Board of Education Meeting Room
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Wednesday,
January 11, 2006, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. by Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa, chairman. Board members present for the meeting were:
.Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa, Chairman
.Mr. Gary Kessler, Vice Chairman
.Mrs. Cathy Allen
.Mrs. Mary Washington
.Ms. Brittany Thurston, Student Member
Mr. Kessler made a motion that the Board enter into executive session to discuss personnel, negotiations, and property acquisition issues (Article 24, Section 4-210(a)1,8,11). Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Raspa reconvened the regular meeting at 9:40 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Ms. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, announced that Spring Ridge Middle School (SRMS) will be highlighted at this meeting. Ms. Morgan introduced Ms. Marian Steinbach, supervisor of mathematics, who introduced Ms. Sarah Daigle and Ms. Christine O’Day, mathematics teachers, and 7th and 8th grade students who shared a mathematics lesson with the Board members and Dr. Michael Martirano, superintendent of schools. Dr. Martirano thanked the students for the interesting mathematics lesson and noted that each student will receive a “Work Hard and Be Nice” pencil.
Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Martirano noted the loss of Tekeshia Thompson, student at Chopticon High School (CHS) and that our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. This loss has affected the entire community and is a most difficult time for everyone. Funeral arrangements will be held later this week. Dr. Martirano announced that report cards will be distributed on January 30th. He also highlighted some of the grants for approval and how they impact student achievement. Dr. Martirano commented that Channel 96 is up and running and he is very pleased with the on-going communication. Dr. Martirano also commented on the newspaper article in today’s Enterprise where five of our exceptional teachers received National Board Certification. These teachers will be recognized at an upcoming Board meeting.
Recognitions
Public comment was received as follows:
Name Subject
Ms. Jan Emerson legislative breakfast, pension improvement,
status of negotiations
Mr. James Tomasic textbook issues
Mrs. Allen made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved with a correction to the regular session minutes of December 14, 2005, under Superintendent report to change the word “automatic” to “automated”:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of December 14, 2005
.New Employment
.Budget Advisory Committee Membership Revision for 2005-2006
.Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education Membership Change for 2005-
2006
.Grants
.State School Improvement Grant
.Data Driven Decision Making Grant
.TL8- Student Literacy by Grade 8 Grant
.Graphic Communications Special Grant
.IDEA, Part B- MSDE Discretionary Grant
Mrs. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
High School Program of Studies
Dr. Charles Ridgell, director of secondary instruction, administration, and school improvement, noted that the high school program of studies was presented as an information item at the December 14, 2005, Board meeting and is revised on a two-year schedule. Dr. Ridgell reviewed the timeline of events to this point, noting that a Public Information Session regarding the proposed changes was held on January 4, 2006. Dr. Ridgell reviewed the proposed changes and noted that Mr. Robert Taylor, principal of the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, was present to address any questions regarding proposed programs at the Forrest Center. Board members noted they are looking forward to the new course offerings and the many opportunities for students. Mrs. Allen made a motion to accept the changes to the 2006-2008
High School Program of Studies. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried nanimously.
Energy Conservation
Mr. Brad Clements, chief operating officer, and Mr. Al Harrison, supervisor of operations, noted that the Division of Supporting Services, over the last year, has developed an Energy Conservation Plan to address the increase in utility costs and transportation fuel while being conscientious of our environment. Escalating utility costs for the school system have increased substantially every year since FY 2003, which was an increase of $1,219,021 for an average increase per year of $304,755. The projected increase for FY 2007 alone is an additional $1,350,000. Given this information, the Division of Supporting Services is bringing forth an Energy Conservation Plan that has several phases so that we can address energy consumption which results in dollars being redirected into the classrooms. Board members applauded Mr. Clements and Mr. Harrison for presenting the energy conservation plan and for taking a proactive approach on this issue. Dr. Martirano noted his support of this plan and how it will raise the awareness for our children.
Adequate Public Facilities
Mr. Clements noted that the St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the concern over the adequate public facilities (APF) ordinance for schools, established a committee to review and make recommendations under the governmental affairs committee. The Division of Supporting Services staff has attended the meetings and has provided the school system’s perspective with regards to building capacity, enrollment projections, and state school construction funding. Ms. Kim Howe, capital planning coordinator, provided a historical timeline from 1990 to present on APF. Ms. Howe noted that the school system is serving in an advisory role on this committee and does not endorse any recommendations at this time. All information has been to assist with the understanding of the enrollment projection and capital improvements program process and regulations. Board members thanked Mr. Clements and Ms. Howe for a very detailed report.
Student Transportation
Mr. Clements stated that the school system has been working with the bus contractors to address topics that will improve our student transportation system. This collaborative effort will assist in building a better, safer student transportation system. Dr. Martirano noted that he has met with contractors on two separate occasions. Mr. Clements reviewed the meeting topics of communication, referrals, assisting drivers, and contractor compensation. Dr. Martirano noted that some of these issues came at the beginning of the school year and gave the opportunity for staff to look at student behavior and logistics. Board members thanked Dr. Martirano and staff for their continued dialogue and for a very comprehensive report. Dr. Martirano noted that we are one community committed to the safety of all children.
Chesapeake Public Charter Schools
Dr. Martirano acknowledged that representatives from the Chesapeake Public Charter School (CPCS) are in the audience and that he and staff had met with them yesterday to come to a common goal. Dr. Martirano noted that many issues involving the charter school application were dealt with prior to his arrival on July 1. Dr. Martirano stated that Maryland law defines a “public charter school” as a “public school” that is nonsectarian, is chosen by parents for their children, and is open to all students on a space available basis. The purpose of a public charter school is to establish an alternative means within the existing public school system to provide an innovative learning opportunity and a creative educational approach to improve the education of students. Dr. Martirano defined the timeline as follows: November 22, 2004 – CPCS submits application to St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) to establish a public charter school; March 1, 2005 – CPCS submits final version of application; March 9, 2005 – CPCS application is denied by the Board of Education (BOE) of SMCPS. The CPCS appeals SMCPS BOE decision to the Maryland State Board of Education (MSBE); June 28, 2005 – CPCS appeal of the decision to deny is heard by the MSBE; July 20, 2005 – MSBE reversed the LEA’s denial and remanded the matter for further consideration. It also directed the parties to identify an acceptable facility by December 31, 2005. Failure to do so may constitute a justifiable basis to deny the application; Summer 2005 – The school system began updating BOE Public Charter School policy which includes language that directs the Superintendent to provide a detailed recommendation for approval or denial of a charter school application; September 3, 2005, CPCS contacted the Division of Supporting Services to schedule a walk through of the Christ Episcopal Church as the proposed location for the CPCS; September 22, 2005 – A walk-through of Christ Episcopal Church was conducted for site compliance by SMCPS and CPCS;
September 26, 2005 – SMCPS BOE adopts the new Public Charter School policy; October 10, 2005 – SMCPS meets with CPCS to discuss findings from walk-through and discuss next steps, including 19 items that needed to be addressed in order to determine whether the facility is acceptable as a public charter school; October 10-December 31, 2005 – Timeframe in which CPCS addressed the 19 items in preparation for the determination of the facility as being acceptable for a public charter school; October 24, 2005 – A letter was sent from SMCPS to CPCS confirming the next steps discussed in the October 10, 2005 meeting; November 8, 2005 – Continuing emails and phone conversations between CPCS and SMCPS regarding facilities matters; November 18, 2005 – CPCS sends a letter to Dr. Root, president of MSBE, requesting clarification of the term “acceptable facility”; December 2, 2005 – SMCPS sends a letter to Dr. Root to clarify their expectations regarding an “acceptable facility”; December 12, 2005 – Dr. Root responds and concludes that there is no need for MSBE to clarify the term “acceptable facility”; December 22, 2005 – CPCS delivers facility documentation to the school system. CPCS did not address all 19 items of the report whereby the school system could not determine whether the facility was acceptable. Dr. Martirano stated that at this time, the school system does not have the information needed to make a decision on the facility, but as it stands now, the site defined is not determined as adequate. Mr. Clements highlighted the 19 points that need to be addressed by the CPCS. Dr. Martirano noted that the school system has extended the deadline by one month to January 30, 2006, to allow the CPCS to work with the agencies to get the items addressed. He noted that a lot of aggressive work needs to be done in this timeframe, and he plans to make a formal recommendation to the Board at their February 8, 2006, meeting. He also noted that as Superintendent, this charter school will become one of our schools and there has to be assurances that the facility is adequate and meets all standards to provide a quality education for all students. Board members commended Dr. Martirano, staff and the CPCS representatives for working collaboratively on this continuous process, but noted that a great amount of work still needs to be done for a successful opening in August 2006, and the facility has yet to be finalized. Dr. Martirano also commended the CPCS representatives and noted that the school system will continue to work closely with them over the next month on the issues identified and he will come forward with a recommendation to the Board at their February 8th about the approval or denial of the CPCS application.
FY 2006 December Financial Report
Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, presented the FY 2006 financial results as of
December 22, 2005. Mr. Carney noted that the revenue picture has not changed, but there is a watch on the expenditure side for equipment, student transportation, supplies and materials. Mr. Carney noted that the fuel prices have risen again for January 2006, which will cause some adjustments as well.
Dr. Raspa asked for a motion to dispense reports due to the lateness of this meeting and submit reports to the Board secretary. Mrs. Allen made a motion to dispense reports at this time. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
.Mrs. Washington submitted the following report of events that she attended: Collective Employees Association of St. Mary’s County (CEASMC) Gathering at Jolly Gents – Push for Pension, Chamber of Commerce event, Pre-Kwanza Celebration, Breakfast with Santa at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, Leonardtown High School (LHS) Talent Show, CHS Door Decoration Contest, Naval Academy Alumni Association recognition of Naval Academy Applicants and Midshipmen, Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC)/CEASMC/Calvert Legislative Breakfast, CHS JROTC Military Ball, Knights of St. Jerome Annual New Year Celebration, and the St. Mary’s Network of Care Community Guide – Community Launch Event.
Future Board Meetings
The following future meetings will be held:
.Public Forum for FY 2007 Budget Input, Wednesday, January 18, 2006, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
.Budget Work Session, Wednesday, January 25, 2006, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
.Regular Board Meeting, Wednesday, January 25, 2006, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting Room, Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Dr. Raspa adjourned the regular meeting at 1:10 p.m.
Work Session
A work session on the Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2007 Budget was held from 2:00-3:40 p.m.
Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa
Chairman
Dr. Michel J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer