Parents address student safety concerns during BOE meeting

Oakland Mayor Kathy Shaffer was the first to comment and addressed her concerns.

“Four months ago on my Mayor Shaffer Facebook page, I encouraged parents to return their children to Garrett County schools, whether they were homeschooled or going to non-public schools,” said Shaffer. “I am now considering changing that suggestion and asking parents to homeschool or perhaps go to a private school or even move out of the county.

“...Why are behavior-issued children allowed to stab students, teachers and children with scissors or pencils? Why are the distracting children allowed to cuss? Why does Broad Ford Elementary have four broken windows at its school?”

Shaffer continued by asking more questions, including asking how students are reportedly being called down to the office by the administrator without the parents being notified.

“Why is it that parents only hear about these incidents from the children?” asked Shaffer. “Why were none of these concerning issues shared with the parents, especially with the kids in the parents of the classroom.”

She also called into question of the effectiveness of STARS — a behavior intervention classroom for students in Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS).

Terah Crawford, another public commenter, also followed up with a question about STARS.

“It would be very helpful for parents and the community to understand how that [STARS] program kicks into action,” said Crawford. “It would be helpful in all grade levels and all schools for us to understand what leads to that type of intervention, even for and especially for the parents of kids who might never end up in that intervention.

“The open communication that we have on all levels can help make that change. I just hope that communication continues.”

Amanda Shaffer voiced her concerns about the eventual expansion of the Broad Ford Elementary School with the new grade-band alignment on the horizon and how this could accelerate more of the behavior problems.

“Fifth grade seems to be the worst problem right now as we speak, so getting that fixed before it becomes the sixth grade in the new school is something that’s important to me,” said Shaffer. “We’re tired of hearing about confidentiality as we already know the problems our children are bringing home. We just need to know that the kids are in a safe environment at the school.”

“We’d feel much more comfortable if this information of why kids are being evacuated from the classroom was passed along by the administrators of our children.”

She said that when parents brought up this issue, they immediately got support from teachers from all around Garrett County — not just at Broad Ford.

“If we were truly trying to save the public schools of Garrett County, shouldn’t we be making these teachers who hold this all together feel a little more safe,” Shaffer said.

In other business:

— GCPS announced the addition of Dance I to its course offerings beginning with the 2024-25 school year.

The addition of this new course is in accordance with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future requirements, which aims to expand and improve educational opportunities for students across the state.

The Dance I course will provide students with a comprehensive foundation in various dance styles such as ballet, jazz, modern, and hip-hop. The course also will focus on developing students’ creativity, physical fitness, and performance skills. Students who complete the course can participate in performances and showcase their talent to family and friends.

“We are thrilled to be offering Dance I to our students next school year,” said Mrs. Dawna Ashby, director of Early Childhood, Elementary Education, and Fine Arts. “This course will provide students with a unique opportunity to explore their creativity, express themselves through movement, and develop important skills such as teamwork and discipline.”

— All action items passed:

• Perry’s Solid Waste Disposal to complete the Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Services for the school system
• Daiken Applied America to complete the limited renovation for Southern Garrett High School
• Modular Genius to install four portable classrooms at Broad Ford Elementary School
• Approval of the FY2024 Budget Amendment
• Approval of the School Year 2023-24 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (2-1 vote: Josh Hinebaugh and Cody Brill in favor, Jason VanSickle against)

— Superintendent Brenda McCartney reminded the public that they made a significant update regarding the use of virtual learning days.

“What may happen this winter is that students may have their electronic devices sent home because we are projecting that there is going to be bad weather, but we will not make the call until the next morning,” said McCartney. “I don’t want parents to think that when the computer or the digital device comes home that it means that we’re definitely having a virtual day. That call will be made the next morning.”

She also highlighted the work the students put in at every school for recognizing Veterans Day.

The full agenda and slide shows for the entire meeting can be found by visiting the GCPS Boarddocs. The meeting was also streamed on the Garrett County Public Schools Youtube channel which can be watched any time on demand.