News

Due to rapidly escalating benefits costs, effective March 31, 2026, the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has made the decision to discontinue coverage of GLP-1 medications used for weight management. Additionally, no new prescriptions for GLP-1 medications for weight management will be approved after Dec.1, 2025. 

Employees receiving GLP-1 medications for diabetes treatment will not be impacted by this change in coverage.  

This change in coverage may be a difficult transition for some people. Those who currently use a GLP-1 medication for weight management are encouraged to utilize the time before March 31, 2026, to discuss treatment options with their provider.

The HCPSS Benefits Advisory Committee (BAC) has been deeply involved in evaluating the impact of escalating costs associated with GLP-1 medications and recommended the discontinuation of coverage for weight management. The BAC is composed of representatives of the Board of Education, each of the employee bargaining units, and from the retired employees’ association.

Throughout the past two years, the cost to HCPSS for coverage of GLP-1 medications for weight management has increased from $485,000 over a three-month span, to over $3.6M over three months. Without adjustments, employee premiums were projected to increase by 19.5% and the increase for HCPSS for fiscal year 2027 would have been 25.5% or $47 million. With the proposed changes, the employee premium increase will be 13.3% and the HCPSS increased allocation will be around $30 million.  

With this change in coverage, the CVS Weight Management Program, which was previously announced with the goal of reducing GLP-1-related benefits costs, will no longer be in place.

A new circular is now available for all staff. Circular #2017 - Asbestos Notification 2025-2026 serves as notification, as required by law, of the availability for public review of Asbestos Management Plans for the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS).

HCPSS circulars are to share information when that information is needed by staff systemwide and is not specific to a particular school/location or position/job class. All HCPSS staff are responsible for adhering to the guidelines and procedures outlined in the circulars. Circulars are released on July 1, and subsequently as needed throughout the year. When a new circular is added, staff will be notified via Staff Hub post/email. Circulars are available anytime in Canvas (staff login required), which also can be accessed from the Staff Hub under the Services dropdown menu.

Helping people use their strengths to overcome obstacles and unlock their potential is Barbara Baker’s passion. That same passion to help people problem-solve and achieve has driven Baker’s nearly 20-year career with the Howard County Public School System.

Learn more about Barbara and how her passions drive her role as HCPSS’ Facilitator of Extended School Year Services in this HCPSS Staff Focus article.

This following information is applicable to veterans only. 

As we prepare to honor Veterans Day, we would like to recognize and celebrate the veterans among our HCPSS staff. To do this, we are collecting information from staff members who have served in the military. If you are a veteran and would like to share this information, please complete this brief form if you have not already done so.

Generative AI is supercharging both sides of cybersecurity. Attackers are using it to write highly convincing phishing messages, clone voices, and scale “smishing” (texts) and “vishing” (voice) scams far beyond what we’ve seen before.

The good news: defenders benefit from AI, too  through faster detection, smarter response, and better user awareness.

What to watch for:

• Polished, personal emails or texts that create urgency (e.g., “Act now!”) or request MFA codes, wire transfers, or gift cards.
• Voice cloning calls that sound like a colleague, leader, or family member asking for money or credentials, often with intense urgency.
• Deepfake video or audio in meetings or messages. Clues include subtle lip‑sync issues, odd pauses, or mismatched lighting.

How to stay safe: 

1. Slow down and verify. If a message or call asks for money, data, or codes, call the sender back on a number you already trust.
2. Use MFA everywhere and never share one‑time codes.
3. Be mindful of your voice online. Just a few recorded words can be enough to convincingly clone a voice.

Call to action:
Explore available training resources to learn more . If you have any questions, contact Technology Support at (410) 313‑7004 (option 4) or abuse@hcpss.org.

Learn more (trusted references):

• FBI IC3 PSA: Smishing & AI voice (vishing) campaign—what to look for and how to respond. Read the PSA
• FTC Consumer Advice: How to spot and handle AI voice cloning scams. Fighting back against harmful voice cloning
• Microsoft Security—Cyber Signals: AI‑powered deception trends and defenses. Issue 9: Emerging fraud threats & countermeasures
• Microsoft 365 Tips: What are voice‑cloning scams and practical ways to protect yourself. Voice cloning scams explained
• Optional (Reporting beyond HCPSS): You can also file a report with the FBI at IC3.gov. Internet Crime Complaint Center

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month held each October raises awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation. This year’s theme Building a Cyber Strong America highlights the need to strengthen the country’s infrastructure against cyber threats, ensuring resilience and security. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month encourages everyone to take increased ownership of enhanced online activity and the important security practices that come along with it. CISA’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month website and Cyber Essentials – basic cyber best practices for business leaders offers resources that you can utilize to keep yourself safe online

This month especially, we ask that you talk to others about how to “Be Cyber Smart” and be sure to share Cybersecurity Awareness Month resources throughout your community. 

! CALL TO ACTION ! Explore the resources available on the HCPSS KnowBe4 cybersecurity training platform under the Library menu. If after reviewing the resource you have any questions, contact Technology Support at (410) 313-7004 option 4 or TechSupport@hcpss.org

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, HCPSS staff who are members of CVS/Caremark plans and diabetic will have access to engage in the Transform Diabetes Care program to help take care of their diabetes and overall health.  

The program provides members with:

• Support from a Certified Diabetes Care Nurse;
• Two digital vouchers annually for preventive diabetes and hypertension monitoring visits at any MinuteClinic, the walk-in medical clinic located inside many CVS Pharmacy locations; and
• Access to the Health Optimizer mobile app which helps members monitor their blood glucose and blood pressure as well other interventions and supports.

Eligible members will receive more information from CVS/Caremark by mail in the upcoming months.

Contact the Benefits Office at benefits@hcpss.org or 410-313-7333 for questions. 

Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, HCPSS staff who are members of CVS/Caremark plans and interested in pursuing weight loss with or without GLP-1 medications will be required to enroll and engage in the CVS Weight Management program. This program will be offered at no cost to those enrolled and provide additional support to help members meet their goals and maintain healthy changes. Members will receive personalized nutrition counseling from a registered dietician in a virtual setting.  

Members who choose not to enroll in the program will need to pay the entire cost of the medication and it may not count towards their deductible or out-of-pocket maximum.

CVS/Caremark will notify impacted members and their prescribing providers by mail.  This notification will include information about how to download the Health Optimizer app to enroll in the CVS Weight Management program.  

Contact the Benefits Office at benefits@hcpss.org or 410-313-7333 for questions. 

During the Thursday, Sept. 25 Board of Education meeting, the fiscal outlook for the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Operating Budget was presented. This presentation is the first of many discussions with the Board and other stakeholders that will continue over the next few months prior to the presentation of the Superintendent’s Proposed Operating Budget in January 2026. 

Read the full news item.

The Howard County Board of Education at its meeting on Sept. 25, 2025, approved the appointment of Dr. Melissa Brunson as the Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) Executive Director of Special Education effective Nov. 3.  

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Brunson to the HCPSS team,” said HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes. “She is going to be a valuable addition to our community and help lead us forward as we implement the necessary adjustments and improvements within the Department of Special Education to better serve every student, staff member and family member.”  

Dr. Brunson currently serves as the Director of Special Education for Washington County Public Schools and brings more than 28 years of experience as a special education teacher, school-based leader and principal, and central office leader.  

“I am eager to collaborate with Dr. Brunson to advance the HCPSS Department of Special Education strategic plan priorities,” said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jennifer Webster. “Under her leadership, we will work diligently to accelerate student learning, increase staff support, and strengthen family and community engagement.”

Jennifer Riccardi, Acting Executive Director of Special Education, will continue to serve in this role until Nov. 3 and then will transition to her position as the Director of Elementary Special Education.  

“Jen has been a steadfast leader during this transitional time and I am truly grateful for the integral role she has played in supporting our special education community over the past several months," said Superintendent Barnes. “Her professionalism, expertise and passion will have a lasting impact on student outcomes, and I look forward to continuing our work together."

Here’s a little more about Dr. Brunson in her own words:

What attracted you to HCPSS? 

As both an educator and a parent in Howard County, I’ve had the opportunity to experience HCPSS from different perspectives. I’ve always admired the system’s commitment to innovation, inclusive practices, and genuine engagement with families and community partners. What stands out most to me is the dedication to meeting the diverse needs of every student. Those values deeply resonate with me, and they inspired my desire to bring my leadership experiences to HCPSS to help build on this strong foundation. 

What professional accomplishment from your career are you proud of? 

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is leading the creation of a central office support system designed specifically for schools. By putting collaboration protocols in place, making regular school visits, and facilitating structured consultations, we were able to provide job-embedded training and tailored supports that directly aligned with each school’s needs. This work strengthened the skills of staff working most closely with students, especially our neurodivergent learners, and built a stronger sense of shared responsibility. It not only deepened understanding of each school’s unique context but also helped create a culture where everyone felt accountable for supporting students with disabilities to succeed.

What do you hope to accomplish on behalf of students, staff and families in Howard County?

As the Executive Director of Special Education, my goal is to build on HCPSS’s strengths while making sure that every student, staff member, and family feels seen, heard, and supported. I want to ensure that decisions are always grounded in what is best for students, and that our schools continue to be places of belonging, growth, and opportunity. Ultimately, I hope to help create an environment where everyone—students, educators, and families alike—has the tools and support to thrive.