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 video or audio tapes 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

 

September 11, 2002

 

PLANNING SESSION

 

            The Board of Education met in the Fiscal Services Conference Room, 33 Thomas Johnson Drive, Frederick, Maryland, at 3:42 p.m.  In attendance were Ronald W. Peppe, II, President; Daryl A. Boffman, Vice President; Deborah A. Aughenbaugh; Stephen Crawford; Anne B. Hooper; Linda S. Naylor; and Jean A. Smith.  Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer; Judith A. Ricketts, Administrative Director; Anil K. Nathan, Student Representative to the Board, entered the meeting at 4:00 p.m.; and Jamie Cannon, Executive Director of Legal Services.

 

LEGISLATIVE MEETING

 

The Board agreed to hold its legislative breakfast meeting with the Delegation on

December 11, 2002, following the swearing-in ceremony for new Board of Education members.  The times of the Planning Session and of the Regular Meeting will be moved to follow the legislative meeting.  The Board of County Commissioners will also be invited.  The meeting will focus on bringing everyone together and working together.

 

Mr. Peppe informed the Board of his letter to all BOE candidates notifying them of upcoming meeting dates including the swearing-in ceremony and legislative meeting.

 

The Board made additions and revisions to last year’s legislative booklet to be distributed at the December 11, 2002, meeting.

 

Due to time constraints, Mr. Nathan will bring the issue of limited voting rights for the Student Representative to the Board to the next planning session.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY ON ORIENTATION

 

            The Board reviewed the draft policy and regulation on Orientation Procedures for Board of Education Candidates.  Following discussion, Mrs. Hooper suggested that a list of documents for new members be reviewed and approved by the Board.  Formal action on the policy will be taken following this evening’s meetings.

 

RECESS

 

The Planning Session was recessed at 5:40 p.m.

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

            The Board of Education met in the staff development room at 7630 Hayward Road.   All Board of Education members were present.  Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Judith A. Ricketts, and Anil K. Nathan.

 

            Mr. Peppe opened the meeting and noted that we are recognizing this anniversary date with a few special events, and he asked for a moment of silence.

 

Mr. Peppe thanked the Frederick County Association of Educational Office Professionals for the donation of flags for this meeting room.  The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited.

 

AMERICAN CHARACTER WEEK PROCLAMATION

 

                        Max White, Curriculum Specialist for Career and Technology Education, presented the following proclamation:

 

WHEREAS,   September 11, 2002, is the first anniversary of unprecedented terrorist attacks resulting in a momentous loss of life and property; and

 

WHEREAS,   This anniversary of tragedy is also an anniversary of triumph, a triumph of character – courage over cowardice, kindness over cruelty, service over selfishness, responsibility over indifference, love over hate, hope over fear and freedom over repression; and

 

WHEREAS,   We should remember September 11th not only as a day of great misfortune, but as a reminder of the great fortune we possess in the character of our people and in living in a country where character counts; and

 

WHEREAS, It should be a day of reflection and education involving activities that strengthen appreciation of and dedication to the core ethical values that constitute the pillars of the American character, such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship; and

 

WHEREAS, It should also be a day of action devoted to community service, an element of good citizenship and an expression of good character.  Community service improves neighborhoods, eases suffering and reduces injustice while enhancing the lives and strengthening the characters of those who render it;

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of Frederick County proclaims the period commencing September 6, 2002, and ending September 17, 2002, as “American Character Week” and calls upon schools, youth organizations, community groups and government agencies to use this period to:

 

1.     Discuss and study the lives of Americans of extraordinary character.

2.     Recognize local individuals who have in the past year demonstrated the 

      highest qualities of the American character.

 

3.     Teach young people about and encourage them to consider careers in

public service.

4.     Provide service-learning opportunities to young people, including at

      least one hour of service during this period, as a first step in a

      commitment to a life of regular community services.

 

            Sharon Boettinger, Supervisor of Counseling and School Support, joined

Mr. White and responded to Board members’ questions.  She noted the activities occurring in the school in memory of 9/11.

 

            Dr. Crawford moved adoption of the resolution.  The motion was seconded by

Mrs. Aughenbaugh and unanimously approved.

 

            Ms. Boettinger recognized the members of the Maryland Character Education School of the Year, Walkersville High School and feeder schools (Walkersville Middle School, Walkersville Elementary School, New Midway/Woodsboro Elementary School, and Glade Elementary School), who discussed their efforts in consistency in expectations, recognition of good character traits as well as high academic standards in the Walkersville feeder schools.

 

Laura Drake accompanied by YiOu Wang, students in the Advanced Music Studies Program at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School, performed America the Beautiful.

 

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

The Board approved the agenda as presented.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR GENERAL GOOD AND WELFARE

 

Jean Ann Firestone

 

            Congratulated Jean Smith and Daryl Boffman on the election.  She expressed concern regarding the renovation needs at West Frederick Middle School and the need for the system to address modifications of older schools.  She noted that West Frederick Middle School was originally slated for renovation in 2005; this has now been moved to 2011.  She requested that the Board review projects and balance new construction with the renovation of their school.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

The minutes of August 28, 2002 were unanimously approved with the following modifications as presented by Mrs. Hooper:

 

Page 1, Family Life Advisory Committee

 

Add:  The Board also requested input from the Career and Technology Advisory Council and the Advisory Committee on Multicultural Education on a similar change in length and limits of terms.

 

 

 

 

Page 2, Current Issues

 

Add to paragraph 4 on charter school:  She also requested a detailed accounting of the costs incurred during the implementation.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

            The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda:

 

            Miscellaneous – Staffing Changes

            Facilities and Finance Committee

                        Bids

                              Roofing Design and Consulting Services

                              Modular Classrooms for Frederick County Public Schools

                              Unit Price Contract for Excavation and Earth Works

                              Vending Beverages

                              Bottled Water and Dispensers

                              Unit Price Contract for Carpet and Tile

                              Unit Price Contract for Bituminous Concrete

                              Unit Price Contract for Concrete

 

STAFFING CHANGES

           

Retirement

 

            Ahalt, Randy, Ballenger Creek Elementary – effective October 1, 2002

 

Resignations – Violations of Contract

 

            Campbell, Brian, Walkersville High – effective July 1, 2002

            Riley, Ian, Frederick High – effective September 13, 2002

 

Leave

 

            Shea, Marilyn, Urbana High – effective August 23, 2002

            Sims, Jahnet, Thurmont Elementary – effective November 14, 2002

 

Contracts – Effective August 20, 2002

 

            Ahalt, Randy, Ballenger Creek Elementary

            Berg, Darryl, Thurmont Elementary

            Dunavent, Alison, North Frederick Elementary

            Gunther, LeighAnn, Urbana High

            Keisch, Sabrina, Yellow Springs Elementary

            Luebehusen, Sarah, Walkersville Elementary

            Madunta, Kemi, Ballenger Creek Middle

            McRae, Theresa, New Midway/Woodsboro Elementary

            Pinckney-Dum, Lisa, Frederick High

            Sherwood, Seth, Walkersville Elementary

            Stitt, Wilbur, Gov. Thomas Johnson High

            Turner, Patricia, Myersville Elementary

            Wehinger, Michael, Urbana High

            Wisnouse, Jesse, Ballenger Creek Middle

            Wolfinger, Jane, West Frederick Middle

 

FACILITIES AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

BIDS

 

Roofing Design and Consulting Services – Extension – RFP #02-A-2

 

            Extended from October 24, 2002, through October 23, 2003, to Arcon, Inc.

 

Modular Classrooms for FCPS – 2nd Extension - #01-C-13

 

            Extended to Resun Leasing Inc. at a unit cost of $35,626.00 if needed for contingency or purchase effective through June 17, 2003.

 

Unit Price Contract for Excavation and Earth Works – Renewal - #02-M-1

 

            Renewed to Poole & Sons Excavating, Inc. at the unit prices indicated on the renewal award summary.

 

Vending Machines - #02-FS-1

 

            Awarded to Dr. Pepper-Mountain Dew and Mid-Atlantic Coca-Cola Enterprises as indicated on the award summary.  The estimated total, based on bid quantities, is $209,535.00.

 

Bottled Water and Dispensers - #02-M-20

 

            Awarded to Crystal Springs Water Company at the prices indicated on the summary of award.

 

Unit Price Contract for Carpet and Tile - #02-M-17

 

            Awarded to the apparent low bidder, Contracting Services and Supplies, Inc. in an unspecific total amount as indicated on the summary of award.                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Unit Price Contract for Bituminous Concrete - #02-M-22

 

Awarded to the apparent low bidder RFP, Inc. in an unspecific total amount as indicated on the summary of award.

 

Unit Price Contract for Concrete - #02-M-21

 

            Awarded to the apparent low bidder, RFP, Inc. on a unit price basis in an unspecific total amount as indicated on the award summary.

 

FACILITIES AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

 

NEW URBANA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCHEMATIC DRAWINGS

 

            Joe Dattoli, spoke regarding the schematic drawings for the New Urbana Elementary School, and he introduced Brent Feight of Bushey Feight Morin Architects, and Karen Place, project architect, who presented the schematic design for a 703 student capacity facility with an approximate building size of 88,000 sq. ft. including the expanded Parks and Recreation Gymnasium.  Project alternates will include the expanded gymnasium, alternate finishes, and moveable equipment not funded by the state.  Ms. Place responded to Board members’ questions.  Mr. Barnes also spoke of the benefits of using prototype designs.

 

Mrs. Smith stated that the Facilities and Finance Committee recommends approval of the new Urbana Elementary School schematic drawings.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

URBANA HIGH SCHOOL ADDITION SCHEMATIC SUBMISSION

 

Ron Overton, Sr. Project Manager, presented an overview of the project.  Keith Hudson of Hayes Large Architects presented the schematic drawings for the Urbana High School Addition.

 

Mrs. Smith stated that the Facilities and Finance Committee recommends approval of the concept with the auxiliary gym to be bid as an add alternate.

 

George Seaton provided rationale for the auxiliary gym.

 

Mrs. Smith noted that Middletown High and Walkersville High are the only high schools without auxiliary gyms.  She stated that feels Urbana High School needs this gym for the program.

 

            Considerable discussion occurred regarding the costs of the auxiliary gym and balcony and the need for other school construction/renovation projects.  Ray Barnes, Executive Director of Facilities Services, noted once the bids are received, the Board could evaluate whether or not the costs of adding 260 seats is worthwhile or if consideration should be given to the transfer of funds to a different project.

 

The Board unanimously approved the schematic drawings with no commitment to construction of the auxiliary gym.

 

Mrs. Naylor stated that she would like to take care of Linganore High and West Frederick Middle renovation needs before spending on the balcony.

 

COMMENTS

 

            Mrs. Hooper spoke regarding 9/11 (attached).

 

 

 

            Mr. Nathan stated that the students of the county handled themselves very well today.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.

 

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES MASTER PLAN

 

            Mr. Peppe noted the process for receiving comments on the Educational Facilities Master Plan in addition to tonight’s hearing.

 

Comments by Eric Percy

 

Mr. Percy stated that he has reviewed the Educational Facilities Master Plan with the new variable of full-day kindergarten.  He stated that it is a very aggressive plan, and he hopes that all projects can remain on track.

 

Mr. Peppe noted that part of keeping the projects on track is receiving the funding from the county and state and that there will be additional opportunities for the public to make their feelings known. 

 

Dr. Dale noted that the plan includes a physical and functional assessment of facilities and indicates whether or not the plant is physically set up to deliver the instructional program.  He stressed the need for funding renovation projects in addition to new projects.  Discussion occurred regarding the assessments, repairs that can be made to a building prior to renovation, and the succession of students through the system with the worst physically assessed schools. 

 

Comments by Kevin McCarthy

 

            Mr. McCarthy, Valley Elementary School PTA President and public advocacy chairperson of Brunswick Middle School, stated that Valley Elementary is excited that it is on the Capital Improvement Program for modernization.  He spoke of his participation on the committee for the feasibility study.

 

            Mr. McCarthy challenged the Board to assess the conditions, determine the needs of the system, and take them forward for funding.  On behalf of the Valley Elementary School PTA he asked the Board to push the Board of County Commissioners to fully fund the Capital Improvement Program to modernize our schools.

 

Mr. McCarthy, representing Brunswick Middle Schools, stated that this school is bounced back on the schedule year after year.  He spoke of the overcrowding conditions already existing in the school and the development occurring in the area.  He requested that the Board stay on target and move this project ahead.

 

Mr. Barnes presented the schedule for the Brunswick Middle School project.  Further discussion ensued regarding the process, projects, and realignment of projects by the Board of County Commissioners.  Mr. Barnes noted that the plan is evaluated on an annual basis. 

 

            Mr. Peppe noted the need to work together with the Commissioners and the Frederick County Delegation, and pointed out that the Board has scheduled a meeting in December for this purpose.  Mr. Peppe encouraged Board members to contact Mr. Barnes or Ms. Ricketts if more data is needed prior to the next meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The hearing was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY

 

The Board reconvened its Planning Session at 8:50 p.m. 

 

Following discussion, the Board approved the deletion of Section 102.11 and 102.12, renumbering of Section 102, and the addition of 102.5 as follows:

 

102.5    Orientation Procedures for Board of Education Candidates

The board will develop regulations to provide orientation to Board of Education candidates and the student representative to the Board.

 

The regulations modified during planning session on the Orientation Procedures for Board of Education Candidates were unanimously approved. 

 

NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

 

            Mr. Peppe asked Board members to let Ms. Ricketts know if they are interested in attending the National School Boards Association Annual Conference next April so that favorable rates could be obtained on airfare and hotel accommodations.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            The Planning Session was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                Jack D. Dale

                                                                                                Secretary-Treasurer

 

Ronald W. Peppe, II

President

 

Judith A. Ricketts

Administrative Director