Garrett County’s schools, once a magnet for young, working families, are now a growing concern. The declining quality of education in our Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) has become alarmingly evident in recent years.
A case in point is the situation at Broadford Elementary, where parents are distressed about the school’s handling of students with behavioral challenges. The recent board meeting on Nov. 14 echoed these concerns, highlighting fears for children’s safety.
From my personal experience as a GCPS parent, it seems probable that students with special needs are not receiving the necessary support. My daughter, diagnosed with an anxiety disorder by a neurologist, was twice denied a 504 plan by GCPS. Such negligence raises serious doubts about the school system’s commitment to fulfilling its legal responsibilities.
As we approach the transition of our children from middle school to Southern High School, GCPS’s credibility is further strained. Promises of a smooth transition have fallen short, diminishing our trust in the school system.
With an annual budget of $54 million and a student body of 3,000, one would expect GCPS to offer a top-tier educational experience. However, the recent resignation of the finance director brings the district’s fiscal transparency into question, casting a shadow over its past financial practices.
GCPS stands at a crossroads. Students’ safety is at risk, community schools face closure, and our middle schoolers are being prematurely integrated with high school students. If GCPS does not rectify its course, it risks a funding crisis as parents seek alternative education methods.
Jeremy Gosnell,
Oakland
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