The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Wednesday,
December 14, 2005, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Mrs. Cathy Allen, chairman. Board members present for the meeting were:
.Mrs. Cathy Allen, Chairman
.Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa, Vice Chairman
.Mr. Gary Kessler
.Mrs. Mary Washington
.Ms. Brittany Thurston, Student Member
Mrs. Allen reconvened the regular meeting at 9:37 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
For Showcasing our Schools, Mrs. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, introduced Ms. Patricia Kuzmick, choral director at Chopticon High School, who lead the Chopticon Peace Pipers and Divas in a holiday season and madrigal music presentation. It was noted by Ms. Kuzmick that this madrigal group is composed of juniors and seniors. Dr. Martirano commented how proud and very impressed he was with the presentation. He noted special thanks to Mr. Joe North, principal of Chopticon.
Election of Officers
A motion was made by Dr. Raspa to temporarily suspend meeting rules and have the Secretary-Treasurer preside over the meeting for the purpose of election of officers. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Dr. Michael Martirano, secretary-treasurer, called for nominations for the office of chairman. Mrs. Allen nominated Dr. Raspa for the office of chairman. Dr. Raspa accepted the nomination. A vote was taken and Dr. Raspa was named chairman by unanimous decision. Dr. Martirano called for nominations for the office of vice chairman. Mrs. Washington nominated Mr. Kessler for the office of vice chairman. Mr. Kessler accepted the nomination. A vote was taken and Mr. Kessler was named vice chairman by unanimous decision. A motion was made by Mrs. Allen to return to regular rules with Dr. Raspa assuming the duties. Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Dr. Martirano congratulated Dr. Raspa and Mr. Kessler. Dr. Raspa noted his thanks to his colleagues for their vote of confidence and thanked everyone for their support.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools, noted his appreciation of Mrs. Allen’s years of service and thanked her for her dedication. Dr. Martirano commented how challenging the decision to close schools due to inclement weather is, and noted how important the safety of the students and staff are. He commented there are five days built into the school calendar for inclement weather. He encouraged anyone who has not signed up for School’s Out email alert to do so at: www.schoolsout.com. He also noted the automated calling system is working well. Dr. Martirano remarked there was close to 225 participants at the “What Counts” forum and how pleased he was at the honesty that took place. He commented we will be receiving results from the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) on the forum and the results will be sent to the community. Dr. Martirano noted that the school system meets with bus contractors and works collaboratively on improving the student transportation program. He noted his attendance at the last two meetings with the bus contractors and that the bus contractors want to be proactive with regard to student behavior. He further noted we have initiated a logistics review to ensure that policies, procedures, and protocols are in place and working effectively. He remarked through everyone’s support, we can ensure a safe student transportation system and how critical positive student behavior on the school bus is to the safe operation of the school bus. Dr. Martirano noted overall he is very confident in the safety of our system. Dr. Martirano announced that the results of the Washington Post Challenge Index have been posted and how pleased he was with how well our three high schools did. He congratulated the principals for all of their hard work. Dr. Martirano also recognized Ms. Laura Carpenter, coordinator of gifted and talented, for her hard work and noted the scores will be posted in tomorrow’s Washington Post. Dr. Martirano commented what a bittersweet moment it was with the retirement of Dr. Lorraine Fulton, deputy superintendent. He presented her with a plaque recognizing her for her years of service to the school system and noting what a vital member she has been to the school system. Dr. Martirano wished everyone in the community a safe and happy holiday.
Recognitions
Chopticon High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) – Dr. Charles Ridgell, director of secondary instruction, administration, and school improvement, noted that Chopticon High School received its FBLA charter in 1965 and that FBLA has played a significant role in preparing young people for careers in the business field. He noted that students have gone beyond the traditional classroom setting and have been given the opportunity to travel across the country attending conferences that develop their leadership skills and that Chopticon has had many regional, state, and national winners. Dr. Ridgell remarked that during the 2004-2005 school year, FBLA members received numerous awards and recognition for their success at the state and national conferences. He stated that thirty-six students and three advisors participated in the FBLA 2005 State Leadership Conference and several students qualified to compete in the national conference held during the summer in Orlando, Florida. Five students placed at the national conference. Dr. Ridgell noted that Chopticon has the largest membership in Region 4 and the entire state with 392 members. He congratulated all who participated and gave special thanks to Mr. Joe North, principal, for his support. Dr. Ridgell recognized that the FBLA at Chopticon has four sponsors, Mrs. Jackie Ball, Mrs. Donna Bedarik, Ms. Desiree Glass, and Mr. Ray Guy. Dr. Ridgell commented that Mr. Guy is certainly a role model for the students as he has been the sponsor at Chopticon for thirty-one years. Mr. Guy and a few of the FBLA members shared their many awards they have received during the last year, Mr. Guy recognized Mr. North and commented how fortunate and thankful they are to have him as principal and that he supports the programs and always comes through. Mrs. Washington noted that this success would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of parents, students, teachers, the principal and community. On behalf of the Board, Mrs. Washington thanked the sponsors. Dr. Martirano presented Mr. Guy with a certificate of recognition awarded to Chopticon High School. He noted his thanks and acknowledged Mr. Guy for all he has done.
Public Comment
Public Comment was received as follows:
Name Subject
.Mr. Don O’Neal – St. Mary's County Public Membership Directory
Schools Retirees Association
.Ms. Jan Emerson – Education Association of Push for Pension
St. Mary's County (EASMC)
.Ms. Monique Willett – Collective Employees’ Push for Pension
Association of St. Mary's County (CEASMC)
Consent Agenda
Mr. Kessler made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of November 29, 2005
.Personnel Issues
.Local FY 2007 Capital Improvements Program Amendment
Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Bus Contract Transfers
Mr. Brad Clements, chief administrative officer, presented three 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. Allen made a motion to accept the transfers as presented. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Education Cable Channel
Mr. Bill Caplins, director of technology, with the assistance of Mr. Eric Millham, trades and industry teacher at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, presented an overview of capabilities of the St. Mary's County Public Schools Educational Television. Mr. Caplins noted this projected was started six years ago and is a result of extensive collaboration between the County Government, the Board of Education and the local cable companies (MetroCast and Comcast). Mr. Caplins commented that the education channel will run twenty-
four hours a day, seven days a week. He discussed the components of the new educational channel and noted that initially you will see mostly Board meetings and bulletin board items. He mentioned that the recording of school activities and instructional content will take time. Mr. Caplins noted so far this year three communication items, Parent Link, Website, and the Cable Channel have been brought before the Board and further noted we are only limited by our creativeness and manpower. Mr. Millham commented as new equipment comes in we will be recording sporting events. Mr. Caplins thanked Ms. Mary Ann Williams, K-12 programmer for the educational channel at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, for the part she has played in this project and commented that Ms. Williams has brought a lot of expertise with her. Mrs. Allen applauded everyone for their part in making this happen and noted her appreciation. Dr. Martirano commented how very pleased he was with where we are on this project and thanked everyone involved.
FY 2006 November Financial Report
Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, reported on the General Fund financial results as of November 30, 2005. He commented that the revenue side is tracking as planned and on the expenditure side there is a watch on the bottom line and the good news is the cost per gallon for heating fuel has decreased. He noted that student transportation is higher than anticipated and expects an anticipated deficit in that area. Dr. Raspa thanked Mr. Carney for his report.
High School Program of Studies 2006-2008
Dr. Charles Ridgell noted the High School Program of Studies is revised on a two-year schedule and commented the document identifies the high school graduation requirements and provides descriptions of course requirements offered in the school system at the high school level. Dr. Ridgell noted the proposed revisions to the High School Program of Studies were submitted by teachers, principals, and supervisors of instruction in the spring. The staff and school improvement teams of both the middle and high schools reviewed the proposals and offered feedback in September 2005. Counselors, principals, supervisors of instruction, and directors of instruction met in October to discuss the proposals. Dr. Ridgell stated the recommended proposals being submitted are for the first reading. He commented that a Public Information Session regarding the proposed changes will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2006 from 5:00-6:30 p.m., in the Board of Education meeting room on Moakley Street. Dr. Ridgell announced that supervisors of instruction would be available to explain the proposed changes and to respond to questions. Dr. Ridgell noted the proposals are also available on St. Mary's County Public Schools website at www.smcps.k12.md.us. Dr. Ridgell noted that upon approval from the Board of Education at the January 11, 2006 meeting, the recommendations will be incorporated in the final documents and distributed appropriately. Mrs. Allen thanked Dr. Ridgell noting what a very comprehensive job he has done in producing this revised program. Dr. Martirano commented on the variety of options that are available, noting that a lot of time went into this revised program of studies and applauded Dr. Ridgell for the solid work that was done.
Reports
.Mr. Kessler noted his thanks to the Board members for electing him as vice chairman and commented that he looks forward to being the ‘wingman’ for the next year. He thanked Mrs. Allen for the outstanding job she has done as Chairman and for her support in mentoring him in his first year on the board.
.Dr. Raspa noted his attendance as judge at the Leonardtown Middle School Science Fair.
.Mrs. Washington noted her attendance at the What Counts forum, Rotary Dinner-Celebration of Teaching, Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Three Notch Theatre, Lettie Marshall Dent Auction, Chopticon High School Madrigal Dinner, judge at the Leonardtown Middle School Science Fair, “Inspecting Carol” play at the Three Notch Theatre, Legislative Breakfast at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, and the Chopticon High School FBLA Installation.
.Mrs. Allen noted her attendance at the What Counts forum, Rotary Dinner-Celebration of Teaching, Chopticon High School Madrigal Dinner, Judge at the Leonardtown Middle School Science Fair, MABE Board of Directors meeting, Legislative Breakfast at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, and that she toured the newly renovated Margaret Brent Middle School. Mrs. Allen congratulated Dr. Raspa and Mr. Kessler on their newly elected positions.
.Ms. Thurston noted she has been talking with the St. Mary’s Association of Student Councils (SMASC) about a meeting with the Superintendent because they have lots of questions and are very excited to meet him.
Future Board Meetings
The next regular meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, at 9:00 a.m., in the Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Dr. Raspa adjourned the regular meeting at 12:54 p.m.
Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa
Chairman
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer