TENTATIVE MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND
Tuesday, August 14, 2001
The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, met in open session at 3:17 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold, and the following Board members were present: Ms. Maria R. Cirincione, Ms. Phyllis E. Ettinger, Mr. Thomas G. Grzymski, Mr. John A. Hayden, III, Dr. Warren C. Hayman, Ms. Jean M. H. Jung, Mr. Michael P. Kennedy, Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes, and Mr. James R. Sasiadek.In Hearing Examiner's Case #01-21 and Hearing Examiner's Case #00-11A , the Board entertained oral arguments. Per the option of the appellants, both matters were heard in closed session.
In addition to the above listed Board members, also in attendance were the appellants; their representatives; Dr. Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent of Schools; Ms. Christine Johns, Deputy Superintendent of Schools for Curriculum and Instruction; J. Robert Haines, Esquire, Deputy Superintendent of Schools for Business Services; Ms. Margaret-Ann F. Howie, Legal Counsel to the Superintendent; Ms. Carol Saffran-Brinks, Legal Counsel to the Board of Education; Mr. Randall Grimsley, Executive Director for Human Resources; and Ms. Denise Zepp, Administrative Assistant to the Board of Education.
The proceedings of the hearings were recorded by a court reporter.
The hearings were concluded at 4:37 p.m.
Board members deliberated on the two cases.
The Board reconvened in open session at 5:08 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: Ms. Maria R. Cirincione, Ms. Phyllis E. Ettinger, Mr. Thomas G. Grzymski, 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. Sanford V. Teplitzky. In addition, Dr. Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent of Schools; staff members; and members of various civic, employee, and community organizations were present as was the media.
Mr. Hayden immediately moved the Board go into closed session to discuss personnel matters, consult with counsel, and to discuss matters relative to negotiations pursuant to the Annotated Code of Maryland, Education Article, §10-508(a)(1), (a)(7), and (a)(9). The motion was seconded by Dr. Hayman and unanimously approved by the Board.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
Mr. Grimsley reviewed with Board members negotiated
settlements with two employee groups.
Mr. Grimsley also reviewed the appointments listed on tonight's agenda with the Board.
Ms. Saffran-Brinks discussed legal issues with regard to a federal initiative.
At 6:45 p.m., Ms. Jung moved to adjourn the closed session for a brief dinner recess. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hayden and approved by the Board.
OPEN SESSION MINUTES
The Board of Education of Baltimore County, Maryland, reconvened in open session at 7:43 p.m. at Greenwood. President Donald L. Arnold and the following Board members were present: Ms. Maria R. Cirincione, Ms. Phyllis E. Ettinger, Mr. Thomas G. Grzymski, 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. Sanford V. Teplitzky. 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 Board member Carolyn Ross-Holmes, who is leaving the Board of Education after two years of service, and a period of silent meditation for those who have served education in the Baltimore County Public Schools.
Mr. Arnold informed the audience of the various sessions in which Board members had participated earlier in the afternoon.
Mr. Arnold notified the audience of technical difficulties with the video equipment taping tonight's Board meeting.
MINUTES
Hearing no additions or corrections to the open and closed session minutes of July 10, 2001, and the Report of the Work Session, July 11, 2001, Mr. Arnold declared the minutes and report approved as presented.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS
Mr. Arnold introduced new Board members Thomas G. Grzymski and Maria R. Cirincione, who were sworn in on August 13. Mr. Arnold also recognized Dr. Hayman, who was reappointed for a second term by the Governor and was also sworn in with the newly-appointed members.
Ms. Carolyn Ross-Holmes was recognized for her two years of service to the Board of Education. Ms. Ross-Holmes's family is relocating to North Carolina. Mr. Arnold presented her with a resolution and flowers from the Board.
Ms. Ross-Holmes shared a story with her colleagues and the audience about her grandfather. She expressed her hope that the story would inspire and renew her colleagues' commitment to quality education for Baltimore County children.
Dr. Hairston expressed his respect and admiration for Ms. Ross-Holmes and wished her well in her new home in North Carolina.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Hairston thanked Jack Nichols for assuming the role of Acting Manager for the Purchasing Office after the resignation of Ms. Cook this past spring and for his outstanding performance. He noted that Jack Nichols reflects the kind of people in Baltimore County Public Schools that put "soul" in our organization.
Dr. Hairston announced that Dr. Hayman has been recognized by the Woodlawn Rotary Club and will be honored at a dinner in November.
REPORT
The Board received the following report:
Report on the Partnership between the University
of Maryland Baltimore County
and the Baltimore County Public Schools - Urban
Teacher Education - Dr. Barbara Dezmon, Assistant
to the Superintendent for Equity and Assurance,
and Dr. John Lee, Director of Urban Teacher
Education (UTE) at UMBC, provided an overview
of the proposed partnership between UMBC and
Baltimore County Public Schools. UMBC will place
eight (8) interns--two (2) per school, in four
(4) high needs schools. The goal of the program
is to recruit, prepare, support, and retain
high quality teachers and teacher candidates
who are dedicated to long-term teaching (a minimum
of five (5) years) in low-performing schools.
UMBC will provide full tuition support and a
living stipend for the intern candidates. Recruited
students for this program have a Bachelor's
degree and are enrolled in a Master's certification
program. The Board will take action on this
proposal at the September 11th meeting.
In response to a question by Mr. Kennedy, Dr. Dezmon responded that funds for this program will come through a School Accountability Funding for Excellence
(SAFE) grant. Dr. Lee shared that there are also multiple sources of foundation, federal, and state funding.
Ms. Ross-Holmes inquired about UMBC's role in staff development. Dr. Lee responded that staff development efforts will be coordinated as much as possible. He also stated that UMBC is in the process of transferring many of their staff development modules to a multi-media, electronic format.
Ms. Ross-Holmes asked if the schools to participate in this partnership have been chosen. Dr. Dezmon indicated Woodlawn Middle School will be involved, but the other three (3) schools have not been selected as yet.
Addressing Ms. Ross-Holmes' question about accountability, Dr. Dezmon stated that with Test Trax, staff can look at specific students and teachers. There will also be an end-of-year assessment of the initiative.
PERSONNEL MATTERS
On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board approved the personnel matters as presented on Exhibits C, D, E, F, and G. (Copies of the exhibits are attached to the formal minutes.)
CONTRACT AWARDS
Mr. Teplitzky pulled items 3 and 5. On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, the Board approved items 1, 2, 4, and 6-14.
- Automobiles
- Automotive Services
- Contracted Services: Outward Bound Expeditionary
Learning
(Fourth One-Year Extension) - Custodial Floor Care Products (Second One-Year Extension)
- Equipment Contract - Various Grounds Equipment
- Music Instruments
- Office Equipment
- Paragon Mailing System
Board of Education August 14, 2001
Open and Closed Session Minutes Page 5 - Supplies Contract: Video Lab Equipment (First One-Year Extension)
- Wireless Microphone Amplification System for Classrooms - Various School
- Purchase: Relocatable Modular Classrooms
- Contracted Services: Office Disassembly and Restoration, Re-Routing of Network and Security Systems - Timonium Offices - Increase of Amount
Items 3 and 5
On motion of Mr. Hayden, seconded by Ms. Ettinger, the Board approved items 3 and 5. Mr. Teplitzky abstained from discussion and voting on these items.
- Contracted Services: Physical Exams (Second One-Year Extension)
- Contracted Services: Sylvan Learning (One-Year Extension)
Mr. Nichols thanked Board members and Ms. Merle Audette, Chief of Staff, for providing him with the opportunity to serve as Acting Manager of the Purchasing Office.
Ms. Jung commented on the wisdom of replacing musical instruments and acknowledged the administration's movement to upgrade school system programs.
BUILDING COMMITTEE
The Building Committee, represented by Mr. Kennedy, recommended approval of items 1-29, 31, and 33-35. Ms. Ross-Holmes pulled item 32 for further discussion. Items 30, 36, and 37 were withdrawn from the agenda.
Noting a few instances where there were only one or two bidders for a project, Mr. Hayden asked for assurances that we are making every effort to attract more bidders. Dr. Krempel stated that Facilities is making every effort to increase our bidding capacity within the state. He also noted that market conditions have also played a part in the low number of bidders on some projects.
The Board approved recommendations 1-29, 31, and 33-35.
- IT Cabling for Major Maintenance Renovation Projects - Bedford and Hebbville Elementary Schools
- IT Cabling for Major Maintenance Renovation Projects - Carroll Manor and Prettyboy Elementary Schools
- IT Cabling for Major Maintenance Renovation Projects - Fifth District and Wellwood Elementary Schools
- IT Cabling for Major Maintenance Renovation Projects - Franklin and Hawthorne Elementary Schools
- IT Cabling for Major Maintenance Renovation
Projects - Johnnycake and
Westowne Elementary Schools - Networking/Electrical Upgrades - Arbutus Middle School
- Networking/Electrical Upgrades - General John Stricker Middle School
- Networking/Electrical Upgrades - Holabird Middle School
- Networking/Electrical Upgrades - Lansdowne Middle School
- Networking/Electrical Upgrades - Stemmers Run Middle School
- Kitchen Exhaust Hood Replacements - Dulaney, Eastern Technical, and Franklin High Schools
- Various Construction Contracts - New Town High School
- Upgrade of Automatic Temperature Controls - Owings Mills High School
- Electrical Package for Addition - Woodlawn High School
- Renovation of Behavior Management Resource Rooms - Various Schools
- Fee Acceptance - Construction Inspection
Services for Addition and
Renovation - Stoneleigh Elementary School - Change Order - Running Track Replacement - Perry Hall High School
- Change Order - Appliance Installation - Rosedale Center (High)
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation
Project - Baltimore Highlands Elementary School
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Campfield Early Childhood Learning Center
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Carroll Manor Elementary School
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation
Project - Fifth District
Elementary School - Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Grange Elementary School
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Hampton Elementary School
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Middleborough Elementary School
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Middlesex Elementary School
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Perry Hall Elementary School
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Pleasant Plains Elementary School
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Prettyboy Elementary School
- Change Order - Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Timonium Elementary School
- Change Order - Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Pleasant Plains Elementary School
- Change Order - Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Various Phase II Schools
- Increase Contingency Authorization for Major
Maintenance Renovation Projects - Phase I
- Various Schools
As recommended by the Building Committee, the Board approved item 32. Ms. Ross-Holmes abstained from discussion and voting on this item.
- Change Order - Consultant Design Services for Major Maintenance Renovation Project - Perry Hall Elementary School
PROPOSED SETTLEMENTS
On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Dr. Hayman, the Board approved the proposed settlement between the Council of Administrative and Supervisory Employees (CASE) and the Board of Education of Baltimore County.
On motion of Mr. Teplitzky, seconded by Ms. Ross-Holmes, the Board approved the proposed settlement between the Baltimore (County Instructional) Assistants and Clerical Employees and the Board of Education of Baltimore County.
Mr. Kennedy voiced his concern that the approved settlements do not do enough to retain good employees. He acknowledged the County is doing everything possible to fund our budget and urged his colleagues to commit to making sure the fiscal authorities understand how vital these employees are to our organization.
Mr. Teplitzky spoke in agreement with Mr. Kennedy. He noted that the Board works every year with the County government advocating for more money for our employees, but it does not get funded. He urged his colleagues to renew their commitment to seek adequate funding for proper wages for all school system employees.
BUDGET APPROPRIATION TRANSFER
Mr. Hayden inquired about the roles of the two (2) Special Education specialist positions that were eliminated from the budget. Ms. Johns indicated Mr. Boone would address that in greater detail at the following night's work session.
On motion of Mr. Kennedy, seconded by Mr. Sasiadek, the Board approved a budget appropriation transfer for the operating budget in the amount of $1,500,000.
INFORMATION
The Board received the following as information:
- Revised Rule 3611 - Tuition Fees
- Revised Rule 5140 - Enrollment and Attendance
- Educational Facilities Master Plan
- Annual Engineering/Construction Program Report
- Minutes of the Central Area Education Advisory
Council meeting,
May 16, 2001.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mr. Arnold made the following announcements:
- On Wednesday, August 15, 2001, the Board
will continue its discussion on the reorganization
plan at 5:30 p.m. at Greenwood.
- On Sunday, August 26, 2001, the Board will
meet in retreat at 11:00 a.m. in the Greenwood
Administration Building. No public business
will be conducted at the retreat. The public
is invited to attend.
- On Monday, September 3, 2001, schools and
offices will be closed in observance of Labor
Day. Schools will open for students on Tuesday,
September 4th.
- The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Education of Baltimore County will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 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. Thomas Raybon, President of the Baltimore County Student Council, welcomed Ms. Cirincione and Mr. Grzymski to the Board. He noted that BCSC's executive board would meet in retreat later this month. Mr. Raybon also invited Board members to attend BCSC's leadership conference next month.
Mr. Mark Beytin, President of the Teachers Association of Baltimore County, congratulated Dr. Hayman on his reappointment and Ms. Cirincione and Mr. Grzymski on their appointment to the Board. He also wished Ms. Ross-Holmes the best in the future. Mr. Beytin spoke positively of the New Teacher Induction and the proposed partnership with UMBC. Dr. Hairston was thanked for sponsoring four (4) teachers, in addition to Mr. Beytin, to attend Leadership Maryland's inaugural forum for policy change summit, "Attracting and Retaining Quality Teacher Solutions for Maryland." Mr. Beytin noted that over 400 leaders from around the state developed 50 policy proposals to solve the teacher recruitment and retention issue. Mr.
Beytin also provided the Board with an update on high stakes testing and the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. He concluded by sharing statements from Sandra Feldman, President of the American Federation of Teachers, regarding testing. Board members were invited to attend TABCO's representative workshop next week.
Ms. Teresa LaMaster, Chair of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Special Education, extended her congratulations and thanks to Ms. Ross-Holmes. She urged the Board to support full funding of IDEA before action is taken by Congress before Labor Day. Ms. LaMaster noted some members of the advisory committee spoke in support of increased funding in the state's budget for the Infants and Toddlers program. In a meeting with Dr. Grasmick, Ms. LaMaster suggested the creation of a coalition among different groups to support what will be the Thornton Commission's recommendations for a new funding formula for education.
Mr. Boyd Crouse, Chair of the Southeast Area Education Advisory Committee, welcomed the new Board members and thanked Ms. Ross-Holmes for her dedication and commitment to the children of Baltimore County. He noted the continuing goal of the Southeast Area Council to more actively involve the public in the education process. Mr. Crouse urged the Board to take advantage of advisory council members' talents and commitment to education in Baltimore County.
Mr. Stephen Crum, a representative of the Southeast Area Education Advisory Council, expressed his thanks to Ms. Ross-Holmes for her caring and kind attention to students' needs. He noted his family's involvement in Baltimore County schools with three sons in Kenwood High School's IB program and in the band.
Ms. Laura Nossel, President of the PTA Council of Baltimore County, wished Ms. Ross-Holmes luck in the future, and she welcomed Mr. Grzymski and Ms. Cirincione. She expressed the hope that parents and stakeholder representatives will be involved in all levels of decision- making. Ms. Nossel stated that the PTA Council's main focus will be the training of PTA members to become effective PTA leaders. She noted that principals will be provided training on PTA policies and practices. Ms. Nossel announced the date of the PTA Council's annual Fall Workshop, which will be October 25th. Finally, Ms. Nossel announced the Council's High School Assessment Committee met recently with the Superintendent, and they are looking forward to continued discussion on this issue.
Ms. Erica Cohn, former student Board member, thanked her former colleagues for the opportunity to serve on the Board of Education. She shared that Baltimore County Public Schools have prepared her well for her college career. Ms. Cohn thanked Board members for their respect and consideration of her ideas and recommendations. She noted that through her tenure as a student Board member, she has gained a greater understanding of what the school system has given her.
Mr. Arnold informed the audience that comments about individuals within the school system during the public comment portion of the meeting are inappropriate.
Mr. Chuck Zorn, a Perry Hall High School parent, noted that over the past four years, the Perry Hall Athletic Booster Club has assisted with the renovation of the upper athletic field. He noted that $50,000 is needed to fund the track renovation, and he asked the Board to appropriate funds to complete the athletic field project.
Ms. Yvette Harris, a Randallstown Elementary School parent, expressed concern about the delays in the renovation project at Randallstown Elementary School. She asked that parents be kept informed of the delays and their impact on the start of school and the children's education. Ms. Harris shared parents' concerns about lack of parking and teachers not being able to work in their classrooms before students return to school.
At 9:43 p.m., Mr. Kennedy moved to adjourn the open session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Jung and approved by the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Joe A. Hairston
Secretary-Treasurer