Board of Education of St. Mary’s County

Meeting of: Regular Session Held: June 14, 2006

Board of Education Meeting Room

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

June 14, 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

.Mr. Bill Mattingly

.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. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Reopen Regular Session

Dr. Raspa reconvened the regular meeting at 10:15 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

For Showcasing our Schools, Ms. Lynne Morgan, supervisor of fine arts, introduced Ms. Amy Morris and Ms. Kerry Massengill, elementary education teachers at Oakville Elementary School (OES). Students in grades 1-5 portrayed important people through the “History Alive” project at their school. Dr. Martirano, superintendent of schools, thanked the students, their parents, and our staff for providing the opportunity to depict such important individuals.

Approval of Agenda

Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the agenda with the following changes: to delete the Educational Specifications for the New Elementary School action item and to continue the executive session on personnel issues (Article 24, Section 4-210(a)1) during the lunch break. Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Superintendent Report

Dr. Michael Martirano congratulated Ms. Cathy Allen who has been appointed to the advisory Board for the Maryland After-School Opportunity Fund Program. He noted that this board meets quarterly and will be expected to review and make recommendations on program standards, requests for proposals, and criteria for awarding grants, and it is a two year term. Dr. Martirano also congratulated our Department of Pupil Services for receiving very high reviews during the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Student Services Program Review that was conducted on January 18^th. Our school system volunteered to serve as a pilot site for the 2005-2006 school year and MSDE noted the support of our local Board of Education and the excellent demonstration of community collaboration. Dr. Martirano also noted that OES was named as a new Green School and Hollywood Elementary School (HES) was recertified as a Green School during a ceremony on May 31^st in Baltimore. Dr. Martirano announced that Scott Tugwell, 11^th grade student at Chopticon High School (CHS), was named a Student Service Star by MSDE and he will be recognized formally during our recognition portion of the meeting. Congratulations to Steven Won, student at Great Mills High School (GMHS), who received a $10,000 merit-based scholarship from Northrop Grumman at its 4^th Annual Engineering Scholars Program on June 2^nd. Dr. Martirano also noted that three students from our school system, Morgan Middleton (CHS), Danielle Rodriquez, Spring Ridge Middle School (SRMS), and Elizabeth Shupe, Leonardtown Middle School (LMS) are winners of an essay contest in honor of Juneteenth Day which observes African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. Dr. Martirano stated that each student will be presented with a cash award at the Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 17^th, at Freedom Park in Lexington Park, starting at 12 p.m. Dr. Martirano congratulated Leonardtown High School (LHS) who was recognized for being 7^th in the State for the most pounds of food collected in the Harvest for Hungry Campaign. Dr. Martirano also noted that Ms. Laura Carpenter, coordinator of the gifted and talented program, has been selected to serve on the educator’s delegation to China this summer, allowing her to learn more about the language and culture of China. Dr. Martirano highlighted the three high school graduations and noted that we graduated over 1,000 students. On a final note, Dr. Martirano stated that yesterday was the last day of school for students and it was an amazing year.

Recognitions

Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leadership Award – Dr. Edward Weiland, director of human resources, noted that the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award is sponsored and coordinated by The Washington Post. Through the awards program, the Post seeks to recognize those principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. In presenting these awards, The Washington Post Educational Foundation hopes to encourage excellence in school leadership and to contribute in a substantive way to the improvement of education in the Washington metropolitan area. Dr. Weiland introduced Ms. Jill Mills, principal of Esperanza Middle School (EMS), who began her career in St. Mary’s County Public Schools in 1989 as a special education resource teacher and has served as principal of EMS since 2004. She was honored at The Washington Post on Wednesday, November 16, 2005. Dr. Weiland presented Ms. Mills with a certificate of recognition and a wood plaque. Mr. Mattingly, on behalf of the Board, thanked Ms. Mills for her dedication and commitment to the students of our school system. Dr. Martirano noted how proud he is of Ms. Mills and thanked The Washington Post for this process in recognizing principals.
Hope Swann Educator’s Hall of Fame Award – Dr. Weiland noted that the Margaret Brent High School Alumni Association, together with the Class of 1948, has established the Hope Swann Hall of Fame in recognition of the accomplishments and ideals of a consummate educator. Ms. Swann was a teacher at Margaret Brent High School and later an accomplished administrator, supervisor and community leader. The purpose and intent of the annual Hope Swann Educator’s Hall of Fame Award is to recognize an outstanding educator who best exemplifies the strong character, standards and ideals of

Hope Swann. The recipients of the award will receive $500.00, a personal plaque, and

have their names placed on the Hope Swann Hall of Fame plaque located in the Central

Administration building of the St. Mary’s County Public Schools. The recipient of this

year’s award is Mr. Ronald Fox, a science teacher at EMS. Dr. Weiland presented Mr.

Fox with a wood plaque and $500.00. Mr. Mattingly, on behalf of the Board,

congratulated Mr. Fox for his leadership and for the student’s lives he has touched.

Dr. Martirano thanked Mr. Fox for his commitment and dedication to the St.

Mary’s County Public Schools.

2006-2007 St. Mary’s County Teacher of the Year – Dr. Weiland stated that the Maryland Teacher of the Year Program has a single objective – to draw public attention to the work being done by the State’s many fine teachers. The Maryland Teacher of the Year Program is an awards program sponsored and coordinated by MSDE. Ms. Stephanie Flick, teacher at Benjamin Banneker Elementary School (BBES), has been selected as the St. Mary’s County representative to the Maryland Teacher of the Year Program. Dr. Weiland presented Ms. Flick with a certificate of recognition and a wood plaque. Mr. Mattingly, on behalf of the Board, thanked Ms. Flick for her leadership role and inspiring other educators. Dr. Martirano congratulated Ms. Flick and noted that she is an ambassador of the school system for the next school year.
2006 Student Service-Learning Recognition – Dr. Ralph Johnson, supervisor of social studies, noted that each year, MSDE recognizes students for excellence in student service-learning through their Service Stars Award Program. This year, Scott Tugwell, a junior at CHS, was recognized as the Service-Learning Star from St. Mary's County. Through the holiday season, Scott worked closely with a group called, "Soldiers' Angels,” a company doing domestic projects for the United States Army. In coordination with "Soldiers' Angels,” Scott started the process of fundraising and solicitations in order to procure items for soldiers in Iraq. These were items that provided comfort, both physically and emotionally. Scott received enough materials from the public and private sector to make three hundred Christmas stockings to be distributed to the 142nd Corps Battalion. With the assistance of Army Chaplain Captain John Smith, Scott was able to help United States soldiers feel like home was not that far away. A U.S. soldier, David Parker, wrote in one of the many letters received by Scott, "I am truly thankful that a person I don't know took time out of their schedule to look out for me."

Dr. Martirano presented Scott with a certificate of recognition and noted that he represents our school system so well. Mr. Mattingly, on behalf of the Board, noted what an outstanding student Scott is and thanked him for a job well done.

Public Hearing

A public hearing was held for Policy “GDPD” (Suspension and Dismissal, Classified Employees). There were no speakers for the public hearing.

Public Comment

Public comment was received as follows:

Name Subject

Mr. Don O’Neal retiree health insurance, retirement reception, pins

Consent Agenda

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

.Regular and Executive Session Minutes of May 25, 2006

.Executive Session Minutes of May 30, 2006

.Administrative and Supervisory Appointments

.New Employment

.Student Activity Funding

Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Contract Agreement between the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County and the Collective Employees Association of St. Mary’s County (CEASMC)

Dr. Martirano provided a summary of changes to the contract agreement and noted that this agreement is for a period of three years and will expire on June 30, 2009. Dr. Martirano noted that all staff will receive the following cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments: Year 1 – 3%; Year 2 – 3.8% and Year 3 – 4%. Dr. Martirano noted that the agreement was one that both sides are extremely proud of and allows for fair compensation for staff while focusing on all student achievement. Board members thanked everyone for achieving a three year contract and for doing what is best for this county. Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the agreement reached by CEASMC with the Board of Education for a three year agreement beginning on July 1, 2006 and concluding on June 30, 2009. Mr. Mattingly seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Contract Agreement between the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County and the Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC)

Dr. Martirano provided a summary of changes to the contract agreement and noted that this agreement is for a period of three years and will expire on June 30, 2009. Dr. Martirano noted that all staff will receive the following cost-of-living (COLA) adjustments: Year 1 – 3%; Year 2 – 3.8% and Year 3 – 4%. Dr. Martirano noted that the agreement was one that both sides are extremely proud of and allows for fair compensation for staff while focusing on all student achievement. Board members thanked everyone for their work on the negotiated agreement and for a job well done. Ms. Liz Leskinen, uniserv director for CEASMC/EASMC, Ms. Jan Emerson, EASMC president, and Ms. Monique Willett, CEASMC president, thanked their teams, Dr. Martirano, and Mr. Brad Clements, chief operating officer, for their collaboration in this process. Ms. Washington made a motion to approve the agreement reached by EASMC with the Board of Education for a three year agreement beginning on July 1, 2006 and concluding on June 30, 2009. Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. A signing ceremony was held to allow for two official copies of each agreement.

FY 2007 Budget Approval

Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, presented the revised budget for FY 2007. Mr. Carney noted that this budget reflects the finalization of the negotiated agreements for CEASMC and EASMC, and the changes in funding and program that have occurred since the initial budget was submitted. Mr. Carney stated that this budget, once approved by the Board of County Commissioners, will take effect July 1, 2006. The major changes over FY 2006 are: funding increases $12.4 million, Full Time Equivalent (FTE) increase 42.27, full-day kindergarten for all

students, enhanced course offerings at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center, and a continued commitment to the employees. Finally, this budget is structured to maintain our commitment to smaller class sizes, nurses, textbook initiative, and provide additional transportation contracts to accommodate the increased number of students and increased fuel costs. Board members thanked Mr. Carney and staff for this comprehensive document and noted the need to continue dialogue with the Board of County Commissioners on the Bridge to Excellence Funding agreement. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the budget that will be forwarded to the County Commissioners for final approval. Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Enhanced Pension Benefit

Mr. Carney stated that during the 2006 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly, both chambers passed legislation to enhance pension benefits for teachers and non-certificated employees of Maryland Local Education Agencies (LEAs). This bill was subsequently signed by the Governor and takes effect July 1, 2006. While teachers will automatically receive the enhanced benefit because the state funds that program, the bill allows LEAs to “opt out” of the enhanced benefit plan for individuals, mostly non-certificated personnel, for whom the Board of Education must pay the employer’s share of the pension contribution. Each LEA must take “positive action” to elect to participate in this enhanced pension system. “Positive action” means that the Board of Education must vote to authorize the secretary-treasurer to sign the “Participing Governmental Unit Election Form” indicating that the LEA intends to participate in the plan. This election must be made no later than June 30, 2007. Mr. Carney noted that he is bringing this forward today because any delay in signing the agreement may result in a hardship on our employees. The LEA will not see a change in retirement funding until FY 2008. LEAs are billed in arrears based on salaries paid in FY 2007. Mr. Carney noted the Board’s decision is irrevocable. Dr. Martirano noted that every system across the state is doing the same action as recommended today. Ms. Allen made a motion to authorize the secretary-treasurer to sign the election form that will then be forwarded to the state retirement agency. Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Educational Facilities Master Plan

Mr. Clements noted that St. Mary’s County Public Schools, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Guide of the Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC), must submit an updated Educational Facilities Master Plan by July 1^st of each year. The projects identified in the Educational Facilities Master Plan are the basis for the Capital Improvements requests in the fall. This document, once approved by the Board of Education, will be submitted to the Department of Land Use and Growth Management, the Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County, and the Public School Construction Program. The school system will present the Educational Facilities Master Plan to the Planning Commission at an upcoming Planning Commission meeting this summer. In addition, the plan will be posted on the school system’s website. Ms. Kim Howe, supervisor of capital planning, and Ms. Mary Hayden, program assistant, presented the capital improvements program goals and data to reflect the number of building permits issued for dwelling units, occupancy permits issued, major subdivisions and site plans, birth rate, full day kindergarten program, siblings under the age of 4,

public school enrollment, school facility infrastructure and support, and construction planning. Board members thanked Mr. Clements and his staff for a very thorough document.

Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the July 2006 Educational Facilities Master Plan for submission to the Public School Construction Program. Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.

Lunch Break

Board members met in executive session during a lunch break from 12:35 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.

Superintendent’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Eliminating the Achievement Gap

Mr. Jeff Maher, director of professional and organizational development, and Mr. Theo Cramer, director of academic support, noted that the Superintendent’s Blue Ribbon Task Force to Eliminate the Achievement Gap was formed to ensure that the discrepancy of achievement that exists between student groups is not just closed, but eliminated, and that the level of achievement for all learners increases. It is clear from our levels of student achievement that a gap exists between white students and students of color. While levels of achievement are increasing over time and for all student groups, the gap in achievement still exists. At the Board of Education meeting on November 29, 2005, the Superintendent’s Task Force chairs presented compelling data illustrating the gaps in student achievement in all areas. Further, the following objectives were set for the Task Force as defined in the charter: to develop a plan of site-based, targeted interventions and acceleration programs designed to increase student achievement and eliminate the achievement gap; and to develop a process for the community and the school system to share ideas and communicate strategies to increase student achievement, especially for underperforming students. The following subcommittees were developed at that time and reported their recommendations: Quality Workforce, Quality Instruction, Cultural Diversity, Interventions and Special Programs, and Parent-Students-Community-Business Partners. Dr. Martirano noted that he is extremely passionate about this endeavor and the alignment to the School Improvement Teams and the data warehouse to focus on each individual child. Board members thanked the task force representatives for an extensive, outstanding report highlighting the collaboration between the school system and the community to ensure children are successful. Board members noted that they are committed to eliminating the achievement gap and realize that funding is a critical piece and suggested that this presentation be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for their information. Dr. Martirano noted that funding is important and there will be natural times to report out findings to the Board of Education. Dr. Martirano also noted that staff have been working with Educational Trust, a national organization, and is in the process of establishing an agreement with them to review and analyze our data to see where things could be looked at differently, etc.

Primary Report Card PreK-Grade 2

Ms. Kathy Woodford, principal of Piney Point Elementary School, and Ms. Regina Greely, supervisor of instructional technology and library media, noted that after completing the roll-out of the new intermediate report card, grades 3-5, in the 2004-2005 school year, a committee continued the work of drafting a new report card for the primary grades, PK-2. The report card

committee met from November 2004-April 2006 to assure that the new report cards reflected the needs of the parents. They also worked to assure that the report cards provided a tool to capture

the important feedback that teachers wanted to share. The committee included teachers, administrators, parents, and central office staff. Forums were held to provide a voice to parents and teachers not on the committee. During the 2005-2006 school year, the report card was “piloted” at all elementary schools. With this fully implemented in the 2006-2007 school year, we will have a revised reporting system, grades PK-5. Aligned curriculum maps and curriculum letters will be created during the summer to enhance the reporting system. Ms. Greely provided to the Board samples of the new report cards that will be used for the upcoming school year. Board members thanked the staff for their informative report.

“J” Section Policies for First Reading

Ms. Kathleen Lyon, executive director of student services, presented “J” Section Policies for first reading. Ms. Lyon noted that an annual review of the “J” Section Policies and Regulations was recently conducted. The proposed changes are in response to work conducted by the Maryland General Assembly and the “J” Section Committee of St. Mary’s County Public Schools. These policies will be placed on the school system website after today’s presentation, and a public hearing will be held during the June 28^th Board meeting. The policies will be presented for second reading and approval at the July 12^th Board meeting, taking into consideration any feedback from the Board and the community.

FY 2006 May Financial Report

Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, presented the FY 2006 financial results as of June 1, 2006. Mr. Carney noted that there is a watch on impact aid and field trips on the revenue side and on the expenditure side, the categorical transfers have been approved and updated in the financial system.

Reports

.Mr. Mattingly noted his attendance at the three high school graduations, the St. Mary’s County Public Schools Employee Retirement Reception, the Beach Ball celebration at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) honoring Dr. Elaine Ryan’s retirement, and the Chamber of Commerce reception.

.Ms. Washington noted her attendance at the following events: Great Mills High School (GMHS), Chopticon High School (CHS), and Leonardtown High School (LHS) receptions and graduations, First Missionary Baptist Church Closing of School Year of Excellence and Luncheon, Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) Nominating Committee meeting and congratulated Ms. Allen for her 2^nd year on the MABE Board of Directors, St. Mary’s County Public Schools Retirees’ reception, Dedication of Walter F. Duke Terminal at Southern Maryland Regional Airport, Mechanicsville Elementary School (MES) 55 years parade where Dr. Martirano served as the Grand Marshall, Hollywood Elementary School (HES), Leonardtown Elementary School (LES), and Leonardtown Middle School (LMS) Moving Up Ceremonies, the College of Southern Maryland Beach Ball Farewell for retirement of President Dr. Elaine Ryan, Joint Meeting with Board of County Commissioners on school sites, and the Memorial Day Recognition at Ridge VFW.

.Ms. Allen congratulated all of our recent high school graduates where over $10 million in scholarships were granted. Ms. Allen noted her attendance at the following events: Joint Board of Education/Board of County Commissioners Executive Session, CHS/GMHS/LHS graduation ceremonies, LES 5^th Grade Promotion Ceremony, Gateway to Independence Student Transition Ceremony, Dedication of the Walter F. Duke Airport Terminal, St. Mary’s County Public Schools Retiree Reception, MES 55 Year Celebration, HES 5^th Grade Promotion and Award Ceremony, CSM Beach Ball Farewell for Dr. Ryan, MABE Fall Conference Planning Meeting, and the LMS 8^th Grade Promotion Ceremony.

.Ms. Thurston noted that she attended all three high school graduations.

.Dr. Raspa noted his attendance at the following events: high school graduations where over 1,000 students received diplomas, speaker at the LES promotion ceremony, Gateway to Independence Student Transition ceremony, Dedication of the Walter F. Duke Airport Terminal Building, and the St. Mary’s County Public Schools Retiree’s reception.

Future Board Meetings

The following future meeting will be held:

.Regular Board Meeting, Wednesday, June 28, 2006, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting Room,

Leonardtown.

Adjournment

Dr. Raspa adjourned the regular meeting at 4:12 p.m.

Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa

Chairman

Dr. Michael J. Martirano

Secretary-Treasurer