BoardNotes: February 2022
Highlights from the Caroline Board of Education Meetings
Caroline County Board of Education meetings are livestreamed and may also be viewed after the meeting has concluded. For information about the Board of Education, including agendas and meeting schedules, please visit the Leadership page of our website.
FEBRUARY 1 BOARD MEETING
Board Member Reports
- Mrs. DiGiacomo highlighted the seven students from NCHS FBLA who won at the regional conference, and said she had various conversions with teachers.
- Mrs. Wayman highlighted the Martin Luther King Unity Day march. She also praised the student that spoke at the March for a job very well done.
- Mr. Newcomb also highlighted the Martin Luther King Unity Day March.
Below L-R: Richard Barton, Donna DiGiacomo, James Newcomb, Arevia Michele Wayman, Mark Jones
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Simmons highlighted the MSDE Strategic Plan survey. He encouraged the Board, staff and public to participate in the survey.
Student Representative Reports
Student Representative Reports
Colonel Richardson High School Student Board Representative Zahid Ashraf highlighted events and information for the schools in the south county including Conscious Discipline professional development, spirit week, report cards, class pictures, virtual curriculum night, and PBIS fundraising.
North Caroline High School Student Board Representative Zachary O’Brien highlighted events and information for the schools in the north county, including class pictures, virtual curriculum nights, spirit week, transition day, Martin Luther King Day March, and CTE Month.
Finance Report
Comptroller Erin Thornton reviewed the finance report as of January 31, 2022. She explained CCPS is right on track with having spent approximately 82% of the budget. She highlighted the effects of inclement weather on the budget as snow removal is typically not budgeted for since it is not always needed. However, when it is needed like recently, it comes out of the Operations of Plant, Contracted Services line which also pays for SROs salaries.
Personnel
PUBLIC COMMENT
Joshua Conway, CCPS teacher, commented on the recent changes to contact tracing for COVID-19 close contacts. He requested CCPS strongly consider reversing the policy, citing student and staff safety concerns, and requested a press release announcing the changes as he was not immediately aware until after the fact.
INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEMS
FY23 Preliminary Budget Request
Dr. Simmons and Comptroller Erin Thornton presented the budget summary and reviewed the changes highlighted since the last presentation.
The budget reflects an increase from the Caroline County Commissioners. As a result of the Blueprint for Maryland’s future legislation, the funding formula for the local appropriation has changed. At this time, MSDE has not released the official County appropriation amounts. Projected State revenue reflects unofficial and preliminary data. When the official data is reflected in the State aid calculations, the actual revenue for next year will change. The increase in State Aid on the attached summary document reflects the fact that a hold harmless amount was added to the State Compensatory Education allocation.
2022-2023 School Calendar
The Board approved calendar option A as the school calendar for 2022-2023.
Director of Student Services Elizabeth Anthony and Director of Instruction Lindsey McCormick presented the board with two calendar options. The development of the 2022-2023 school calendar was accomplished through the efforts of the School System Improvement Council and Citizens Advisory Council. Two draft calendars were developed for consideration. Those calendar options were shared with the school community and a survey was conducted to solicit feedback to inform the Boards' decision. The survey asked respondents to choose the most preferred calendar. Seventy-nine percent of respondents chose calendar option "A" as their preference.
Once the print calendar is finalized, it will be shared with staff and the public through a News Release and on the CCPS website.
PRESENTATIONS
2022 Recruiting Schedule
Supervisor of Human Resources Debbie Siachos presented the board with a tentative schedule for the upcoming recruiting season. She also introduced Kim Purnell, the new staffing specialist who will be helping to recruit and handle most of the new hire process.
ARP/Reopening Plan Update
The executive leadership team reviewed the current status of the ARP/ESSER funds and Reopening Plans. They reviewed the steps taken so far to address lost instructional time, social/emotional mental health needs, as well as the 12 requirements and local status from the CCPS Reopening Plan.
DISCUSSION OF ITEMS FOR FUTURE BOARD ACTION
Public Comment Policy Revision
The Board discussed at length a revision to the current Public Comment policy. The following timeline was developed:
○ Policy committee meets to draft on February 7
○ Draft at the next CAC and SSIC on February 16
○ Soliciting public feedback per new policy committee procedures
○ Draft revision presented at March 1, 2022 meeting
○ Vote on final at April 5 board meeting
Other Items
Technical Education
Based on Board discussion regarding Technical Education, Dr. Simmons clarified that the preferred pathway is Computer Science or Engineering but TechEd will still be offered as an elective and is not being eliminated completely.
Virtual Snow Days
Ms. Wayman asked Dr. Simmons about the possibility of virtual snow days as neighboring counties have begun announcing their plans. Dr. Simmons explained the parameters MSDE provided local school systems for implementing virtual snow days. The basic components include a minimum of four hours of synchronous learning for all students, providing access for all students, ensuring students in special programs receive their support (SPED, 504, EL), and that those who do not attend virtually can make up all work/learning.
He further explained the significant logistical challenges this presents along with the clear evidence that virtual learning was not successful for a significant number of students last year. He confirmed that currently the plan is to keep the doors open and avoid virtual learning to extent possible.
FEBRUARY 15 BOARD WORK SESSION
- Coordinator of Instruction for Early Childhood Angela Gebert presented the 2021-22 Kindergarten Readiness Assessment results.
- Supervisor of Accountability Michael Julius reviewed 2021-22 assessment results.
Caroline County Public Schools
Email: pio@ccpsstaff.org
Website: carolineschools.org
Location: Caroline County, Maryland
Phone: 410.479.1460
Facebook: facebook.com/carolineschools.org
Twitter: @CarolineCoPS