BoardNotes: November 2022

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.

The Greensboro Elementary School Boys Running Club opened the meeting by leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. School counselor Angela Webster and School Resource Officer Drew Durham, both club sponsors, accompanied the group, along with many family members.

News Release

The following middle school students were recognized as honorees in the Fall 2022 Maryland’s First Lady’s Art Exhibit:

• Solei Miller (6) from Lockerman Middle School completed her artwork in grade 6 under the direction of LMS art teacher, Katie Ellis.

• Violet Cheezum (9) from Colonel Richardson High School completed her artwork in grade 8 under the direction of CRMS art teacher, Lloyd Plinke.

The exhibition was virtual this year due to construction at the House of Delegates building.

Board Member Reports

• Ms. Wayman expressed her appreciation for the Farm to Table event, saying it really highlighted agriculture as a part of the Caroline County way of life. She added that the CCTC Culinary students did an outstanding job, as did the Greensboro Elementary students in attendance.
• Mr. Barton attended the CRHS versus NCHS football game and said it was a tremendous event. He shared that both teams were led by great coaches and showed good sportsmanship.
• Mr. Jones said that through attendance at many events in October, he saw that schools had excellent parent involvement, which is something the Board values and appreciates. He also expressed his appreciation to President Newcomb for his excellent 'coaching' he provided to new board members.
• Mr. Newcomb acknowledged that this was his last Board of Education meeting. He said that he appreciated that the CRHS football team was now playing mostly a 'small school' schedule which leveled the playing field for them.

Superintendent's Report

Dr. Simmons reviewed statistics from the Maryland College Application Week. He expressed appreciation to Supervisor Nicole Fisher and the high school counselors for leading and championing the week and facilitating a high number of college applications.

Directors Report

Director of Instruction Lindsey McCormick highlighted work being done in the high school Physics class, along with a 'Spooktacular' event put on by Cosmetology students. She also thanked the Maryland Fire & Training Institute professionals for talking to middle school students about opportunities in the MFRI Program.

Director of Special Programs and Student Services Elizabeth Anthony discussed the work and impact of Conscious Discipline at all levels.

Director of Operations Bill Mengel discussed various professional development opportunities for support staff, the Greensboro Judy Center Early Learning Hub completion, and the purchase of a van for students with special needs.

Student Representative Reports

Colonel Richardson High School Student Board Representative Shelbi Briggs highlighted events and information for the schools in the south county, and North Caroline High School Student Board Representative Leslie Monter Casio highlighted events and information for the schools in the north county.

Finance Report

Chief Finance Officer Erin Thornton provided a finance report to the Board for the period ending October 31, 2022.

The Board approved personnel items as presented by Dr. Robert Willoughby, Supervisor of Human Resources.

The Board approved the administrative appointment of Elizabeth Saylor as Supervisor of Early Childhood, effective November 2, 2022.

Presentation

The Board approved the adoption of Media Arts I. This media arts course is a visual art study of our human connection through photography, computer arts, digital arts, and interactive media. Along with the continued study of the seven elements of art, students will implement concepts of space, light, and color to creatively express their feelings, perspectives, and ideas. Students will develop their skills in creating, responding, presenting and connecting through media arts. This course is aligned with the Maryland Media Arts Standards for high school and is offered in addition to other Fine Arts courses to meet graduation and/or elective requirements.

The following stakeholders participated in the needs assessment, design, and development of the course curriculum: Dr. Nikki Vondenbosch, CRHS principal; Mr. Matt Spiker, NCHS principal; Mrs. Renee Hesson, Supervisor of Instruction; Mr. Brooks Anderson, NCHS Art Teacher; Mr. Tim Goodger, NCHS Art Teacher; Mrs. Victoria Donovan, CRHS Art Teacher; Mrs. Melanie Bolles, CRHS Art Teacher.

Content Outline:

1. Introduction to Digital Design
2. Pixel (Photoshop)
3. Vector (Illustrator)
4. Digital Sculpture
5. Business Design

The Board accepted the 2023 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan as presented. Director of Operations Bill Mengel explained that the Interagency Commission on School Construction requires an annual update of the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan. This plan represents one of several activities enabling the IAC to monitor and evaluate how well Maryland’s school systems are systematically and comprehensively protecting the state’s capital investment. Caroline County’s specific objectives for its CMP are to:

1. Provide the most effective environment possible for teaching and learning.
2. Minimize potential disruptions to the educational program.
3. Preserve and protect the asset value of school property and facilities.
4. Maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of facility functions and systems.
5. Provide the foundation for effective risk management and preventative maintenance programs.

The Board accept bids as shown on the attached exhibit and awarded a contract to Tri-Gas & Oil Co., Inc., in the estimated total amount of $748,809.00, for the delivery of fuel oil and propane to its district buildings. The requested amount is based on estimated total of 180,000 gallons of fuel oil and 50,000 gallons of liquid propane annually.

The Board approved the Budget Adjustments and Audit Reports for FY 2022. Chief Financial Officer Erin Thornton explained that:

Revenues from other sources were less than budgeted due to low interest rates and a decrease in other miscellaneous revenue. The budgeted amount for restricted revenue must be decreased so that it balances with the actual expenditures for restricted programs.

Total expenditures in the areas of pupil personnel services, health services, pupil transportation, operation of plant, maintenance of plant, fixed charges and capital outlay exceeded the amount that was budgeted.

The reasons for the overages in these categories are as follows:

• Pupil Personnel Services – Contractual costs for the alternative program.
• Health Services – Actual salary costs were greater than what was budgeted.
• Pupil Transportation – Rising fuel costs.
• Operation of Plant – Price increases associated with fuel oil, propane and electricity; grass cutting expenses were greater than what was budgeted; snow removal costs.
• Maintenance of Plant – The cost of supplies needed for repairs at various schools/locations was higher than anticipated.
• Increased costs associated with maintenance service contracts.
• Fixed Charges – Rising health insurance costs; employer contributions for retirement were greater than what was budgeted.
• Capital Outlay – Costs associated with one-time building related improvements and year-end projects.

The areas of administration, school management and support, instructional salaries, instructional supplies, other instructional costs and special education will be decreased to offset the overages in the above categories.

Presentation

Supervisor of Instruction Christal Harkowa presented the Board with an update on the English Learners Program.

Presentation

Supervisor of Accountability Michael Julius provided a presentation on assessment data collected at the the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.

CCEA Agreement Summary FY23

CESPA Agreement Summary FY23

Board of Education approved the modifications to the Negotiated Agreement Between the Caroline County Board of Education and the Caroline County Educators’ Association. The Negotiating Teams from the Board of Education and the Caroline County Educators’ Association began negotiations in January of 2022 for Fiscal Year 2023. The process went to mediation in October of 2022, with an agreement reached on October 31, 2022. CCEA members ratified the agreement on November 11, 2022.

Presentation

Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Dr. Tara Downes provided an update on the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.

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Email: pio@ccpsstaff.org
Website: carolineschools.org
Location: Caroline County, Maryland
Phone: 410.479.1460
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Twitter: @CarolineCoPS