HHS-PS Committee Work Session Summary—Monday July 19th

Members of the Public Safety and Health and Human Services Committees met today to continue their discussion of how to better address the needs of mentally ill individuals, who have committed minor offenses, through the possible establishment of a Mental Health Court (a court with a specialized docket for eligible defendants with mental illnesses) or other programs with the goal of decriminalizing mental illness and increasing treatment compliance. The expected outcome from such efforts is to reduce recidivism by treating the underlying root causes of behaviors that bring defendants to court.

BACKGROUND:

The joint Committee last met on the topic in October 2009, when it received presentations from Dr. Fred Osher, from the Council of State Governments Justice Center; Art Wallenstein, Director of the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation; and Uma Ahluwalia, Director of the Department of Health and Human Services. It was noted then that this critical issue was also raised in the 2002 Report from the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Mental Health.

The study (Osher) found that the rate of current serious mental illness (such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and psychotic disorder) for male inmates across all five study sites was 14.5% and for females 31%. In the first phase of the study (2002-2003), 18% of male inmates and 28% of female inmates in Montgomery County were found to have serious mental illness. In the second phase of the study (2005-2006) 8% of male inmates and 21% of female inmates were found to have serious mental illness.

PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

A. In addition to a presentation on FY10 Clinical Assessment Triage Service (CATS) data highlighting that 22% (1,833 persons) of those arrested were bi-polar and 15% (331 persons) had mental health disorders, two very important questions—in a policy paper by Dr. Raymond Crowe1, Montgomery County’s Chief of Behavioral Health and Crisis Services—framed the discussion between Committee members, mental health advocates and administrators, “Is Montgomery County ready for a mental health court?” and “What can we do short-term to better serve the needs of the justice-involved persons with mental illness?”

B. There were discussions about Dr. Crowel’s suggestion that the Criminal Justice Behavioral Health Initiative (CJBHI) be asked to serve as the collaborative work group to develop recommendations on strategies to support a mental health court or “mini-mental health court” that might use another mechanism, such as placing a case on the stet docket (a docket, maintained by the state’s attorney’s office, in which the court indefinitely postpones trial of a criminal charge), as an incentive to comply with treatment while addressing the court’s concern about additional workload. (The County’s Intervention Program for Substance Abusers (IPSA) places the cases of certain misdemeanor drug offenders on the stet docket while they complete a required program. If they are successful, the case is dropped, if not, the case may move forward. These cases require no special docketing by the District Court.)

C. The primary challenge to the creation of a Montgomery County mental health Court has been insufficient judicial system support. No effort to create a mental health court can succeed without the active participation of district court judges, the state’s attorney, and the public defender’s office. Paul DeWolfe, Jr., Office of the Public Defender, has sent a memorandum to State Public Defenders giving them greater latitude to become involved in specialty courts, including mental health and drug courts. This change may represent an opportunity to build legal system support for a mental health court. Citizens will need to lend their voice to that of advocates to rally support from the Sate and judicial system.

D. In the short-term, a recommended best-practice solution is to conduct a small pilot using existing resources to brief the District court, and implement other court-based initiatives, and include a “stet (inactive court) docket”. With the support of an interested and willing judge, prosecutor, and public defender, and a case manager provided by DHS.

Please review the session packet for more recommendations and details; and contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with your questions regarding this HHS-PS Committee session.

HHS-PS Committee Work Session Summary—Thursday June 24th

Members of the Public Safety (PS) and Health and Human Services (HHS) Committees received a briefing on the County’s current efforts to coordinate gang suppression and intervention activities across County departments, local municipalities, and neighboring jurisdictions including Prince George’s County.

BACKGROUND:

On May 26, 2010, Education Committee Chair Ervin requested that the Public Safety Committee discuss the coordination of gang suppression, prevention, and intervention activities due to recent alleged gang activity in the Silver Spring/Takoma Park area. The scope of the presentation was narrowed to focus on the coordination of suppression and intervention efforts for youth who are or have been gang-involved.

PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

A. Assistant Police Chief Wayne Jerman shared several gang crime statistics, including that during the 1st Quarter of 2010, there were 54 criminal incidents reported which were classified as gang-related incidents. These included crimes committed by an individual who is a gang member or associate, and crimes committed to benefit the gang, gang status, or for financial gain in furtherance of the gang. For the most recent reporting period, the 3rd District had the most reported gang incidents with 20, followed by the 6th District with 13.

B. Presently, Montgomery County receives funding from five primary gang grants, and all are used for three aspects of gang prevention, suppression, and intervention.

C. There is a pending Congressional Earmark for a Bi-County Gang Task Force with Prince George’s County. The grant would fund a MCPD Sergeant and two gang investigators, a Takoma Park Police gang investigator, a SAO Gang Prosecutor, and Correctional Gang Intelligence Officer, Gang Analyst, and Data Entry positions. The grant award is $2.7 million to be split evenly between Montgomery County and Prince George's County. If awarded, Montgomery County will share the funds between Law Enforcement/Suppression and HHS/Intervention.

D. There was a positive highlight on the integration of Regional Informational Databases and other technology, the chief of which was GangNet. The GangNet database allows gang-related information to be correlated, analyzed, and acted upon. The information can also confirm gang membership, size of the gang, regional movement/recruitment by gangs, types of crimes different gangs commit, gang territory, locations where gang members are stopped, vehicles used by the gang members, and can assist the State's Attorney’s Office at sentencing.

E. Councilmember Trachtenberg enquired whether any efforts were being extended in determining whether young people who became involved in gangs had a correlative history of family violence, substance abuse, or poverty in their homes. She expressed her support for the continued collaboration between public safety and health and human services organizations in formulating solutions that identify and intervene in the lives of young people. Kate Garvey (Health and Human Services), in responding, expressed that there has been some progress but she hoped that the future would bring a single service system.

F. Captain Dave Gillespie (Dept. of Police) felt that most intervention is based on age appropriate techniques that came from best practices. Warden Green told the Councilmembers that gang violence had its own dimensions within the correctional system; and when left to itself, it grows like poison—prevention/suppression/intervention funding and re-entry action are all necessary for the present and future well-being of Montgomery County.

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with your questions regarding this HHS-PS Committee session.

HHS-PHED Committee Work Session Summary—Tuesday June 22nd

The Health and Human Services (HHS) and Planning, Housing & Economic Development (PHED) Committee met on Tuesday, June 22 regarding the Review of the Use of the Silver Spring Civic Building by the Round House Theatre.

BACKGROUND:

Both committees received a presentation from the Executive staff, Round House Theatre representatives and comments from the Chair of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board regarding the Round House Theatre’s use of the new Silver Spring Civic Building and additional space in Silver Spring.

A few weeks prior to the work session, the Council received a letter from the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board (SSCAB) expressing concern about two issues related to the opening of the new Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza. They felt that if Round House was going to receive the use of additional space at the Civic Building (which other groups might be able to use if Round House were not there) the County’s Lease Agreement with Round House should require that Round House contribute to the community. Additionally, the SSCAB reviewed the proposed fees for other spaces in the Civic Building and was concerned that the fees were too high for most community groups.

Several Broader issues that were discussed included the extent to which the County assisted non-profit organizations; and there was contemplation on the following:

• The Round House Theatre is one of several arts and humanities organizations that receive substantial assistance because it is located in space owned by the County. Moreover, many organizations do not have the advantage of being in County space and must obtain and pay for space on their own.
• Some non-profit organizations that provide other types of services are housed in County space and others are not.
• Round House Theatre has been charging other nonprofits to rent the space that was leased to them by the County (for free at two Silver Spring locations, and for a $1 annually at a Bethesda location) and keeping the proceeds as revenue.
• Silver Spring has several very active non-profits which either have no space or inadequate space, while Round House is about to get more space.

DISCUSSION SUMMARY:

A. The Executive Office, represented by Diane Schwartz –Jones, said they would maintain the agreement established with RHT, and that there would be evaluations on what would be fair modifications in light of changing fiscal climate and the fees paid by other nonprofits of equal maturity to RHT.

B. The SSAB recommended that stakeholder discussions be held on policy implications for the use of community space and to have a conversation that establishes clearer criteria for the accommodation of diverse arts and nonprofit community groups.

C. Most Councilmembers were in agreement that a re-evaluation of expectations was in order of what the County can feasibly continue to support, as it pertains to subsidizing leases and utility bills of nonprofits.

D. The Council asked Ms. Schwartz-Jones to provide a follow-up report on the final deal struck with RHT on their lease agreement at the new Civic Building.

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with your questions regarding this HHS-PHED Committee session.

Joint HHS/PS Committee Work Session— Thursday June 24, 2010

A joint work session of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee and Public Safety Committee (PS) will be held on Thursday, June 24 at 2:00PM in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room to discuss the following item:

• Coordination of Gang Suppression and Intervention

The following individuals are expected to attend:

• Assistant Chief Wayne Jerman, Department of Police
• Captain Dave Gillespie, Department of Police
• Deputy Chief Jeffrey Wennar, State’s Attorney’s Office Gang Unit
• Uma Ahluwalia, Director, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
• Kate Garvey, Chief, Children, Youth and Families, DHHS
• Edward Newsome, Director of School Performance, Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)
• Robert Hellmuth, Director, Department of School Safety and Security, MCPS

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial), or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov, with your questions or concerns regarding this joint PS-HHS Committee session.

Joint HHS/PHED Committee Work Session— Tuesday June 22, 2010

A joint work session of the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED) Committee and Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee will be held on Tuesday, June 22 at 2:30PM in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room to discuss the following item:

• Review – Use of the Silver Spring Civic Building by the Round House Theatre

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial), or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov, with your questions or concerns regarding this joint PHED-HHS Committee session.

HHS Committee Meeting Work Session—Monday, June 21, 2010

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee, on which Councilmember Trachtenberg serves, will meet on Monday, June 21, at 2:00PM in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room to discuss the following item:

• Executive Regulation 7-10, Eating and Drinking Establishments - Nutritional Labeling

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS Committee session.

Silver Spring Declared “Capital for a Day”

Silver Spring joined the ranks of several Maryland cities, towns, and communities, in being named “Capital for a Day” on Thursday June 17th by Governor Martin O’Malley. The “Capital for a Day” program was launched in 2007 to “bring the State Capital to every corner of Maryland through a series of monthly events.”

Accompanying Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett in extending welcome to the municipality, were interim Montgomery College President Hercules Pinkney and several members of the Montgomery County Council and the Maryland State delegation. Governor O’Malley’s official Cabinet meeting was held in the early afternoon at the Montgomery College Performing Arts Centre, where members of the Executive Cabinet publicly briefed the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on their respective meetings with local counterparts throughout the day. Governor O’Malley declared, “Silver Spring is such a great example of the type of revitalization that is possible when we come together as One Maryland to rebuild and restore our economy, helping our businesses create and save jobs, and improving the conditions under which business can create or save jobs. That’s why strengthening our local partnerships is absolutely critical...”

During the Cabinet meeting, the County Executive emphasized the $900M plus gap that was recently closed for the FY11 budget, and appealed for respite from any further cuts from the State to County funding as they would significantly impact operations and cause greater difficulty in providing needed service to residents and the most vulnerable. Senator Jamie Raskin, who represents Silver Spring, joined Mr. Leggett in celebrating the visible changes and economic developments that have made Silver Spring an entertainment and cultural center destination, and noted that it was only possible because of the impetus and collaboration between the State and the County through supportive funding. An underlying message to the Cabinet was the dire need to fund and grow transportation infrastructure in Silver Spring and parts of Montgomery County; and for the inclusion of business owners, large and small, in the Governor’s recently created Commission on Small Business.

The Governor’s Cabinet Meeting for the Silver Spring’s “Capital for a Day” ended on two high notes: the first being an elaborate unveiling and demonstration of the Visit Maryland Interactive Map (www.visitmaryland.org)—which portrays Heritage Areas, Main Streets, Arts and Entertainment Districts, Civil War Trails, agri-tourism businesses, state and national parks, historical and cultural museums, interpretive signs along the Star-Spangled Banner Byway, and several other highlights under the banner of One Maryland—and the second was a Proclamation reading and plaque presentation. The Proclamation will hang at the Silver Spring Civic Building at One Veterans Plaza.

Saschane Stephenson and Alan Bowser represented Councilwoman Trachtenberg at the Governor’s Cabinet meeting in Silver Spring.

For more information highlighting state investments in Silver Spring, quotes, and the day’s activities, see the official press release Governor O’Malley Declares Silver Spring Maryland’s ‘Capital for a Day’ here.

Summary: Tuesday May 18—HHS Agenda Items—FY11 OB Council Session

Members of the County Council addressed the following items under the Health and Human Services (HHS) division of the Recommended FY11 Operating Budget.

• Department of Health and Human Services
• Early Childhood Services, Infants and Toddlers, Child Care Subsidies, School Health Services, Linkages to Learning, Public Private Partnerships, Foster Care Transportation, and the Kennedy Cluster Project
• Resolution to establish the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding HHS Committee matters and agenda items.

HHS Committee Work Session FY11 —Wednesday May 5th

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee, on which Councilmember Trachtenberg serves, will meet on Wednesday, May 5, at 2:00PM in the 3rd Floor Council Committee Room to have discussions on the following items within the FY11 Operating Budget:

• DHHS deferred items and budget adjustments
• Libraries: Noyes Library

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS Committee session.

Updated: Joint ED/ HHS Committee Work Session—Tuesday, May 4—FY11 Operating Budget

Updated: A joint meeting of the Education (ED) Committee and the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee will be held on Tuesday, May 4, at 1:45PM in the 3rd Floor Council Committee Room to discuss the following item within the FY11 Operating Budget:

• Early Childhood Services: Centro-Familia, Family Services, Inc
• CIP: School Based Health and Linkages to Learning

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with your questions, concerns, or issues regarding this joint ED-HHS Committee session.

Joint ED/HHS Committee Work Session—April 30—FY11 Operating Budget

A joint meeting of the Education (ED) Committee and Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee will be held on Friday, April 23, at 9:30AM in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room to discuss the following item within the FY11 Operating Budget:

• CIP Cost Sharing Project: Old Blair Auditorium
• Early Childhood Services, School Health Services, and Public Private Partnerships - SHARP Street Suspension Services
• Conservation Corp

Should you have any questions, concerns, or issues regarding this joint PHED-HHS Committee session, please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Joint PHED/HHS Committee Work Session—Today—FY11 Operating Budget

A joint meeting of the Planning, Housing & Economic Development (PHED) Committee Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee will be held on Friday, April 23, at 9:30AM in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room to discuss the following item within the FY11 Operating Budget:

• Housing First
• Hosing Initative Fund (HIF)

Should you have any questions, concerns, or issues regarding this joint PHED-HHS Committee session, please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and will also be available via streaming through the County Web site.

HHS Committee Work Session—April 21, 2pm—FY11 Operating Budget

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee, on which Councilmember Trachtenberg serves, will meet on Wednesday, April 21, at 2pm in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room to discuss the following items within the FY11 Operating Budget:

(1) NDA: Arts and Humanities (This item will be available online on the morning of April 21st)
(2) Public Arts Trust
(3) CIP adjustment: Cost Sharing, and State Match Community Grants
(4) CIP adjustment: Cost Sharing - Olney Theatre

The following individuals are expected to attend:

Suzan Jenkins, CEO, Arts and Humanities Council
Jacqueline Carter, CIP Manager, Office of Management and Budget
Beryl Feinberg, Office of Management and Budget
Pooja Bharadwaja, Office of Management and Budget
Jacqueline Carter, Office of Management and Budget

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS Committee session.

The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and will also be available via streaming through the County Web site.

Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee Meeting on FY 11 Operating Budget

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee, on which Councilmember Trachtenberg serves, will meet this afternoon at 2pm in the Third Floor Council Conference Room to discuss two items in the FY 11 Operating budget:

• Public health services (continued from April 12th)
• Aging and disabilities services.

Those expected for this worksession:
Uma Ahluwalia, Director, Department of Health and Human Services
Dr. Ulder Tillman, Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services
John Kenney, Chief, Aging and Disabilities Services
Kim Mayo, DHHS Management and Budget
Beryl Feinberg, Office of Management and Budget
Pooja Bharadwaja, Office ofManagement and Budget
Trudye-Ann Durace, Office of Management and Budget

This worksession will be televised live on County Cable Montgomery (Channel 6 on Comcast or 30 on RCN and Verizon).

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS Committee session.

Health and Human Services Committee – Report on Worksession

The Health and Human Services Committee met yesterday, in the first of several committee worksessions deliberating County Executive Leggett’s funding recommendations for the HHS department and partner organizations. For FY11 the County Executive is recommending an appropriation of $246, 759, 450 for DHHS, which represents an overall reduction of about 8% from the FY10 approved budget.

At this session, the Committee’s discussions examined details representing the proposed 13.7% reduction in HHS Administration and Support Services, and included:

• Transfer of staff to the MC311 Call Center
• Changes in general funding and award dollars to programs and initiatives under the Office of Community Affairs—including general health outreach, several ethnic health programs/initiatives; and an after-school program in Rosemary Hills.

During the session, Councilmember Trachtenberg said “We are in a very challenging period and in a traumatic environment in which we must focus on the delivery of services to the most vulnerable. These are not strangers—they are our neighbors, our friends and our family members.” Councilmember Trachtenberg also expressed concerns about the likely disenfranchisement of those served by mental health and disability service agencies; and additionally joined colleagues in tabling several items for reconciliation.

The details of the proposed budget recommendations can be found in the April 12th Committee packet. A summary of determinations will be made available by Council staff. The Committee will continue its discussions on remaining items for the Department of Health and Human Services at the next committee session on Thursday April 15th at 2PM.

Councilmember Trachtenberg Meets with Reproductive Health, Education, and Advocacy Work Group

Councilmember Trachtenberg met with several members of the Reproductive Health, Education, and Advocacy Work Group, as a follow up to their report on Reproductive Health Services in Montgomery County.

The report, released in January 2010, describes the current landscape of reproductive health services in the County and provides insight into the strengths and needs of service delivery sites, as well as perceptions of barriers women face when accessing or trying to access services. Additionally, the report provides a basic assessment of family planning clinics in Montgomery County and examines the gaps in meeting current needs.

On Monday April 5th, 2pm, a formal presentation--with opportunities for questions--will be made to the Council's Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee by lead investigator Dr. Susan Wood. Among the findings to be disclosed is the need for providers to focus on improving services to women, as well as the vital need to increase outreach to women in the County's expanding diverse communities.

Trachtenberg Office Attends 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Montgomery Housing Partnership

Members of the Trachtenberg staff were in attendance at the emotionally stirring 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP), held at the Bolger Center in Rockville last evening. Hosted by Catherine Legget, and several key business and community leaders, over 500 attendees cheered the unwavering dedication of past and present MHP advocates to provide affordable housing opportunities to Montgomery County residents. Several moving testimonies reiterated the often over-looked significance that having a place to call home changes lives not only for civil servants, but also for vulnerable individuals, families, and their children. Representing Duchy Trachtenberg were Alan Bowser and Saschane Stephenson.

Trachtenberg Joins Leaders in Celebrating Family Justice Center Service

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg attended a celebratory reception at the Montgomery County Family Justice Center (FJC), joining several instrumental county leaders who worked collaboratively to open the Center’s doors over 9 months ago. Trachtenberg shared with the audience that the Center was an ambitious vision in her first term in office and, looking ahead, she anticipates its expansion. The FJC serves as a comprehensive one-stop service shop for victims of family/domestic violence and their children.

Located at 600 Jefferson Street, Suite 500, Rockville, Md., the center co-locates multiple agencies to provide coordinated advocacy, law enforcement, civil legal services and social services for wrap-around support for families. To date, the FJC has served over 1300 individuals and families in crisis. Chief Deputy Sheriff Darren M. Popkin, Ambassador Connie Morella, Health and Human Services’ Director Uma Ahluwahlia, and FJC co-founder Casey Gwinn were among the reception attendees.

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg and Ambassador Connie Morella

Trachtenberg Office Attends Meeting of Safety Net Coalition

The Trachtenberg Office was represented at a meeting of the Safety Net Coalition held yesterday evening in the Council Office Building. The Safety Net Coalition is a broad-based coalition 65 of health and human services organizations in Montgomery County.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for Councilmembers to hear directly from members of the Coalition about the work it is doing to positively impact the lives of our neighbors in the community -- particularly during these difficult economic times.

The meeting, in support of the Safety Net, lasted just under two hours and included service providers and recipients—a formerly homeless individual now able to independently support his sons, a recovered substance abuser who now works as a volunteer rescuing others, parents of children with severe mental health challenges, an ESOL student who now earns a better wage, a single woman who adopted 5 children with varying social and mental challenges, and a wheel-chair bound mother who cried as she disclosed the hope counselors provided bringing her back from the edge of suicide.

The meeting was organized by the Mental Health Association of Montgomery County, Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, Interfaith Works, and Jubilee Association of Maryland, on behalf of the Coalition.

Our Director of Communications, Saschane Stephenson, represented Councilmember Trachtenberg.

Celebrating Roscoe Nix

The Trachtenberg Office attended an inspirational tribute to legendary Montgomery County educator and civil rights activist Roscoe Nix on the evening of Thursday March 4th, held at the Roscoe Nix Elementary School in Silver Spring. Among his many friends in attendance were County Executive Isiah Leggett, County Council President Nancy Floreen, Councilmembers Valerie Ervin, George Leventhal and Marc Elrich, former Councilmember Ester Gelman, former Board of Education President Paul Vance, and past Montgomery County NAACP President Linda Plummer. Our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser represented Councilmember Trachtenberg.

From the Roscoe Nix Elementary School website – Roscoe R. Nix has spent most of his life helping those less fortunate and providing a voice for those who may be afraid to speak for themselves. Mr. Nix took on many roles to be that voice. He provided distinguished leadership in public education in Montgomery County for decades. Mr. Nix served on the Montgomery County Board of Education from 1974 to 1978, being only the second African-American to win election. He sought improved educational opportunities and early childhood initiatives to support increased local resources for Head Start, Title I and lower class size in the elementary grades.

Roscoe R. Nix also served as president of the Montgomery County Branch of the NAACP from 1980 to 1990. During his NAACP tenure, he conceived the idea and was instrumental in creating the African American Festival of Academic Excellence, which celebrates academic achievements of African American Students.

Roscoe R. Nix has been married for over 50 years to Emma Nix. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. They continue to reside in Montgomery County.

"Blessings come to people through someone else's help or through some unknown entity. Because of that, it is our obligation to use whatever it is that one of us has to help those who are less fortunate or who may be afraid to speak for themselves."

--Roscoe R. Nix

Visit the website of the Roscoe Nix Elementary School http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/nixes/about/nixbiography.aspx.