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