The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County was held on Monday,
September 26, 2005, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 2:00 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 (arrived at 6:10 p.m.)
Mrs. Allen reconvened the regular meeting at 6:03 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
For Showcasing our Schools, Mrs. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, introduced Ms. Melissa Warner, physical education teacher at Greenview Knolls Elementary School and Ms. Sandra Smith, physical education teacher at George Washington Carver Elementary School, who presented a program that focused on physical education and the importance of skill development in elementary students. Mrs. Allen thanked the students for their presentation and noted the incredible and exciting things that are going on in the schools.
Dr. Raspa made a motion to accept the agenda as presented. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools, thanked the students from Greenview Knolls Elementary School and George Washington Carver Elementary School for an excellent job. Dr. Martirano noted that the school system is responding to the Hurricane Katrina victims and continues to provide outreach. Dr. Martirano discussed the various events that took place in the schools to celebrate Constitution Day on September 16th. Dr. Martirano noted that 124 colleges and universities participated in the 14th Annual College Fair that took place at the Hollywood Volunteer Fire Department on September 20, 2005. He was impressed with the massiveness of the event and how well coordinated it was, and expressed his thanks to
everyone who had a part in it. Dr. Martirano noted the Professional Day that took place on September 23rd was refreshing, positive, and overall outstanding. He commented that he has heard many positive comments from teachers, staff, and paraprofessionals as well. Dr. Martirano reviewed the employee codes for school closings, delays and early dismissal and noted that a memo has been sent out to all employees. He asked that all employees continue to “Work Hard and Be Nice”.
Recognitions
· Maryland Physical Education Demonstration School Project 2005-2007 – Dr. Andrew
Roper, supervisor of physical education, health and athletics, recognized Ms. Melissa Warner, physical education teacher at Greenview Knolls Elementary School for submitting an application in which she provided information on school demographics, details of exemplary program features, and copies of her yearly schedule/curriculum maps. In addition, using a rating scale, she was asked to indicate her level of agreement with a series of statements addressing quality teaching, philosophy, organization and administration, curriculum and planning, assessment and evaluation, personnel, facilities, equipment, and supplies. A screening committee reviewed all applications and identified those schools that would receive on-site visits. On April 21, 2005, a visitation team, comprised of three master physical educators from other school systems within the state, spent the entire school day observing the physical education program at Greenview Knolls Elementary School. Greenview Knolls Elementary School will receive a banner and certificate from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sport, and Ms. Warner will be honored during the Maryland Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance’s Annual Convention scheduled for October. At that time, teachers and administrators from across the state will be encouraged to visit the school so that they might benefit from seeing instruction of the highest quality. Dr. Martirano presented Ms. Warner with a certificate of appreciation and noted how proud he was of her work. Mr. Mattingly, on behalf of the Board, thanked Ms. Warner for her innovative program, stating how much her work was appreciated and told her she was a wonderful teacher.
Public Comment
Public Comment was received as follows:
Name Subject
.Ms. Janice T. Walthour – NAACP, Education Committee Eliminating the Achievement Gap
Consent Agenda
Dr. Raspa made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of September 14, 2005
.New Employment
.Administrative and Supervisory Appointments
.Budget Advisory Committee Membership Revisions for 2005-2006
Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Audit Report
Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, presented the FY 2005 Audit Report and noted that the audit firm of McGladrey and Pullen, LLP has completed its audit of the financial statements of the St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) fiscal year 2005, which ended June 30, 2005. The Board’s Audit Committee recommended acceptance of the audit report. The auditors have expressed an opinion that the financial statements of SMCPS fairly represent the financial condition of the school system. They found no material weaknesses, and have issued an “Unqualified” opinion (the highest they can assign). Ms. Allen thanked Mr. Kessler and Mr. Mattingly for serving on the audit committee. The Board thanked Mr. Carney for his attention to detail and commended him and his staff on an excellent report. Dr. Martirano noted how extremely pleased he was of Mr. Carney and staff for achieving an “Unqualified” opinion (the highest they assign). Mrs. Washington made a motion to accept the report as presented. Mr. Mattingly seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The printed version of this audit will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners, state, and federal authorities. It will also be available at the public libraries in St. Mary's County.
Comprehensive Maintenance Plan – October 2005
Mr. Brad Clements, chief administrative officer, and Mr. Jeff Sheckels, supervisor of maintenance, presented the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for October 2005. Mr. Sheckels discussed the maintenance staffing assessment report, making note of various items in accordance with Public School Construction Program Section 802. Mr. Clements noted that once the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan is approved by the Board of Education, it will then be submitted to the Interagency Committee by October 16, 2005, and copies will be submitted to the Board of County Commissioners. Board members thanked Mr. Clements and his staff for everything they do to maintain high quality facilities. Mrs. Washington noted that she can tell from the report that additional staff and vehicles will be needed. Dr. Martirano noted how proud he is of the work that is being done and how extremely impressed he is with all the buildings and the quality of the facilities. Mr. Mattingly made a motion to accept the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan as presented. Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Design Development Approval – Kindergarten Additions
Mr. Clements and Mr. Darrell Barricklow, supervisor of design and construction, presented designs for both Town Creek Elementary School and Piney Point Elementary School kindergarten additions. A motion was made by Mr. Kessler that the Board of Education approve the schematic design drawings for the Town Creek Elementary School and Piney Point Elementary School kindergarten additions as presented. Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Clements presented the second reading of proposed changes to various policies within the Division of Supporting Services (Policies EBCD, ECD, EGAA and FF). These policies incorporate the Board of Education’s comments and no comments were received from the public hearing or from posting of the policies on the school system website. Dr. Raspa made a motion to accept the policies as presented. Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Policy “JEAA” (School Boundary Advisory Committee) Revision – 2nd Reading
Dr. Lorraine Fulton, deputy superintendent of schools, presented Policy JEAA, School Boundary Advisory Committee, and Regulation JEAA-R, School Boundary Advisory Committee for second reading and approval. This policy and regulation reflects staff recommendations for changes based on community input since the first reading. Dr. Martirano thanked the members of the community for their input and said he was pleased with the outcome. Mrs. Allen noted the need for appropriate representation from affected schools, and suggested under the regulation a change be made to enhance membership. Mr. Mattingly made a motion to accept the policy as presented. Dr. Raspa seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Policy “IHBH” (Public Charter School) Revision – 2nd Reading
Dr. Fulton presented the second reading of Policy IHBH, Public Charter Schools, and Regulation IHBH-R, Public Charter Schools and noted that no public input was received. Mrs. Allen asked Dr. Fulton for a status of the Charter School application. Dr. Fulton noted on September 22, 2005, the site proposed by the Chesapeake Public Charter School applicants was reviewed for site compliance. Based on the recommendations from the report, which will be generated through the Division of Supporting Services, a determination will be made as to whether the proposal will move on to the next level. The next level of procedural requirements for the public charter school will involve a presentation of the complete proposal to the superintendent’s school support team. The department and division heads will review the proposal and set up individual work sessions to address specific areas of focus. The departments and divisions will continue to be very respectful of timeframes and responsibilities of both parties. The superintendent will make a formal written recommendation to the Board of Education relative to action to be taken by the Board of Education. This recommendation will be based on the detailed analysis of the proposal by the executive staff. Initially, the recommendation will be brought to the Board in an information session during the Board of Education meeting, with recommendation for a decision to follow as an action item on the next Board of Education agenda. Mr. Kessler made a motion to accept the policy as presented. Dr. Raspa seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Master Plan Update for 2005
Dr. Fulton and Ms. Linda Dudderar, director of elementary instruction, administration and school improvement, presented a review and update of the St. Mary’s County Master Plan. The Bridge to Excellence in Public Schools Act (BTE) requires local school systems to submit annual updates of their five year comprehensive Master Plan to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) by October 17 each year. Each county is asked to review the progress they have achieved toward the goals of their five-year plan and to determine if the plan is having the effect of improving achievement for all students and eliminating achievement gaps. An executive summary of the proposed annual update was presented, as well as, a draft of the complete Annual Update 2005. The annual update was presented for information purposes only. Community input was sought at two public forums on August 24, 2005, and September 13, 2005. The draft is currently on the St. Mary's County Public Schools website for public review and comment. Dr. Martirano commented on the Data Warehousing remarking he does not want to see the implementation to be overwhelming to the principals or staff. Dr. Martirano noted that the principals would be able to gather data with ease and that it will be at their fingertips. Dr. Martirano also noted that Data Warehousing is endorsed by the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, and that several schools systems in the state are now using it, noting that remarkable strides have been made in the advancement of the product and stated that it’s about looking at the individual child. Board members expressed their thanks to Dr. Fulton and Ms. Dudderar for a well presented Master Plan. Dr. Martirano expressed the importance of having a plan to address the challenges and how the honesty of data is critical. Following the receipt of state approval, in November 2005, the Board of Education will receive the final Annual Update for 2005. A copy of the Annual Update will be sent to each school and to the three public libraries after approval. Mrs. Washington suggested that it be put in the base libraries as well. Mrs. Allen suggested it be offered to St. Mary’s College and the College of Southern Maryland for their libraries.
Reports
.Dr. Raspa noted that he attended a Leonardtown Elementary School construction meeting of the science/technology room at Leonardtown Elementary School. He met with staff members and noted the meeting went well and what a great place the new room will be for children to learn science.
.Mrs. Washington noted her attendance at the following events: Welcome Reception of the new Dean at the College of Southern Maryland, Chamber of Commerce “State of County Luncheon”, College Fair, visit to Christ Episcopal Church - potential site for new charter school, Generation Technology Awards Presentation, County Fair Parade and Education Building Visit, and Salt and Pepper Annual Picnic.
.Dr. Martirano commented on the excellent artwork on the cover of the St. Mary’s County Fair booklet.
.Mrs. Allen noted her attendance at the first Budget Advisory Committee meeting, County Commissioners Breakfast meeting, College Fair, and the State Board Task Force on Maintenance of Effort presentation.
Future Board Meetings
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Mrs. Allen adjourned the regular meeting at 8:45 p.m.
Mrs. Cathy Allen
Chairman
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer