Blair Magnet Coordinator Ostrander appointment to Supervisor of Academic Programs (Regional Magnets), effective Feb 2026

[Anonymous]

Blair Magnet Coordinator Ostrander appointment to Supervisor of Academic Programs, effective Feb 2026

Will support the regional magnet programs.

[Anonymous]

Nice. So even though we're in a supposed budget deficit due to loss of some federal funding, can't afford to renovate schools (with the understanding that it comes from a different budget), and are potentially looking at larger class sizes for Title I schools (related to federal funding), they're still pushing for the regional magnets and all of the associated costs with it for staffing, bussing, etc.

[Anonymous]

And also segregating the schools in the proposed regions 2 and 5. Where they won't have access to the established countywide programs like they did before and also have a good portion of the struggling schools in their proposed regions.

Supposedly region 5 was bad enough that some QO posters complained when they got swapped into it with Damascus swapping out.

[Anonymous]

At least it is someone who understands challenges when building quality magnet programs. Maybe he will explain to them that they will need to hire good teachers first.

[Anonymous]

If they are going to do these regional programs, and they seem dead-set on it, this appointment seems like a good thing, I think? Central Office staff so far don't seem to have a clue about the realities of operating magnets, so it's good to have someone in charge with actual experience. What do folks who know him think about his strengths and weaknesses?

[Anonymous]

Please stay on topic. There are plenty of threads about the regional programs already. This one is about a concrete leadership announcement.

Is this a new role, or was someone replaced?

Where does it fit in the power structure?

[Anonymous]

Here's the job description

Boss is Ebony-Langford-Brown

https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/personnel/classification/descriptions/description.aspx?fn=0403-20250926

Under the direction of the Director of Academic Programs within the Division of Teaching and Learning, the Supervisor of Academic Programs provides leadership in the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of regional and countywide academic programs. The supervisor supports school-based regional program coordinators to ensure high-quality program design and delivery aligned with the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and the district’s strategic plan. The role includes supporting school-based staff, supporting equitable access to programs, leading cross office project teams and collaborating with schools and offices, and monitoring program outcomes. The supervisor also facilitates professional learning, stakeholder engagement, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen program quality and expand opportunities for students. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: None SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, to attend meetings and meet deadlines

[Anonymous]

There has not been an announcement of anyone taking over the Blair Magnet coordinator job.

So either it's a double job for this year, or they are still scrambling for a new coordinator.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Please stay on topic. There are plenty of threads about the regional programs already. This one is about a concrete leadership announcement.

Is this a new role, or was someone replaced?

Where does it fit in the power structure?

To me it is related. Because I thought they were going to vote on the regional model.

But isn't this a sign that they plan to move forward with the plan?

[Anonymous]

If he's being promoted into that position, that means the regional program model is pretty much guaranteed to move forward and that the vote in March is purely performative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nice. So even though we're in a supposed budget deficit due to loss of some federal funding, can't afford to renovate schools (with the understanding that it comes from a different budget), and are potentially looking at larger class sizes for Title I schools (related to federal funding), they're still pushing for the regional magnets and all of the associated costs with it for staffing, bussing, etc.

Regional magnets to support more students is good. The rest is not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he's being promoted into that position, that means the regional program model is pretty much guaranteed to move forward and that the vote in March is purely performative.

Votes aren't performative, they are perfunctory.

You shouldn't want a major change to pass or fail with a divisive vote. You should want a consensus to be reached.

Any objections to the plan should be resolved and publicized well before the vote.

[Anonymous]

That means the budget can't be as bad as they say it is if they can afford to implement the regional model. That's good to know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That means the budget can't be as bad as they say it is if they can afford to implement the regional model. That's good to know.

Agreeing to do something dosnt cost money. Doing the thing costs money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please stay on topic. There are plenty of threads about the regional programs already. This one is about a concrete leadership announcement.

Is this a new role, or was someone replaced?

Where does it fit in the power structure?

To me it is related. Because I thought they were going to vote on the regional model.

But isn't this a sign that they plan to move forward with the plan?

It's been clear for months that it's a done deal, this doesn't tell us anything we didn't already know about that.

Frankly this seems like the best news I've:heard about their regional programs plans in ages, but I'd love to hear more insight from folks who actually know him and have thoughts on how he will approach this.