TENTATIVE MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE
COUNTY, MARYLAND
Tuesday, January 23, 2001
The Board of Education of Baltimore County,
Maryland, met in open session at 4:08 p.m. at
Greenwood.
President Donald L. Arnold and the following
Board members were present: Mr. H. J. Jack Barnhart, 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, and Mr. James E. Walker.
In addition, Ms. Christine Johns, Deputy
Superintendent of Schools, was present.
Mr. Walker immediately moved that the Board
go into executive session to conduct a hearing.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Kennedy
and unanimously approved by the Board.
EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES
In addition to the above listed Board members,
the following people were also in attendance
for the hearing:
Margaret-Ann F. Howie, Legal Counsel
to the Superintendent; J. Robert Haines, Esquire,
Legal Counsel to the Board; the appellants;
and their attorney.
Dr. Hairston entered the room at 4:38 p.m.
The proceedings of the hearing were recorded
by a court reporter. The hearing concluded at 4:58 p.m.
At 4:58 p.m., the Board approved a motion from
Mr. Barnhart and seconded by Mr. Walker to come
out of the closed session.
The Board deliberated on Case #00-17
in executive session.
Mr. Teplitzky entered the room at 5:05 p.m.
At 5:42 p.m., Mr. Kennedy moved the Board reconvene
the open session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Barnhart
and approved by the Board.
Mr. Kennedy immediately moved the Board
go into closed session to discuss personnel
matters, consult with counsel, and to consult
with staff about potential litigation pursuant
to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government
Article, §10-508(a)(1), (a)(7) and (a)(8). The motion was seconded by Mr. Sasiadek and unanimously approved
by the Board.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
Ms. Johns reviewed the appointments and transfers
on tonight’s agenda.
Ms. Howie responded to a Board member’s
question regarding current litigation.
Ms. Johns briefed the Board on a matter dealing
with potential litigation.
Mr. Haines and Ms. Johns discussed with Board
members contract language for a particular vendor.
Mr. Haines briefed Board members on the status
of current litigation.
At 6:42 p.m., Mr. Kennedy moved to end the
closed session for a brief dinner recess.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Barnhart
and approved by the Board.
The Board hosted former Board Presidents Dunbar
Brooks and Paul Cunningham and their wives for
dinner.
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: Mr. H. J. Jack Barnhart, Ms. Erica A.
Cohn, 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, and Sanford V. Teplitzky.
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
former Board President Paul Cunningham, 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 January 9,
2001, 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.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
Formal portraits of former Board Presidents
Dunbar Brooks and Paul Cunningham were unveiled.
Mrs. Brooks and Mrs. Cunningham were
presented with flowers for supporting their
husbands during their tenure on the Board of
Education.
Mr. Cunningham introduced his son, Paul.
He stated that he enjoyed his time on
the Board of Education. Mr. Cunningham recognized his former colleagues
and noted the tremendous amount of energy and
time Board service requires.
He suggested that all former Board members
be honored perhaps with a plaque or photographs
in the Board room.
Mr. Brooks stated it was a privilege and an
honor to serve on the Board. He also thanked his wife for her help
and support during those years.
Mr. Brooks noted that at critical times,
the Board and the school system came together
for the good of the students of Baltimore County
Public Schools. He stated that because of the people that
surrounded him, the school system was in better
shape when he left than when he was first appointed.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Hairston noted an initiative being piloted
in Baltimore County Public Schools, “Study
Circles.”
This process provides a forum for diverse
community groups to explore issues impacting
our schools.
Baltimore County Public Schools will
implement this structure as a strategy for increasing
community involvement as the school system focuses
on closing the minority student achievement
gap. An informational meeting will be held tomorrow evening at Owings
Mills High School.
The public was invited to attend.
Ms. Ross-Holmes noted that letters about
the forum have been sent to principals, and
sign-up sheets are available in schools.
Dr. Hairston noted national recognition for
three Baltimore County Public Schools’
graduates.
Dr. Thomas Jones and Mr. Robert Curbeam
are two of five astronauts who will be aboard
the space shuttle Atlantis when it is launched
in early February. Dr. Jones is a graduate of Kenwood High
School, and Mr. Curbeam is a Woodlawn High School
graduate. Another Woodlawn High School graduate,
LaTonya Phillips, is featured on the cover of
the current issue of Jet magazine. Ms.
Phipps is the first legally blind person to
pass the Maryland Bar examination.
Finally, Dr. Hairston informed the audience
that he was invited to the White House for the
Presidential Press Conference on Education. President Bush unveiled his education agenda for the next four
years.
The administration’s focus is “No
Child Left Behind.” Dr. Hairston noted that he was one of
only a few educators invited to attend the press
conference.
STUDENT BOARD MEMBER VOTING
ON PROPOSED BUDGET
Mr. Barnhart moved that the Board approve Erica
A. Cohn as a voting member of the Board of Education
for consideration of the Capital Budget-County
Funds for Fiscal Years 2002-2007 in accordance
with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Education
Article, §3-109(b)(3)(iii). The motion was seconded by Mr. Kennedy and unanimously approved
by the Board.
OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Teplitzky expressed his dissatisfaction
with the information received on the capital
budget as a result of concerns voiced at the
January 9th meeting.
He reiterated his concerns about science
laboratory upgrades/renovations that do not
appear in this budget and why more aggressive
action hasn’t been taken with respect
to labs with safety issues.
Mr. Krempel assured Mr. Teplitzky that
the safety and health issues at Pikesville’s
science labs have or are being addressed. He also stated that inspections are taking
place in the other high schools with respect
to life safety issues. Mr. Teplitzky asked for information explaining
how science labs not included in the budget
request will be addressed.
Mr. Barnes, Coordinator in the Office of Science,
explained the five-year plan for renovations
and the criteria used.
Dr. Hayman stated there was nothing in the
follow-up information provided to Board members
to tie the criteria into how the science lab
renovations were prioritized.
It is Dr. Hayman’s hope that middle
schools will not be ignored. Mr. Barnes stated that there is not a
plan for middle schools in place.
Dr. Hayman asked that in the future more
detailed information be provided on issues requiring
Board consideration.
Mr. Kennedy recalled a discussion at a Board
meeting last year where he received assurance
from staff that secondary schools would be considered
as a group. It was also his recollection that Board
members recommended this process of review. Mr. Sasiadek concurred with Mr. Kennedy and reiterated that
all secondary schools need to be reviewed together
and placed on the list on an as-needed basis.
Mr. Kennedy asked Ms. Roddy to revisit
placing some high schools that are in need of
“quick fixes” on the priority list
next year.
Ms. Ross-Holmes asked if there was any process
in place or data that would support the recommendations.
Ms. Roddy responded that staff is looking
at the issues and reviewing our current processes.
Ms. Ross-Holmes requested that the information
be compiled into one document and include data
showing how the recommendations impact curriculum,
fiscal implications, etc.
Mr. Teplitzky shared his concern about the
lack of a process or long-range thinking in
this request. He stated that other than the Perks-Reutter
report, he doesn’t have confidence that
there is a process in place to prioritize projects.
Mr. Teplitzky shared Mr. Kennedy’s
recollection of considering secondary schools
as a group.
He also asked that in the future recommendations
be tied to goals and curriculum.
On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Barnhart,
the Board approved the Proposed 2002-2007 Capital
Improvement Program – County Funds.
REPORTS
The Board received the following reports:
A.Recognition of the Board of Education of
Baltimore County by the Baltimore County School
Nurses Association
A.
Report on the Evening High School Study—Mr.
Dapkunas, Chair of the Evening High School Study
Committee, provided an overview of the committee.
Mr. Rauenzahn highlighted specific recommendations:
o When
Evening High School (EHS) is in session, it
will be recognized
as a program, and, therefore, have priority
in school use.
Outside use of the facility by outside
programs will be limited.
o All
areas of a building will be available, i.e.,
science rooms, computer labs, etc.
o Recognize
the need for strong leadership and communication
between the day school and night school principal.
o The
implications of the recommendations under “Resources”
are:
o Increase
the salary for EHS teachers to $22/hour,
o Increase
allocation for supplemental materials, supplies,
and textbooks for schools that house those programs,
o Increase
in the therapeutic staff (psychologists, social
workers, special education staff),
o Provide
security for Evening/Saturday High Schools through
the use of SROs or “Uniformed Secondary
Employment Officers”,
o Provide
additional custodial support to schools that
house these programs.
o Develop
a countywide utilization plan on a ten-year
cycle. During the eighth year, evaluation of the program would take
place.
o All
five areas should have an Evening High School
program.
o Relocate
the Catonsville and Parkville High Schools Programs
in 2002.
o Utilize
middle schools, as well as high schools, for
The Community College of Baltimore County’s
Adult Education Program.
Dr. Hayman inquired about the budget implications
of the recommendations to which Mr. Rauenzahn
replied $846,500 in FY 2002.
Dr. Hayman asked why the recommendation for
a salary increase for EHS teachers did not match
the current salary for Summer School teachers.
Mr. Rauenzahn stated that the committee did
not think it financially prudent to ask for
an almost 100% increase.
Also, salary is a negotiated item between
TABCO and the Board.
Mr. Hayden asked how our EHS salaries compare
with other counties.
Mr. Rauenzahn replied that we are lower
than most other counties. Mr. Hayden shared Dr. Hayman’s concern
about the conservative approach to salary and
urged the group to aim more in the direction
of drawing the highest quality teachers. Ms. Cohn agreed with Dr. Hayman and Mr.
Hayden on the importance of offering competitive
salaries to these teachers.
Mr. Kennedy thanked the Catonsville and Parkville
communities for bringing the Evening High School
issue to the attention of the Board and urged
support of the recommendations.
Ms. Cohn left the room at 9:06 p.m.
PERSONNEL MATTERS
On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Mr.
Kennedy, the Board approved the personnel matters
as presented on Exhibits D, E, F, and G. (Copies of the exhibits are attached to
the formal minutes.)
CONTRACT AWARDS
On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Barnhart,
the Board approved items 1-5.
1. Diplomas, Diploma Covers, and Certificates
(Extension)
2. Fuel Tank (Equipment and Services)
3. High Speed Optical Scanner
4. Library Operating Software (Data Conversion)
5. PC Training
BUILDING COMMITTEE
The Building Committee, represented by Mr.
Barnhart, recommended approval of items 1 and
2. The
Board approved these recommendations.
Mr. Hayden abstained from discussion
and voting on these items.
1. Major Maintenance Renovations – Featherbed Lane and
Franklin Elementary Schools
2.
Request to Negotiate – Professional
Inspection Services – Major Maintenance
Renovation Program
SCHOOL LEGISLATION
Dr. Poff briefly discussed the Governor’s
K-12 Education Operating Budget.
He noted the budget, as presented, contains
only a small portion of the Thornton Commission’s
recommendations.
Chairman Thornton will hold an unscheduled
meeting tomorrow to meet with leadership to
discuss two major areas not included in the
current budget—operating money for special
education and funding to assist special education
transportation. Dr. Poff noted that the increases in “Direct
Local Aid” are built into the budget based
on formulas with the exception of $19 million
dollars for the new Governor’s Early Education
Initiative and $11 million dollars for pre-K
initiatives.
On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Barnhart,
the Board voted to support HB 53 – Education–Maryland
Educational Opportunity Summer Program–Establishment.
On motion of Dr. Hayman, seconded by Mr. Barnhart,
the Board voted to support HB 57 – Baltimore
County-Education-Wireless Communications Technology-Pilot
Program.
On motion of Mr. Barnhart, seconded by Mr.
Kennedy, the Board voted to support SB 64 –
State Aid for Public Education-Schools for Success
Challenge Grants-Extension of Sunset.
On motion of Mr. Sasiadek, seconded by Mr.
Barnhart, the Board voted to support SB 88 –
Teachers’ Retirement and Pension System-Reemployment
of Retired Personnel.
Dr. Poff informed the audience that Mr. Arnold,
Dr. Hairston, and a representative group of
Board members would appear before the Board
of Public Works on Wednesday in our final appeal
for capital projects.
INFORMATION
The Board received the following as information:
A.Revisions to Rule 6130 – Magnet Schools
Admission
B.Minutes of the Southeast Area Educational
Advisory Council meeting, November 14, 2000.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:
Ø On Saturday,
January 27, 2001, the Board will meet in retreat
at 10:00 a.m. in the Administration Building.
No public business will be conducted
at the retreat.
Ø On Wednesday,
January 31, 2001, the Board will conduct a public
hearing on the proposed 2002 Operating Budget
at the Ridge/Ruxton School at 7:00 p.m. Speaker sign-up will begin at 6:15 p.m. The snow date will be Thursday, February
1.
Ø On Tuesday,
February 6, 2001, the Southeast Area Educational
Advisory Council will meet at Sussex Elementary
School at 7:30 p.m.
Ø On Thursday,
February 8, 2001, the Board will hold a work
session on the proposed operating budget at
Greenwood at 7:00 p.m.
Ø The next
regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of
Education of Baltimore County will be held on
Tuesday, February 13, 2001, 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 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome at all open sessions.
Ø The Wednesday,
March 28th, Board meeting has been
rescheduled for Thursday, March 29th.
This will allow time for Board members
to review materials for the Board meeting after
returning from a national conference earlier
in the week.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ms. Meghan Kotula, President of the Baltimore
County Student Councils, asked if a way can
be found to make improvements at middle and
high schools last longer.
BCSC executive board members will be
traveling to Annapolis next week to meet with
members of the Baltimore County Delegation to
discuss some key bills such as cell phones. Students feel they should be permitted
to carry them during the school day, not necessarily
use them. BCSC will continue to oppose public money
for private schools.
Another issue brought to Meghan’s
attention is the number of exams being scheduled
over a short period of time and the stress it
causes many students.
Finally, at the last General Assembly
meeting, student service learning was discussed. There was a recommendation to have service
trips for the whole school or for a class.
Ms. JoLynn Chadwick, Chair of the Citizens
Advisory Committee for Gifted/Talented Education,
noted the review of the proposed FY 2002 budget
at the committee’s last meeting.
The group enthusiastically supports the
following budget items:
1.
Implementation of a Training Course for
Teachers New to Gifted/Talented Program
2.
Distance Learning Initiative for Advanced
Placement
3.
Training Workshops and Seminars for SAT
and PSAT, Payment for PSAT, and Payment for
AP Tests in Hardship Cases
4.
Magnet Program Evaluation Study
5.
Grant Specialist
6.
Technology.
Ms Chadwick urged the Board to understand parent
and community concerns in the area of technology
and to keep them involved in the development
of all aspects of the use of technology.
Ms. Teresa LaMaster, Chair of the Citizens’
Advisory Committee for Special Education, voiced
the Committee’s position that the special
education positions in the Governor’s
budget should be funded. CACSE are urging parents to write the
Governor urging him to adopt the Thornton Commission
recommendations and place them in his budget.
The group has also written letters to
members of the General Assembly, and they are
preparing editorials on this issue.
Finally, the CACSE would like to arrange
meetings with the State Senators and Delegates
to have money included in the supplemental budget. She asked that the Board share their plans as to how they plan
to address this issue.
Ms. LaMaster offered the support of the
CACSE in the Board’s legislative efforts.
She also urged TABCO, the PTA Council,
and BCSC to make the issue of special education
funding a joint message to the legislature.
Ms. Maggie Kennedy, Coordinator of Area Educational
Advisory Councils, encouraged the Board to listen
to Meghan’s comments. She thanked Paul and Sandy Cunningham and Dunbar and Edie Brooks
for their dedication and leadership. Ms. Kennedy also recognized the importance of and the role
played by school nurses and congratulated Marilyn
Healy McDermott, Maryland’s School Nurse
of the Year, and school nurse at Mars Estates
Elementary School.
Ms. Kennedy noted a group of parents
who have been struggling with a transportation
concern for over two years and who will address
the Board later tonight. She asked the Board for a timely response
to their concerns.
Mr. Boyd Crouse, Chair of the Southeast Area
Educational Advisory Council, thanked Mr. Brooks
and Mr. Cunningham for their service to the
children of Baltimore County.
He echoed a comment from Mr. Brooks that
achievement of Baltimore County children would
not be possible without the cooperative effort
of the Board, the people who support it, and
the community.
Mr. Crouse noted the upcoming February
6 council meeting, and he also asked for information
about Study Circles so that he could better
understand the concept and explain it to parents.
Mr. Stephen Crum, a representative of the Southeast
Area Educational Advisory Council, expressed
his appreciation for the time and effort given
by Mr. Brooks and Mr. Cunningham for the students
and citizens of Baltimore County.
Ms. Linda Fitchett, a representative of the
Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees,
noted that the group met recently with the County
Council and laid out CASE’s priorities
and asked Council members for their support
of the Superintendent’s budget.
Ms. Laura Nossel, President of the PTA Council
of Baltimore County, reminded Board members
of the PTA’s general meeting on January
25th. With regard to the budget, she expressed
concern about some school-based teams not being
involved in the development of goals as has
been done in the past. Ms. Nossel also noted that she and Mr. Franklin would be reviewing
the Abell Report at MSDE later this week.
Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers’
Association of Baltimore County, thanked Mr.
Brooks and Mr. Cunningham for 20 years of collective
service provided to Baltimore County Public
Schools. He expressed his appreciation for the Board’s support
of TABCO’s Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration
last week. Mr. Beytin informed the Board that since
the creation of TABCO’s Kid Care program,
$257,000 has been disseminated to provide emergency
help to students. He requested that copies of the legislative exhibit are made
available to the public.
Mr. Beytin commended Dr. Hairston for
making low performing schools a priority in
the FY 2002 budget and offered TABCO’s
assistance in making every school “a model
of success.”
Mr. Tom Henning, an attorney and a Meadow Hill
Court resident, addressed the Board about a
transportation concern.
For two years, the community has requested
a bus stop for their children be moved due to
safety considerations.
He noted Councilman Bartenfelder’s
support of their request. Mr. Henning was accompanied by three other
parents from the community.
Mrs. Nancy Henderson, PTSA President at Catonsville
High School and a member of the Evening School
Study Group, thanked the Superintendent for
seeing the value of reviewing the Evening High
School Program as well as addressing the concerns
of the Catonsville and Parkville communities. She expressed her thanks for the opportunity to serve on the
committee.
At 9:55 p.m., Mr. Barnhart moved to adjourn
the open meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hayden
and approved by the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________
Joe A. Hairston
Secretary-Treasurer
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