Teri Kranefeld
410-588-5203

HCPS seeks Advisory Committee Members, Application Deadline March 31

Feb. 25, 2010 -- The Board of Education of Harford County Public Schools is seeking applicants for membership on its Citizen Advisory Committees. Membership is open to all Harford County residents, including those without children in the school system. The Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee is open to any parent of a student with a disability and no formal application is needed.

Each committee will meet on a regular basis, or as necessary to accomplish its charge. New members are confirmed in late spring; members are assigned to one-, two-, or three-year terms. Regular attendance is vital to maintain the continuity and effectiveness of the committee. Residents of Harford County interested in serving as a member of any one of these committees should send a letter of interest to Mrs. Teri Kranefeld, Manager of Communications, Harford County Public Schools, 102 S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland 21014. Letters must include the name of the committee, complete contact information (name, address, telephone number) and background information containing: membership in community, social and civic groups; occupation; level of schooling; availability to attend evening meetings; and reasons for wanting to serve on the committee.

For parents and citizens interested in serving on the Special Education Advisory meeting dates will be posted on the HCPS calendar and all are welcome. The deadline for application is March 31, 2010. Following the Board appointments in May 2010, the Citizen Advisory Committees’ coordinators will notify all applicants of the results. A brief description of each Citizen Advisory Committee is listed below. Please contact the coordinator if you have questions concerning a specific committee.

Career and Technology Education
Coordinator: Mrs. Sue Garrett - 410-588-5289
Members of the Career and Technology Education Advisory Council serve as advisors, advocates, and reviewers for Career and Technology Education Programs which prepare students for further education and careers in current and emerging professions. The Council solicits participation from individuals representing businesses in the ten Maryland Career Clusters.

Family Life Education
Coordinator: Mrs. Sue Garrett - 410-588-5289
This committee participates with the school system’s Family Life Education Committee in decisions regarding materials to be used in the kindergarten through twelfth

Gifted Education
Coordinator: Mr. Eric Cromwell - 410-588-5354
The Gifted Education committee discusses and reviews the impact of the Gifted Education program on higher student achievement.

Safety and Security
Coordinator: Mr. Bob Benedetto - 410-638-4242
This committee provides input into program improvements and initiatives in the school system. It reviews existing procedures pertaining to safety and security.

Special Education
Coordinator: Mrs. Ann-Marie Spakowski - 410-588-5246
The Special Education committee works in conjunction with the requirements of IDEA in supporting an advisory council for parents of disabled students. The committee studies the impact of special education services, programs of instruction, service models, funding, and costs affecting the school system and its students. No application process is needed to serve on this committee.

As an advisory, each committee makes recommendations to the Superentindent of Schools.