On August 19th, 2022, Superintendent Dr. Maria Navarro was featured in a CCPS video sharing important information pertaining to the school district, which covered topics such as the free and reduced lunch program, tutoring programs, BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), student laptops, the updated 22-23 Student Code of Conduct, and transportation.

Principals and administrative staff throughout the county immediately followed suit by informing families of the new policies prior to the start of this school year. Students, parents, and staff alike have expressed displeasure when discussing these changes. While there are members of our community who take no issue with these policies, there are those who have expressed various concerns regarding these policies- students, parents, and staff members alike.

This petition was created by SGA student leaders from multiple CCPS high schools. We have been paying very close attention to the opinions of CCPS staff, students, parents and community members on the new policies. A representative from each school has created a Google Forms survey, (chiefly for students), which asks them about their thoughts and feelings regarding the new policies. From this, we have gathered some data that we would like to present directly to the BOE in support of our cause.

We respectfully ask that Superintendent Dr. Maria Navarro and the Charles County Board of Education take our concerns seriously, and consider being open to negotiation on the backpack/bag carrying policy in particular, as cellphone usage is not a main point of contention for us at the moment.

EX: Revise the no-bag and hand-sized bag policy to allowing students to carry clear/transparent book-bags alongside the already provided laptop sleeves.