MCA Testifies at the BOE, Time for a Rural Schools Policy
With the Recommendation that Monocacy Elementary School in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain stay open, MCPS Superintended Weast gave us a reason to celebrate but more still has to be done.
Monocacy was slated for closure because it had fewer students than non-Reserve schools. This policy ignores the fact that the rural area feeding the school has limited development and population by design. There is no way for these rural cluster schools to keep up with enrollment standards that govern the rest of the County. More than a resource for students and parents, in the County’s rural areas schools are often the only public meeting areas, hosting meetings, events and generally serving as a community center. Having these buildings serve double-duty this way saves the County money.
MCA joined with our partner the Audubon Naturalist Society to push for a rural school policy that would protect these lower enrollment schools from closure resulting non-applicable standards for enrollment at the most recent BOE meeting. All testimony, a letter from Dr. Royce Hanson (Former Planning Board Chair and Architect of the Reserve) and MCA’s position paper on Rural Schools are below.
We are currently working with County Council members, including newly elected Reserve District 2 member, Craig Rice and staff to move forward with establishment of a policy that will better manage the County’s rural schools. The Towns of Barnesville and Poolesville are joining the quest. Please support our efforts by writing in.
MCA BOE Testimony November 11, 2010
Audubon BOE Testimony November 11, 2010
Ag Reserve Schools Position Paper
Dr. Royce Hanson’s Letter to BOE on Rural Schools
Town of Barnesville BOE Testimony