Dr. Harry Fogle, former assistant superintendent for school management and instruction with the Carroll County Public Schools, last month began his job as leader of the eight-person team.  State Superintendent Nancy S. Grasmick announced six new members of the team today.  Team members are:

 · John Cox, assistant superintendent of instruction for the Charles County Public Schools, will lead instruction and accountability efforts.  Cox has served in his position since 1997, and has been an educator for more than 30 years.  He holds a doctorate in education policy, planning, and administration from the University of Maryland, College Park.

 · Gail Dunlap, principal of Joppatowne Elementary in Harford County, will work on special education administration and procedures, as well as related services.  A principal since 2001, Dunlap spent many years as a special educator and team leader in special education.  She holds a master’s in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University.

 · Glen Johnson, director of transportation in Howard County since 1989, will be involved in transportation issues.  Johnson served as assistant supervisor of transportion for Howard County for seven years prior to taking over the office and is a former teacher.  He holds a master’s in supervision and administration from Bowie State University.

 · Joanne Koehler, coordinator of state and federal programs for the Baltimore County Public Schools, will work on personnel matters for the team.  She has been a teacher, assistant principal, and principal in her career, and has served in various central office capacities with the Baltimore County schools.  She holds her bachelor’s degree from Towson University and a master’s in education from Loyola College.

 · Min Leong, retired director of student services for the Montgomery County Public Schools, will work on student services and guidance issues. He holds a master’s in education degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and various certifications in pupil personnel and educational administration areas. 

 · Willie Washington, data management specialist for the Prince George’s County Public Schools, will assist in technology and data collection.  Washington has served in various data management positions with Prince George’s County.  He holds a bachelor’s in management information systems from Francis Marion College and a master’s in educational technology leadership from the George Washington University.

Working in the BCPSS offices, but reporting to MSDE, the team project is 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 program to help the system build capacity through management improvement.  It 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.