November 26, 2008

Dear MSD Community,

I wish to share with each of you several highlights at MSD.

The 2009 Maryland General Assembly (commencing on January 14th and adjourning on April 13th) will review State agency budgets including MSD’s school budget for fiscal year 2010.  This legislative session will be a challenging one as our State legislators will strive to balance the State budget during an economy downturn.  I will keep everyone posted regarding MSD’s budget news in future community letters.  Please note that fiscal year 2010 begins on July 1, 2009 and ends on June 30, 2010.

For the fiscal year 2010 capital budget, MSD has requested $5,103,000 for the construction of a new cafeteria at the Frederick Campus, and $1,125,000 for the construction of the new athletic field and Main Building parking lot at the Columbia Campus.  MSD has also requested $121,000 in design monies for a new bus loop and parking lot at the Frederick Campus off South Carroll Street behind the Bjorlee Museum.

The construction of the new Frederick Campus Elementary/Family Education Building Complex is near completion.  The date for the first day of classes at the new complex and details regarding the date and time of the Elementary Building Dedication Ceremony will be announced in the near future.

The Building Naming Committee has been established consisting of MSD stakeholders in order to develop a list of names for the new Elementary School Building at the Frederick Campus and the Main Building at the Columbia Campus.  Nominations for names may be submitted to committee chair and MSD Deputy Superintendent Stanley C. Baker at bakerch@msd.edu.  Names will be recommended to the MSD Board of Trustees for their review at the May 8, 2009 Board meeting.

MSD’s Pilot Program for Deaf Students with Emotional Disturbance is tentatively scheduled to begin on January 20, 2009 with five students.  Interviews are now underway for the Behavioral Specialist and Teacher Aide positions.  Applications are still welcome for the Lead Teacher position.  Position vacancy notices are posted at www.msd.edu/employment.htm.

MSD is proud to host the 9th Annual Clerc Classic National Girls and Boys Basketball Tournament and Cheerleading Competition this January 15-17, 2009.  Eight schools from across the country and MSD will compete in a three-day tournament.  Opening games will be played at the Maryland School for the Deaf, Frederick Campus.  Semifinal and championship games will be played at Frederick Community College.  Schedule of matches will be posted in the near future at our website: www.msd.edu. 

MSD is also proud to host the American Society of Deaf Children (ASDC) conference in June 2011.  MSD Coordinator of Outreach Erin Buck is the chair of the conference, and MSD Community Relations Specialist Kriste Hartman is the assistant chair.  Both will attend the upcoming ASDC conference in June 2009 hosted by the Oklahoma School for the Deaf.

The next Parent/Superintendent Forum at the Frederick Campus is Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. at the Ely Building Seminar Room.  The next parent forum at the Columbia Campus is Monday, December 15, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. at the Main Building Multi-Purpose Room.  Interpreters will be provided at both forums.

On behalf of MSD, I wish you and your family very happy holidays!

Sincerely,

James E. Tucker
Superintendent