Changes in the Compulsory School Attendance Age
Changes in the compulsory school attendance age were passed into law by the Maryland General Assembly and Governor through Senate Bill 362 in 2012. Students and parents are reminded that beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, every child residing in St. Mary's County between the ages of 5 and 16 must attend school during the entire school year. This applies to students who turn age 16 on or after July 1, 2015. The only exceptions are students enrolled in a nonpublic school or home instruction.
This raises the drop out age to 17. The intent is to reduce the number of students dropping out of high school and increase the number of high school graduates. Many states have already increased their age of compulsory attendance to age 17 and/or age 18. Maryland will increase the age to 18 beginning with the 2017-2018 school year.
Administrative Appointment Announced
Superintendent of Schools, Mr. J. Scott Smith, announces the administrative appointment made by the Board of Education at its meeting of August 26, 2015.
Ms. Sarah Weisner has been appointed Assistant Principal I (11 month) at Margaret Brent Middle School. She most recently served as an Instructional Resource Teacher at Margaret Brent Middle School. Since joining St. Mary's County Public Schools in 2007, she also taught English at Leonardtown Middle School and Great Mills High School. Ms. Weisner earned her Master's degree from Towson University and her Bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University.
This appointment will become effective Monday, August 31, 2015.
St. Mary's County Public Schools' Ethics Panel to Meet
The St. Mary's County Public Schools' Ethics Panel will hold a meeting on Thursday, September 3, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in the Fiscal Services/Human Resources Conference Room A, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650. For more information, call 301-475-5511, ext. 32247.