TENTATIVE MINUTES 

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND

Tuesday, May 15, 2001

The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, met in open session at 5:06 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: Ms. Erica A. Cohn, 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. Arnold informed Board members of a request from the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) with regard to proposals for additions and amendments to MABE’s Beliefs & Policies statement. Ms. Zepp will send out copies of the bylaws to Board members.

Another request from MABE was for nominations for its annual Willis Award. Board members agreed to submit the name of a former Board president.

Mr. Arnold notified Board members of the expiration of term for school system’s Legal Services Association Director. As there were no Board member objections to the reappointment of the current director, Ms. Zepp will notify MABE of the Board’s decision.

At 5:08 p.m., Mr. Walker moved that the Board go into closed session to discuss personnel matters and to consult with counsel and staff pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, State Government Article, §10-508(a)(1) and (a)(8). The motion was seconded by Mr. Teplitzky and unanimously approved by the Board.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

Ms. Johns reviewed with Board members the appointment on tonight’s agenda.

Mr. Hayden entered the room at 5:10 p.m.; Dr. Hayman entered the room at 5:14 p.m.

Ms. Johns informed Board members of a matter involving potential litigation.

The Board also consulted with counsel regarding a settlement negotiation.

At 6:43 p.m., Mr. Walker moved the Board return to open session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Teplitzky and approved by the Board.

OPEN SESSION MINUTES

Mr. Arnold reminded Board members that a presentation would be made tonight with regard to full voting rights for student board members. He also reminded members that if approved, such a change would need to go through the legislature to change the existing law.

Mr. Arnold polled Board members on their attendance at a future conference.

At 6:48 p.m., Ms. Cohn moved to end the open session for a brief dinner recess. The motion was seconded by Ms. Jung and approved by the Board.

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: 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, 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 media.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The open session commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, which was led by Mr. Bill Ingram, former President of the National School Boards Association, 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 April 24, 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.

RECOGNITION

Mr. William Stang, a bus driver with the Department of Transportation, and Mr. Jordan Bach, a teacher at Seneca Elementary School, were recognized for their quick thinking and heroic actions in two recent incidents. Both were presented Certificates of Appreciation.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Hairston informed the Board and audience of several recent activities at which there was a high level of participation—a Board dinner meeting with the PTA Council, a meeting of the Work Force Development Council, TABCO’s Recognition/Retirement Dinner, the State’s Attorney’s Anti-Drug Ceremony, a writing contest reception, Baltimore County Student Councils’ annual Bull Roast, the Board’s program to recognize and honor National Merit Semifinalists and Ethics Award winners, and a dinner sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

OLD BUSINESS

Dr. George Poff, Assistant to the Superintendent for Governmental Relation, reviewed the history behind the Baltimore County student board member. He noted that the first mention of a student board member appeared in the Annotated Code of Maryland in 1980, with modifications in 1983 and 1993. Dr. Poff shared the attitudes and opinions of the Board’s predecessors. The overall theme was the protection of the student from interest groups who might lobby the student on items such as budget, teacher disciplinary actions, and various items of importance with regard to collective bargaining. There were concerns about undue pressure being placed on the student by those who were in authority over the student. Another concern at the time was that the student was a member for only one year and did not possess the basis for the kinds of responsibility that were necessary to make important decisions on issues with far-reaching impact on programs and employees. Dr. Poff noted that in the past, board members felt the changes in the law in 1993 were appropriate.

Ms. Meghan Kotula, President of the Baltimore County Student Councils, described the selection process for the student board member. She noted that Anne Arundel County’s student board member, who is the only student board member in the nation with full voting rights, is chosen by student vote, rather than appointment by the Governor, as is the case in Baltimore County. Ms. Kotula noted that the student board member is in school every day throughout the year and hears first hand concerns of fellow students. Ms. Kotula noted the many ways in which the student board member serves her constituents and the leadership positions the current student board member, Erica Cohn, holds. Responding to Dr. Poff’s statement about the one-year term of the student board member, Ms. Kotula noted the high caliber of students selected for the position and their ability to catch on quickly and handle complicated situations.

Ms. Jung moved the Board support full voting rights for its student board members. Mr. Sasiadek seconded the motion.

Mr. Kennedy noted that in his opinion the student board member lacks the experience to fully understand the issues and may not be ready to make a decision that could have a significant impact. He stated his intention to vote against the motion.

Ms. Jung noted the extraordinary quality of our student board members and expressed her faith in the students that are selected to serve.

Dr. Hayman shared his support of the motion. He stated that students bring a different perspective to decisions that differ from the adults. Dr. Hayman also stated that a precedent has been set in Anne Arundel County and that a student board member with full voting rights has not proved detrimental to their decision-making process.          

Mr. Teplitzky noted the importance of the student’s perspective on issues, but indicated there should be a limit on their voting rights. He stated that the student’s focus should be school. His reasons for not supporting the motion included students voting on multi-year issues and sensitive personnel issues where the student may be subject to lobbying at home and school. Mr. Teplitzky supports a full participatory role on the issues by the student member and partial voting rights.

Mr. Sasiadek shared his support of the motion. He stated that we must trust what we have done in education. He noted that the two students with whom he has served are true representatives of the students who have served on the Board.

Ms. Cohn noted that Baltimore County is ahead of other school systems in the nation in that many systems do not realize that students are active members of boards of educations. She stated that a number of systems in the nation are working toward full voting rights.

Mr. Hayden shared Mr. Teplitzky’s comments. He also noted that the Governor is not required to support the selected candidate and can select any 11^th or 12^th grade student. Mr. Hayden noted the importance of experience and how a student’s first vote could be for terminating an employee or for collective bargaining. He is not in favor of supporting the motion.

Ms. Ross-Holmes acknowledged how fortunate this board has been in the students who have been chosen to serve. However, she concurred with the comments of Mr. Teplitzky and Mr. Hayden.

Mr. Walker agreed with the high quality of the last two student board members, but expressed opposition to the motion.

Mr. Arnold noted that the effect of many of the items voted on are not realized until the following year, when the student member is no longer on the board. Another concern expressed by Mr. Arnold was pressure being exerted from various sources on the student at a time when the student is faced with the everyday pressures of being a student. Mr. Arnold stated the Board values the opinions and comments of the student board members.

Ms. Jung noted that the level of student maturity has increased tremendously since this law was enacted.

By a vote of 6-4, the motion to support full voting rights for student board members in Baltimore County failed. Ms. Cohn, Ms. Jung, Mr. Sasiadek, and Dr. Hayman voted in support of the motion. Mr. Teplitzky, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Hayden, Ms. Ross-Holmes, and Mr. Walker voted in opposition.

REPORTS

The Board received the following reports:

A.Report on New Town High School—Dr. Krempel stated the new high school in the Northwest Area reflects an award winning prototype structure that adheres to our budget and is scheduled to open in 2003. Some of the features of the new facility include a building that is fully ADA accessible, air conditioned throughout, fully networked – computers in each classroom, and the latest design in library media centers.

Mr. Arnold noted that during Building Committee, it was suggested that a group of Board members might want to visit the prototype building in Queen Anne’s County.

At the request of Mr. Hayden, Dr. Krempel reported that Montgomery County Public Schools has placed in abeyance their entire construction program for 90 days on the premise that one elementary school came in $2.5 million over bid and, on average, their construction bid contracts have come in 15% higher than estimates.

Ms. Jung asked for the rationale behind one department chair and faculty office and four teacher-planning areas. Mr. Janney, Specialist in Educational Planning, stated that this was discussed with Mr. Beytin. Because of the student enrollment, faculty numbers, and the number of classrooms, it is expected that every teacher will have his/her own classroom and that four planning areas would be adequate.

Mr. Kennedy inquired about high school seats in the Northwest once New Town opens. Ms. Flynn stated projections show we should be able to maintain New Town within its projected capacity for about 10 years.

Mr. Teplitzky asked about changes and modifications to the original plan due to our own educational plan. Mr. Janney delineated a number of modifications including increased technical education space, creation of more classrooms of 1,200 square feet, and moving certain curricular areas closer together. Mr. Teplitzky requested a written summary of the changes to the specifications. Ms. Cohn asked that special education modifications be included in the summary. 

Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes asked if the plans presented tonight are final, to which Dr. Krempel responded affirmatively. She asked that consideration be given to the creation of a natural courtyard outside the dining area.

In response to a question by Mr. Walker, Mr. Janney described some of the safety features in the new school.

Dr. Hayman inquired about the school’s instructional emphasis. Ms. Flynn responded the plan is for a comprehensive high school that will offer a full range of high school courses.

Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, was asked to provide his impressions of the prototype facility in Kent Island, which he visited recently.

B.Report on Summer School Program—Ms. Bailey noted that Baltimore County’s summer school program serves over 10,000 students. One goal is to increase the number of students who experience summer school. This year’s emphasis continues to be on reading and math.

Mr. Rauenzahn reviewed some of the key points of the Summer School Guidelines and Programs manual. All summer school programs fall into three categories—Centralized, Extended Year Services, and Site-Based. Summer school programs will be continuously monitored for quality instruction and student growth. Mr. Rauenzahn noted that staff development will take place several days prior to the start of summer school.

Ms. Jung asked Mr. Rauenzahn to address staffing for centralized programs and programs at the site-based level that are implemented for teacher development. Mr. Rauenzahn stated that building administrators are selected by the area superintendents. In many cases, administrators are assistant principals in the school. In some cases, they are people who would like to become an administrator. With regard to teacher development, Mr. Rauenzahn noted that there are a number of models in our summer school, such as the Reading Institute. In that model, teachers are trained how to teach that program while they are teaching the students.

Mr. Rauenzahn answered questions about how student progress is monitored, how a student’s progress is translated in terms of the planning process for the next school year, communication of information to parents, teacher selection, and attendance procedures.

C.Report on Underachieving Schools—Ms. Johns provided background information with regard to the task force created by the superintendent to address student achievement in low performing schools. Mr. Beytin spoke of the task force’s recommendations. The recommendations were divided into several areas—School Selection Criteria, Staffing and Personnel, Learning Supports, Instructional Program, and Monitoring and Evaluation. Ms. Johns reviewed the Principles of Learning and Teaching. She noted that there has been a general upward trend in performance of our schools from 1993-2000 as measured by MSPP. However, extensive data analysis of MSPAP, CTBS, MFT, and SAT indicate that while some low performing schools are improving, others are staying the same or actually declining. The same trend can be found among schools scoring in the middle or in the high end of performance

Ms. Johns stated the Superintendent’s identified 17 program requirements were broken down into four categories—Focus on Teaching and Learning, Building School Capacity, Intervention and Prevention for Students and Staff, and Accountability. Three strategies have been identified—Academic Intervention Team, Timely and Accurate Data, and Extended Year (for elementary schools only).

The identified low performing schools are: Deep Creek, Edmondson Heights, Hebbville, Hernwood, Johnnycake, Powhatan, Riverview, Scotts Branch, Winfield and Woodmoor Elementary Schools. Secondary schools identified include Lansdowne Middle and High Schools, Middle River Middle, Old Court Middle, Southwest Academy, Stemmers Run Middle, Chesapeake, Dundalk, Milford Mill, and Woodlawn High Schools.

Ms. Ross-Holmes inquired about implementation of the framework. Ms. Johns responded that is has already started. Ms. Ross-Holmes also asked about communication with the identified schools. Dr. Hairston stated the first step in the process will occur after the County Council approves the school system budget. After approval, a series of meetings with the schools and stakeholders will be scheduled. Mr. Teplitzky stated that it is critical that we communicate with the administration of these schools so they can respond to parent inquiries. Dr. Hairston informed the Board that he had met with principals.

Dr. Hayman voiced his concern about the lack of a principal and only one teacher on the task force. He also stated by expanding the definition of student achievement beyond test scores, there would be more opportunities for schools to be involved. Dr. Hayman noted that although we have identified low performing schools, we have not acknowledged the gap in student achievement among African American and White students in those schools.   

He also stated that in some cases, low performing elementary schools feed into low performing middle and high schools. Attention needs to be paid to the schools receiving students from these identified schools. Mr. Walker also noted that many of the schools identified feed into Woodlawn.

 

With regard to schools that are not on the list, Mr. Teplitzky suggested that they be assured that resources will not be diverted from them.

D.Report on Proposed Revisions to Policy 5550 – Mr. Arnold announced the public will be invited to comment on the proposed revisions at the May 30^th meeting, and the Board will vote on the proposed revisions at the June 12^th meeting.

 

Mr. Rauenzahn described the proposed revisions, mostly technical in nature.

 

Dr. Hayman asked if the possession and use of a cell phone was included under Category I, to which Mr. Rauenzahn responded affirmatively. Mr. Rauenzahn stated the reason for the inclusion of cell phones is state law.

 

Mr. Teplitzky asked Dr. Poff to solicit support from our legislative delegation to seek a change in the law. Mr. Hayden and Ms. Ross-Holmes agreed with Mr. Teplitzky.

 

PERSONNEL MATTERS

On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Dr. Hayman, 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. Walker pulled item 2; Mr. Teplitzky pulled item 4; and Ms. Jung pulled item 5. On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Walker, the Board approved items 1, 3, and 6-14:

1.Career Education Supplies and Equipment

3.Copy (Reproduction) Services

6.Food Service: Dairy Products

7.Food Service: Food Products

8.         Food Service: Small Wares

9.Food Service: Uniform Shirts

10.Food Service: Kitchen Equipment Maintenance

11.Library Instructional Media

12.Physical Education Supplies and Equipment

13.Technology Education Supplies and Equipment

14.Direct Access Storage Devices

Item 2

Mr. Walker inquired about the number of schools with wells. Mr. Nichols responded there are nine schools whose water is tested monthly. On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Dr. Hayman, the Board approved a contract award for laboratory water testing.

Item 4

On motion of Ms. Jung, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved a contract award for the financing of cars, trucks, and school buses. Mr. Teplitzky abstained from discussion and voting on this item.

Item 5

Ms. Jung asked for an explanation of the wording, “that best meets the requirements of the program.” Mr. Nichols explained the reason for the wording was to ensure the promotional items suited our curriculum and complimented what is taking place in the schools. Each bidder specified the items they felt were appropriate based on the specifications in the bid.

On motion of Ms. Jung, seconded by Dr. Hayman, the Board approved a contract award for Food Service: Cafeteria Promotional Program.   

BUILDING COMMITTEE

The Building Committee, represented by Mr. Kennedy, recommended approval of items 1-14. The Board approved these recommendations.

1.New Gas Service – Berkshire Elementary School

2. Parking Lot Improvements – Charlesmont Elementary School

3.Parking Lot Resurfacing – Kenwood High School

4.Parking Lot Resurfacing – Lansdowne High School

5.Boiler Replacement – Rosedale Center

6.Fee Acceptance – Design Services for Systemic Renovations – BattleMonument School

7.Fee Acceptance – Consultant Design Services for Major MaintenanceRenovations – Cromwell Valley, Halstead, and Winand Elementary Schools 

8.Change Order – Major Maintenance Renovation Program – Battle

Grove Elementary School

9.Change Order – Major Maintenance Renovation Program – Chesapeake

Terrace Elementary School

10.Change Order – Major Maintenance Renovation Program – Fort

Garrison Elementary School

11.Change Order – Major Maintenance Renovation Program – Riverview

Elementary School

12.Change Order – Major Maintenance Renovation Program – Scotts Branch

Elementary School

13.Change Order – Addition and Renovations – Randallstown Elementary School

14.Site Work Settlement Agreement – New Town Elementary School

EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT

On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Mr. Walker, the Board agreed to extend an agreement between Baltimore County Public Schools and the Baltimore County Office of Employment and Training for $314,678.23.

BUDGET SUPPLEMENTS

On motion of Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Kennedy, the Board approved two budget supplements in the amounts of $5,302,715 and $10,484,234.

INFORMATION

The Board received the following as information:

A.Minutes of the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council meeting, March 6, 2001

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

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

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:

Ø     On Wednesday, May 16, 2001, the Central Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at Hereford Middle School at 7:30 p.m.

 

Ø     On Monday, May 21, 2001, the Citizens’ Advisory Committee for Special Education will meet at 7:00 p.m. at Greenwood.

Ø     On Tuesday, May 22, 2001, the Northwest Area Educational Advisory Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Owings Mills Elementary School.

Ø     Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2001, in observance of Memorial Day.

Ø     The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Wednesday, May 30, 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 approximately 7:30 p.m. The public is welcome at all open sessions.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Arnold reminded everyone that the Board will entertain public comment on the proposed revisions to Policy 5550 at the May 30^th Board meeting and will vote on the proposed 2002-03 calendar on May 30^th.

Ms. Meghan Kotula, President of the Baltimore County Student Councils, reviewed the activities and accomplishments of BCSC during the past year.

Ms. Teresa LaMaster, Chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Special Education, spoke of her research in the area of special education reading. Handouts were provided for the Board. She shared her concern of how the school system’s reorganization will treat the function of measuring and being responsible for achievement in special education.

Ms. Maggie Kennedy, Coordinator of Area Educational Advisory Councils, informed the audience that the BCPS Advisory Coalition attended the County Council’s recent budget hearing and testified. County Council members were urged not to make cuts in the education budget. Advisory councils are electing officers.

Ms. Meg O’Hare, Chair of the Northeast Area Educational Advisory Council, read a statement from Dr. Reid Lyon which indicated that one in five special education students is in special education because they have a reading problem. She also read a portion of an essay entitled “Illiteracy, An Incurable Disease….” The author of the essay noted that reading failure usually shows up after fourth grade and SAT scores have dropped in the last three decades. Ms. O’Hare noted that parents and members of the Reading Committee are supportive of the Open Court reading series for K-3. She expressed hope the Board will be involved in providing input in the decision about which reading series will be used in the County.

Mr. Stephen Crum, a representative of the Southeast Area Educational Advisory Council, informed the Board of the council’s last meeting that included a presentation by Mr. Farrell Maddox of Sollers Point/Southeastern Technical High School and a discussion about the proposed 2002-03 calendar. With regard to the length of the school year, the council questioned whether Spring Break could be reduced in order to shorten the school year. Another concern voiced by the council was the number of broken weeks. With regard to the report on underachieving schools, Mr. Crum noted that low performing schools hurt everyone.

Ms. Laura Nossel, President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, thanked the Board for meeting with the group last week. She suggested the annual TABCO Recognition Dinner be televised. Ms. Nossel was also happy to see a PTA area in the New Town High School.

Mr. Michael Franklin, Vice President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, expressed disappointment that the Council was not involved in the task force studying low performing schools. He offered the support of the PTA Council in raising student achievement levels.

Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, stated that when he and Dr. Hairston met in late fall, they discovered the budget priorities of both intersected in many ways. He stated that low performing schools hurt everyone in the community. TABCO pledges its support and assistance in an effort to solve this problem.

Responding to Ms. Nossel’s suggestion about the televising of TABCO’s Recognition Dinner, Mr. Beytin announced that next year’s dinner will be televised.

Ms. Carolyn Steele, a Deer Park Magnet Middle School parent, informed the Board that Deer Park’s PTA was the recipient of the “Best Parenting Program” award from the PTA Council. She described a few recent activities of the school’s PTA which promoted parent and student involvement. Ms. Steele thanked the Board for providing Deer Park Elementary School with a strong principal.

Ms. Karen Brathwaite, a Deer Park Magnet Middle School parent, noted some of the many successes at Deer Park as a result of Ms. Barnes’s leadership.

Ms. Kristine Lockwood asked that Towson High School’s music teacher be allowed to remain at Towson and that he be given the opportunity to develop himself professionally.

Mr. Dan McCarthy, a student at Towson High School, shared his thoughts on the possible loss of Towson’s music teacher. Mr. McCarthy described the teacher as talented, devoted, and caring. Mr. McCarthy expressed concern about the message sent to other teachers by the music teacher’s departure.

Mr. Craig Laferty, the JV Assistant Coach at Towson High School, shared with the Board the leadership capabilities of Towson’s vocal music teacher, who is also head JV Coach, and the impact he has made on the students he has coached.

Mr. Ellis Barksdale, a representative of the Randallstown Elementary School PTA, thanked Board members Hayden, Ross-Holmes, and Kennedy for their support of appropriate furniture for the school. He noted the current curriculum falls short in the area of positive self-images for African American students and cited examples. Mr. Barksdale recommended more positive African American images in the County’s curriculum.

Ms. Marlene Ijomah, a Woodlawn Middle School parent, expressed concern that the school’s principal has not been given the tools or resources to succeed and noted that many parents are placing their children in private school or opting for home schooling.

Mr. Renardo Hall, an original member of the African American Advisory Group and former officer of the Woodlawn Middle School and Featherbed Lane Elementary School PTAs, noted that many of the schools identified as low performing are predominantly African American. He stated the inequity in student achievement between African American and White students was brought to the attention of the school system 11 years ago and, to date, the problem has not been addressed.

Mr. Hall also stated in the past there have been individuals committed to the Black students who have been overlooked for principalship. Parent involvement in many decisions has not been sought. He asked that parents be involved in the process before a decision is made about a change in leadership at Woodlawn Middle School.

Mr. Rodger Janssen expressed concern about when the Board reviewed the organization study at the last meeting and the lack of discussion about the item during the open session. He voiced his doubts that the Board could digest such a large report in such a short period of time prior to its vote.

Ms. Lucy Mitzner, a student at Towson High School, noted that approximately 400 students signed a petition to keep Towson’s music teacher. She described the teacher as energetic, passionate, and caring. Ms. Mitzner offered examples of how this teacher is an asset to the school. She urged the Board and Superintendent to refrain from placing the new teacher in the school until alternatives are considered.

Ms. Sarah Kendall, a student at Towson High School, noted Towson’s music teacher permanently impacted her life and spoke of his skills and rapport with students. As students are stakeholders in education, Ms. Kendall asked that students’ views be considered.

Ms. Kelli Nelson, Chairperson of the Infants/Toddlers Interagency Coordinating Council, asked for the Board’s support in procuring a significant funding increase for the Infants/Toddlers program from the Maryland State Department of Education. She noted that $400,000 must be divided among the participating jurisdictions. Ms. Nelson stated that unless there is a significant increase in funding, Baltimore County will be unable to adequately provide services to the more than 8,000 children in the program. The Council has written to Dr. Grasmick requesting an additional $5.2 million.

Ms. Jasmine Shriver, a representative of the PTA Council of Baltimore County and a member of the Calendar Committee, spoke of the proposed 2002-03 school calendar, noting the calendar includes a pre-Labor Day start with an alternate post-Labor Day start. She stated a pre-Labor Day start is the only way to accommodate the additional teacher professional development days without ending school in late June. Speaking as a parent, she stated her belief that professional development days should be concentrated in the first half of the year to have a more immediate and effective impact. Ms. Shriver noted that she has not received any parent concerns about the proposed calendar and the pre-Labor Day start.

Ms. Roslyn Hodnett, a Woodbridge Elementary School parent, asked the Board for its support of interior walls for Woodbridge’s open space areas. She presented the Board with letters from 2^nd and 4^th graders supporting this effort. Ms. Hodnett asked the Board to do whatever it takes to have walls in place by this fall.

Ms. Marcy Murphy, a Woodbridge Elementary School parent, reminded the Board that the school is scheduled for repairs this summer and expressed hope the walls could be put in while repairs are taking place.

 

At 11:38 p.m., Ms. Cohn 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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