The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Tuesday,
November 29, 2005, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 5:03 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, Student Member
Mrs. Allen reconvened the regular meeting at 6:11 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
For Showcasing our Schools, Mrs. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, introduced Ms. Shelia Draper, supervisor of instruction for early childhood and elementary education, who gave an overview of the Judy Center at Green Holly Elementary School. Ms. Draper noted that the center has been in operation for the past five years and that the mission of the center is to nurture children. Two coordinators at the center, Ms. Diane Berry and Ms. Nancy Russell told of their success stories at the center. Dr. Martirano thanked them for their presentation and noted how pleased he is to see we have this program in St. Mary’s County.
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, noted he has visited all of our schools and how pleased he is with the quality of instruction and staff members. He remarked that he has taught a class with Ms. Alison Sayer, teacher at Spring Ridge Middle School and how much he enjoyed being back in the classroom. Dr. Martirano commented that he was pleased to announce there would be no redistricting for this year. He reminded everyone of the “What Counts” forum on Wednesday evening at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. He noted that Margaret Brent Middle School had moved back into their permanent place today and that all of their hard work has paid off.
Recognitions
· Professional Development Instructor Recognition – Mr. Jeff Maher, director of professional and organizational development, commented that Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses are offered throughout the school year and provide teachers with opportunities for ongoing growth as well as credit for the renewal or next step in the certification process through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). He further noted that courses are provided through the Department of Professional and Organizational Development, and are approved through MSDE to be of high quality. For each course to be approved for credit, the course must meet the requirements set forth by MSDE, where learning outcomes must be met and assessed, in a similar way to the way a graduate course may be designed. Mr. Maher noted that instructors for the CPD courses are exemplary practitioners and they must plan for the instruction and understand the needs of adult learners to transform practice and to design coursework learning to meet the outcomes. Mr. Maher commented that the instructors and facilitators for these CPD learning opportunities are to be recognized for their efforts and for delivering high quality professional development to the educators of St. Mary’s County students. Mr. Maher commended the forty St. Mary’s County Public Schools professionals serving as instructors who have led these professional development courses since the Fall 2003 semester. He remarked over this time, 829 teachers have participated in opportunities carrying up to a cumulative 2,135 credits. Mr. Maher, Ms. Thurston and Dr. Martirano presented certificates of recognition to these individuals for leading professional learning through continuing professional development coursework. Ms. Thurston, on behalf of the Board, commended all of the instructors of the CPD courses for their efforts in educating high quality professional teachers and further commented that educators like these are the heartbeat of an outstanding school system. Dr. Martirano commented on how critical ongoing professional development is, thanking Mr. Maher for all he does.
· Maryland School Performance Recognition Program – Dr. Lorraine Fulton, deputy superintendent of schools, noted that six elementary schools in St. Mary’s County have earned recognition based on their achievement on the 2005 Maryland School Assessment (MSA) and for improvement among subgroups from the 2004 MSA to the 2005 MSA. Dr. Fulton commented that the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, staff, parents, and communities at these elementary schools is very evident. Dr. Fulton and Dr. Martirano presented awards to the principals of Benjamin Banneker Elementary (Ms. Maureen Montgomery), Dynard Elementary (Ms. Kim Summers), Hollywood Elementary (Ms. Jennifer Gilman), Leonardtown Elementary (Ms. Kelly Hall), Park Hall Elementary (Mr. Paul Fancella) and Town Creek Elementary School (Ms. Kakie Miluski). Dr. Fulton noted these principals are trend setters and excellent leaders. Mrs. Allen recognized Ms. Gerri Frazier, recently retired principal of Park Hall Elementary School and commended her for the excellent job she did as principal of that school. Dr. Martirano commented how proud he is of each and every one of the principals and that he recognizes the high level of education and diligent work being done. Ms. Thurston commended them on behalf of the Board and thanked them for their commitment and enthusiasm for “Working Hard and Being Nice” and aiding students in their quest for knowledge and higher standards of excellence.
· St. Mary’s County Fair Speech Contest Winners – Dr. Charles Ridgell, director of secondary instruction, administration, and school improvement, noted each year the St. Mary’s County Fair sponsors a speech contest for students. This year, St. Mary’s County Public Schools had three winners; Taylor Konyk, Danielle Rodriguez, and Eugenia Hofmeister. Taylor Konyk who won first place in the junior division, is in the eighth grade at Margaret Brent Middle School. Taylor’s speech was on the importance of supporting the war in Iraq. Danielle Rodriguez who won second place in the junior division, is in the eighth grade at Spring Ridge Middle School. Danielle’s speech was on underage drinking. Eugenia Hofmeister who placed second in the senior division, is in the eleventh grade at Great Mills High School. Eugenia’s speech was on the similarities between New Orleans and St. Mary’s County. Dr. Ridgell commended all three students and gave special thanks to Mr. David Flood for coordinating the speech contest. Ms. Thurston, on behalf of the Board, applauded Taylor, Danielle, and Eugenia on their award winning speeches and noted it is not enough to acknowledge the accomplishments of these students without also commending the hard work and hours of research and rehearsal that went into preparation for the contest.
Consent Agenda
Mrs. Washington made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of November 9, 2005
.Personnel Issues
Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Action on Well Bid
Mr. Brad Clements, chief administrative officer, commented on August 30, 2005, the school system was informed of an action plan outlining remediation options for wells in order to be in compliance with the New Arsenic Rule prior to January 23, 2006. Four of the school system’s wells required remediation. They include 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. A bid for the wells was solicited in October 2005 with six contractors receiving bid packages. Bids were opened on November 1, 2005 with one contractor submitting a bid. This contractor was Syndor Hydro, Inc. Their bid package was not complete and did not include the Minority Business Enterprise documentation. Mr. Clements recommended that the bid be rejected for this project based on the non-compliance to the contract documents. The school system has applied for a one year extension to allow time to re-bid the project and complete construction. The school system will be consulting with the Metropolitan Commission (METCOM) and County Government regarding their well bids prior to re-bidding the project. Mrs. Washington made a motion that the Board rejects the well bid from Syndor Hydro, Inc., as non-compliant. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Local Capital Improvements Program (FY 2007-FY 2012)
Mr. Brad Clements and Ms. Kim Howe, supervisor of capital planning, commented that the Local Capital Improvements Program is to be submitted to the County Finance Office by December 8, 2005 and further noted that the Local Capital Improvements Program provides support for the State requested projects and for locally funded projects. Projects eligible for State funding were approved by the Board of Education in the State Capital Improvements Program request. The St. Mary’s County Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners have reviewed these projects. Mr. Kessler questioned if inflation has been factored into the new schools and Ms. Howe noted that the county does not want inflation factored in, they want current dollar amounts. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the FY 2007 – FY 2012 Local Capital Improvements Program. Dr. Raspa seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Design Development/Construction Documents for Kindergarten Additions at Piney Point and Town Creek Elementary Schools
Mr. Brad Clements and Mr. Darrell Barricklow, supervisor of design and construction, noted on September 26, 2005, the Board of Education approved the schematic designs for these projects and since that time, the design architect has moved forward and they have gone before the Board of Appeals. Mr. Barricklow commented that the Department of Design and Construction has met on site with the Architect and Administrator of each site to discuss the layout of the classrooms and auxiliary spaces and all requests pertaining to the project have been accommodated in the drawings. Dr Raspa questioned if the principals were satisfied with the drawings, Mr. Barricklow noted they are. Mrs. Washington made a motion that the Board approve the design development/construction documents for the kindergarten additions at Town Creek and Piney Point Elementary Schools as submitted by the Department of Design and Construction staff. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Blue Ribbon Task Force to Eliminate the Achievement Gap
Mr. Theo Cramer, director of academic support, and Mr. Jeff Maher commented that one of the major goals of Superintendent Dr. Martirano is to eliminate the achievement gap between all student groups and noted that the first goal of the Superintendent’s Fifteen Point Plan of Priorities is to eliminate the achievement gap for all identified groups of students. To ensure that this goal is accomplished, the Blue Ribbon Task Force to Eliminate the Achievement Gap has been formed. A very talented group of individuals have been selected and their task is to; produce improved student achievement for all students, develop a plan of site-based, targeted interventions and acceleration programs designed to increase student achievement and eliminate achievement gaps and to develop a process for the community and the school system to share ideas and communicate strategies to increase student achievement, especially for underperforming students. It was noted that Mr. Cramer and Mr. Maher will co-chair the task force. Dr. Martirano noted that this is not an event, it is a process and that we will not give up until we are successful. He commented that this is an extension of our Master Plan. Dr. Martirano stated how pleased he is to see the amount of people who have stepped up to the plate to work towards this goal and thanked all of the community members who have come out to show their support. Mr. Kessler commented that this is excellent and thanked everyone who is putting their efforts into this and stated what a great group of members there are on the task force.
Nutrition Education Project
Mrs. Kathleen Lyon, director of pupil services, noted that during the 2004-2005 school year, the staff from the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension implemented a Nutrition Project at Lexington Park Elementary School and Green Holly Elementary School. The cooperative extension staff has worked with teachers to successfully integrate nutrition education into the pre-kindergarten and kindergarten curriculum. Mrs. Lyon commented through experimental learning activities, teachers integrated nutrition into mathematics, science, and language arts. Their work resulted in the development of healthy eating behaviors and attitudes among the children who participated. Ms. Liat Mackey, project leader gave a presentation on the Food Stamp Nutrition Education (FSNE) Program. Ms. Carmen Johnston, a teacher at Lexington Park Elementary School and Ms. Patria Kimler from the Judy Center at Green Holly Elementary School discussed how they have integrated the nutritional education program in their classrooms. Mr. Rudell Jones, principal of Lexington Park Elementary School, noted what a positive effect this program has had in the children’s food choices. Mrs. Washington commented that healthy food habits promote good students and noted that this program goes along well with eliminating the achievement gap.
Reports
.Mr. Kessler noted his attendance at the All County Elementary and Middle School Honor Chorus at Great Mills High School, Margaret Brent Middle School National Honor Society Induction and commented that he was looking forward to the “What Counts” forum tomorrow night.
.Dr. Raspa commented that he hoped everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving.
.Mrs. Washington noted her attendance at the All County Middle and High School Honors Orchestra Performance at Leonardtown High School, Leonardtown High School National Honor Society, Vocational Technical National Honor Society at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, Great Mills High School Adult Spelling Bee, Veteran’s Day Parade in Leonardtown, American Education Week Read to Students at Green Holly Elementary School, Chopticon High School National Honor Society Induction, All County Elementary and Middle School Honor Chorus at Great Mills High School, Math and Literacy Night at Great Mills High School, Margaret Brent Middle School National Honor Society Induction, and the St. Mary’s County Hospital Gala. Mrs. Washington thanked Dr. Martirano for teaching a science class, thanking him for his energy and enthusiasm. She further noted that he walks what he talks and how pleased she is that he encourages the staff members to visit and teach in the classrooms.
. Mrs. Allen noted her attendance at all of the Honor Society Inductions, The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Awards Dinner honoring Ms. Jill Mills, principal of Esperanza Middle School as a recipient of that award, Board of County Commissioners Monthly Meeting, and the Board of Directors meeting of the Maryland Association of Boards of
Education. Mrs. Allen commented that she has been named to sit on the Charter School Commission and how honored she is.
Future Board Meetings
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, December 14, 2005, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Mrs. Allen adjourned the regular meeting at 8:43 p.m.
Mrs. Cathy Allen
Chairman
Dr. Michael J.
Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer