FEI was surprised and dismayed to learn that members of the BOE have been treated with incivility as they perform their important civic duty of school boundary adjustments. FEI strongly condemns such behavior. It is not at all representative of our members or the thousands across Howard County who have peacefully advocated against extreme redistricting for valid and evidence-based reasons. We should not let the unfortunate actions of a few justify dismissing the legitimate concerns of thousands of constituents.
To the Board of Education: We thank you for the personal sacrifices you make and the countless hours of work you continue to dedicate on behalf of all of our County’s children. We implore you to recognize that the more students you choose to move, the more harm posed, and the more difficulty in healing our community. Please take the approach to move the fewest students necessary to address capacity, and then separately embark on a true equity plan using proven strategies.
To our community: We urge you to continue to vigorously and peacefully advocate for the well-being of all children. Your dedication and civic engagement on behalf of our County’s children is to be applauded. Continue to engage in this process by emailing the BOE at redistricting@hcpss.org and attending work sessions. And as we look to the future, join FEI in ongoing efforts to continue to improve education for all children in Howard County.