Woodlawn Middle School

Dr. Hairston distributed to Board members the most recent Woodlawn Middle School Local Resconstitution System Proposal.  The proposal had been presented to the State Board of Education on April 24, 2001, and accepted by them.  The proposal focuses on
cluster feeder patterns and a system of monitoring  (Test Trax).  Dr. Hairston stressed the importance of analyzing data to improve school performance.  Additionally, the proposal has a marked focus on staff development, quality teachers, and quality instruction and for appropriate mentoring.

Mr. Sasiadek commented that this would help to ensure quality.  Mr. Sasiadek requested a copy of the school improvement plan.

Dr. Hairston promised to adhere to the Phased Planning Process, so that everyone would be able to see the progress.

Mrs. Ettinger, too, was pleased with the cluster approach.  She asked that this be used systemwide.   

Dr. Hayman discussed the state review of process and plan.  He expressed concern with the number if systemwide, could there be more Woodlawn Middle Schools.

Dr. Hayman believed that the plan appeared to be very ambitious given timelines. He suggested other school systems coming off reconstitution identify schools (plan of prevention).

He also expressed concern that administrators involved in Woodlawn reconstitution were not present at the retreat.

Ms.  Ross-Holmes asked for suggestions as to what Board action could be taken concerning Woodlawn to support  professional development, multiculturalism, and a safe and orderly environment.  She asked the Superintendent for suggestions to reinforce initiatives, for example, to send home a stronger message. 

Dr. Hairston was delighted, and found Ms. Ross-Holmes comments “refreshing”.

Ms. Ettinger views this process with Woodlawn as a learning experience--to gain and prevent from being repeated.

Mr. Kennedy, referring to Critical Area III of the report--Maintain a Safe and Orderly School, suggested looking at police officers and resources. Mr. Kennedy asked for data about the schools periodically.

Dr. Hairston discussed systemic approach. Children did not create this problem. Other schools were discussed.  

Ms. Ross- Holmes asked the Superintendent’s legal counsel about what policies are in place that require professional development. Ms. Howie responded that there was a reading course requirement, and that Education That is Multicultural is in the State bylaw. Ms. Howie commented that the Superintendent can act in absence of policy and that the Superintendent does have rule-making ability.

Ms. Ross- Homes asked that as a system, is there a way to fine-tune checks and balances and see that the system is proactive before the threat of MSDE takeover? 

Dr. Hairston stated it is the system’s responsibility to set clear standards.

Ms. Johns commented that Central Staff, ESS supervisors and coordinators have been supportive of the Woodlawn effort. There has also been professional development assistance, balancing content, and matter of implementation.

Mr. Sasiadek discussed budgetary implications of the assistance provided to help Woodlawn succeed. He stressed that the County Council needs to understand, “Personally committed to make sure County Council realizes importance.” Dr. Hairston suggested referring to teams as Academic Support Teams. Dr. Hairston commented that he believes there is a good relationship with the County Council.

Mr. Arnold talked about internal benchmarks and getting back to Board.

Dr. Hairston talked about the Phased Planning Model to see where we are in relationship to where we are headed. 

Ms. Ettinger commented about coming year, seeing budget implications emerge.  She stated that what we are learning from Woodlawn Middle can be applied systemwide through the budget process. She asked several questions about summer school recommendations. 
Specifically, she asked staff to review the policy and rule implications. Can staff be required to attend?  What is the standard of employment?  She asked staff to review student attendance. 

Mr. Sasiadek talked about not thinking of summer school as merely an intervention for children who need help.  Intervention can take place during the year.  Ms. Ettinger commented about changing the language of policy.

Dr. Hairston commented about teacher workday being 6 ½ hr. - teachers need support. Teams will work systemwide.

Dr. Hayman remained unconvinced that teams would make a difference. 

Mr. Teplitzky asked, “What can the Board do, specifically, to assist?”  He called these critical policy questions and asked the Superintendent to clarify the role of Board in moving forward. 

Dr. Hairston described the Board’s role as support to provide resources sent to Woodlawn Middle School.

Mr. Teplitzky talked about which issues should be addressed.  For example, professional development, summer school, and budget. The focus should be on what the Board of Education needs to do.

Ms. Ross- Holmes asked that rules and regulations be examined and erected to support change.

Ms. Ross-Holmes thanked Dr. Hairston for the update. 

Ms. Cohn commented there was a need to get elementary schools involved. The cluster leadership team is crucial to establish uniformity.

New Town High School

Ms. Johns reported that at the May 15, 2001, Board meeting, Dr. Donald Krempel will present a report on the status of New Town High School.

The calendar through December 2001 was distributed.

Board Meetings

Based upon Mr. Arnold’s request, Dr. Hairston suggested in the future bringing items to one Board of Education meeting, to have time to reflect (e.g. “work session”).  The next Board of Education meeting would be devoted to action items.

Dr. Hairston suggested “phased planning” the school system’s business each month.  Board of Education members need time for deliberation.  In this way, they would have better control.

Mr. Arnold suggested that this be implemented for the following year.

Ms. Ettinger asked about Building Committee issues that are time sensitive and whether that would prevent a monthly business meeting.  She asked what flexibility existed to address situations that will emerge. 

Dr. Hairston responded that it is the staff’s responsibility to have items submitted in a timely manner.  

Ms. Ettinger was concerned about controversy.

Ms. Jung suggested having emergency meetings, work sessions, and board meetings.

Ms. Saffran- Brinks, Assistant County Attorney, reminded the Board that it has the power to call emergency meetings. 

Mr. Teplitzky commented that he could recall only three emergency meetings during his 8-year tenure on the Board.                            

Goals for Next Year - Ongoing

Ms. Ross-Holmes discussed quarterly monitoring of student achievement.  She asked for planned reports, benchmarks, assessment, viability, and budget implications.

BOARD MEETINGS

Dr. Hairston expanded Phased Planning. 

Mr. Arnold discussed using technology for Board timelines.

Dr. Hayman commented that the Board should decide how to run meetings. 

Mr. Kennedy suggested forming an ad hoc committee to review how Board meetings are run.

Mr. Sasiadek discussed Building Committee.  He agreed that the Board should form an ad hoc committee to look at ways to structure meetings and explore ways to greater connect work sessions with action items.

Ms. Howie commented regarding Board of Education approval of Mr. Hayden’s report. 

Mr. Sasiadek commented on need for automatic review of the Ethics Review Policy. 

Ms. Ettinger believed that it would be valuable to review the report on the Ethics Review Panel Report.  

Goals for Next Year – Suggestions

COMMITTEES

Mr. Arnold appointed Ms. Ross-Holmes as a Board Liaison and “sounding board” to the Facilities Division.

Teacher and Administrator Work Load – Jim Sasiadek, Board Liaison

Mr.Teplitzky suggested that workload not be limited to teachers.  He recommended that a committee be commissioned to study future Board of Education meetings.

Dr. Hayman suggested a Board self-assessment be considered.

Ms. Ross-Holmes discussed MABE in looking for resource for tools and instruments.

Ms. Ross-Holmes commented on the new reorganization and asked how principals reporting to Superintendent could increase student achievement.

Mr. Kennedy commented on assessing the effectiveness of Board. 

Ms. Ross-Holmes asked whether on policies regarding aligned with the system. She expressed a need to look at additional policies.

Mr. Teplitzky discussed updates and decisions.

Ms. Ettinger suggested a possible area of focus--improving public relations efforts. There was meaningful discussion.   She believed it to be an area that requires attention and concern. 

Mr. Teplitzky discussed framework of board meetings--weekends, etc. 

Ms. Ettinger commented that for future work sessions she would like to hear strategies for attracting new teachers including developing a mechanism to track progress. 

Several members mentioned issues that could be addressed in the future work sessions.  Mr. Sasiadek  recommended staff development, new teacher induction, the new reading series, and teacher improvement. 

Mr. Kennedy asked for more information on nonpublic placement, specifically, how are funds being spent.  

Student Voting

Dr. Poff presented a student voting update and referenced his April 14, 2000 report.

Reorganization – Review

Dr. Hairston handed out a document, referencing to reorganization (see Peter Drucker, “Effective Executive.” Dr. Hairston discussed change. He referenced the rate of change and making fundamental adjustments.  He discussed social and economic trends.  The system has an obligation.  Organizational structure is not based on individual inadequacies, but based on challenges. The County Council supported study.  Dr. Hairston commented that children need to be taught.

Ms. Jung commented that she likes what she sees.  She asked about the appropriate time to verbalize questions about the reorganization.

Dr. Hairston commented that the structure is in place. The Executive Director’s role is to monitor and evaluate.

Mr. Teplitzky asked the question, “How are we going to make changes in administration?”

Dr. Hairston discussed the reorganization as creating opportunities.

Mr. Kennedy  applauded changes.  The Board is doing right by the system in sending positive messages.  

Mr. Kennedy commented that he was satisfied with the reorganization.

Mr. Sasiadek applauded Dr. Hairston’s decisions regarding reorganization and requested job descriptions on new positions.

Dr. Hairston commented regarding meetings with Area Advisory groups. Dr. Hairston said that the Management Report Study was a guide for Superintendent to use and enables the Superintendent to best utilize resources. 

Mr. Sasiadek  commented on responsiveness to parents.

Ms. Ross- Holmes commented on the cleanliness of our buildings. 

Ms. Howie discussed the 2200 Series for policies and positions.

Ms. Ross- Holmes suggested a Policy Review Committee and discussed how, as a Board, it can support the reorganization.

Ms. Ettinger  commented that a designated staff member reviews policy in other school systems. She applauded the reorganization. Ms. Ettinger commented that it was essential to have central office support schools.

Mr. Arnold  commented on advisory groups. 

Mr. Walker applauded reorganization decisions. He referenced personal and political ramifications.

Mr. Arnold referred to public comments and asked staff to include in the Friday letter the information provided to individuals who spoke in public session.

Dr. Hayman left at approximately 2:00 p.m.

Closed  Session Minutes

At 2:00 p.m., Mr. Arnold moved that the Board of Education go into closed session to discuss personnel matters and to consult with counsel pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, Section 10-508(a)(1) and (a) (7).  The motion was
seconded by Ms. Ettinger and unanimously approved by the Board.

Ms. Audette advised the Board on personnel whose decisions resulted in increased costs to the system.

Ms. Saffran-Brinks, Assistant County Attorney for the Board of Education, advised the Board members of their legal obligations under state law.

Dr. Hairston provided Board Members with additional information concerning appointments. The retreat was concluded at 3:45 p.m.

                                                                                                Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                                Joe A. Hairston

                                                                                                Secretary-Treasurer