Advocacy
from our PTA Council of Howard County representatives from CLES
Blene Bekure and Cindy LaFollette (ptachc@clespta.org)
Redistricting: HCPSS Boundary Review Process for the 2026-2027 School Year
Schools included in the boundary review:
CLES, Bryant Woods, Running Brook, Swansfield, Longfellow, Clemens Crossing, and Elementary Schools
Wilde Lake, Harper’s Choice, and Burleigh Manor Middle Schools.
Centennial and Wilde Lake High Schools.
“Howard County school officials present three redistricting options amid protests” - Baltimore Banner
Summary of the CLES PTA Executive Board Meeting with HCPSS
On July 2, 2025, the CLES PTA Executive Board met with HCPSS staff to discuss the Boundary Review and to field questions from the CLES PTA June survey. Find a summary of this meeting here:
Related Links:
Online Survey from HCPSS and Citygate GIS to give feedback on the 3 proposed scenarios2025 Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP)Boundary Review Report for the July 17, 2025, HCPSS BOE meeting (includes 3 proposed scenarios)HCPSS Office of School Planning School Locator (polygon map)Provide testimony to the Board of Education
HCPSS Community Engagement Meetings
HCPSS will present proposed scenarios, answer questions, and take feedback.
Monday, July 21, 6–7 p.m., Wilde Lake Middle School Cafeteria, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia
Wednesday, July 30, 6–7 p.m., Burleigh Manor Middle School Cafeteria, 4200 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City
Thursday, August 7, 7–8 p.m., Harper’s Choice Middle School Cafeteria, 5450 Beaverkill Road, Columbia
For those who are unable to attend a meeting, the presentation will be made available online the week of July 21.
Participate in Advocacy for Our Schools
The PTA receives questions like:
Why are all our fifth graders in portables this year?
How can we get a new playground and more green space for children to play outdoors in the shade?
Why isn’t Centennial Lane Elementary School on the 10-year long-plan master plan for capital funding in Howard County?
How can we share our thoughts about student cell phone policies?
Renovations are needed for the high school our children are districted to attend in a few years; these have been pushed back until 2036 when current kindergarteners will be high school seniors. What can we do to advocate for funding for important projects like this to happen sooner?
Whether you’ve asked these questions yourself or have other school-related concerns on your mind, joining the PTA is a great way to stay informed and to work with others to advocate for all students in Howard County.
Starting this school year, we’ll be sending updates at least quarterly to registered PTA members with answers to common questions that families are asking and key points from PTACHC meetings.
The PTA Council of Howard County (PTA-CHC) welcomes our participation on advocacy issues throughout the year. There are usually shortages of community members advocating to fund our school system both at the local (Howard County) and the state level. Multiple issues are raised each year; the PTA-CHC cannot tackle all of them. School PTAs can pursue their own advocacy efforts. Individuals are also encouraged to advocate as needs/concerns arise.
Please contact our PTACHC representatives (ptachc@clespta.org) for any advocacy related ideas or concerns. They can work with you on advocacy issues or bring them up with PTA-CHC.
All school community members are welcome to register to speak in person or virtually at school board meetings that are usually held twice monthly. You can register to speak up to 3 minutes at each meeting on almost any topic that you have concerns about. There are also opportunities to speak to the Howard County Council and state legislature. All are welcome.
Contact us.
Blene Bekure
Cindy LaFollette
CLES PTA representatives to the PTA Council of Howard County