BOARD OF EDUCATION OF
FREDERICK COUNTY
|
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the actions of the Board. For details
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REGULAR MINUTES
June 12, 2002
CLOSED SESSION
ACTION
The Board of Education of Frederick County met in the Administrative Conference Room at 2:46 p.m. In attendance were President Ronald W. Peppe, II, Vice President Daryl A. Boffman, Deborah A. Aughenbaugh, Stephen Crawford, Anne B. Hooper, Linda S. Naylor, and Jean A. Smith. Judith A. Ricketts, Administrative Director, was also in attendance. Jack D. Dale, Secretary-Treasurer, entered the meeting at 5:17 p.m.
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, Section 10-508(a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(9), Mrs. Hooper moved to go into Closed Session to discuss personnel issues and negotiations. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Smith and unanimously approved.
The Closed Session minutes of May 22, 2002, were unanimously approved.
The Board conducted the Superintendent’s evaluation.
Dr. Dale entered the meeting. No formal action was taken.
No formal action was taken.
No formal action was taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
The Board of Education of Frederick County met in the Board Room at 6:05 p.m. All Board of Education members were present. Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Judith A. Ricketts, and Anil K. Nathan, Student Representative to the Board of Education for the 2002-2003 school year.
Mr. Peppe opened the meeting, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The Board unanimously approved the agenda with a change in the order of the items.
Norman Quist, founding member of the Monocacy Valley Montesorri School, stated that the key to student success is the family and family participation. He said that the founding members owe the school to parental involvement and commitment. He recognized the City of Frederick and the many individuals who have given of their time and talents to make the school a reality.
The Board unanimously approved the minutes of the May 22, 2002, Regular Meeting as amended by Mrs. Hooper.
Page 9, Paragraph 3, add:
Mrs. Hooper issued caution to staff that approval
for application of the International Baccalaureate Program did not imply or
guarantee approval for program implementation.
Darren Hornbeck, Linganore High School social studies teacher, was recognized as Frederick County’s Maryland Teacher of the Year and nominee for Maryland Teacher of the Year.
Mr. Boffman presented a Board of Education recognition pin to Mr. Hornbeck.
Mr. Hornbeck thanked the selection committee, the Linganore High School team, faculty, administration, staff, and his students for this honor. He said he was pleased to be able to represent so many fine people in this county.
Michele Krantz and R. Daniel Cunningham presented the Kindergarten-12 Status Report providing information on curriculum alignment, challenges, future focus, staff development, technology, and resources. They responded to Board members’ questions.
The Consent Agenda was unanimously approved as follows:
Staffing Changes
Facilities and Finance Committee
Bids
Unit Price Contract for Playground Site/Safety Improvements
Gov. Thomas Johnson High School – Sound Isolating Rooms,
Instrument Cabinets, Orchestra Pit Fillers
Two-Way Radios
Inspection and Testing of Fire Extinguishers
Audio Visual Equipment
Parkway Elementary Roof Replacement
North Frederick Elementary Roof Replacement
Current Expense Amendments #32-02 and #33-02
School Construction Amendments #02-14 and #02-15
Appointment of Architect for New Middletown Primary
STAFFING CHANGES
Copeland, Roger, Monocacy Middle
Early, David, Gov. Thomas Johnson Middle
Fraser, Robert, Thurmont Middle
Delauter, Wayne, Gov. Thomas Johnson High
George, John, CASI Office – effective August 1, 2002
Hall, John, New Market Middle
Judd, Mary, Gov. Thomas Johnson High
Nogle, Harry, Gov. Thomas Johnson High
Shinn, Karen, Thurmont Middle
Urban, Susan, Emmitsburg Elementary
Guilmette, Kelly – effective July 1, 2002
Attilli, Jess, Ballenger Creek Middle
Baczkowski, Brian, Frederick High
Donahue, Mauree, Frederick High
Feliciani, Kathryn, Walkersville Middle
Fitzpatrick, Jr., James, Linganore High
Lewis, Naomi, Carroll Manor Elementary
Mandes, Robert, Middletown High
McClain, Terri, Brunswick High
Mosser, Von, Middletown High
Norman, David, Walkersville Middle
Palasek, Sandra, Hillcrest Elementary
Shewmake, Kelly, Middletown Middle
Connelly, Jennifer, Ballenger Creek Middle
Giffin, John, Lewistown Elementary
Knill, Terry, Catoctin High
Miller, Kevin, Oakdale Middle
Weser, Martha, Twin Ridge Elementary
Woodward, Kristen, Twin Ridge Elementary
Frazier, Laura
Adels, Jeffrey, Middletown High
Bruck, Keith, Catoctin High
Cline, Janet, Frederick High
Colvin, Shirley, Thomas Johnson Middle
Cook, Nicole, Frederick High
Doyle, Kellie, South Frederick Elementary
Eshbaugh, Adam, Brunswick Middle
Gordon, Kelli, Walkersville High
Gregoire, Lydia, West Frederick Middle
Hart, Christina, Green Valley Elementary
Jung, Holly, Middletown High
Kuhn, Cynthia, Brunswick Middle
Kulp, Linda, Monocacy Middle
Mullins, Daniel, Frederick High
Shamsi, Laila, Oakdale Middle
Sheroda, Belinda, Valley Elementary
Smeller, George, Frederick High
Summers, Jamie, Monocacy Elementary
Tarquinio, Brenda, Oakdale Elementary
Tuomey, Scott, Brunswick Middle
Worch, Elizabeth, Kemptown Elementary
Zietoon, Raeda, Frederick High
FACILITIES AND FINANCE COMMITTEE
Unit Price Contract
for Playground Site/Safety Improvements – Renewal - #01-M-7
This bid was renewed to Musselman Excavating, Inc. as indicated on the summary of renewal.
This bid was awarded to Wenger Corporation at $111,418.00 (Bid Packages 13A, 13C, and 13D) plus $21,843.00 (Alt. 34) for a grand total of $133,261.00.
This bid was awarded to Pine Hill Electronics for the Vertex VX160UD57 at $219.00 and Vertex VX210AUD/57 at $274.00.
Inspection and Testing
of Fire Extinguishers - #02-M-11
This bid was awarded to the apparent low bidder Baker’s Fire and Safety Equipment Company Inc.
This bid was awarded to the various vendors listed on the summary of award in an unspecified dollar amount.
This bid was awarded to the apparent second lowest bidder Paneko Construction, Inc. at a total cost of $138,387; Part I: $16,500 Roof Sections S1, S5 (Base Bid I), $8,750 Roof Sections A & B (Alternate 1). Part II $113,137 Roof Sections C, D, S2, S3, and S4 (Base Bid 2).
This bid was awarded to the apparent lowest bidder, Brothers Construction.
CURRENT EXPENSE AMENDMENTS #32-02 and #33-02
#32-02
This amendment reflects the adjustments to balance major category appropriations.
Total expenditure deductions of $149,512; total expenditure additions of $149,511; and a revenue deduction of $1 in state funding.
#33-02
This amendment recognizes new funds totaling $10,110 in other, a deduction of $315 in state, and $30,564 in federal funding, with twelve major transfers totaling $169,966.
#02-14
Transfers a total of $112,000 from Thurmont Middle addition/renovation project, Linganore High elevator project, and Hillcrest Elementary FY 01 TIMS project to Thurmont Primary to cover pending changes to complete the project.
#02-15
Transfers $4,000 from the Rock Creek School chiller project to complete the Emmitsburg Elementary chiller project.
Grimm + Parker Architects appointed as the
architectural firm to perform the design of the new Middletown Primary School
based on the Thurmont Primary School prototype at a design fee of $445,000.
Dave Miller presented the grant from the Employment Management Association Foundation (EMAF).
Dennis Watkins, Program Advisor, thanked the business partners for the role which they play in the success of this program. Wanda Flowers of EMAF presented a check in the amount of $5,000 to Kathy Imhoff, Academy of Finance Instructor, to continue the success of the partnership program between businesses and the school. Ms. Imhoff thanked EMAF and the Advisory Board for this grant award. She noted that the Academy of Finance business partners have volunteered over 1,300 hours during this past year. Penelope Voit, EMAF representative, presented a plaque recognizing the program’s achievements.
The Board unanimously approved the grant from the Employment Management Association Foundation in the amount of $5,000.
FACILITIES AND
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Roger Fritz, Senior Project Manager, presented the Crestwood Middle School Construction Documents. Tom Leonard of SHW Group, architects for the project, reviewed the minor changes made to the plans of Oakdale Middle School for use for Crestwood Middle School.
Following discussion, Mrs. Smith stated that the F& F Committee moves approval. The motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Elaine Klein, Executive Director of Community Services, recommended the appointment of Dr. Karol Bedyk-Strang to the position of Supervisor of CASS Coordinators.
Mrs. Hooper moved approval of the recommendation. The motion was seconded by
Mr. Boffman and unanimously approved.
Dr. Dale noted that he met with the representatives of the Monocacy Valley Montesorri School (MVMS) yesterday. He detailed each of the Board requirements indicating that they have been fulfilled. He noted they have been on an aggressive timeline, and he spoke of the challenges faced for the school to open on time this fall. Dr. Dale recommended that the Board make its final decision this evening.
Leslie Mansfield, MVMS Coordinator, reviewed the timeline and documentation provided. She requested that the Board commit to the charter school based on meeting the criteria.
Board concern was expressed regarding teacher qualifications/certification, additional funding required for the charter school, and having sufficient time for Montesorri teacher training prior to the start of school.
Susan Dulaney, veteran teacher in this county for 22 years, said she is very passionate about the Montesorri philosophy and committed to studying it this summer.
Mr. Peppe noted that an additional building is not required by the school system for these students and that the program provides other opportunities for our students.
Norman Quist, MVMS founding member, spoke of the equalization of enrollment opportunities that was gained by sending information about MVMS home through the students, and he spoke of their track record in meeting the criteria set by the Board.
Mr. Boffman stated that initially the Board unanimously supported the charter school concept. His reservation is the funding issue that wasn’t evident at the beginning of this process as well as the risk of having the school open on time and be successful.
Mrs. Naylor noted it does cost the system and could be a great risk, but that it could be a great success and provide opportunities to these children.
Mrs. Hooper stated that she could not support the charter school due to a lack of anticipated revenues even though she feels it to be an excellent concept. She stated that there were other promises that could not be met and an entire list of items that the Board feels are desperately needed that could not be funded.
Mrs. Smith stated that she agrees with Mrs. Hooper, but from her perspective, the Board has given the requirements to the charter school. Morally, she will have to vote for it. She stated with all of their passion and ability it has to work.
Mrs. Smith moved approval of the charter school. Mrs. Aughenbaugh seconded the motion.
Mrs. Aughenbaugh stated her main concern is to have good teachers. Since they have indicated that they have four of the six required, she will support the motion.
Dr. Crawford stated that he has been a supporter of charter school all along. In his view it would have been good to have a longer preparation time, and he noted the budget crisis this year. He noted his support for the motion.
Mr. Peppe stated that his biggest issue is the budget. He stated that public education is not adequately funded in Frederick County. The school system’s funding is 23 out of 24 in the state. He encouraged the founders, representatives, and parents of MVMS to be committed and support the system.
The motion carried with one opposing vote from Mrs. Hooper.
The subcommittee chairs of MVMS were recognized.
The meeting was recessed at 9:00 p.m. and was reconvened at 9:20 p.m.
Harold Keller, Jr., Executive Director of Fiscal Services, reviewed estimated revenues of $17,500,495, staff recommended required appropriations of $14,388,732, and other staff recommended appropriations of $2,884,707. Discussion occurred regarding the $260,000 Board of County Commissioners’ line-item appropriation into the Food Service account, and it was noted that last year’s audit showed a beginning balance of $60,000 and an ending balance of $80,000.
Following considerable debate on the recommended appropriations, Mrs. Naylor suggested participation from the audience.
Lisa Wheelock suggested using the funds not required in Food Services be used to provide meals for the teachers.
Nancy Dietz, Frederick County Teachers Association President, commented on the relative size of the amounts being discussed for transfer to the salary resource pool versus the allocation for the charter school.
Mr. Peppe stated that we owe it to staff to make the request to the Board of County Commissioners to move the $260,000. Mr. Boffman expressed concern in not being able to find the needed funds in such a large budget.
Following further discussion, Dr. Crawford moved approval of the FY 2003 General Fund Unrestricted Operating Budget, Page 1 (Estimated Revenues $17,500,495, Staff Recommended Required Appropriations of $14,388,732), and Page 2 (Other Staff Recommended Appropriations of $2,884,707) less half of the elementary staffing ($141,830), $10 increase in fees for extra-curricular activities, and a 2 percent across-the-board cut in non-salary items. The dollars remaining from these cuts and increased fees are to be allotted to the employee salary resource pool, and a request is to be made to the Board of County Commissioners to reallocate the $260,000 to apply to the 2 percent across-the-board cuts. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Mrs. Aughenbaugh and Mr. Nathan spoke against increasing the fees for extra-curricular activities noting the hardship to students.
Mrs. Aughenbaugh agreed to a $5 increase in extra-curricular fees. The Board unanimously agreed to the amended amount, and the motion as amended was unanimously approved.
Dr. Dale noted that a Special Meeting of the Board will be needed on June 19, 3 p.m., for categorical approval of the budget.
Mrs. Hooper reviewed the items on the budget enhancement list which were developed over a six-month time period and are needed to improve our schools. Some were funded through grants; the majority of the items were unfunded.
Mrs. Aughenbaugh moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 p.m. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Smith and unanimously approved.
Jack D. Dale
Secretary-Treasurer
Ronald W. Peppe, II
President
Judith A. Ricketts
Administrative Director