The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Wednesday,
September 14, 2005, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 8:32 a.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
.Mrs. Mary Washington
.Ms. Brittany Thurston, Student Member
Mrs. Allen reconvened the regular meeting at 9:10 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
For Showcasing our Schools, Mrs. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, introduced Ms. Crystal Brookens, instructional resource teacher and Ms. Donna Thorsten, mathematics teacher at Esperanza Middle School, who presented a program with the aid of students, that focused on middle school math. Mrs. Allen thanked the students for their interesting presentation.
Dr. Raspa made a motion to accept the agenda as presented with an amendment to remove the Capital Improvements Program Supplemental Funding item as discussed. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools, thanked the Esperanza Middle School students for sharing their problem solving skills today. Dr. Martirano reported on Hurricane Katrina, stating that to date 17 students from the disaster stricken area have enrolled in our schools. He extended his thanks to all of the schools for their fund raising events expressing how proud he is of the community for all they are doing. Dr. Martirano discussed his participation in last nights’ Diversity Forum and was pleased with the outcome. He said the Diversity Forum would be a priority goal for the school system. Dr. Martirano introduced Mr. Theo Cramer, director of academic support, as the newest member to the team and welcomed him on board. Dr. Martirano noted his participation in “11 Laps to Remember” at Leonardtown High School on Sunday in remembrance of the September 11th victims and their families, with Mrs. Allen and Ms. Thurston. Dr. Martirano noted he continues to visit schools and recently visited Benjamin Banneker Elementary School for “Legislator’s Back to School Day” with Delegate Johnny Wood.
Recognitions
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Exemplar Schools Recognition
Public Hearing
There were no speakers for the public hearing. Mrs. Allen announced that the draft policies that were being considered for public hearing are on the school system website for viewing.
Public Comment
Public Comment was received as follows:
Name Subject
.Ms. Marilyn Crosby Hurricane Katrina and class size
.Mr. Don O’Neal St. Mary’s County Public Schools’ Retirees’ Association
newsletter and support for retirees in negotiations.
.Ms. Laura Kamosa A petition for redistricting in the Spring Ridge and
Leonardtown Middle schools area.
Consent Agenda
Dr. Raspa made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of August 31, 2005
.New Employment
Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
FY 2007 Budget Calendar
Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, presented a proposed calendar for the development of the budget for FY 2007. Mr. Carney noted that, at this time, we have not yet received a budget calendar from county staff, but timely initiation of the budget process will enable staff to involve schools in all appropriate activities. This requires approval from the Board of the calendar presented so that we can proceed with timely development of the budget, including garnering input from the community. Dates in bold on the calendar are those requiring active Board participation. The remaining dates are the internal milestones that must be met in order to complete the process within the agreed-upon timeframe. It was suggested and agreed upon that the budget calendar be put on the website. Mr. Kessler made a motion that the Board approve the FY 2007 budget calendar as presented. Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Goals and Initiatives of St. Mary’s County Public Schools Five-Year Plan 2007-2011
Mr. Carney presented a draft of the Mission and Goals of St. Mary’s County Public Schools Five-Year Plan 2007-2011 with the recommendation that the Board adopt the Board of Education goals as presented. The current FY 2006 budget and five-year budget supports the goals and initiatives, as presented. Mr. Kessler suggested that Mr. Carney add a methodology statement, seeking collaborative efforts with the county government. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the Board goals as presented, with the addition of the methodology statement. Dr. Raspa seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Brad Clements, chief administrative officer, and Ms. Kimberly Howe, supervisor of capital planning, noted that in accordance with the State of Maryland Public School Construction Administration 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. A projected timeline was presented, as well as, planned capital projects to address elementary and secondary school capacity needs, and the debt affordability FY 2007 proposed capital plan. Dr. Raspa made a motion that the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County approve the FY 2007- FY 2012 State Capital Improvements Program for submission to the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County and the Public School Construction Program. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Carney presented the unaudited report on the General Fund financial results as of June 30, 2005. This report does not reflect the categorical transfers the Board of Education approved on August 31, 2005, because the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary's County must approve those transfers before they can be posted in our system. Mr. Carney noted that the school system was in good shape. It is recommended that the Board accept the report, which will then be forwarded to the county.
Mr. Carney reported on the General Fund financial results as of August 31, 2005, recommending the Board accept the report, which will then be forwarded to the county. Mr. Carney noted that there is a watch on operation of plant due to the cost of fuel, and there will be challenges for FY 2006.
Reports
.Ms. Thurston noted her attendance at Leonardtown High School’s “11 Laps to Remember” on Sunday, September 11, 2005, and noted monies raised will go to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
.Mrs. Washington noted her attendance at the following events: School Visit, March-a-thon at Hollywood Elementary School, Remembrance 9/11 Ceremony at the Governmental Center, March-a-thon with Band Boosters at Leonardtown High School, Speech Contest at Margaret Brent Middle School, and the Diversity Forum. Ms. Washington also noted that she met with the new director of academic support, Mr. Theo Cramer.
.Dr. Martirano noted that he had used his pedometer on Sunday and had walked 13,000 steps.
.Mrs. Allen noted her attendance at the County Council PTA meeting, “11 Laps to Remember”, and March-a-thon with Band Boosters at Leonardtown High School. Mrs. Allen reminded everyone of the upcoming College Fair on September 20, 2005 at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department.
Motion to Enter Into Executive Session
Dr. Raspa made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss negotiation and property acquisition issues (Article 24, Section 4-210(a)8,11). Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Future Board Meetings
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, September 26, 2005, at 6:30 p.m., in the Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Mrs. Allen adjourned the regular meeting at 10:40 a.m.
Mrs. Cathy Allen
Chairman
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer