Board of Education of St. Mary’s County

Meeting of:  Regular Session                                         Held:   January 25, 2006

                                                                                                Board of Education Meeting Room

The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Wednesday,

January 25, 2006, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown.  The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m. by Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa, chairman.  Board members present for the meeting were:

            .Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa, Chairman

.Ms. Cathy Allen

.Ms. Mary Washington

.Ms. Brittany Thurston, Student Member

Motion to Enter Into Executive Session

Ms. Allen made a motion that the Board enter into executive session to discuss personnel issues (Article 24, Section 4-210(a)1).  Ms. Washington seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Work Session

A work session on the Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2007 Budget was held from 3:10-4:00 p.m.

Motion to Enter Into Executive Session

Ms. Allen 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).  Ms. Washington seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Reopen Regular Session

Dr. Raspa reconvened the regular meeting at 6:02 p.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Ms. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, announced that Park Hall Elementary School (PHES) will be highlighted at this meeting.  Ms. Morgan introduced Ms. Julia Wolfe, general music teacher at PHES, who led the PHES Chorus in two songs, ‘Respect, Respect’ and ‘Work Hard and Be Nice.’  Dr. Michael Martirano, superintendent of schools, thanked the students for the entertaining songs, noting how much he especially enjoyed ‘Work Hard and Be Nice.’  As the students left the Board room, each was given a ‘Work Hard and Be Nice’ pencil.

Approval of Agenda

Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented.  Ms. Washington seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Superintendent Report

Dr. Martirano recognized Ms. Kim Summers, principal at Dynard Elementary School (DES) and Mr. Matt Spiney, teacher at DES, for receiving a grant entitled ‘Scholars, Leaders, Athletes, Gentlemen’ program, Ms. Jill Mills, principal at Esperanza Middle School (EMS), and Ms. Amanda Ellington, teacher at EMS on receiving a grant for ‘Scrabble in the Classroom’ program, and Dr. Linda Lymas, principal at Great Mills High School (GMHS), and Ms. Elizabeth  Huffines, teacher at GMHS, for receiving a grant entitled “Human Torso Model Will Increase Student Understanding of Human Anatomy” program from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).  Dr. Martirano noted these are three outstanding grants and gave his congratulations.  Dr. Martirano noted that the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the move of the Alternative Learning Center from its present location to the Great Mills Annex.  Dr. Martirano commented that Dr. Nancy Grasmick, state superintendent of schools released a state report, ‘Helping Teachers Help All Students’ that cited St. Mary's County Public Schools (SMCPS) twice:  Benjamin Banneker Elementary School was noted for their efforts in reorganizing their schedule and reallocation of resources to provide consistent ongoing job embedded professional development and the partnership between SMCPS and St. Mary’s College for offering a course for principals and IRT’s on design and data analysis.  Dr. Martirano noted that Dr. Charles Ridgell, director of secondary instruction, administration and school improvement, will be providing an overview of where we are on textbooks at the March Board meeting.  Dr. Martirano commented on the Coordinated Pupil Services On-site Review that occurred on January 18, 2006, noting that three schools were highlighted: Leonardtown Elementary School, Leonardtown High School, and Esperanza Middle School.  He thanked everyone for a great job.  Dr. Martirano commented that Mechanicsville Elementary School took second place in the “Together We’re Better” poster contest.  Dr. Martirano congratulated Ms. Brittany Thurston on being reelected to serve on the Board for a second term.

Recognitions

• National Board Certification – Dr. Edward Weiland, director of human resources, noted that the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is an organization of teachers and other education stakeholders working to advance the teaching profession and to improve student learning.  The National Board Certification process is an extensive year-long series of performance-based assessments which includes teacher portfolios, student work samples, videotapes, and thorough analysis of the candidates’ classroom teaching and student learning.  This certification is a demonstration of teaching practice as measured against high and rigorous standards.  Offered on a voluntary basis, the advance system of National Board Certification complements, but does not replace, state licensing.  Dr. Weiland, Ms. Allen, and Dr. Martirano recognized Ms. Kelly Egan, a teacher at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, Ms. Ella Musser, a teacher at Spring Ridge Middle School, Mr. C. Allen Skinner, a teacher at Great Mills High School, Ms. Debora Settle, a teacher at Town Creek Elementary and Greenview Knolls Elementary Schools, and Ms. Erika Patregnani, a teacher at Chopticon High School, for their exceptional accomplishments of having achieved National Board Certification and presented them with certificates of recognition.  Ms. Allen commented that it was both an honor and privilege to recognize teachers on behalf of the Board, and congratulated them on receiving such a prestigious and well-deserved award.  Ms. Allen thanked the recipients, on behalf of the students and community, for sharing their passion for teaching and making a positive impact on the community beyond measure.  Dr. Martirano noted that this was not an easy task and how very proud he and the school system are.
• National School Counseling Week – Ms. Kathleen Lyon, executive director of student services, announced that February 6-10, 2006, has been designated as National School

Counseling Week by the American School Counselors Association.  Ms. Lyon noted that this acknowledgement provides school systems with an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions made by these professionals, as well as, to publicize the many services that counselors have to offer their school communities and the tremendous impact that counselors can have in helping students fulfill their promise and become productive members of our society.  Ms. Lyon introduced Ms. Rhonda Harris, supervisor of guidance, Ms. Lori Swick, guidance counselor at George Washington Carver Elementary School, Ms. Sara Cooper, guidance counselor at Spring Ridge Middle School and Ms. Diane Ryan, guidance counselor at Chopticon High School.  Ms. Allen asked that during National School Counseling Week, students, staff, and parents take a moment to thank their school counselors for all the services they provide daily.  On behalf of the Board, Ms. Allen thanked all school counselors for their commitment to the success of the students and staff.  Dr. Martirano thanked the counselors for their care and commitment.  Ms. Lyon read a resolution proclaiming February 6-10, 2006, as National School Counseling Week.

• AP Scholar Recognition – Ms. Laura Carpenter, coordinator of gifted and talented, noted that 116 students in the St. Mary’s County Public School system have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program (AP) Exams.  Ms. Carpenter noted that students took AP Exams in May 2005 after completing challenging college-level courses at their high schools.  The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on a students’ performance on AP exams: AP Scholars, must have completed three or more AP examinations with grades of three or higher; AP Scholars with Honor must have earned an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams; AP Scholars with Distinction must have earned an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of three or higher on five or more of these exams; and National AP Scholars must have earned an average grade of four or higher on a five point scale on all AP exams taken and grades of four or higher on eight or more of these exams.  Ms. Carpenter, Ms. Allen, and Dr. Martirano presented certificates of recognition to these students.  Ms. Allen commented that the students honored have gone beyond simply taking classes and are to be commended for such outstanding distinctions.  On behalf of the Board, Ms. Allen congratulated them, noting that while the Board can make the classes available, it is up to each student to make the most of these opportunities.  Dr. Martirano commented how impressed he is to be in their company and how proud he is.  He noted that these students represent the best of St. Mary’s County.
• Shop with a Cop – Ms. Lyon noted on December 17, 2005, 85 children from various SMCPS participated in the Shop with a Cop program.  Ms. Lyon commented that the program is organized by the Optimist International and the Fraternal Order of Police with additional sponsorship from ADF Bingo, the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge, and Wal-Mart.  Ms. Lyon stated that young people in grades one through eight participated in holiday shopping with a law enforcement professional, and through the generosity of

these organizations, each child was provided with $200 to purchase gifts and necessary items for the season.  Ms. Lyon further noted that this activity has occurred for three

holiday seasons and expanded to a Back to School Shop with a Cop in August 2005.  Ms. Lyon, Ms. Washington, and Dr. Martirano presented certificates of recognition to the Fraternal Order of Police and Optimist International, recognizing the representatives of these organizations for the time, talent, and financial support that makes this program a success.  Ms. Washington, on behalf of the Board, expressed gratitude and thanks for helping students who are less fortunate.  Dr. Martirano noted his love for St. Mary’s County and that the community spirit is so alive and well.  He further noted what a touching and absolutely wonderful event this is.  Dr. Martirano, on behalf of the school system and community, gave his sincerest thanks.

• George Washington Carver Elementary School (GWCES) Fire Recognition – Ms. Linda Dudderar, director of elementary instruction, administration and school improvement, noted at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2005, a fire was reported in two relocatable classrooms at George Washington Carver Elementary School.  Ms. Dudderar commented how humbled she was to be honoring GWCES.  Ms. Dudderar, Ms. Washington, and Dr. Martirano presented Mr. Mark Murphy, principal, with two framed pictures of the newspaper articles outlining the details of the fire.  Mr. Murphy commented that Dr. Martirano set the bar high and everyone rose to it.  Mr. Murphy noted what an honor it is to work with a staff of individuals who rallied and brought the school back and how extremely lucky he feels to be working with such incredible individuals.  Dr. Martirano noted that SMCPS and the community joined together to show their support during this time of need for George Washington Carver Elementary School and how proud he is of this collaboration.  Ms. Washington noted that without the help of our community and our dedicated school system employees, we would not have been able to reopen school in just two days, and thanked everyone on behalf of the Board.

Public Comment

Public comment was received as follows:

            Name                                                   Subject

            Ms. Clarissa Labor                               Chesapeake Public Charter School

            Ms. Carolyn Egeli                                 Chesapeake Public Charter School

            Dr. Martin Sullivan                                Chesapeake Public Charter School

            Dr. Jennifer Schmidt                             Health Policy

            Ms. Sarah Tyson                                  Chesapeake Public Charter School

            Mr. Doug Toti                                      Chesapeake Public Charter School

            Mr. Sanford Ganzell                             Chesapeake Public Charter School

            Ms. Maribeth Boeke                            Chesapeake Public Charter School

Consent Agenda

Ms. Allen made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:

.Regular and Executive Session minutes of  January 11, 2006

.Administrative and Supervisory appointment

Ms. Washington seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Evaluation of Administrative and Supervisory Personnel – Policy GCNA (First Reading)

Ms. Linda Dudderar, Mr. Jeff Maher, director of professional and organizational development, Ms. Barbara Eddy, principal of Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School, Ms. Kelly Hall, principal of Leonardtown Elementary School, and Mr. Scott Smith, principal of Leonardtown High School, presented the first reading of the Evaluation of Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Policy GCNA.  Mr. Maher noted that the Administrative and Supervisory Performance Assessment System has evolved over time, and that these revisions were designed to support the school system’s commitment to an educational program that prepares students to develop their potential for a lifetime of learning and for responsible, productive participation in our diverse and changing world.  He commented that during the 2004-2005 school year, a workgroup convened to review the administrative and supervisory evaluation system.  The work group examined the newly derived Maryland Instructional Leadership Framework and the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards in an effort to provide greater specificity to the standards upon which leaders’ evaluations would be based.  The multi-dimensional leadership framework that forms the basis of this evaluation system is built as a parallel to the Teacher Performance Assessment System (TPAS).  Like the framework utilized in TPAS, the Administrative and Supervisory Performance Assessment System for educational leaders is structured with specific elements of leadership that have been detailed by levels of proficiency.  The SMCPS Administrative and Supervisory Performance Assessment System utilizes structure and domains of leadership aligned with the Maryland Instructional Leadership Framework.  As a result of these revisions to the evaluation tools during this initial pilot year, changes in the regulations and policy are being recommended to coincide with these changes.  Mr. Maher noted that training has occurred throughout the year in understanding the domains and using these for evaluation of educational leaders.  Dr. Martirano noted there is a timeline associated with this and it was introduced to administrators in August 2005. It is aligned with the school improvement process and positive feedback has been received.  Ms. Washington commented on the excellent presentation of the first reading, noting that everyone should know what their expectations are.

Calendars for the 2006-2007 School Year and 2007-2008 School Year

Dr. Charles Ridgell noted that a committee consisting of teachers, supervisors of instruction, principals, directors, and representatives from the Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC), Collective Employees Association of St. Mary’s County (CEASMC), and County Council of PTAs (CCPTA) developed the calendars.  The committee was co-chaired by Mr. Theo Cramer, director of academic support, and Dr. Charles Ridgell.  Dr. Ridgell commented that the proposed calendars include: Extending the spring recess additional days to provide an entire week for spring break; Beginning school three days earlier to offset the extended spring recess as well as increase student days for seniors; Shifting the February/March Professional Day to before school opens to provide professional development earlier in the school year to increase the impact on student achievement; Accounting for full day kindergartens in all elementary schools to increase instructional time and meet state requirements; Maintaining the Parent Conference Day on Columbus Day to be convenient for parents and guardians; Eliminating late arrivals and having only early dismissals to positively impact attendance, reduce breakfast/lunch scheduling conflicts, and meet parent requests; Making all early dismissals two hours, to be consistent across the school year; Designating an Articulation Day to facilitate transitioning students between schools; Shifting the January Professional Day as appropriate to reflect High School Assessment testing dates; and Publishing the calendar in a handbook format.  Dr. Ridgell noted that copies of the calendars have been distributed and that Ms. Zina McGowan-Thomas, communication specialist, will be putting them on the website.  Dr. Martirano commented that parents will receive a flip calendar with information right at their fingertips.  Ms. Washington noted that the calendars should have a disclaimer stating they are subject to revisions.  Ms. Allen thanked Dr. Ridgell and the committee and believes we can expect overwhelming positive comments about the calendar.

JLC - Student Wellness Policy and GBC - Employee Wellness Policy (First Reading)

Mr. Brad Clements, chief operating officer, Dr. Andrew Roper, supervisor of instruction for physical education, health and athletics, and Mr. Gary Childress, supervisor of food and nutrition services, presented the first reading of the Student Wellness Policy JLC and Employee Wellness Policy GBC, noting all school systems within the State of Maryland were required to establish a nutrition policy (wellness policy) by January 31, 2006, for implementation no later than the start of the 2006-2007 school year.  In order to complete the review process, the school system has requested a 60 day extension for the establishment of this policy.  After reviewing the proposed policy at this meeting, the policy will then be placed on the SMCPS website at ww.smcps.k12.md.us.  A public hearing will be held during the February 8, 2006, Board meeting, with the second reading for action during the March 8, 2006 Board meeting.  Dr. Roper gave a brief overview of the Student Wellness policy reviewing the eight components of the policy, noting this has been a collaborative effort.  Mr. Childress discussed the changes being made in nutrition in the Employee Wellness Policy and thanked everyone who helped with the development of this policy.  After much discussion, the Board thanked Mr. Clements, Dr. Roper and Mr. Childress for their report and noted that the proposed changes will be put in the document for the 2nd reading for action at a future Board meeting.  Minor suggested changes to this policy will be placed on the website for public review.

GBK – Tobacco Free School Environment (First Reading)

Mr. Brad Clements commented that during the development of the wellness policy, it was noted that the current tobacco policy, GBK – Tobacco Free School Environment, needed to be updated based on acceptable practices for smoking.  After reviewing the proposed policy at this meeting, the policy will then be placed on the SMCPS website.  A public hearing will be during the February 8, 2006, Board meeting, with a second reading for action during the March 8, 2006, Board meeting.  Ms. Allen thanked Mr. Clements for his report, noting what a great policy this is.  Dr. Martirano commented that we have a responsibility to train and continue to emphasize the importance of the policy with all employees and thanked Mr. Clements for his report.

Reports

.Dr. Raspa asked for a motion to dispense reports due to the lateness of this meeting and submit reports to the Board secretary.  Ms. Allen made a motion to dispense reports at this time.  Ms. Washington seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

.Ms. Allen submitted the following report of events that she attended: Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE)  Charter Commission meetings; Breakfast meeting with Board of County Commissioners, Legislative Breakfast with local delegation; Toured Margaret Brent Middle School renovation and modernization; Network of Caring kickoff, MABE Fall

Conference planning meeting; Presented final report of the MABE Charter School commission to the State Board of Education; and the Board of Education budget hearing.

.Ms. Washington submitted the following report of events that she attended:  Visitation to Immaculate Conception Church; Investiture of Michael J. Stamm; Reception at Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship; 2nd Annual Southern Maryland Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast; Public Budget Forum; Push for Pensions in Annapolis; and reading to students at Green Holly, Greenview Knolls, Hollywood and Town Creek Elementary Schools.

Future Board Meetings

The following future meeting will be held:

.Regular Board Meeting, Wednesday, February 8, 2006, 9:00 a.m., Board Meeting Room,  

  Leonardtown.

.Multi-Agency Breakfast Meeting, Tuesday, February 14, 2006, 8:00 a.m., Leonardtown

  Library Meeting Room, Leonardtown.

Adjournment

Dr. Raspa adjourned the regular meeting at 10:01 p.m.

Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa                                    

Chairman

Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer