Board of Education of St. Mary's County
Board of Education Meeting Room
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Wednesday,
March 8, 2006, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 8:32 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
.Ms. Cathy Allen
.Ms. 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). Ms.
Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Raspa reconvened the regular meeting at 9:45 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael Martirano, superintendent of schools, noted that Ms. Cynthia Stahr, 4th grade teacher at Oakville Elementary School (OES) and Mr. Anthony Servello, an electronics teacher at the Dr. James. A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, are being recognized for their success and creativity in the classroom as nominees of the 2006 Disney Teacher Award. He also noted how pleased he was to receive an email from Dr. Carl Smith, executive director of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE). Dr. Smith stated in his email that Hollywood Elementary School (HES) was mentioned in the March 2006 issue of The American School Board Journal. The article “Learning inside out”, stated students at HES helped convert one-third of the school’s grounds into a wildflower meadow where they study plants and wildlife. Dr. Martirano expressed how pleased he was with this article.
Recognitions
visual arts. Ms. Smoot recognized four high school seniors who won this scholarship. They are Daniel Kurtz, Chopticon High School (CHS), Becky Lemmon, Great Mills
High School (GMHS), Laura Olson, GMHS, and Julie Woodburn, Leonardtown High School (LHS). She further noted that these students will be continuing their education in a two or four year institution in the field of art or art education. Dr. Martirano asked for a round of applause for the parents of these students, mentioning how proud he is of their accomplishments and what they’ve done. He presented each student with a plaque and certificate of recognition. Dr. Martirano noted how sorry he was that Mr. Hopkins could not be present for this recognition. On behalf of the Board, Ms. Allen congratulated the students for their incredible work and dedication, wishing them success in all their future endeavors.
Public comment was received as follows:
Name Subject
Dr. Christine Bergmark Chesapeake Public Charter School
Ms. Melissa Georgio New School Design
Ms. Allen made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of February 8, 2006
.Personnel Issues
.Deferred Compensation Plan
.Bethune Roof Bid
Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Policy “JLC” (Student Wellness) and Policy “GBC” (Employee Wellness) – 2nd Reading
Mr. Brad Clements, chief operating officer, noted that the first reading for the Student Wellness and Employee Wellness policies were presented to the Board at the January 25, 2006, Board meeting. Mr. Clements commented that these polices were placed on the school system’s website and covered in The Enterprise newspaper. Public comment was heard on February 8, 2006, at the BOE’s regularly scheduled meeting. He stated that comments were reviewed and incorporated as appropriate into the policy. Mr. Clements thanked all of the individuals who were involved in the development and review of these policies. He asked that the Board of Education approve the Wellness Policies as presented by staff. Mr. Kessler commented that both of the policies are good and thanked everyone who played a part in drafting them. Dr. Martirano commended the people who worked on these policies and noted how pleased he is with the outcome. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the policies as presented. Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Policy “GBK” (Tobacco Free School Environment) – 2nd Reading
Mr. Brad Clements commented that the first reading for the Tobacco Free School Environment policy was presented to the Board at the January 25, 2006, Board meeting. Mr. Clements commented that these polices were placed on the school system’s website and covered in The Enterprise newspaper, and have been shared at the In-services. Public comment was heard on February 8, 2006, at the BOE’s regularly scheduled meeting. Mr. Clements noted because of the contract, changes to this policy would not become effective until July 1, 2006. He asked that the Board of Education approve the Tobacco Free School Environment Policy as presented by staff. Ms. Allen thanked Mr. Clements. Dr. Martirano commented that this policy sends a message about the importance of health to our students. Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the policy as presented. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Evaluation of Administrative and Supervisory Personnel – Policy GCNA (Second Reading)
Mr. Jeff Maher, director of professional and organizational development, noted that the first reading for the Evaluation of Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Policy GCNA was presented to the Board at the January 25, 2006, Board meeting. Mr. Maher commented that as a result of the 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. Mr. Maher asked that the Board of Education approve the revisions to the policy as referenced. Dr. Martirano remarked that the three polices presented today are examples of continuous improvement and noted how pleased he is with the work that is being brought forward. Dr. Raspa commented that he too is pleased with the work that is being done and thanked everyone for their commitment. Ms. Washington made a motion to approve the policy as presented. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Chesapeake Public Charter School (CPCS) – Charter Agreement
Dr. Michael Martirano noted at the February 8, 2006, Board of Education meeting, the Board approved the CPCS application and that with the approval of the application, the school system and CPCS had 30 days to complete the charter agreement. Dr. Martirano then presented the thirty (30) day timeline. He reviewed the next steps, noting that the charter agreement must be completed in thirty (30) days as defined by the Maryland State Board of Education. Dr.
Martirano reviewed items that would be included in the charter agreement (although not inclusive): Executive Summary; Educational Program and Services (specific plans and strategies
for developing and delivering educational programs and ways to address the achievement gap); Special Programs; Student Outcomes (with clear measures of subgroup achievement that indicates progress in eliminating the achievement gap); Student Admission, Enrollment, and Withdrawal Procedures (to address established expectations for student diversity) (a minimum of 120 students to address financial viability); Staffing Plan consistent with SMCPS policy, all relevant negotiated agreements, and state law; Transportation Plan; Management Plan; Facilities Plan (a letter from Christ Church supporting the lease agreement – a component of the lease would enforce that concurrent use of the facility between the church and school would not be acceptable); Specifies (Cost, Location, Health and safety compliance, Available space and its use, Terms and conditions of the lease); Financial Plan (with specifics about fund raising timeline); Community Support; and Assurances – signed by the applicants. Before completing his report, Dr. Martirano went over the review, renewal and revocation of a charter. Board members inquired on the next steps. Ms. Washington noted how very proud she is of the way the school system and the CPCS worked collaboratively to come up with this agreement in the 30 days allocated. Ms. Washington further noted that by working together, a lot can be done, and she congratulated and thanked the lawyers involved, the superintendent, staff members, the CPCS, and everyone that made this possible. Ms. Allen noted that it has been a very aggressive timeline and that an incredible amount of work has taken place, and acknowledged the cooperation that occurred. Mr. Kessler stated that he echo’s the comments of his fellow Board members and that he did not think it could be done in 30 days. Mr. Kessler gave kudos to all involved, noting what a fantastic job Mr. Edmund O’Meally, the staff attorney, has done and what a fantastic job he has done with the aid of staff and the CPCS in pulling everything together. Mr. Kessler stated that by working together as a team, it shows what can be done in 30 days and that we need to continue this teamwork as we move forward to make sure the CPCS does indeed open in August 2007. Ms. Thurston commented how pleased she is to see student achievement as one of the major priorities in the CPCS agreement. Dr. Martirano noted how paramount student achievement is and thanked Ms. Thurston for echoing that. Dr. Raspa stated how amazed he is with the teamwork that went into this and thanked everyone involved, including Mr. O’Meally, noting we could not have come this far without his expertise. Dr. Raspa concluded by thanking everyone very much. Dr. Martirano recommended that the Board approve the Charter Agreement. Dr. Raspa asked for a motion. Mr. Kessler made the following motion based upon the recommendation of Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of St. Mary’s County Public Schools: I move that the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County approve the proposed Charter Agreement negotiated with the Chesapeake Public Charter School Alliance, Ltd. Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Thurston asked the records note that the student member is in favor of the motion. Dr. Raspa asked Ms. Maribeth Boeke-Ganzell, vice president of the CPCS Alliance, if she was ready to sign the agreement and did she have any questions. Ms. Boeke-Ganzell replied she had no questions and was ready to sign the agreement. Dr. Martirano asked the representatives of the CPCS, Ms. Kate Sullivan, founding member, Ms. Boeke-Ganzell, and Dr. Christine Bergmark, board member, to join him at the podium for the signing of the document.
Well Contract Award
Mr. Brad Clements noted that recently the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) reduced the allowable level of arsenic which is permitted in public potable water delivered via a well. After testing all of the wells in the school system, SMCPS found four sites that exceeded
MDE’s permitted levels--Dynard Elementary School (DES), HES, Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, and LHS. Mr. Clements commented on December 23, 2005, SMCPS
made available the bid documents for the replacement of four wells at these four sites. Two contractors picked up bid documents and bids were received on January 31, 2006, with both bidders who picked up documents submitting bid packages. The project scope is to provide new wells at each school, with a single bid alternate to abandon the existing well, which will be completed in accordance with MDE’s requirements in order to remove it from service. Mr. Clements asked that the Board of Education approve a contract to A. C. Schulties to provide wells at DES, HES, Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, and LHS, with alternate one accepted for each site, contingent on funding of the FY 2007 Local Capital Improvement Program by the Board of County Commissioners. Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the contract as presented. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Kindergarten Addition-Contract Award-Town Creek Elementary School
Mr. Darrell Barricklow, supervisor of design and construction, noted this project consists of adding a single kindergarten classroom to the existing elementary school. He stated that presently, there is one classroom trailer located in the area where the addition is planned and this unit will be relocated to the rear of the school, as necessary, to allow for the addition. Mr. Barricklow noted that bid alternate one provides the interior casework, countertops, and student cubbies. Bid alternate two consists of the relocation and reuse of existing playground equipment presently at the George Washington Carver Elementary School (GWCES) annex, and the addition of a new rubberized safety surface once the relocation of equipment is completed. This alternate will be funded separately by Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) funds, as reflected on the financial recap sheet. Mr. Barricklow commented that on February 1, 2006, SMCPS made plans and specifications available for the project and six prime contractors picked up bid packages. Bids were due on February 28, 2006, and three bidders submitted bid packages. Mr. Barricklow further noted that this project is over budget by $90,129.50, including state and local funding, which was based on $175.84 per square foot. Mr. Barricklow stated that in order to award this project, we are requesting that a budget amendment in the amount of $90,129.50 from the Green Holly Elementary School (GHES) Asbestos Ceiling project be approved. Mr. Barricklow asked that the Board of Education approve a $90,129.50 budget amendment and the contract award of base bid, plus alternates one and two, to Hash Construction as recommended and presented by staff, subject to the approval of a $90,129.50 budget amendment from the GHES Asbestos Ceiling project by the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the contract as presented. Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Kindergarten Addition-Contract Award-Piney Point Elementary School
Mr. Darrell Barricklow commented that this project consists of adding a two-classroom kindergarten addition onto the existing elementary school. Mr. Barricklow noted that bid alternate one provides the interior casework, countertops, and student cubbies. Bid alternate two
is comprised of the relocation of existing playground equipment to increase safety, followed by the installation of a new rubberized safety surface once the relocation of equipment is completed. This alternate will be funded separately by ADA funds, as reflected on the financial recap sheet.
Mr. Barricklow commented that on February 1, 2006, SMCPS made plans and specifications available for the project and six prime contractors picked up bid packages. Bids were due on
February 28, 2006, and three bidders submitted bid packages. Mr. Barricklow further noted that this project is over budget by $71,361.00, including state and local funding, which was based on $175.84 per square foot. Mr. Barricklow stated that in order to award this project, we are requesting that a budget amendment in the amount of $71,361.00 from the GHES Asbestos Ceiling project be approved, and return $4,017.60 to the Board of County Commissioners’ reserve capital improvements program account. Mr. Barricklow asked that the Board of Education approve a $71,361.00 budget amendment, which includes $4,017.60 returning to the county reserve and the contract award of base bid, plus alternates one and two, to Dennis Anderson Construction as recommended and presented by staff, subject to the approval of a $71,361.00 budget amendment from the GHES Asbestos Ceiling project by the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County. Ms. Allen abstained from voting, remarking that Dennis Anderson is a distant relative. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the contract as presented. Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, with Ms. Allen abstaining from the vote.
Minority Business Enterprise Procedures
Mr. Brad Clements noted as a requirement of the state procurement law, in conjunction with the Interagency Committee (IAC) for School Construction, new Minority Business Enterprise procedures must be adopted by each Board of Education. He commented that the new procedure reflects revisions adopted by the IAC in May 2005 and that the revised procedures clarify the bidder’s submission requirements before and after submitting a bid on capital improvement projects. Mr. Clements stated that although this requirement pertains to state funded projects, it is recommended that it be applied to locally funded projects as well. Mr. Clements asked that the Board of Education adopt the revised Minority Business Enterprise procedure for State funded public school construction projects, as well as, locally funded construction projects. Ms. Washington made a motion to adopt the revised Minority Business Enterprise procedure as presented. Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Future School Site
Mr. Brad Clements and Ms. Kim Howe, supervisor of capital planning, noted that the school system is actively pursuing future elementary, middle, and high school sites and as a result of
this search, a 30+/- acre potential school site has been identified on St. Andrew’s Church Road as part of the St. Mary’s Crossing development project. Ms. Howe commented that at this time, the school system is investigating the use of this property as a potential elementary or middle school site. Ms. Howe remarked the developer is proceeding forward with the development approval process, which requires the school system to complete a feasibility study on the property. Ms. Howe asked that the Board of Education approve a feasibility study on the property within the St. Mary’s Crossing development project for consideration as a future school site as presented by staff. Ms. Washington made a motion to approve the feasibility study. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Textbook Update
Ms. Linda Dudderar, chief academic officer, and Dr. Charles Ridgell, director of secondary instruction, administration, and school improvement, presented the textbook update noting that the curriculum of SMCPS is based upon the Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC) and/or the Core Learning Goals carried by the Maryland State Board of Education. Ms. Dudderar commented
that instructional resources are selected to assist students with learning the curriculum and while no one textbook will address all indicators in the curriculum, textbooks are the most commonly used instructional resource to assist students with learning. SMCPS has adopted textbooks for use in many courses at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Copies of the updated list of textbooks approved for purchase are provided to schools and an updated list of textbooks for most courses, grades 1-12, can be found on the school system website. Dr. Ridgell noted that the Board of Education (BOE) authorized the superintendent of schools to establish textbook accountability procedures in all subjects, as appropriate, at all grade levels. On August 27, 2003, the BOE adopted the Textbook Accountability Policy, IJA. The textbook accountability policy is monitored by the directors of elementary and secondary instruction, administration, and school improvement. Each year, the BOE allocates funds in the annual budget for textbooks. The funds are divided into three areas: adoptions, school site allocations, and increased enrollment. Ms. Dudderar and Dr. Ridgell, with the assistance of Ms. Maureen Montgomery, principal of Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, Ms. Jill Mills, principal of Esperanza Middle School, and Mr. Scott Smith, principal of LHS, updated the Board on the status of the various initiatives to provide textbooks and other instructional resources to implement the curriculum and assist students with learning. The principals discussed textbook issues and student accountability at the various school levels, and answered frequently asked questions. Ms. Allen noted that the whole language barrier is different than when she went to school and commented that it is a real challenge for parents to accept that we are doing things differently. Ms. Dudderar remarked that we need to become more creative in our communication. Dr. Martirano noted his pleasure with the textbook report and how comprehensive it is, he commended Ms. Montgomery, Ms. Mills, and Mr. Smith for their part in the report. Ms. Thurston mentioned that she has always had positive experiences in high school with textbooks and has had the books she needed. Dr. Raspa thanked everyone involved for such a complete report.
FY 2006 Financial Report
Mr. Daniel Carney, chief financial officer, reported on the General Fund financial results as of February 27, 2006. He commented that the watch on impact aid has not been removed and in mid-level administration contracted services, the account is not within budget. Mr. Carney
further noted that under student transportation contracted services, the watch has been down graded due to the price of diesel fuel leveling off, and noted that other charges have regressed on the watch due to a milder than normal winter. Dr. Raspa thanked Mr. Carney for his report.
Reports
The Board members submitted the following report of events they have attended:
.Ms. Thurston - Read Across America at GHES and HES.
.Mr. Kessler - Legislative luncheon at MABE in Annapolis; Read Across America at GHES; and a reception honoring Visual Arts Scholarship Applicants and Awardees.
.Ms. Allen - Legislative luncheon at MABE in Annapolis; MABE Board of Directors meeting; Dinner with the Maryland State Board of Education; MABE Charter Commission meeting; School Resource Officer signing at EMS; Read Across America at OES, Mechanicsville
Elementary School (MES), GHES, and HES; Announcer at the 28th Annual St. Mary’s County Middle School Spelling Bee; was read to by the Kindergarten students at OES, noting what a
wonderful job they did; as part of Rotary, Ms. Allen attended the Fluoride Rinse Program at LPES.
.Ms. Washington - Legislative luncheon at MABE in Annapolis; Spring Ridge Middle School Parent Forum; and Read Across America at MES, noting that reading to the students is the joy of her life. Ms. Washington said she would submit the rest of her report at the next Board meeting.
.Dr. Raspa - Legislative luncheon at MABE in Annapolis; and the 28th Annual St. Mary’s County Middle School Spelling Bee.
Future Board Meetings
The following future meetings will be held:
.Joint Meeting with College of Southern Maryland (CSM) Board of Trustees, Thursday,
March 30, 2006, 1:00-3:00 p.m., CSM Leonardtown Campus, Leonardtown.
.Regular Board Meeting, Wednesday, April 5, 2006, 9:00 a.m., Board Meeting Room,
Leonardtown.
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). Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Adjournment
Dr. Raspa adjourned the regular meeting at 1:07 p.m.
Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa
Chairman
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer