“[On first day of school year 2019-20], I visited schools across the county and saw the excitement of students, families, educators and administrators. From the first day of school until the final day of classes, we are working every day to support the whole child, set high academic standards and help propel our students’ dreams beyond their expectations.
“As I begin my first year as chief executive officer, I am excited to implement the Blueprint for PGCPS to improve student outcomes and create an environment where teaching and learning can thrive.
“This year, we need everyone in the PGCPS community — families, civic leaders, business professionals — to be present and active in our students’ lives. Over the course of the next year, I look forward to meeting more students and families, visiting more schools and continuing to build on our progress.”
Best School Board
Goldson congratulated Allenwood Elementary third grade teacher Ms. Johnson for her “Words with Friends”-inspired board, which earned the “CEO’s Choice for #PGCPSBestBoards.”
“I love this one as it incorporates student’s name to make them feel important and show they are all connected! @EsAllenwood,” Goldson said in a Sept. 5 tweet.
Facilities Upgrades
One of Prince George’s County Public Schools’ most pressing concerns is making upgrades to its facilities that are decades overdue.
With the support of County Executive Alsobrooks and County Council, Prince George’s County government and PGCPS, $25 million to $30 million a year will be invested for the next 30 years in school construction funds, the school system’s largest infrastructure investment in generations.
Over the next 10 years, more than 30 schools in the district will have renovations done.
Teacher Compensation
PGCPS is offering a restorative salary increase to all employees who lost steps during the economic downturn at the beginning of the decade yet remained with the school system.
School officials said PGCPS has been working through the downturn over the past decade, as numerous cost-savings strategies were used to limit the impact on students and schools, including a “freeze” on employee salary increases from 2009 to 2012.
To rectify the situation, PGCPS has allocated $13 million for fiscal 2020 to recruit and retain the best employees to serve the county’s children and families.