TENTATIVE MINUTES

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND

Tuesday, October 10, 2000

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, met in open session at 5:30 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present:

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, was present.

Mr. Sasiadek immediately moved that the Board go into closed session to discuss personnel matters and consult with counsel pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, Section 10-508(a)(1) and (7). The motion was seconded by Mr. Hayden and unanimously approved by the Board.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

The Board discussed an appointment. The Board also reviewed with its attorney a written opinion for Case 00-26.

At 6:25 p.m., Mr. Kennedy moved that the Board end the closed session for a brief dinner recess.

OPEN SESSION MINUTES

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, reconvened in open session at 7:37 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: 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.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The open session commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, which was led by Marcus Robinson, a second grade student who will attend the New Town Elementary School upon its completion, 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, September 19, 2000, and the open and closed session minutes of September 26, 2000, Mr. Arnold declared the minutes approved as presented.

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

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Dr. Hairston informed Board members and the audience of his attendance at the Safe Schools Conference on October 3 and 4. He noted that this conference is consistent with goal number two, to provide a safe and orderly environment. The conference dealt with boys and their development as well as proactive measures that insure every child is safe and the environment is conducive to learning. Mr. Arnold extended greetings on behalf of the Board and Mrs. Ettinger was invited to extend greetings to the conference. Also present was the Chief of Police.

Dr. Hairston also spent an evening with the Special Education Advisory Council.

Dr. Hairston visited several schools. He highlighted Perry Hall Elementary, which is a Bay School. It is part of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The school curriculum revolves around active learning with youngsters involved in integrated instruction with a foundation in the science curriculum. Dr. Hairston was most impressed with the spirit and environment and the attitude of the teachers and administrators.

 

Dr. Hairston also attended the MABE Conference. He attended a Parenting Program presented by Ms. Sharon Norman of the Department of Business, Community, and Parent Relations. He noted that Mrs. Ettinger chaired a session and was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the entire group session. He recognized other Board members who attended.

Dr. Hairston noted that Mr. Robert J. Haines, Baltimore County Public Schools attorney, has been elected Vice President of the MABE Attorney's Association.

OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Sasiadek questioned funding of internal division for schools with open space. Ms. Roddy noted that there are no funds included for this purpose.

Mr. Hayden inquired as to the electrical demand presented by the purchase of computers. Ms. Roddy noted that the Division for Physical Facilities has been conducting a survey that should be completed by the end of this week.

Mr. Kennedy was pleased to hear that air conditioning for Maiden Choice Center is being expedited. Ms. Jung wanted to know if the State funds air conditioning. Ms. Roddy noted that the State does not but that County money has fully funded systemics at that school.

On motion of Mr. Hayden, seconded by Ms. Jung, the Board approved the Fiscal Year 2002 Capital Budget Request &endash; State Portion, in the amount of $681,813.60.

PERSONNEL MATTERS

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

CONTRACT AWARDS

Mr. Kennedy pulled items 2, 4, and 6 for further discussion. Ms. Jung pulled item 3 for further discussion. On motion of Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, the Board approved items 1, 5, 7, 8 and 9.

1. CISCO Products and Maintenance

5.Contracted Services: Tree Removal and Related Services

7.HVAC Filters and Frames (Extension)

8. School Bus Tire Recapping

9.Television Brackets (Classroom Installation-Extension)

 

Item 2

Board members inquired about the operation and effectiveness of the program. Board members requested that if programs have a definitive tenure and are working that those making presentations come prepared with documentation for future budget consideration beyond the funding period. Ms. Cassell is to forward the data that is submitted to the federal government to Board members. On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Walker, the Board approved a contract award for Contracted Services: After School Program&emdash;Middle Schools (Extension).

Item 3

There was no discussion on this item. On motion of Ms. Sasiadek, seconded by Mrs. Ross-Holmes, the Board approved a contract award for Contracted Services: Organizational Study. Ms. Ettinger did not participate in the discussion or vote of item 3.

Item 4

Board members questioned the availability of substitute nurses and the costs of services compared with the Baltimore County Public School rate of pay. It was noted that there is a nursing shortage and many who do substitute for us have other jobs and cannot engage in long-term substitution. On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Ms. Teplitzky, the Board approved a contract award for Contracted Services: Substitute Nursing Services.

Item 6

Board members questioned whether these issues would be addressed through systemic renovations/improvements. Mrs. Cook indicated that they would not. On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, Board members approved a contract award for Contracted Services: Water Coolers and Bottled Water.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

Mrs. Ettinger pulled item 3, Mr. Walker pulled items 6, 8, and 10.

The Building Committee, represented by Mr. Kennedy, recommended approval of items 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7. Item 9 was deferred. The Board unanimously approved these recommendations.

1. Major Maintenance Renovations &endash; Battle Grove Elementary School

2. Major Maintenance Renovations &endash; Fort Garrison Elementary School

4. Fee Acceptance &endash; Networking/Electrical Upgrades &endash; Deep Creek Middle, Dumbarton Middle, Loch Raven Academy, Middle River Middle, and Pine Grove Middle Schools

5. Fee Acceptance &endash; Architectural/Engineering Design Services &endash; Woodlawn High School Addition

7. Consultant Design Services for Information Technology &endash; Forty-five Schools

Item 3

Addition and Renovations &endash; Randallstown Elementary School

Board members discussed a possible amendment to the contract. After discussion, the motion for the amendment was withdrawn. Mrs. Ross-Holmes asked to have this item tabled; Mrs. Ettinger seconded the motion. Mr. Sasiadek, Mrs. Ross-Holmes, Ms. Cohn, and Mrs. Ettinger voted to table the issue for discussion. With the exception of Mr. Arnold, all other Board members voted to pass this item. Board members then discussed moving forward with this contract. Mrs. Ettinger, Mrs. Ross-Holmes, and Mr. Walker voted against approval of the contract; all other Board members voted in favor. This item will move forward.

Item 6

Fee Acceptance &endash; Construction Management &endash; Woodlawn High School Addition

After further reading of the proposal, Mr. Walker asked to have this item put to a vote. Board members unanimously approved this item.

Item 8

Request to Negotiate &endash; Architectural/Engineering Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program &endash; Various Elementary Schools

Board members had a brief discussion of the minority firms that had submitted proposals. Mr. Hayden abstained from voting on this issue; all other Board members voted in favor of this proposal.

Item 10

Playgrounds &endash; Recreation and Parks &endash; Various Schools

Mr. Walker asked to have the list of schools sent to Board members. The Board then voted to approve this item.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:

o On Wednesday, October 11, 2000, the Southwest Area Educational Advisory Council will hold a pre-budget hearing at Western School of Technology at 7:00 p.m.

o On Thursday, October 12, 2000, the PTA Council will hold its Fall Workshop and Reception at Cockeysville Middle School at 5:30 p.m.

o On Tuesday, October 17, 2000, the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council will hold a pre-budget hearing at Sollers Point/Southeast Technical High School at 7:00 p.m.

o On Wednesday, October 18, 2000, the Central Area Educational Advisory Council will hold a pre-budget hearing at Dumbarton Middle School at 7:30 p.m.

o On Monday, October 23, 2000, the Northwest Area Educational Advisory Council will hold a pre-budget hearing at Owings Mills High School at 7:30 p.m.

o The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 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.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Tim Peach, Baltimore County Student Council Vice President, informed the Board of the recent General Assembly Meeting at which they discussed SROs, after Labor Day opening of schools, high school/middle school time switch, and uniforms. There will be a middle school conference on October 28 at Essex Community College. The Baltimore County Student Council Executive Board will be having dinner with the Board of Education in the near future. To prepare for the question and answer session with the Board, Board members were asked to forward questions to the President, Meghan Kotula, or to Tim.

Ms. Theresa LaMaster, Special Education Advisory Council, spoke of the meeting that was held with Dr. Hairston. Approximately 75 parents attended the meeting. She informed Board members of identified issues including a request for an audit of special education by an external organization with experience with big systems and inclusion programs. They are requesting that the audit include principals and regular education teachers, and magnet schools and be done quickly. They are also requesting that the previously identified staffing issues be considered.

Mr. Boyd Krause, Chairman of the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council, reminded Board members of the upcoming Pre-Budget meeting to be held at Sollers

Point/Southeastern Technical School. He also informed the Board of Dr. Hairston's visit to their last meeting.

Mr. Steve Krum spoke of the need to continue the focus on standards and goals.

Ms. Laura Nossel, PTA Chairman, and Mr. Michael Franklin recognized the work of Ms. Sharon Norman, her department, and PTA members in the audience have done with community and parent outreach. Ms. Nossel spoke of the PTA Council goals for 2000-2001. Mr. Franklin reminded Board members of the annual workshop and publicly thanked Ms. Norman, Ms. Fromm, Mr. Green, and the administration at Cockeysville Middle School for help in the preparation of this workshop.

Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers' Association of Baltimore County, reminded Board members that they are endorsing Vice President Al Gore in the presidential election. He also spoke of the continued concern with workload, assessments, and computer deployment.

Ms. Karen Yarn, Hernwood Elementary School parent, spoke of concerns about overcrowding at Hernwood Elementary and invited Dr. Hairston to visit the school.

Mr. James Jenkins, Hernwood Elementary School parent, spoke of his concern with the increase in the number of special education teachers at the school.

Ms. April Green, parent of a fifth grader at Hernwood Elementary School, spoke of the safety, space, and health issues of children in trailers.

Ms. Tammy Lipscomb, parent of a fifth grader at Hernwood Elementary School spoke of the environment and class sizes in trailers.

Ms. Susan Katz, PTA President of Owings Mills High School, invited Dr. Hairston to visit the school and spoke to concerns with overpopulation, asbestos, and unsafe lighting.

Mr. Marcus Robinson, parents at Hernwood Elementary, had questions regarding the boundaries for New Town Elementary and requested information be put on the school web site.

At 9:15 p.m., Mr. Walker moved to adjourn the open session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ross-Holmes and approved by the Board.

Respectfully submitted,

___________________

Joe A. Hairston

Secretary-Treasurer

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