08/11/2026 - GCPS Board of Education Meeting

The Garrett County Public Schools Board of Education held a meeting on August 11, 2026, which included an executive session focused on confidential personnel matters such as staffing recommendations, tenure considerations, and salary reviews. In the public session, the board reviewed student achievement data including new kindergarten readiness assessments, MCAP and AP test results, and discussed instructional priorities. A significant procurement-related discussion involved the introduction of a new social emotional learning curriculum called Wayfinder, which was selected after a thorough evaluation of vendors to ensure fiduciary responsibility and alignment with district goals. The curriculum, valued at nearly $160,000, was obtained at no cost through partnerships and grants, with plans for phased rollout starting with counselors and social workers, eventually expanding to teachers and students K-12. The board noted that public review and comment on the curriculum would precede final approval. No contract awards or direct purchasing decisions were made during this meeting, but the adoption of the Wayfinder curriculum represents a key procurement-related initiative for the district.