Good Evening. My Name Is Ben Yodzis, and I Am a Senior At

Ben Yodzis Budget meeting testimony January 30, 2018

Good evening. My name is Ben Yodzis, andI am a senior at Hammond HighSchool. Inmy time at Hammond, I have been active in athletics, the Hammond writer's league, the National Honor Society, the Wind Ensemble, the Marching Band, and Tech Crew for the Theatre department.

Hammond is a great school. Last week, we were named a School ofOpportunity by the National Education Policy Center-one of only eight schools in the nation to receive this honor. I have gotten a remarkable education at Hammond. The staffhas been SO supportive ofall my ambitions and ideas and I just can't say enough about how awesome Dr. DiPaula and Ms. Leonard have been.

With that said, tonight, I am here to ask you to take a few moments to listen to what we are lacking at Hammond. I am sure you know that on the facility assessment, which was completed in all schools in HowardCounty in 2007, Hammond was ranked the third worst school overall. It was determined that many updates were needed so Hammond would align with CURRENT EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS. For the record I hadjust turned 7 when that assessment was completed. I'm am now 1 8 years old, andwith the exceptionof a newdance studio anda few other tweaks, none ofthe issues identified in the assessment havebeen addressed. I'm sure you read the testunony that I submitted in the fall which highlighted the general problems that we face. Tonight, I want to get a bit more specific about what is needed in regard to Band and Theatre-two areasthat are very important to me:

The auditorium lacks a vestibule and slam proofdoors. This is a constant source of intemiptions during performances and productions. The HVAC fans are so loud that they must be turned offduring all productions so that the performers canbe heard, leaving audiencemembers burningup in theirseats. Speakingof seats, we have the original wood seats that are not only horribly uncomfortable for our audiences, but they negatively impact the acoustics and are noisy when anyone shifts their weight. The stage does not have double doors on both sides which makes it difficult to load and unloadequipment from the stage The sound and lighting systems in the auditorium are antiquated The wings of the stage are undersized and there is very little space to store props The band room was designed withthe risers built in whichillhibits the rehearsal capabilities of smaller ensembles. All ensembles would benefit from a flat rehearsal

space The Music educationarea is undersizedby over 23% The storage for the Music department is inadequate, consequently, larger instruments are stored in the rehearsal space further impactingthe students andthe directors. There is only one functional practice room as the other rooms have beenconverted for

storage. Storagefor instruments is inadequateand it is not secure.

At the current time, my understanding is that nothing is slated to change regarding these shortcomings until 2028 if the board doesn't get behind fast tracking the renovations for Hammond. I hope to not only be through college, but in my fifth year of teaching HS English at Hammond by then. It is my firm beliefthat, regardless of your decision, the staffand students at Hammond will continue to be a community where people are important and everyone strives for excellence. However, all of you know that &om an equity perspective, these renovations NEED to be added to the 2019 budget. I respectfully ask that you follow through with what you know is the right thii^ and give the very patient people that are the Hammond community a FULL renovation that will put us on a level playing field with the other high schools in the county as soon as possible.

Thankyou for your time andattention. Dear Honorable Members of the Board,

I am Eric Hryniewicz, a Junior at Hammond High School, a trumpet player actor in our theater department. I cannot fail to mention being a student in Howard county is a privilege; Hammond is anamazing school, wereally have a star-studded staff. I am ableto procure an education unrivaled in the nation both by being enrolled in 6 AP classes that challenge me and

prepare me for the future I want and by being able to participate in great arts programs and

pursue my passions.

A week ago, I had thejoy ofparticipating in the Howard County Honors Band. We practiced at Atholton and Marriotts Ridge, I also was at Mount Hebron this weekend for solo ensemble. I could not help but notice that these schools had many features that could really help the learning process at Hammond and allow us to reach new heights. We have an amazing band I have the honor of being in. I encourage all ofyou too see the Hammond performing arts it is well worth the time. OurDirector Mr. Dunlap works tirelessly to let us achieve, even letting us start a

Brass quintet after school.

. But what I noticed at these schools was a discrepancy:

They all had multiple practice rooms

. At Hammond we have one small practice room cluttered withmusic storage. The storage

for equipment ends up intruding on our primary learning area.

. We use the same small room Band room for our Marching band, Wind Ensemble,

Concert Band, String Orchestra, Jazzband. Combo, Percussion Ensemble, Brass quintet,

and numerous other groups, meaning less practice time

. we all have spent much work and time saving to afford our instruments. The other

schools have instrument lockers. Hammond hasnothing more thanplywood shelving in a room adjacent an exit from the school meaning despite Mr. Dunlap's constant vigilance our instruments are really at risk of theft

In the theatre department we lack a changing room or lockers meaning props are easily lost and I have heard some students uncomfortable changing in an open space

During our rehearsal for both theater and band the loud HVAC fans hinder our practice and performances

The aging system also leads to temperature differences on some days of20+ degrees between rooms meaning you cannot know how to dress for class

Our crowded hallways have made me and many others late to class just because of the sheer volume ofpeople

Most of these are simply the issues of an aging building in need of renovation in order to fulfill the needs of our ambitious and diverse student body. I hope these renovations can be expedited by the board so future Golden Bears get the chance to break new barriers and test new heights in the learning environment Howard County School strive to provide. I ask you, please move up the time table for the Hammond High school renovation. Thank you for taking the time to listen to me and have a great night! Thankyou for the opportunity to speaktoday My nameis SheelyEdwards and I am a seniorat Hammond. I amhere to askyou to move forwardwith the renovations atHammond High School.My experience atHammond haveshaped me into who I amtoday. Andmy fouryears in Hammond choirhas even inspiredme to dedicatethe research portion ofmy Intem-Mentor project to the impact ofchoral singing on the well-being ofhigh school students.

Thisyear, five ofmy seven credits are spentin the"music hallway", some ofwhich area result ofmy internship with Ms. Freel, thechoir teacher. Justin the last semester I havehelped with setting up theHoward County GT Choirrehearsals, andthe Howard County Women's Choir Festival, both ofwhich wereheld atHammond. TheHammond community wantsto be ableto beable to host events such as these amazing festivals. But our auditorium air conditioning system is soloud that we have to turn offthe AC completely in orderto rehearse, andkeep it off for the entire concert, which leaves audience members and singers hot and annoyed. The auditorium seatsare made ofwood, andthey mess with the acoustics. They areinfamously knownfor being uncomfortable and it issimply ridiculousthat after all thehard work that goes into preparing a concert, people do not wantto come to Hammond conceUs because the seats hurt to sit on.

WhenI surveyedHammond's three choirs for Intem-Mentor, the statement they rated the highest was, "WhenI work hard in choir, I can be successOil. " I love that. Everyone shouldbe ableto feel this way in their high school. But I know it is really frustrating to try andwork hard and practice when I can't have class or actually practice during school purely due to the unaccommodating nature ofmy school's layout. This year multiple periods of rehearsal time have been lost because, we cannot move the grand piano out of our music classroom and onto the stage, without someone from the county coming and taking offboth the classroom doors and the stage doors.

Hammond only hastwo practice rooms, which are only accessible through the band or choir rooms. Theserooms areoften used by the classes occupying the classrooms orby people in sectionals, making practice time during lunch or after school difficult, simply because ofthe lack ofspace. For instance when we're in chamber choir, there are not enough rooms for us to split into sectionals, even with theclassroom included, resulting in one ofthe sections havingto sing in the hallway.

Hammond High School is simply too small. I urgeyou move forward withthe renovations at Hammond, becausethe students ofHammond High deserve a building thatwill not hindertheir growth but facilitatetheir progress. I can't waitto see whatHammond Students can do with a spacethat not only accommodates but amplifies theirpotential. Thankyou. Good Evening. I am Carleen Pena. and I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak to you again about Hammond High. The first time I spoke to you in September, I was winging it, I am not a public speaker, I am not an activist, I am a mom, a taxpayer, a volunteer. And I am naive. I knew that the Hammond's renovations had been put off several times, but I assumed that meant other schools had a greater need.. Then I read the facility assessments. I found out that was not the case. The school lacks the required educational spaces for our students, it is too small.

I have gone over the Gilbert FacilityAssessment. There were only 2 subject areas that were not undersized. But what disturbed me the most were the issues of the Special Education. It is 63% undersized. They have less than half the space they are supposed to have. They are short 3300 square feet. That is the size of my 3 story 5 bedroom house. 'They were short 3 classrooms, there is no designated place for speech therapy, it must be done in the classroom along with OT/PT. There is no storage and no conference room. I have heard from parents who have arrived at school for their child's IEP meeting and have no place to meet. This is not a scheduling issue, this is an issue that the county has failed to provide the proper space for our teachers to do their job.

When I read this I thought maybe that isjust how it is done in Howard County. Maybe we don't break out all the spaces, so I checked every other high school assessment. What I found was that programs varied in size they all had what Hammond was lacking. That is just wrong. Yes student's are getting the services they need. Our staff are very dedicated and should not have to make due with a facility that does not meet the needs of the students.

The county needs to provide equity for the students at Hammond. We are not asking for "Bells and Whistles" Just what every other high school already has. The addition will also provide 200 additional much needed seats for the county. This is certainly not the only problem that Howard County is facing right now. The issues facing the budget are challenging and fixing Hammond won't be cheap but the cost only grows the longer it is put off. But providing equity to the students of Howard County is.... Priceless. Howard County Council Testimony

Hammond Renovation

Good Evening. My name is Ryan Ridgell. I currently study Public Policy and Chinese at the Uliiversity ofMaryland College Park. I am also a HammondHigh SchoolAlum, class of2017. At my time at Hammoitd, I played3 years of varsity baslcetball and4 years of varsity baseball. I came back here this evening to discuss Hammond's need for an addition and renovation. As a Howard County athlete, I have been around enough to see almost every athletic facility each school has to offer. When traveling with the team to other schools for away games, hearing the ooh's and aah's from fellow teammates while they marveled over the opponent's weigh room or locker room was a frequent occurrence. It wasn't hard to spot the differences in quality. The weight rooms looked like they could actually fit a whole team. A glaring difference between Hammond and the all other 1 1 county high schools is the lack of an auxiliary or second gym. The absence of a full sized auxiliary gym has an impact on Hammond athletics that is often understated. Hammond, like every other county school, has 4 basketball teams vying for gym time to practice 6 days a week in the Winter sports season. But instead of being able to split the gym time between two courts, Hammond coaches are all sharingone. To combat some of the chaos,practice times for Hammond basketball teams are cut a halfhour short compared to every other county school. Although this solves some of the problem, practices still can start as late as 7:00 pm on weekdays.

Speaking from personal experience, it is extremely inconvenient and unequitable for Hammond student-athletes to be forced to burn 4. 5 hours after school until practice starts. The vast majority of Hammond winter athletes do not have the ability to drive themselves home and back to practice and a large amount have working parents who cannot provide Iransportation back to the school before practice starts. Since students are not allowed to linger the halls hours after dismissal, many winter athletes, often find themselves roaming around the King's Contrivance village center in search of a quiet area to complete homework or scrounge up something to eat. The various complaints about loitering students coming from shopping center stores can confirm this assessment. As I'm sure many Hammond students can attest to, McDonatds is not the greatest environment to sit down and focus on school work in. Prime homework hours are lost for these athletes who have to spend their afternoon aroundthe school (but not in it), waiting for the late practice. Those 30 minutes every week day add up. In fact, they add up approximately two whole weeks of practice missed over the course of the season. That extra two weeks every other school receives brings their teams that much closer to state championships and their athletes that much closer to receiving NCAA scholarships. Hammond athletes are at a two week disadvantagein this regard, than eveiy otiier HowardCounty high school. IIammond'smain gym is also in desperate need of renovation. The gym floors of Howard County high schools are sanded and re-waxed every few years. Hammond Activities and Athletics Managerwill tell you that Hammond's gym floor is so old, that it cannot be sanded once more without removing the bottom layer of wood. That means that the one gym Hammoiid does have, will also be in the poorest condition in the couiltyin the coming years. Hammond is a wonderful school with amazing teachers and coaches. It is only fair to give them the proper space and tools they need to do the bestjob they can for their students. This is why I am requesting the Board of Education to recognize the lack of equity between Hammond and the other 11 county high schools and place tile start ofHammond renovations and addition into the next budget. Testimony of Jason Ridgell 10122 Silver Twine Columbia, MD 21046 Board of Education Hearing on Proposed Budget January30, 2018

Good evening. My name is Jason Ridgell. Please accept this written testimony in support of the immediate inclusion of funds into the budget for facilities renovations and expansion of'Hammond High School.

My wife and I have three children ranging in age from 19 to 12. My eldest son, Ryan Ridgell, also submitted testimony relating to Hammond's need and how current state of Hammond's facilities affected his tenure as a student at Hammond High. By the time my youngest son graduates from Hammond, I will have been a Hammond High parent for 10 consecutive years. I am currently halfway through that period of time. At this point in time, neither ofmy children will benefit from the types of facilities improvements needed at Hammond. Hammond High is a vital part ofmy community for many reasons. I am providing this testimony because 1 want it to remain that way regardless of the fact that my children will not directly benefit.

When my wife and I decided to move into our current home, our decision was driven almost entirely because of the schools my children would attend: Atholton Elem., Hammond Middle and Hammond High. I must admit that I had mixed feeling about my children attending Hammond High School. As a 1988 graduate of Howard High School, I preferred the mighty lions of Howard over the golden bears ofHammond. After the first five years of being a Hammond parent, however, I have developed a profound respect for the administration, teachers and staff at Hammond. The cultural and academic achievements taking place at Hammond are remarkable. I am extremely pleased with the education and life experiences my children are receiving at Hammond. I am apparently not the only person who recognizes this.

Perhaps you may have heard that Hammond was recently designated as 1 of 8 "Schools of Opportunity" throughout the United States by the National Education Policy Center. The Schools of Opportunity project recognizes public high schools that demonstrate extraordinary commitment to equity and excellence by working to close opportunity gaps and create learning environments that reach, notjust the most gifted students, but all students. As a parent, I certainly want my children to have the benefits that come from being well educated. But I also want them to live in a world that is not as burdened by problems that stem from an uneducated community at large. A copy ofthe criteria for the Schools of Opportunity project is attached to this written testimony. As 1 stated, Hammond was 1 ofonly 8 high schools in the entire nation to be recognized in this way. Howard County's school system has been, and will likely continue to be, recognized for exemplary achievements. I personally hold this particular achievement by Hammond in very high regard. There is another way in which Hammond is extraordinarily distinct that must be recognized as well. Unfortunately, this distinction is not one of excellence but rather one of disparity. In April, 2008, the HCPSS published a facilities assessment conducted by Gilbert Architects, Inc. Each school assessed received a score based on a total possible score of 1000. Hammond High School received a scoreplacing it 3 from last in the ranking. The ranking and scores of the schools assessed are attached to this written testimony.

Although the assessment waspublished in April, 2008, the assessment ofHammond High School actually took place during the months of March and April, 2007. Some ofthe lowlights revealed by the assessment ofHammond High facilities are as follows:

a. The facility has a net program areathat is 14. 3% smaller than that required by the educational specification standards. b. It was estimated that an addition of between 39, 000 and 45, 000 sq/ft. was required to meet the educational specifications existing in 2008. c. The guidance area is undersizedby 34.2% d. The student organization rooms are deficient by 64. 2% e. The auditorium support programs are undersized by 35%. Original 1976 wood seating. f. The music education program is undersized by 23. 2% g- The physical education program is undersized by 17. 9% h. The gifted and talented program is undersized by 58. 2% 1. The special educational program is undersized by 63. 4% J- Hammond is the only high school in the county without a second gymnasium k. Structural and mechanical features scored 152 out of 200 1. Plant maintainabilityscored 64 out of 100 m. Educational Adequacy scored 127 out of 200 n. Environment for Education scored 135 out of 200

Keep in mind that this was the condition ofHammond in 2007, approximately 10 years ago.

When determining how best to spend its finite amount ofresources, the County and the Board certainly must prioritize the many and various issues that could benefit from those resources. Having received the worst facilities assessment, Mt. Hebron High received a significant renovation in 2011 . Atholton High received the second worst assessment and it too received a significant renovation.

Being third worst, Hammond was also scheduled to receive a significant renovation. Planning was to begin in 2015 with the actual improvements being constructed sometime between 2016 and 2018. The 2016 budget passedby the Board diminished Hammond's priority and pushed its renovations back to 2021. The 2017 budget pushed Hammond's priority even further back to 2028. That is nearly 20 years after Hammond was given the distinction ofbeing the third worst school facility in the County. Given the drastic reduction in the priority being shown to Hammond, there is a growing amount of discussion in the community about why Hammond is being pushed aside when there is clear evidence of disparity between its facilities and the facilities of the other County high schools. The reasons for my testimony this evening, however, do not include discussing the possible reasons. Perhaps that is a suitable topic for future testimony. My main goal this evening is to make sure the Board is fully aware of the disparity that exists, and to point out that pushing any major plans to bring Hammond's facilities up to the level of the other high schools until 2028 shows a remarkable lack of regard for that disparity.

I am not lobbying the Board to provide unique or innovative improvements for Hammond. I am not requesting that Hammond's facilities be vaulted to the forefront of County high school facilities. What Hammond so desperately needs is just to have its facilities brought up to the same level as the other high schools. That need was immediate in 2007 when the facilities assessment was conducted. It is even more so now. It is inequitable and unfair to the Hammond community to wait until 2028 to bring its facilities up to par with the other County high schools.

There seems to be growing discussion about constructing a new high school in Howard County. Controversy has already taken place over where to locate such a school. I always thought it was an interesting fact that Howard County is the only county in Maryland land locked and surrounded by other Maryland counties. Unless we intend to annex parts ofAnne Arundel, Baltimore or Montgomery Counties, Howard County is not going to get bigger. Although the western part of the County remains largely rural, in the more populated southeastern portion of the County, where large open areas are quickly becoming obsolete, the option of solving educational facility problems by constructing new schools is becoming increasingly difficult to implement. Going forward, the County is going to have to find other ways to deal with school facility issues. With some creative thinking, I believe this Board can not only adopt a plan that brings the Hammond High facilities up to a level equal to the other high schools, but also solves some the other problems being considered as justification for building a new high school.

Respectfully submitted SCHOOLSOF OPPORTUNITY SELECTION CRITERIA

CREATEAND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY SCHOOL CULTURE

USE MULTIPLE MEASURESTO ASSESS STUDENTLEARNING

PROVIDE RICH, SUPPORTIVE SUPPORTTEACHERS AS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFESSIONALS STUDENTSWITH SPECIAL NEEDS

PROVIDESTUDENTS WITH ENACTACHALLEHGINS ADDITIONALNEEOED ANDSUPPORTED SERVICES AND SUPPORTS CULTURALLYRELEVANT CURRICULUM

BUtLO ON THE STRENGTHS SUSTAINEQUITABLE AND OFLANGUAGE MINORnY MEANINGFULPARENT AND STUDENTS ©1 Lioj coMMUNrrvENGAGEMENT

SCNOOLSOFOPPORTUNITY.ORG Howard County Public Schools Facilities Assessment: April, 2008

Score School Recent Improvement 892 Bonnie Branch MS 892 Worthington ES 2008 884 Bollman Bridge ES 2013 883 Waverly ES Scheduled for 2019 $23 mil. 882 Patuxent Valley MS 2017 $10 mil. 881 Long Reach HS 872 Clarkesville ES Language immersion added 2022 $10 mil. 859 River Hill HS 859 Jeffers Hill ES 854 Laurel Woods ES 2015 $8 mil. 852 St. John's Lane ES 2009 845 Patapsco MS 838 Atholton ES 2007 836 Talbot Springs ES Scheduled for replacement 2022 836 Bryant Woods ES 833 Running Brook ES 2014 $6 mil. 833 Wilde Lake HS 831 West Friendship ES 830 Swansfield ES Currently $13 mil. 826 Phelps Luck ES 2013 $7 mil. 820 Thunder Hill ES 2012 818 Harper's Choice MS 817 Cradlerock ES 807 Oakland Mills MS CIP to be completed 2021 801 Longfellow ES 2015 $17 mil. 800 Glenwood MS 2010, 2016HVAC 797 Dunloggin MS Long range plan to be completed 2023 $39 mil. 797 Howard HS 2009 795 Glenelg HS 2011 789 Northfield ES 2011 788 Oakland Mills HS 772 Stevens Forest ES 2013 772 Centennial HS 756 Hammond MS 2011 753 Hammond ES 2011 01. 30. 2018 Budget Public Hearing - Board Members and Superintendent:

Good evening. My name is Susan Holley. I have been a substitute teacher in Howard county for the past 11. 5 years. I have a math education degree and a graduate degree. I enjoy working in two middle schools near my home. I teach students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade in a variety of subjects. I also appreciate having a flexible work schedule. Each day is different and fun and challenging. But as anyone who has been a substitute knows, some days you go home very tired. My concern for you tonight is that in my 11. 5 years as a substitute here I have had one raise. I started making $85. 00 a day and today I earn $90. 00 per day. Substitutes get no benefits: no paid sick days, no pension, no healthcare insurance, and no annual cost of living increase. Recently a bonus was reinstated that we had when I first started working. I can earn an extra $200. 00 if I work at least 50 days per semester. If we work at least 100 days of the year we can earn $400. 00 in bonuses - but that really isn't much. If I work every day this year, 180 school days, I'll earn $16, 600. If I work more than two weeks for one teacher, a long-term substitute assignment, I can earn a little more. But $16, 600 really doesn't seem like enough for the challenging work we do every day, especially considering the cost of living in Howard County, MD. I feel like we are the forgotten employees of the school system. We are not represented by a union - we have no one speaking for us. As a result, we have had one raise since I started substitute teaching 1 1. 5 years ago. I think this is unacceptable for a place like Howard County Maryland, one of the richest counties in the country. We have a highly educated population here. But some of my friends have stopped substituting because after taxes, gas, and hiring someone to watch a child or walk a dog in the middle of the day, they simply cannot afford to substitute. And we need more substitute teachers. I am asking you to please remember substitute teachers in this budget and pay us a fair wage for the important work we do every day for our students. Thank you. GoodeveningmembersoftheHowardCounty Board of Education. My name is Dr. Jennifer Scott. I am a Howard County resident, parent of two students in the Howard County Public School System, and a professor of astronomy at Towson University. I serve as Secretary of the HCPSS Science Advisory Committee and it is in that capacity that I speak tonight. The HCPSS SAG is a group of scientists and engineers who reside in Howard County and who provide volunteer support and advocacy for excellent science education in our school system. The SAG recognizes that preparing students for further study in STEM is vital to the economy of the Maryland and the entire United States. Furthermore, science literacy is necessary for an informed citizenry. Today's students are tomorrow's leaders.

In my role on the SAG and as a HCPSS parent, I would like to use this opportunity to recommend that this board support Superintendent Martirano's proposed operating budget for FY19.

In particular, I wish to highlight and advocate for the proposed budget's requests for: . high quality instructional materials, texts, and equipment, which are necessary to support learningthrough rigorous, rich, and relevant experiences; and . science teaching staff, as well as science curriculum staff at Central Office, to support and ensure authentic inquiry-based learning in the laboratory and the field for students, at all levels, in both introductory and advanced science courses. These resources are critical for our science offices to support instructional needs, such as kit development at the Elementary Science Resource Center and the secondary-level HCPSSSTEM Festival. Indeed, this material and staff support are crucial for the overall implementation of the Maryland State Science Curriculum in HCPSSand the resulting value placed on learning content within and across science disciplines through mastery of genuine science and engineering practices.

I also applaud Superintendent Martirano's emphasis on access and equity in education for all HCPSS students. The field-based Our Environment in Our Hands program for fourth grade students at select Title I schools and the Watershed Report Card program for all ninth grade students are examples of the excellent and equitable experiential learning that takes place in HCPSS. I urge you to support the Superintendent's budget, which provides resources for these programs and for all HCPSS science instruction.

Thank you for your time. Good evening. My name is Dr. William Straube and I am the chair of the HCPSS Science Advisory Committee. We are a group of science and engineering professionals who live in Howard County and meet once a month with the elementary and secondary science coordinators, science resource teachers and others. The objective of our committee is to support excellence in science education in our schools.

As you know, the way science is taught has changed significantly in the last few years. The development of curricula that meets the Next Generation Science Standards means that students now learn science by applying the principles and practices used by scientists and engineers. These changes result in unprecedented opportunities for our students. The full integration of new standards that increase the rigor in our curriculum so that all students are student-scientists is no small matter. It is truly impressive that this revolution was implemented with such great success.

I would like to recognize the huge role that the elementary and secondary science curriculum staffat central office played in making this transition possible. Science coordinators, Instructional Facilitators, and Resource Teachers are leading important and necessary curricular updates, while also facilitating invaluable professional learning and coordinating resource deployment. Ourteachers also deserve a lot ofcredit for risingto the challenge ofdramatically changingthe way they teach science and then making it work Our Maryland Science Standards, aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards, have set newand very rigorous outcomes for our students... outcomes that are consistent withthe demands ofthe future. Student equity demands that both the training for and expectations ofthese new standards be consistent across our schools. Without the bridging role fulfilled by our central office curriculum staff, some schools simply might not have the resources or knowledge to implement the new curricula effectively. Hard work by many folks in the school system hasushered in a newera of science education, one whichwill better prepare all students for 21st centuryjobs andthe decisions that citizens will be called upon to make. Adequate funding of science education is necessary to keep the program excellent and relevant. Access and equity are fundamental to the budget request that is being made by the elementary and secondary science offices. The budget is intended to ensure students...a// students... have access to the materials and resources and experiences that will support scientific literacy development. As chair of the Science Advisory Committee, and as a concerned resident of Howard County, I urge you to fully support the Superintendent's budget. Good Evening Board Members and Dr. Martirano.

I come to you tonight representing over 6, 000 of your employees that are not only excellent educators, but they are also wise consumers of their healthcare dollars. The members of HCEA understand Dr. Martirano inherited this budgetary crisis. It is my job as the president of HCEA to be sure that the story related to the healthcare picture is accurately represented. Although the healthcare costs are rising nationally between 7-15% a year, HCPSS's increases range between 2-7% based on our claims' experience. This demonstrates that your employees are great stewards of their health care and tax payer monies. The HCPSS has an Operating Budget deficit that has grown over the last several years due to the expansion of programs and the lack of funding to meet the needs of the school system beyond maintenance of effort. Expanding Pre-K to provide equity and creating ESM model schools that provide World Language instruction are just a few examples of programs that have never been funded by the County's minimal funding. Ironically, it was the 22M health care fund balance (employee's monies) that no longer exists, that helped initially pay for these programs. When you compare the benefits packages of HCPSS employees to other counties, the costs of our plan falls in the mid-range of costs across the state. hlCPSS employees continue to pay for their cost of the premium to ensure that the healthcare plan can be solvent. Based on the HCPSS budget data displayed on this chart, employee contributions equate to more than 20% of the claims. Not only do HCPSS employees not have parity with other county employees related to coverage for dental and vision their salary increases have not kept pace with other public servants. Please reference the chart now displayed that shows the recent step and COLA history for firefighters, police and educators. In addition, even when we all received step, fire and police steps are at least 1% more. So, let's recap: Employees have been great stewards of their health care keeping their claims rates much lower than county and national averages. Their plans are competitive even though their salaries have not kept pace with other Howard County public servants. The problem is not employee's health care.

Educators believe in the programs we provide to the students of this county. However, we should not be expecting employees to resolve the budgetary decisions that put the school system in this position. We fully support the Board of Education in requesting the funds that are necessary to provide for the educational needs of our students and to retain and attract high quality educators. Our community is counting on the Board of Education to maintain the high-quality school system that the children of this county deser/e. Health Fund FY11 FY14 FY16 FY17est FYlSapprov. Claims Costs 82,979, 277 101,110,606 118,157,929 118,952,245 124,891,506 Employee 19,686,031 23, 620, 997 25,244,847 25,476,881 26,404,915 Withholdings Employee 23. 7% 23. 4% 21. 4% 21.4% 21. 1% Contribution General Fund 68,727,070 75,877,910 82,500,000 68,321/679 74,007,346 Contributions Yr. End 1,210/954 8,297, 316 944,436 24,000,000 Transfer Fund Balance 21,642, 934 13,031, 657 (16,468,868) (22,164/388) (22,164,388)

. Employee with holdings include active, retired, food & transportation Salary Comparison FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 Police Step Step Step Step Step Step +1% +2% +4% +4% +2% +2% +1% Firefighters Step + 2% Step Step Step Step Step +1% +$250 +4% +4% +2% +2% +1% +$2,500 longevity Educators Step Step Step Step Step +3% +2% +2% Value of Steps: Police steps are worth 3.5% Firefighters steps are worth 3.05% Teachers steps 2% (source: Howard County Government Compensation subject to collective bargaining) 9/12/17 Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Estimate Approved FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 Sources of Funds

Use of fund Balance 19,456,502 Employee Withholdings 13,075,497 14,502,479 15,473,026 16,117,036 16,627,796 16,864,550 17,268,723 17,800,000 Retiree payments 4,306,278 3,807,397 4,057,534 4,826,278 5,008,063 6,169,210 6,113,344 6,544,915 COBRA, leave, refunds, etc. 164,604 188,818 276,546 332,808 429,154 269,996 510,280 286,439 Payment from Food Services 2,076,890 1,955,913 1,953,328 1,988,380 2,068,497 2,057,495 2,094,814 2,060,000 Payment from Transportation 227,366 570,164 636,048 689,303 693,216 153,592 Payment from General Fund 68,727,070 70,646,703 67,277,160 75,877,910 78,000,000 82,500,000 68,321,679 74,007,346 Year End Transfer 1,210,954 691,168 2,802,148 8,297,316 2,831,427 944,436 24,000,000 Rebates 2,071,283 2,177,107 3,485,476 4,825,824 5,385,987 5,788,110 11,393,595 Revenue 129,806 Miscellaneous 7,779,243 97,034 267,564 231,921 327,669 246,045 Payments from Grants 1,224,669 1,244,774 1,456, 892 1,705,952 1,505,353 952,922 1,677,394 1,030,000

Total Sources of Funds 93,084,611 93,737,222 103,889,032 113,417,493 112,256,894 115,530,109 126,102,013 132.824.842

Uses of Funds

Non-Election Benefits 3,669,992 3,688,474 3,733,383 3,801,381 3,826,893 3,783,671 3,788,480 7,994 Administrative Fees 6,746,295 6,656,286 5, 731,247 5,703,887 5,633,619 6,441.949 5,121,706 5,692,235 Increase/Decrease to reserve (641,860) 1,061,315 921,415 678,021 186,412 Payment of claims 70,833,889 85,298,358 95,305,378 101,110,606 108,182,030 118,157,929 118,952,245 124,891,506 PPACAFees 55,288 1,133,264 557,878 525,100 Wellness Program 1,037,321 1,762,715 1,758,676 1,948,586 2,136,934 1,249,348 617,000 Other Expenses 1,729,101 2,357,606 1,170,428 1,125,850 1,897,469 1,604,576 1,482,633 1,429,695 Recovery of Fund Balance

Total Uses of Funds 82,979,277 99,038,045 107,703,151 112,913,828 123,683,176 133,604,352 131,797,533 132,824,842 Current Year Delta 10,105,334 (5,300,823) (3,814,119) 503,665 (11,426,282) (18,074,243) (5,695,520)

Ending Find Balance 21,642,934 16,342,111 12,527,992 13,031,657 1,605,375 (16,468,868) (22,164,388) (22,164,388) UUWAKU i;uun i Y uuv&KnmiLn i (Compensation subject to collective bargaining)

FV08 FY09 FVIO FVII FY12 FV13 FV14 FY15 FY16 FY17 Police Increment 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5% General adjustment (COLA) 5.0% 5.0% 2.0% (d) 2.0% (d) 2.0%(d) 4.0%(k) 4.0%(p) 2.0%(r) Top of range adjustment (b) (h) (i) (0) Firefighters Increment 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% General adjustment (COLA) 6.0% 6.0% 6.0% 6.0% 2.0%(d) 4.0%(k) 4.0%(p) 2.0%(r) Lump-sum payment $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 $250 Longevity $2,5000) $2,5000) $2,500(j) General Schedule Increment 3.05 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% 3.05% General adjustment (COLA) 3.0% 3.0% 2.0%(d) 2.0%(d) Top of range adjustment (i) Others (Service/Labor/Trades) Increment 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% General adjustment (COLA) 3.0% 3.0% 1.0% 2.0%(d) Longevity (m) Teachers Increment Yes(a) Yes No Yes(c) Yes(e,f) Yes(g) Yes(s) General adjustment(COLA) 5.0% 5.0% 1.2% (s) Library Merit Increase 3.0% I 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0% General adjustment(COLA) 3^0%[ 3.0% 2.0%(d)

(a) Across board increases and/or restructured scales (b) 3.25% longevity to be added on 7/1/08 for Sergeants & 1/1/09 for Police Union (c) $500 or equivalentincrease for employeesnot increment-eligible (d) 2% adjustmenteffective January1 of the fiscal year (6months) (e) Half incrementin FY2012; other half delayeduntil FY2013 (f) Small improvements to steps 1-3 (g) Compressionof scaleto step30 and adjustmentof "seed" to $41,230; including index adjustments (h) 3.25% longevity to be addedon 7/1/12 for Sergeants& for Police Union (i) Additional stepsadded to scale (j) $2,500 longevity for employeeswho completed252 monthsof service (k) 4% effective 1/1/14 (I) 3% effective 1/1/15 (m) Longevityof $0.75 perhour after 10 years of service,$ 1.45 perhour after 15 years of service,and $ 1.75 perhour after 20 yearsof service (n) Half increment 7/1/14 (o) 3.25% longevity at the completionof years 14-20of service (p) 4% effective with last pay period in FY2016 (q) Half increment7/1/15 and stipendequal to half increment (r) 2% effective with last pay period in FY201 7 (s) Combinedincreases are the equivalentof a 4% salaryincrease Benjamin Schmitt BoE Testimony, 1/30/18 rates, or other meds that may be problematic in combination with their regimen. They need second-tier meds that require extra paperwork, authorizations, phone calls, etc. We keep a medical binder that goes everywhere with us in case something happens while we're out, or when we may be out of network visiting family, seeing a new doctor, or something similar. And this doesn't include any health issues that my wife and I may have on our own.

Why is all of this so important? We pay anywhere between $,4000-$6,500 out of pocket each year in copays for doctor visits, medicines, ER trips, hospital stays, parking fees at Hopkins, etc. It's clearly high enough to cause a financial hardship, but not quite enough to trigger a deduction on income taxes. These expenses are on top of what I already pay for insurance, but include having the fees for dental and vision coverage. Hence, this discord over benefits is near and dear to my heart... and my wallet. Until this past October, my family went 12 years on just my salary. We can't afford vacations. I live in an older home in Howard County that needs work, but I wanted to live in the county so my children could benefit from the school system I work so hard for. Although my wife recently re-entered to workforce, we cannot withstand an increase to our health care costs. And I'm even further infuriated when I read in the paper that the county executive and council members deserve a 33% raise with guaranteed COLA'S, due to inflation, the rising cost of living in the county, and an increased workload. It seems like teachers have been saying that for years.

I know that I'm blessed and that this all could be much worse. However, I've missed too many milestones already in the lives of my children because I was working too much to keep financially afloat. I do everything that I can to cover the several thousand dollars we already pay each year in medical costs. I shouldn't have to get a third or fourth job to put more towards the costs of benefits, simply because there was financial mismanagement with the health care fund. For years, we had a surplus! Where did it go? Were those surpluses used to pay for other programs in the operating budget? And now I feel like I'm being manipulated and possibly forced to pay for mistakes that weren't my own. This is all very personal to me. And my family is just one of many that you should be thinking about when considering a change to health benefits for school system employees.

Thank you. Benjamin Schmitt BoE Testimony, 1/30/18 rates, or other meds that may be problematic in combination with their regimen. They need second-tier meds that require extra paperwork, authorizations, phone calls, etc. We keep a medical binder that goes everywhere with us in case something happens while we're out, or when we may be out of network visiting family, seeing a new doctor, or something similar. And this doesn't include any health issues that my wife and I may have on our own.

Why is all of this so important? We pay anywhere between $,4000-$6, 500 out of pocket each year in copays for doctor visits, medicines, ER trips, hospital stays, parking fees at Hopkins, etc. It's clearly high enough to cause a financial hardship, but not quite enough to trigger a deduction on income taxes. These expenses are on top of what I already pay for insurance, but include having the fees for dental and vision coverage. Hence, this discord over benefits is near and dear to my heart... and my wallet. Until this past October, my family went 12 years on just my salary. We can't afford vacations. I live in an older home in Howard County that needs work, but I wanted to live in the county so my children could benefit from the school system I work so hard for. Although my wife recently re-entered to workforce, we cannot withstand an increase to our health care costs. And I'm even further infuriated when I read in the paper that the county executive and council members deserve a 33% raise with guaranteed COLA'S, due to inflation, the rising cost of living in the county, and an increased workload. It seems like teachers have been saying that for years.

Thank you. FY2019 Superintendent Proposed Budget

Nonpublic and Community Intervention (3328), p. 365 states the actual number of students in nonpublic schools in FY2017 was 150 (budgeted in FY2017 was 192. ). The actual number was 192 as reported to MSDE. The amount budgeted was $7,567, 274 and the listed amount spent was $8, 141,655 - an underestimate of $574,381.

The number of students budgeted for FY2018 was 200 students at a budgeted cost of $7, 902, 570. If 192 students had a cost of $8. 1M, how will 200 students cost $7. 9M?

The number of students budgeted for FY2019 is 215 with budgeted cost of $7, 915, 382. Again, if 192 students cost $8. 1M, how will 215 students cost $7. 9M?

Also consider that the number of students in nonpublic schools has been underestimated over the last decade.

Number of Students in Nonpublic Schools Costs for Students in Nonpublic Schools 225 estimates and actuals |$9,000, 000 estimated and actual

'$8, 000, 000

175 $7, 000, 000

$6,000, 000 125 FY2015 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 $5,000,000 . budgeted ft o-f students in nonpublic schools 2015 2016 2017 201S 2019 . actua! # students in nonpublic schools reported to MSDE l budgeted cost for students in nonpublics

^ FY2019 budget book listing ofactua) # students l actual cost for students in nonpublics

# of Special Education students in nonpublic schools estimated and actual Over or Under 200

Estimates of Nonpublic 175 Student trend Since 2000

150

125

100 ^. u">ipr*-cocTiOi-tr\im'3-tntDf^. QOQ 0 Q 0 PpQQpQOOOOOOOO rMMfMr'irsifMrMNr>ir^rM(N(~.. ir-4(Sif. i(:-,i(N

. Nonpublic Student numbers . estimated # nonpublic students Special Education Schoot-based Services (3321) p. 339 FY2017 number of students on lEPs K-12 listed as actual - 4468 and # of students on lEPs (birth to 5) was 593 giving a total of 5061 - reported to MSDE was 5339. FY2018 number of students on lEPs K-12 listed as actual - 4713 and # in RECC627 giving a total of 5, 340 - reported in Oct was 5595.

The estimated number of K-12 students for FY2019 is 5184 (6-21) giving an increase over the FY2018 actual of 471 students.

The increase in special education staff in the budget is 14 teachers. That is a ratio of about 34 to 1 new students to new teachers. The budget calls for 22 new paraeducators. Could some of those positions be changedto special education certified teachers?

The increase of 12 teachers for FY2018 gave a ratio of 20 to 1 for 245 new students.

Ratio of new Special Ed teachers to new Special Ed Students

500 trt 40 -1-1 35 ^ 400 3 No new teachers 30 ^ 300 added FY16 25 -0 -0 ^ 100 10 3 (U 5 I ° 0 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 Fiscal Year

# of new students "ft new students to # new teachers

Ratio of New Special Ed Support Staffto New Special Ed Students 500 25 450 s g "00 20 "> ~S 350 ft .a 300 15

0 0 FY2016 FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 S of new students "". '" tt new students to # new support staff In past years when teachers and staff were added for projected enrollment, there were many years (2005 - 2011) when HCPSS significantly underestimated special education student enrollment for subsequent years. Were our estimates of staff needs accurate or are we still making up for past problems?

HCPPSS Estimated v. Actual numbers of students on lEPs S. 600

5, 400

5, 200

5, 000

4, 800

4, 600

4, 400

4, 200

4,000 -^ .A .[.?> -(^ -( -.3- -.5' -^' -N'' -.^> -.^ -.5> 'y'y'y'y'^>^y'y^^'~y'y"yr y'y'yr ^jfv'yry

. budgeted ft students on lEPs 3-21 actual » students on lEPs 3-21

HCPSS Estimated vs Actual total sudent enrollment

58,000

56, 000

54, 000 52, 000

50, 000

48, 000 46,000

44, 000

42, 000 40, 000 OT-ffN<^-tnu)!^oQ(TiOt-i(M(ri«i-Lnu)r^j(NrMrj(NfN(N(NfNfNfM(Nr<)(NrMr\l

'Budgeted total enrollment .Actual total enrollment Temporary employees have no benefits, work part-time and are the lowest paid. HCPSS spends a lot of money each year for these transient and least trained employees to work with our most vulnerable population, who needs the most stability.

Where does this line item show up in the budget? What is projected for FY2019?

Number & Cost of Temporary Employees* working with Special Education students $3,000,000. 00 5, 600 5, 400 $2, 500, 000.00 \^ 5, 200 $2,000,000. 00 -a 5,000 S /^

'number of students on )EPs

Cedar Lane (3322), p. 343

FY2019 estimates 6 more students with a loss of 0.8 teacher and an increase from a 0. 2 to 0.8 for an adaptive PE teacher and a decrease in the budget of $116,440.

Are we planning appropriately for students with one of the greatest needs?

Speech, Language, and Hearing Services (3325), p. 355

FY2019 proposes an increase of 8.6 Speech Language Pathologists (and moving one support staffto a professional position) with an increase in the budget of $557,293, but only $3,500 for training.

Special Education Central Office (3330), p368

FY2019 budget lists an increase from 7 to 8 professional positions from FY2018 to FY2019 with an increase in the budget of $170, 964.

However, the summary of position in the back of the budget (page 592) lists no increase in special education central office from FY2018 to FY2019. (The liaison position was added in FY2018) and we were hoping that more staff would be in the classroom ratherthan central office. Birth to Five Early Intervention Services (3324), p. 351

FY2019 proposed increase of 10. 5 teachers and 4 paraeducators for a projected increase of 103 students in the MINC preshool/prek and 48 students in preschool/preK (RECC) for 6 classroom expansions and new ES#42.

At the surface, this looks reasonable, but the RECC student to teacher and student to support staff ratios have increased significantly over the last 9 years.

PreK ratios Special Education Students to Special Education Teachers and Support Staff 25

-£?"r<3 "P0" - <>.^0" -f> .{?'-if' iQ0"-n(' -^' -c?> -6?" .^' z^' -c? ^o0"-^' -{?' -r? .^y-~9 z^-.^ ^"y''-.3' ^ -.3' ^'-^' ^jf? ^'--S> ^vjf ^s"-.5> ^' .-S'

l RECCStudent to teacher ratio . RECCStudent to support staff ratio