Board of Education Meeting Room
The regular meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary’s County was held on Wednesday,
August 9, 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
Mr. Kessler made a motion that the Board enter into executive session to discuss personnel and property acquisition issues (Article 24, Section 4-210(a)1,11). Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Raspa reconvened the regular meeting at 9:40 a.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Approval of Agenda
Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Mr. Mattingly seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Superintendent Report
Dr. Michael J. Martirano, superintendent of schools, announced that the first day of school is Wednesday, August 23, 2006, and encouraged parents to visit the school system website for information on open houses, etc. Dr. Martirano highlighted the first two days of the Administrative and Supervisory Retreat (A&S) and how the energy and enthusiasium continues as staff prepares to begin another successful school year. Dr. Martirano also congratulated Ms. Cathy Allen who has been selected to the position of Secretary of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) and said this is a wonderful opportunity for St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS). Dr. Martirano noted that Mr. Mark Abromaitis, education reporter for The Enterprise, is leaving the area and will be replaced by Mr. Jesse Yeatman and welcomed him. Dr. Martirano applauded Mr. Abromaitis for his collaboration and great coverage of SMCPS. Dr. Martirano also noted that Governor Robert Erhlich visited George Washington Carver Elementary School (GWCES) last week during a visit to our county and said he was proud to show off our students and wonderful school system. Dr. Martirano also noted his teaching at the GWCES Jump Start program on July 31st and thanked Ms. Donna Mix, elementary education teacher, and Ms. Virginia DeMarco, instructional resource teacher, for coordinating the lesson. Dr. Martirano announced the “All Hands on Deck” gathering on Thursday, August 17, 2006, starting at 9:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s College for all employees. Additionally, Dr. Martirano asked that during the break, everyone in the audience take a look at
the mural in the hallway that was recently completed by Ms. Ellen Duke-Wilson and Ms. Cathy Pielmeir, art teachers at Leonardtown and Piney Point Elementary Schools.
Public Comment
The following public comment was received:
Name Subject
Mr. James Tomasic Maryland School Assessment (MSA) Scores,
textbook concerns, curriculum and instruction
documents availability on the school system
website, end of year schedules for students
Ms. Jan Emerson, Ms. Judy Morazes 2nd Annual Meet/Greet for the Education
Association of St. Mary’s County (EASMC) and
Collective Employees Association of St. Mary’s
County (CEASMC) on August 21, 2006
Ms. Allen made a motion that the following consent agenda items be approved:
.Regular and Executive Session Minutes of July 12, 2006
.Administrative and Supervisory Appointments
.New Employment
.Bus Contract Transfers
Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
FY 2006 Categorical Transfer Request
Mr. Dan Carney, chief financial officer, presented proposed categorical changes to the unaudited FY 2006 general fund budget. Mr. Carney noted that a categorical transfer is necessary to cover the annual leave payoff that has been encumbered to the fiscal year-end. Also, several other categorical transfers are needed to balance the current unaudited FY 2006 general fund budget categories as follows: special education, operation of plant, and maintenance of plant. Mr. Mattingly made a motion that the Board of Education approve the budget transfers as presented and once approved by the Board, the categorical requests will be forwarded to the County Commissioners for their approval. Ms. Allen seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Policy “JHCD” (Administration of Medications to Students) 3rd Reading
Ms. Trish Wince, supervisor of health/home/hospital teaching, noted that this policy was submitted for 1st reading by the Board of Education on June 14, 2006, a public hearing was held on June 28, 2006, and presented for 2nd reading on July 12, 2006, where Board members requested minor changes. It was decided that the policy be reviewed with legal counsel again and be presented at this meeting. Ms. Wince highlighted the changes to the policy. Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the revisions to Policy JHCD as presented. Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Food Services Rate Increase
Mr. Brad Clements, chief operating officer, stated that rising food and labor costs have reduced the fund balance for the Department of Food Services. Increased revenues are necessary to maintain a strong financial foundation for the program. A fifteen cent increase in lunch prices for fully paid students will provide an additional $150,000 in revenues to offset the cost increases due to higher energy prices and greatly increased health care costs. Mr. Clements noted that this increase does not change for free and reduced meals. Mr. Kessler made a motion that the Board of Education approve the fifteen cent rate increase as proposed by staff. Ms. Washington seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Schematic Design for New Elementary School
Mr. Clements and Mr. Darrell Barricklow, supervisor of design and construction, noted that following the Board of Education meeting on June 28, 2006, the Design Team, Department of Design and Construction, and the Building Committee met several times to further develop the site plan, floor plan, and building elevations for the new elementary school. In order to maintain state funding, the schematic design must be approved by the Board and submitted to the state by September 1, 2006. Approval by the Board of Education is necessary for the document to proceed to the State for review and comment. TCA Architects, from Annapolis, Maryland, highlighted the schematic design which includes environmental opportunities, such as energy modeling. Board members thanked all involved for an impressive document and look forward to the next phase of this project, incorporating the energy features as highlighted in the design of the school. Ms. Allen made a motion to approve the Schematic Design drawings for the new elementary school. Mr. Kessler seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Automated External Defibrillators (AED)
Mr. Carney noted that during the last session of the Maryland General Assembly, both houses passed a bill requiring AED’s in all high schools. The bill was subsequently signed into law by the governor on April 25, 2006. The requirement of the act states that an AED is provided on-site and an individual trained in the operation and use of an AED is present at all school-sponsored athletic events. An AED is a device about the size of a laptop computer that analyzes the heart’s rhythm for any abnormalities and, if necessary, directs the rescuer to deliver an electrical shock to the victim. This shock, called defibrillation, may help the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm of its own. Ms. Wince stated that staff has worked closely with the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Recommendations (MIEMSS) to determine the number of AEDs needed for the three high schools. Ms. Wince noted that our county is planning to have 3 per high school and when the training is complete, over 500 staff members will be certified in using these devices. An order has been placed through Medtronics and the cost will be $23,000, which is an unfunded mandate. Ms. Wince noted that next steps are to watch for guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Attorney General’s Office, continue training, monitor the program within the system, continue liaison with the St. Mary’s County Health Department, solicit “Best Practices” from MABE, and monitor efforts in Annapolis to extend this mandate to all schools. Dr. Martirano asked that signage be utilized above the devices in our buildings and asked that Mr. Scott Smith, director of secondary instruction, administration, and school improvement, ensure that a location is designated. Board members expressed their support of this requirement overall, and the hope is that this device will not have to be utilized.
Summary Report on High Quality Professional Development Survey
Mr. Jeff Maher, director of professional and organizational development, noted that professional development continues to be a focus in terms of educational staff efforts to improve student achievement. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) stresses the need for schools and school systems to provide “high-quality, sustained, intensive, and classroom focused” professional development. NCLB also requires states to report annually on teacher participation in high-quality professional development. Professional development is a continual focus of school and system improvement efforts. This is illustrated through the reorganization within the school system, with a strong emphasis on professional development. During the spring of 2004, MSDE commissioned a survey conducted by Policy Studies Associates, Inc., in which teachers were asked to report on their participation in five categories of professional development for that school year. In the spring of 2006, St. Mary’s County Public Schools commissioned the survey to be administered locally since MSDE elected not to administer the survey statewide. The overall response rate for our county was 57% (45% for 2004). Key findings for 2006 were: 45% of teachers participated in one or more high quality activities, an increase of 9%; participation in job-embedded professional development increased by 17%; participation in high quality professional development increased in every content area, every grade level, and for all groups of teachers regardless of years of experience; teacher involvement in planning and decision making, participation in activities to increase knowledge and skills, and follow-up increased in all areas. Mr. Maher noted that ongoing efforts include: facilitation of leadership development, emphasis of professional development; collaborative efforts with other departments; and focus and attention to the elimination of the achievement gap. Dr. Martirano noted that he was very pleased with the report. Board members thanked Mr. Maher for a great report and echoed the emphasis on improving professional development.
FY 2006 Unaudited Financial Report and the FY 2007 July Financial Report
Mr. Carney presented the unaudited report on the FY 2006 General Fund financial results as of June 30, 2006. Mr. Carney noted that on the financial side, revenue was exceeded. On the financial side, the financial records were closed as of June 30th and the areas in black will be taken care of through the categorical transfer request. Mr. Carney noted that the FY 2007 July Financial Report is tracking according to plan and that there is a watch on the expenditure side for student transportation and operation of plant due to rising fuel costs.
Reports
.Ms. Allen noted her attendance at the following events: tour of the new GWCES (and how intrigued she was with the innovations incorporated in the building), the MABE Board of Director’s meeting and the Justice Committee meeting where Dr. Martirano, Mr. Theo Cramer, and Mr. Maher also attended. Ms. Allen also noted that was an enjoyable evening and that our staff educated and lobbied the committee; and the A&S retreat where she participated in the Cultural Proficiency portion of the Superintendent’s Book Study.
.Ms. Washington noted her attendance at the following events: Farewell celebration for Captain Zachary Henry, GWCES tour, MABE Willis Award Committee, Patuxent River Naval Air Station Change of Command celebration, Governor Robert Erhlich visit, Reading to students at the 11-month school year, and the A&S retreat, including the Cultural Proficiency Book Study.
.Mr. Mattingly noted his attendance at Captain Zachary Henry’s retirement celebration, GWCES Governor Visit, and the Fire/Rescue Appreciation Day celebration.
.Dr. Martirano noted his attendance at the Change of Command ceremony with Captain Glen Ives and Captain Zachary Henry, and noted the strong partnership with the base. Dr. Martirano also announced his plans to attend the Shop with a Cop Back to School program at Wal-Mart on Saturday, August 12, 2006.
Future Board Meetings
The following future meeting will be held:
.Regular Board Meeting, Wednesday, August 30, 2006, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting Room,
Leonardtown.
Adjournment
Dr. Raspa adjourned the regular meeting at 12:20 p.m.
Motion to Enter Into Executive Session
Mr. Kessler made a motion that the Board enter into executive session to discuss personnel issues (Article 24, Section 4-210(a)1). Mr. Mattingly seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
Dr. Salvatore L. Raspa
Chairman
Dr. Michael J. Martirano
Secretary-Treasurer