Baltimore (August 22, 2005)--A highly respected special educator has been named to head the Maryland State Department of Education team that will work to improve the administration of special education in the Baltimore City Public School System (BCPSS).

Harry Thomas Fogle, assistant superintendent for school management and instruction with the Carroll County Public Schools, will lead the eight-person staff that will work to improve special education management at BCPSS. 

An educator for the past 33 years, Fogle has become a nationally recognized expert in special education instruction and management issues.  He has taught special education management at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and has worked on special education policy committees with the U.S. Department of Education since 1987.

“Harry Fogle is one of the most respected educators that Maryland has to offer,” said State Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick.  “He has accepted this challenge, and both the city of Baltimore and the state of Maryland are fortunate to have him on board.”

MSDE began working directly with the BCPSS special education program on August 12 at the order of Federal Circuit Court Judge Marvin J. Garbis.  In an effort to resolve a 21-year-old special education lawsuit filed against the city, Judge Garbis accepted MSDE’s broad-based plan to strengthen management of the special education within the BCPSS.

Working in the BCPSS offices but reporting to MSDE, Fogle will oversee a team project designed to strengthen all aspects of special education, including special education instruction, human resources, transportation of students with disabilities, information technology, and special education finance.

The plan is not a takeover of the BCPSS, but a step designed to help the system build capacity through management improvement.  The program will involve specialized training to help BCPSS personnel better meet the special education needs of children.

MSDE’s plan is being paid for by $1.4 million in federal special education funds that the city system has not spent over the past two years.  MSDE staff will review progress of the plan with the court on an annual basis.  The management improvement program is scheduled to last five years.