News Release: Chief Executive Officer Issues Boundary Recommendations

November 2, 2022
For Immediate Release

CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org

Board of Education to vote Nov. 10 on proposal 

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Today, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson released final recommendations for the Comprehensive School Boundary Initiative after weeks of community input.

The consultant team’s preliminary recommendations were released in late September. Dr. Goldson’s major 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.

“Feedback from families and staff members was essential to fine-tuning these recommendations,” said Dr. Goldson. “While there is no perfect scenario, our hope is to present a plan that positions Prince George’s County Public Schools to address enrollment changes over the long-term.”

The Boundary Initiative will conclude with the CEO’s recommendation to the Board of Education on Thursday, November 10. 

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; 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 final recommendations were originally slated for Board consideration and approval in spring 2022. However, due to Board vacancies, the timeline was moved to this fall.

Ten community meetings were held in 2021 to develop the preliminary plan. Among the key themes that emerged were aging and substandard school facilities, impacts of overcrowding/overutilization, and specialty programs access and equity. 

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.