Report of the Work Session of the
Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland

Wednesday, July 15, 2001
Greenwood

Vice President James R. Sasiadek called the work session to order at 6:00 p.m. In addition to Vice President Sasiadek, the following Board members were present: Ms. Phyllis E. Ettinger, Mr. John A. Hayden, III, Dr. Warren C. Hayman, Ms. Jean M. H. Jung, Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, and Mr. Sanford V. Teplitzky. In addition, Dr. Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent of Schools, staff members, and members of various civic, employee, and community groups were present as was the media.

Mr. Sasiadek reminded the audience this was a continuation of the July 11th work session on the reorganization plan.

Ms. Johns briefly recapped the information presented at the last work session.

Mr. Arnold entered the room at 6:05 p.m.

Mr. Ronald Boone, Executive Director for Federal and State Programs, provided a Power Point presentation describing the Office of Title I and Grant Assistance, its beliefs and key initiatives, and services provided by the office.

Dr. Hayman expressed concern about the apparent understaffing in the Office of Title I and Grant Assistance to administer and monitor services for nearly 20,000 children. Mr. Boone stated that several functions formerly under Title I are now aligned in other areas. He also stated that the specific focus of the office is technical assistance to schools with grant programs. Ms. Cassell also responded that there is coordination in some areas with people in other offices, such as Finance. However, if the data documents that the current staff cannot adequately and appropriately provide the support needed by schools, staffing will be reassessed at the end of the year.

Ms. Ettinger inquired about monitoring and collaboration with Curriculum and Instruction. Ms. Cassell responded that there is a close relationship with elementary and secondary education, particularly elementary education. She will continue to connect with coordinators at periodic meetings. With respect to monitoring, Title I works closely with staff in different offices in Finance. Ms. Cassell stated that all Title I expenditures cross her desk.

Ms. Ettinger shared her confusion with the new reorganization model and asked that those within the system, as well as the Board and the public, be clear about the lines of authority and responsibility. Ms. Johns stated that Mr. Boone will not direct the work of principals, but provide assistance, support, and advice. Only the Executive Directors of Schools can direct the work of principals.

There was confusion on the part of some Board members with respect to how requests for grant money are processed, as well as how we respond when grant money comes into the system.

Ms. Ettinger asked for a flow chart to help Board members understand how staff responds in these situations.

Mr. Boone continued with his Power Point presentation for the Office of Special Education. The office's beliefs, key initiatives, and services were described.

Ms. Ettinger noted the new structure is vastly different from the previous structure. She emphasized the importance of communication so everyone, particularly the public, understands the new model and is comfortable in knowing the appropriate person to contact within Special Education. Ms. Ettinger also stressed the importance of professional development for clerical and professional staff in Special Education so that they are familiar with the new structure. Finally, in the "Training Organization Chart," Ms. Ettinger noted references to instructional support teams and inquired if these instructional support teams are the same as in the previous organization structure or something different. Mr. Boone noted these teams are different and, as a result of Ms. Ettinger's concern that this may confuse staff and parents, Mr. Boone will use different terminology when referring to these teams.

Responding to a question by Dr. Hayman, Mr. Boone explained the initiative, "Cultural Awareness." Dr. Hayman expressed the need for professional development to better prepare staff to identify children for special education services.

Mr. Arnold complimented staff for its work on this service model. He noted that recommendations from the advisory council have been considered.

Mr. Teplitzky asked for a flow chart for Special Education to indicate how a person would work through the system along with some hypothetical situations. He also suggested a list of "Frequently Asked Questions" for Special Education and Title I and Grant Assistance. Ms. Ettinger suggested the development of a contact list for Title I and Grant Assistance, similar to the contact list for Special Education, aimed at parents and professionals in the system. She also suggested the creation of a brochure to assist parents.

Ms. Mary Jacqe Marchione, Director of Professional Development, provided an overview of her department's organization. The functions of the department are aligned with the indicators as defined in The Blueprint for Progress, specifically, promoting improved achievement for all students, the development of a quality workforce, and increased parental involvement. Ms. Marchione stated the ultimate goal of her department is to become a clearinghouse for professional development activities delivered systemwide.

Ms. Ettinger asked if there would be a relationship between Professional Development and the teacher internship initiative described at last night's meeting. Dr. Hairston stated there will be some coordination, but the technical support for the interns will be the responsibility of UMBC. UMBC will submit to us modules for teacher support while the interns are in our schools. Ms. Ettinger noted that the interns will need to be familiar with our school system and the system's needs.

Dr. Hayman inquired about a professional development effort for executive directors. Ms. Marchione responded it is an issue that will be addressed, and staff will come back to the Board with a proposal.

Mr. Haines, Deputy Superintendent for Business Services, defined Business Services as the invisible division. They help fulfill the vision of the school system by providing such services as issuing paychecks, running bus schedules, and providing meals. Mr. Haines stated that most Business Services functions are no different than in the past. It is his hope that the reporting organization that has been created will facilitate a quicker response.

Ms. Burnopp, Executive Director of Fiscal Services, and Mr. Greg Barlow, Executive Director of Technology, provided brief overviews of the responsibilities and roles their areas will play in supporting instruction.

Mr. Kennedy noted the positive changes in the budget process.

With regard to school activity funds, Mr. Sasiadek expressed hope that a more in-depth report would be forthcoming at a future Budget & Audit Committee meeting. Ms. Burnopp indicated this topic was brought up at the last meeting and that follow-ups will take place as the transition takes place.

Dr. Hayman asked if there are plans to upgrade the Human Resources website. Mr. Barlow responded that all of the system's websites are being upgraded and improved constantly. He noted there are over 200 sites-one for each school and each department-in various stages of construction.

Mr. Teplitzky inquired about accessing the system in the area of curriculum or when training is needed for employees who are not familiar with our computer systems. Mr. Barlow stated assistance could come from the school's computer liaison or through the Customer Support Center. He also noted that with more technicians out in the field, Technology will be more proactive in integrating technology into the curriculum. Mr. Barlow stated there are new staff members in his office that are charged with communicating with schools and offices about the availability of services provided by the Department of Technology.

Mr. Hayden noted that there is no apparent structure for the Department of Strategic Planning. Mr. Haines responded that the structure of the office will be created in conjunction with the person hired.

Ms. Koehler, Executive Director of Schools (Central Area), described the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Directors of Schools. She noted that their main focus is the instructional program. Ms. Koehler listed the responsibilities of the five area executive directors as monitoring, assessing, and being accountable.

Ms. Ettinger requested there be communication with parents and the public so they will know how to appropriately access the correct person/office with concerns. She suggested utilizing the stakeholder groups, such as the PTA Council or advisory councils, to get this information out into the community.

Mr. Kennedy asked how the role of the Executive Directors of Schools is changing from area superintendents. Ms. Glazer stated there are similarities and some differences. She emphasized a major role of the Executive Directors of Schools is accountability. She also noted their jobs are more focused. Ms. Glazer stated the five areas are working together consistently.

Mr. Kennedy inquired as to the extent curricular offices will be working with schools. Ms. Glazer assured Mr. Kennedy that the executive directors are working closely with people in those offices to access their services. Staff in curricular offices are also initiating contacts as well. Dr. Milbourne noted that with the new service model, services can be accessed from the business side or the instructional side to help teachers perform their jobs.

Mr. Teplitzky suggested a directory of services be made available to constituent groups. He also shared the importance of proving to principals the new structure will work so they will have a sense of trust about the system.

Mr. Kennedy and Ms. Jung voiced their concern about the lack of involvement of curricular offices in evaluating teachers, especially when principals do not possess knowledge in the content area of the teachers being evaluated.

Mr. Arnold noted that this new service model is evolving and should provide greater services to students and staff.

At 9:13 p.m., Mr. Sasiadek moved to adjourn the work session. The motion was seconded by Mr. Teplitzky and approved by the Board.

Respectfully submitted,

Joe A. Hairston
Secretary-Treasurer