Tuesday, March 13, 2001

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, met in open session at 5:25 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 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. Walker and unanimously approved by the Board.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

Dr. Hairston and Ms. Johns discussed the appointments on tonight’s agenda.

At 6:18 p.m., Mr. Kennedy moved to end the closed session for a brief dinner recess. The motion was seconded by Ms. Jung and approved by the Board.

OPEN SESSIION MINUTES

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, reconvened in open session at 7:42 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 Miss Shantra Sydnor and Miss Emily Eberwein, Lansdowne Elementary School students, 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 February 27, 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.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Dr. Hairston informed the audience that Parent Liaisons Kathy Kelly, Linda Richardson, and Wendy Prioleau will make a presentation before the Children’s Defense Fund’s annual conference in Washington next month.

The Superintendent also announced that Nancy Woodside of Dulaney High School has been named the Eastern District High School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Ms. Woodside will be honored at the annual conference of the National Association of Sports and Physical Education later this month.

Several Seventh District Elementary School fifth graders took first place honors in a state multi-media computer contest. Individual awards will be presented at the Convention Center. Dr. Hairston also commented on his visit to Fifth District and Seventh District Elementary Schools.

Two bus drivers from the Transportation Department took 2nd place in the National Special Needs Rodeo earlier this month in Phoenix. Sandy Boniface and Barbara Class have routes going to the Ridge Ruxton School.

Finally, with regard to MSPAP, Dr. Hairston announced that Baltimore County still has the distinction of having more schools performing at state standards.

OLD BUSINESS

Ms. Norman highlighted the proposed changes in the 2001-02 calendar.

Dr. Hayman expressed his concern about whether the one-day, school-based professional development day is meaningful. Ms. Satterfield explained that this time is an opportunity for schools to tailor their professional development to their staffs. She noted that there are staffs of varying experiences and stated schools with many new teachers will have a different focus than schools with more experienced teachers. Dr. Hayman voiced his interest in receiving additional information on whether there is a staff development plan that ties all of staff development into some purposeful activity.

Mr. Kennedy stated as a former teacher, he found these days to be helpful and noted that most principals work with Area Superintendents and curriculum offices to plan that day.

Ms. Ettinger suggested that parents be given more than a month’s notification about a school’s staff development day so they can make appropriate child care and work arrangements.

Mr. Sasiadek noted that other LEAs are interested in the model we have created on having staff development on particular days before and after holidays as well as the fact that most of our professional development days come early in the school year which is a critical time for instruction and could have the greatest impact on students the rest of the year.

On motion of Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved the proposed revisions to the 2001-2002 school calendar. Mr. Teplitzky cast a dissenting vote.

REPORTS

The Board received the following reports:

A. On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Ms. Cohn, the Board approved a resolution proclaiming March 2001 as Professional Social Work Month.

Dr. Hairston announced that teacher archaeologist George Brauer has been selected as the recipient of the Excellence in Public Education Award from the Society for American Archaeology. Mr. Brauer will receive the award at the group’s annual meeting next month.

B. Technology Update – Ms. Anne Gold, Principal of Lansdowne Elementary School, introduced four students who demonstrated how technology is being used at Lansdowne with a Power Point presentation about the Northwest.

Ms. Jones, Supervisor in Information Technology, provided a brief overview of the focus group report. The purpose of the focus group meetings was to look at the status of the use of technology in the instructional program. The following six items generated the most discussion during the eleven meetings:

1. The role of the technology liaison and the need for a full-time technology coordinator at each school
2. Curriculum Integration—Activities should be infused into the curriculum as curriculum guides are written and the need for leadership at the school level from administrators in promoting, encouraging, and requiring use of technology.
3. Standardization across the county for software infusion
4. Communication Issues
5. Professional Development – There is a need for the training on the application to be integrated with the use of the technology as teachers are using it.
6. Technical Support – Additional technical support and the same person doing the work and follow-up.

As the focus group brought together points, there were several that could be addressed without cost to the school system such as communication of the results of the group, scope and sequence of student indicators for instructional technology, the need for a software policy statement, and a Technology Planning Task Force.

Mr. Kennedy inquired about the people who serve as technology liaisons. Ms. Jones stated that with the exception of less than 10 people, every school’s liaison is a teacher, library media specialist, or, in a few cases, instructional assistant.

At the request of Ms. Ross-Holmes, Ms. Jones provided the rationale for the third bullet under Curriculum Integration. Ms. Ross-Holmes recommended Baltimore County create standards in terms of our expectations based upon the money we have allocated to this. She shared her concern that there might be variances across the county. Ms. Bailey spoke of her plans with respect to curriculum infusion in content areas.

Ms. Ettinger stated that the infusion of technology into the curriculum needs to be real, meaningful and directly tied to curriculum.

Ms. Jones informed Board members of the Instructional Software Fair to be held on April 18 at Eastern Technical High School.

Ms. Cohn asked how the coordination between technology and student achievement would be determined. Ms. Bailey stated it would be based on indicators. The Office of Educational Accountability will also be collecting data from a variety of sources, and we are drawing on studies done in other states.

Dr. Hayman expressed his concern about equity and adequacy for schools that do not have a technology magnet program or schools where parents cannot afford the type of technology that needs to be in place. Ms Jones responded that there is movement for standardization of hardware and software. Ms. Johns stated that most of the schools that received computers last fall did not have the 3:1 ratio. She acknowledged there is a minimum standard set, but there is still work to be done in this area. Dr. Hayman cautioned against confusing equity with equality.

Ms. Marchione, Director of Professional Development, updated information presented to the Board last fall. She reviewed the PC Training Summary and the Outlook 2000 Training Summary. Ms. Marchione stated that Phases I and II are underway and that her office is looking forward to the direction for Phase III. DataNetworks will be providing differentiated development for schools. Between May and December 2001, DataNetworks will be offering training at faculty meetings and workshops at the Summer Institute for School Improvement Planning. They are also committed to working with our low performing schools that have been identified as perhaps being eligible for the extended year employment. DataNetworks will look at individual school summer workshops as well as faculty meetings. Ms. Marchione stated there is a need for training office administrators in Excel, and two days of training for this group will be offered. There will be follow-up for Outlook training for the use of the calendar and scheduling. Professional Development is working to develop on-line registration for summer in-service course registration and sexual harassment training.

Ms. Cohn inquired about the percentage of teachers trained to date to which Ms. Marchione responded about 30-40%. She reminded everyone that there is a cadre of teachers who are already very skilled in PC use. She noted that all the technology liaisons have been trained and these people go back and train staff in the schools.

Dr. Hayman asked about feedback from the trainees, particularly teachers. Ms. Marchione indicated the evaluation piece is two-part—immediate training and application. The immediate feedback has been extremely positive. Professional Development is interested in the long-term application.

Mr. Barlow, Director of Technology, noted that his department’s focus has changed recently to the transition to the new email system implementation which will go live March 19th. Employees have been notified, and a call center will be created to assist employees the first few days after the changeover. Mr. Barlow described the infrastructure upgrades that have taken place over the last several months.

Mr. Arnold thanked Mr. Barlow and members of his department for their help in training board members. Mr. Kennedy noted that he has received many positive comments about the upgrades in schools.

C. Report on Proposed Policy and Rule 4112.2 – Dr. Smeallie provided a brief background on the proposed policy and rule. He noted that similar policies are being considered/adopted by neighboring school systems.

Responding to Board member inquiries, Dr. Smeallie stated the January date for a principal to indicate his/her plans to retire is not binding. Ms. Johns stated that if someone chooses to retire, there is no guarantee of automatic rehiring into the school system.

Dr. Hairston made it clear that retiring principals who are interested in being rehired must go through the application and interview process. It is the Board’s decision as to their assignment.

Mr. Arnold announced the Board will entertain public comment about the proposed policy on March 29th, and the Board will take action on the proposed policy on April 24th.

PERSONNEL MATTERS

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

CONTRACT AWARDS

Mr. Sasiadek pulled item 1. On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Dr. Hayman, the Board approved items 2-7.

1. Contracted Services: Boiler Cleaning
2. Contracted Services: Cleaning – Kitchen Exhaust Systems
3. Contracted Services: Training – Recognition and Reporting of Sexual Harassment
4. Interscholastic Athletic Equipment
5. Time and Materials: Fence
6. Used Automobiles (Security Personnel)

Item 1

Mr. Sasiadek inquired as to the placement of the color copier. Ms. Cook stated the copier will be placed at the Copy and Print Shop. This color copier will allow our Print Shop to do more work in-house that currently has to be sent out.

On motion of Ms. Cohn, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, the Board approved the contract award for the purchase of a color photocopier.

Ms. Jung thanked Ms. Cook for her hard work over the years and wished her well in the future. Mr. Arnold also expressed the Board’s appreciation to Ms. Cook, who is leaving the school system at the end of March.

FINANCING RESOLUTION

On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Walker, the Board approved a resolution for the financing of various vehicles.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

The Building Committee, represented by Mr. Kennedy, recommended approval of items 1-11. Mr. Hayden pulled items 2, 3, and 6; Ms. Cohn pulled item 10; and Mr. Walker pulled item 11. The Board approved recommendations 1, 4, 5, and 7-9. Item 12 – Transfer of Ridge School Property – was tabled.

1. Major Maintenance Renovation Projects – Chase, Hawthorne, and Victory Villa Elementary Schools
2. Auditorium/Stage Lighting Upgrade – Dulaney, Eastern Technical, and Overlea High Schools
3. Parking Lot Expansion – Fort Garrison Elementary School
4. Fee Acceptance – Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program – Carney, Deep Creek, and Harford Hills Elementary Schools
5. Fee Acceptance – Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program – Church Lane, Pot Spring, and Winfield Elementary Schools
6. Fee Acceptance – Construction Administration Services for Re-roofing Project – Victory Villa Elementary School

As recommended by the Building Committee, the Board approved recommendations 2, 3, and 6.

1. Major Maintenance Renovation Project – Sussex Elementary School
2. Major Maintenance Renovation Project – Villa Cresta Elementary School
3. Refrigerator/Freezer Replacements

Mr. Hayden abstained from discussion and voting on these items.

Item 10

Ms. Cohn inquired about the necessity to have four on-call consultants. Dr. Krempel responded that it is beneficial for negotiation purposes.

As recommended by the Building Committee, the Board approved item 10.

1. Request to Negotiate On-Call and Inspection Services for Roofing Projects – Various Schools

Item 11

Mr. Walker asked if the decision to expand the drop-off lanes was arbitrary, and he asked for the rationale behind the decision. Dr. Krempel explained the decision was made by the County Department of Traffic Engineering due to safety concerns.

1. Change Order – Addition/Renovation – Randallstown Elementary School

CHANGE TO CONTRACT

On motion of Mr. Hayden, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board approved a change in a contract for the Office of Transportation.

SCHOOL LEGISLATION

In Dr. Poff’s absence, Mr. Kennedy reminded Board members of a hearing on March 20th at 1:00 by the Senate Finance Committee on the collective bargaining bill. MABE is asking for board support against this bill. He also asked Board members to follow through with their commitments to contact legislators as requested recently.

INFORMATION

The Board received the following as information:

Minutes of the Central Area Educational Advisory Council Pre-Budget Meeting,

October 18, 2000.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:

• On Tuesday, March 20, 2001, the Northwest Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Milford Mill Academy at 7:30 p.m.
• Also on Tuesday, March 20, 2001, the Southwest Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Riverview Elementary School at 7:30 p.m.
• On Wednesday, March 21, 2001, the Central Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Cromwell Valley Elementary School at 7:30 p.m.
• Also on Wednesday, March 21, 2001, the Northeast Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Harford Hills Elementary School at 6:30 p.m.
• The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Thursday, March 29, 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 approximately 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome at all open sessions.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Meghan Kotula, President of the Baltimore County Student Councils, donated two birdhouses to Greenwood. The birdhouses were part of an environmental project undertaken by regional student councils. At today’s BCSC General Assembly meeting, Student Council representatives voted to oppose a bill in the Maryland General Assembly that would allow home school and private school students to participate in curricular activities. Later this month, BCSC will attend the state conference in Hagerstown. Ms. Kotula expressed her hope that the Board would soon vote on the issue of full voting rights for the student member.

Mr. Rob Santa Croce, Principal of the Meadowood Education Center and representative of the Alternative Education Advisory Committee, introduced Dr. Ralph Jenkins, an adjunct professor at Goucher College. Dr. Jenkins shared a letter he wrote to Mr. Santa Croce. In his letter, Dr. Jenkins recognizes Mr. Santa Croce’s leadership in managing the school’s total instructional program and mentions Mr. Santa Croce’s clear communication of expectations to students. Dr. Jenkins also noted that the Meadowood Center serves as a real life laboratory for Goucher students.

Ms. Maggie Kennedy, Coordinator of Area Educational Advisory Councils, noted that all area advisory councils along with the other advisory councils (Gifted/Talented, Special Education, Minority Achievement, Technology, and Alternative Programs) are looking forward to advocating for the fiscal year 2002 operating budget. She informed the Board of a meeting with the County Executive (or his representative) this week.

Mr. Stephen Crum, a representative of the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council, noted the council’s recent meeting where Pat Baltzley made a presentation on the prek-12 math program. With regard to the earlier discussion on technology, Mr. Crum stated that with the large infusion of computers, we need to have dedicated technology support individuals in the schools, not place additional duties on already overburdened staff members.

Ms. Janice Moore, a representative of the Central Area Educational Advisory Council, thanked Dr. Hairston for attending the Council’s February meeting. She also thanked the Board for supporting Dr. Hairston’s budget. A representative from the Central Area Council will attend the meeting this week with the County Executive. Finally, Ms. Moore announced the keynote speaker for the March meeting will be Jeanne Paynter who will speak about the magnet school selection process.

Dr. Ella White Campbell, a representative of the Minority Achievement Advisory Group, noted that for the last seven years, MAAG has served to advise and make recommendations to the Superintendent and the Board to increase African American student achievement. In 1998, the group questioned staff about actions being taken to address the problem. The responses indicated very little or nothing was being done. MAAG sent staff strategies to be pursued. In planning for next year’s focus, the group recently asked Dr. Hairston to have staff respond to the progress made on the original recommendations. The responses left MAAG frustrated and disappointed. Dr. Campbell stated many of the responses reflected little or no change in attitudes or actions in three years. She also stated there must be accountability for results at every level. MAAG is asking for the same just treatment for all students in Baltimore County Public Schools.

Ms. Laura Nossel, President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, thanked a number of Board and staff members who attended a recent meeting at Parkville Middle School. She also thanked Ms. Jung for recommending one day in the school calendar for each individual school to have staff development. With respect to school safety, Ms. Nossel encouraged Board and staff to make contact with school administrators to be certain Code Red plans are up to date and to communicate the plans to parents and guardians. Ms. Nossell announced that at the recent Baltimore County Commission for Women dinner, an Eastern Technical High School student was chosen as Young Woman of the Year. She reiterated that parents are willing to serve on committees that are being established.

Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, stated the school system must address the issue of compensation for computer liaisons in a significant manner. With regard to the legislative session, Mr. Beytin noted next week’s hearing on the collective bargaining bill. He also informed Board members that a bill which would have created an oversight commission to study MSPAP and make recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor was killed. Ms. Beytin stated the purpose of the bill was to make changes to MSPAP, not to eliminate MSPAP. Finally, Mr. Beytin announced that a large number of kindergarten teachers met in Annapolis with the County Delegation to discuss early childhood problems.

Ms. Ettinger noted two conferences held in Baltimore County last week and involving our school system. The first was the Oral History Conference sponsored through the Gifted Education Office. The conference involved oral historians from the area as well as middle school teachers from around the county. The second conference, the SADD Conference, involved many Baltimore County middle and high school students and was held at Martin’s West. Ms. Ettinger commended our students as well as the Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools for their involvement.

At 10:29 p.m., Mr. Kennedy moved the Board adjourn the open session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hayden and approved by the Board.

Respectfully submitted,

Joe A. Hairston

Secretary-Treasurer