TENTATIVE MINUTES

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND

Tuesday, February 22, 2000

 

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, met in open session at 5:00 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: Ms. Phyllis E. Ettinger, Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, Ms. Jean M. H. Jung, Mr. John A. Olszewski, Jr., Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Mr. James R. Sasiadek, and Mr. James E. Walker. In addition, Dr. Anthony G. Marchione, Superintendent of Schools, and staff members were in attendance.

 

Dr. Marchione announced that as a result of recent incidents, in the future, bus drivers and attendants who do not follow established procedures with regard to a post-run inspection will be dismissed.

 

Ms. Fromm noted some of the short-term and long-term steps that have been taken. Trained staff members are on the bus lots assessing how well our drivers and attendants are complying with the requirement that a post-trip inspection be performed. Arrangements are being made to bring together drivers and attendants who are available and willing to participate to discuss the root cause of the problem and steps that can be taken. Over the last few months, maintenance staff has been examining the possibility of placing alarms in buses. Steps have been taken to see that there is someone on the lot who will inspect buses after every trip in addition to the driver or in cases where buses do not return to a bus lot, drivers will be required to call in after their inspection has been completed.

 

Mr. Arnold inquired about the benefit of providing a memorandum to be signed by all drivers. The signed memorandum would indicate drivers understand the seriousness of a child being left on the bus, the requirement of performing a post-trip inspection, and the understanding that appropriate action will be taken if the post-trip inspection fails to be performed. Ms. Fromm stated that area specialists are in the process of making arrangements to bring drivers together to discuss the situation and such a memorandum could be distributed and signed at that time.

 

Ms. Ettinger asked about the cost of installing alarm systems in buses. Ms. Fromm responded that several systems are being evaluated to determine which works most effectively. When the determination has been made, Ms. Fromm will be able to provide a cost estimate.

 

Mr. Teplitzky entered the room at 5:15 p.m.

 

Dr. Smeallie reviewed the proposed revisions to Policy and Rule 4112.1 which address the rehiring of retired teachers. He also described the application process to be followed. The revisions attempt to address the teacher shortage and focuses on 65 schools with the lowest test scores and the most inexperienced teachers. The policy would be in effect through 2004.

 

Board of Education February 22, 2000
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 2

 

 

OPEN SESSION MINUTES

 

Mr. Kennedy asked about the fiscal impact of this plan. Dr. Marchione stated that the fiscal impact is unknown at this time, but estimates will be forthcoming.

 

The Board will be asked to take action on the revisions at the March 14 meeting.

 

At 5:50 p.m., Mr. Walker moved that the Board go into closed session to discuss personnel matters pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, §10-508(a)(1). The motion was seconded by Mr. Sasiadek and unanimously approved by the Board.

 

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

 

Dr. Marchione briefed the Board on the status of a vacancy.

 

Ms. Smither answered Mr. Kennedy's questions with regard to a particular resignation.

 

At 6:20 p.m., Ms. Jung moved to end the closed session for a brief dinner recess. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ettinger and approved by the Board.

 

OPEN SESSION MINUTES

 

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, reconvened in open session at 7:30 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: Ms. Phyllis E. Ettinger, Mr. John A. Hayden, III, Ms. Jean M. H. Jung, Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, Mr. John A. Olszewski, Jr., Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Mr. James R. Sasiadek, Mr. Sanford V. Teplitzky, and Mr. James E. Walker. In addition, Dr. Anthony G. Marchione, Superintendent of Schools; staff members; members of various civic, employee, and community organizations were present as was the press.

 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The open session commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, which was led by Dr. Anthony G. Marchione, Superintendent of Schools, and a period of silent meditation for those who have served education in the Baltimore County Public Schools.

 

MINUTES

 

Hearing no additions or corrections to the Report of the Public Hearing, February 2, 2000; Report of the Work Session, February 7, 2000; and the open and closed session minutes of February 8, 2000, Mr. Arnold declared the minutes approved as presented.

 

Board of Education February 22, 2000
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 3

 

 

OPEN SESSION MINUTES (Cont.)

 

Mr. Arnold informed the audience of the various sessions in which Board members participated earlier in the afternoon.

 

STUDENT BOARD MEMBER VOTING ON PROPOSED BUDGET

 

On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Mr. Hayden, the Board voted to approve John A. Olszewski, Jr., as a voting member of the Board of Education for consideration of the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2001, in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Education Article, §3-109(b)(3)(iii).

 

OPERATING BUDGET - FISCAL YEAR 2001

 

Dr. Marchione noted amendments to the proposed budget as a result of the Board's recent hearing and work session in the amount of $1,087,706.

 

On motion of Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, the Board voted to approve the operating budget for fiscal year 2001 in the amount of $743,641,120.

 

REPORT

 

The Board received the following report:

 

Report of the School-Based Management Committee--Ms. Flynn shared the history behind the establishment of the committee. Ms. Olszewski summarized the committee's recommendations which were grouped into three categories: Handbook, Training, and Communication. She asked the Board to create a committee to follow through with the implementation of the recommendations.

 

Referencing the "School-Based Management Handbook," Mr. Kennedy shared his concerns about school-based teams making decisions on grouping practices and evaluation instruments for teachers. Dr. Marchione suggested an on-going review group to continually reassess the handbook.

 

Mr. Sasiadek suggested that additional discussion is needed on this topic. Mr. Arnold asked Mrs. Zepp to place this item on the list of future work shop sessions.

 

Board of Education February 22, 2000
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 4

 

 

PERSONNEL MATTERS

 

On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board approved the personnel matters as presented on Exhibits D, E, and F. (Copies of the exhibits are attached to the formal minutes.)

 

Ms. Ettinger noted that over half of the resignations listed are teachers with three (3) or fewer years of service. She requested the Department of Personnel provide periodic reports to the Board which would include the numbers and reasons staff members resign as well as how the number of resignations compare to the same period of time from the previous year. Mr. Kennedy expressed a concern at the growing number of leaves of absence.

 

CONTRACT AWARDS

 

On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, the Board approved items 1-4.

 

1. Contracted Services: Programmer

2. Equipment Contract: Various Grounds Equipment

3. Printing Press

4. Supplies Contract: Various Plumbing Supplies

 

BUILDING COMMITTEE

 

The Building Committee, represented by Ms. Ettinger, recommended approval of items 1-8. The Board approved these recommendations.

 

1. Systemic Renovations - Eastern Technical High Schools

2. Automatic Temperature Controls Replacement - Sandy Plains Elementary School

3. Purchase and Installation of Playground Equipment - Johnnycake Elementary School

4. Systemic Renovations - Cockeysville Middle School

5. Systemic Renovations - Hernwood Elementary School

6. Parking Lot Improvements - Seventh District Elementary School

 

Board of Education February 22, 2000
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 5

 

 

BUILDING COMMITTEE (Cont.)

 

7. Fee Acceptance - Design Services - Athletic Fields Accessibility Project - Pine Grove Middle School

8. Change Order - Mechanical/Electrical Upgrades - Catonsville High School

 

SCHOOL LEGISLATION

 

On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Mr. Walker, the Board voted to support HB 366 - Education - Principals and Administrators - Mentor Programs.

 

On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, the Board voted to support HB 480 - Maryland Educational Opportunity Summer Program Establishment.

 

On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Walker, the Board voted to support HB 514 - Baltimore County - Education - Wireless Communications Technology - Pilot Program.

 

On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board voted to support HB 718 and SB 732 - Education - Maryland Academic Intervention and Support Program. Mr. Sasiadek noted the importance of funding before any testing becomes effective and mandatory.

 

On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board voted to support HB 752 - Sales and Use Tax - Exemption - Sales by Public Schools and Nonprofit Organizations.

 

On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Ms. Ross-Holmes, the Board voted to support HB 1003 - Education - Full Day Kindergarten and Prekindergarten Programs - Establishment.

 

On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board voted not to take a position on HB 1247 (SB 810) - Governor's Teacher Salary Challenge Program - Public School Teacher Salary Enhancement - citing the need for additional clarity and the proportionately high degree of local funding required to receive a grant which is 1% for each of two years.

 

On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Ms. Ross-Holmes, the Board voted to support SB 441 - Primary and Secondary Education - Teacher Shortage -Study Commission.

 

On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Ms. Ross-Holmes, the Board voted to support SB 687 - School Health Program - Smoking Prevention - A Nurse in Every School.

 

 

Board of Education February 22, 200
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 6

 

SCHOOL LEGISLATION (Cont.)

 

At the suggestion of Mr. Teplitzky, the Board agreed that the Governor should be made aware of its opposition to the Governor's plan to provide $6 million dollars to private and parochial schools. Dr. Poff will follow through on the Board's request.

 

INFORMATION

 

The Board received the following as information:

 

Minutes of the Northwest Area Educational Advisory Council meeting, November 16, 1999.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:

 

-- On Thursday, February 24, 2000, Board members will participate in a training session rescheduled from last month at 7:00 p.m. at Greenwood.

-- On Wednesday, March 1, 2000, the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Middleborough Elementary School at 7:30 p.m.

-- On Tuesday, March 7, 2000, schools and offices will be closed for Primary Election Day.

-- The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2000, at Greenwood. The meeting will begin with an open session at 4:30 p.m. After the Board adjourns to meet in closed session, followed by a brief dinner recess, the open meeting will reconvene at approximately 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome at all open sessions.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

 

Ms. Teresa LaMaster, a representative of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Special Education, thanked the Board for its support of the operating budget. She also commended the Board for its support of HB 1003 and HB 718. Ms. LaMaster inquired as to how special education was represented on the school-based management committee. She described how certain barriers might prevent parents from participating. Board members were asked to think about accountability for delivery of special education services and to make sure the delivery of services is consistent.

 

Board of Education February 22, 2000
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 7

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT (Cont.)

 

Mr. Henry Wagner, President of the Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees, thanked the Board and the Superintendent for the recent dialogue with CASE members. He also thanked Dr. Massie for her leadership and support during her tenure as Deputy Superintendent.

 

Ms. Linda Olszewski, President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, reminded Board members of the rescheduled meeting with the Board on February 29. She also suggested live taping of Board meetings.

 

Ms. Ciara DiSeta, President of the Baltimore County Student Councils, reported on the positions taken by BCSC on several bills. Preparations continue for next month's convention.

 

Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, noted the importance of an attractive salary level to attract and retain teachers. He stated the cost of living increase in the adopted budget will result in the erosion of that attractiveness. Mr. Beytin read a letter from an elementary teacher who is resigning after three years of successful teaching. Finally, Mr. Beytin distributed a handout showing a comparison of our proposed salary schedule with that of another county in Maryland.

 

Ms. Van Ross, a representative of the Woodlawn High School PTSA, expressed her appreciation for the issues that have been addressed thus far. She requested a contact person for all work orders as well as an outside contractor to perform needed work. Some of the issues that need to be addressed at Woodlawn are an upgraded electrical system, installation of air conditioning, repair of air vents in the gym, and toilets in need of repair. She asked the Board to establish an accountability committee which would create a system of communication/dialogue between the PTSA and the school board.

 

Ms. Kristin Lewis, a Woodlawn High School student, thanked Dr. Hayman for visiting Woodlawn after her December 7 presentation to the Board. She expressed concern about the magnet internships being moved to grade 12. Ms. Lewis noted a lack of interest in Woodlawn's magnet programs as well as students leaving Woodlawn to go to private or parochial schools.

 

Mr. Akeem Harris, a Woodlawn High School student and speaking on behalf of the school's Music Department, addressed problems with Woodlawn's music department. These problems include lack of a full working sound system, lack of storage space for instruments, and inability to obtain instruments needed for Woodlawn's jazz band. Mr. Harris also noted the need for security in the band room area.

 

 

 

Board of Education February 22, 2000
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 8

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT (Cont.)

 

Ms. Karyn Bullock, President of the Woodlawn High School Athletic Boosters, described continuing problems in the gym and athletic program--inoperable lockers in the team locker rooms, plumbing problems in the shower, a ventilation system that does work properly, and the lack of a track. Ms. Bullock requested assistance with the stream that floods the track.

 

Ms. Mary Faulkner, a representative of the Woodlawn High School PTSA, thanked the Board for its attention to some of Woodlawn's concerns. She discussed the issue of overcrowding at Woodlawn. As a short-term solution, she suggested the Board consider redistricting some students to Catonsville High School and construct an addition. As a long-term solution, she asked the Board to consider a new high school in the Southwest Area.

 

Ms. Patricia Edmonds, an 11th grade student at Woodlawn High School, spoke of the teacher turnover at the school noting that the replacements are inexperienced and unfamiliar with the magnet program. She noted that teachers share classrooms and students share textbooks. Ms. Edmonds also spoke of overcrowded lunch shifts and the need for a traffic signal at the school's driveway.

 

Ms. Clara Hayes, President of the Woodlawn High School PTSA, noted the correlation of a modern facility and student achievement. She requested a mentor ratio of one to every five new teachers as well as diversity training for new teachers. Ms. Hayes reviewed some of the items on Woodlawn's teachers' wish lists. Finally, Ms. Hayes expressed her disappointment that Woodlawn was not included in the capital budget.

 

Ms. Oscar Parks requested an update on the punishment for the bus drivers involved in recent incidents where children have been left on the bus. Mr. Arnold will have a staff member speak with Mr. Parks regarding his inquiry.

 

Ms. Debbie Collins recounted an incident where her 2-1/2 year old daughter was left on a school bus 10 years ago. Punishment for the driver at that time was suspension without pay. Ms. Collins expressed her pleasure at tonight's decision to dismiss drivers and attendants who leave children on the bus.

 

Mr. Glen Love, a 1979 graduate of Woodlawn High School, solicited the Board's support for a new stadium for Woodlawn.

 

Ms. Phyllis Bloom urged the Board to oppose the Governor's plan to provide $6 million dollars to private and parochial schools. She also updated the Board on recently introduced legislation regarding drug paraphernalia. Ms. Bloom will testify on these bills next month, and she asked the Board to support this effort.

 

 

 

Board of Education February 22, 2000
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 9

 

At 9:26 p.m., Mr. Walker moved to adjourn the open session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Olszewski and approved by the Board.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

______________________

Anthony G. Marchione
Secretary-Treasurer

 

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