Posted on by BMES PTA
Testify on HB1084 on March 20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. re: MCPS Calendar Changes (Please note the window to sign up is tomorrow, March 20 and not March 22 as previously stated.)
MCPS is seeking a legislative solution to its school calendar challenges, House Bill 1084, and this bill has passed the House of Delegates and will be heard by the Senate EEE Committee on March 24. Anyone can sign up to provide written testimony, oral testimony (in-person or virtual), or both. We urge you to share your thoughts as this affects every student in MCPS.
The Ed Committee Chairs are recommending submitting “Favorable With Amendments” testimony. We know extra June days — some of them half days — have all kinds of downsides, but we don’t think MCPS should get a pass from important state requirements for next year and beyond — requirements that ensure our students receive enough instructional time. But you should feel empowered to fully support the bill or oppose the bill, or even take a more neutral “For Information Only” stance if you’d like.
Below is more background, and instructions for how to submit testimony on the bill.
Ed Committee Chairs One-Pager on MCPS Calendar Changes
Ed Committee Chairs Memo on MCPS Calendar Changes
How to Provide Written and Oral Testimony
- Step 1 – Create a MyMGA account. Click here for a tutorial.
- Step 2 – Your written testimony must be a PDF file.
- Step 3 – Sign Up to be a Witness:
- On the left of the screen, click “Witness Signup.”
- Check the box that corresponds to the appropriate bill.
- Under “Organization” put write “self” or your organization.
- Under “Position,” select your position.
- Under “Testimony,” select whichever applies to you.
- Upload File. It must be in PDF form.
- Click the “Save” button near the top
- DEADLINE: March 20, 6 pm. (The bill will only be available to select on this day from 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
Learn more about the MCPS calendar including important considerations for the Board of Education in this Substack article, “Why is the calendar like this?”