The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, met in open session at 5:24 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: Mr. H. J. Jack Barnhart, Ms. Erica A. Cohn, Ms. Phyllis E. Ettinger, Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Mr. James R. Sasiadek, Mr. Sanford V. Teplitzky, and Mr. James. E. Walker. In addition, Dr. Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent of Schools, was present.
Mr. Barnhart immediately moved that the Board go into closed session to consult with counsel pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, Section 10-508(a)(7). The motion was seconded by Mr. Walker and unanimously approved by the Board.
Board members consulted with Mr. Haines concerning a policy.
Mr. Hayden entered the room at 5:25 p.m.; Ms. Jung entered the room at 5:55 p.m.
At 6:18 p.m., Mr. Barnhart moved that the Board end the closed session for a brief dinner recess. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hayden and approved by the Board.
The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, reconvened in open session at 7:38 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: Mr. H. J. Jack Barnhart, Ms. Erica A. Cohn, 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. Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent of Schools; staff members; members of various civic, employee, and community organizations were present as was the press.
The open session commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, which was led by Peter Gordon, and a period of silent meditation for those who have served education in the Baltimore County Public Schools.
Hearing no additions or corrections to the open and closed session minutes of September 12, 2000, Mr. Arnold declared the minutes approved as presented.
Dr. Hairston informed Board members and the audience of his attendance at the recent Baltimore County Student Councils Leadership Conference at Camp Airy. Dr. Hairston stated there were approximately 300 students in attendance. He noted the exemplary caliber of students in the school system, and he thanked Ms. Cohn and Ms. Kotula for their leadership.
Dr. Hairston also visited several schools over the last two weeks. His goal is to visit every school during the school year.
Dr. Hairston informed the Board and the audience of his recent receipt of the Transition Team's Report. He stated the information in the report is Superintendent's information and was conducted in the spirit of information only. The purpose of the report is to assist Dr. Hairston in his deliberations on the strategies the school system will pursue over the next five years.
The Board received the following report:
Report on Study Circles&emdash;Ms. Marchione gave a brief overview of the Study Circles program. Study Circles is a process designed to offer a service to the community and includes a variety of community members. It's a way to be respectful and democratic in working toward improving communication. A PTA, an advisory council group, or any governmental agency can sponsor a study circle. (The Study Circle will not usurp what is already in place, i.e. the redistricting committee studying a boundary issue.)
A preliminary Study Circle will be formed in the Owings Mills area. Data will be collected to determine if the Study Circle is successful in involving more people in the community in the process of education. Facilitator training will take place in October/November, and a coalition meeting, inviting all of the organizations to hear about Study Circles and inviting them to participate, will take place the end of November. The kick-off is scheduled for January 2001. Study Circles have been successful in Anne Arundel and Harford Counties as well as Baltimore City.
At Mr. Teplitzky's request, Ms. Marchione provided an example of an issue addressed in Study Circles and how the process works from beginning to end. Mr. Teplitzky noted that some issues do not have an answer, and perhaps the purpose is to get people to feel comfortable with each other to discuss the issues. Mr. Teplitzky also stated that it is critical for the facilitators to know when it's time for the discussion to end on a particular issue and to move on. Ms. Marchione noted that the facilitator training will be very specific and practice oriented.
Mr. Teplitzky inquired about assessment of the pilot program. Ms. Marchione stated that the Steering Committee will examine how productive the meetings are, how well attended they are, the commitment people have made to it, and if it has resulted in creating a better understanding among members. If so, a referral will be made to the appropriate agency. The Steering Committee will report back to the Board later in the school year on the success of the pilot program.
Ms. Marchione also noted that high school students would be involved in the Study Circles. Ms. Cohn suggested the group seek out students who are not involved in other activities in leadership roles.
Mr. Barnhart left the room at 8:03 p.m.
In line with Ms. Cohn's comment, Ms. Ettinger suggested we seek participation from adults at all levels.
When questioned about the fiscal implications of this program, Ms. Marchione indicated that while there are no state funds forthcoming, the budget would be kept at a minimal level until an assessment has been completed for the pilot program.
On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved the personnel exhibits as presented on Exhibits C, D, E, and F. (Copies of the exhibits are attached to the formal minutes.)
On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved the recision of a contract award for Food Service: Mechanical Equipment Maintenance.
Mr. Teplitzky pulled item 1 for further discussion; Dr. Hayman pulled item 2. On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board approved item 3.
3. Supplies Contract: L.P. Gas and Associated Services
Mr. Teplitzky noted that the bid being chosen differed very little from the rescinded bid and asked Ms. Cook if she was comfortable that the recommended award bidder would be able to perform at the bid price. Ms. Cook responded that she was very comfortable with the potential award bidder who has an excellent reputation. She also noted that the vendor did not bid on this item the first time.
On motion of Ms. Jung, seconded by Dr. Hayman, the Board approved a contract award for Food Service: Mechanical Equipment Maintenance (Areas I and III).
Dr. Hayman inquired about the minimal amount of money being awarded for instruments, the distribution of instruments, and the criteria used to determine what schools receive. Mr. Carr, Music Office Specialist, explained music teachers send him a list indicating what is needed for their schools. With regard to the amount being awarded, Mr. Carr stated that $120,000 is what the Music Office received for this purchase.
On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Teplitzky, the Board approved contract awards for Instrumental Music Equipment.
The Building Committee, represented by Ms. Ettinger, recommended approval of items 1-5. The Board approved these recommendations.
1. Boiler Repairs &endash; Dundalk High School
2. Purchase and Installation of Playground Equipment &endash; Hebbville, Pine Grove, and Woodmoor Elementary Schools
4. Electrical Connections for Relocatable Classrooms &endash; Patapsco High School
5. Change Order &endash; Site Excavation &endash; Dogwood Elementary School
The Board received the following as information:
- Minutes of the Central Area Educational Advisory Council meeting, June 14, 2000.
Mr. Arnold informed the audience of the various sessions in which Board members had participated earlier that afternoon.
Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:
- On Thursday, September 28, 2000, the Board will conduct a work session on Special Education at 7 p.m. at Greenwood.
- On Monday, October 9, 2000, schools and offices will be closed in observance of Yom Kippur.
- The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 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. Meghan Kotula, President of the Baltimore County Student Councils, spoke of the recent Camp Airy activities and the upcoming General Assembly and executive board meetings in October. BCSC will be discussing school resource officers and an after Labor Day school start. She announced that Perry Hall High School will host the legislative session of the Maryland Association of Student Councils Conference in February.
Ms. Maggie Kennedy, Coordinator of the Area Advisory Councils, reiterated the pre-budget meeting schedule. The five (5) council chairs have requested an executive summary of the Baldridge Report. Ms. Kennedy noted a meeting for council officers in October and dinner with the Board in November.
Ms. Meg O'Hare, Chair of the Northeast Area Educational Advisory Council, asked that advisory councils be included in receiving a copy of the Baldrige Report. The advisory council handbook is in the process of being rewritten. Ms. O'Hare mentioned a recent meeting with the Superintendent and the Deputy Superintendent. She also spoke of the council's recent visits to Red House Run Elementary, Golden Ring Middle, and Overlea High Schools.
Ms. Laura Nossel, President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, shared her excitement about the upcoming Fall Workshop on October 12. With regard to the recent newspaper article on the Transition Report, she expressed hope that any future interviews will include parents' perceptions on student achievement, special education, student assessments, and interventions. The PTA Council feels there is a need for increased communication between departments as to the impact of their program on each other and the school system. They strongly recommend any major policy revision allow a timeline for public input. Ms. Nossel noted the importance of public input and the importance of making choices collaboratively. The Council awaits the results of the requested policy analysis and looks forward to a dialogue with the Board.
Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers' Association of Baltimore County, echoed the comments of Ms. LaMaster. He spoke of articles in the most recent edition of Newsweek that dealt with the national teacher shortage. Mr. Beytin also noted the State Board certified all 24 Maryland school districts as having teacher shortages as they did last year. He listed the content fields identified as critical shortage areas. Mr. Beytin also stated that the State Board has declared that minorities and males would be considered critical shortages for this year.
Ms. Nancy Murray, a teacher at Sussex Elementary School, asked the Board to consider air conditioning classrooms, not just administrative offices. She noted that Sussex has a number of summer programs and air conditioning classrooms would provide a safe and comfortable environment for students. Ms. Murray also mentioned that security is compromised when doors and windows have to be left open for ventilation.
Ms. Kathy Beard, Secretary of the Sussex Elementary School PTA, also asked the Board to consider placing money in the budget to air condition schools. She noted that student achievement during spring testing can be affected when students are unable to focus and concentrate because of the warm temperatures.
Ms. JoLynn Chadwick, Chair of the Citizens' Advisory Committee on Gifted Education, advised the Board of the group's first meeting. The Committee's top priorities will be:
- Advocate for staff development,
- Increase parent awareness, and
- Emphasize the need for accountability for delivery of the curricular program in each school.
The Advisory Committee encourages the Board to support the PTA Council's recommendations on the issue of public comment. Ms. Chadwick stated the difficulty of communication is a recurring theme at committee meetings.
Mr. Carl Klein, the Forensics Director at Catonsville High School, noted that his team meets once a week to practice for events, and students spend many hours of their own time practicing. He stated last year his team participated in six regional tournaments, attended the national convention, and won the state championship. There were also invitational tournaments attended by the team. Most of the team's expenses were paid by the students themselves and the volunteer coaches. Mr. Klein asked the Board to consider a proposal allocating $5,000 to any high school in Baltimore County that has had a Debate team for three or more years.
Mr. Ray D'Amario, the Foresenics Coach at Franklin High School, noted that during his nearly 30 years as coach of Franklin's Forensics team, the team has attended 20 state or national tournaments. Last year, the team raised $800 to cover traveling expenses. The school contributed $800, and students spent $200 of their own money. Mr. D'Amario spoke of Baltimore County's teams beginning to lose their competitive edge because they lack the budgets of other schools.
Board of Education September 26, 2000
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 8
At 9:04 p.m., Mr. Walker moved to adjourn the open session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hayden and approved by the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________
Joe A. Hairston
Secretary-Treasurer
dz