The Howard County Board of Education is united in its opposition to Gov. Larry Hogan's proposal to reform the state's charter school law.
During its meeting Thursday, board members unanimously voted to oppose this legislation as part of its legislative package.
Hogan has proposed to reform the state's charter school laws, providing charter operators an easier path to opening, additional funding for capital and operating expenses, and more flexibility in their academic models.
Board member Ellen Flynn Giles called some aspects of the governor's proposal, such as removing requirements for certified teachers and some accountability measures, "absolutely unfathomable"
"I find it ironic that in our decade of reform, the impact has been to increase accountability, demands, and requirements on public schools, and this recommends that we relieve a whole separate class of any restrictions on this and just give them the money," she said.
Howard County does not have any charter schools.
"For profit charter schools taking public money, worst idea ever," board member Cindy Vaillancourt said of the governor's proposal.
Student Board of Education member Patrick Mikulis added that the Maryland Association of Student Councils is opposed to the proposal.
The children of Gov. Hogan and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford all graduated from Howard's Hammond High School.
In addition to the charter school legislation, the board voted to oppose the following pieces of legislation:
• HB 247: A bill that would require elementary public school students to be provided a certain minimum level of physical activity each week.
• HB 248: A bill that would require the State Board of Education to develop curriculum content for a financial literacy course and requiring students to complete this course in order to graduate high school.
• HB 342: A bill that would require the State Board of Education to create a list of qualified service providers able to substitute for absent service providers for special education students.
• HB 344/SB 390: A bill that would shift the burden of proof in special education litigation from a parent or guardian to the school board.
• HB 389/SB 455: A bill that would require schools start after Labor Day.
• HB 487: A bill that would allow a credit against the state income tax for contributions made to certain student assistance organizations.
• SB 278: A bill that would require school systems to post dining menus that include brand names, ingredients, and nutritional information on its website.
• SB 296: A bill that would require school systems provide each student with a reusable water bottle and safe drinking water for students throughout the school day.
• SB 440: A bill that would require county school boards to report expenditures divided by school to the state department of education.
• SB 505: A bill that would require school boards to develop a plan for reducing certain students' total sugar intake per school meal.
The Board of Education voted to support the following legislation:
• HB 298/SB 266: A bill that would prevent operators in control of certain Internet, online sites, or applications used for school purposes from disclosing personally identifiable student information except to further the purpose of the site or for legal compliance.
• HB 383/SB 489: A bill that would make age-appropriate programs on sexual abuse prevention and treatment a state mandate