Dr. Monica Goldson Delays the Closure Of A Bowie Elementary School - Issue #52
Delayed Closure
About two weeks ago, Bowie residents and activists gathered at Pointer Ridge Elementary school to protest its potential closing. More context here.
Today, Dr. Monica Goldson, CEO of the Prince George's County Public School system, said in an email blast to parents and community members that she was delaying the closure until fall 2024.
Per email, here is what was written:
CEO Issues Boundary Recommendations
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson today released final recommendations for the Comprehensive School Boundary Initiative after receiving community feedback on the preliminary plan developed by the consulting team.
Dr. Goldson’s changes include:
Delaying the consolidation of Concord and Pointer Ridge elementary schools until fall 2024, placing the schools on the same timetable as Rose Valley Elementary;
Allowing rising fifth and eighth grade students who would be impacted by boundary changes to remain at their current school for the final year. Transportation must be provided by parents. Siblings will be permitted to remain at the current school for that year only;
Eliminating boundary changes at 29 schools that would have impacted fewer than 20 students at each school.
The recommendations prioritize addressing overutilization across Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and consolidating a small number of schools as needed. If approved, these recommendations will create boundaries for six middle schools opening in fall 2023 and two middle schools opening in fall 2024; reduce the number of temporary classrooms; allow the school system to increase prekindergarten openings; and align the sixth grade with middle schools. Most changes would impact severe overcrowding in the northern part of the county.
This is the school system’s first boundary analysis since 2008. In 2019, the Prince George’s County Board of Education requested an impartial analysis of strategies to reduce overcrowding and expand seats through the Blueprint Schools Program. Consultant WXY and Public Engagement Associates were hired to facilitate the analysis and community input alongside the PGCPS Boundary Advisory Committee.
The Comprehensive School Boundary Initiative included 165 neighborhood schools. Specialty schools, regional schools, charter schools and special education centers were excluded; high school boundary changes were not considered.
The School Boundary Initiative will conclude with the CEO’s recommendation to the Board of Education on Thursday, Nov. 10.