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 audiotapes 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

 

February 12, 2003

 

PLANNING SESSION

 

          The Board of Education of Frederick County met in the Administrative Conference Room at 3:37 p.m.  In attendance were President Ronald W. Peppe, II,

Daryl A. Boffman, Bonnie M. Borsa, Linda S. Naylor, and Michael E. Schaden.  Vice President Jean A. Smith entered the meeting at 4:00 p.m.  Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer; Judith A. Ricketts, Administrative Director; and Anil K. Nathan, Student Representative to the Board of Education, who entered the meeting at 4:14 p.m.

 

GOAL MEASURES/INDICATORS

 

            Stephen K. Hess, Director of Curriculum and Evaluation, joined the Board for discussion.  Dr. Dale provided background on the alignment of Board of Education goals and evidence with the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) goals and indicators.  He asked if the list captures the desires of the Board for reporting to the community.  Dr. Dale and Mr. Hess reviewed the Frederick County Public Schools’ (FCPS) goals, ESEA reporting requirements, FCPS evidence (existing and potential), and present reporting status.  Modifications were made to the proposed measures of evidence for Goal I.  The document will be revised and brought back to the Board for discussion of Goal II through Goal V.  A future planning session will be scheduled to discuss requirements for receiving high school credit for middle school courses. 

 

The meeting was recessed at 5:15 p.m. and was reconvened at 6:11 p.m.

 

MAINTAINING VIDEOTAPES OF BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

 

Due to a storage issues, the Board agreed to maintain three years of Board of Education meeting videotapes.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            The Planning Session was adjourned at 6:13 p.m.

 

 

 

 

CLOSED SESSION ACTION

 

The Board of Education of Frederick County met in the Administrative Conference Room at 5:25 p.m.  All Board of Education members were present.  Also in attendance were

Jack D. Dale and Judith A. Ricketts.

 

In accordance with Maryland's Open Meetings Act, Section 10-508(a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(9), Mrs. Smith moved to go into Closed Session to discuss matters relating to negotiations and appointments.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Boffman and unanimously approved.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

The January 22, 2003, Closed Session Minutes were unanimously approved.

 

NEGOTIATIONS

 

Joining the Board for discussion were Jamie Cannon, Executive Director of Legal Services; Michele Krantz, Associate Superintendent; Harold Keller, Jr., Executive Director of Fiscal Services; Paula Lawton, Executive Director of Human Resources; and Marita Loose, Communications Specialist.

 

The Board agreed with staff’s recommendations regarding negotiations with the Frederick County Teachers Association.

 

APPOINTMENTS

 

            No formal action was taken.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            The Closed Session was adjourned at 6:11 p.m.

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

            The Board of Education met in the Board Room at 6:20 p.m.  All Board of Education members were present.  Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Judith A. Ricketts, Anil K. Nathan, 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.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR GENERAL GOOD AND WELFARE

 

Comments by Eric Percy

 

Mr. Percy spoke regarding the school calendar noting that everyone he has heard from endorses the consolidation of half days into one week to decrease disruption.  He encouraged the piloting of year-round school (45 days on/15 days off).

 

Mr. Peppe noted the he received many emails on the school calendar and that they have been distributed to all board members.  He also noted that he received a number of emails on the 11-month work year and that this issue is under the current proposal for the budget and not being discussed this evening.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

            The Regular Minutes of the January 22, 2003, were unanimously approved.

 

RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY EEEP PROGRAMS

 

               Shari Ostrow Scher, Curriculum Specialist for Early Childhood Education, provided an overview of the state validation process for the Early Elementary Education Program (EEEP) and recognized representatives from Monocacy Elementary School’s prekindergarten program and all Judy Center sites, (Waverley Elementary, South Frederick Elementary, and Spring Ridge Elementary).  These sites completed the validation process and received excellent ratings.

 

In response to Board members’ questions, Deborah Dotterer, Monocacy Elementary kindergarten teacher, indicated that the validators commented that they had a warm and caring environment.  Kris McCoy, Spring Ridge prekindergarten teacher, stated that it was a great process, a lot of work, but it helped them to look at their program.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

 

            Staffing Changes

            Recommended Textbooks

            Curriculum and Instruction Committee

                        Continuation of Teacher Mentoring Grant

            Facilities and Finance Committee

                        Bids

                              School Cafeteria Point of Sale Systems – Extension

                              Instructional Materials and Office Supplies – Renewal

                              Office Paper – Renewal

                              Electronic Digital Multimedia Equipment – Partial Renewal

                              Non-Renewal of NCAS Administrative Contract for Dental and Flexible

                                    Spending Account Plan; Non-Renewal of Health Systems, Inc.  Dental

                                    Provider Contract Account Plan; Non-Renewal of Health Systems, Inc.

                                    Dental Provider Contract

                        Current Expense Amendment #01-03

                        School Construction Amendment #03-08

 

STAFFING CHANGES

Retirements

 

            Diaz, Nicanor, Gov. Thomas Johnson Middle – effective July 1, 2003

            Evans, Barbara, Green Valley Elementary –effective April 1, 2003

            Oed, III, George, West Frederick Middle – effective July 1, 2003

Resignation

 

            Johnson, Annette – Walkersville High – effective January 23, 2003

 

Release – Effective February 1, 2003

 

            Gillis, Michael, Thurmont Middle

Officer, Janet, Twin Ridge Elementary

           

Contracts

 

            Fisher, Shanna, Ballenger Creek Elementary – effective January 23, 2003

            Franceschina, David, Heather Ridge School – effective January 21, 2003

            Hueston, Debora, South Frederick Elementary – effective January 23, 2003

            Oland, Kenneth, Linganore High – effective January 24, 2003

 

RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS

 

Supplementary

 

Career and Technology Education and Business Partnerships

 

            Roth, Alfred C. Small Gas Engines.  Goodheart Willcox, 2000.

 

English and Language Arts, 6-12

 

            Avi. Perloo the Bold.  Scholastic, Inc., 1998.

            Ayres, Katherine. North by Night.  Random House Children’s Books, 1998.

            Bauer, Joan. Sticks.  Bantam Doubleday Dell Books, 1996.

            Brecht, Bertolt. The Caucasian Chalk Circle.  Arcade Publishing, 1955.

            Creech, Sharon. The Wanderer.  Scholastic, Inc., 2000.

            Danziger, Paula and Ann M. Martin.  P. S. Longer Letter Later.  Scholastic, Inc.,

   1998.

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

            ¾. The Tiger Rising.  Candlewick Press, 2001.

            Duffey, Betsy. Utterly Yours, Booker Jones.  Penguin Putnam Books, 1995.

            Editors of Read Magazine. Read for Your Life.  The Millbrook Press, 1998.

            ¾. Read in a Different Light.  The Millbrook Press, 2000.

            Editors of Read Magazine. Read Into the Millennium.  The Millbrook Press, 1999.

Fenner, Carol. Yolanda’s Genius.  Simon and Schuster, 1995.

            Fletcher, Susan. Shadow Spinner.  Simon and Schuster, 1998.

            Hargett, Jeanne, et al. Jamestown’s Signature Reading “E”.  Jamestown, 2000.

            Hobbs, Will. Jason’s Gold.  Harper-Collins Publishers, Inc., 1999.

            Johnson, Angela. Heaven.  Simon and Schuster, 1995.

            Ketterman, Helen, et al. Jamestown’s Signature Reading “D”.  Jamestown, 2000.

            ¾. Jamestown’s Signature Reading “F”.  Jamestown Publishers, 2000.

            Korman, Gordon. The Chicken Doesn’t Skate.  Scholastic, Inc., 1996.

            Levine, Gail Carson. Ella Enchanted.  Harper-Collins Publishers, Inc., 1997.

Mazer, Harry. A Boy at War.  Simon & Schuster Books, 2001.

            Mills, Claudia. Standing Up to Mr. O.  Hyperion, 1998.

            Paulsen, Gary. The Haymeadow.  Bantam Doubleday Dell Books, 1992.

Pfetzer, Mark and Jack Galvin. Within Reach:  My Everest Story.  

   Penguin Putnam Books, 1998.

            Ryan, Pam Munoz, Esperanza Rising.  Scholastic, Inc., 2000.

            Roberts, Willo Davis. The View from the Cherry Tree.  Simon and Schuster, 1975.

Schumacher, Julia A., et al. American Short Stories:  1920 To The

   Present.  Perfection Learning, 2003.

            Sleator, William. The Boxes.  Penguin Putnam Books, 1998.

            Sleator, William. Rewind.  Puffin, 1999.

            Whelan, Gloria. Homeless Bird.  Harper-Collins Publishers, 2000.

            Woodson, Jacqueline. Miracle’s Boys.  Penguin Putnam Books, 2000.

 

Social Studies, 6-12    

 

            A History of US (11 titles). Oxford University Press, 1999.

Hakim, Joy. All the People:  1945-1999, Book 10.

¾. An Age of Extremes:  1870-1917, Book 8.

¾. The First Americans:  Prehistory-1600, Book 1. 

¾. From Colonies To Country:  1710-1791, Book 3.    

¾. Liberty for All: 1800-1860, Book 5.

¾. Making Thirteen Colonies:  1600-1740, Book 2.

¾. The New Nation:  1789-1850, Book 4.

¾. Reconstruction and Reform:  1865-1896, Book 7.

¾. Sourcebook and Index:  Documents that Shaped the American Nation,

   Book 11.

¾. War, Peace, and All That Jazz:  1918-1945, Book 9.

¾. War, Terrible War:  1860-1865, Book 6.

 

CONTINUATION OF TEACHER MENTORING GRANT

 

            Approved the continuation of the Maryland State Department of Education Teacher Mentoring Grant in the total amount of $226,216.

 

BIDS

 

School Cafeteria Point of Sales Systems – Extension - #00-FS-5

 

            The bid was extended to Data Business Systems, Inc. at prices indicated on the bid summary sheet.

 

Instructional Materials and Office Supplies – Renewal - #01-I-2

 

            The bid was renewed for the second year to the vendors listed on the summary of renewal contracts at an estimated total of $338,372.33.

 

Office Paper – Renewal - #01-I-3

 

            Awarded for the second renewal year to the vendors listed on the summary of award for individual and group awards at an estimated total annual cost of $393,915.48.

 

Electronic Digital Multimedia Equipment - #02-MISC-3

 

            Awarded to the companies listed on the summary of renewal sheet.

 

CURRENT EXPENSE AMENDMENT #01-03

 

            Reflects major transfers of budgeted general operating funds in the amount of $680,047 for the period of July 1 through December 31, 2002.  The transfers represent adjustment of original budget allocations in the schools and instructional offices.

 

SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AMENDMENT #03-08

 

Approved amendment to temporarily transfer funds needed to begin work and award contracts prior to July 1, 2003.  These jobs are scheduled for FY ’04 funding.  The money will be returned to the original project on July 1, 2003.

 

            Item #1:  Portables FY ’04 New

Item #2:  Myersville Elementary Flooring/Carpet (new)

Item #3:  Thurmont Elementary Roof (new)

Item #4:  Thurmont Middle Chiller (new)

Item #5:  Walkersville High Chiller (new)

Item #6:  Tuscarora High (new)

 

NATIONAL FFA WEEK RESOLUTION

 

David Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Career and Technology Education, recognized Marley Savage, state Future Farmers of America (FFA) reporter; Sara Palm, state FFA parliamentarian; and Sarah Welty, Agricultural Education Instructor at Walkersville High and FFA Advisor.

 

            Mr. Miller presented the following resolution:

 

WHEREAS,            the FFA and agricultural education provide a strong foundation for the

youth of Frederick County, Maryland, and the United States, and the

future of the food, fiber, and natural resources systems; and

 

WHEREAS,    the FFA promotes premier leadership, personal growth and career success among its members; and

 

WHEREAS,    agricultural education and the FFA ensure a steady supply of young professionals to meet the growing demands in the science, business and technology of agriculture; and

 

WHEREAS,    the FFA motto  - “Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve” - gives direction of purpose to those students who take an active role in “One Mission:  Student Success” in agricultural education; and

 

WHEREAS,    the FFA performs the valuable service of encouraging cooperation, promoting school citizenship and volunteerism, and inspiring patriotism among its members,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,            that February 15-22, 2003, is proclaimed to be “National FFA Week” in Frederick County and all students, teachers and citizens are urged to become familiar with the services and benefits provided by agricultural education programs in Frederick County Public Schools.

 

            Upon motion by Mrs. Smith seconded by Dr. Borsa, the Board unanimously adopted the resolution.

 

            Ms. Savage spoke of her responsibilities and accomplishments through FFA. 

Ms. Palm noted her reasons for participating in FFA and thanked the Board for its continuing support of agriculture.

 

            Ms. Welty said they were pleased and proud of what they do and appreciate all of the collaborative efforts; she thanked the Board members for their efforts on behalf of FFA.

 

CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION WEEK RESOLUTION

 

            David Miller recognized Rick Adams, Career and Technology Advisory Council member; Greg Solberg, Curriculum Specialist for Career and Technology Education; and Elaine Klein, Executive Director of Community Services.  Mr. Miller presented the following resolution.

 

WHEREAS,    Profound economic and technological changes in our society are rapidly reflected in the structure and nature of work, thereby placing new and additional responsibilities on our educational system; and

 

WHEREAS,    Career and technology education provides Americans with a school-to-careers connection and is the backbone of a strong, well-educated workforce, which fosters productivity in business and industry and contributes to American’s leadership in the international marketplace; and

 

WHEREAS,    Career and technology education gives high school students experience in practical, meaningful applications of basic skills such as reading, writing; mathematics, thus improving the quality of their education and providing all students leadership opportunities in their career fields and in their communities; and

 

WHEREAS,    Career and technology education offers individuals lifelong opportunities to learn new skills, which provide them with career choices and potential satisfaction and programs that give direction and purpose to those students who take an active role in “Career Tech: Working on Your Future; and

 

WHEREAS,    The ever-increasing cooperative efforts of career and technology educators, business, and industry stimulate the growth and vitality of our local economy and that of the entire nation by preparing graduates for career fields forecast to experience the largest and fastest growth in the next decade; and

 

WHEREAS,    Frederick County is pleased to join with the national Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the Maryland Career and Technology Education Association, and the Frederick County Career and Technology Advisory Council in celebrating a week dedicated to a large group of promising and highly talented students who will have vital responsibilities and positions in our workforce of tomorrow, and who are deserving of our continued support,

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,             that February 9-15, 2003, is proclaimed to be “Career and Technology Education Week” in Frederick County and all students, teachers and citizens are urged to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by career and technology education programs in Frederick County Public Schools.

 

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

Mrs. Smith and unanimously approved.

 

            Mr. Adams, on behalf of the business community, thanked each of the Board members for the opportunity to serve on the Career and Technology Advisory Council; he noted that the council members were learning the program first-hand and they were made to feel that they were part of the curriculum.  He encouraged members of the business community to get involved and encouraged parents of ninth and tenth grade students to look at the opportunities offered at the Career and Technology Center.

 

FAMILY LIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

 

            Mr. Peppe noted that four openings exist on the Family Life Advisory Committee, and he recommended the following appointments:

 

            Linda Carmack, Gov. Thomas Johnson feeder representative

            Jean Flory, at-large representative

            Jack Oliver, at-large representative

            Susan Martin, Linganore feeder representative

 

            The appointments are effective through June 30, 2005.

 

The Board unanimously approved the appointments as presented. 

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

 

            Dr. Dale noted that the Board previously approved the 2003-04 and 2004-05 school calendars.  If no action is taken, the calendars will remain as previously approved. Mr. Peppe spoke regarding the process.

 

            Elaine Klein, Executive Director of Community Services, provided an overview of the considerations used in the development of the school calendar and the effect of changing the starting date of the school year.

 

            Dr. Dale noted that the unanimous consensus of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council which includes parents and business people was in support of large blocks of instructional time.  He noted that the group was not uncomfortable with the earlier starting time in 2004-05.  Considerable discussion was held.

 

Mrs. Smith moved approval of staff’s proposal for 2003-2004 (attached).  The motion was seconded by Mr. Boffman.  Following discussion, the motion carried with five favorable votes; Dr. Schaden opposed the motion.

 

Mrs. Smith moved approval of staff’s proposal for 2004-05.  The motion was seconded by Dr. Borsa.

 

Dr. Schaden asked if it was necessary to adopt this calendar at this time.  He felt the community should be given an opportunity to comment.

 

Board members agreed by general consent to postpone the action until the March 12, 2003, meeting to allow for community input.

 

Mr. Peppe noted that the information will be on the web site and available at the front desk.

 

Mrs. Smith stated that she has been lobbied heavily on the elimination of March 31 in this year’s calendar as a day off for students due to all of the snow days.  Dr. Dale stated that this was discussed by the Superintendent’s Advisory Council and there was a 60/40 split.

 

Dr. Borsa also indicated that she has been hearing from people who want school on March 31. 

 

Dr. Schaden moved to have school on March 31, 2003.  The motion was seconded by Mrs. Smith.

 

Dr. Dale responded to Mrs. Naylor’s question noting that they would work with families that have plans for this day.

 

The motion was unanimously approved.

 

 

 

POLICY ON SCHOOL NAMES

 

            Dr. Dale noted current policy for naming schools does not permit naming for people.  In addition to policy there is a regulation.  He asked for Board direction regarding the naming of portions of schools, grounds, playing fields, and stadiums.

 

            Board members were supportive of the regulation being rescinded and of allowing for proposals of creative financing solutions. 

 

            Commissioner Cady recommended review of the county’s ordinance on the naming of public buildings, and Parks and Recreation Commission’s recently revised policy.

 

            Dr. Dale stated that he would rescind his regulation and secure information from counsel.

 

COMMENTS

 

            Mrs. Smith invited the public to attend the Academic Tournaments being held every Friday, 6:00 p.m., at the Hayward Road Complex.  Mr. Nathan also invited all board members to attend the Academic Tournaments.

 

            Commissioner Cady updated the public on the Board of Education vacancy.

 

            Commissioner Cady invited Board of Education members to attend his meetings with municipalities noting that many of the questions involve the school system.  He also spoke regarding a recent email that he received.  Mr. Peppe stated that they had not seen the email and requested that it be forwarded.  Dr. Dale offered to accompany Commissioner Cady to his meetings.  Mr. Peppe also requested the schedule of meetings.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                Jack D. Dale

                                                                                                Secretary-Treasurer

 

Ronald W. Peppe, II

President

 

Judith A. Ricketts

Administrative Director