BOARD OF EDUCATION OF FREDERICK COUNTY
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NOTICE TO READERS - Following Robert's
Rules of Order, the official minutes of the Board of Education reflect
the actions of the Board. For details
regarding a particular meeting, the Board encourages individuals to obtain
videotapes which are readily available from the Frederick County Public
School System's Instructional Materials Center located at 7630 Hayward Road,
Frederick, Maryland. All regular
Board of Education meetings are broadcast on Cable, Channel 18. |
REGULAR MINUTES
August 27, 2003
PLANNING SESSION
The Board of Education of Frederick County met in the Administrative Conference Room at 2:05 p.m. In attendance were President Ronald W. Peppe, II, Vice President
Jean A. Smith, Bonnie M. Borsa, Donna J. Crook, Linda S. Naylor, and Michael E. Schaden. Daryl A. Boffman entered the meeting at 3:25 p.m. Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer; Judith A. Ricketts, Administrative Director; and
Michael T. Lapsa, Student Representative to the Board of Education, entered the meeting at
4:00 p.m.
Dr. Dale explained the discussions with the Board of County Commissioners on Maintenance of Effort and the agreement reached on one-time, non-recurring funds for FY 05, and he responded to Board members’ questions. Mrs. Naylor requested that the school system’s auditors review this agreement. Dr. Dale noted that this would occur as part of the regular audit.
Staff
present were Jamie Cannon, Executive Director of Legal Services; Ray Barnes,
Executive Director of Facilities Services; and Joseph Dattoli, Facilities
Manager.
100.6
Master Plan Accountability and Continuous
Improvement
Following further review and revision, the Board unanimously adopted the policy as follows:
The board shall maintain a master plan for the system. The master plan shall be based upon the vision and goals for the system articulated by the board.
Prior to the commencement of the formulation of the annual budget, the superintendent shall provide an annual report to the board that describes the level of attainment of each of the goals, and other information about students, schools, and the system that the board may request.
The board shall review this information, and will consider both the performance of individual students and overall system performance, including each demographic subgroup of students as defined by current law and regulation or as requested by the board. The board will use this information to assist in the preparation of the budget for the following year, to assure that resources are directed to where they are most needed and effective.
The board will also review the appropriateness of the measurements of the goals each year, and shall adjust these measurements as needed.
Reports of system and student performance will be made easily available to the public. The board will solicit comments from the public concerning the annual performance report.
Staff will develop appropriate learning strategies, curriculum and instruction based on the results of student, school, and system performance, and each year the board shall consider these proposals for inclusion in the master plan for the system.
The Board agreed with the policy wording as revised:
The county shall be
divided into appropriate school attendance areas by the board. With the
exception of some special programs, students are expected to attend the school
assigned based on their primary residence.
The superintendent will prepare regulations concerning attendance
areas. If the superintendent of schools
determines that the number of out‑of‑district students attending
child care centers is a significant factor in causing enrollment pressures
within a specific school attendance area, the superintendent shall reassign
those out‑of‑district students before moving students whose
permanent residence is within the attendance area.
The Board agreed to have a further discussion on the list of priorities.
Staff in attendance were Ray Barnes, Executive Director of Facilities Services; Lynn Carr, Curriculum Specialist for Physical Education, Health, and Athletics; and Tom Sherald, Catoctin High School Athletic Director.
Mr. Barnes presented information regarding the Athletic Fields Improvement Study including project history, the outcome of research presented to the Board in the spring of 2001, and field use by community groups at the elementary, middle and high school levels. He provided the findings of the consultant on fields at the middle and high school levels.
(Daryl Boffman entered the meeting.)
Mr. Barnes noted that there are wide varieties of field conditions among the schools and said there are not adequate resources available for ongoing maintenance and field repairs. He provided recommendations to improve field conditions.
In response to Dr. Schaden’s question, Mr. Barnes detailed coordination of scheduling and noted that all basic maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of Frederick County Public Schools.
Mrs. Naylor asked about allowing businesses to take over fields in exchange for business advertising. Mr. Barnes responded that he believes we are open to this idea, but have not received many requests. Advertising on scoreboards is being done.
Mr. Peppe suggested that the upkeep of the fields needs to be a joint effort with the city, county, and the Board of Education, and that this topic should be placed on a joint meeting agenda with the Board of County Commissioners.
Dr. Schaden stated that he did not think there had been a safety issue at Frederick High School. He stated that we are dealing with contact sports and there will be injuries either way. He also noted that students have played on fields that were not of high quality before. Mr. Peppe stated that there are statistics showing that increased accidents were happening. He stated that he personally would not know if something is unsafe, but he wanted to hear from the professionals on the safety of the fields. Mr. Barnes noted that it is important to set the level of quality that we feel is appropriate for our sports program.
Dr. Borsa sated that she is hearing discussion of safety issues and injury rates and the Board needs support information before any decision is made. She further noted that we need to consider parents’ opinions on child safety and that a public hearing should be held to receive comments.
Dr. Dale noted that decisions must be made on level of expected maintenance, costs to maintain fields at that level, and frequency of use. There must be a balance between no use and overuse consistent with the resources to maintain the fields.
Dr. Schaden stated that the Board needs to have dialogue with the Board of County Commissioners and the city. He noted that there is one group that has spent thousands of dollars on the fields at Frederick High School and they are now being told that they cannot use the fields. He stated that he was not in favor of excluding any sports from playing this fall, particularly the league that wants use of the Frederick High School Stadium for four days.
Mr. Carr noted that staff has worked with the group and is providing the use of the field at Tuscarora High. Dr. Schaden stated that without use of the Frederick High School stadium, the group would lose gate receipts and profits from concessions. Mr. Carr spoke of the committee report restricting use of the fields at Frederick High School and Gov. Thomas Johnson High School due to compaction and safety issues and that a decision must be made to protect the integrity of the fields and our students. He opposed reopening the door to provide unlimited public use of fields without the ability to protect the fields.
Mrs. Crook and Mrs. Naylor supported making an exception for one group. Dr. Dale discouraged making an exception as others also wanted the same exemption. Mr. Peppe stated that the group referred to by Dr. Schaden was treated the same as all other groups. Mrs. Smith supported Mr. Peppe’s comments.
Dr. Dale stated the Board should have a set of standard criteria for making decisions at multiple fields. The fields are not closed casually, but based on the knowledge and judgments of a centralized group of people as to whether or not they need to be closed.
The Board agreed to have the recommendations posted on the Web site for public comment, to send out those recommendations to a variety of user groups for comment, and to hold a town meeting on the issue. Mr. Peppe suggested that the Board of County Commissioners and the city join the Board for this meeting.
The meeting was recessed at 4:30 p.m. and was reconvened at 4:43 p.m.
Michele Krantz, Associate Superintendent, presented a report on elementary demographic issues and the definition of high poverty schools. Ray Barnes noted where and which schools have a higher level of poverty and where the Board of Education may wish to take action to mitigate high concentrations of poverty in some elementary schools. He presented census data on poverty levels by school district and Free and Reduced Meal data on the system’s schools.
Dr. Krantz presented possible actions, and Mr. Barnes presented criteria for consideration in decision-making.
Mr. George Yourick spoke of the addition of 93 apartment units at the corner of Himes and Butterfly Lane and the possibility of 40 more townhouses to be built in the Hillcrest area. He recommended a plan for redistricting Hillcrest Elementary School for socioeconomic balance, and distributed a copy of Mrs. Yourick’s letter to the Board.
Mr. Peppe noted that Mr. Yourick's recommendation being presented by staff is Plan B.
Mrs. Gail Colby stated that she feels this is one of the most important decisions that this Board will make.
Following discussion, the Board agreed to have staff give further consideration to the following recommendations: Targeted Redistricting, Pair Schools to Create Primary and Intermediate Schools, and Close Targeted Schools.
Mr. Peppe requested that if Board members have additional suggestions that they be given to Dr. Dale or Dr. Krantz as soon as possible.
The meeting was recessed at 5:25 p.m. and was reconvened at 5:35 p.m.
Mrs. Smith asked the members of the Curriculum and Instruction Committee if the Educational Specifications for Urbana Elementary are to be brought to the committee or full board for presentation. The committee requested that the matter be presented to the full board on September 24, 2003.
In response to Dr. Schaden’s question on bus savings, Dr. Dale indicated that staff is going through an analysis that will be shared with the Board this fall.
In response to Dr. Borsa’s question, Dr. Dale stated that staff would design options on field use for consideration prior to the town meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
The Board of Education met in the Board Room at 6:04 p.m. All Board of Education members were in attendance. Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale; Nuala McCarthy, Recording Secretary; Michael T. Lapsa, Student Representative to the Board of Education; and Michael L. Cady, County Commissioner Liaison to the Board of Education.
Mr. Peppe called the meeting to order, and the Pledge of
Allegiance was recited
at 10:09 a.m.
The agenda was unanimously approved.
Mr. Peppe announced the time and place of the
Closed Session, cited the section of the law for closing the meeting, and noted
the topic discussed.
Mr. Yourick opposed the dropping of the D grade and supported adjusting the percentage values of the letter grades. He also noted the disparity in the numbers selected for valedictorians in each high school and said that the valedictorians need to be equitably distributed. Mr. Yourick congratulated Carroll County Board of Education for having the courage to stand up to the state against unfunded full-day kindergarten.
Mr. Minnis spoke of the proposed Special Education Treatment Program for the upcoming Urbana Middle School and requested a public hearing on this program to present evidence serving social and educational goals.
Mr. Zaruba spoke on the early start times for high school students and referenced his earlier communication to the Board with research on this topic. He requested that this topic be placed on the next agenda for public discussion.
Commissioner Cady thanked everyone for a job well done in the opening of schools.
He expressed his desire for the Board of Education and the Board of County Commissioners
to form a bond, and requested that a member of the Board of Education attend Board of
County Commissioner meetings particularly when the Board of Education is on the agenda. Commissioner Cady commended the staff involved in implementing full-day kindergarten
in Frederick County. Dr. Dale commended Dr. Michele Krantz and her staff on this implementation.
Dr. Dale noted that he would be sending an invitation to the Board of County Commissioners to join the Board in the creation of the school system’s base budget.
The Regular Minutes of July 30, 2003, were unanimously approved.
Greg Solberg, Supervisor of Career and Technology Education, spoke regarding the Skills, USA Championship event held in Kansas City, Missouri. He listed the placement of Frederick County Public Schools’ students who participated.
Candy Zentz, Marketing Instructor, Career and Technology Center, introduced Michael Boyd of the Toastmaster International Youth Organization and mentor to Skills USA who recognized Fran Hessler and Jessica Zentz. Ms. Hessler and Ms. Zentz presented their award-winning speeches.
Earl Miller, Principal, Career and Technology Center, commended Ms. Hessler and
Ms. Zentz and stated that students can achieve if you expect them to achieve and give them the support.
PRESENTATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CHARITIES’ ANNUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Karen Murphy, Development Manager, Community Health Charities of Maryland, presented the Community Health Charities’ Annual Achievement Award for 2002 to Frederick County Public Schools in recognition of the donations made by Frederick County Public Schools’ employees.
R. Daniel Cunningham, Jr., Associate Superintendent, discussed the One-Year Evaluation of New High School Requirements. Steve Hess, Director of Curriculum and Evaluation, made a presentation of quantitative and qualitative data gathered from the last school year, and presented results of the survey conducted of 613 high school teachers and staff recommendations. Nancy Dietz, President of the Frederick County Teachers Association, spoke regarding the request for input from the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA) on this matter. Gary Brennan, FCTA Vice President, and Jon Evans, FCTA member, presented the results of the survey of 100 teachers of 150 who were randomly selected. The FCTA took no official position on this issue.
Dr. Schaden thanked Mr. Hess and the FCTA for their presentations and noted the disparity between administrators and guidance counselors concerning the dropping of the “D” grade. Mr. Hess provided rationale for this disparity noting that this policy has resulted in an increased workload for the counselors.
Dr. Schaden moved to bring the “D” grade back. Ms. Naylor seconded the motion.
Mr. Peppe called a point of order noting that the topic is not listed on the agenda for action, and he suggested time be given for the public to respond.
Mr. Boffman stated that since any action would not occur this year, he felt the public should be given a chance to provide feedback. Ms. Naylor asked that a date be set for action.
Mrs. Smith recommended that the Board hold a public hearing prior to action.
Dr. Schaden stated that he wanted action to be taken as soon as possible.
Dr. Borsa stated that the FCTA could not make a decision due the 50/50 split and that they indicated that more time is needed for it to work. She stressed that there is a policy in place, and the Board should not keep moving it around. She pointed out that there have been increases in student achievement. She asked if we reverse the decision, what is it going to cost in time, dollars, etc.
Mr. Boffman stated that if change is justifiable, it has to be changed.
Dr. Schaden called for the question.
At Mr. Peppe’s request, Commissioner Cady clarified parliamentary procedure on the point of order.
Mr. Peppe asked for a vote on whether the Board should make a decision at this meeting.
Dr. Schaden, Mrs. Naylor, Mr. Boffman, and Mrs. Crook agreed that the motion be acted on tonight. Mr. Peppe, Mrs. Smith and Dr. Borsa opposed. Mr. Lapsa voiced opposition to this motion.
Dr. Schaden moved to return the “D” to our grading system as soon as possible.
Mrs. Naylor seconded the motion.
After heated discussion, Mrs. Smith moved to amend this motion to wait for a public hearing on the issue. Dr. Borsa seconded the motion, and the motion failed with Mrs. Smith,
Dr. Borsa, and Mr. Peppe in favor. Mrs. Crook, Dr. Schaden, Mrs. Naylor, and Mr. Boffman opposed.
Dr. Schaden stated that he felt the decision to drop the “D” grade was a bad one when originally made. Dr. Schaden restated his motion. Mrs. Naylor affirmed her second to the motion. The motion carried with Dr. Schaden, Mrs. Naylor, Mrs. Crook, and Mr. Boffman in favor. Mr. Peppe, Mrs. Smith, and Dr. Borsa opposed. Mr. Lapsa voiced his opposition to this motion.
Commissioner Cady stated that he will not comment on the decision, but he commended
Mr. Lapsa on his
participation.
The Board
unanimously approved the consent agenda.
Staffing Changes
Textbooks
Facilities
and Finance Committee
Bids
Printing Supplies for the Printing Department – Renewal
Unit Price Contract for Concrete – Renewal
Unit Price Contract for Bituminous Concrete – Renewal
Bottled Water and Dispensers – Renewal
Miscellaneous Disposable Service Ware Products
Cafeteria Supplies – Miscellaneous Small Kitchen Wares
Miscellaneous Breakfast and Lunch Foods
Ala Carte and Vending Products
Linganore High School Tennis Court Renovation
Governor Thomas Johnson High School Tennis Court Renovation
Presentation of Fiscal Year 2004 Construction Capital Budget as Approved by the Board of County Commissioners
Staffing
Changes
Adamiak, Stacey, CASI/Secondary Curriculum Specialist
Rhodes, Elizabeth, Assistant Principal; Walkersville High
Harper, Adrene
Drew, Jennifer
Czaban, Andrea; Twin Ridge Elementary – effective July 28, 2003
Fleming, Melanie; Carroll Manor Elementary – effective July 22, 2003
Kramer, Janice; Ballenger Creek Middle – effective July 29, 2003
Lohr, William; Urbana High School – effective August 18, 2003
McCoy, Meghan; North Frederick Elementary – effective August 4, 2003
Straub, Mary; North Frederick Elementary – effective July 28, 2003
French, Jona; Instructional Technology – effective July 25, 2003
Hoagland, Judith; Frederick High – effective July 1, 2003
McNamara, Amber; Thurmont Elementary – effective July 15, 2003
Palczynski, Elizabeth; Urbana Elementary – effective August 14, 2003
Rendick, Ryan; New Market Middle – effective July 1, 2003
Pierce, Malinda; Middletown High – effective August 11, 2003
Adams, Margaret; Yellow Springs Elementary
Allwardt, Ruth; Parkway Elementary
Benedict, Kathy; Urbana Elementary
Biser, Amber; Twin Ridge Elementary
Caincross, Patricia; Waverley Elementary
Chafin, Marjorie; South Frederick Elementary
Chellis, Angela; Thurmont Middle
Cox, Alison; Oakdale Middle
Daly, Kristen; Career and Technology Center
Dean-Rimel, Laura; New Market Elementary
Diesel, Geralyn; Parkway Elementary
Doolittle, Erin; Hillcrest Elementary
Dowery, Bridgette; Career and Technology Center
Draper, Linda; Middletown Middle
Fitzwater, Diana; West Frederick Middle
Fournelle, Joy; Thurmont Middle
Funk, Michele; New Market Middle
Gardner, Amanda; Orchard Grove Elementary
Glaser, Gabrielle; Governor Thomas Johnson High
Graff, Thomas; Oakdale Middle
Grim-Rhoades, Jill; Emmitsburg Elementary
Grossnickle, Leann; Deer Crossing Elementary
Haines, Charity; North Frederick Elementary
Handy, April; Linganore High
Hargett, Elizabeth; Urbana Elementary
Hilker, Colby; Hillcrest Elementary
Hill, Jennifer; Kemptown Elementary
Hood, Stephanie; South Frederick Elementary
Hosfelt, Patricia; North Frederick Elementary
Impala, Kristin; North Frederick Elementary
Ketrow, Devon; Frederick High
Kitsko, Leanne; New Midway/Woodsboro Elementary
Kravetzker, Frances; Monocacy Valley Montessori
Lail, Kevin; Catoctin High
Lindahl, Gina; Walkersville Middle
Main, Allison; Open Contract
Mauk, Leesa; South Frederick Elementary
McNally, Laura; Whittier Elementary
Moore, Carolyn; Linganore High
Orlando, Jane; Glade Elementary
Pape, Tara; North Frederick Elementary
Plata, Miguel; Frederick High
Ptaszkiewcz, Beth; Deer Crossing Elementary
Purdum, Amy; Brunswick Middle
Rawlett, Amanda; North Frederick Elementary
Raymond, Mary Anne; Thurmont Primary
Reddinger, Elisabeth; Twin Ridge Elementary
Reeder, Janet; Career and Technology Center
Reese, Margaret; New Market Elementary
Reich, Nathan; New Market Elementary
Renn, Brian; Thurmont Middle
Rios, Brandon; Catoctin High
Romanell, Angela; North Frederick Elementary
Roper, Susan; Urbana High
Shaff, Marilyn; Middletown Middle
Siedling, Kara; Glade Elementary
Skopek, Peter; Windsor Knolls Middle
Smith, Robyn; Ballenger Creek Middle
Smith-Edwards, Kim; Governor Thomas Johnson Middle
Taylor, MayEllen; Catoctin High
Trigger, Kevin; Thurmont Middle
Turose, Amy; Brunswick Elementary
Vora, Erin; Walkersville Middle
Walker, Nicol; Catoctin High
Weingarten, Amy; West Frederick Middle
Yokobeak, Dana; Ballenger Creek Middle
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS
The following textbooks were on public display at the C. Burr Artz Public Library
July 28 – August 3, 2003:
Basal
Barnett, Raymond A., et al. College Algebra with Trigonometry,
Seventh Edition.
McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Supplementary
Shannon,
David. A Bad Case of STRIPES.
Blue Sky Press, 1998.
BIDS
Renewed as indicated on the renewal summary at an estimated total of $18,184.45, based on bid quantities.
Renewed with RFP, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, on a unit-price basis in an unspecified amount, as indicated on the award summary.
Renewed with RFP, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, for an unspecified total, as indicated on the summary of award.
Renewed with Crystal Springs Water Company at the prices indicated on the summary of award.
Awarded to various vendors as indicated on the summary of award at an estimated total of $68,107.60.
Awarded to various vendors, as listed on the summary of award in the estimated amount of $12,094.41.
Awarded to Carroll County Foods in the amount of $327,988.75.
Awarded to various vendors at an estimated amount of $213,081.75 as indicated on the summary of award.
Awarded to the apparent low bidder, The American Asphalt Paving Co., Inc. of Baltimore, Maryland, in the total amount of $124,787.00.
Awarded to the apparent low bidder, Craig Paving, Inc. of Hagerstown, Maryland, in the total amount of $98,100.00 (Base Bid + and Alternate 2).
Jamie Cannon, Executive Director of Legal Services, presented the Public Charter School Act of 2003 that was signed into law by the Governor on May 22, 2003. The model policy was mirrored after our Board of Education’s policy.
Ms. Crook moved to adopt the policy for Frederick County as amended. Mrs. Smith seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved. The policy as adopted is attached.
Mr. Peppe recommended that the Board revise the Board of Education Meeting Calendar for June 2004 due to conflicts with high school graduations. He recommended that the meeting dates be changed to June 16 and June 30. The revised dates were unanimously approved.
Mrs. Smith commended the Transportation Department for a job well done. She stated that the Board gave them a huge task; there are still concerns, but she asked the public to be patient while Transportation resolves the issues.
Dr. Schaden commented that none of the Board members enjoyed making high school students get up earlier. He noted that the system has saved money and traffic problems have been alleviated in some of our worst intersections.
Mr. Peppe noted that discussion on field use will be back on the agenda for a joint meeting with the Board of County Commissioners. He stated that the Board will need to discuss the matter further since there are serious issues with overuse and that a town meeting will be held.
Mr. Peppe apologized to Mrs. Naylor concerning the comment made during the discussion on the “D” grade about elected school boards.
Dr. Dale stated that effective immediately the “D” will be reinstated. He has instructed staff to begin upgrading software and revising grading schedules. This action will not be retroactive to the prior school year.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
Jack D. Dale
Secretary-Treasurer
Ronald W. Peppe, II
President
Judith A. Ricketts
Administrative Director