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

 

April 17, 2002

 

PLANNING SESSION

 

The Board of Education met in the Administrative Conference Room at 2:30 p.m. for its Planning Session.  In attendance were President Ronald W. Peppe, II; Anne B. Hooper; Linda S. Naylor; and Jean A. Smith.  Vice President Daryl A. Boffman, Stephen Crawford, and

Deborah A. Aughenbaugh were absent.  Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Secretary-Treasurer, and Judith A. Ricketts, Administrative Director.

 

STUDENT SERVICES INTERVENTIONS

 

            R. Daniel Cunningham, Associate Superintendent, noted the divisions that make up the Frederick County Public Schools Student Services Team and stated that their purpose is to remove external barriers to students to promote academic success.  A video on student services was presented.  Each of the areas was outlined and challenges were presented by the following individuals:

 

            Sharon Boettinger, Supervisor of Counseling and School Support

            Melanie Hoffman, Lead School Psychologist

            Dave Kennedy, Pupil Personnel Worker

            Linda Gouker, Facilitator for Safe and Drug Free Schools

            Debbie Frye, Director of School Health, Frederick County Health Department

            Carol Strang, Community Agency School Services Coordinator

 

            Staff responded to Board members’ questions.  Board members commended staff for their work with students and the community.

 

(Mrs. Naylor left the meeting at 3:30 p.m.)

 

            Dr. James Bowes, Frederick County Health Officer, commended the Crisis Intervention Team and the administration of Orchard Grove Elementary School on their work during the recent crisis.  He also noted that the inspiration for his current program was the observation that many people returning to their cars neglected to “buckle up.”

 

 

REDISTRICTING PROCEDURES

 

            In attendance were Ronald W. Peppe, II; Anne B. Hooper; and Jean A. Smith.  Also present were Jack D. Dale, Judith A. Ricketts, and Ray Barnes, Executive Director of Facilities Services.

 

            Mrs. Smith said that she felt the way redistricting is being handled is disrupting to the community.  Board members expressed the need for communication and made suggestions for receiving citizen comments including a central site for email or discussion groups that could be accessed by all Board of Education members.

 

            Mr. Barnes reviewed some of the issues with the last redistricting committee including the complexities of the issues and the ability to negotiate with a large group.

 

Dr. Dale indicated that he will rewrite the policy and regulations to change the process with no Citizens’ Advisory Committee, but with a series of community meetings to allow everyone to participate, after staff generates several options.  Staff would explore methods for increasing public communications and feedback.

 

(Mrs. Naylor reentered the meeting at 4:28 p.m.)

 

            Mr. Peppe reviewed the discussion and noted the recommendation of those members present.

 

DISCUSSION OF CURRENT ISSUES

 

Board members agreed to hold a discussion on school choice after all other critical issues are handled.

 

Mrs. Hooper briefly commented on the Curriculum and Instruction Committee’s discussion of the International Baccalaureate program and noted that the program will be presented to the full Board in May.

 

Mrs. Smith reviewed potential names for the new South Frederick Elementary School site and received input from the Board members.

 

Mr. Peppe noted that he had received a copy of a letter from the Principal of Linganore High in support of the Indian mascot at their school.

 

            Mr. Boffman spoke in support of having an ROTC program in our school system.  It was noted that at the time it was explored that there were no slots available from the federal government. 

 

The schedule for upcoming topics was reviewed.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION ACTION

 

            The Board of Education met in the Administrative Conference Room at 5:07 p.m.  In attendance were President Ronald W. Peppe, II, Anne B. Hooper, Linda S. Naylor, and Jean A. Smith.  Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale; Judith A. Ricketts; Jamie Cannon, Executive Director of Legal Services; and Michele Krantz, Associate Superintendent.

 

            In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, Section 10-508(a)(9), the Board unanimously moved to go into Closed Session to discuss negotiations.

 

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

 

            The Closed Session minutes of March 27, 2002, were unanimously approved.

 

NEGOTIATIONS

 

No formal action was taken.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 5:43 p.m.

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

            The Board of Education of Frederick County met in the Board Room at 6:05 p.m.  In attendance were President Ronald W. Peppe, II, Vice President Daryl A. Boffman, Anne B. Hooper, Linda S. Naylor, Jean A. Smith, and Stephen Crawford who entered the meeting at

6:10 p.m.  Deborah A. Aughenbaugh was absent.  Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale and Judith A. Ricketts.

 

            Mr. Peppe opened the meeting, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT

 

            In accordance with Maryland Open Meetings Act, 10-508(a)(9), Mr. Peppe announced the time and place of the Closed Session and noted the topic discussed.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR GENERAL GOOD AND WELFARE

 

Comments by Melanie Pantazopoulos

 

            Melanie Pantazopoulos spoke regarding the latest redistricting process and asked why her community was not considered when the Board received a protest of more than 300 signatures.

 

Comments by Amy Masser

 

            Amy Masser said that she would like to see the children at Oakdale Elementary School continue in the same feeder with the rest of the students who would attend Oakdale Middle School.

 

Comments by Lisa Wheelock

 

            Lisa Wheelock stated that she would like to see her children who attend Oakdale Elementary continue with others at Oakdale Middle School.  She shared information with the Board on the Cambridge School System and school choice.

 

Comments by Bonnie Borsa

 

            Bonnie Borsa asked the Board’s consideration of allowing the students living on Hall and Quinn Roads and Oak Acres to attend Oakdale Middle School beginning in the year 2004.  She noted the low number of students that it will affect.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

            The Board unanimously approved the minutes of the Special Meeting of March 12, 2002, and the Regular Minutes of March 27, 2002.

 

RECOGNIZED

 

            Mr. Peppe recognized students from Hood College who were attending the meeting as part of a class assignment.

 

2002 FREDERICK COUNTY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR WINNERS

 

            Philip Brohawn, Curriculum Specialist for Science, K-5, introduced the recipient of the Elementary Special Merit Award.  Larkin Hohnke, Curriculum Specialist for Science, 6-12, introduced the recipients of the awards for the middle and high school divisions.  The students presented brief overviews of their projects.

 

            Elementary Division

 

            Special Merit Award – Michael Molnar, Glade Elementary

 

            Middle School Division

 

            Grand Prize Winner – Jarrett Remsberg, Middletown Middle

            Co-First Runner-Up – Caitlin McCurdy, Walkersville Middle

            Co-First Runner-Up – Emily Molnar (not present), Walkersville Middle

 

 

 

 

            High School Division

 

            Grand Prize Winner – Jennifer Gee, Frederick High

            First Runner-Up – Joanna Stewart, Walkersville High

 

PARTNERSHIP SIGNING WITH THE FREDERICK JAYCEES

 

            Larkin Hohnke introduced Lori Solderitch, Frederick Jaycees Fair Director. 

Ms. Solderitch said she was honored to sign the partnership and ready for planning the 22nd Annual Frederick County Science and Engineering Fair.

 

            The partnership agreement was signed by Dr. Dale, Mr. Hohnke, Mr. Brohawn, and    Ms. Solderitch.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

            The Consent Agenda was unanimously approved:

 

            Staffing Changes

            Facilities and Finance Committee

                        Bids

                              Natural Gas – Renewal

                              Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance

                              Relocation of Modular Classrooms

                              Roof Replacement – Linganore High School

                              Desktop Microcomputers and Printers, State of Maryland

                              Amendment to Cafeteria Benefits Plan Flexible Spending Account

                        Current Expense Amendments #24-02, #25-02, #26-02, #27-02, and #28-02

                        School Construction Amendments #02-12 and #02-13

                        Change Order – Construction Manager – Gov. Thomas Johnson High School

 

STAFFING CHANGES

           

Retirements – Effective July 1, 2002, Except Where Otherwise Indicated

 

            Baker, Clyde, Walkersville High – effective January 1, 2002

            Bresee, Jeffrey, Facilities Department

            DeGrange, Gerald, Yellow Springs Elementary

            Gutwalt, Carol, Frederick High

            Lord, Dennis, Curriculum, Administration, and School Improvement

            Lois, Poffenbarger, New Midway Elementary

            Roberts, Pearl, Walkersville High

            Thomas, Susan, Kemptown Elementary

            Ziegler, Judy, Catoctin High – May 1, 2002

 

 

 

Resignations from Leave – Effective July 1, 2002, Except Where Otherwise Indicated

 

            Akula, Colleen

            Bennett, Marla

            Bowers, Robin

            Emerson, Melissa

            Fachler, Jessica

            Falkenstein, Amy – effective April 1, 2002

            Gibson, Stephanie

            Glaser, Victoria

            Haney, Kimberly

            Miller, Elizabeth

            Quealy, Mary

            Reinert, Elizabeth

            Schellenger, Marie

            Socash, Ronald

            Stout, Kimberly

            Walker, Kathleen

 

Resignations – Effective July 1, 2002, Except Where Otherwise Indicated

 

            Beem, Jr., John, North Frederick Elementary

            Buhler, Marie, Oakdale Elementary

            Charles, Melodie, New Market Middle

            DeJong, Anna, Brunswick High

            Edwards, Diane, Windsor Knolls Middle

            Evich, Carol, On Leave

            Ford, Colleen, North Frederick Elementary

            Glatfelter, Carol, New Market Middle

            Hargett, Earl, West Frederick Middle

            Hitselberger, Mykel, New Market Middle

            Maxwell, David, Gov. Thomas Johnson Middle

            Murphy, Monica, Windsor Knolls Middle

            Olshavsky, Jill, New Market Middle

            Parrott, April, Middletown High – effective June 8, 2002

            Rechtorovic, Michael, New Market Middle

            Rosensteel, Hilary, Woodsboro/New Midway

            Selembo, Kenneth, Walkersville Middle

            Truitt, Anne, On Leave

            Wright, George, West Frederick Middle

 

Leave – Effective July 1, 2002, Except Where Otherwise Indicated

 

            Davie, Laurie, Monocacy Middle

            Lambie, Rebecca, Middletown Middle – Effective April 1, 2002

            McCoy, Holly, Gov. Thomas Johnson Middle

            Wilhelm, Sarah, Deer Crossing Elementary

Extended Leave – Effective July 1, 2002

 


Allen, Lisa

            Augustine, Lori

            Baranowski, Carrie

            Baumgardner, Kim

            Bradley, Victoria

            Cicmanec, Barbara

            Cole, Karen

            Contardi, Wendy

            Daniels, Coleen

            Doyle, Mickelly

            Drenner, Christina

            Drew, Jennifer

            Estep, Cynthia

            Ewine, Christa

            Gadra, Lisa

            Haberlein, Sherry

            Harman, Abbe

            Head, Kristen

            Hinkley, Cheryl

            Inge, Ann

            LaRue, Margaret

            Manns, Maureen

            McCoy, Holly

            Moore, Jacqueline

            Perkins, Karen

            Petty, Kimberly

            Pippen, Belinda

            Placek, Christina

            Reno, Stacy

            Robinson, Gina

            Rogowsky, Kim

            Rowe, Kelly

            Salmanson, Karen

            Shawver, Renee

            Spadaro, Susan

            Ward, Jennifer

            Williams, Tanya


 

Contracts – Effective August 20, 2002

 

            Barnes, Marjorie, Urbana High

            Keegin, Michelle, Open Contract

            Krut, Melissa, Open Contract

            Lawson, Beverly, Open Contract

            Sortore, Kathryn, Open Contract

            Wilsker, Barbara, Open Contract

 

BIDS

 

Natural Gas – Renewal - #01-M-11

 

            Renewed to Washington Gas Energy Services at the floating price for all accounts of $.106 (basis plus Nymex average) per therm for all sites with no sites receiving interruptible service.  The price may be fixed with an effective date of June 1 or later at any time upon notification to the vendor in order to take advantage of lower market prices.

 

Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance - #02-MISC-14

 

            Awarded for a three-year period, July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2005.  The three-year guaranteed monthly premium rates are $.18 per $1,000 coverage for term life coverage, $.012 per $1,000 for AD&D coverage, and $1.00 per month for employee paid dependent coverage.  Total FY ’03 projected costs for all coverages, based on current participation levels, are $893,344.

 

Relocation of Modular Classrooms - #02-C-6

 

            Awarded to Milton Stamper Builders for foundations ($120,000, Base Bid IA), and relocation ($570,700, Base Bid IB).

 

Linganore High School Roof Replacement #02-C-7

 

            Awarded as follows:

 

            Top Construction Company, Inc. for a total cost of $644,200 (Base Bid I, Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3).

 

Desktop Microcomputers and Printers – State of Maryland Contract #DBM-2020

 

            Approved the State of Maryland Contract #DBM-2020 for the purchase of desktop computers, laptop computers, printers, and related hardware.  The contract is effective from March 1, 2002, through February 28, 2003, with two one-year renewal options available. 

 

Amendment to Cafeteria Benefits Plan Flexible Spending Account

 

            Approved to increase the maximum deduction limit to $3,000 per plan year.

 

CURRENT EXPENSE AMENDMENTS #24-02, #25-02, #26-02, #27-02 and #28-02

 

#24-02

 

            Recognizes carryover of federal funds in the amount of $178,880; carryover of state funds totaling $679,193; carryover of other funds in the amount of $19,703, and two major transfers.

 

#25-02

 

            Recognizes carryover funds in other totaling $17,142, new state funds in the amount of $8,000, carryover state funds totaling $222,560, new federal funds totaling $158,004 and carryover of federal funds totaling $2,732, and four major transfers of federal funds totaling $12,200.

 

#26-02

 

            Reflects major transfers of budgeted general operating funds for the period of

November 1, 2001, through February 28, 2002.

 

#27-02

 

            Recognizes carryover of federal funds in the amount of $292,628; carryover of state funds totaling $235,216; carryover of other funds in the amount of $4,595 and new other funds of $285.

 

#28-02

 

            Recognizes other new funds of $1,800, a de-appropriation of state funds totaling $71,887, new federal funds totaling $204,807 with a de-appropriation of $5,315 and four major transfers of $3,279.

 

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AMENDMENTS #02-12 AND #02-13

 

#02-12

 

Item #1:  Green Valley Elementary Flooring            Transfer of FY ’03 funds in the amount of $200,000 to award

                                                                                                contracts for carpet and asbestos

                                                                                                abatement.  Money is tranferred from

                                                                                                various closed projects as listed.

           

Item #2-#22 Various TIMS,                                                 Closes various projects.

Playground and Other Miscellaneous Projects

 

            Item #23 Hillcrest Elementary FY ’01 TIMS                    Partially closes project.

           

#02-13

 

Item #1:  North Frederick Elementary Roof            Temporary transfer of FY’ 03 funds in the amount of $30,000 to award contracts for design and start up of North Frederick roof project.

 

            Item #2:  Linganore High Phase II Roof

           

Thomas Johnson High School Change Order – Construction Manager

 

            Approved Change Order with Barton Malow in the amount of $168,435 for a total contract of $1,623,059 to cover additional labor fees in connection with the Thomas Johnson High School project.

 

TRANSFER OF STUDENTS FROM THOMAS JOHNSON MIDDLE SCHOOL TO OAKDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

            Dr. Dale stated that if the Board would like to consider either of the community options to change middle school boundaries, that staff be given the opportunity to notify the public of an opportunity for public comment at a future meeting.

 

            Mr. Barnes pointed out the areas recommended by community members for redistricting.  First, the request to consider transferring the “back half” of the Spring Ridge PUD along with Oak Acres area from Thomas Johnson Middle School to Oakdale Middle School.  The second request was Oak Acres, Quinn and Hall Roads, from Thomas Johnson Middle to Oakdale Middle School.

            After considerable discussion, Mrs. Hooper moved that the Spring Ridge portion be retained at Thomas Johnson Middle School as it is currently.  The motion was seconded by

Mrs. Smith and failed to carry.  Mrs. Hooper, Mrs. Smith, and Mr. Boffman voted in favor of the motion; Dr. Crawford and Mr. Peppe opposed; and Mrs. Naylor abstained.

 

            Following further discussion, Mrs. Hooper moved that the portion of Spring Ridge (consistent with the first petition for the whole area) attend Oakdale Middle School.  For discussion purposes, Mrs. Smith seconded the motion.  The motion failed to carry with five opposing votes, and one abstention from Mrs. Naylor.

 

            Ms. Bonnie Borsa responded to Board members’ questions regarding the petition from residents of Oak Acres and Hall and Quinn Roads.

 

            Board members had no objection to having staff send out information to the residents in these areas notifying them of an opportunity to present comments at the next Board meeting on the potential redistricting of their areas from Thomas Johnson Middle School to Oakdale Middle School.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                    Jack D. Dale

                                                                                    Secretary-Treasurer

 

Ronald W. Peppe, II

President

 

Judith A. Ricketts

Administrative Director