Ch. 195

1994 LAWS OF MARYLAND

Section 3-112.2

Annotated Code of Maryland

(1992 Replacement Volume and 1993 Supplement)

Preamble

WHEREAS, In a time of significant change, the education of the children of this
State is one of the most lasting legacies a parent can bestow. The parents of Calvert
County can be justly proud that the performance by Calvert County students on the
Maryland Functional Tests were the very best in the State in 1993. Moreover, Calvert
County students rank third among the 24 school districts on standardized tests for reading
comprehension, language, and mathematics. Students in the County may participate in a
career mentorship program, an environmental education initiative, the All-County
Orchestra, a technical preparatory program, and other activities. The education system in
the County has made significant benefits available for the students. Credit for this success
belongs to many sources - interested parents, dedicated teachers, and a Board of
Education committed to educational excellence. There is interest in the communities of
Calvert County in the method by which members of the Board of Education are selected.
Currently, the members are chosen by the traditional method - selection by the Governor.
Suggestions for change are being made whereby election of members would occur, in
much the same way as now occurs in neighboring Prince George's County. Consideration
of the election of members raises a host of issues, such as whether the members should be
elected on an at-large basis, by single-member districts, or by some combination of the..
two. Recognition should be given to the enhanced opportunities elected school boards
give racial and other minorities. Further, should Board members be elected on a
nonpartisan or partisan basis, should the elections be held in the off-Presidential election
year, should the terms of the members be staggered to insure continuity, or should
members be paid a salary for serving on any elected Board of Education? Each of these
issues deserve inquiry and discussion before a reasonable decision can be made about the
need for change. It would be tragic for the students in Calvert County to find that the
method of selection of the Board of Education was being changed without a thorough
investigation into the issues previously mentioned. To insure that that discussion takes
place, a Commission to study the Board of Education of Calvert County should be
created; now, therefore, .

SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:

Article - Education

3-112.2.

(A)     THIS SECTION APPLIES ONLY IN CALVERT COUNTY.

(B)     THERE IS A COMMISSION TO STUDY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

(C)     THE COMMISSION SHALL EXAMINE THE STRUCTURE OF THE COUNTY
BOARD TO DETERMINE WHETHER IT BEST SERVES THE NEEDS OF THE CITIZENS OF
THE COUNTY. THE PRIMARY FOCUS SHALL BE TO EXPLORE THE PROCESS OF

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