WCPS Master Plan Receives Unconditional Approval for 3rd Year

HAGERSTOWN, MD (January 30, 2007) – For the third consecutive year, the Washington County Public Schools’ Master Plan and required updates have received unconditional approval from the Maryland State Department of Education. Dr. Elizabeth Morgan, Superintendent, received the approval letter recently from Dr. Nancy Grasmick, State Superintendent. The State Board of Education formally approved the Annual Update to the mandated “Bridge to Excellence” Master Plan in December. The WCPS has received unqualified approvals since the inception of the state-mandated planning process.

“We are pleased that our plan has again received State approval,” said Dr. Morgan. “Both the Board and staff have worked diligently on the plan to ensure that it supports student learning and moves the system closer to the Board’s vision of world class educational opportunities for all students.”

The WCPS Master Plan provides the road map for schools and the school system to meet the diverse needs of students, including the plan for reaching 100% proficiency in reading and math by 2014, as required under State and Federal law. The school system’s outcomes-based budget is tied specifically to the strategies and initiatives outlined in the plan. Approval of the Master Plan Update includes the approval of programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and the Maryland Fine Arts Initiative for Fiscal Year 2007.

This month, a Master Plan Highlights booklet has been published by WCPS to provide a summary of the major initiatives contained in the 1000-plus page document to stakeholders. To request a copy, contact the Public Information Office at 301-766-2809.