School board invites public comment on boundary decisions

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a public hearing to invite comment on minor changes that have been made to clarify the wording of boundary decisions for elementary and middle schools for the 2003-2004 school year.

The hearing will be held at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9 in the boardroom at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City.

Those who want to testify should limit their presentation to three minutes and provide 15 written copies of their testimony at the time of the hearing.

Information or to sign up to speak: 410-313-7197.

Superintendent's budget topic of Jan. 9 meeting

The Howard County Board of Education will hold a regularly scheduled meeting at 4 p.m. Jan. 9 in the boardroom at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108, Ellicott City.

During the evening session, which begins at 7:30, Superintendent John R. O'Rourke will present his proposed fiscal year 2004 operating budget.

The afternoon and evening sessions will begin with a public forum, during which members of the public can address the board on topics for which there is no formal hearing process.

Speakers are asked to sign up in advance.

Information: 410-313- 6682. To sign up: 410-313-7197.

The board will begin the evening session with a public hearing on the proposed 2003-2004 school calendar. The proposal will be posted on the school system Web site, www.howard.k12. md.us.

Those who want to testify at the hearing should sign up in advance at 410-313-7197, or at the time of the hearing. Anyone who wants to make a presentation should provide 15 written copies of the testimony at the time of the presentation.

Information: 410-313-6682.

Police group gets gift for work on sniper case

The Howard County Police Foundation received a donation of $1,000 on Dec. 10 from the PTA Council of Howard County. The donation was made as an expression of gratitude for the department's work during the sniper investigation.

The money will help sponsor a police event recognizing the efforts of police officers and other department employees.

School board to hold informal meetings Jan. 8

The Board of Education of Howard County will hold informal meetings with two community groups Jan. 8 in boardroom A at the Department of Education, 10910 Route 108 in Ellicott City.

At 7 p.m., the board will meet with members of the Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee. At 8 p.m., the board will meet with the executive board members of its own Citizens Advisory Committee.

The meetings are open to the public.

Information: 410-313-7197.