TENTATIVE MINUTES

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND

Tuesday, April 24, 2001

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, met in open session at 4:33 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, Ms. Jean M. H. Jung, 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, was present.

Mr. Arnold reminded Board members of this Sunday’s retreat which will start at 10:30 a.m. in the Administration Building.

Mr. Hayden entered the room at 4:34 p.m.

At 4:35 p.m., Mr. Barnhart 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 Ms. Cohn and unanimously approved by the Board.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

Dr. Hairston discussed with Board members a proposed reorganization plan and its impact on a particular group of employees.The plan and accompanying personnel recommendations will be placed on this evening’s agenda for Board consideration.

Dr. Hayman entered the room at 4:42 p.m.

At 7:15 p.m., Mr. Walker moved to adjourn the closed session.The motion was seconded by Mr. Sasiadek and approved by the Board.

OPEN SESSION MINUTES

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, reconvened in open session at 7:55 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, 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 Ms. Sandra French, President of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, 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 March 29, 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 announced that students from Powhatan Elementary School recently traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to perform.While most of the students were primarily from Powhatan, there were also students from Woodlawn and Sudbrook Middle Schools as well as Church Lane and Featherbed Elementary Schools in the group.

Dr. Hairston reported that on April 16, the County Executive sent the school system’s budget to the County Council.The Council will hold a work session on May 21.Dr. Hairston thanked Count Executive Ruppersberger for his support of our budget.

On April 22, Dr. Hairston attended a ceremony in which Baltimore County Public Schools received an award from the Baltimore Jewish Council.The award recognized the school system’s outstanding commitment to Holocaust education.

Dr. Hairston provided background information on the recent organization study.The County Council provided the school system with an appropriation to conduct the study by MGT.Dr. Hairston reviewed the parameters and methodology of the study, as well as reports, data, and employee surveys.He noted there were 58 commendations from MGT, such as accurate enrollment projections, stringent investment policies and procedures, and implementation of the School Resource Officer Program.He also stated there were 200 recommendations.Dr. Hairston highlighted a sample of the recommendations, including reorganization of the central office, creation of formalized levels of leadership with well-defined purposes, reorganization of Educational Support Services to increase effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of curriculum, reorganization of Title 1, Gifted/Talented and Magnet Programs, and Special Education offices.

The Superintendent noted that many of the recommendations do not have a fiscal impact.Dr. Hairston stated that if we were to follow every recommendation in the report, the potential for net savings would be $11.2 million the first year, and a potential for savings of $85 million over a five-year period.He noted that some of the recommendations require further analysis because of the effect on the school system.With the recommended organization, Dr. Hairston stated that we anticipate savings of $1.5 million in 2001-02.

The goal of the proposed organization is greater services to the schools.In the proposal, the position of Area Superintendent would be abolished and replaced by Executive Directors of Schools who would monitor school performance and evaluate principals.There would also be Assistants to the Executive Director, who would serve a one-year term.This position would serve as a training ground for principals-to-be.There will be Executive Directors in Educational Support Services and Business Services as well as a Deputy Superintendent for Business Services.Dr. Hairston briefly reviewed the role and responsibilities of these positions.

Dr. Hairston announced that based on the Board’s action tonight, meetings with constituent groups will be scheduled starting Wednesday to go into further detail about the proposed organization.The superintendent also stated his willingness to meet with any group to review the proposal.

Mr. Walker moved approval of the Superintendent’s reorganization plan.The motion was seconded by Mr. Kennedy and approved by the Board.Mr. Hayden abstained from voting on this item.

Mr. Hayden expressed his disappointment that sufficient time wasn’t given to review the document before a vote was requested.

OLD BUSINESS

On motion of Mr. Hayden, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved the Proposed Schedule of Board Meetings, 2001-2002.

On motion of Ms. Ettinger, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, the Board approved proposed Policy 4112.2 – Employment:Principals.

REPORTS

The Board received the following reports:

A.On motion of Mr. Hayden, seconded by Mr. Walker, the Board approved a Resolution Proclaiming May 6-12, 2001, as Pupil Personnel Week.Mr. Arnold also read a Resolution from the Governor recognizing pupil personnel workers.

B.Report from the Maryland Association of Boards of Education – Dr. Carl Smith, Executive Director of MABE, noted that he and MABE’s president try to visit each school board on a staggered schedule.All boards of education belong to and are active in MABE.

Ms. Sandra French, MABE’s President, briefly discussed one of MABE’s goals this year—professional development.To provide the Board and audience some background, Ms. French stated that MABE was founded in

1957 by board members who believed a statewide organization would better serve Maryland students.MABE works collaboratively with stakeholders.Ms. French then shared MABE’s vision and mission, which is to ensure the highest quality of school board performance through training, service, and advocacy for children in public education.She recognized several Board members who serve on various MABE committees.One of the group’s priorities this year is board development through professional development.This is accomplished through new board member orientation, retreats, MABE’s annual conference, and Legal Services Association seminars.Ms. French extended to the Board the services of MABE.

C.Report on the Revised School Calendar 2000-01 – Ms. Norman announced that because all the snow days included in this year’s calendar were not used, the school calendar will be reduced by five (5) days.School will end for students on Friday, June 15.On motion of Mr. Sasiadek, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved the revised School Calendar for 2000-01.  

D.Report on Proposed School Calendar 2002-03 – Ms. Norman summarized the proposed school calendar for 2002-03. The calendar includes a pre-Labor Day start with an alternate offered for a post-Labor Day start.The public will have an opportunity to comment on the calendar at the May 15^th Board meeting, and Board members will vote on the calendar at the May 30^th meeting.

Dr. Hayman expressed concern about double days off for students—instances where perhaps a Friday is scheduled for professional development and Monday is a holiday.Ms. Norman responded that while she understood Dr. Hayman’s concern, there was committee discussion about coupling holidays with professional development days.Many people perceive this as a positive.Dr. Hayman also shared his concern that professional development days are scheduled on Fridays rather than the middle of the week.Ms. Norman stated that parent representatives have encouraged us not to schedule professional development days in the middle of the week because of the disruption of learning.

E.Summary of School Legislation – Dr. Poff provided an overview of the 2001 Legislative Session.He noted the Governor did not support the Thornton Committee recommendations and transportation funding for special education students.Dr. Poff also noted several initiatives that will have a positive impact on Baltimore County, such as the extension of the sunset date to 2007 for Challenge Grants, $1,600,000 for the preK-3 early childhood initiative, $500,000 for the foster care initiative, and $260,000 for summer programs as a result of the passage of HB 53.

 

Mr. Arnold thanked Dr. Poff for his hard work during this last session.He asked that Board members be kept informed of legislative activities.Ms. Jung also thanked Dr. Poff for his work in Annapolis and asked that Board members be kept informed about national legislation with regard to education.She also suggested we become more active at the national level.

Mr. Arnold introduced Carol Saffran-Brinks, the new Legal Counsel to the Board.

PERSONNEL MATTERS

On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, the Board approved the personnel matters as presented on Exhibits G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N.(Copies of the exhibits are attached to the formal minutes.)

Mr. Hayden noted that approximately half of the resignations listed in tonight’s exhibit have a year or less service and suggested we enhance our efforts to provide support for new teachers.He noted the MGT report compliments our system on the low teacher turnover, but the numbers reported by the system do not seem to be in alignment with the study’s finding.Mr. Hayden asked for clarification.

Ms. Ettinger asked about the backgrounds brought to the school system by these individuals who are resigning and whether there are patterns emerging.

CONTRACT AWARDS

Mr. Walker pulled item 14; Mr. Sasiadek pulled items 7 and 17.On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Dr. Hayman, the Board approved items 1-6, 8-13, 15, 16, 18, and 19.

1.Art Photography Supplies

2.Art Supplies

3.Audio-Visual Supplies

4.Contracted Services:Septic Systems

5.Contracted Services:Professional Auditing Service (Award Expansion)

6.Contracted Services:Recycling of PCB Lighting Ballasts

8.Family Studies Supplies

9.Food Service:Equipment (Kitchen)

10.Lubricants

11.Printing:Science Laboratory Manuals

12.Science Supplies

13.Secondary Math Supplies

15.Supplies:Door Hardware

16.Supplies:Interior and Exterior Replacement Doors

18.Temporary Programming Services

19.Food Service Renovations:Service Areas (Dundalk and Woodlawn

(High Schools)

Item 7

Mr. Sasiadek asked why we are paying for on-line ordering service.Mr. Kramer stated that the main focus of the on-line ordering service is to provide centralized reporting capabilities.If we were to access just a company’s web site, a large number of suppliers would be lost because they don’t have their own web site.Mr. Sasiadek noted that in the publishing area, there are no longer many independent companies.

On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Ms. Cohn, the Board approved a contract for Electronic Commerce (On-Line Ordering).Mr. Sasiadek cast a dissenting vote.  

Item 14

Mr. Walker inquired about the unusual caveat in this contract award where BCPS reserves the right to purchase the product from the company that has a plant closest to the job site.Mr. Nichols stated that asphalt has to be used within a certain time or it cannot be used in a correct fashion.

On motion of Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved contract awards for Supplies:Concrete and Asphalt.

Item 17

Mr. Sasiadek asked about the cost effectiveness of dealing with a Crofton company.Mr. Krempel responded that our employees will not have to go to Crofton to pick up the product--it will be delivered.

On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Dr. Hayman, the Board approved contracts for Supplies:Sand, Stone, Shredded Topsoil Mix, and Fill Dirt.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

The Building Committee, represented by Mr. Kennedy, recommended approval of items 1-15.Ms. Cohn pulled item 9 for further discussion.The Board approved recommendations 1-8, and 10-15.

1.Parking Lot Improvements – Carroll Manor Elementary School

2.Exterior Doors and Door Frames Replacement – Eastern Technical High School

3.Health Suite Renovations – Maiden Choice School

4.Running Track Replacement – Perry Hall High School

5.Running Track Replacement – Randallstown High School

6.Steel Package for Addition – Woodlawn High School

7.Brick Package for Addition – Woodlawn High School

8.Gymnasium Floor Refinishing – Five High Schools

10.New Kitchen Serving Lines – Forty Elementary Schools

11.Fee Acceptance – Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program – Fullerton, Glyndon, Oliver Beach, Sandalwood, and Shady Springs Elementary Schools

12.Fee Acceptance – Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Program – Logan, Reisterstown, and Timber Grove Elementary Schools

13.Fee Acceptance – Design Services for Window Replacement – Ridge Ruxton School

14.Change Order – Addition/Construction – Johnnycake Elementary School

15.Change Order – Design for Site Work – Stoneleigh Elementary School

Item 9

Ms. Cohn asked if the electrical upgrades were part of the technology initiative, to which Dr. Krempel responded it was not.

As recommended by the Building Committee, the Board approved item 9 – Electrical Service Upgrades – Twenty-three Elementary Schools.

INFORMATION

The Board received the following as information:

A.New Rule 4112.2 – Employment (Principals)

B.Minutes of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education meeting, February 12, 2001

C.Minutes of the Central Area Educational Advisory Council meeting, February 21, 2001.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

         Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:

Ø     On Sunday, April 29, 2001, the Board will meet in retreat at 10:30 a.m. in the Greenwood Administration Building.No public business will be conducted at the retreat.

Ø     On Monday, April 30, 2001, the Board will hold its last Recognition Night program of the 2000-01 school year at 7 p.m. at Cockeysville Middle School.

Ø     On Tuesday, May 8, 2001, the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Patapsco High School.

Ø     On Thursday, May 10, 2001, National Merit Semifinalists and Ethics Award winners will be recognized at 7 p.m. at Cockeysville Middle School.

Ø     On Monday, May 14, 2001, the Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education will meet at 7 p.m. at Greenwood.

Ø     The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 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.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Meghan Kotula, President of the Baltimore County Student Councils, applauded the pre-Labor Day start as proposed in the 2002-03 calendar.Next year’s officers have been elected and will be sworn in next month at BCSC’s annual bull roast.With the selection process for next year’s student board member taking place, Ms. Kotula expressed her hope that the Board would take a position on the issue of full voting rights for student board members.Mr. Arnold noted that the issue will be considered at the May 15^th meeting.

Mr. Robert Tune, a representative of the Advisory Committee for Alternative Education, introduced Michael Goldsmith, administrator at the Parkville Evening High School, and Frank Abbott, a teacher at the Parkville EHS.Mr. Goldsmith noted that the Evening High School program educates more than 1,500 students per school year, and Parkville educates about half of that group.Mr. Abbott stated he has been a teacher at the Parkville EHS program for two years.He noted the diversity of the students he teachers, not only in age but also in the areas they come from.Board members were invited to observe the Evening High School at Parkville.Mr. Tune also invited Board members to the Evening High School commencement on May 23^rd.

Ms. Teresa LaMaster, President of the Advisory Committee for Special Education, noted how parents, school officials, and government officials worked together in the budget process to produce a good result.She was puzzled at why the Board voted on the superintendent’s reorganization plan without comment and so quickly.Ms. LaMaster stated that parents want to support the Board and the superintendent, and it’s easier to do when there’s public discussion and when decisions are made with an opportunity for public input and comment before a vote.She distributed a handout with regard to federal funding of IDA.The information indicates the House Resolution is basically the same as what the President’s budget was, which is recommending $7.34 billion for special education funding next year.The Senate Resolution recommends $8.4 billion.Ms. LaMaster urged the Board to contact Baltimore County’s federal representatives to encourage support of SB 466.The handout also included a copy of an editorial from The New York Times.

Ms. Meg O’Hare, Chair of the Northeast Area Education Advisory Council, spoke about her work on the Reading Committee.She attended three presentations and reviewed information sent to her by one company.Ms. O’Hare contacted references provided by the company, and she also contacted a reading advocate in California for information.Her recommendation is the Open Court series.Finally, she wished Dr. Mohler well in his new position.

Mr. Stephen Crum, a representative of the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council, echoed Ms. O’Hare’s comment about the importance of reading.Mr. Crum informed Board members of the excellent meeting this month where Michelle Prumo presented information about wellness centers.Mr. Crum expressed hope that the advisory councils will be kept informed about the progress of the reorganization plan and changes that occur.He also expressed interest in learning more about the details of the plan.

Ms. Krys Seiler, a representative of the Central Area Educational Advisory Council, advised Board members of the Council’s future meetings and discussion topics.Ms. Seiler announced she will be leaving the Council after 9 years.

Ms. Linda Fitchett, a representative of the Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees, noted that phone calls had been received from members about how the reorganization plan will impact them in their jobs.CASE wants to work pro-actively with the Superintendent and his team to enable them to answer questions and quell fears of CASE members.Board members were invited to CASE’s picnic at Oregon Ridge.

Ms. Laura Nossel, President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, noted her concern as well as the concern of a few other PTA Council representatives in the audience for the rapid pace of the reorganization plan’s implementation and requested a copy of the report and a copy of the report for Woodlawn Middle School.Ms. Nossel noted her attendance at the recent Southeast Area Resource Fair.She informed the Board of the creation of an MSPAP Committee.This committee will monitor the work of the visionary panel.Also noted was the County Council’s May 1 hearing at Loch Raven High School.With respect to the PTA Council’s concerns about the Board’s response to public comment, Ms. Nossel asked if a way could be found to communicate responses to all.

Ms. Millie McDaniel and Ms. Linda Lee, representatives of the Volunteer Advisory Committee, shared with Board members the role of the committee.They shared with Board members some of the issues the committee has addressed.The group’s recommendations were also shared with Board members.

Ms. Roslyn Hodnett, a Woodbridge Elementary School parent, shared her concern about the open space classrooms at the school.She spoke of uncontrolled noise and distractions for students and teachers and the negative impact it has on learning.On behalf of the parents who accompanied Ms. Hodnett, she asked the Board to approve the necessary funding to place partitions in each classroom at Woodbridge prior to the start of the next school year.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Marcy Murphy, a Woodbridge Elementary School parent, shared the hope that her first grade child will not have to go through five years in open space.She noted that Dr. Krempel met with parents about this issue.She invited Board members to visit the school to observe the learning environment.Ms. Murphy noted Woodbridge is scheduled for improvements.It is her hope that partitions can be put in before the repairs are made.

Ms. Donna LoRusso, a representative of the Margaret’s Hill Community Association, informed Board members that their bus stop appeal has been resolved in the parents’ favor.She noted measures have been put in place to avoid a lengthy appeal process.Ms. LoRusso noted some positive outcomes from the group’s appeal.

Mr. Ellis Barksdale, a Randallstown Elementary School parent, thanked the Board for its past and future support of the Randallstown community.He expressed concern about the loss of many tenured teachers at the school.

Ms. Joan Ingram spoke of the need for Baltimore County Public Schools to establish clear procedures to address the needs of victims and parents of victims of sexual harassment.She stated parents need to be aware of their rights immediately following an incident.Ms. Ingram proposed a committee be formed to research and educate all BCPS personnel about the emotional needs of a victim of sexual harassment at each age level, specifically at the K-3 level.

Ms. Yvette Harris, a Randallstown Elementary School parent, noted that her child’s school has been directed to cut teachers because of a surplus.Parents are concerned that cuts will not include non-tenured teachers.She spoke of the importance of tenured teachers. Ms. Harris requested consideration be given to the school’s stability when considering the number of positions to be cut.She noted the PTA’s diligence in seeking resolution to this matter.

At 10:53 p.m., Mr. Walker moved to adjourn the open session.The motion was seconded by Mr. Sasiadek and approved by the Board.

Respectfully submitted,

___________________

Joe A. Hairston

Secretary-Treasurer

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