TENTATIVE MINUTES

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND

Tuesday, June 13, 2000

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, met in open session at 5:01 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: Ms. Phyllis E. Ettinger, Mr. John A. Hayden, III, Dr. Warren C. Hayman, Ms. Jean M. H. Jung, Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Mr. Sanford V. Teplitzky, and Mr. James E. Walker. In addition, Dr. Anthony G. Marchione, Superintendent of Schools, and staff members were present.

Ms. Ettinger suggested, and Board members agreed, that Mr. Dunbar Brooks be our board's nominee for the Maryland Association of Boards of Education's Willis Award. Mrs. Zepp will submit the nomination documents.

Board members were given an overview of the school system's procurement process. Ms. Cook, Coordinator of the Office of Purchasing, described the policies and rules related to procurement, and Mr. Fannon, Controller, reviewed the internal controls in place. Mr. Krempel also referred to the booklet distributed earlier which describes the procurement procedures for 3D/International's construction projects.

Ms. Marchione gave a brief report on the system's Educational Leadership Development program. The Teacher as Leader program is for tenured Baltimore County teachers who have demonstrated interest and involvement in school improvement and served as leaders in their local schools. There were 240 participants who completed this program at the end of March.

It is expected these people will move into the Aspiring Leaders program, which looks at educational experiences and professional development experiences. This module identifies those who are aspiring to administrative or supervisory leadership positions within Baltimore County Public Schools.

Once participants complete the Aspiring Leaders module, they become eligible for the Candidacy program, which is designed to serve as an internship for teachers. A needs assessment is performed to determine what experiences participants may be lacking. People participating in Candidacy are provided with continuing professional development opportunities where they are encouraged to do educational reading and have conversations about the books that they have read and the application of that material to their specific setting.

Ms. Glazer described how the area superintendents select assistant principals and principals for their schools. Principal input is sought when selecting an assistant principal. Area Superintendents look for someone who has the skill to be an instructional leader to move a school forward, and they want to find the person that will match the culture of that particular school.

OPEN SESSION MINUTES

Once people have been appointed as an assistant principal, they enter the next phase of leadership development training, which is Induction. This phase lasts for two years. The focus of the Induction program is continuing improvement.

Ms. Ettinger asked Ms. Marchione to provide in the future a statistical analysis with regard to the impact of mentors on student achievement.

At 6:05 p.m., Mr. Walker moved that the Board go into closed session to discuss personnel matters, to consult with counsel, and to discuss matters relative to negotiations, pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, §10-508(a)(1), §10-508(a)(7), and §10-508(a)(9). The motion was seconded by Mr. Kennedy and approved by the Board.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

Mr. Grimsley reviewed with Board members a tentative settlement with an employee group. The Board will take action on this item later this evening.

Dr. Marchione reviewed the appointments and transfers on tonight's agenda.

Mr. Douglas Silber, Assistant County Attorney, updated the Board with respect to past litigation on a construction contract.

Mr. Haines briefed the Board with respect to current litigation.

Dr. Marchione discussed salaries for a particular group of employees.

At 7:05 p.m., Ms. Ettinger moved to end the closed session for a brief dinner recess. The motion was seconded by Mr. Teplitzky and approved by the Board.

OPEN SESSION MINUTES

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, reconvened in open session at 7:52 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: Ms. Phyllis E. Ettinger, Mr. John A. Hayden, III, Dr. Warren C. Hayman, Ms. Jean M. H. Jung, Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, 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 Ms. Linda Olszewski, President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, 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 open and closed session minutes of May 16, 2000, Mr. Arnold declared the minutes approved as presented.

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

SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS

Mr. Arnold read a resolution honoring Dr. Anthony G. Marchione, who is retiring after 45 years of service to the Baltimore County Public Schools. Mr. Arnold also announced a donation to the Anthony G. Marchione Scholarship for the Outstanding Career and Technology Education Student of the Year has been made by Board members. A formal portrait of Dr. Marchione was also unveiled. The portrait will hang in the Greenwood Administration Building.

Ms. Linda Olszewski was also recognized by a Board resolution for her service as President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County over the last four years.

PERSONNEL MATTERS

On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board approved the personnel matters as presented on Exhibits E, F, G, H, I, J, and J-1. (Copies of the exhibits are attached to the formal minutes.)

OLD BUSINESS

On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Ms. Ross-Holmes, the Board approved the School Calendar for 2001-2002 by a vote of 8-1. Mr. Teplitzky cast the opposing vote and stated that while he respects the process, starting after Labor Day will result in a late June closure for students.

On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved changes to the Assessment Plan. The approved changes will align primary reading and mathematics assessments with one set of tests and extend the mathematics portion of the assessments to grade 1. Primary reading norm-referenced assessments will be standardized further byusing CTBS in grades 1 and 2 instead of the Gates-MacGinite test in grade 1 and CTBS in grade 2. Another change will replace the math checklist in grade 1 with the math portion of CTBS. Initial administration of the Maryland Functional tests will be moved to earlier grades.

On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Walker, the Board approved an addendum to the contract for Dr. Hairston.

REPORTS

The Board received the following reports:

A. Budget and Finance Report

B. Report on Proposed Revisions to Policy 3220 - Inventories--Mr. Teplitzky noted the support of these revisions by the Budget and Audit Committee. The Board will take action on the revisions at the July 11 meeting.

CONTRACT AWARDS

Ms. Ettinger pulled item 3 for further discussion. On motion of Mr. Walker, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board approved items 1 and 2, 4-6, and 10-22. Items 7, 8, and 9 were withdrawn.

1. Contracted Services: Duct Cleaning

2. Contracted Services: Interpreter Services (Extension)

4. Food Service: Small Wares

5. Food Service: Walk-In Coolers

6. Hardware Upgrade: File Server

10. Music: Instrumental Supplies and Equipment

11. Music: Instrument Repair Services

12. Music: Vocal Supplies and Equipment

13. Paper: Computer

14. Paper: Computer Forms

15. Printing: School Calendars

16. Printing: Student Handbooks

17. Software: Financial Reporting

18. Supplies: Fire Alarm and Security System Repairs

19. Technology Education Supplies and Equipment

20. Vehicles: Trucks

21. Gasoline, Fuel Oil, Diesel Oil - Rescind Award of Contract (May 16, 2000)

22. Gasoline, Fuel Oil, Diesel Oil

Item 3

Ms. Ettinger asked for an explanation of the equipment being requested. Ms. Fromm described the electronic buzzer system which will be placed on all buses in the fleet. The buzzer will force the bus driver at the end of his/her run to walk to the back of the bus to turn it off. On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board approved a contract award for Equipment: Child Reminder System (School Bus).

BUILDING COMMITTEE

The Building Committee, represented by Mr. Kennedy, recommended approval of items 1-45. (Item 40 was withdrawn.) Mr. Teplitzky pulled items 1-5, 10, 22-28, and 44. The Board approved items 6-9, 11-21, 29-39, 41-43, and 45.

6. Science Classroom Renovations - Carver Center and Overlea High School

7. Locker Replacements - Colgate Elementary School

8. Parking Lot Improvements - Featherbed Lane Elementary School

9. Casework Replacement - Kenwood High School

11. Upgrades to Elevator - Perry Hall High School

12. Welding Shop Renovations - Overlea High School

13. Food Service Line - Ruxton Center Addition

14. Parking Lot Improvements - Scotts Branch Elementary School

15. Interior Door Replacements - Various Schools

16. Reconditioning of Tennis and Multi-Use Courts - Various Schools

17. Exterior Doors and Frames Replacement - Woodlawn High School

18. Temperature Control System Upgrades - Woodmoor Elementary School

19. Request to Negotiate - Construction Management - New Town High School

20. Request to Negotiate - Architectural/Engineering Services - Eight High Schools

21. Request to Negotiate - On-Call Mechanical/Engineering Services - Various Schools

29. Fee Acceptance - Consultant Design Services - Battle Grove Elementary School

30. Fee Acceptance - Consultant Design Services - Food Services Warehouse

31. Fee Acceptance - Consultant Design Services - Fort Garrison Elementary School

32. Fee Acceptance - Construction Administration for Systemic Renovations - Middle River Middle School

33. Fee Acceptance - Consultant Design Services - Middlesex and Sussex Elementary Schools

34. Fee Acceptance - Consultant Design Services - Orems Elementary School

35. Fee Acceptance - Consultant Design Services - Pleasant Plains Elementary School

36. Fee Acceptance - Consultant Design Services - Scotts Branch Elementary School

37. Fee Acceptance - Construction Inspection Services for Reroofing Project - Hampton Elementary School

38. Fee Acceptance - Construction Inspection Services for Reroofing Project - Featherbed Lane Elementary School

39. Fee Acceptance - Construction Inspection Services for Reroofing

Project - Relay Elementary School

41. Fee Acceptance - Construction Inspection Services for Reroofing Project - Glyndon Elementary School

42. Fee Acceptance - Consultant Design Services - Various Schools

43. Change Order - Systemic Renovations - Oakleigh Elementary School

45. Amended Award - Auto Body Shop Modifications - Southeastern Technical High School

Items 1-5, 10, 22-28, and 44

As recommended by the Building Committee, the Board approved items 1-5, 10, 22-28, and 44. Mr. Teplitzky abstained from discussion and voting on these items.

1. Asbestos Abatement - Five Elementary Schools (1AA)

2. Asbestos Abatement - Six Elementary Schools (3AA)

3. Asbestos Abatement - Six Elementary Schools (4AA)

4. Asbestos Abatement - Six Elementary Schools (5AA)

5. Asbestos Abatement - Eight Elementary Schools (2AA)

10. Floor Tile - Kenwood High School

22. Fee Acceptance - Environmental Survey and Design Services - Baltimore Highlands, Edmondson Heights, and Villa Cresta Elementary Schools

23. Fee Acceptance - Environmental Survey and Design Services - Carroll Manor, Fifth District, and Prettyboy Elementary Schools

24. Fee Acceptance - Environmental Survey and Design Services - Five Elementary Schools

25. Fee Acceptance - Environmental Survey and Design Services - Five Elementary Schools

26. Fee Acceptance - Environmental Survey and Design Services - Five Elementary Schools

27. Fee Acceptance - Environmental Survey and Design Services - Six Elementary Schools

28. Fee Acceptance - Environmental Survey and Design Services - Nine Elementary Schools

44. Change Order - Industrial Hygiene Services - Stoneleigh Elementary School

PROPOSED SETTLEMENT

On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved the tentative agreement between the Baltimore (County Instructional) Assistants and Clerical Employees and the Board of Education of Baltimore County, pending ratification of BACE's membership.

FISCAL YEAR 2001 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGETS

In accordance with Policy 3112, on motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Walker, the Board formally adopted the Fiscal Year 2001 Operating and Capital Budgets as approved by the County Council. Ms. Churchill noted that for the first time, the school system's operating budget exceeds $1 billion dollars. 

INFORMATION

The Board received the following as information:

Minutes from the Central Area Educational Advisory Council meeting, April 12, 2000.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:

-- On Wednesday, June 14, 2000, the Central Area Educational Advisory Council will meet in the ESS Building at 7:30 p.m.

-- Offices and schools will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2000, in observance of Independence Day.

-- The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2000, at Greenwood. The meeting will begin with an open session at 5:00 p.m. After the Board adjourns to meet in closed session, followed by a brief dinner recess, the open meeting will reconvene at 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome at all open sessions.

Ms. Ettinger reminded everyone of the curriculum workshops which will begin in a few weeks.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. John Holland, a representative of the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Special Education, read a letter from Chairperson Teresa LaMaster urging Board members to sign a petition supporting full funding of the federal share of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. He also thanked Ms. Fromm for her proactive solution to children being left on school buses. Dr. Marchione was thanked for attending the special education advisory committee meetings in the past.

Mr. Stephen Crum, President of the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council, announced the council's officers for 2000-01. He thanked Dr. Marchione for his many years of service to Baltimore County Public Schools. Mr. Crum spoke about the importance of values education. With respect to the assessment changes, he cautioned against teaching the test but rather imparting knowledge to students.

Ms. Maggie Kennedy, a representative of the Central Area Educational Advisory Council, thanked Dr. Marchione for his contributions over the years.

Mr. Henry Wagner, President of the Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees, thanked Board members and Dr. Marchione for their assistance this year. He expressed CASE's appreciation for the collaborative and cooperative relationship enjoyed with the Board and superintendent. Mr. Wagner stated that Dr. Marchione has been a friend to administrators and whose positive influence will be felt for years to come.

Ms. Linda Olszewski, President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, wished Dr. Marchione well in his future endeavors. She also announced that the new PTA Council president is Laura Nossel. Ms. Olszewski noted a committee to review public comment at Board meetings had been established.

Ms. Mary Pat Kahle, a representative of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, shared the committee's recommendations for public comment and new policy and policy revisions.

Ms. Laura Nossel, newly-elected President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, requested placement of the public comment issue on a future Board agenda for further follow up.

Ms. Meghan Kotula, President of the Baltimore County Student Councils, informed Board members of BCSC's first executive board meeting. She also announced that BCSC is sending four students to the national conference in California next week.

Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers' Association of Baltimore County, referenced a report entitled "A Sense of Calling: Who Teaches and Why." The survey attempted to find out what teachers really think of their profession and to compare their views with those of the administrators who hired them and college graduates who chose different careers. The survey found that the majority of new teachers possess a passion for teaching. The pay issue overlooks incentives that are important to most teachers. What teachers want most is what will make them more effective: smaller classrooms and stronger support from administrators and parents. With respect to exit interviews, Mr. Beytin noted that as of June 6, 632 names had been sent out to be interviewed. Over half were teachers. Finally, Mr. Beytin noted the good relations and a return to working together under Dr. Marchione's leadership. He wished Dr. Marchione good health and happiness in his retirement.

Ms. Emily Wolfson thanked Dr. Marchione for the manner in which he brought about peaceful and successful integration of the Liberty Road schools in the 1960's and for the manner in which school closings were handled in the 1970's. She noted that during those times, he worked together with community leaders. Ms. Wolfson offered Dr. Marchione her thanks and noted the important role he played in the history of Baltimore County Public Schools and Baltimore County.

Ms. Kathy Weiman, a Parkville High School parent, thanked for Board for its assistance in securing a .5 certified dance instructor for the school's dance program.

Ms. Phyllis Bloom shared her concern about the lack of quality instruction for average students. She feels average students are capable of learning more than what is being delivered in the classroom.

Ms. Susan Chaudron, a Pine Grove Elementary School parent, made reference to a recent article in The Sun, regarding open space classes. She asked the Board to convene a committee to study student achievement in open space schools. Ms. Chaudron volunteered Pine Grove to be part of such a study.

Ms. Karen Fields, a Pine Grove Elementary School parent, stated that "walls" in the open space areas made of paper, bookcases, etc., are a fire hazard to the children and staff. She asked that the open space areas be enclosed during the upcoming renovation.

Ms. Cindy Voit, a Pine Grove Elementary School parent, shared her child's successful academic achievement after being removed from an open space area and being placed in a closed classroom. She also expressed concern about the disproportionate number of children with special needs in her child's classroom (15 out of 24 children).

At 8:55 p.m., Mr. Kennedy moved to adjourn the open session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ross-Holmes and approved by the Board. As his last official duty at his last Board of Education meeting, Dr. Marchione banged the gavel to adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

 

______________________

Anthony G. Marchione

Secretary-Treasurer

 

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