PGCPS Discusses 2025-2026 Priorities During Legislative Day
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) hosted its annual legislative day on Nov. 8 to inform state and county officials on academic goals and priorities for the upcoming school year. County school leaders rolled out a list of priorities and projected financial assistance needed to maintain the school system’s commitment to students, teachers, staff, and families.
Superintendent Dr. Millard House II said that he and the Board of Education are preparing for a future without COVID-19 relief funding and the potential of serious financial cuts.
“We don’t even know what those funds are looking like from the state as of yet, but we’re anticipating some numbers that might come in,” said House.
State Senator Alonzo Washington (D- District 22), Delegate Nicole Williams (D- District 22) and Councilmembers Jolene Ivey (D- District 5) and Ingrid Watson (D- District 4) were among the legislative leaders spotted in attendance during the event, listening to school officials layout plans and challenges they hope to address.
For instance, more than half of county school buildings are at least 40 years old and Project Management Supervisor Will Smith emphasized the need for continual maintenance to keep these buildings in operation.
Another unique goal for this upcoming year is providing vape detectors in all high schools.
“We need your support in partnership in the funding and we need your support and partnership in making sure that we have the resources to do what we know is right,” said PGCPS Chief Academic Officer Dr. Judy White of the school system’s efforts.
Courtwatch PG Provides Accountability, to Collaborate with District Program
Life After Release’s Courtwatch PG program has been in effect for years, and while their accountability efforts gained attention when famous singer Fiona Apple became a volunteer, goal to monitor fairness, transparency, and accountability within the judicial system has remained at the forefront of their work.
Now, court watching in the DMV is joining forces, as the Prince George’s organization, according to their September newsletter, is collaborating with Courtwatch DC.
During courtwatch, volunteers monitor and document aspects of the legal process, including how cases are handled, the overall treatment of those held in county jails, and the behavior of judges, prosecutors, attorneys, and the charging police.
“When people are having their worst day at their most vulnerable, at the very least somebody should be there with them, be a witness and don’t let them go through it alone,” Apple told the Washington Post in February 2023.
Court watchers aim to identify disparities in judicial decisions, such as bail amounts, charges, detention rates, sentencing patterns and county jail treatment. The watchers analyze their findings to generate reports that highlight patterns of inequality or inconsistencies in judicial practices. These reports have been presented to legislators in previous years and have helped pass policies including an end to cash bail.
“As court watchers, our role encompasses not only the critical task of identifying instances of inequity but also the responsibility to acknowledge and document the positive practices within the judicial system which has also been successful,” said Dr. Carmen Johnson, director of Court Watch & Judicial Accountability. “This balanced approach strengthens public trust in the court-watching initiative, underscoring our unwavering commitment to a justice system that serves everyone equitably.”
Johnson said the organization is seeking more volunteers to assist in observing court proceedings.
“Our success as court watchers in Prince George’s County has yielded significant, impactful results for our community and this is why we want to extend our reach to the whole state of Maryland, all 24 counties. True success in this endeavor means ensuring that all courtroom participants uphold the rule of law and that loved ones standing before the courts are treated with dignity and respect. Over time, we have fostered a positive, constructive presence in courtrooms, where the courts increasingly welcome our observers. This growing comfort is essential, as it reflects the value of accountability and transparency. Our presence is a reminder that justice must be pursued in public, as injustice can happen in empty courtrooms,” said Dr. Carmen Johnson.