The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Wednesday,
August 31, 2005, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mrs. Cathy Allen, chairman. Board members present for the meeting were:
.Mrs. Cathy Allen, Chairman
.Dr. Salvatore Raspa, Vice Chairman
.Mr. Gary Kessler
.Mr. Bill Mattingly
.Mrs. Mary Washington
.Ms. Brittany Thurston, Student Member
Mrs. Allen reconvened the regular meeting at 6:38 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Mrs. Allen noted that victims of Hurricane Katrina are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of need. Mrs. Allen welcomed Boy Scout Troops #561 and #1782 to our meeting this evening.
Mrs. Allen noted that the Space Camp Program recognition is being removed from tonight’s agenda due to the recipient of the award being ill, but will be brought back at a later meeting. Dr. Raspa made a motion to accept the agenda as presented with the removal of the recognition item as discussed. Mr. Mattingly seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools, reported a successful opening of school on Monday and noted that Board members and elected officials participated in a very detailed visit to schools to show their support to teachers, students and parents. Dr. Martirano also noted that he sent an automated telephone message to all employees on Sunday evening to wish them a successful school year. Dr. Martirano highlighted the Employee Convocation, where over 2,200 employees gathered to support a theme to “Chart a Course to Excellence”, and the Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC) and Collective Employees Association of St. Mary’s County (CEASMC) Meet/Greet event that was very positive and uplifting. Dr. Martirano announced an all time high 31 point increase for SAT scores.
Public Comment
Public Comment was received as follows:
Name Subject
.Mr. Don O’Neal St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ Retirees’ Association
membership and upcoming events
.Ms. Laura Kamosa redistricting issues and bus schedules
Consent Agenda
Dr. Raspa made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of August 10, 2005
.A&S Appointments
.New Employment
.Budget Advisory Committee – FY 2006 Membership
Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
FY 2005/FY 2006 General Fund Categorical Budget Transfer Requests
Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, presented a request for categorical changes within the current FY 2005 General Fund budget. Mr. Carney highlighted the categories requiring a categorical adjustment and provided subtotals for each of the following categories: instructional textbooks and supplies, other instructional costs, student personnel services, health services, fixed charges, and capital outlay. Mr. Kessler made a motion that the Board approve the FY 2005 General Fund categorical budget transfer request as presented and once approved by the Board, the categorical request will be forwarded to the County Commissioners for their approval. Mr. Mattingly seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Carney presented the FY 2006 General Fund categorical budget transfer request that includes moving a portion of the instructional textbooks and supplies - materials of instruction - English Language Learners (ELL) program and Career and Technology Education Supply funds to enhance the instruction and support for the ELL with an increase in the ESOL hourly positions and consultant services, and an additional .40 Latin high school classroom teacher. This request will allow the school system to continue the Community Liaison pilot position initiated last spring to provide services to parents related to student success in school. The part-time hourly teacher is a new position. The additional $3,000 in consultant services will be used to provide interpretation services at parent/teacher conferences. With the usage of an available .10 FTE high school classroom teacher in the FY 2006 budget and the addition of the requested .40 Latin high school teacher, the school system will be in a position to have a full time Latin teacher at Leonardtown High School to fund the need based on program enrollment. Mr. Mattingly made a motion that the Board approve the categorical budget transfer request as presented and once approved by the Board, the categorical transfer request will be forwarded to the County Commissioners for their approval. Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
School Sites
Mr. Brad Clements, chief administrative officer, noted that over the past several weeks, the school system has been negotiating several future school sites. Mr. Clements noted that the Wildewood site which is approximately 55 acres, is ready to be submitted to the Maryland State Clearinghouse for review, which can take up to 60 days. If approved, the sites will be submitted to the Interagency Committee on Public School Construction for approval by the State Superintendent. When approved, the transfer of property can be accomplished. Board members noted they are excited and hope these sites will move forward. Dr. Raspa made a motion that the Board approve the future school sites as presented by staff to be submitted to the Maryland State Clearinghouse for approval. Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Policy “JEAA” (Redistricting Advisory Committee) Revision – 1st Reading
Dr. Lorraine Fulton, deputy superintendent of schools, presented policy “JEAA” (Redistricting Advisory Committee) for 1st reading. Dr. Fulton highlighted the proposed changes of the policy which was formerly “Redistricting and Attendance Areas”. Mrs. Allen noted that the school system has made a change in the way policies are brought forward for review and approval, adding a Public Hearing following the 1st reading at the next Board meeting to allow public input on the policy. The policy will then be brought back for 2nd reading two weeks after the public hearing for approval. The draft policies will also be placed on the school system’s website after 1st reading for public review because the Board is very committed to make sure the public can provide input. Dr. Fulton introduced Mr. Michael Whitson, co-chair of the committee, who noted the hard work of the committee in the past and the continuous search for school sites. Mr. Kessler noted that the policy changes are good, but recommended some wording adjustments to JEAA-R (regulation) to be consistent with the policy. Mrs. Washington inquired about striking the bulleted item of gender and ethnic representation and recommended that this item remain in the regulation. Dr. Martirano recognized the work involved with this committee and asked that the committee stay proactive to address redistricting in a positive way. This policy will be presented for 2nd reading and approval on September 26, 2005.
Supporting Services Policy Revisions- 1st Reading
Mr. Clements presented the Supporting Services Policy revisions for 1st reading. Board members suggested minor wording changes to policy “EBCD” (Emergency Closings) and “EGAA” (Delivery Services). These policies will be presented for 2nd reading and approval on September 26, 2005.
Policy “IHBH” (Public Charter School) Revision – 1st Reading
Dr. Fulton presented policy “IHBH” (Public Charter School) revision for 1st reading after a committee was formed to review the current policy based on Maryland State Board of Education changes. Mrs. Allen recommended changes to the policy under the implementation process and to the regulation under charter school conditions of operation. Dr. Martirano thanked the committee for their work on reviewing this policy. This policy will be presented for 2nd reading and approval on September 26, 2005.
FY 2007-FY 2012 State Capital Improvements Program
Mr. Clements and Ms. Kimberly Howe, supervisor of capital planning, noted that in accordance with the State of Maryland Public School Construction Administrative Procedures, each school system must submit a six year capital improvements program by October 7th of each year to be considered for state construction approvals. Mr. Clements presented the debt affordability FY 2007 capital plan. Mr. Kessler inquired as to why the school system does not use inflation factors when doing projections and Mr. Clements stated that the state and county does not inflate. Mr. Kessler suggested having dialogue with the County Commissioners on this topic.
Reports
.Ms. Thurston announced that Leonardtown High School will host “11 Laps to Remember” on Sunday, September 11, 2005, from 6-8 p.m. on the track.
.Mr. Kessler noted that he had attended the Employee Convocation and the First Day of School Visits and everyone was very enthusiastic and what a great start to the school year.
.Dr. Raspa noted that he had attended the First Day of School Visits and really enjoyed them.
.Mrs. Washington noted her attendance at the following events: Afternoon in the Park, Fire and Rescue Appreciation Day, New Teacher Orientation, Welcome Feast for New Teachers, Convocation, EASMC/CEASMC Welcome for Dr. Martirano, and the First Day of School Visits with Dr. Fulton, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, Captain Zachary Henry, Commanding Officer NAS Patuxent River, Mr. John Romer, Public Affairs Officer, NAS, and Ms. Carol Poe, Supervisor of Instruction for Title I. School visits included George Washington Carver Elementary School, Esperanza Middle School, Lexington Park Elementary School, and Green Holly Elementary School.
.Mr. Mattingly noted that he was unable to attend the Employee Convocation due to a fatal accident that morning, but heard positive comments about the event.
.Dr. Martirano thanked the Board members for participating in the First Day of School Visits and noted that he will continue them because the instructional time with children is very precious.
.Mrs. Allen noted her attendance at the Jump Start (11 month school year) programs at George Washington Carver, Green Holly and Lexington Park Elementary Schools, Fire and Rescue Appreciation Day, New Teacher Orientation, New Teacher Welcome Dinner, Convocation and First Day of School Visits with Dr. Martirano, Senator Roy Dyson, Mr. Brad Clements, and Ms. Zina Thomas to Great Mills High School, Spring Ridge Middle School, Greenview Knolls Elementary and Town Creek Elementary Schools.
Future Board Meetings
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Mrs. Allen adjourned the regular meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Mrs. Cathy Allen
Chairman
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer