In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (1), (9) the Board met in Closed Session on 2/24/21 at 6:50 p.m. in the Board room to discuss a matter related to personnel and to receive an update on negotiations with the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA).
The March 10th Board meeting will be open for up to 10 people to provide in-person comment. Should you wish to attend, please send an email that includes your full name to: FCPSBoEmtg@fcps.org prior to the day of the Board meeting. Ten people will be allowed to provide in-person comment for up to three minutes each… five minutes if you are speaking on behalf of an organization.
Upon receipt, you will be sent a response indicating that either (1) you fall within the 10 person guideline and are invited to attend with procedural instructions or (2) we have met the allowable attendance and your comment should be submitted via email.
Public comment is for 30 minutes. Should there not be 10 in-person comments, those received via email will be read in the order in which they were received. All emailed comments will be posted to BoardDocs within 24 hours of the meeting. Please note that public comment is for statements; 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:
Statement of Youth Art Month, Music in our Schools Month and Theatre in our Schools Month.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Annual recognition from the Maryland Governor’s Office that March is Arts in Our Schools Month in Frederick County. The Arts include Music, Art, Theatre and Dance.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Susan Thomas, Curriculum Specialist for Elementary Visual and Performing Arts
SUBMITTED BY:
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
March 21, 2021 worldwide is recognized as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD). FCPS has partnered with Families Reaching, Influencing, Educating, & Networking for Down Syndrome (F.R.I.E.N.D.S.) to promote and foster awareness of Down Syndrome throughout Frederick County.
Staff will seek the Board’s recognition of March 21, 2021 as World Down Syndrome Day in Frederick County Public Schools.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Down Syndrome is a naturally occurring chromosomal arrangement that has always been a part of the human condition, and is universally present across racial, gender or socio-economic lines. It affects approximately 1 in 800 live births, although there is considerable variation worldwide. Down Syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disabilities and associated medical issues.
World Down Syndrome Day has been officially observed by the United Nations each year on March 21st. The date for WDSD, being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome. The original idea was proposed by members of the European Down Syndrome Association and Down Syndrome International. The Secretary-General of the United Nations said when WDSD was first recognized, "On this day, let us reaffirm that persons with Down Syndrome are entitled to the full and effective enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Let us each do our part to enable children and persons with Down Syndrome to participate fully in the development and life of their societies on an equal basis with others. Let us build an inclusive society for all.”
To further commemorate the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day, people from all over the world wear fun socks and share pictures on social media. In FCPS, we encourage all to wear their fun socks on March 19, 2021, and share their pictures on social media at the hashtags #WDSDatFCPS and #LotsOfSocks.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Troy Keller, Director of Special Education
Robert Walsh, Vice President of F.R.I.E.N.D.S
SUBMITTED BY:
Keith Harris, Ed.D., Executive Director, Accelerating Achievement & Equity
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PRESENTATION OF 3 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 21I1, Digital Curriculum Elementary Mathematics
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract to adopt a digital math tool for Grades Pre-kindergarten-5 for the purpose of addressing unfinished learning and accelerating learning for students.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent
Dr. Kevin Cuppett, Executive Director, Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation PreK-12
RFP 21MISC9, Fun Academics in the Summer Time (FAST)
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract to qualify and select community-based organizations to join Frederick County Public Schools in its application request to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for funding through the 21st Century Community Learning Center program.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent
Jessica Zentz-Ridenour, Teacher Specialist, SASI
RFP 21MISC10, Before and After School and Summer Child Care Services
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract to qualify and select a non-profit provider to establish Before, After School and Summer Child Care Programs at eligible schools during a three-year contract term beginning approximately August 31, 2021.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent
Mark Pritts, Director, Elementary Schools, SASA
SUBMITTED BY:
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 the replacement of roof section I and all associated work at Governor Thomas Johnson High School.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Construction Management
SUBMITTED BY:
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 the replacement of roof sections A and B and all associated work at Lincoln A Facility.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Construction Management
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff has reviewed the attached list and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This recommendation is for the approval of the list of furniture and equipment to be purchased for the Blue Heron Elementary School.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Daniel Lippy, Ed.D., Director, School Management & Charter Schools, SASA
Amy Schwiegerath, Principal, Blue Heron Elementary School
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval of Current Expense Amendment 3-21.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: As part of Frederick County's FY2021 appropriation, in-kind services are included for school crossing guards, school resource officers, internal audit services, school health services, and the Frederick County Development Center. This current expense (CE) amendment recognizes an additional in-kind service for FY2021, the purchase of $2,000,000 in Chromebooks for FCPS students. The CE also recognizes budget transfers completed by the county for school health services (class 08) and school crossing guards (class 09).
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Heather Jo Clabaugh, Budget Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff will present an overview of the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) Second Quarter Financial Results of the Unrestricted, Food & Nutrition Services, Self-Insurance, and Artificial Turf Funds.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Interim financial reporting supports Aspirational Goal 3 regarding the strategic and responsible utilization of fiscal year 2021 resources.
Attached are the following documents for your review:
Attachment 1: Executive Summary
Attachment 2: FY2021 Second Quarter Results for Unrestricted Fund
Attachment 3: FY2021 Second Quarter Results for Food & Nutrition Services Fund
Attachment 4: FY2021 Second Quarter Results for Self-Insurance Fund
Attachment 5: FY2021 Second Quarter Results for Artificial Turf Fund
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Melissa Rollison, Financial Reporting Manager
Andrea Shepherd, Assistant Financial Reporting Manager
Jessica Sichert, Accountant, Food & Nutrition Services Fund
Kimberly Miller, Accountant, Self-Insurance Fund
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
SECOND READING
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On September 23, 2020, the Policy Committee reviewed new Policy 516 on the topic of teaching controversial issues. The BoardDocs link of that discussion is found below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BSUMRD5C56E8
On October 21, 2020, new Policy 516 was presented as a first reading by the Board of Education of Frederick County (Board). The BoardDocs link of that discussion is found below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BTQNL4605641
On November 11, 2020, new Policy 516 was scheduled for the Board’s consent agenda approval; however, the item was pulled from the agenda and referred back to the Policy Committee to consider additional edits.
On January 27, 2021, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes to new Policy 516 and recommended an updated title: Teaching of Controversial Issues/Use of Historical Artifacts. The Policy Committee also requested the Board seek input from social studies teachers and students regarding instructional practices related to this topic. Below is the BoardDocs link to that Policy Committee meeting:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BVWKGS51D933
Today new Policy 516 is presented for the Board’s second reading. (backup1) New Regulation 500-40 is also attached for the Board’s review. (backup2). Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel, and Colleen Bernard, Secondary Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, will be available to provide background information on new Policy 516 and new Regulation 500-40 and respond to the Board’s questions. In addition, some FCPS social studies teachers and students will be available to provide input on related instructional practices.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Colleen Bernard, Secondary Social Studies Curriculum Specialist
Liz Barrett, David Bass and Brad Young, Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
SECOND READING
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On October 21, 2020, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes to Policy 200 School Attendance Areas and Redistricting. The BoardDocs link of that discussion is found below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BU7KLU5174CB
On November 11, 2020, Policy 200 was presented for the Board’s first reading. The Policy Committee recommended proceeding with the changes outlined in 200.3 “School Closing or Consolidation” sections C and D. In addition, the Policy Committee requested information for the Board related to criteria outlined in 200.3, section A. Paul Lebo, Chief Operating Officer, and Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer, provided information and responded to the Board’s questions. The Board recommended the Policy Committee review factors for consideration. The BoardDocs link of that discussion is found below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BULLXN5845BF
On January 27, 2021, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes related to criteria outlined in 200.3, section A, as well as the key indicators draft document for consideration which was prepared by Mr. Lebo and Ms. Pellegrino. Below is the BoardDocs link to that Policy Committee meeting:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BVWKH851E80A
Today Policy 200 is presented for the Board’s second reading, specifically language in 200.3, section A, as well as the attached document of key indicators of costs and capacity of schools. (backup1 and backup2) Mr. Lebo and Ms. Pellegrino will be available to respond to questions of the Board.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Paul Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
Liz Barrett, David Bass and Brad Young, Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
To discuss potential future uses of the Sabillasville Elementary School building located at 16210 Sabillasville Rd, Sabillasville, MD 21780.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
At the November 23, 2020 Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) meeting, the decision was made to close Sabillasville ES for the 2021-2022 school year. During the discussions about a possible closure, the BOE expressed a desire to solicit input from FCPS charter schools about their interest in utilizing the Sabillasville school building.
Staff recommends releasing a Request for Interest (RFI) to all charter schools to gauge interest in leasing the building for a charter school. The Sabillasville ES building was constructed in 1964 and is approximate 27,000 sq. ft. It contains eight classroom sized rooms, a media center, support spaces, office areas, kitchen, and a multipurpose room (see backup 1).
Staff seeks direction from the BOE about the proposal to seek RFIs, so that further consideration may be given for future uses.
PROCESS STATEMENT: Decisions concerning use of FCPS property are a BOE function. The proposed use of the building as a charter school facility would require negotiations between the BOE and a charter school. Once the RFIs are received, staff will bring proposals to the BOE in May for discussion and a decision on how to proceed.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Paul Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
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.
Discussion on the meeting dates calendar was held on December 9, 2020, at that time no vote was taken to accept the 2021-2022 Board meeting dates calendar due to questions about potential conflicts with religious holidays.
Board members are asked to identify and adopt dates for the 2021-2022 Board meeting dates calendar.
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: To review the upcoming 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 April - June 2021 Quarterly Agenda is attached for review and discussion. It will be submitted for Action Consent at the next Board meeting.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Mr. Mason, Board President
SUBMITTED BY: Mr. Mason, Board President
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
Staff recommends Board approval of the recently displayed textbooks.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The textbooks listed on the attached memorandum were on public digital display from February 8-15, 2021.
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
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (9) the Board will meet in Closed Session at 6:00 pm via teleconference to receive an update on negotiations with the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA).