In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (1), the Board met in Closed Session on 11/23/20 at 5:20 p.m. in the Board room to consider matters related to an appeal.
Due to the critical health situation that our community is currently experiencing, the December 9th Board meeting will be broadcast from the central office of Frederick County Public Schools; however, the meeting will not be open to the public. Should anyone wish to provide public comment, please send an email that includes your full name to: FCPSBoEmtg@fcps.org the day of the Board meeting. The Board allocates 30 minutes for public comment. Public comments will be read up to 30 minutes; however, all public comment, whether read or not, will be posted on BoardDocs within 24 hours of the meeting. Please note that public comment is for statements and questions will be directed to the appropriate staff for response.
The Board welcomes and encourages public comment. With the exception of confidential and personnel related matters, and issues pending in appeals to a local or State Board, individuals may speak about matters relating to the school system. If individuals have specific concerns relating to the actions of staff members, such concerns may be communicated to the superintendent who will address the concern with the appropriate staff or if the concern is about the superintendent an individual may share that concern with the Board through written or private verbal communication. Public comment is not intended to be a question and answer platform with the Board. Generally, the Board will not respond to comments made.
If you are speaking as an individual you have up to 3 minutes and will be asked to complete your thoughts when the buzzer sounds. On behalf of an organization you have up to 5 minutes.
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
To celebrate National Computer Science Education Month.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Students and faculty from Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) join others across the nation to celebrate National Computer Science Education month. Computer science curriculum is accessible and engaging for all students, regardless of background or prior experience, and is a medium for problem solving and self-expression within the FCPS courses.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
National Computer Science Education Month showcases computer science across the country. Student participation continues to grow in “Hour of Code” events. Information will be disseminated to show growth and the possibility for expansion. FCPS will continue to provide opportunities for students to engage with culturally and personally relevant topics in a wide variety of computer science related fields.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Norm McGaughey, Coordinator, Career and Technical Education (CTE)
SUBMITTED BY:
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PRESENTATION OF 5 BID CALENDAR ITEMS
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff would like to inform the Board of Education of Frederick County of upcoming bid solicitations for Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS).
RFP 21MISC6, Medical Claim Audit Services
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to procure the service of an outside agency to audit FCPS medical claims. The audit will assess the performance of the FCPS Claims Administrator against industry and contractual standards. The awarded vendor will audit a random assortment of claims and claims that have reached stop-loss payment level, recommend corrective action, if needed, and present a report of findings to the FCPS Insurance Council.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Donna Clabaugh, Senior Manager, Employee Benefits
RFP 21A2, Thurmont Elementary School Limited Renovation Program – Design Build
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract for architectural services for the limited renovation of Thurmont Elementary School Design Build project.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Holly Nelson, AICP, Facilities Planner, Operations Division
RFP 21MISC7, Professional Auditing Services for Frederick County Government, Frederick County Public Schools and Frederick Community College
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: FCPS along with FCG and FCC will combine requirements once again for external audit services that will include year-end financial statements audit. The RFP will be structured to receive individual prices. The successful firm will be required to enter into individual contracts with each agency for which each contract will be governed by the separate Terms and Conditions of that agency.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Melissa Rollison, Financial Reporting Manager
Bid 21C4, Governor Thomas Johnson High School Roof Replacement Project
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is for the replacement of roof sections and all associated work at Governor Thomas Johnson High School. This project includes replacement of roof section I, totaling 19,908 square feet.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Capital Program Department
Bid 21C5, Lincoln “A” Facility Roof Replacement Project
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is for the replacement of roof sections and all associated work at Lincoln “A’ Facility. This project includes replacement of roof sections, A & B, totaling 20,995 square feet.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Capital Program Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff would like to inform the Board of Education of Frederick County that Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) will be riding the above contract from General Services Administration.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This contract will be utilized by Special Education for the purchase of, or replacement of, technology for visually impaired students.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPO, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent
Denise Flora, Supervisor of compliance and Student Support
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff would like to inform the Board of Education of Frederick County that Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) will be riding the above contract from General Services Administration.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This contract will be utilized by the office of Organizational Development to record and track professional learning completed by FCPS employees. As FCPS continues to grow, the organization needs a comprehensive and robust system to organize, track, monitor, deliver, and evaluate professional growth for staff.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent
Margaret Lee, Director, Organizational Development
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff has reviewed the attached contract and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this proposal is to qualify and select general construction contractors for small construction and repair projects within the Frederick County Public Schools Construction Management and Maintenance Departments.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brad Ahalt, Senior Project Manager, Capital Program Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff has reviewed the attached contract and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract to qualify and select licensed consultants for Building Envelope Commissioning Services, on an as needed basis, for new construction and major renovation projects.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Capital Program Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff has reviewed the attached contract and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
RFP 21A1, Green Valley Elementary and Valley Elementary Schools Feasibility Study - Architect Selection
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract for architectural services for the feasibility study of the modernization or replacement of Green Valley Elementary and Valley Elementary Schools.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Elizabeth Pasierb, AICP, Supervisor of Facilities Planning
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff has reviewed the attached contract and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This recommendation is to establish a contract for new security vestibules at Myersville Elementary and Windsor Knolls Middle Schools.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brad Ahalt, Senior Project Manager, Capital Programs Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff has reviewed the attached contract renewal and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This recommendation is to renew the qualification status of roofing contractors for roofing projects over $250,000.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Capital Program Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks Board of Education acceptance of Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) grant.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $3,030,160 grant from Frederick County and the City of Frederick as part of the federal government’s Coronavirus Relief Fund.
If accepted by the Board, FCPS will use the funds for various activities including:
The grant period ends on December 30, 2020. Acceptance of this grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Heather Jo Clabaugh, Budget Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: To seek Board of Education acceptance of a Reopening Schools Incentive Grant from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $200,000 Reopening Schools Incentive Grant from MSDE to purchase items needed for the return of staff and students to in-person instruction. The funds are part of the federal Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ESSER) Fund to address emergency needs resulting from COVID-19.
Each school district in Maryland that brought students back to school for in-person learning in the second quarter of the 2020-2021 school year is eligible for Reopening Grant funding. A base amount of $200,000 is awarded to each qualifying school district, with an additional per pupil allocation to be determined at a later date by MSDE.
If accepted by the Board of Education, Reopening School Incentive Grant funds will be used for the following:
Acceptance of this $200,000 grant from MSDE does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Heather Clabaugh, Budget Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: N/A
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $23,678 Safe Schools Fund Grant from the Maryland Center for School Safety to support school security.
Grant funds will be used to replace the security camera software and equipment at Kemptown Elementary School. The security camera software currently installed at Kemptown, and the equipment associated with the software, have reached the end of its useful life. Grant funds will be used to replace the existing analog equipment with new Internet Protocol (IP) equipment and transition the outdated software to Avigilon, the security camera software now being used by FCPS. The grant will replace all cameras at Kemptown and add additional cameras to provide better coverage.
Acceptance of this grant from the Maryland Center for School Safety does not obligate FCPS to expend local resources.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S): N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval of the Board of Education of Frederick County to accept a School Resource Officer (SRO) Grant from the Maryland Center for School Safety (MCSS).
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $168,240 SRO Grant from the Maryland Center for School Safety to support school security.
Grant funds will be used to fund overtime salaries for local law enforcement officers to provide adequate coverage at special activities such as return to play events, Food Service meal distribution, and the dissemination of education materials to families. Law enforcement officers will be available to conduct follow-up investigations as requested by school administrators regarding bullying and harassment that occur during the school day.
When requested by pupil personnel workers, School Resource Officers will conduct wellness checks on students, who have not engaged in virtual learning. Services provided will include, but not limited to, helping students log in, learn their schedules, and delivery of curriculum based materials (add in other services provided). Only SRO's assigned to that school will be requested by the PPW. SRO's work for different law enforcement agencies in Frederick County.
A total of $152,240 will be used to reimburse local law enforcement agencies for officer overtime. The remainder of the grant funds ($16,000) will be used to cover the salary and fixed charges of an hourly grants specialist to manage the grant budget, prepare reimbursement invoices for local law enforcement, monitor grant activities, and prepare required reporting documentation.
Acceptance of the grant from the MCSS does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Scott Blundell, Supervisor, Security and Emergency Management
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
To seek Board of Education acceptance of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Innovation Grant from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $51,984 grant from MSDE to support Business Education and Agriculture CTE Programs of Study.
Business Education and Agriculture are two of the most popular CTE completers offered in our ten comprehensive high schools. However, as students’ progress through these programs, we see a significant drop in retention. This is largely due to the lack of staffing available at our high schools to offer the required capstone courses needed for the completers.
Through the CTE Innovation Grant, we will increase access to completer courses in Business Education and Agriculture by developing rigorous on-line courses in these two programs of study. This will be done in collaboration between content experts in the two programs and the Frederick County Virtual School. In addition, we will also work with Frederick Community College (FCC) to update dual enrollment course options in these two programs so they may be offered virtually. Lastly, in accordance with MSDE requirements, the courses will be developed using MSDE’s Learning Management System (Blackboard) as well as in Schoology.
Grant funds will be used for the following:
Acceptance of this $51,984 grant from MSDE does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kristine Pearl Ed.D., Supervisor, Career and Technical Education
SUBMITTED BY:
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director, Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The schematic design (SD) documents for the Brunswick Elementary School (BES) replacement project have been developed and are being presented for approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE). The SD submission presentation (see backup 1) shows the site plan, building orientation, floor plans and proposed building elevations for the new school. The SD drawings are the first phase of the three-phase design process.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The new BES, housing grades pre-k through 5th grade, is being designed and constructed on the existing school site that is located at 400 Central Avenue Brunswick, MD 21716 and the existing site is approximately 24.6 acres.
The funding for the design (architect and construction manager selections) was received in FY21 and State planning approval was also received in FY21. Funding for the construction is anticipated to be received over three fiscal years, FY22, FY23, and FY24.
The BOE approved the feasibility study on October 30, 2019. The educational specifications for the replacement BES were based on the prototype elementary school design that was developed for the new Blue Heron Elementary School and were modified for a state rated capacity (SRC) of 725 students.
The architect for the BES project is GWWO Architects and their selection was approved by the BOE on August 5, 2020. The construction manager is Keller Construction Management and their selection was approved by the BOE on August 19, 2020. The construction delivery method for the BES Project will be construction manager at risk.
The new BES will replace the existing BES that was originally constructed in 1952 with additions in 1959 and 1978. The new BES will have a state rated capacity of 725 students and will be comprised of approximately 90,000 gross square feet (GSF). There will be an add alternate to provide a parks and recreation area to the building. The new BES and will be an energy efficient building that meets, at a minimum, USGBC LEEDv4 Silver design requirements, current local building codes of the authorities having jurisdiction and the educational program specifications. The design is to be performed in accordance with the State of Maryland IAC and DGS requirements.
The project design began in September 2020 and will continue through December 2021. If funding is available as anticipated, the planned project bidding schedule is:
The preliminary construction schedule plans for a 21-month construction duration:
The substantial completion date for construction stage 1 is June 30, 2023, and the new school is expected to be open and occupied in August 2023. The substantial completion date for construction stage 2 is December 31, 2023.
The project’s construction completion schedule is contingent upon receiving the necessary approvals, adequate funding, and required permits from Frederick County and the State of Maryland.
Staff requests the BOE’s approval of the schematic design documents. Once approved, the documents will be submitted to the State IAC for their review and approval.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bob Mock and Eric Feiss, GWWO Architects
Bradley W. Ahalt, Senior Project Manager, Capital Programs Department, Division of Operations.
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
The Board of Education meeting dates for July 2021 through June 2022 are scheduled on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month with exceptions occurring in August and November. The August meeting will be held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday. The August meeting dates were adjusted to allow for time-sensitive business items due to only one meeting in July. The second meeting in November will be held on the 4th Monday due to the Thanksgiving holiday break.
Only one meeting is scheduled during the months of July, December and April.
Board members are asked to adopt the 2021-2022 Board meeting dates calendar.
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
To provide the Board with an update on the revised and approved measurable goals, specifically work related to Goals 4 and 5. In addition, to review first term performance metrics as part of progress monitoring student achievement.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Frederick County Public Schools initiated a Five-Year Strategic Plan in the 2016 school year. The plan contained five Aspirational Goals, 10 priorities (two per goal), and subsequent measurable goals. From 2016 to 2018, the Board reviewed past progress on the initial 30 measurable goals. Seeking to ensure that the measures aligned to the school system’s vision and inform fiscal priorities and needs, the Board revisited and discussed newly proposed measurable goals during a series of meetings in 2019. The Board approved 19 newly revised measures for Goals 1-5 in August 2019.
An important part of our reopening plan included ensuring that we were able to determine current performance levels in both reading and math to ensure our Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is employed effectively to ensure student progress in essential learning.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
The new measurable goals were approved by the Board on August 28, 2019. Staff in the System Accountability and School Administration department will provide the Board with an update on the necessary work that has been accomplished to date to ensure alignment of future goal progress reporting. Specifically, the update will focus on efforts related to Goal 4, measurement of family-school partnership, and Goal 5, measurement of social-emotional learning. In addition, tentative presentation dates for goal progress reporting will be shared.
The first term metrics shared, as requested with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), will also be presented to the Board.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Aliveto, Ed. D., Executive Director, System Accountability and School Administration
Jennifer Bingman, Director, System Accountability and School Improvement
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Aliveto, Ed. D., Executive Director, System Accountability and School Administration
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
Staff recommends Board approval of the recently displayed textbook(s).
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The textbook(s) listed on the attached memorandum was on public digital display from November 9-17 , 2020.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
FCPS Regulation 500-38, "D. All textbooks intended for instructional use with students must be approved by the Board prior to purchase."
SUBMITTED BY:
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Board approval of the Quarterly Agenda.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: At the January 14, 2015 meeting the Board voted to adopt the new quarterly agenda process and instituted a new process for submitting requests for future agenda items. The request form is attached.
PROCESS STATEMENT: To provide quarterly agendas that will be posted on Board Docs at each Board meeting. This process will enable the public and staff to plan for upcoming Board meetings. The quarterly agenda is a dynamic document that will be revised as needed to accommodate time sensitive business items and items requested using the form adopted for the Board.
The January - March 2021 Quarterly Agenda is attached for board approval.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Mr. Young, Board President
SUBMITTED BY: Mr. Mason, Board President
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The schematic design (SD) documents for the Brunswick Elementary School (BES) replacement project have been developed and are being presented for approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE). The SD submission presentation (see backup 1) shows the site plan, building orientation, floor plans and proposed building elevations for the new school. The SD drawings are the first phase of the three-phase design process.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The new BES, housing grades pre-k through 5th grade, is being designed and constructed on the existing school site that is located at 400 Central Avenue Brunswick, MD 21716 and the existing site is approximately 24.6 acres.
The funding for the design (architect and construction manager selections) was received in FY21 and State planning approval was also received in FY21. Funding for the construction is anticipated to be received over three fiscal years, FY22, FY23, and FY24.
The BOE approved the feasibility study on October 30, 2019. The educational specifications for the replacement BES were based on the prototype elementary school design that was developed for the new Blue Heron Elementary School and were modified for a state rated capacity (SRC) of 725 students.
The architect for the BES project is GWWO Architects and their selection was approved by the BOE on August 5, 2020. The construction manager is Keller Construction Management and their selection was approved by the BOE on August 19, 2020. The construction delivery method for the BES Project will be construction manager at risk.
The new BES will replace the existing BES that was originally constructed in 1952 with additions in 1959 and 1978. The new BES will have a state rated capacity of 725 students and will be comprised of approximately 90,000 gross square feet (GSF). There will be an add alternate to provide a parks and recreation area to the building. The new BES and will be an energy efficient building that meets, at a minimum, USGBC LEEDv4 Silver design requirements, current local building codes of the authorities having jurisdiction and the educational program specifications. The design is to be performed in accordance with the State of Maryland IAC and DGS requirements.
The project design began in September 2020 and will continue through December 2021. If funding is available as anticipated, the planned project bidding schedule is:
The preliminary construction schedule plans for a 21-month construction duration:
The substantial completion date for construction stage 1 is June 30, 2023, and the new school is expected to be open and occupied in August 2023. The substantial completion date for construction stage 2 is December 31, 2023.
The project’s construction completion schedule is contingent upon receiving the necessary approvals, adequate funding, and required permits from Frederick County and the State of Maryland.
Staff requests the BOE’s approval of the schematic design documents. Once approved, the documents will be submitted to the State IAC for their review and approval.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bob Mock and Eric Feiss, GWWO Architects
Bradley W. Ahalt, Senior Project Manager, Capital Programs Department, Division of Operations.
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, Chief Operating Officer