BoardNotes: April 2020
Highlights from the Caroline Board of Education Meeting
Pledge of Allegiance
REPORTS
Board Member Reports
- Mr. Abner visited a meal pick-up site and was overwhelmed by the work being done.
- Mr. Newcomb appreciated the opportunity given students and families to access Wifi in school parking lots, and thanked the technology team for making that happen.
- Mr. Rowe said it was not what he did this past month but rather the work of all staff groups that made him proud of CCPS.
- Ms. Cheek thanked the principals and staff that came together for an emergency board meeting in mid-March, and said their collaboration and commitment was evident that night.
- Ms. Dill was appreciative of the teachers who have worked hard to implement the Continuity of Learning.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Saelens also shared a presentation on the Continuity of Learning Data, Week #1.
Student Representative Reports
Because of the school closure, student representatives did not have reports. However, NCHS representative Hailey Glauck sent the Board a message, a part of which read:
I would just like to say that in spite of everything, I feel like everything is going well school-wise. We've already had Google classroom set up for my classes and since all my classes this semester are AP, my teachers are also using the AP classroom platform through College Board. College Board also has Youtube sessions for all the AP classes and we've been utilizing these
as they are very helpful. Zoom is also easy to use and I think many students have been utilizing it. I would appreciate it if you could just convey to the Board that I think the Continuity of Learning is going well at least for me as for the other students I've talked to.
Thank you!
Hailey Gauck
Finance Report
RECOGNITIONS
Reach the Beach National Champions: CRHS Cheerleaders
Dr. Derek Simmons, Director of Student Services recognized Colonel Richardson High School Cheerleaders for being named 'Reach the Beach High School National Champions:
Shelbi Briggs, Grace Buchanan, Jaylyn Cephas, Harleigh Cutchin, Tiana Dobson, Lauren Fletcher, DaNajia Giles, Jodie Griep, Mikala Harrison, Kayla Holmes, Ivy Kuszmaul, Alanna Dahlmann Morris, Caroline Newcomb, Tamya Speller. Hannah Stanton, Andie Trick, Alexis Vail and Matthew Wilkison
Students were unable to attend the board meeting, and certificates were mailed to them.
All State Soccer
Dr. Derek Simmons, Director of Student Services, recognized Justin Tasker, North Caroline High School, for being a participant on the All State-Soccer 2nd Team. and Pearl Sutton, North Caroline High School, for receiving honorable mention on the All-State Soccer Team.
Students were unable to attend the board meeting, and certificates were mailed to them.
First Lady Hogan Artwork Exhibition
Lindsey McCormick, Director of Instruction, recognized Baylee Foxwell, Colonel Richardson High School student, for her artwork being selected for First Lady Hogan's Artwork Exhibition in Annapolis, Maryland. Students were unable to attend the board meeting, and certificates were mailed to them.
PRESENTATIONS
Strategic Plan: Academic Goal Presentation
Elementary Departmentalization
CONSENT AGENDA
Personnel with Addendum
Textbook Adoption
Debbie George, Supervisor of Instruction, presented the Board with two textbooks recommended for adoption:
- High School Social Studies, American Government
- High School Social Studies - Advanced Placement US History
Ms. George detailed the process undertaken for approval which includes review by a committee of the appropriate administrators, teachers, and parents.
She also explained that the AP History textbook had a citizen raise an objection, which delayed the recommendation a month while that process was followed. Members of the committee met with the citizen to discuss his objections, and Ms. George felt this was a valuable process for all involved.
The Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda.
INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEMS
Athletic Track Replacement (CRHS) Bid
Mr. Nagel presented the CRHS Athletic Track Replacement bid from ATC Corp. which shows an amount not to exceed $368,000 for a Sports Track Surface at Colonel Richardson High School. This amount encompasses the total cost for the base bid and accepted additional alternates of $356,245, and includes a 3.25% contingency amount for any unanticipated additional costs.
Mr. Nagel explained that the contract is for removal and replacement of the existing rubber track surface, the pole vault box and the long and triple jump areas, covering the entire track with fabric, and repairing the paved area in front of the concession stands. The funds associated with this project are provided for using state bond proceeds. The bid process and procedures complied with Board policy and applicable state laws and regulations.
The Board unanimously approved this bid.
PUBLIC COMMENT
DISCUSSION OF ITEMS FOR FUTURE BOARD ACTION
Crowdsourcing Policy - First Reading
Mr. Nagel presented the Board with the draft Crowdsourcing Policy. This policy serves to set expectations regarding the initiation of fundraising through crowdfunding activities that support a teacher’s efforts to enhance the district or school’s educational programming. This policy is supplemental to CCPS’ Fundraising Policy, Reference I.II.10. The Board will again consider this policy at the second reading in May.
Potential Waivers for the Class of 2020
* Student Attendance - CCPS is awaiting guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education as it relates to student attendance laws and procedures during the time of continuity of learning. We want all of our students to engage in the learning opportunities and want to ensure that attendance reflects their efforts.
* Reporting Pupil Progress - Dr. Saelens stated that students should not be negatively impacted by the changes in accessing their learning due to COVID-19. As we work with MSDE, the manner in which we reflect student learning for the fourth quarter may look different that traditional reporting of pupil progress.
* Graduation Requirements - Just as the State Board of Education is re-examining graduation requirements, it is possible that CCPS will need to re-examine graduation requirements that are above those required by the state for our seniors. Dr. Saelens shared that seniors would not be negatively impacted by the changes in accessing their learning. We do not want this unprecedented circumstance to stand in the way of someone graduating.
*Graduation Exercises - There is the potential that changes to the Reporting Pupil Progress Policy and/or Regulation can impact traditional procedures associated with graduation.
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