TENTATIVE MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY,
MARYLAND
Thursday, March 29, 2001
Mr. Sasiadek entered the room at 4:40 p.m.
The Board discussed dates for several upcoming functions.
At 4:47 p.m., Mr. Barnhart moved the Board go into closed session to consult with counsel pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, §10-508(a)(7). The motion was seconded by Mr. Sasiadek and unanimously approved by the Board.
Mr. Doug Silber, Assistant County Attorney, briefed the Board on a matter dealing with one of our construction projects.
Mr. Haines, Counsel to the Board of Education, briefed the Board on a matter dealing with potential litigation.
Ms. Jung entered the room at 4:56 p.m.; Dr. Hayman entered the room at 5:01 p.m.
At 5:23 p.m., Mr. Barnhart moved to adjourn the closed session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hayden and approved by the Board.
The Board hosted members of the Executive Board of the Baltimore County Recreation and Parks for dinner.
The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, reconvened in open session at 7:33 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, Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Mr. James R. Sasiadek, 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 Miss Becca Jones, a student at Patapsco High School, 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 Report of the Public Hearing, March 12, 2001, and the open and closed session minutes of March 13, 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.
Ms. Jung entered the room at 7:35 p.m.
Dr. Hairston noted the attendance of several board members at the recent National School Boards Conference in San Diego. He also mentioned presentations by Ms. Margaret-Ann Howie of the Law Office and the ParentMobile presentation by members of the Office of Business, Community, and Parent Relations.
Dr. Hairston also informed the audience of his luncheon earlier that day with the County Executive and two astronauts, Dr. Tom Jones and Commander Robert Curbeam, who are Baltimore County Public Schools graduates. After lunch, Dr. Hairston and Commander Curbeam visited Woodlawn High School.
The Office of Athletics recognized twelve schools for their participation in the Allied Sports Program this winter. Certificates were presented to each school by Mr. Arnold.
On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Mr. Barnhart, the Board approved Erica A. Cohn as a voting member of the Board of Education for consideration of the New Town Elementary School boundary proposal, in accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Education Article, §3-109(b)(3)(iv). Mr. Hayden cast a dissenting vote.
Mr. Barnhart moved approval of Scenario C for the boundaries of the New Town Elementary School. The motion was seconded by Dr. Hayman.
Ms. Flynn provided a brief history of the boundary change process for the New Town Elementary School.
Mr. Kennedy noted that the committee's purview did not include looking into boundaries for other schools. He asked if other Northwest Area schools' boundaries would be examined in the future. Ms. Flynn stated that needs for boundary changes based on enrollments are reviewed on a yearly basis.
Ms. Cohn, noting that several of the proposals would not provide relief for Milbrook Elementary School, asked Ms. Flynn to provide an update on what would be happening with Milbrook in the future. Ms. Flynn stated that the process discussed earlier with Mr. Kennedy would probably include Milbrook in the fall.
Ms. Walker noted that all the parents who attended the Board's recent hearing felt Deer Park Elementary School would be hit particularly hard and asked Ms. Flynn to react. Ms. Flynn stated Deer Park is the school closest to New Town, and even though the New Town boundaries will provide them some relief, in two years, Deer Park will exceed its capacity. Mr. Walker asked if it could be assumed that the parents who didn't appear at the hearing felt Scenario C was acceptable. Ms. Flynn replied that 86% of those who came to the Community Forum clearly favored "C." Ms. Carter added that of the over 80 people who came to the Forum representing Deer Park, less than the majority favored "D." The others voted for "C" or "C-2."
Ms. Sasiadek thanked the people who served on the committee. He also thanked the parents who participated in the community meetings.
Ms. Ettinger also shared her appreciation for those who worked on this process. She inquired about the concern of one parent with regard to walker patterns in the plan and asked that parents be kept informed. Ms. Carter stated that Ms. Strauss, the principal of New Town, has begun working with Transportation on the walking boundary for the school and is looking at safety factors.
The Board approved Scenario C as the boundaries for New Town Elementary School.
The Board received the following reports:
A. Proposed Schedule of Board Meetings, 2001-2002&emdash;Dr. Hayman expressed concern that a board meeting was tentatively scheduled on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, January 15. He recognized the fact that the school system will be closed on January 21st in observance of Dr. King's birthday. The Board will take action on this item at the April 24th meeting.
B. Report on Food and Nutrition Services&emdash;Ms. Koehler provided information about the mission, operations, procurement practices, facilities and equipment of the Office of Food and Nutrition Services. She also provided information about the Food Service warehouse, finance, professional development, and information technology with respect to her office.
Mr. Hayden inquired about opportunities to educate children about nutrition as they pass through the cafeteria lines. Mr. Koehler responded that all cafeterias display posters of food pyramids and related materials. Cafeteria staffs also work with school nurses and counselors to help educate students about nutrition.
Responding to an inquiry by Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Koehler indicated that the school system is having difficulty finding cafeteria workers and that most, with the exception of central office, are part-time employees.
Dr. Hayman suggested that needs, concerns, and recommendations be included in staff reports. He asserted that the figure of 28,452 students eligible for free and reduced lunch seems to be low. Dr. Hayman asked if the food service program is ever evaluated by students, teacher, and parents. Ms. Koehler stated that food service area assistants conduct focus groups where issues such as menu and environment are discussed with students. Teachers, administrators, and parents have also been invited to provide feedback. She added that the United States Department of Agriculture evaluates our program every five years, and the Maryland State Department of Education's Food Nutrition Office evaluates our program annually. Finally, Dr. Hayman shared Ms. Cohn's earlier concern about the scheduling of lunch too early or too late in the school day and suggested creativity in our use of space and scheduling.
Ms. Ettinger noted that with addition of wings to school buildings and school renovations and growing student populations, we are left with inadequate lunchroom facilities and asked Ms. Koehler for her recommendations. Ms. Koehler stated that the past several renovations have included wings, such as Franklin Middle, Franklin, Parkville, & Woodlawn High Schools, where extensions have been added where satellite cafeterias have been placed. She recognized the fact that as schools get larger, we have to address the issue of how to feed the children and the space in which to feed them.
Ms. Jung inquired about alternative ideas, such as students being able to go outside in warm weather to eat lunch. Mr. Koehler responded by stating that the schools she is aware of that offer that type of service are in warm climates and noted that we would be able to offer that option only on limited days. Ms. Jung asked Ms. Koehler to continue to look at the space issue.
With respect to SB 435, Mr. Walker asked Ms. Koehler about the impact of commercial vending machines on the food services program. Ms. Koehler noted there would be a financial impact, but more serious would be the concern about the quality of food the students would eat. She stated the language of the proposed legislation was restrictive enough and felt current laws should be enforced.
On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, 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.)
Ms. Ross-Holmes pulled items 1 & 3 for further discussion. On motion of Mr. Barnhart, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board approved items 2, 4, 5 and 6.
2. Contracted Services: HVAC Repair Services
4. Procurement Card Provider (Extension)
5. Telephone Supply and Materials (Expansion of Award Value)
6. Telephone: Long Distance Service
Ms. Ross-Holmes asked for the rationale for funding the uniforms through the school's operating budget. Ms. Cook corrected a statement in that item to reflect that approximately 50% of the cost for the uniforms will be funded through the school's booster group.
Dr. Hayman asked if splitting the cost of band uniforms was normal procedure. Ms. Cook responded that she had seen schools and booster groups share the cost as well as one or the other bear the full burden, but she noted the Purchasing Office was involved in this procurement because of the overall cost of the uniforms&emdash;over $15,000.
Ms. Ross-Holmes asked if the services of the Purchasing Office were available to all Baltimore County Public Schools in cases where the booster group raises funds for a project. She also inquired about how this service is communicated to the schools. Ms. Cook stated her office's services are available to our schools. She stated her office speaks directly to PTA's and sometimes schools call the Purchasing Office asking for advice and assistance.
Ms. Jung suggested this information be shared across the school system on an equal basis. Dr. Hairston stated this concern would be brought up at a staff meeting and area superintendents would be asked to communicate this information to their schools.
On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Barnhart, the Board approved item 1 &endash; Band Uniforms: Western School of Technology.
Ms. Ross-Holmes asked if consideration had been given in terms of extending the availability of school funding to middle schools for graphing calculators. Ms. Baltzley, Supervisor in Secondary Math, explained the grant funding provides calculators to special education students only. It is felt that middle school students already have daily access to the calculators, and the calculators can be signed out. She also noted the calculators will be needed for the High School Assessments.
On motion of Mr. Sasiadek, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved item 3 &endash; Graphing Calculators.
The Building Committee, represented by Mr. Barnhart, recommended approval of items 1-17 and 19-21 (Item 18 was withdrawn from consideration.) Mr. Hayden pulled item 20, and Mr. Walker pulled item 11. The Board approved recommendations 1-10, 12-19, and 21.
1. Major Maintenance Renovation Projects &endash; Bear Creek Elementary School
2. Major Maintenance Renovation Projects &endash; Carroll Manor, Fifth District, and Prettyboy Elementary Schools
3. Major Maintenance Renovation Projects &endash; Johnnycake and Westowne Elementary Schools
4. Major Maintenance Renovation Projects &endash; Woodmoor Elementary School
5. Major Maintenance Renovation Projects &endash; Bedford, Wellwood, and Hebbville Elementary Schools
6. Gym Locker Replacements &endash; Eastern Technical and Loch Raven High Schools
7. Boiler Replacement &endash; Logan Elementary School
8. Fire Alarm System Upgrade &endash; Parkville Middle School
9. Window Replacement &endash; Woodlawn High School
10. Bleacher Replacements &endash; Seven High Schools
12. Fee Acceptance &endash; Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program &endash; Cedarmere, Milbrook, Pine Grove, and Relay Elementary Schools
13. Fee Acceptance &endash; Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program &endash; Chadwick, Gunpowder, Halethorpe, and Hillcrest Elementary Schools
14. Fee Acceptance &endash; Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program &endash; Charlesmont, Red House Run, and Sandy Plains Elementary School
15. Fee Acceptance &endash; Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program &endash; Chatsworth, Seventh District, Warren, and Woodbridge Elementary Schools
16. Fee Acceptance &endash; Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program &endash; Deer Park, McCormick, Powhatan, and Seneca Elementary Schools
17. Fee Acceptance &endash; Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program &endash; Eastwood Center, Pinewood, and Riderwood Elementary Schools
19. Fee Acceptance &endash; Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program &endash; Hernwood, Lansdowne, Padonia, and Summit Park Elementary Schools
21. Change Order &endash; Architectural/Engineering Design Services for Subdivision of Open Spaces and Science Laboratory Renovations &endash; Chesapeake High School
Recalling another item for Randallstown Elementary School at the last board meeting, Mr. Walker asked if the totals for these add-ons were being monitored, noting that these costs may have reached or exceeded the cost of a new school. Dr. Krempel stated that this item for the relocation of utilities is not an add-on but a fixed cost. He also noted that Facilities does monitor all project costs. The Randallstown Elementary School project is on budget and on time.
As recommended by the Building Committee, the Board approved item 3 &endash; Relocation of Utilities &endash; Randallstown Elementary School.
As recommended by the Building Committee, the Board approved item 20 &endash; Fee Acceptance &endash; Construction Inspection Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program &endash; Various Schools. Mr. Hayden abstained from discussion or voting on this item.
Mr. Barnhart moved approval of the reallocation of $5,969,669 in capital funds. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hayden.
At Ms. Ross-Holmes's request, Dr. Krempel explained the process used for selecting the recommendations included in the exhibit.
Mr. Sasiadek expressed his delight at realizing savings on some of our construction projects. He also shared his happiness at seeing the reallocations support the Blueprint for Progress. Mr. Sasiadek asked Dr. Krempel to remember the window replacement projects.
Ms. Ettinger asked Dr. Krempel to elaborate on the reallocation of funds for Crisis/Time Out Rooms. Dr. Krempel explained that over the years, these rooms have been constructed not in accordance with appropriate codes and construction materials and designs have not been consistent. With this reallocation of funds, we will have a methodical system of design and construction with applicable codes and standards.
Ms. Ettinger questioned the notation under that item regarding the elimination of Dulaney High School science, Overlea welding, and reduced crisis/time out. Dr. Krempel will get back to Ms. Ettinger with that information.
The Board approved the reallocation of capital funds in the amount of $5,969,669. The funds are from completed capital projects and will be reallocated to other pending projects.
Mr. Arnold noted there were no new items to be considered.
The Board received the following as information:
A. Revised Rule 4112.1 &endash; Hiring Retired Teachers
B. Revised Rule 4141 &endash; Salary Regulations &endash; Professional
C. Minutes of the Southwest Area Educational Advisory Council meeting, January 2001
D. Minutes of the Central Area Educational Advisory Council meeting, January 17, 2001.
Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:
- On Monday, April 2, 2001, the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Special Education will meet at 7:00 p.m. at Greenwood.
- On Tuesday, April 3, 2001, the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Deep Creek Middle School at 7:30 p.m.
- Schools and offices will be closed April 9-16, 2001, for Spring Break.
- On Tuesday, April 17, 2001, the Northwest Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Cedarmere Elementary School at 7:30 p.m.
- Also on Tuesday, April 17, 2001, the Southwest Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Johnnycake Elementary School at 7:30 p.m.
- On Wednesday, April 18, 2001, the Central Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Dulaney High School at 7:30 p.m.
- Also on Wednesday, April 18, 2001, the Northeast Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Golden Ring Middle School at 6:30 p.m.
- The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Tuesday, April 24, 2001, 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 left the room at 9:18 p.m.
Ms. Connie Peterson, Principal of the Rosedale Center, introduced Ms. Susan Stewart, a Rosedale parent, who shared her child's positive experiences at the school.
Ms. JoLynn Chadwick, President of the Citizens' Advisory Committee for Gifted and Talented Education, updated the Board on the group's activities over the last several weeks. Recommendations have been sent to Dr. Hairston who will visit with the committee in June. The advisory committee was represented at the meeting between the County Executive and stakeholder groups to discuss the school system's proposed operating budget. Representatives from the committee were in Annapolis earlier this week to lobby for support of an increase in state funds for gifted education. Finally, the Citizens' Advisory Committee will be assisting the Gifted and Talented Education Office with transition meetings for 5th and 8th graders.
Ms. Virginia Cass, a representative of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Special Education, informed board members that at the March 1st meeting of the committee, the policy for personal assistants was reviewed and recommendations made. Ms. Cass also stated that the Department of Special Education will conduct a Personal Assistant Training Day tomorrow. She noted that arrangements are being made for Mr. Arnold to attend the May meeting. Finally, Ms. Cass announced the Special Education Resource Fair will be held April 3. Ms. Cass thanked the Board for supporting the Citizens' Advisory Committee and recognizing its value.
Ms. Maggie Kennedy, Coordinator of Area Educational Advisory Councils, noted her attendance at the recent job fair and expressed hope that good candidates will come as a result of the event.
Ms. Meg O'Hare, Chair of the Northeast Area Educational Advisory Council, spoke of the council's most recent meeting where one of the topics discussed was the team intervisitation process, which she explained to the Board. She noted the enthusiasm expressed by of some the principals about this process. Ms. O'Hare then explained the lesson study initiative where teachers brainstorm a topic and from that session, a lesson plan is developed. Teachers pilot the lesson with one teaching and the other observing. Refinements are made to the plan and taught again. Ms. O'Hare was excited about the Northeast Area's lesson plan central web site which will post exemplary lessons. She also recognized the critical shortage of school leaders. Finally, Ms. O'Hare expressed delight in hearing about the Principals' Academy to be held in June.
Mr. Boyd Crouse, Chair of the Southeastern Area Educational Advisory Council, informed Board members that the group's focus this year was to promote community activism. He described how parent and community involvement brought about an acceptable compromise to a situation in one of the Northeast Area schools. Mr. Crouse notified Board members that a representative of the Southeast Area Council, along with other representatives of stakeholder groups, met with the County Executive to urge his support for the school system budget. The stakeholder groups feel strongly that less than full funding is not acceptable.
Ms. Paula Simon, a representative of the Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees, shared the group's anticipation of the report from the organization study. She thanked Dr. Hairston and Ms. Johns for listening to CASE's concerns and for the time given to CASE over the year.
By way of videotape, Ms. Laura Nossel, President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, spoke of the visit to the County Executive's office where, along with members of the other area councils, the County Executive was urged to support the operating budget request. She reiterated the PTA Council's request that individual schools collect similar data as was included in last year's general parent survey. Ms. Nossel shared the Council's concern for the need of a safe, secure indoor location for students when emergency/Code Red conditions warrant students being out of the school building for several hours. Ms. Nossel proudly announced that 22 of the Baltimore County Reflections winners were Maryland PTA State winners, and 4 of these were forwarded to the National PTA level.
Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, spoke about a new problem nationwide, that being the difficulty of finding quality educators to train future teachers. This could intensify the impending teacher shortage. Mr. Beytin stated that we must increase the collaboration between our school systems and university systems. With respect to yesterday's MSDE presentation on the "Maryland Task Force on Principalship," Mr. Beytin noted the recommendations contained in the report for MSDE and the LEA's could have been put into a teachers' report. He commended the principals for developing this report.
Ms. Donna LoRusso, a representative of the Margaret's Hill Community Association, reminded the Board of the group's past appearances in the last couple months. She advised the Board of the events that have occurred since the last time they appeared before the Board in their attempt to have a bus stop relocated. Ms. LoRusso shared her frustration with the sense of a lack of urgency regarding this matter and asked for the Board's assistance.
Mr. Anthony Fugett, President of the Baltimore County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, shared with the Board concerns expressed by parents and community members at a recent Town Hall meeting. These concerns included:
- The persistent disparity between achievement of the majority and minority students (lack of textbooks, computers)
- Large class sizes, poor facilities, and overcrowding
- Under representation in magnet programs and over representation in special education programs
- Large numbers of inexperienced and under qualified teachers concentrated in certain areas of the county
- A need for more competent staff and administration
- Inequitable disciplinary practices.
Mr. Fugett asked the Board to take positive action to ensure that all Baltimore County children receive a quality education.
At 9:58 p.m., Mr. Kennedy moved to adjourn the open session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Walker and approved by the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________
Joe A. Hairston
Secretary-Treasurer
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