BoardNotes: June 2021
Highlights from the Caroline Board of Education Meeting
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.
Personnel
RECOGNITIONS
Student Representatives to the Board
Dr. Simmons and Mr. Newcomb recognized Gillian Cheezum, Colonel Richardson High School Student Representative, and Zachary O'Brien, North Caroline High School Student Representative, for their outstanding service to the Caroline County Board of Education during the 2020-2021 school year.
Dr. Simmons and the Board wished Gillian, a recent graduate, the best of luck in her college experience. It was explained that Zachary, currently entering his senior year, will continue to represent NCHS for the 2021-2022 school year.
Dr. Simmons also introduced Zahid Ashraf as the incoming Colonel Richardson High School representative. Zahid was in attendance and said he looked forward to the experience.
Administrative Appointments
In addition, the Board unanimously approved changing the Public Relations Coordinator, a support level position, to Communications Officer at the leadership level, and approved the appointment of Sandi Barry to the position. Dr. Simmons and the Board discussed the increasingly important and complex role of communication throughout the school system and the community, its relevance within the Strategic Plan, and agreed this was a change that provided strategic long-term benefits.
Board Meeting Schedule for School Year 2021-2022
Financing for 2021 School Bus Purchase
These funds are for the purchase of three new school buses to replace existing buses that must be taken out of service in accordance with State transportation laws. Financing for the purchase of these vehicles will be accomplished through this lease purchase agreement. Funds for the estimated annual payment of $77,196.13 have been included in the FY22 operating budget.
The bid process and procedures complied with Board policy and applicable state laws and regulations.
Furnishing and Installing Flooring
The Board voted to accept the bids as shown on the bid tabulation sheet and award a contract to Fitz Flooring LLC, in the amount of $240,000.00. This amount encompasses the total cost for the base bid price and the accepted additional alternates of scratch resistant coating and installation of tile in the hallways (at RES).
This contract is for the contractor to furnish and install LVT floor tile at Ridgely Elementary School (RES) and Lockerman Middle School (LMS), to include the accepted additional alternates of scratch resistant coating and installation of tile in the hallways (at RES). The funds associated with this project are provided for with Federal Elementary and Secondary Schools
Emergency Relief (ESSER II) funds.
The bid process and procedures complied with Board policy and applicable state laws and regulations.
Textbook Adoptions - AP English
The Board approved the following textbook print and digital series and resources as presented by Renee Hesson, Supervisor of Instruction.
MSCO Advanced Placement Edition: English Literature and Composition, Grade 12: 2021, Brandon Abdon and Rebecca McFarlan; Perfection Learning
This textbook aligns with the skills and strategies assessed on the recently redeveloped College Board AP English Literature and Composition exam. The textbook includes significant print and digital resources. The text excerpts represent a variety of viewpoints and authors, while incorporating a balance of classic and modern literature. Additionally, this textbook includes assessment of learning that models the exam’s questions. This textbook, Advanced Placement Edition: English Literature and Composition, will serve as a critical support for both teachers and students enrolled in AP English Literature and Composition.
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition
AMSCO Advanced Placement Edition: English Language and Composition, Grade 11: 2021, Shea, Scanlon, et al.; Perfection Learning
This textbook aligns with the skills and strategies assessed on the College Board AP English Language and Composition exam. The textbook includes significant print and digital resources and includes modern and updated text selections. Additionally, this textbook includes assessment of learning that models the exam’s new selected response questions. This textbook, Advanced Placement Edition: English Language and Composition, will serve as a critical support for both teachers and students enrolled in AP English Language and Composition.
Textbook Adoption - AP Spanish Language & Culture
The Board approved the following textbook for Advanced Placement Spanish Language as presented by Supervisor of Instruction Robert Willoughby:
Temas: AP Spanish Language & Culture, (2020), Draggett, Conlin, Ehrsam, & Millan; Vista Higher Learning.
This textbook was one of three that were considered for adoption by the review committee. Temas is organized according to the six themes in the College Board’s AP Spanish Language and Culture recommended curriculum, and is bundled with a student workbook for AP exam practice, as well as robust digital components that assess students in reading, writing, speaking and listening in the target language. In addition, professional development opportunities for AP teachers as well as Spanish I-IV teachers are incorporated into the textbook bundle, with sessions presented by accomplished AP scorers, presenters, and content experts.
Board Member Reports
Mr. Barton reported that he had an informal conversation with several Caroline bus drivers. They discussed the challenges of the past year and how much he appreciates the work they do.
Mrs. DiGiacomo stated she was impressed with the Police Unity Ride that came through Denton and the fact that lunch was provided to them by the culinary school. She was also happy to attend graduations and speak at North Caroline.
Mr. Newcomb reported that the highlight of his month was simply attending events in person, watching students, parents and staff interact face to face. He thanked the many staff that handled graduation and acknowledged the tremendous amount of work that went into the successful events.
Superintendent's Report
- As of this Friday, we will have successfully completed the 2020-2021 school year. Our students have not lost out; they have learned not only academics but resilience, stick withitness, and have become overcomers.
- We send a HUGE shoutout to our dedicated teachers, administrators, bus drivers, school nurses, cafeteria staff, instructional support staff, and countless others.
- Lastly, we thank our community and families for their support as we navigated uncharted waters for our young people.
- As we close out the school year, COVID-19 cases have decreased dramatically, giving us much hope for the fall.
Assistant Superintendent & Directors Report
Finance Report
PRESENTATIONS
Enrollment Projections
Ms. Jones publicly thanked Alan Visintainer, a contractor for CCPS who previously handled enrollment projects, for sharing resources and being a generous mentor. Mr. Nagel shared with the Board that Ms. Jones would be retiring at the end of the month and she would be greatly missed by everyone at CCPS. The Board wished Ms. Jones well in her retirement.
Junior Achievement at CCPS
Mr. Willoughby shared that JA was able to pivot to an online conference experience that simulated a convention center, and continued to teach critical skills and how to manage finances in an appropriate way.
FY 2022 Operating Budget
June 8: GES last day of school to prepare for transitioning between buildings
June 11: Last day of school
June 11: 5pm GES Retirement Celebration
June 17: 3 p.m. Central Office Retirement Celebration
June 23 for GES Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Next Board Meeting: July 6, 2021
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