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,
April 26, 2006, in the Board of Education Meeting Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown. The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.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
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). Mr.
Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Raspa reconvened the regular meeting at 6:18 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the agenda as presented with the following adjustments: to delete “A Parent’s Guide to Resolving School Concerns” information item and add “Negotiations Update” as an information item. Dr. Raspa noted that the Budget Advisory Committee Study Reports would follow the Negotiations Update on the agenda. Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael Martirano, superintendent of schools, noted that he attended the musical “Footloose” at Leonardtown High School on April 21, 2006, and commented how much he enjoyed it and what a wonderful job everyone did in putting it on. Dr. Martirano congratulated Ms. Deena Kelly, a parent at Leonardtown Elementary School, who was selected from among 21 parents to participate in the 2006 Maryland Parent Leadership Institute. Dr. Martirano remarked that he has received incredible feedback on the “Principal for a Day” event and noted that each participant received a school bus plaque, and further noted this will become an annual event. Dr. Martirano commented that he attended the Spring Re-energizer for first year teachers that was held at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center on April 19, 2006, and that this event is an opportunity for first year teachers to reenergize and that morale was very high and what a great time he had.
Recognitions
· St. Mary’s County Middle School Spelling Bee Winner – Ms. Liz Cooper, supervisor of instruction for reading, noted that the St. Mary’s County Middle School Spelling Bee was sponsored by The Enterprise, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), and the College of Southern Maryland. St. Mary’s County Public Schools hosted the event, and it was held on March 7, 2006, at Great Mills High School.
Students from the public middle schools, parochial schools, and private schools competed for the opportunity to advance to the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee later this year in Washington, D.C. A certificate was presented to Ms. Kristen Ponturiero, from Leonardtown Middle School recognizing her as the second place winner. On behalf of the Board, Ms. Thurston commended Ms. Ponturiero for her tremendous achievement. Dr. Martirano recognized Ms. Allen noting that she was the announcer for the spelling bee and what a fabulous job she did. Dr. Martirano congratulated Ms. Ponturiero on her accomplishment.
· SMECO Middle School Mathematics Recognition – Ms. Marian Steinbach, supervisor of instruction for mathematics, noted on February 4, 2006, students from Esperanza, Leonardtown, and Margaret Brent Middle Schools represented St. Mary's County Public Schools at the Southern Maryland Chapter MATHCOUNTS Competition by taking first, second, and third place. Nineteen public and non-public middle schools from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's County participated in this event sponsored by SMECO. Ms Steinbach noted that Leonardtown Middle School, coached by Mr. Richard Condle, won first place and the official team members were C. J. Culpepper, Alison Devine, Tony Oblen, and Kelly Turner. Competing as individuals were Aparna Sajja, Aditi Simlote, Amie Gilligan, and Alana Adams. Also participating was Sangeeta Sarkar. Ms. Steinbach noted that Margaret Brent Middle School, coached by Mr. Kevin Mackall, won second place and the official team members were Brian Heidelbach, Michelle Lent, James Montgomery, and Brody Smith. Also participating were Megan DeGruy, Tierney Noar, James Stoehr, and Cody Trahan. Ms. Steinbach noted that Esperanza Middle School, coached by Mr. Craig Modrzejewski, won third place and the official team members for Esperanza were Nick Brown, Peter Offenbacher, Tanner Kellogg, and Alex Wincelowicz. Also participating were Ian Anderson, Alex Schwartzenburg, Joseph Vandegrift, and Jackie Weber. Ms. Steinbach recognized and thanked the coaches for their hard work. The students were presented certificates of recognition. On behalf of the Board, Ms. Thurston commended these students for their hard work and long hours of studying that went into the preparation for the competition and applauded the students for representing the county so well. Dr. Martirano congratulated the students and remarked how very proud he is of their accomplishments, noting what a great job the coaches did as well.
· National Volunteer Week (April 16-22) – Mr. Theo Cramer, director of academic support, noted that National Volunteer Week, April 23 - April 29, 2006, is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of the numerous volunteers to our school system. Mr. Cramer remarked the theme for this year is “Volunteers Make A Difference Every Day” and that the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County Public Schools established partnerships as one of their goals to promote parental and community involvement within the schools. Mr. Cramer commented that the volunteers are our true unsung heroes. In recognition of National Volunteer Week, school principals and volunteer coordinators have submitted names of individual volunteers, community partners, and business partners for recognition. Mr. Cramer
remarked that the guidelines for outstanding recognition are based on criteria that include the number of volunteer hours, the quality of program support and
effectiveness, and consistency in volunteering. A video was shown recognizing each of these volunteers. Mr. Cramer presented certificates of recognition to the
volunteers for their contributions. Ms. Thurston, on behalf of the Board, commended all of the volunteers within the school system and community noting it is their help that truly makes a difference everyday. Dr. Martirano congratulated and personally thanked each of the volunteers for all they do.
· Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week (May 1-5) – Mr. Gary Childress, supervisor of food services, commented that Child Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week will nationally be observed May 1-5, 2006. Mr. Childress noted that this week recognizes the employees working behind the scenes every day to support the education process. Mr. Childress pointed out that the food service employees of St. Mary’s County Public Schools will serve over one million nine hundred thousand meals this school year. Participation levels of students in the program continue to increase every year and are well over fifty percent of those eligible. Mr. Childress encouraged everyone to show their appreciation of these efforts and thanked the food services employees for a job well done. Dr. Martirano read the resolution and congratulated all of the food service workers. Dr. Martirano presented the resolution to Mr. Julius Bond, account clerk in food services, who accepted the resolution on behalf of the food service workers. Ms. Thurston commented that nothing gets a student prepared for learning better than a good meal and on behalf of the Board and all of the hungry, thanked the food service workers for all of the one million nine hundred thousand meals they have served this year.
Public comment was received as follows:
Name Subject
Ms. Alice Willingham Success
Ms. Jan Emerson Budget
Ms. Peg Johnson General
Ms. Sandy Seek St. Mary’s County Growth
Mr. Bill Fisher Contract/Money concerns
Ms. Melissa Cortinas Negotiations
Ms. Jean Illingworth Extra pay for extra duties
Ms. Ella Musser Keeping quality teachers
Ms. Monique Willett Living wage
Mr. Eric Heisler Retaining teachers
Ms. Mary Tullberg Policy/Negotiations
Ms. Liz Purcell Leskinen Negotiations
Mr. James Tomasic Schools
Mr. Brendan Tomasic Textbooks
Ms. Allen made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session minutes of April 5, 2006
.Personnel Issues
.Grants:
.MINT Small Grants Program
.Integration of Schools and Mental Health Systems Grant
Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
General Fund Categorical Transfers
Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, noted that with the establishment of the position of Executive Director of Student Services, a deficiency in the Salaries and Wages line within the Pupil Services budget has resulted. Mr. Carney commented that a categorical transfer is requested to move $3,180.00 from the Salaries and Wages line in the Special Education budget to the Pupil Services budget. Mr. Carney remarked that he is coming before the Board to seek their authority in going forward to the County Commissioners and asking them for these categorical transfers to balance the 2006 budget. Ms. Allen noted her strong concern on how the 2007 budget will be funded. Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the transfer request as presented. Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Negotiations Update
Mr. Dan Carney and Mr. Edmund O’Meally, staff attorney, presented an update on negotiations. Mr. O’Meally gave a brief overview and noted that the Board of Education (BOE) Negotiations Team met with the Education Association of St. Mary's County (EASMC) and the Collective Employees Association of St. Mary's County (CEASMC) teams in September 2005 and the team requested negotiations be split into two parts: non-economic (mostly language) and economic. Mr. O’Meally commented the economic issues would be taken up after we had a better feel for the total amount available for the “package” (after the County’s Proposed FY-2007 budget was developed) and as a whole (salary and benefits). He further noted that the Health Insurance proposal was shared with both Associations in September and that the BOE was happy with the contract as written and asked for one thing – concessions on health insurance to help fund the economic package. Mr. O’Meally commented that the BOE agreed to negotiate language articles that were of interest to the Associations and that during the hiatus between discussions on non-economic issues and March 31, 2006, the Chief Negotiators met to develop contract language. Mr. O’Meally remarked we met to discuss economic issues on March 31, 2006, and again on April 10, 2006, where all parties agreed to seek a declaration of impasse from Dr. Grasmick. Mr. O’Meally noted we have language agreements with EASMC on employee assignment procedures, promotional vacancy notice, feedback to unsuccessful applicants, clarification on non-renewed teachers’ liability under tuition reimbursement policy, broadened pre-tax plans, increased visibility for EASMC during new teacher orientation, improved handling of Association data (electronic), and clarification of EASMC dues deductions from payroll. Mr. O’Meally noted we have language agreements with CEASMC on employee assignment procedures, modified hours of food service managers, assurances of vehicle safety equipment, private lockable space – where possible, voluntary reassignment procedures, increased compensation for employees working outside their classification for more than 20 days, clarification of employee evaluation procedures, expanded bereavement leave, increased stipend for safety shoes, provision of coordinated work attire for safety assistants, included non-school sites in “wellness program”, improved handling of Association data (electronic), and clarification of CEASMC dues deductions from payroll. Mr. O’Meally commented on economic issues noting that all sides agreed that economic issues will be mediated during impasse proceedings and any non-economic issues not resolved prior to March 31, 2006, are subject to mediation. He further
noted there are three main economic issues: Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), Elimination of Traditional Health Plan and Prescription co-pay change. Mr. O’Meally went over the BOE’s economic proposal noting these parameters were offered to both Associations: COLA – 3.0% effective July 1, 2006, 3.0% effective July 1, 2007, and 4.0% effective July 1, 2008, steps per current schedule, increased tuition reimbursement, increased retiree health benefits for over the age of 65 retirees, reduced from 15 to 10 the number of years necessary to qualify for BOE “pick
up” for retiree healthcare insurance, elimination of Traditional Insurance, and an Increase in prescription co-pay ($10/$20). Mr. O’Meally went over the BOE proposals to EASMC and CEASMC. He noted the BOE proposal to EASMC included an increase in stipend for Department Chairs, etc., an increase in National Board Certification stipend and an increase in stipend for teachers who substitute for other teachers or principals. He noted the BOE proposal to CEASMC included an increased shift differential, an increased severance pay and aligned annual leave gates with EASMC contract. Mr. O’Meally reviewed the BOE’s rationale, noting on the Elimination of Traditional that over 99% of visits to doctors under Traditional are covered under PPN, that doctors accept 10% less under PPN and this would save the system $500K and that it is considerably more expensive for the employee. He further noted that 1% COLA equals $1M and that our offer would be 1/2% less each year without the elimination of Traditional and less than 3% of American firms offer Traditional. Mr. O’Meally reviewed the change in Prescription Co-pay, noting that the co-pay has not changed since 2001 and the average prescription cost has increased: in 2001, it was $53.68 and in 2005 the average has increased to $91.73 per prescription. Mr. O’Meally commented on the Top 20 Drugs as of December 31, 2005, noting the average cost per fill of each prescription. Mr. O’Meally remarked the change in prescription co-pay would save the system $400K+ and that the current 2-tier system would be maintained and there would be up to a 100 day supply of maintenance prescriptions for one co-pay. Mr. O’Meally reviewed the next steps noting that they would mutually select a mediator, a date would be set for mediation, and they will meet to resolve issues. Mr. O’Meally commented if they are successful, a tentative agreement would be brought before the BOE for ratification and if unsuccessful, the mediator would submit their findings and present their recommendations to the BOE, and at that time the BOE would review the report and make a decision.
Budget Advisory Committee Study Reports
Dr. Charles Ridgell, director of secondary instruction, administration, and school improvement, noted that a committee was formed to review the current budget book and identify areas of concern. The task of the committee was to discover ways to revise the current presentation to make the document more “reader friendly” to the community while maintaining the required level of integrity. The committee researched other budget books from Maryland school systems, as well as school systems in other states to identify enhancements for the budget book. Dr. Ridgell commented the changes that the committee identified have been broken down into three phases: Phase 1 – Add tabs to assist with layout; use a consistent font throughout; format using bold font, bullets, and indenting; add bar graphs outlining performance indicators and budget trends; add budget explanations and a glossary; identify budget highlights and indicate increase
or decrease in funding; and move organizational chart to front of book. Phase 2 – Add summaries, charts, and pie graphs to assist the reader; and include a summary page explaining in 2-3 sentences what each grant supports. Phase 3 – Reformat in a portrait style, identify funding allocation by object for each school site. Dr. Ridgell thanked Mr. Dan Carney and Ms. Patty VanRyswick for their assistance with this report. Ms. Washington thanked Dr. Ridgell and the committee, commenting there are many good ideas and suggestions in the report and noted her
appreciation for all the work that was done. Cost and personnel time were mentioned as concerns by Mrs. Allen. Mrs. Allen asked about the feasibility of providing a modified budget in brief for interested individuals. Mr. James Smith, electrical engineer at BAE Systems, reported on the task the committee was given which was to look at maintenance staffing within the county in relation to the amount of improvements that have been done to a number of schools. Mr. Smith noted we want to see what can be done to take care of the properties that have been
modernized and need to identify the issues. The purpose of maintenance is to keep the school’s plants and facilities in a condition that provides a safe and healthy educational environment that promotes effective learning. In addition to maintaining an appropriate learning environment, maintenance is responsible for protecting capital investments in school facilities, economizing operations at the least possible cost, and managing energy as a resource. Mr. Joseph Paglierani, chair of this committee consulted with Mr. Jeff Sheckels, supervisor of maintenance, and asked for his input on what was of critical importance that should be focused on. Mr. Sheckels noted preventative maintenance (PM) and contracted services. It was noted that a PM program is the surest way to insure protection of our maintenance capital investments. At current SMCPS maintenance staffing levels, very little PM is currently being performed and the staff is fully loaded with work requests and is working full time towards correction of the highest priority requests. The Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) would like to recommend to the BOE the establishment of a PM Team to implement a structured and scheduled PM program during non-operating school hours. The team would initially consist of three maintenance personnel to begin high levels of PM, but would require continued out-year staffing to fully implement. These workers would perform their duties during the evening when students and school staff are not in the school buildings. Mr. Smith asked that a large round of applause should be given to our maintenance staff for all they have done to keep our facilities running. Mr. Smith mentioned another area that is being looked at is contracted services funding. Mr. Smith noted contracted services are services that require specific technical expertise or equipment/facilities that are over and above the capabilities and manpower of the existing staff structure. Based upon the current expenses charged certain line items may have insufficient funding and may cause deficit spending in the overall segment if expenses continue to occur at the current rate. There are key factors that must be identified. Expenses will have to be monitored carefully for the remainder of the year to ensure all expenses are covered. It was noted that the maintenance team has been able to retain a clean and solid environment despite the past staffing trends and while these improvements are effective, they have their limits and cannot be maintained forever. The BAC recommends the following actions; in the fiscal year 2007 budget, add 3 full time positions to support implementation of a PM team, add staff to the out-year budgets in order to bring the maintenance staff within APPA and/or SMCPS guidelines, and increase out-year contracted services lines identified as deficient areas, with specific emphasis on heating/HVAC and repair of buildings. Mr. Jeff Sheckels and Mr. Al Harrison, supervisor of operations, discussed the part that technology has played in their jobs. Mr. Kessler noted as we go forth into the future and as our buildings get older the job will get tougher. The Board members thanked the committee for their excellent comprehensive report. Dr. Raspa thanked everyone who worked on this committee for the report and apologized for running out of time at the last meeting and having to move the report to this meeting.
Policy “JEB”, Entrance Age, First Reading
Ms. Linda Dudderar, chief academic officer, noted the revised policy, JEB Entrance Age, is being submitted for the first reading for Board of Education approval and staff recommends that the BOE approve the revisions. Dr. Martirano commented there is now a process for all children who do not meet the age requirement and that there have been a number of appeals. Ms. Dudderar noted that the process would not change. At Dr. Martirano’s request, Ms. Lyon defined the process for early admission to school. Ms. Sheila Draper, supervisor of instruction for early childhood education and elementary education, provided insight into the Pre-K process. Dr.
Raspa thanked Ms. Dudderar for her report. Ms. Dudderar noted this would come back to a public hearing at the next meeting.
Special Education Staffing Plan for FY’07
Ms. Marilyn Mathes, director of special education, noted that the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) requires each local school system to develop a staffing plan for special education and submit this plan to the Maryland State Department of Education as a component of its annual local application for federal funds. The staffing plan documents the data, input process and procedures used by St. Mary’s County Public Schools to determine the number and types of service providers needed to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Ms. Mathes noted that a comprehensive staffing plan considers student needs, teacher responsibilities, and the configurations specific to the varied educational settings and services. COMAR requires the plan to include the following components; evidence of public input; evidence of maintenance of effort; staffing patterns of service providers of special education and related services; the number and type of service providers needed to provide FAPE to each student with a disability in the least restrictive environment (LRE); a description of the process to be implemented to monitor caseloads to ensure that personnel are available to provide FAPE for each student with a disability; and a description of how the plan will be evaluated for its effectiveness. Dr. Martirano thanked Ms. Mathes for her report and noted he realizes how hard her staff is working and that they continue to provide the services. Ms. Allen thanked Ms. Mathes for her report and noted how very comprehensive it is.
Green Schools/Energy Conservation Presentation
Mr. Darrell Barricklow, supervisor of design and construction, provided information regarding Green Schools concepts and sustainable designs that has been incorporated into our previous projects and outlined future objectives for our new schools. Mr. Al Harrison provided an update on energy measures. Mr. Barricklow noted how extremely important green schools and sustainable designs energy conservation is to the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation of the school system. Mr. Barricklow noted an update on our energy conservation program with be forthcoming. Dr. Martirano and the Board members thanked Mr. Barricklow and Mr. Harrison for their reports. Dr. Raspa noted that it looks like we are way ahead of the curve and thanked them for their reports.
Pandemic Flu Planning
Ms. Kathleen Lyon, executive director of student services, noted that health officials across the nation are making contingency plans for a worldwide outbreak of the avian flu. State school officials are also developing school system response documents for dissemination. Ms. Lyon noted the Department of Pupil Services has taken the lead to begin development of our school system’s local mitigation, preparation, and response plan. Our local plan is being created in collaboration with the St. Mary’s County Health Department and the St. Mary's County Public Schools’ Division of Supporting Services. Mr. Jeff Sheckels, Ms. Trish Wince, supervisor of health/home/home hospital teaching, and Ms. Rhonda Harris, supervisor of pupil services, are working together on putting a plan together. Dr. Martirano thanked Ms. Lyon for the presentation and for working collaboratively with the health department and hospital. The Board members thanked Ms. Lyon for her report.
Reports
A motion was made by Ms. Allen to dispense with the reports and give to the Board secretary to be included in the minutes. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. The following reports were submitted:
.Mr. Kessler – Principal for a Day Reception, National School Board Association Conference, Groundbreaking at Town Creek Elementary School, Senior Gala at the Dr. James A. Forrest
Career and Technology Center, “Footloose” Musical at Leonardtown High School, Tri-County Board of Education meeting, Groundbreaking at Piney Point Elementary School, and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) Budget Hearing.
.Ms. Allen – National School Board Association Conference, Maryland Association of Boards of Education Board of Directors meeting, Senior Gala at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, “Footloose” Musical at Leonardtown High School, Tri-County Board of Education meeting, and the BOCC Budget Hearing.
.Ms. Washington – George Washington Carver Elementary School Parent Liaison, All County Elementary and Middle School Honor Jazz Concert at Leonardtown High School, National School Board Association Conference, Groundbreaking at Town Creek Elementary School, Elms Environmental Recognition, FMBC After School Program, NAACP Benefit Play, Jack Kent Cooke SoMd CAN Grant Celebration, Tri-County Board of Education meeting, Groundbreaking at Piney Point Elementary School, and the BOCC Budget Hearing.
Future Board Meetings
The following future meetings will be held:
.Multi-Agency Breakfast Meeting, Tuesday, May 9, 2006, 8:00 a.m., Leonardtown
Library Meeting Room, Leonardtown
.Regular Board Meeting, Wednesday, May 10, 2006, 9:00 a.m., Board Meeting Room,
Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Dr. Raspa adjourned the regular meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa
Chairman
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer