Fire Safety: Planning for People with Disabilities

By Sheldon Smith, Communications Committee

Like many communities across America, I’m sure Fairwood is home to several people with disabilities. While we as a community encourage everyone to plan for disasters like fire, I believe it’s especially important to understand the unique risks people with access and functional needs may have, and plan for keeping them safe during such an emergency.

The U.S. Fire Administration, part of FEMA, has provided a Fire Safety Checklist for People with Disabilities. I encourage everyone to visit this page, take the necessary steps to keep yourself or others with disabilities safe, and tell a friend or neighbor about this resource.

We want everyone’s Fairwood experience to be safe and enjoyable.

Related resources: 

• Fire Safety for Babies and Toddlers
• Fire Safety for People 50 and Older
• Install, Inspect, Protect

County Executive seeks applicatio​ns for Board of Education appointmen​ts

By Rushern L. Baker, III, County Executive

Recently, Governor O'Malley signed into law the Maryland House of Delegates Bill 1107 (HB 1107).  HB 1107 enables the County Executive to select the next Superintendent, who upon passage of this legislation, is now referred to as the Chief Executive Officer of the Prince George's County Public Schools.  The legislation also grants the County Executive authority to select the Chair and Vice Chair and appoint three new members to the Board of Education, while the County Council will have the ability to appoint one member.  

Residents who are interested in serving as appointed members of the Prince George's County Board of Education may submit an application.  The appointees, who must be County residents, will serve four-year terms.  Applications are available here on the County's website, in public libraries and at the County Administration Building upon request.  Applications should be emailed to educationboard@co.pg.md.us or mailed/delivered to the Office of the County Executive, County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772-3050.  All applications must be postmarked or date stamped by Friday, May 10, 2013. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The quality and reputation of a public school system is the "calling card" of any jurisdiction.  It is the reason why citizens and businesses decide to locate or remain in our County.  We must all work together and be laser focused on successful outcomes for our students.  I have been encouraged by the number of citizens who have voiced their opinions and ideas during our recent discussions and dialogues on school governance.  I hope that you will continue to be actively engaged in the future of public education in Prince George's County. Please feel free to write us at countyexecutive@co.pg.md.us or call 3-1-1 anytime with any questions, concerns, or ideas regarding school governance or any other issues you may have.