Board of Education Meeting Room
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Wednesday,
July 12, 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
.Mr. Bill Mattingly
.Ms. Mary Washington
.Ms. Brittany Thurston, Student Member
Mr. Kessler made a motion that the Board enter into executive session to discuss personnel issues (Article 24, Section 4-210(a)1). Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Raspa reconvened the regular meeting at 9:18 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Mattingly seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael Martirano, superintendent of schools, noted that Ms. Laura Carpenter, supervisor of gifted and talented, had completed her trip to China to better understand Chinese culture, and he looks forward to meeting with her to hear all the specifics. Dr. Martirano highlighted an article in The Washington Post where three of our elementary schools scored above the advanced rating on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA), and overall, our school system received a 28% rating in the advanced scoring category. Dr. Martirano also noted that Oakville Elementary School (OES) received a $3,000 donation from Mr. Lloyd Harrison, president of Mercantile Bank, as a result of his involvement in the “Principal for a Day” program held recently. Dr. Martirano congratulated Ms. Kim Summers, principal of Dynard Elementary School (DES), for her article being published in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) journal. Additionally, Dr. Martirano announced that the Jump Start Program will begin at several of our elementary schools next week. Finally, Dr. Martirano noted that there will be a tour of the new George Washington Carver Elementary School (GWCES) on Friday, July 14th for Board members, parents, and the community.
Recognitions
Ms. Allen made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session Minutes of June 28, 2006
.Administrative and Supervisory Appointment
.New Employment
Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
METCOM Easement Request
Ms. Kim Howe, supervisor of capital planning, stated that METCOM has a water line across a number of residential lots that was installed a number of years ago and needs to be replaced. Replacement lines would require disturbance to lawns, trees, shrubs, etc. METCOM has asked for an easement along the embankment of the athletic field at Great Mills High School (GMHS) for the installation of the new water line. The work would be completed prior to August 15, 2006, which is the date athletic activities begin at GMHS, or work will be done on the weekends and be coordinated with the school. The area is scheduled to have sod laid so as not to disrupt the side lines of the athletic fields. Mr. Kessler made a motion to approve METCOM’s request for an easement of approximately 525 feet along the Great Mills property as described in Attachment A of the easement. Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
“J” Section Polices for 2nd Reading
Ms. Kathleen Lyon, executive director of student services, presented the “J” section policies for 2nd reading and approval. The policies were presented for 1st reading on June 14, 2006, and a public hearing was held on June 28, 2006. Changes have been made to the policies to reflect input from Board members and the public. Ms. Allen asked for clarification on policy “JHCD” (Administration of Medications to Students); therefore, it was suggested that this policy be further reviewed by Ms. Lyon and Mr. Ed O’Meally, staff attorney, and brought back at a future meeting. After some discussion, Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the revisions to the policies outlined herein with the exception that policy “JHCD” be brought back at a later time for approval. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Naming of the Alternative Learning Center
Ms. Lyon noted that at the June 28, 2006, Board meeting, staff presented consideration of a new name for the Alternative Learning Center as it moves to its new location at the Annex in Great Mills. The name presented was White Oak Secondary Center. The name was selected because the white oak tree is the Maryland state tree and represents strength and endurance. This is demonstrated by the great white oak tree known as the Wye Oak tree, which stood since the 1500’s in Wye Mills, Maryland on the Eastern Shore. The deep roots provide the strength and endurance for ages. The students and staff are extremely excited about their new facility and the opportunity to have a true identity in the community. Ms. Lyon introduced staff, both current and former, who had a role in the naming of this facility. Dr. Martirano noted that he was pleased with the choice of the name symbolizing strength, and the staff and students should be proud of their facility. Board members thanked Dr. Martirano and staff for a good choice of names for this school. Ms. Washington made a motion to approve the renaming of the Alternative Learning Center to the White Oak Secondary Center. Mr. Mattingly seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Thurston asked that the record show that the student member is in support of the motion.
House Keys 4 St. Mary’s County
Dr. Edward Weiland, director of human resources, noted that the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) passed a resolution entitled “House Keys 4 St. Mary’s County.” This program offers financial assistance to first-time buyers for down payments and closing costs associated with buying a home. In the resolution, the BOCC defined who is eligible for assistance and included in the listing are employees of the Board of Education. To participate in this program, the Board of Education must sign the “Employer Participation Agreement” associated with this program. This agreement outlines the responsibilities of the employer and confirms the employer’s commitment to the program. While bullet 2 of the agreement states that the employer will “provide financial assistance to eligible employees…,” there is no financial obligation on the part of the Board of Education. St. Mary’s County government will provide funding to our eligible employees as though they were employees of the county government. Board members noted that this is a wonderful opportunity for staff. Ms. Allen asked how the information will be made available to staff. Dr. Weiland stated that he is working with Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, to have a flyer distributed with employee paychecks. Ms. Allen suggested that we partner with the Education Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC) and Collective Employees Association of St. Mary’s County (CEASMC) on this endeavor. Ms. Allen made a motion to authorize the secretary to the Board to sign the “Employer Participation Agreement” confirming the Board’s endorsement of the program and desire to participate. The form will then be sent to the BOCC for their action. Ms. Washington made an amendment to the motion to add the statement “that there is no financial obligation on the part of the Board” as part of the motion. The motion will now read “Authorize the secretary to the Board to sign the Employer Participation Agreement confirming the Board’s endorsement of the program and desire to participate; however, there is no financial obligation on the part of the Board. The form will then be sent to the BOCC for their action.” Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Bridge to Excellence 2006 Master Plan Update, Part II Attachment
Ms. Linda Dudderar, chief academic officer, and Ms. Janis Taylor, supervisor of strategic planning, stated that each year, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requires school systems to submit an annual update to their five year master plan. This year, the update has been organized into two parts and each part has a separate date for submission. Part II, ESEA and Fine Arts Program Components (the attachments), is due on August 15, 2006, and
Part I, the actual update, is due on October 15, 2006. Part II has been provided for Board review prior to submission to MSDE. This portion of the master plan includes the federal grants as well as the fine arts program. Ms. Dudderar noted that the Board will have the opportunity to review Part I at a September Board meeting prior to submission. Ms. Washington suggested some minor revisions to Part II of the attachments. Board members thanked Ms. Dudderar and Ms. Taylor for the detail in this update and for their hard work in producing this document. Dr. Martirano highlighted the importance of our master plan and noted that it is a very powerful tool that dictates the work of the school system.
FY 2006 June Financial Report
Mr. Rob Springer, accountant, presented the FY 2006 financial results as of June 28, 2006. Mr. Springer noted that the revenue side is in good shape and on the expenditure side, budget transfers will be done to offset the negatives. Mr. Springer noted that overall; finances are right on target for closeout of FY 2006. Board members and Dr. Martirano thanked Mr. Springer for his presentation.
Reports
.Mr. Kessler noted his attendance at the Glossy Awards and it was an outstanding event. Mr. Kessler also announced that he plans to attend the GWCES tour on Friday, July 14, 2006.
.Ms. Allen noted her attendance at the Glossy Awards and congratulated Mr. Joe Shade, building service manager at Ridge Elementary School, for receiving a 99% rating, which was the highest rating for our school system.
.Ms. Washington noted her attendance at the Glossy Awards and also congratulated Mr. Shade, noting that this is the 4th year he has received this honor. Ms. Washington also attended a Groundbreaking for a Conference Center at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, and the Law Enforcement Appreciation at the College of Southern Maryland.
.Mr. Mattingly congratulated Mr. Shade for his commitment and dedication as he received the highest award rating overall.
.Dr. Martirano noted that the Glossy Awards was fantastic and that he often hears comments on how clean our buildings are.
.Dr. Raspa noted his attendance at the Glossy Awards and also congratulated Mr. Shade and Ridge Elementary School for receiving the highest rating for overall cleanliness. Dr. Raspa encouraged parents and the community to visit Ridge and all of our schools to see firsthand how clean they are.
Future Board Meetings
The following future meeting will be held:
.Regular Board Meeting, Wednesday, August 9, 2006, 9:00 a.m., Board Meeting Room,
Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Dr. Raspa adjourned the regular meeting at 11:00 a.m.
Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa
Chairman
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer