BOARD OF EDUCATION OF FREDERICK COUNTY

 

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

 

July 30, 2003

 

SPECIAL MEETING

 

            The Special Meeting of the Board of Education was held in the Administrative Conference Room at 10:09 a.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.  All Board of Education members were in attendance except Daryl A. Boffman was absent.  Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Superintendent/ Secretary-Treasurer; Nuala McCarthy, Recording Secretary; and Michael T. Lapsa, Student Representative to the Board.  Michael L. Cady, County Commissioner Liaison to the Board of Education, was absent.

 

            Mr. Peppe called the meeting to order at 10:09 a.m.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

            The agenda was unanimously approved as amended.

CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT

 

  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.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR GENERAL GOOD AND WELFARE

 

 There were no public comments.

 

COUNTY COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

 

Commissioner Cady was not present at this meeting.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

The Regular Minutes of July 9, 2003, were unanimously approved.

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

            The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda as amended:

 

            Staffing Changes

            Textbooks

 

            Facilities and Finance Committee

                  Bids

                        Copiers and Duplicating Equipment – Renewal

                        Computer Supplies – Renewal

                        Heating Oil

                        Restroom/Storage Building at Tuscarora High School

                        Construction of Tuscarora Elementary School – Partial/Final

                        Propane Gas Renewal

                        Emmitsburg Elementary School Storage Building – Rejected

     Property and Casualty Insurance

                  Appointment of Construction Management Firm for Middletown Primary

                  Appointment of Construction Management Firm for Urbana HS igh Addition

                  Governor Thomas Johnson High Construction Manager Contract

                  403(B) Tax Deferred Annuity/Disability Insurance Approved Providers for

                        FY 2004

Revisions to Policy 107.8 – Disposal or Relocation of Unused School System

     Property

Terms of Contract Bus Operations

Waiver for Competitive Quotes for Strategic Funding Solutions, LLC

           

Staffing Changes

 

Administrative Appointment – Effective July 16, 2003

 

            Brady, Don, Assistant Principal; Frederick High

Duffy, Elizabeth, Assistant Principal; Governor Thomas Johnson High

            Suter, Trese, Assistant Principal; Governor Thomas Johnson Middle

           

Retirement – Effective October 1, 2003

 

            Haney, Paula

 

Resignation From Leave – Effective July 1, 2003

 

            Lagana, Jill

 

Resignation

 

            Albaugh, Bonnie; Thurmont Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Barth, Kara; Ballenger Creek Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Bohinc, Tiffani; Thurmont Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Cavanaugh, Lori; Walkersville Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Caviness, Kay; Windsor Knolls Middle – effective July 15, 2003

            Dalgewicz, Alissa; New Market Elementary – effective July 15, 2003

            Dibbern, Marsha; Brunswick Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Dodson, Angela; Urbana High – effective July 13, 2003

            Duckworth, Kevin; Thurmont Middle – effective July 15, 2003

            Esh, Melinda; Spring Ridge Elementary – effective July 1, 2003

            Franklin, Cynthia; Walkersville Elementary – effective July 15, 2003

            Gallagher, Thomas; New Market Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Liddick, Gary; Governor Thomas Johnson High – effective July 1, 2003

            Longnecker, Randy; Governor Thomas Johnson High – effective July 15, 2003

            McAdams, Carla; Monocacy Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Mooney, Shelton; Thurmont Middle – effective July 15, 2003

            Potash, Martin; Frederick High – effective July 1, 2003

            Rice, Julia; Spring Ridge Elementary – effective July 15, 2003

            Richard, Angela; North Frederick Elementary – effective July 15, 2003

            Sadtler, Jennifer; Monocacy Elementary – July 14, 2003

            Smallwood, Elizabeth; North Frederick Elementary – effective July 1, 2003

            Spilman, Marci; Deer Crossing Elementary – effective July 1, 2003

            Widdowson, Lynn; Maryland St. Dept. of Ed – effective July 11, 2003

 

Leave

 

            Cairns, Jenny; Oakdale Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Carlisle, Laura; Walkersville High – effective July 15, 2003

            McKeever, Christina; Myersville Elementary – effective July 1, 2003

            Pence, Kristina; Ballenger Creek Middle – effective July 15, 2003

            Rhinehart, Melissa; West Frederick Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Rhinehart, Robert; Brunswick Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Thayil, Dominique; Frederick High – effective July 1, 2003

 

Extended Leave

 

            Pippen, Belinda – effective July 1, 2003

 

New Teacher Contracts – Effective August 19, 2003

 

Barbour, Sarah; Waverley Elementary

Bennett, Marla; Governor Thomas Johnson High

Berezuk, Melissa; Monocacy Elementary      

Black, Nancy; Open Contract

Blake, Pamela; North Frederick Elementary

Castleman, Sally; Twin Ridge Elementary

Chew, Mary; Brunswick Elementary

Cook, Jonathan; Carroll Manor Elementary

Coppeier, Cheryl; New Market Middle

Ditto, Sheila; Ballenger Creek Middle

Dixon, Kathryn; Linganore High

Dondzila, Elizabeth; Orchard Grove Elementary

Elder, Suzanne; Urbana High

Farbman, Adam; Monocacy Middle

Frey, Christopher; Tuscarora High

Fujii, Kelly; Thurmont Middle

George, Barbara; Brunswick High

Gilbert, Lloyd; South Frederick Elementary

Hawver, Richard; Catoctin High

Hertel, Joshua; Linganore High

Hogan, Wendy; North Frederick Elementary

Hohenberger, Joelene; Frederick High

Jensen, Keli; New Market Middle

Kozar, Dennis; Brunswick Elementary

Lane, Henry; Linganore High

Leibley, Sandra; Whittier Elementary

McConnaughy, Justin; Parkway Elementary

McGuirk, Laura; Green Valley Elementary

Miller, Aaron; Orchard Grove Elementary

Miller, Rebecca; Hillcrest Elementary

Morine, Lisa; Frederick High

Morton, Dawn; Sabillasville Elementary

Nicklas, Joanna; Catoctin High

Nosbisch, Sharon; New Market Middle

O’Heithir, Lorcan; Orchard Grove Elementary

Ohm, Christine; Kemptown Elementary

Palfy, Allison; South Frederick Elementary

Panarella, Joseph; New Market Middle

Pincus, Donna; Oakdale Elementary

Rolla, Kristi; New Market Elementary

Scheherazade, Haydel; West Frederick Middle

Seaborg, Richard; Thurmont Middle

Seman, Dennis; Walkersville High

Shields, Kathleen; Governor Thomas Johnson High

Spencer, Kathleen; North Frederick Elementary

Stull, Brooke; Ballenger Creek Middle

Swiderski, Deborah; Urbana High

Thuman, James; Walkersville High

Trigger, Kevin; Thurmont Middle

Ulmer, Jennifer; West Frederick Middle

Walker, Anna; Walkersville Middle

White, Melissa; Emmitsburg Elementary

Whitney, Nakia; North Frederick Elementary

Wiltrout, Theresa; Linganore High

Zutell, Kathy; Brunswick Elementary

 

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS

 

            The following textbooks were on public display at the C. Burr Artz Public Library

June 30-July 6, 2003:


Basal

 

Career and Technology Education and Business Partnerships

           

Jefferis, Alan and David A. Madsen.  Architectural Drafting & Design, Fourth

            Edition. Delmar, 2004

   

            Stinson, Jim.  Video Communication & Production

                        Goodheart-Willcox, 2002

 

Foreign Languages, 6-12

           

Dietiker, Simone Renaud and Dominique van Hooff.  En bonne forme, Seventh

      Edition.  Houghton Mifflin, 2001

   

Science, 6-12

                 

Campbell, Neil A., et al.  Biology: Exploring Life.  Prentice Hall, 2004.

   

            Eisenkraft, Arthur, Ph.D. and Gary Freebury. Active Chemistry.  It’s About Time, Inc.,

      2003.

 

 

Johnson, George B. and Peter H. Raven. Biology.  Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2004.

 

Suchocki, John. Conceptual Chemistry: Understanding Our World of Atoms

                  and Molecules, Second Edition. Benjamin Cummings, 2004.

 

Supplementary

 

English and Language Arts, 6-12

           

Hansberry, Lorraine.  A Raisin in the Sun  (anthology).  Everbind, 2003.

 

Hawthorne, Nathaniel.  The Scarlet Letter  (anthology).  Everbind, 2003.

 

Sorenson, Sharon.  Webster’s New World Student Writing Handbook, Fourth

      Edition.  Hungry Minds, Inc., 2000.

 

Spellography (3 titles).  Sopris West, 2003.

      Student Lesson Books A, B, and C.

      Moats, Louisa and Bruce Rosow. 

 

Twain, Mark.  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (anthology).  Everbind, 2003.

 

Language Arts, K-5.

           

Bouchard, David.  If you’re not from the prairie . . ..  Atheneum Books, 1995.

 

Cleary, Beverly.  Ralph S. Mouse.  Harper Trophy, 1982.

 

Clements. Andrew. Frindle.  Simon & Schuster, 1996.

 

Creech, Sharon. Love That Dog.  Harper Trophy, 2001.

 

DiCamillo, Kate. Because of Winn-Dixie.  Candlewick Press, 2000.

 

Fleischman, Sid. The Whipping Boy.  Greenwillow Books, 1986.

 

Florian, Douglas. Beast Feast.  Harcourt Brace and Company, 1994.

 

James, Simon. Days Like This.  Candlewick Press, 1999.

 

Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley.  Houghton Mifflin, 1998.

 

Prelutsky, Jack. Something BIG Has Been Here.  Greenwillow Books, 1990.

 

Sandburg, Carl. Poetry for Young People.  Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., 1995.

 

White, E.B. Charlotte’s Web.  Harper Trophy, 1952.

 

 

BIDS

 

Copiers and Duplicating Equipment – Second Renewal - #01-MISC-5

 

            Renewed to the following vendors under the Base Bid proposal.  Reflects unit and stand prices only and does not include prices for accessories and supplies.

 

            Spec #/Description                             Model/Vendor                         Unit Price

 

            760-20-01, Digital Duplicator                        Standard SD 330                     $2,194.00

                                                                        Duplicator Sales

 

            760-20-04, Copier, 20K/Month          Savin 2522                              $2,373.00

                                                                        WPS, Inc.

 

            760-20-05, Copier, 45K/Month          Savin 2545                              $5,053.00

                                                                        WPS, Inc.

 

Computer Supplies – Renewal - #02-MISC-15

           

            Renewed to the vendors listed on the summary of award at an annual estimated cost of  $64,492.40.

 

Heating Oil - #03-M-10

 

            Awarded to Griffith Energy Services, Inc. (Cheverly, Maryland) at an estimated total cost of $1,441,788.00 for #2 and #4 heating oil.  Approved the bid amendment defined in Griffith Energy’s July 14, 2003, email that will allow staff the option to purchase some of the system’s requirements at a fixed market price if it should become advantageous to do so. 

                 

Restroom/Storage Building at Tuscarora High School - #03-C-30

 

            Contract awarded to R.A. Hill, Inc. of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania at a total cost of $292,400.00 (Base Bid).  Award is contingent upon approval from the State Interagency for Public School Construction.

 

Construction of Tuscarora Elementary School – #03-C-3 – Partial/Final

 

            Base bids plus Alternates 1 through 5, 8, and 12  awarded as follows: 

Package 8A – Windows & Storefronts – Engineer Construction Prod. LTD - $ 260,255; Package 9C – Wood Flooring – Weyer’s Floor Service - $59,875.

 

            Award is contingent upon approval from the State Interagency Committee for Public School Construction.

 

Propane Gas - Renewal  - #02-M-2

 

            Contract renewed with AmeriGas of Frederick, Maryland, at a cost of +.185 over the wholesale price at Liberty Elementary School and at +.24 over the wholesale price at all other sites.

 

Emmitsburg Elementary School Storage Building – Rejected #03-C-31

 

            Rejected due to all construction options exceeding the available funding for this project.  The Construction Management Department will pursue alternative means for constructing the storage building.

 

 

 

 

APPOINTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM FOR MIDDLETOWN PRIMARY

 

            The Board approved the appointment of Bovis Lend Lease Corporation at a fee of $552,220 plus estimated reimbursables of $68,000.

 

APPOINTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT FIRM FOR URBANA HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION

 

            The Board approved the appointment of Oak Contracting Corporation at a fee of $432,600 plus estimated reimbursables of $147,260.

 

GOVERNOR THOMAS JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CONTRACT

 

            The Board approved a change order with Barton Malow regarding the fees for the construction management services associated with the Governor Thomas Johnson High School renovation.  The total amount of this change order is $67,493.87.

 

403(b) TAX DEFERRED ANNUITY/DISABILITY INSURANCE APPROVED PROVIDERS FOR FY2004

 

            The Board approved the following list of 403(b) tax deferred annuity companies for FY2004, as recommended by the Insurance Council:

 

            Aetna Life Insurance & Annuity Company                  Nationwide

            Horace Mann Insurance Company                               Securities America, Inc.

            Legg Mason Wood Walker                                          Security Benefit Group of Cos.

            Lincoln National Life                                                  T. Rowe Price

            MetLife Resources                                                      VALIC

 

            The Board approved the Horace Mann Insurance Company to market disability insurance on a payroll deduction basis in FY2004, as recommended by the Insurance Council.

 

REVISIONS TO POLICY 107.8 – DISPOSAL OR RELOCATION OF UNUSED SCHOOL SYSTEM PROPERTY

 

            The Board approved the suggested revisions to BOE Policy 107.8.  The approved policy follows:

 

The Board will make every effort to efficiently and cost-effectively use property until such time as it becomes obsolete and impractical.

 

When school system property is determined to be of no use to the public school system of Frederick County due to the obsolescence or condition, or is discontinued at its current location, the items will be disposed of via an equipment transfer form and identified as relocated to an alternative site, surplus, obsolete, junk, or trade-in.

 

Designated staff will be identified by the appropriate associate superintendent or executive director as the individual with the responsibility to determine the future status of the items.

 

TERMS OF CONTRACT BUS OPERATIONS

 

            The Board approved the recommendation that existing contractors be allowed until August 15, 2003, to indicate if they wish to accept Attachment A (conditions of compensation) as an amendment to their current contract, and that a decision to accept Attachment A be irrevocable.

 

WAIVER FOR COMPETITIVE QUOTES FOR

STRATEGIC FUNDING SOLUTIONS, LLC

 

            The Board waived the requirement for obtaining competitive quotes and authorized

Phase 1 of the Strategic Funding Solutions, LLC proposal in the amount of $14,500.

 

PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE RPF #03-MISC-10

 

            Mrs. Smith noted that tThe Facilities and& Finance Committee recommendsed approval of the bid, not including flood and earthquake coverage,  ata cost savings of $76,972.  Mr. Keller noted that he was able to obtain information on the cost savings should the Board select to increaseIt was also recommended that  we increase the deductible on the policy from $1,000 to $5,000 per claim, effective for one year.

.  This is a one year decision at this point so we can track it and reevaluate for next year. 

 

Mrs. Smith moved approval of the Facilities and Finance Committee recommendation on the bid award, eliminating the flood and earthquake coverage and increasing theto accept the recommendation and increase the deductible to $5,000 per claim.  The motion was seconded by Dr. Schaden seconded.  and unanimously approved.All in favor.

 

The bid was awarded to BB&T Frederick Underwriters at a total cost of $1,027.822.

 

 

The Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda.

 

COMMENTS

 

            Dr. Schaden commended the Human Resources Department foron the variety and background of teachers being hired.  He stated that he feels the system is receiving as many teachers from Montgomery County as it is losing to that county. commented he tracks the number of teachers coming to and from Montgomery County.   Ms.Paula Lawton, Executive Director of Human Resources, indicated that she would be glad to provide data on transfers to and from other counties.will provide information to the Board on where exactly teachers transfer to and from

 

Ms. Naylor commented on the booklet available in our high schools, Teen Yellow Pages.  Ms. Naylor moved that the Board send a letter to the Interagency Committee for Adolescent  Pregnaency Prevention and Parenting (ICAPPP) requesting that additional organizations be

listed in the Yellow Pages to reflect a more balanced approach.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Crook and unanimously approved.seconded.  Mr. Peppe indicated that he wouldwill  draft the a letter for Board review.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

 

PLANNING SESSION

 

            The Planning Session was held in the Administrative Conference Room at

10:40 a.m.  All Board of Education members except Daryl A. Boffman were present.  Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Judith A. Ricketts, and Michael T. Lapsa.  Commissioner

Michael L. Cady was absent.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Lori Goldman recommended that the Board consider changing its policy on public comment to allow for comment at the beginning of the meeting and following presentation of individual agenda items prior to Board action. 

 

Mr. Peppe noted that the policy on public comment will be reviewed later in the meeting.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY REVIEW

 

Mr. Peppe reviewed noted the progress to date on review of Board policies.

 

Upon motion by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Dr. Borsa, the Board unanimously approved policies 100.7 Code of Ethics (Attachment 1) and 100.8 Code of Conduct (Attachment 2). 

Mr. Lapsa voiced support of the motion.

 

Draft policy 100.6 Master Plan was reviewed and revised.  The draft revision will return to the Board for final review and action at the next meeting.

 

Following discussion regarding Mrs. Goldman’s recommendations regarding public comment, Mrs. Smith moved approval of policies 102.1 through 102.6 Meetings, as revised (Attachment 3).  The motion was seconded by Dr. Borsa and unanimously approved. Mr. Lapsa voiced support of the motion.

 

Mrs. Smith moved approval of 104.1 through 104.4 Compensation and Expenses (Attachment 4).  The motion was seconded by Dr. Schaden and unanimously approved. 

Mr. Lapsa voiced support of the motion.

 

The meeting was recessed at 12:25 p.m. and was reconvened at 12:32 p.m.

 

Mrs. Smith moved approval of policy 105 Appeal and Hearing Procedures as amended (Attachment 5).  The motion was seconded by Dr. Borsa and unanimously approved.  Mr. Lapsa voiced support of the motion.

 

Mrs. Naylor moved to delete policies 115 Definitions, 116 Employee Recognition, and 117 Swimming Pools.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Smith and unanimously approved.  Mr. Lapsa voiced support of the motion.

 

CURRENT ISSUES

 

            Mr. Peppe briefly reviewed current correspondence received today and indicated that a copy of of the Maryland Safe Routes to School Evaluation and Final Report from Senator David Brinkley will be distributed to the Board as requested. 

 

            Mrs. Naylor spoke regarding the meeting with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and materials received to support full funding for the Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act.  Discussion was held on lobbying for education funding.  Mr. Peppe noted that this is a topic for discussion with the Board of County Commissioners.

 

            Dr. Dale noted that copies of the Master Plan were sent to all members of the Frederick County Delegation with an offer to present the plan to them.

 

            The Board agreed to hold the next joint meeting in the Board of Education’s Board Room and at that time address the issue raised by a Commissioners at the joint retreat to hold all future joint meetings at Winchester Hall. 

 

Mr. Peppe reviewed some of the issues addressed at Commissioner Gardner’s Educational Forum.

 

Dr. Borsa stated some of her concerns regarding the budget process which she felt led to bad media coverage, confusion within the Board of County Commissioners, and problems within the community.  Mr. Peppe indicated that the budget schedule will be provided by the Superintendent.  If Board members feel additional meetings are needed, the schedule should be adjusted.  Additionally, he requested that Board members speak up and ask questions.

 

Harold Keller, Jr., Executive Director of Fiscal Services, entered the meeting at 1:19 p.m.

 

Dr. Schaden asked a procedural question regarding the transfer of funds in the capital budget.  Mr. Peppe and Mr. Keller responded to Dr. Schaden’s concerns.  Mr. Keller also noted the reasons for delay in the closeout of capital projects.

 

Dr. Dale responded to Dr. Schaden’s question regarding mailings to the community by a staff member.  Mr. Peppe noted that the letterinformation referred to by Dr. Schaden from a boosters’ club should not have been sent on school letterhead.  Dr. Dale noted that principals receive guidance on sending letters to the community on areas such as the budget from central office staff.

 

Mr. Peppe reviewed Gov. Ehrlich’s budget cuts to the Maryland State Department of Education.

 

Mr. Keller noted that the County Commissioners have requested to receive copies of minor budget transfers.  He will be sending them approximately 100 pages per month and will be placing one copy in the Board of Education’s office for review.

 

Dr. Dale noted the agenda items for the It was noted that the August 27, 2003, Planning Session.  This meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. will begin at 1:30 p.m.  Dr. Dale noted the agenda items.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.

 

 

           

                                                                                                Jack D. Dale

                                                                                                Secretary-Treasurer

Ronald W. Peppe, II

President

 

Judith A. Ricketts

Administrative Director