BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY Elkton, Maryland 21921

Formal Session – March 27, 2006

A Formal Session of the Board of Education of Cecil County was held on Monday, March 27, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at the Administrative Offices, Elkton, Maryland. Present were: William W. Herold, President; Earl M. Piner, Member; Stewart C. Wilson, Member; Anthony L. Wong, Member; Michael R. Martin, Student Member; Carl D. Roberts, Superintendent of Schools; A. Barbara Wheeler, Associate Superintendent for Education Services; Henry A. Shaffer, Associate Superintendent for Administrative Services; Mary Etta Reedy, Executive Director for High School Education; Peter L. McCallum, Executive Director for Education; Carolyn J. Teigland, Executive Director for Elementary School Education; Robert L. Davis, Executive Director for Human Resources; D’Ette W. Devine, Executive Director for Staff Relations; Perry A. Willis, Executive Director for Support Services; Thomas M. Kappra, Chief Financial Officer; members of the staff and other interested persons.

Mr. Herold called the meeting to order.

Mr. Martin led the Pledge to the Flag.

Mr. Piner offered the Board Reflection.

Upon a motion by Mr. Wilson that was seconded by Mr. Wong, the minutes of the February 13, 2006 Formal Session were unanimously approved as presented. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.)

Upon a motion by Mr. Wong that was seconded by Mr. Piner, the Board of Education unanimously approved the meeting agenda as presented. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.)

New Business

Recognitions

Winter Sportsmanship Awards Ms. Sue Ann Strobel, Instructional Coordinator of Interscholastic Athletics, introduced Mr. Forest Wiest, Harford County Public Schools Supervisor of High School Physical Education, and Mr. Bob Slagle, Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference (UCBAC) Commissioner. Ms. Strobel and Mr. Slagle provided brief comments on the winter season and presented the winners of the winter UCBAC Sportsmanship Awards: Chesapeake Division Susquehanna Division Boy's Bohemia Manor High School Girls' Basketball Fallston High School Elkton High School Wrestling Rising Sun High School Edgewood High School

Ms. Strobel stated each team who receives a winter athletic sportsmanship award will be given a traveling sportsmanship plaque to be displayed in their respective school through the winter of 2007. The team name will be displayed on the team sportsmanship directory board outside of the Board room. Mr. Herold and Mr. Slagle presented the plaques to the Cecil County Public Schools winners.

Matthew Jackson, State Class 1A/2A Wrestling Champion Ms. Strobel introduced Mr. Matthew Jackson from Rising Sun High School, 2006 Maryland State Class 1A/2A Champion for Wrestling in the 119 pound weight class. Ms. Reedy read the following certificate of recognition, which was then presented by Mr. Herold.

Resolutions

School Library Media Month Dr. Wheeler read the resolution, which was accepted by Ms. Patricia Stafford, Program Facilitator for Media Services; Ms. Alice Brown, Rising Sun High School Media Specialist; and Ms. Kimberly Dyar, Rising Sun Middle School Media Specialist.

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Piner made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Wong, and the Board of Education unanimously adopted the resolution, “School Library Media Month”, as presented to be observed in all public schools in Cecil County. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.) Mr. Herold presented the resolution.

Reports and Presentations

Cecil County Council of Student Councils (CCCSC) CCCSC Members Mr. Chris Foltz and Ms. Jessica Shaw provided this report. Mr. Foltz stated that on March 18, each school participated in a county-wide Clean-Up Day, doing various service projects for Cecil County. CCCSC distributed Student Member of the Board packets to those students interested in running for that position. The election will be held during their next meeting. Each school participated in Lobby Day, where they met with Delegate David Rudolph, discussed bills that affect Cecil County students, and sat in on the House of Delegates Session. CCCSC is currently preparing for their trip to Ocean City, Maryland for the Maryland Association of Student Councils Convention.

Business and Education Partnership Advisory Council (BEPAC) Ms. Kathy Kunda, BEPAC Coordinator, provided an update on BEPAC activities. x During Engineering Week, ATK highlighted females participating in Bohemia Manor High School’s technology education course in engineering. x NEHS civil engineering class will learn about surveying x Union Hospital personnel will make presentations to Cherry Hill, Bohemia Manor, and Elkton Middle Schools. Students will prepare an essay. Fifteen students from each school will participate in a career exploration tour at Union Hospital x Recently held events: Student Teacher Appreciation Reception and Tour, New Teacher Roundtable x Susquehanna Workforce Network is scheduling dates at the high schools to prepare students for the Cecil County job fare at Singerly Fire Hall on April 27. x Learning Chess Club tournament will be held on April 11

Superintendent’s Report x The Cecil County Teacher of the Year gala is scheduled for April 5, 5:30 p.m. at the Rising Sun Banquet Hall. x Ms. Reedy was named as an Outstanding Change Agent for Career Technology Education by the Maryland State Department of Education. She will receive the award at a program later in the month. x Last week Cecil County Public Schools hosted the Cecil Leadership Institute at Bainbridge Elementary School (BES). This is the first year the event was hosted in a school. Dr. Roberts stated it was an outstanding presentation. x Dr. Roberts, Mr. Herold, Mr. Wong, and representatives from the Leadership Team and BES traveled to Annapolis to attend BES’ recognition as a Blue Ribbon School. The school will be notified by next fall if it receives a national recognition. x Cecil County Public Schools will receive an additional $1 million for the school construction program. x This year students must pass the four areas of the High School Assessments. Preliminary results indicate that when students have to pass the assessments, they take it much more seriously. x The Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education honored Ms. Susan Jones, Bay View Elementary School Principal, as the Cecil County recipient of the inclusive education award. x Dr. Wheeler reported that at that same event, Dr. Roberts received the State award for his efforts in inclusive education.

Consideration of Bids

Food and Nutrition Services Software Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Wong made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Piner that the Board approve the award for Food and Nutrition Software to MCS Software in the amount of $74,430 as indicated on the Proposal Tabulation. In response to a question from Mr. Wong, Ms. Kathy Thomas (Supervisor for Food & Nutrition Services) stated the MCS software is very customer friendly and in tune with the department’s needs. Mr. Herold asked about the start up costs and whether or not additional personnel will be required. Mr. Willis stated the costs are covered in the Food and Nutrition Services fund balance. Ms. Thomas stated no additional personnel will be required in order to use the program. Mr. Willis stated the need to implement the program now so that personnel can be trained before the end of the school year. Mr. Herold requested a more detailed presentation of the software at an upcoming meeting. There was a discussion as to whether or not an additional presentation was needed. Mr. Piner, Mr. Wilson, and Mr. Wong voted in favor of the motion. Mr. Herold voted against the motion. The motion passed. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.)

Intergovernmental Purchases Update Mr. Kelly Wood, Purchasing Agent; and Mr. Earle Miller, Director for Technology Services; provided this update. They noted the amounts approved and whether or not an additional amount is requested.

Dell Computers State of MD $513,350 Original Approval #DBM2020B $125,000 Added Request PO#050B280059 $638,350 Approx. FY Total

Hewlett Packard Printers MEEC Bid $67,968 Original Approval #USMSC2001-006 $0 Added Request $67,968 Approx. FY Total

Multi-media Projectors Balt. Cnty. Schs. $31,040 Original Approval Bid #JNI 749-04 $0 Added Request $31,040 Approx. FY Total

Photocopier Paper Wicomico Cnty. Schs. $100,000 Original Approval Bid IFB #185.061 $10,000 Added Request $110,000 Approx. FY Total

Office Supplies U.S. Communities $75,000 Original Approval Bid #41421 $75,467 Added Request $150,467 Approx. FY Total

Classroom & Office Baltimore City Metro $50,000 Original Approval Furniture Contract #BP-00161 $40,000 Added Request $90,000 Approx. FY Total

Listed below are the approximate totals to be purchased utilizing the Apple Computer Education, State and Local Government Price List:

Apple Computers $431,861 Original Approval $118,139 Added Request $550,000 Approx. FY Total

Total Additional Request: $368,606

Funding for these items will be through a variety of funding sources, including state, local, grant, and donated funds. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Wong made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Piner and the Board of Education unanimously approved the award of the items listed above, utilizing the bids and pricing shown, for the total amount of $368,606. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.)

Carpet Replacement – Perryville High School Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Wong made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Piner and the Board of Education unanimously approved the award for the Perryville High School Carpet/Cove Base Replacement to the low bidder meeting specification, Frontier Carpet for a total of $27,150. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.)

Bus Bid #6-022 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Wong made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Piner that the Board of Education approve the award for the Bus Bid to the low bidder meeting specification, K. Neal International Trucks, Inc. for a total of $67,962. Mr. Willis and Mr. Bob Markwardt, Supervisor for Transportation, reviewed the bid and associated regulations. The motion passed unanimously. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.)

Offset Press #6-031 Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Wong made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Wilson and the Board of Education unanimously approved the award for the Offset Press to the low bidder meeting specification, G.E. Richards Graphic Supplies for a total of $32,950. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.)

Bus Transfer Mr. Willis provided background information on the proposed bus transfer and described Mr. Ewing’s bus contracting experience. Mr. Shaffer stated the bus routes may change. In response to a question from Mr. Herold, Mr. Markwardt stated Mr. Benjamin has 13 buses in service. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Piner made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Wilson and the Board of Education unanimously approved Mr. Ewing as a bus contractor and approved the sale of Mr. R. James Benjamin's bus operation to Greg Ewing Bus Service. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.)

Consideration of 2006-2007 School Calendar Dr. Devine presented the proposed calendar for the 2006-2007 school year and explained the school calendar committee’s recommendations and issues deliberated to develop this calendar. In response to a question from Mr. Herold, Dr. Roberts stated the date of the first day of school does not affect the date of the first football games of the school year. In response to a question from Mr. Herold, Dr. Devine confirmed the committee discussed beginning school after Labor Day. The drawbacks to that are: it would add seven days to fit in the calendar September 5 forward, which would create a problem with Election Day and holidays; and it would require the last day of school to be well into the third week of June. Dr. Roberts noted the State sets the dates for High School Assessments in January. If school begins after Labor Day, students will not get same number of days in the first semester that they receive in the second semester to prepare for the assessments. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Wong made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Wilson that the Board of Education approve and adopt the school calendar as presented for 2006-2007. Dr. Devine noted many of the committee’s votes were unanimous or very uneven. There was a lot of stakeholder input. Mr. Wilson noted that he would like to honor all religious holidays by using holiday names to identify school breaks. The motion passed unanimously. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.)

Human Resources Items

Teacher Resignation(s) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Wong made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Piner, and the Board of Education unanimously approved the resignation(s) of the following teacher(s) to be effective on the specified date(s). (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.): MEGAN K. COLEMAN JULIE M. FITZGERALD French Elementary Leave of Absence Leave of Absence 2005-2006 effective June 30, 2006 effective June 30, 2006 LEA ANN LYNCH CYNTHIA SEDLAK Elementary Language Arts Leave of Absence 2005-2006 Leave of Absence 2005-2006 effective June 30, 2006 effective June 30, 2006 JANINE STEELE HELEN SWARTZ Grade 5 Special Education Cecilton Elementary Perryville High effective June 30, 2006 effective June 30, 2006 VIVIAN FAY WRAY Social Studies Perryville Middle effective March 24, 2006

Teacher Resignation(s) in Violation of Contract Dr. Roberts stated the penalties to be imposed on teachers who resign in violation of contractual obligations: - personnel records noted "Resigned in Violation of Contractual Responsibilities" - prospective employers making inquiries will be informed - will not be eligible for re-employment by the Cecil County Board of Education - recommendation to the State Superintendent of Schools for suspension of Maryland Teaching Certificate for 365 days as provided in COMAR 13A.12.05.02B - any accrued salary will be forfeited

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Wong made a motion that was seconded by Ms. Koch, and the Board of Education unanimously approved the resignation(s) in violation of contract of the following teacher(s) to be effective on the specified date(s). (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.): AMY E. GREGORY Special Education Cecil Manor Elementary effective April 18, 2006

Teacher Appointment(s) Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Piner made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Wong, and the Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment(s) of the following teacher(s) for the 2005-2006 school year. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.): Sarah T. Goodale Michael H. Painter Keith M. Tabor Perryville High Thomson Estates Elementary Bay View Elementary Math Grade 5 Special Education Maryann L. Welch Gilpin Manor Elementary Special Education

Teacher Leave(s) of Absence Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Piner made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Wong and the Board of Education unanimously approved the leave(s) of absence without pay for the 2006-2007 school year for the teacher(s) indicated. (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.) NICOLE M. GREENPLATE Special Education North East High

Teacher Retirement(s) Dr. Devine commented on the teachers’ contributions to Cecil County Public Schools. Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, Mr. Wilson made a motion that was seconded by Mr. Wong, and the Board of Education unanimously approved the resignation(s) for the purpose of retirement for the following teacher(s) to be effective on the specified date(s). (Mr. Martin voted in the affirmative.): C. MELVIN BACON Physical Education North East High effective March 17, 2006

DAVID A. BROWNE Physical Education Elk Neck & North East Elementary effective April 1, 2006

CAROL COSTELLO Spanish Bohemia Manor High effective August 1, 2006

The Formal Session was adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted, Carl D. Roberts, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools Secretary