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
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
May 28, 2003
PLANNING SESSION
The Board of Education of Frederick County met in the Administrative Conference Room at 1:35 p.m. In attendance were President Ronald W. Peppe, II, Vice President Jean A. Smith, Daryl A. Boffman, Bonnie M. Borsa, Donna J. Crook, and Michael E. Schaden. Linda S. Naylor entered the meeting at 1:44 p.m. Also in attendance were Jack D. Dale, Superintendent/
Secretary-Treasurer; Judith A. Ricketts, Administrative Director; Anil K. Nathan, Student Representative to the Board, who entered the meeting at 4:50 p.m.; and Jamie Cannon, Executive Director of Legal Services, was present for the Board’s discussion of policy.
Board members reviewed the changes recommended at the May 14, 2003, Planning Session and unanimously adopted Policy 100 as revised (attached).
The Board continued with its review of policy and made recommended changes to sections 101 and 103. The revised policies will be brought back at the next meeting for action.
Mr. Boffman introduced Richard D. Myles, CEO/Executive Director of the Washington Chiefs, and Dr. Gail Street, member of the Washington Chiefs Board. Mr. Boffman stated that he invited Mr. Myles and Dr. Street to share their proposal in an effort to bring quality entertainment to the Community and to serve as a fund-raiser for the school system.
Dr. Street reviewed the proposal to bring the Washington Chiefs and two other teams from across the country to present two minor league football games to the citizens of Frederick County in August. Mr. Myles noted that the Washington Chiefs is a 501(c)3 (non-profit) organization with a mission to serve the youth population through various programs as well as through affordable sports entertainment.
R. Daniel Cunningham, Associate Superintendent noted that if approved, the games would be held at Frederick High School and Gov. Thomas Johnson High School. Mr. Boffman said that he would like the funds raised from the event to go toward field maintenance. Mr. Myles, Mr. Boffman, and staff responded to Board members’ questions regarding publicity, costs, benefits to the school system, the ability to cancel an event should the first event not prove successful, and the booster clubs’ involvement in running the concession stands.
Board of Education members were unanimously in support of the Washington Chiefs bringing two minor league football games to Frederick County.
Ray Barnes, Executive Director of Facilities Services, and Beth Pasierb, Facilities Planner, joined the Board.
Mr. Barnes reviewed the process and timeline for the Educational Facilities Master Plan, presented enrollment data from 2002 through 2012, and discussed the status of various projects including Centerville Elementary School, East County High School, Earth and Space Science Lab at South Frederick Elementary School, and the FCPS/Town of Middletown Master Plan Transportation Improvements.
The Board consensually agreed to discuss the Educational Facilities Master Plan at the Board of Education/Board of County Commissioners Joint Meeting in June.
Dr. Dale stated that unless the Board is changing its priority of keeping the policy in place for the addition of new seats being a higher priority than renovations, staff will proceed with development of the plan as indicated in the information presented.
Karol Strang, Supervisor of CASS (Community Agency School Services), presented an overview of the CASS program including its master plan and long-term goals for 2002-2007, and its challenges and strengths. Dr. Strang noted that the program began in the Brunswick area in 1991 and with the opening of Tuscarora High, it will expand to nine sites. She spoke of how CASS links families to services within the community and responded to Board members’ questions.
Harold Keller, Jr., Executive Director of Finance, was present.
Dr. Dale noted that the Board had requested to look at the budget transfer process. He reviewed the current steps taken by staff prior to review by the Facilities and Finance (F&F) Committee and Board action. Dr. Dale proposed that a coversheet outlining steps taken by staff and the Board be provided to the Board of County Commissioners to assure them that expenditures are appropriately reported and that the change is within the budget.
Dr. Dale asked for concurrence of the ten steps in the decision-making process.
Mr. Keller noted that he relies on the instructional directors to assure that purchases are necessary, and that he verifies that funds are taken from the appropriate account. The F & F Committee will be assured that budget transfers are appropriately approved by either a cabinet member or educational director and do not exceed budget.
Mrs. Naylor noted that even though she does not serve on the F&F Committee, she would prefer to receive the detailed backup information.
Dr. Borsa moved to invite the Board of County Commissioners to a retreat to discuss the roles and responsibilities of each board. The motion was seconded by Dr. Schaden and unanimously approved. This matter will be included on the next Joint Meeting agenda.
Dr. Dale agreed to follow the stated procedure for presentation of the budget amendment to the Board of County Commissioners.
Mr. Peppe reported on the emails received regarding the CASS program.
Mr. Peppe noted that he received four communications from a community member requesting that the Board oppose the Maryland State Department of Education’s proposal on sexual orientation. Ms. Cannon stated that she and Sharon Boettinger, Supervisor of Guidance and Student Support, would provide information to the Board regarding the state’s proposal.
Mr. Peppe noted that he received information from an individual who requested that the school system cut ties with the Chamber of Commerce due to the Chamber making its meetings inaccessible to handicapped individuals.
Mr. Peppe spoke about the article by Jay Matthews on the Challenge Index which ranks schools across the nation by the number of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests taken by students. He noted that four Frederick County Public Schools placed in the top 700: Gov. Thomas Johnson High, Urbana High, Walkersville High, and Middletown High.
In response to Dr. Schaden’s question, Dr. Dale noted that the attendance boundaries for Hillcrest Elementary and Orchard Grove Elementary are on the list of topics for future discussion.
Mr. Boffman asked Board of Education members if they were interested in challenging the Commissioners in the Bowl for Kids event. He indicated that he would notify the Board with the date of the event.
The Board of Education met in the Administrative Conference Room at 5:48 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, Sections 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 personnel. The motion was seconded by Dr. Borsa and unanimously approved.
The Closed Session minutes of May 14, 2003, were unanimously approved.
R. Daniel Cunningham, Associate Superintendent, joined the Board.
No formal action was taken.
Jamie Cannon and Harold Keller, Jr. were present for discussion.
No formal action was taken.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
The Board of Education of Frederick County met at 6:13 p.m. in the Board Room. 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, County Commissioner Liaison to the Board of Education.
Mr. Peppe opened the meeting, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The Board unanimously approved the agenda.
Mr. Peppe announced that the time and place of the Closed Session, cited the law for closing the meeting, and noted the topics discussed.
Ms. Check spoke regarding the proposed budget cuts and the potential effects on other programs should the elementary instrumental program be cut. She urged the Board if they have to make cuts, to cut programs that do not affect the foundation of other programs.
Comments by Nancy Dietz
Ms. Dietz, President of the Frederick County Teachers Association, asked the Board to recognize the importance of experienced staff. She spoke regarding salary rankings in Frederick County sliding downwards and said that competitive salaries must be a priority. Ms. Dietz stated
that classroom teachers, from the 36 schools reporting, supplemented the Board of Education’s budget by $310,554.10 last year for out-of-pocket expenses for their classrooms. She noted the .5 percent lost last year, increases in insurance costs last year and again this year, and asked that they not be made to pay again with inadequate salaries. She requested that the Board commit to keeping the best teachers in our classrooms and to reaching its goal of the top third in salaries in the state.
Mr. Brako, President of the Frederick Association of School Support Employees, spoke of the responsibilities of support employees, their effectiveness, and said they were severely underpaid. He asked how can we measure the success of school support employees if everything is ordinary when they do their jobs.
Comments by Jon Evans
Mr. Evans noted his dedication as a classroom teacher to the students, spoke of his involvement in the election process for the Board of Education and Board of County Commissioners, and stated how he encouraged participation at the Board of County Commissioners’ public hearing on the Board of Education’s budget. He spoke of the agreed upon contract and asked that the Board treat him like all professionals in the classroom, honor the commitment and fully fund the negotiated agreement.
Ms. Greenway, Frederick High School teacher, asked the Board to fully fund the negotiated agreement. She provided ten reasons for fully funding the contract noting that the number one reason is that the classroom teacher is the most important educational tool. She asked that they not be cheated again.
Ms. Daiger, Myersville Elementary School teacher, spoke regarding recruiting and retaining teachers and said that teachers are vital to students. She asked that the Board honor the negotiated agreement.
Commissioner Cady spoke regarding the Operating Budget and the Capital Improvement Program, and he commented on the additional funds provided by the Board of County Commissioners to the Board of Education Operating Budget. He stated that he hopes the school teachers receive the pay they deserve.
Mr. Peppe stated that the Board of Education voted unanimously to meet with the Board of County Commissioners in a retreat setting.
The Regular Minutes of May 14, 2003, were unanimously approved as amended by
Mrs. Smith.
Page 14, Budget Priorities, paragraph 4.
Delete: Mrs. Smith seconded the motion.
Add: Dr. Borsa seconded the motion.
Greg Solberg, Supervisor of Career and Technology Education, introduced Janet Manning, enrichment teacher responsible for implementing the Elementary Technology program at New Market Elementary and South Frederick Elementary School. South Frederick Elementary School students participated in the Technology Challenges developed and sponsored by the Engineering Society of Maryland, the Baltimore Museum of Industry, and the Technology Education Association of Maryland. The winning teams made brief presentations about their engineering projects.
Third Grade – Safe Racer Challenges – Certificates of Achievement for Best Engineered Racer and Great Design Process; Christopher Wright, Aaron Shifflett, Chloe Scott, Joshua Maley, Daniel Frizzell, Kelsey Treiber.
Fourth Grade – Theme Park Challenge – Third Place Overall; Jasmine Henderson, Legrand Ochoa, William Moulden, Momina Mazhar.
Fifth Grade – Theme Park Challenge – Certificate of Achievement for Best Written Report; Justin Bowens, Will Parker, Luke Wiles, Casey Friedland, Rhiannon Patton.
Mike Bunitsky, Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, 6-12, commended Anil Nathan for his service as Student Representative to the Board of Education.
Mr. Bunitsky spoke regarding the Mock Trial Competition and thanked Jean Smith for her attendance and support at the competitions and recognition luncheon.
Mr. Bunitsky commented on this year’s hypothetical case, and recognized this year’s county championship team from Frederick High School. He commended Jack Ganley, coach, for his dedication, and thanked the members of the Frederick County Bar Association for their involvement. Team members are Vanna Belton, Jamie Blumhagen, Ben Brown, Alexey Bubunenko, Keith Buzby, Alexandra Haney, Geovanny Martinez, Angie Muehl, Meredith Neely, Megan Procario, Matt Sanicola, and Amy Wolfsheimer.
Mr. Ganley thanked and congratulated Mr. Bunitsky on running the Mock Trial program in Frederick County. He also recognized Denise Fargo Devine, Principal of Frederick High School, for her strong support of the team.
Elaine Klein, Executive Director of Community Services, spoke regarding the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Award presented annually by The Washington Post to recognize teachers who exemplify excellence in their profession. She provided background information on Lori H. Bower, award recipient and music teacher at Oakdale Elementary School.
Judy Sherman, Principal of Oakdale Elementary School, read from Ms. Bower’s nomination packet and introduced Ms. Bower, “a teacher who personifies the best in teaching.”
On behalf of the Board of Education, Mrs. Smith congratulated Ms. Bower and presented her with a Board of Education Recognition Pin.
Elaine Klein spoke regarding the Frederick County Teacher of the Year Award sponsored by the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Business Roundtable, and she provided background information on Charlene Fraser, award recipient and Reading Specialist at Heather Ridge School. Frank Vetter, Principal of Heather Ridge School, stated that no finer teaching occurs than in Ms. Fraser’s class, Frederick County Teacher of the Year.
Mrs. Smith stated that she has known Mrs. Fraser since 1977 and is pleased to present the Board of Education Recognition Pin to her. Ms. Fraser said that it is indeed an honor to represent the teachers of Frederick County and noted that this recognition comes in the twilight of her career.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mrs. Smith stated that Anil Nathan has done a marvelous job as Student Representative to the Board of Education, and she moved to present him with a Board of Education Recognition Pin. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Crook and unanimously approved.
Mr. Peppe added that Anil has done a great job in participating in discussions and keeping the Board informed, and asking questions. He thanked him for his service on the Board, and wished him well on his college career.
Mr. Boffman noted that the Board changed the policy at today’s planning session to have the student’s vote recorded; he added that this is a landmark achievement for Anil and for the students who follow.
Mr. Nathan stated that he appreciates the support and respect received from Board members. This opportunity has shed a favorable light on the role of the Board, and he may possibly come back and become a Board member. He also stated that before taking this position, he never though he would watch Channel 18 for enjoyment. He said that after he is off the Board this may not be the case.
Mr. Peppe noted the issues discussed during planning session.
The Board unanimously approved the consent agenda:
Staffing Changes
Textbooks
Curriculum and Instruction Committee
Lenses on Learning: Instructional Leadership in Math for Maryland
Math Supervisors
Cigarette Restitution Funds Grant
Facilities and Finance Committee
Bids
Tools for Maintenance/Operations – Renewal
Maintenance and Repair Services – Printing Department Equipment – Renewal
Trash Removal and Recycling Services – Renewal
Stage Rigging at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
Roof Replacement at Thurmont Elementary School
Partial Roof Replacement – Green Valley Elementary School
Closed Circuit Television Security System – Gov. Thomas Johnson High
and Tuscarora High
Art Drama and Music Equipment for Tuscarora High School
Current Expense Amendment #50-03
School Construction Amendment #03-12
Middletown Primary Construction Documents
Staffing Changes
Case, Neal; Assistant Principal, Oakdale Middle
Little, Elizabeth; Assistant Principal, Thurmont Middle
Baumbach, Lois; Wolfsville Elementary
Cramer, Charles; Walkersville High
Hawker, Edith; Monocacy Elementary
Baumgardner, Kimberly
Harman, Abbe
Shawver, Renee
Ward, Jennifer
Williams, Renee
RESIGNATIONS
Albaugh, Ronald; Middletown High – effective July 1, 2003
Hudson, Brenda; Thurmont Middle – effective June 8, 2003
Krantz, Richard; Rock Creek – effective August 1, 2003
Loughlin, Laura; Catoctin High – effective July 1, 2003
Slovikosky, Anastasia; New Market Middle – effective July 1, 2003
Spisak, Jessica; New Market Elementary – effective July 1, 2003
Untener, Jennifer; Catoctin High – effective July 1, 2003
Wade, Linda; Gov. T.J. Middle – effective July 1, 2003
Weatherly, Amy; Frederick High – effective July 1, 2003
Erdley, Danielle; Glade Elementary
Minnick, Melissa; Glade Elementary
Mulhern, Maureen; New Market Middle
Smith, Kelli; Twin Ridge Elementary
EXTENDED LEAVE –
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2003
Allen Lisa
Bickers, Marion
Kidwell, Jennifer
Nealley, Claudia
Rowe, Kelly
Austin, Adam – effective May 14, 2003
Vilbas, Vello – effective August 19, 2003
Textbooks
Supplementary
Best
Poems: Middle Level. Jamestown Publishers, 1998.
Bevilacqua, Mary, et al. Amsco’s AP Literature and Composition.
Amsco School
Publications, 2002.
Kennedy, X. J., et al. Bedford Reder, The. Bedford/St. Martins, 2003.
Rupp, Becky, et al. Best Nonfiction: Middle Level. Jamestown Publishers, 1998.
Stern, Steven L. A Quick Reference to Essay Writing. Amsco School Publications, 2002.
¾. A Quick Reference to Study and Test-taking Skills. Amsco School Publications, 2001.
The Scott Foresman-Addison Wesley series (Everyday Spelling¾Grades 2-5), initially approved as part of a Text Evaluation and Selection Pilot, has been chosen as the foundation spelling text. This series is approved for continued use in our schools.
The Zanner-Bloser series (Spelling Connections¾Grades 2-5) and Houghton Mifflin series (Spelling and Vocabulary¾Grades
2-5), initially approved as part of a Text
Evaluation and Selection Pilot, have not been selected for continued use
and are removed from the approved textbook list.
Lenses on Learning:
Instructional Leadership in Math
for Maryland Math Supervisors
Approved the Mid-Atlantic
Consortium Professional Development Grant in the amount of $8,800 for Lenses on Learning, a set of seminars
designed to help administrators think through the ideas that underlie
standards-based reform in elementary mathematics and relate those ideas to
their own work.
Cigarette Restitution Funds
Grant
Approved the Cigarette
Restitution Funds Grant in the amount of $33,728 for tobacco use prevention and
cessation materials and activities for grades K-12. The grant is delivered through the Frederick County Health
Department.
BIDS
Tools for Maintenance/Operations – Renewal - #02-M-6
Renewal awarded to the various
vendors as indicated on the bid summary renewal sheets. Pricing is based on the
quantity of one (1) unit for an unspecified total amount.
Maintenance and Repair Services – Printing
Department Equipment – Renewal - #02-M-15
Renewed
to AB Dick Company, Niles, Illinois, at an annual cost of $31,139.76 as
indicated on the bid summary renewal sheet.
Trash Removal and Recycling Services – Renewal -
#02-M-12
Renewal
for Trash Removal Services awarded to Waste Management of Gaithersburg,
Maryland, at a cost of $178,571.08 for regular containers plus an estimated
$16,082.90 for compactors for the 2003-04 ten-month school year. Renewal for Cardboard and Mixed Paper
Recycling awarded to BJI Waste Services of Hagerstown, Maryland, at a cost of
$75,181.60 for the 2003-04 ten-month school year. The total cost will be
$269,835.58 as indicated on the bid summary sheet.
Stage Rigging at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School -
#03-C-25
Awarded to the apparent low bidder,
Janson Industries of Canton, Ohio, at a cost of $43,800.00 including
performance and payment bonds, and $800.00 if needed (Alternate #1) as
indicated on the bid summary sheet.
Roof Replacement at Thurmont Elementary School -
#03-C-23
Awarded to the apparent low bidder
as indicated on the bid summary sheets, Cole Roofing, Inc., Baltimore,
Maryland, as follows:
Part I (FY ’03
Funds)
Alternate
#2 Roof Section H $
29,006.00
Part II (FY
’04 Funds)
Base Bid
Alternates 1, 3 and 4
(Balance of Project) $295,001.00
Grand Total $324,007.00
Award of Part
II is contingent upon approval of the FY ’04 CIP Budget and upon approval by
the State Interagency Committee for Public School Construction.
Partial Roof Replacement – Green Valley Elementary
School - #03-C-28
Awarded
to the apparent low bidder, Paneko Construction, Inc. of Capitol Heights,
Maryland, at an estimated total cost of $182,100.00 as indicated on the bid
summary sheets.
Closed Circuit Television Security System–Gov. TJ
High School and Tuscarora High - #03-FE-3
Awarded
to ADT Security Services, Inc. of Gaithersburg, Maryland at $34,682.00 for
Tuscarora High School and $30,058.00 at Thomas Johnson High School for a
combined total of $64,740.00 as indicated on the bid summary sheets.
Art Drama and Music Equipment for Tuscarora High
School - #03-MISC-8
Awarded to the various vendors as
indicated on the bid summary sheets for a total of $403,810.88.
CURRENT EXPENSE AMENDMENT #50-03
Approved Current Expense Amendment #50-03, a summary of amendments #07-03 through #49-03. This amendment reflects major transfers of budgeted general operating funds for the period April 1 through April 30, 2003. Transfers represent adjustment of original budget allocations in the schools and instructional offices. Total amount of transfers is $146,918.
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION AMENDMENT #03-12
Approved School Construction Amendment #03-12 which permanently transfers funds from the electrical projects and several other small projects that are substantially complete to
the FY 2004 Portables project. This transfer of $400,000 will allow the county to reduce its
FY 2004 Portable CIP budget by this amount, thus allowing the county to increase the FY 2004 Operating Budget by $400,000.
Middletown Primary Construction Documents
Approved the Middletown Primary Construction Documents, based on a prototype of Thurmont Primary School. Phase I has a design capacity of 482 (497 using the Special Education classroom for a general classroom) students, grades Pre-K through 2. When enrollment merits, phase II addition will allow for an ultimate capacity of 695 (710 including the Special Education classroom) students.
R. Daniel Cunningham noted the transfer of Kathy Hartsock to the position of Principal at Crestwood Middle School.
He recommended approval of the appointment of Marge Lyburn to the principalship of Linganore High School.
Mrs. Smith moved approval of the recommended appointment. The motion was seconded by Dr. Borsa and unanimously approved.
Harold Keller, Jr. provided information on adjustments to the Base Budget and presented potential cuts for BOE consideration. Dr. Dale stated that as the Board attempts to balance the budget, it is extremely important to think of any cut as a permanent reduction. He noted that cabinet members are present to respond to questions. Mr. Peppe provided the framework for approaching the Budget.
Following considerable discussion and debate, the Board took the following action on the FY ’04 Operating Budget:
The Board unanimously approved the following items:
Textbook Replacement Cycle - $500,00
Add two high school reading specialists - $129,800
Provide benefits to special education support staff - $290,287
Negotiate additional day for teachers - $572,000
Provide 3 percent salary resource pool - $6,300,000
Reduce transportation services - $650,000
Reduce operations/maintenance budget - $400,000
Reduce teacher trainers by 7 positions - $315,000
Implement four-day workweek during summer - $24,000
The following budget items passed:
Gifted and Talented Expansion to third site $101,988 - Mr. Boffman, Mrs. Smith, Dr. Borsa, Dr. Schaden, and the Chair, voted in favor; Mrs. Naylor abstained; Mrs. Crook opposed.
Improve Elementary Support Staffing Model $142,000 – Mrs. Smith, Dr. Borsa, Mr. Boffman, and the Chair voted in favor; Dr. Schaden, Mrs. Naylor, and
Mrs. Crook opposed.
Increase staffing ratios - $2,250,000 – Mr. Boffman, Dr. Borsa, Mrs. Smith, and the Chair voted in favor; Mrs. Naylor, Mrs. Crook, and Mr. Schaden opposed.
There were no comments from the Board.
Mrs. Smith moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:35 p.m. The motion was unanimously approved.
Jack D. Dale
Secretary-Treasurer
Ronald W. Peppe, II
President
Judith A. Ricketts
Administrative Director