The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Wednesday,
October 12, 2005, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 8:33 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
Mrs. Allen reconvened the regular meeting at 9:38 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
For Showcasing our Schools, Mrs. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, introduced Ms. Joyce Pinekenstein, Spanish teacher, and Ms. Wendy Tarr, French teacher from Leonardtown Middle School, who worked with students and demonstrated various skills that are being used in the middle school foreign language program. Mrs. Allen thanked the students for their presentation and noted that it sounds like they are doing quite well in the program. Mrs. Allen noted that Ms. Brittany Thurston, student member, was unable to attend today’s meeting because she is taking PSAT’s and stated that Ms. Thurston sends her apologies.
Dr. Raspa made a motion to accept the agenda as presented. Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools, thanked the students from Leonardtown Middle School for their foreign language presentation. He expressed how impressed he was with the interactive use of the language between the students and the level of quality that they demonstrated. Dr. Martirano commented on the fire at George Washington Carver Elementary School noting there were no injuries. He thanked everyone for their support this past week and commended everyone who has been involved for their support. Dr. Martirano noted his attendance at the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) Fall conference in Ocean City with all Board members. He also noted that he is very proud that three of our Board members, Mrs. Allen, Dr. Raspa and Mrs. Washington received a plaque from MABE recognizing them for the completion of the leadership development programs 1 and 2, stating that we were one of the few school systems recognized. Dr. Martirano noted his attendance at the Teacher of the Year banquet, stating that Ms. Julie Wolfe, our Teacher of the Year, represented our school system very well. He also noted that Senator Roy Dyson came to Park Hall Elementary School and presented Ms. Wolfe with a proclamation. Dr. Martirano also noted his attendance at The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) banquet and thanked President Bowman for the tremendous partnership between the NAACP and the school system. Dr. Martirano stated that in addition to the in-house notification system we are now using subscribers can now receive automatic emails from Schoolsout.com when changes are made to the school day due to inclement weather or when an emergency situation occurs. He noted you can sign up for the free email subscription and have school announcements emailed directly to you by visiting www.schoolsout.com and signing up.
Recognitions
Mr. Brad Clements, chief administrative officer, announced that National School Bus Safety Week is October 16-23 and that Wednesday, October 19, 2005 is designated as School Bus Driver Appreciation Day. Mr. Clements recognized Ms. Ginny Weber, transportation specialist, Ms. Carol Wilfong, transportation technician, and Mr. Tom Kracinovich, assistant supervisor of transportation, for all they do in helping to keep the transportation department run smoothly. Mr. Clements credited the entire department for the excellent work they do every day in keeping the buses on the road. Dr. Raspa, on behalf of the Board, congratulated the staff, mechanics, secretaries, school administrators and bus drivers for the professional job they do and thanked them very much. Dr. Martirano presented a resolution to the staff, recognizing school bus drivers nationally and locally for their professionalism, dedication and devotion for the safe transport of students to and from school. Mrs. Allen noted the valuable contribution that Mr. Reed Walker, supervisor of transportation gives and commented that he is recognized for the great deal he does and the contribution he gives us everyday.
· Hurricane Relief Recognition
Ms. Trish Wince, supervisor of health services, home/hospital teaching, and Ms. Meredith Quinn, instructional health resource teacher, recognized all the schools and employees in the school system for their overwhelming response and contributions to the victims and families of the recent hurricanes. Ms. Wince and Ms. Quinn presented a check for the monies raised to Dr. Martirano and the Board members in the amount of $79,018.58 and noted that October 7, 2005, was designated as St. Mary's County Public Schools’ Day of Reflection and Remembrance in the wake of the recent hurricanes that have devastated the Gulf Coast region of the United States. On this day, several system-wide events occurred; students and staff at all schools and administrative offices wore stickers displaying a blue ribbon with the state flower of Louisiana and Mississippi, and the words “Hope, Help, Heal”, a moment of silence occurred at every site at approximately 9:30 a.m., each staff member in the administrative offices donated new backpacks filled with school supplies and monetary support from the various schools was donated. Dr. Raspa, on behalf of the Board, commented that he wants to applaud everyone who has contributed to the welfare of displaced students and parents and thanks everyone for mending
broken homes and hearts. Dr. Martirano commended all members of the school system and the community on the incredible amount of money and backpacks that were donated.
Consent Agenda
Dr. Raspa made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of September 26, 2005
.Personnel Issues
.Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education Membership
Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Bethune Roof Bids
Mr. Clements noted on September 7, 2005, St. Mary’s County Public Schools made plans and specifications available for bidding the project and eight bidders received packages. On September 30, 2005, bids were received by three roofing contractors, J. E. Wood and Sons, Orndorff and Spaid, and CitiRoof Corporation and CitiRoof’s bid package was received at 2:02 p.m., two minutes late for the schedule deadline of bid receipt. Their bid was publicly read, with it being received late mentioned. It was also mentioned that Design and Construction could not reject the bid, that rejection of bids and proposals had to come from the Board of Education. Mr. Kessler made a motion to reject the bid submitted by CitiRoof Corporation as being submitted late; and reject the bids of J. E. Wood and Sons and Orndorff and Spaid for budget reasons. Mrs.
Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Design/Development Documents for Leonardtown Elementary School
Mr. Clements and Mr. Darrell Barricklow, supervisor of design and construction, presented the design development drawings for the Leonardtown Elementary School addition and modernization project as submitted by the Department of Design and Construction staff. On August 10, 2005, the schematic design floor plan, site plan and front elevation were approved by the Board of Education. Since that time, the architect and the Department of Design and Construction have been working closely with the administration of the school and the building committee to complete the design development phase of the project. Mr. Clements stated the project has moved better than most we have had due to better communication. Mr. Clements commented that he has gone before the Town of Leonardtown Planning Board and Mr. Barricklow stated he has been working closely with the Town of Leonardtown, the architects, the design team, community and the school. Mr. Barricklow then presented the floor plan, site plan and front elevation. Ms. Hall, principal of Leonardtown Elementary School noted that she met with everyone and feels very good about the plans and thanked Dr. Raspa for his attendance at the meeting and commented that her staff is also pleased. Ms. Hall noted that she is very proud of the consultation between the staff and the design team. Dr. Raspa noted that this was a collaborative effort on the part of the school, Mr. Barricklow, and his staff and commented that the drawings are excellent and that it will be a lovely place upon completion. Dr. Martirano noted that it is critical to solicit input from everyone and was pleased to see that collaborative effort and thanked everyone. Mr. Kessler made a motion to accept the design development drawings as submitted. Dr. Raspa seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Bus Contract Transfers
Mr. Clements presented four bus contract transfers for consideration under the procedures allowing contractors to transfer contracts between contractors. The transportation department reviewed the transfers and concurs that the receiving contractors meet Board of Education policy requirements. Mrs. Washington made a motion to accept the transfers as presented. Dr. Raspa seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Supplemental Funding for the FY ’06 Capital Improvements Program
Mr. Clements presented a request for supplemental funding for the FY06 capital improvements program. The St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) system, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, monitors our wells to ensure that we are meeting Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) standards regarding the quality of the water. The standards have recently been made more stringent with regard to the level of arsenic. The levels will be reduced from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb effective January 23, 2006. SMCPS has four wells that have levels between 10 ppb and 14 ppb. These schools are Hollywood Elementary School, Dynard Elementary School, Leonardtown High School, and a well shared by Leonardtown Middle School and the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. The school system has been following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) protocol under MDE’s guidance to comply with the revised drinking water standard. Based on the results of the protocol, MDE has informed staff in a letter of August 30, 2005, of an action plan outlining remediation options in order to be in compliance. At this time, staff is in consultation with an engineering firm that specializes in hydrology. We are also conferring with the St. Mary’s County Metropolitan Commission and the Health Department regarding this issue. Estimates for the remediation work are approximately $450,000. The school system has identified $166,000 from the Green Holly AHERA project, due to favorable bidding, that can be utilized for the remediation project. Of the $450,000 needed for this project, $166,000 is transferred from the Green Holly AHERA project and the school system will be requesting an additional $284,000. Dr. Martirano thanked Mr. Clements for his work on this issue. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the supplemental funding request to the Board of County Commissioners in the amount of $450,000 to fund the remediation project on four wells with funding for the project coming through a budget transfer of $166,000 from the Green Holly AHERA project and the remaining $284,000 as supplemental funding to the FY 2006 local capital improvements budget. Dr. Raspa seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
FY 2006 Financial Report
Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, presented the general fund financial results as of September 30, 2005. Mr. Carney noted there is a watch on contracted services, commenting we are having problems recruiting speech therapists. He also noted there is a watch on transportation, due to the rising cost of fuel. Mr. Kessler questioned how much are we under funded and Mr. Carney stated between diesel and heating fuel he estimates approximately $1.7 million.
Ms. Carol Poe, Supervisor of Instruction, Title I, noted that the Eleven Month School Year Program is a “Jump Start” program designed to help students who are not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), as required by No Child Left Behind legislation. Students participated in a four-week program from July 25, 2005 through August 19, 2005 prior to the opening of school. The goal of the program is to provide an additional month of school beyond the regular school year, which will focus on increasing student success and achievement in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. Ms. Poe noted that funding for the program is primarily through Title I. Mr. Kessler thanked Ms. Poe, on behalf of the Board, and noted it looks like we are seeing a lot of good success coming out of this program. Dr. Martirano thanked Ms. Poe for her presentation at the State MABE meeting and noted that it was well received. Dr. Martirano noted that he supports the program whole heartedly and is appreciative of everyone’s efforts. Mrs. Allen commented that MABE was most impressed with the presentation and thanked Ms. Poe.
Reports
.Mr. Kessler noted his attendance at the High School Assessment (HSA) and Advanced Placement (AP) celebrations at Leonardtown and Great Mills High Schools, and the NAACP Banquet.
.Dr. Raspa congratulated all the students on their testing achievements and to keep up the good work.
.Mrs. Washington noted her attendance at the MABE Fall conference, St. Clements Island parade, Partnership Excellence Program (PEP) Award at the Base, Data Warehouse presentation, HSA & AP celebrations at Leonardtown and Great Mills High Schools, CCPTA meeting, tour of Great Mills High School with the superintendent and a tour of the facilities at George Washington Carver Elementary School meeting with faculty.
.Dr. Martirano commented when he toured George Washington Carver Elementary School after the fire, a teacher approached him stating her “Charting a Course to Excellence” pin was melted in the fire, Dr. Martirano removed his pin from his lapel and re-pinned the teacher. He noted what a significant event this fire was and we must make certain that the students and staff are tended to. Dr. Martirano commented that we will be recognizing the base on the PEP Award at our next meeting, stating that it is a wonderful award.
.Mrs. Allen noted that she co-chaired the MABE Fall Conference, also noting her attendance at the Board of Education’s presentation of the Capital Improvement Plan to the Board of County Commissioner’s, PEP Award presentation at Patuxent River Naval Air Station by Admiral Gaudio, A&S presentation on Data Warehousing initiative, Leonardtown High School HSA/AP celebration and represented the Board at the Teacher of the Year Banquet commenting what a Spectacular event it was and that Ms. Julie Wolfe, our Teacher of the Year, truly deserves this award. Mrs. Allen noted that the teachers at George Washington Carver Elementary School are
grieving, but moving on. Mrs. Allen noted that the local fire departments are all volunteer and thanked the firefighters who responded so quickly to the call. She also noted that the staff was quite excited yesterday when the relocatables arrived. She expressed a special thanks to Mr. Clements, Mr. Sheckels, and our maintenance staff noting how pleased she is to be involved with such incredible people and thanked them for all they do.
Future Board Meetings
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Monday, October 24, 2005, at 6:00 p.m., in the Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Mrs. Allen adjourned the regular meeting at 12:09 p.m.
Motion to Enter Executive Session
Dr. Raspa made a motion that the Board enter into executive session to discuss personnel and negotiation issues (Article 24, Section 4-210(a)1,8). Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Mrs. Cathy Allen
Chairman
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer