BOARD OF EDUCATION OF FREDERICK COUNTY
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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
March 12, 2003
CLOSED SESSION ACTION
The Board of Education of Frederick County met at 1:05 p.m. in the Administrative Conference Room. Board of Education members in attendance were President Ronald W. Peppe, II, Vice President Jean A. Smith, Daryl A. Boffman, Bonnie M. Borsa, Donna J. Crook, Linda S. Naylor, and Michael E. Schaden. Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Superintendent/Secretary-Treasurer; Judith A. Ricketts, Administrative Director; and Jamie Cannon, Executive Director of Legal Services.
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, Section 10-508(a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), (a)(7), and (a)(9), Dr. Schaden moved to go into Closed Session to discuss matters relating to personnel, negotiations, and to consult with counsel. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Smith and unanimously approved.
The Board unanimously approved the Closed Session minutes of February 26, 2003.
No formal action was taken.
NEGOTIATIONS
No formal action was taken.
No formal action was taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
PLANNING SESSION
The Board of Education
met in the Administrative Conference Room at 2:13 p.m.
All Board of Education members were in attendance. Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale;
Judith A. Ricketts; R. Daniel Cunningham, Jr., Associate
Superintendent; and Marita Loose, Communications Specialist, who entered the
meeting at 2:52 p.m. Anil K. Nathan,
Student Representative to the Board, entered at 4:50 p.m.; and Michael L. Cady,
County Commissioner Liaison to the Board of Education, entered at 5:53 p.m.
GOALS AND INDICATORS
Mr. Peppe provided background information on this topic. Stephen K. Hess, Director, Curriculum and Evaluation, reviewed Goal I and indicators, Frederick County Public Schools evidence, present status, and targets approved by the Board of Education at its February 12, 2003, Planning Session. Board members established indicators and performance targets for Goal II. Targets for Goals III-V will be determined at a future meeting.
The meeting was recessed at 3:21 p.m. was reconvened at 3:36 p.m.
Mr. Peppe briefly discussed the intent of HB 1166 opposing high stakes testing.
Mrs. Naylor noted that the Maryland Association of Boards of Education is not taking a position on this bill. Dr. Borsa pointed out that there is no determination that high stakes testing makes a difference.
Dr. Borsa moved to support HB 1166. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Naylor and unanimously approved.
A letter will be sent from Mr. Peppe and Mrs. Naylor, as Legislative Chair, to the chair of the committee reviewing the bill, the Maryland State Board of Education, the Frederick County Delegation, and local boards. During discussion of current issues, Mr. Peppe reviewed his draft letter, and it was consensually approved by the Board.
Mr. Peppe referenced the letter from Mr. and Mrs. Paul Testerman, Testerman Bus Service, regarding the reimbursement formula for contract bus service. Following discussion, Mrs. Crook moved that this issue be sent to the Facilities and Finance Committee for review. The motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. Dale provided background information on prior reviews, studies, and discussions with the Board of County Commissioners on the use of playing fields. Dr. Dale suggested that this issue be discussed at a Joint Meeting with the Board of County Commissioners during the summer. In the meantime, he will explore with the Facilities Department whether or not there may be some flexibility to field usage that may be cost neutral.
Additional comments were made regarding public use of school facilities and sponsorships/partnerships.
Dr. Borsa suggested that the Board of County Commissioners
be invited to tour some of the overcrowded schools to see a normal day when the
students are in class. Mrs. Smith noted
this issue will be discussed with the Facilities and Finance Committee.
Dr. Dale provided the schedule for the county staff’s presentation of the
Board of Education’s Capital Improvement Program and the appeal to the Board of
County Commissioners.
Mrs. Crook asked for clarification of Facilities and Finance Committee consent agenda items.
Lisa Myers, Chairperson of the Governing Council, Monocacy Valley Montessori School (MVMS), made introductory comments concerning the successes and struggles and noted multiple presentations to be given on particular topics.
Presentors included Carl Huber, parent representative; Leslie Mansfield, President, Monocacy Montessori Communities, Inc. (MMCI); Lisa Delorme, Special Education Teacher; Cynthia Wilcox, member of the MVMS Governing Council; Jim Voss, MMCI Finance Committee member; and Anne Buttenheim, Vice President/Secretary, MMCI.
Topics discussed included testimony concerning the charter school bill; educational diversity; self-assessment survey results and leadership issues; accomplishments and challenges during the first six months; special education; governance structure; timeline for staffing, program development, and certification; finances and autonomy in purchasing.
It was stressed that the Governing Council would like increased flexibility for the charter school.
Representatives of the Monocacy Valley Montessori School and Dr. Dale responded to Board members’ questions.
The Board agreed to discuss the charter school issues at its next Planning Session.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m.
The Board of Education of Frederick County met in the Board Room at 6:15 p.m. All Board of Education members were in attendance. Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale,
Judith A. Ricketts, Anil K. Nathan, and Michael L. Cady.
Mr. Peppe opened the meeting, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The
agenda was unanimously approved.
Ms.
Brashear, Executive Assistant to the Great Frederick Fair, stated
that the Board of Managers of the Great Frederick Fair is pleased to see that
“Fair Friday” is included in the proposed and approved school calendars. She spoke of the positive working
relationship with the school board and the many benefits of the fair.
Mrs. Butt, President of
the PTA Council of Frederick County, urged the Board
to make a decision about the calendar to
maximize the time students
are in the classroom before high stakes tests are taken. She thanked the Board for giving back
some of those high-quality instructional days in this year’s calendar, and she
urged the Board to adopt a calendar
that will follow and shadow next year’s calendar.
Ms. Dietz, President of the Frederick County Teachers Association, spoke regarding the tentative agreement indicating that the 4 percent will be a move toward being competitive and addressing the critical needs of benefits. She noted that the Frederick County Teachers Association will be asking the Board of County Commissioners to pay for the deficit in the insurance fund as a one-time expenditure. Additionally, the tentative agreement provides additional planning time for teachers.
Ms. Dietz stated that the association knows that they must make the state aware of the revenues required for education and then follow-up with the county. She said it is all of our responsibility to provide funding for programs, employees, and children. She thanked both teams for an excellent job in negotiating.
Dr. Borsa moved to adopt the minutes of the February 6, 2003, Town Meeting. The motion was seconded by Dr. Schaden and carried. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Naylor abstained.
The Board unanimously approved the minutes as amended by Mrs. Crook.
Page 4, paragraph 6, last sentence to read:
“ . . .Mrs. Crook abstained stating that although she supports many of the items, she has serious concerns with certain parts of the budget and would like time to better educate herself.”
Commissioner Cady reiterated some of the issues mentioned at the Joint Board
of Education/Board of County Commissioners meeting and his support of the Board of Education’s timeline for construction of Capital Improvement Program projects. He noted that he is recommending deferral of projects for libraries, parks, and the Citizens Nursing Home in order to support the Board of Education’s request.
The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda:
Staffing Changes
Facilities and Finance Committee
Bids
Unit Price Contract for Asbestos Abatement – Renewal
Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies – Renewal
Vehicle Parts and Supplies – Renewal
Calendar Handbook – Renewal
Chiller and Cooling Tower Service – Renewal
Electrical and Communication Systems Upgrades – Brunswick High
School
Construction of Tuscarora Elementary School – Partial
Administrative Services for Dental Insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts
Current Expense Amendment #02-03
School Construction Amendment #03-09
Change Order for Thomas Johnson High School
Oakdale Schools Additional Construction Management Fees
Centerville Elementary School Additional Design Fees
STAFFING CHANGES
Boyle, Suzanne, New Market Elementary – effective July 1, 2003
Crismond, Rebecca, South Frederick Elementary – effective 2/25/2003
Donovan, Devin, Career Tech. Center – effective 3/1/2003
Fisher, Wendy, Monocacy Montessori School – effective date 7/1/2003
Flynn, Donna, Twin Ridge Elementary – effective 7/1/2003
Gray, Thomas, Catoctin High – effective date 3/15/2002
Plemons, Melissa, Deer Crossing Elementary – effective date 3/22/2003
Christy, Christine, Gov. Thomas Johnson High – effective date 4/22/2003
Cowperthwaite, Elizabeth, Twin Ridge Elementary – effective date 4/16/2003
Harley, Amy, Parkway Elementary – effective date 5/02/2003
Shriner, Beth, Oakdale Elementary – effective date 7/1/2003
Streaker, Nicole, Orchard Grove Elementary – effective date 4/16/2003
Vermillion, Jessica, Catoctin High – effective date 4/16/2003
Streaker, Nicole, Orchard Grove Elementary – effective date 7/1/2003
BIDS
Renewed for the third year to A-L Abatement, Inc. and Asbestos Specialist, Inc. at the prices indicated on the bid summary sheet.
Renewed for a one-year period in an estimated total of $186,192.39 as indicated on the bid summary sheet.
Renewed for a third and final one-year period, through February 28, 2004, to the vendors and groups indicated on the bid summary sheets.
Renewed with United Book Press, Inc. for an estimated total of $21,543.00 based on 51,000 copies plus an additional 6,000 copies at the cost of $2,244.00 for a total of $23,787.00, contingent upon approval of the FY ’04 Proposed Operating Budget.
Renewed to M&E Sales, Inc. as indicated on the bid summary sheet.
Contract awarded to the apparent low bidder, Valentine Electric Inc. at $335,000.00 contingent upon approval by the State Interagency for Public School Construction and approval of CFA #03-09.
Contract (Package 2A Sitework) awarded to the apparent low bidder, Waynesboro Construction Company, Inc., in the total amount of $1,535,000.00 contingent upon approval from the State Interagency Committee for Public School Construction.
ACCOUNTS
Awarded Delta Dental for the Self Insurance Dental Plan (DeltaPreferred Option
Point of Service Plan)
Awarded FlexAmerica for the Flexible Spending Plan Administration.
The dental plan and flexible spending contracts are effective for two years beginning
July 1, 2003, and ending June 30, 2005. Frederick County Public Schools will have the option to renew the contract for additional one-year extensions following the initial two-year contract period.
Reflects major transfers in the amount of $24,574 of budgeted general operating funds for the period January 1 through January 31, 2003.
Transfers funds to cover additional costs to complete: Oakdale Middle School $60,000; Linganore High Roof $40,000; Parkway Elementary Roof $4,298; and the Brunswick High TIMS project $85,000. Funds are being transferred from the following projects which are substantially complete: Catoctin High addition/renovation $169,298, and North Frederick Roof $20,000.
Change order with M.S. Johnston in the amount of $26,855.85 for delivery and hook-up of Blodgett replacement Combi-Ovens and removal of the Market Forge Combi-Ovens.
Additional construction management fees to Oak Contracting Corporation in the amount of $40,000 for an extension of the term from August 2001 to the end of January 2002.
Additional design fees to Bushey Feight Morin Architects in the amount of $32,085 for additional architectural/civil and structural cost estimating, cost estimating for mechanical/plumbing electrical, and construction administration services.
2004-2005
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Elaine Klein, Executive Director of Community Services, spoke regarding the 2004-2005 calendar, Option 1.
Mrs. Smith moved to adopt Option 1 (attached). The motion was seconded by
Dr. Borsa. Mrs. Naylor stated that from the comments that she received from the community, she preferred school starting August 30th (option 2) instead of August 23rd (option 1).
Following comments by individual Board members as to the options of their choice
based on their feelings and comments received from the community, the motion carried with
five favorable votes from Mrs. Smith, Dr. Borsa, Mr. Boffman, Dr. Schaden, and the Chair.
Mrs. Naylor and Mrs. Crook opposed the motion.
Mr. Peppe suggested and the Board agreed to an all-day session on April 30, 2003, for strategic planning and discussion of roles and procedures.
The Board unanimously adopted the Board Meeting Calendar for 2003-04 (attached).
MARYLAND SCHOOL ASSESSMENT AND HIGH SCHOOL ASSESSMENT
PROGRAMS
Mr. Peppe referenced a pending legislative bill opposing high stakes testing and noted that the Board voted to support this bill.
Stephen K. Hess provided an overview of the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) and the High School Assessment Programs (HSA) including the No Child Left Behind testing and accountability requirements, consequent changes to Maryland’s testing and accountability program, the nature of the new Maryland School Assessment, and features of the new assessment. He also provided key dates, anticipated MSA/HSA performance levels and discussed how the MSA and HSA testing impacts our system.
Mr. Peppe noted that the Board is to decide this evening if it wants to discuss bringing back the “D” grade and how it should be discussed.
Discussion was held and the majority of the Board members indicated that they would like to revisit the issue of the “D” grade as soon as possible. Board members provided a list of questions that they would like answered when the topic is next discussed. Dr. Dale indicated that this matter will be placed on the agenda for the next Board of Education meeting, but that some other information may not be available until the April 23, 2003, meeting.
Mrs. Smith announced the time and place of the Academic Tournament Finals, and she invited the entire community to attend.
Mr. Peppe thanked the Frederick County Bar Association for its sponsorship of the Art Show and Auction to benefit Community Agency School Services (CASS).
The Board agreed to hear comments from George Yourick. Mr. Yourick suggested that the entire grading system be revised to retain the “D” grade with anything below 70 percent being a failing grade.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.
Jack D. Dale
Secretary-Treasurer
Ronald W. Peppe, II
President
Judith A. Ricketts
Administrative Director