 members will not have to declare residency in a district; all school board candidates will run countywide.

Urge members of the Prince George's Senate Delegation to support nine single-member districts, and oppose at-large elections and extension of the appointed board.

WE NEED YOU THERE FEBRUARY 23, 4:00 P.M., VERDA WELCOME HEARING ROOM, MILLER SENATE OFFICE BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR.

If you have any questions, please contact Citizens for an Elected Board at 301/ 464-5168 or electedboard@aol.com

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Filed in: Sen.Exum Sen.Pinsky