The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Monday,
October 24, 2005, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 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
.Mrs. Mary Washington
.Ms. Brittany Thurston (arrived at 6:07 p.m.)
Mrs. Allen reconvened the regular meeting at 6:01 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
For Showcasing our Schools, Mrs. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, introduced Ms. Tracie Mauck, general music and choral teacher from Dynard Elementary School who worked with students and demonstrated how social studies (patriotism) can be integrated into a choral presentation.
Dr. Raspa made a motion to accept the agenda with one exception, to move Budget Advisory Committee Study Topics for FY2006 from an action item to an information item, noting the Board has not had an opportunity to discuss the proposed BAC study topics with staff. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools, thanked the students from Dynard Elementary School for their presentation and commented on how nice it is to see such happy children. He also noted that as he visits schools he is seeing the same thing and how pleased he is with what he’s seeing. He remarked that on his visit to Lexington Park Elementary School a student approached him stating I know who you are, you’re the author of “Work Hard and Be Nice”. Dr. Martirano expressed how pleased he is with the response from the community and the outpouring of support that George Washington Carver Elementary School has received since the fire. He noted his attendance at the GED graduation stating what a very important event it was and that 18 graduates completed their GED. He commended Ms. Melinda Brown for everything she does to make this program so successful. Dr. Martirano announced that in conjunction with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education and our school board we will be hosting a community forum “What Counts” on November 30th, that will focus on education in St. Mary’s County.
Recognitions
· Employee Service Recognition - Dr. Edward Weiland, director of human resources, Mr. Kessler and Dr. Martirano honored employees who will reach their 25th, 30th, and 35th milestone for years of continuous service with St. Mary's County Public Schools during the 2005-2006 school year. These employees received a service anniversary pin and certificate of recognition for their years of dedicated service to the students of St. Mary's County Public Schools. On behalf of the Board, Mr. Kessler congratulated everyone for their accomplishments throughout their careers and for reaching this significant milestone. He further noted the Board’s thanks for their commitment and service to the students and for being the foundation of our outstanding school system. Dr. Martirano expressed his sincere appreciation to these employees for their years of service, noting they are truly appreciated and valued, thanking them very much for all they do.
Consent Agenda
Dr. Raspa made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of October 12, 2005
Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Budget Advisory Committee Study Topics for FY2006
Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, noted at the October 12th Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting, the members of the BAC identified three study ideas/tasks that they
would like to undertake for the FY 2006 budget. The three areas include; information technology, alternative funding sources, and maintenance positions. Board members discussed possible additional topics for consideration. This information item will be brought back at the next board meeting as an action item.
Web Page Overview
Mr. Bill Caplins, director of technology and Mr. Robert Raymond, technology technician, presented an overview of St. Mary's County Public Schools new and improved website. Mr. Caplins stated that we want to make sure we are on the cutting edge and noted that the website needs to be easy to use, you should not have to use more than three clicks to get to what you want, and is more user friendly. With the assistance of Mr. Raymond, Mr. Caplins walked through the website pointing out a variety of changes, and noted that the website is reflective of what we are all about and it is a marketing tool. He remarked that this is a fluid project, recognizing the need for continual improvement. He also noted that each of the schools do their own websites and that those sites are linked to the main site www.smcps.org. Dr. Martirano asked that if the community sees something that is not working properly on the site, to call and let us know. Dr. Martirano thanked Mr. Caplins and Mr. Raymond for an outstanding job. Board members commented on the exceptional job that was done, noting how professional the site looks, and what a great step forward this site is, thanking everyone that played a part in it.
Policy “JED” (Student Absences and Excuses and Parental Responsibility) (1st Reading)
Mrs. Kathleen Lyon, director of pupil services, presented the first reading of policy revision “JED”. Mrs. Lyon noted after recent discussions with the superintendents across the state, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is proposing a change to the language defining “days absent” found in the current Maryland Student Records System Manual. Permission to publish the change was requested from the Maryland State Board of Education, with a request that the change be made retroactive to the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year. Staff in the MSDE Student Services and Alternative Programs Branch has indicated that local school systems may move forward with policy and regulation changes relative to this revision to the language. Mrs. Washington noted that the policy reads much clearer and cleaner. Mrs. Allen asked that the policy be brought back at the next meeting for 2nd reading and approval.
Social Studies Work Group Report
Dr. Charles Ridgell, director of secondary instruction, administration and school improvement, noted that the Social Studies Work group was established in February 2005. The work group was charged with identifying enhancements to strengthen social studies instruction in view of the new Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC). The enhancements were to ensure the alignment of the curriculum, instruction, and assessments at each grade level, and the vertical alignment of the elementary, middle, and high school instructional programs. Many school systems within Maryland, revisited their current programs of study in view of the new Social Studies VSC. The 2005-2006 school year is also the first school year when students entering grade 9 will be required to pass the Government High School Assessment to graduate. Dr. Ridgell noted that he and Ms. Kim Summers, principal of Dynard Elementary School, co-chaired the work group. Elementary school principals were invited to send representatives to participate in the work group. All secondary social studies teachers were invited to participate. In addition, representatives from several other stakeholder groups participated, including principals, assistant principals, and central office staff. Teachers included both general education and special education. Board members thanked Dr. Ridgell for a thorough report and commended the entire workgroup for their efforts. Dr. Martirano noted he was pleased we have taken a comprehensive look at this and that he supported the recommendations of the group thanking everyone for their participation.
Alternative Learning Center Facility Report
Mrs. Kathleen Lyon, noted in the fall of 2003, the Alternative Learning Center expanded its programs and offerings to better meet the needs of our students and that this expansion took place in the relocatable annex behind Leonardtown High School. Discussions during the expansion of the program included the vision that this program would move to a permanent facility that would reflect our instructional beliefs and goals. Given the increased cost of construction and the reduction in funding at the state level, the school system has looked at other options on how to provide for this program. With the completion of the George Washington Carver Elementary School in the summer of 2006, the Great Mills annex would be available. For this reason, during the summer of 2005, the Superintendent appointed a committee to investigate the potential use of the Great Mills annex for the Alternative Learning Center. The committee met several times and explored the pros and cons of this location. The committee concluded that this facility would work as a permanent location for this program. Staff will be outlining the process of reviewing this facility and the positive aspects on the instructional program at this location. Mrs. Lyon noted that Mr. Brad Clements played a key role in this program. With the conclusion of the presentation to the Board of Education, the Superintendent of Schools will proceed with exploring the continued use of the Great Mills Annex by the school system with the Board of County Commissioners. Dr. Martirano thanked Mrs. Lyon for the comprehensive report and noted his appreciation to Ms. Marcie Hough, principal of the Alternative Learning Center, for her assistance and her staff for their commitment. Mrs. Allen thanked Ms. Lyon for her report.
Reports
.Dr. Raspa noted that he had visited Spring Ridge Middle School and George Washington Carver Elementary School.
.Mrs. Washington noted her attendance at the GED Graduation at Leonardtown High School, All-County High School Honor Chorus Concert, and the Spring Ridge Middle School National Junior Honor Society Induction.
.Dr. Martirano reminded the community about bus safety and asked that citizens of the community be aware of children at bus stops. He noted that it is dark when the children are out there and we need to be paying close attention to that.
.Mrs. Allen noted her attendance at the High School Assessment (HSA) and Advanced Placement (AP) celebrations, GED Graduation at Leonardtown High School, and a visit to George Washington Carver Elementary School to attend a parent meeting.
Future Board Meetings
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Mrs. Allen adjourned the regular meeting at 9:10 p.m.
Mrs. Cathy Allen
Chairman
Dr. Michael J.
Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer