Issues
We are currently actively involved with the following Key Issues:
Prevailing Wages - There is a new Maryland Law which requires new construction to include labor being paid at current prevailing wages. According to Dr. Ecker, that will increase the labor costs associated with new schools in Carroll County by approximately 15 - 20%. Sadly this money is unlikely to be spent compensating Carroll residents as the majority of labor used in building new schools for Carroll County is from out of state.
Full Day Kindergarten - Maryland has issued a directive requiring all day kindergarten for Carroll County schools. There is much discussion on this subject including but not limited to academic value, transportation, increased teacher requirements (approximately 40), financial requirements (approximately 8 - 10 million dollars annually), and child fatigue. Your opinions are requested.
High School Assessments - There is much discussion regarding the proposed requirements for successful completion of standardized high school assessments as a pre-requisite for high school graduation and receipt of diploma. The underlying issue is that not all students will satisfactorily complete these standardized tests. Of special concern are those students who are challenged academically and those who do not test well. Make your voice heard.
Eligibility - Recommendations for changes to the curricular and extra-curricular eligibility requirements for CCPS