Board of Education of St. Mary’s County

Meeting of:  Regular Session                                         Held:   April 5, 2006

                                                                                                Board of Education Meeting Room

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

April 5, 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

.Ms. Cathy Allen

.Ms. Mary Washington

.Ms. Brittany Thurston, Student Member

Motion to Enter Into Executive Session

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.

Reopen Regular Session

Dr. Raspa reconvened the regular meeting at 9:42 a.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

For Showcasing our Schools, Ms. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, introduced Mr. Eric Millham, technology teacher from the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center.  Students enrolled in the TV/Video Production program highlighted some of their video clips that will be featured on the new school system’s cable channel 96.  Dr. Martirano, superintendent of schools, congratulated the students for their projects and highlighted the importance of enhanced communication for the public through Channel 96.

Approval of Agenda

Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the agenda as presented with the deletion of the general fund categorical transfers under action on the agenda. Ms. Allen seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Superintendent Report

Dr. Michael Martirano welcomed Mr. Dick Myers, special assistant to Senator Barbara Mikulski, as a guest at the meeting and noted that they had met recently.   Dr. Martirano congratulated Ms. Liz Cooper, supervisor of reading, who has been selected as one of 10 runner up winners in the Scholastic and Women’s Day magazine “I Want to Be a Children’s Book Writer” contest launched in May of 2005.  Ms. Cooper’s manuscript “Francoise and the Tide” will be published online at womansday.com in May and she will receive a set of 5 autographed hardcover picture books from Scholastic.  Dr. Martirano also congratulated student Eric Dennis, from Spring Ridge Middle School (SRMS), who tied for 11^th place out of 100 in the National Geography Bee in Towson, Maryland on March 31^st.  Dr. Martirano also noted that middle school students competed in the MATHCOUNTS competition in February and three of our four

middle schools placed in the competition and Leonardtown Middle School (LMS) went on to place 10^th at the State level.  Dr. Martirano also announced that we received three awards from the Maryland Council of Staff Developers’ Awards of Excellence (MCSD) as follows: Benjamin Banneker Elementary School for Grade Level School Improvement Plan (GLSIP) collaborative study; and two Honorable Mention Awards for Green Holly Elementary School (Ms. Sherri Pinto, principal), for Differentiated Instruction to Meet All Students’ Learning Styles and St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) for the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Cohort:  Assessment for Learning.  Dr. Martirano also announced that the last day of school was planned for June 16^th, but since only two snow days were used for snow (December 6 and 9), the last day of school will be June 13^th for students and June 14^th for teachers.  A news release will be sent out by the end of week.  Lastly, Dr. Martirano noted that he had met recently with the Leonardtown High School (LHS) Booster Club President, Mr. Mike Cappaso, to discuss freshman basketball and noted that the meeting was very productive.  Dr. Martirano noted that although the school system could not support the request for freshman basketball for the 2006-2007 school year, he has asked Dr. Andrew Roper, supervisor of athletics, to organize a committee to define freshman sports and he is very supportive of an intramural program at the middle school level.

Recognitions

• Music in our Schools Month (March) – Ms. Lynne Morgan Smoot announced that Music in our Schools Month is celebrated across our nation during the month of March.  It focuses on the importance music plays in enhancing skills in other disciplines such as reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.  Thirty one students were presented with certificates of recognition for their participation in the 2006 All-State competitions.  Mrs. Washington, on behalf of the Board, congratulated all the students for their participation in the All-State competition.  Dr. Martirano noted how proud he is of their accomplishments and the support of their teachers is incredible. 
• School Building Week – Mr. Brad Clements, chief operating officer, announced that April 15^th has been designated as School Building Day.  The celebration of School Building Day is centered around the belief that the condition of the school building affects the behavior and learning abilities of students.  As partners in education, staff in the Division of Supporting Services embraces the concept and beliefs of School Building Day and is committed to providing an excellent learning environment for our students.  Mrs. Washington, on behalf of the Board, thanked Mr. Clements and his staff for all that they do to promote student achievement and to recruit new teachers.  Dr. Martirano noted that a safe and orderly environment is critical and these employees are the individuals who take care of our facilities for the betterment of our students.  Dr. Martirano presented Mr. Clements and staff with a resolution in recognition of School Building Day.

Public Comment

Public comment was received as follows:

            Name                                                   Subject

            Mr. Bill Plath                                        support of freshman basketball

Mr. James Tomasic                              textbook issues

Consent Agenda

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

.Executive Minutes of February 16, 2006

.Executive Minutes of March 2, 2006

.Regular and Executive Minutes of March 8, 2006

.Executive Minutes of March 23, 2006

.New Employment

.Exempt Financing for Vehicles

.Family Life and Human Development Advisory Committee Membership

Ms. Washington seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously.

Heritage Recognition for Benjamin Banneker Elementary School

Mr. Clements noted that Dr. Martirano appointed members of the Benjamin Banneker Elementary School staff and community, in conjunction with the educational committee of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), to explore ways to recognize the strong heritage of Benjamin Banneker Elementary School and our outstanding African American leaders who charted the course.  The primary focus of this committee was to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions in education and in the establishment of Banneker School up to the time of integration.  The committee’s objective was to identify a portion of the building such as the media center, cafeteria, or the multipurpose room, to be named in recognition of these individuals.  The committee was also charged with considering other recognition opportunities that will allow for greater acknowledgement of African Americans that have made outstanding contributions to Benjamin Banneker Elementary School or the school system.  Ms. Maureen Montgomery, principal of Benjamin Banneker Elementary School, highlighted the background of how this school came about starting back to the year 1896, when a group of parents from the African American community began efforts to establish the St. Mary’s Colored High School to promote secondary education for black students.  The group struggled for over 25 years before they could establish a Colored Central Industrial School.  In 1929, the Board of Education recognized the land and school as part of the St. Mary’s County Public School system.  This group, who founded the Banneker School, became known as the United Parent Trustee Association (UPTA).  Dr. Janice Walthour, NAACP representative, thanked the Board of Education and Dr. Martirano for reaching out to this community for this event.  Dr. Walthour introduced family members of the UPTA, present for the recognition.  Dr. Martirano commented that this is a very proud day in St. Mary’s County and recognized the collaboration of the NAACP and the community in celebrating this special day.  Board members thanked Dr. Martirano and the NAACP for their collaboration and noted how honored they are to be a part of this celebration.  Ms. Washington made a motion that the gymnasium at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School be named the “United Parents Trustee Association Gymnasium” in recognition of a group of known parents from the African American community in St. Mary’s County for their dedication and commitment to securing a school for African American children in the northern end of St. Mary’s County.  Ms. Allen seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Heritage Recognition for George Washington Carver Elementary School

Mr. Clements noted that Dr. Martirano appointed members of the George Washington Carver Elementary School staff and community, in conjunction with the educational committee of the NAACP, to explore ways to recognize the strong heritage of George Washington Carver Elementary School and our outstanding African American leaders who charted the course.  Mr. Mark Murphy, principal of George Washington Carver Elementary School, highlighted the life of Ms. Ruth Barnes Portee, who was born in St. Mary’s County in the area called Pearson, prior to the establishment of the Patuxent River Naval Air Station.  Ms. Portee attended public school at Jarboesville Elementary School, a segregated school that provided quality education for African Americans.  She also attended Jarboesville High School, one of only two public high schools in the county for African Americans and graduated from the highest grade, 11^th grade, in 1945.  She enrolled in Bowie State College to pursue her goal of becoming an elementary school teacher, earned her Bachelor of Science in elementary education in 1949 and began her career as a teacher in the Calvert County School system, where she taught for six years.  She was later hired in 1959 to teach at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School and also taught at George Washington Carver, Park Hall, and Greenview Knolls Elementary Schools.  She earned a masters equivalency from George Washington University and retired in 1981, after 32 years of teaching.  She continued her work in local schools as a substitute teacher and volunteer.  Her lifelong path to foster education and community development is unsurpassed in overall commitment and perseverance and she was dedicated to student achievement for ALL students.  Ms. Portee mandated the highest standard of achievement for every student and overall, dedicated 54 years to education, 48 of those here in St .Mary’s County.  Dr. Walthour introduced Ms. Portee’s husband, and family.  Dr. Martirano noted that he is honored to name the media center after Ms. Portee and to have her family present for this recognition.  Board members expressed their great appreciation to Ms. Portee and noted that this is a worthy tribute in her honor.  Ms. Washington made a motion that the media center in the new George Washington Carver Elementary School be named the “Ruth Portee Media Center” in recognition of her overall commitment and perseverance in fostering education and community development, having devoted 54 years to education, 48 of those years here in St. Mary’s County.  Ms. Allen seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Leonardtown Elementary School Construction Documents

Mr. Darrell Barricklow, supervisor of design and construction, stated that as required by the Public School Construction Program procedures manual, the Board of Education must approve the construction documents prior to their release to the Department of General Services for the final review.  He noted that staff and the design team have worked together to provide a comprehensive set of bidding documents.  Ms. Allen made a motion that the Board of Education approve the construction documents for the renovation and addition to Leonardtown Elementary School as presented by staff and the design team.  Mr. Kessler seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously. 

Certificate of Merit

Dr. Charles Ridgell, director of secondary instruction, administration and school improvement,  stated that the issuing of Certificates of Merit by the Maryland State Board of Education was terminated in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.03.01 and 13A.03.02 in June 2004, allowing local school systems to design and award their own Certificates of Merit.  The Certificate of Merit is intended to encourage students to strive for greater achievement in high school.  The criteria for the local certificate of merit is determined by the school system and is defined in the High School Program of Studies.  The guidelines established by the Maryland State Board of Education for locally developed Certificates of Merit requires the title of the certificate to be included, the name of the awarding school system, the signature of the  chairperson of the local board of education, and the local superintendent of schools.  The new local certificate will be awarded at this year’s graduation ceremonies to students who have met the requirements.  A copy of the certificate will be filed with the State Superintendent’s office.  Dr. Martirano noted that he supports this recommendation and that this is very beneficial for students planning to attend college.  Board members commended Dr. Ridgell for this recommendation.  Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the Certificate of Merit document as presented.  Ms. Washington seconded the motion.  Motion carried unanimously. 

“What Counts” Follow Up

Dr. Martirano stated that the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE), the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County, and he invited parents, community members, business leaders, and St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) employees to participate in “What Counts?” a community forum on Wednesday, November 30, 2005, at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center.  The purpose of the forum was to explore how the effectiveness and quality of public schools in St. Mary’s County should be measured in light of the federal No Child Left Behind act. A 3-minute video clip from the November 30^th event was shared.  Dr. Martirano noted that our school system was one of four systems in the State to host this event this school year.  Dr. Martirano noted that over 200 community members attend the forum.  Areas of input were student success and values for education.  For contributions to student success, common themes emerged such as attendance and student participation, positive behaviors for work and citizenship, school safety, parent involvement, and quality teachers.   In the area of values for education, common themes were diversity, opportunity/equity, rigorous curriculum, safe and orderly environment, continuous improvement, collaboration, and quality instruction and staff.  Dr. Martirano highlighted next steps as follows:  ongoing input from the community through school activities (PTA, School Improvement Team, etc), public input, email, and other channels of communication; revisions to the Master Plan, Task Force and work group processes involving community members, utilizing input for developing budget priorities, and final report publication by MABE.  Dr. Martirano noted that he is very pleased with the data from the forum and looks forward to continuing this process in the future.  Mr. Kessler noted that he was very proud and pleased with the outcome of the forum and looks forward to taking these initiatives forward.  Mrs. Washington noted that this event was a wonderful opportunity to have positive, open dialogue and she continues to hear positive comments from the community.  Mrs. Allen thanked her fellow Board members and Dr. Martirano for their support for this event and noted that this forum validated our commitment to one of the Boards’ goals of communication.

Mrs. Allen also suggested that the Board take the time to consider incorporating the words nurturing and healthy into one of the Board’s current goals of a safe and orderly school environment.  Dr. Raspa noted that this event was a great celebration and shows the commitment to education in the community.  Dr. Raspa recommended that the Board review their Board goals in the near future as suggested by Mrs. Allen. Dr. Martirano noted that this information item is being video taped for broadcast on our new education Channel 96 to share with the community. 

Budget Advisory Committee Study Reports

Due to the timing of the meeting, the lead presenters for this topic had to leave the meeting.  Therefore, it was noted that this item will be moved to the next regular Board meeting on

April 26, 2006. 

FY 2006 March Financial Report

Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, presented the FY 2006 financial results as of March 27, 2006. Mr. Carney noted that the revenue picture has not changed, but there is a watch on the expenditure side for mid-level salaries.  Mr. Carney also noted that if there is a fund balance, that could handle the overages, but elevates concern for FY 2007. 

Reports

.Ms. Washington noted her attendance at the following events:  School Resource Officer and Sheriff Signing Ceremony, Board Executive Session, Read Across America at Mechanicsville Elementary School (MES), Read Across America – After School Program at GHES, Trip to Annapolis for Push for Pensions, Middle School Spelling Bee, Board Meeting, Mr. Leonardtown Contest, National Honor Society at Great Mills High School (GMHS),  Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Trico Corporation, SMCPS Job Fair, Care Net Fifteen Years of Service Celebration, Maryland Day Celebration at St. Clements Island and St. Mary’s City, Hollywood Elementary School (HES) Physical Education Event, College of Southern Maryland (CSM)/Board of Education (BOE) Joint Meeting, and the Oasis Victory Christian Church Prayer event. 

.Mrs. Allen submitted her report as follows:  Judge at the Mr. Leonardtown Contest, GMHS National Honor Society Induction, Celebration at SRMS for Mrs. Houseman as the recipient of the Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year, MABE Fall Conference Planning Meeting, State Board of Education meeting, and the Joint Meeting with the Trustees from CSM and the BOE. 

.Mr. Kessler submitted his report as follows:  Read Across American at GHES, Trip to Annapolis for Push for Pensions, SMCPS Job Fair, and the CSM/BOE Joint Trustees Meeting.

.Dr. Raspa noted that the Board Members and Dr. Martirano will be attending the National School Board Association (NSBA) conference later this week.  He also announced that the Board of County Commissioners FY 2007 Public Budget Hearing will be held on Tuesday,

April 25, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. at GMHS and encouraged everyone to attend to support our budget.

.Dr. Martirano thanked the Board for their action today on the heritage recognition and noted that the comments so far have been extremely positive.

Future Board Meetings

The following future meetings will be held:

.Environmental Education Month Recognition at the Elms Environmental Center,

 Wednesday, April 19, 2006, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Lexington Park.

.Tri County Board/Superintendent’s Meeting, Monday, April 24, 2006, 6:00 p.m.,

  Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, LaPlata.

.Board of County Commissioners Public Hearing on the FY 2007 Budget, Tuesday,

 April 25, 2006, 6:30 p.m., Great Mills High School, Great Mills.

.Regular Board Meeting, Wednesday, April 26, 2006, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting Room,

 Leonardtown.

Adjournment

Dr. Raspa adjourned the regular meeting at 1:50 p.m.

Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa                                        

Chairman

Dr. Michel J. Martirano

Secretary-Treasurer