Chapter 7

AGENCY COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT REPORT

Office of Legislative Oversight

VII. Agency Comments on the Draft Report

OLO circulated a draft of this report in December 1997 to the Superintendent of the Montgomery County Public Schools. This chapter includes the written comments received on the draft report in their entirety, beginning on the next page. The final report reflects all of the technical corrections received from MCPS staff.

             Montgomery County Public Schools
             850 Hungerford Drive
             Rockville, Md.

             January 14, 1998
                                                            
             Mrs. Karen Orlansky, Director
             Office of Legislative Oversight
             100 Maryland Avenue
             Rockville, Maryland 20850

             Dear Mrs. Orlansky:

             Thank you for providing me an advanced copy of vour report entitled A Review of Montgomery County
             Public Schools'Class Size Data.  I find it to be very thorough and balanced in describing a
             very complex process.  Indeed, the report reflects much preparation and investigative work.

             It is important that the public understand the way schools are staffed and what is meant by "class
             size."  I appreciate your mentioning my class size initiatives in your report.  It is my hope that                                     
             addressing class size for key instructional areas will raise educational performance in Montgomery
             County Public Schools (MCPS).

             Thank you for including input from MCPS staff.  Staff will be available to review the report with
             the Education Committee and the County Council.


                                                          Sincerely,



                                                          Paul L. Vance
                                                          Superintendent of Schools

             PLV:jtt

             Copy to:
               Mrs. Gemberling
               Mr. Bowers
               Dr. Seleznow