In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (9) the Board met in Closed Session at 5:20 p.m. on 4/21/21 in the Board room then continued via teleconference to receive an update on negotiations with Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA), Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA) and Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE).
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (9) the Board met in Closed Session at 3:08 p.m. on 4/28/21 via teleconference to receive an update on negotiations with Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA), Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA) and Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE).
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (9) the Board met in Closed Session at 9:05 a.m. on 5/3/21 via teleconference to receive an update on negotiations with Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA), Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA) and Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE).
The May 12th Board meeting will be open for up to 10 people to provide in-person public 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 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.
Emailed comments are always accepted and welcome for those who are not able to share their public comment in person. Emailed public comments are posted to BoardDocs within 24 hours of the meeting.
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
Recognize and celebrate Maryland Pupil Personnel Worker Week in all Frederick County Public Schools the week of May 10 – 14, 2021.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) currently employs fourteen Pupil Personnel Workers (PPWs) who assist schools, students, and families. Three of the PPWs are currently assigned to Heather Ridge School, Hillcrest Elementary and Waverly Elementary through the Concentration of Poverty grant. The other eleven PPWs are assigned to between five and seven schools, depending on the needs of the schools in their feeder pattern.
PPWs serve as advocates for students and families. PPWs recognize that every family is different and that every family is facing unique challenges. Whether these challenges are big or small, the PPW works with the school and the family to develop a plan to address the root of the problem and barriers to the children accessing their education. PPWs address attendance/truancy issues and investigate out-of-district requests, and residency and custody concerns. They facilitate supports through home and hospital teaching and serve as a liaison to community-based supports. As consultants, PPWs are called upon to help schools facilitate appropriate implementation of FCPS policies and regulations in reference to disciplinary and other procedures. When students are discharged from therapeutic or Juvenile Services placements, PPWs help to ensure a smooth transition back into an appropriate educational program.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Janet Shipman, Supervisor of Behavioral Health & Student Services
SUBMITTED BY:
Dana Falls, Director of Student Services
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
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 Howard County Public Schools.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This contract will replace 040.15.B2, Art Supplies that FCPS was previously riding from Howard County Public Schools. This contract will be utilized by FCPS for the purchase of Art Supplies to be used in all FCPS schools and buildings. The awarded vendor is School Specialty.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent
Susan Thomas, Curriculum Specialist (PreK-5)
Kimberly Hirschmann, Curriculum Specialist (Secondary)
SUBMITTED BY:
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 the State of Maryland.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This will be utilized by FCPS to assist Technology Infrastructure in procuring services from a list of vetted vendors. FCPS will have a flexible means of obtaining information technology (IT) resources quickly, efficiently and cost effectively by issuing task orders specific to its needs.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent
Edward Gardner, Director, Technology Infrastructure
SUBMITTED BY:
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 the Sourcewell Cooperative Agency.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This contract will be utilized by Frederick County Public Schools Transportation Department for the use of fleet card services through WEX Bank.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Shane Ryberg, Purchasing Agent II
Fred Punturiero, Director of Transportation
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 a grade K-5 enrichment program to support a comprehensive summer program. The program will provide students with STEM enrichment activities in a summer camp model.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent
Dr. Kevin Cuppett, Executive Director, Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation PreK-12
SUBMITTED BY:
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 contract with qualified school bus/motor coach contractors to provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation services to students for educational and extracurricular programs.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Shane Ryberg, Purchasing Agent
Fred Punturiero, Director of Transportation
SUBMITTED BY:
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 contract for school bus inspections for Frederick County Public Schools.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Shane Ryberg, Purchasing Agent
Joseph Iannuzzi, Fleet Maintenance Manager
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 with a Design-Build team for the limited renovation of Thurmont Elementary School Design Build project.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Adnan Mamoon, Director of Capital Improvement Programs, Division of Operations
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 to provide stop loss insurance (referred to as Excess Risk Insurance) to pay eligible medical claims that exceed a “cap” for current employees and retirees (under the age of 65).
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Donna Clabaugh, Senior Manager Benefits and Wellness, Human Resources
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff is presenting the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status Report for information only.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Attached for your information is a copy of the County requested “Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status Report” for the quarter ending March 31, 2021.
This report provides information concerning the financial status for all projects currently active with the construction fund, and for projects that are completed but have a remaining budget balance. The document lists the projects in three categories – major projects (new schools, major renovations and additions), systemic renovation projects and closed projects. Details concerning an individual project are available upon request. Please note projects solely funded by the State are excluded from this report.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Dawn Worrell, Accountant
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval of School Construction Budget Amendment #21-06.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Budget Amendment #21-06 recognizes the reversion of state funds for the Myersville Elementary Security Vestibule (SSGP19) project.
The level of state funds originally allocated for this project by the Public School Construction Program exceeded what was necessary to complete the project. State funding was reduced due to favorable bids received for the project. The funds will be reverted to the state, and will be available for future FCPS projects.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Dawn Worrell, Accountant
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval of Current Expense Amendment 5-21.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Current expense amendment 5-21 recognizes additional state and federal restricted revenue, and corresponding expenses. FCPS is receiving additional grant funds from the state to support a Pre-K enhancement grant, and federal funds as part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act. The Pre-K enhancement grant provides additional supports for Pre-K aged students in the summer and throughout the fall. The CRRSA funds will provide summer school programs, recovery and compensatory services, air quality enhancements, and other direct supports to students and staff.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Heather Jo Clabaugh, Budget Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from Share Our Strength to support Food and Nutrition Services.
Share Our Strength is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to end hunger and poverty in the U.S. and abroad. To meet this mission, it relies on the financial support of companies, restaurants, charitable foundations and donations from ordinary Americans.
Its School Nutrition Grant Program provides funding to school districts to maximize child nutrition programs and emergency food programs to ensure that children and families have access to healthy meals at home and at school. Grant funds will be used to purchase insulated bags to transport meals from the cafeteria to classrooms.
Acceptance of this grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PROCESS STATEMENT: According to FCPS Regulation 500-21, all grant awards below $50,000 must be reported as information items on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Education.
SUBMITTED BY:
Robert Kelly, Senior Manager, Food and Nutrition Services
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $47,710 Equipment Assistance Grant from the Maryland State Department of Education to support Food and Nutrition Services.
The purpose of this grant is to provide local education agencies with funding to purchase equipment to enable them to serve healthier meals, including locally purchased fruits and vegetables.
FCPS will use grant funds to purchase the following items:
Acceptance of this grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PROCESS STATEMENT: According to FCPS Regulation 500-21, all grant awards below $50,000 must be reported as information items on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Education.
SUBMITTED BY:
Robert Kelly, Senior Manager, Food and Nutrition Services
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: To seek Board of Education acceptance of a Food and Nutrition Services grant from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $90,119 grant from MSDE to support Food and Nutrition Services. This grant is made available through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund, part of the federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The purpose of this grant is to provide local education agencies with financial relief due to the fiscal impact that COVID-19 has had, and continues to have, on public school food services.
FCPS will use these funds to purchase two food serving lines for placement at Monocacy Middle School, which is experiencing increased participation in the meal program ($46,000). The remaining funds ($44,119) will be used to purchase supplies for serving and storing food. This will include three-compartment hinged containers, portion cups with lids, wrapped plasticware and resealable, zippered plastic storage bags.
Acceptance of this grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PROCESS STATEMENT: According to FCPS Regulation 500-21, all grant awards over $50,000 must be accepted by the Board of Education.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Robert Kelly, Senior Manager, Food & Nutrition Services
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $2,000 grant from the American Association of School Libraries to support Heather Ridge School.
Grant funds will be used to hold an author event for students during the 2021-2022 school year. Plans are underway to identify a diverse author who will inspire students to read, write, learn, grow and be successful in both school and life. Grant funds will be used to cover the cost of the author’s stipend for her/his appearance, as well as the purchase of books to be shared with students.
Acceptance of this $2,000 grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
According to FCPS Regulation 500-21, all grant awards below $50,000 must be reported as information items on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Education.
SUBMITTED BY:
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff will update the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) on the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY2022) Operating Budget, and is seeking approval of the proposed changes.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The BOE submitted a $705M requested budget to the County Executive on February 11, 2021. The request was $27.5M above the FY2021 appropriation. On April 15, 2021, the County Executive released her proposed budget which allocated $20M above our previous year’s appropriation to FCPS. The County Council is currently reviewing the County Executive’s budget, and is required to approve the County budget by May 31, 2021.
Staff has updated the budget with additional funding provided by the County Executive’s budget, as well as additional adjustments that have occurred since the BOE requested budget was submitted and seeks approval of these changes. Several items such as final state aid allocations, restrictions and final allocations of the Blueprint Funding, final year-end fund balance and salary saving estimates and any additional Board actions desired around the operating budget are still outstanding. Additional conversation around the FY2022 Operating Budget will occur at the May 26, 2021 Board Meeting, with final approval of the FY2022 Operating Budget scheduled for Wednesday, June 23, 2021.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Heather Jo Clabaugh, Budget Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The Board of Education (Board) will hear plans for opening the 2021 - 2022 school year.
Topics include:
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
During the March 10, 2021 BOE meeting, the Board discussed having a reoccurring agenda item to address updates and developments regarding reopening and moving forward. Beginning with the March 24th BOE meeting, this topic has been added and will continue to be reflected on future agendas. The BoardDocs cover sheet will reflect the specific topics being discussed. As planning moves forward, this item has been renamed to Opening 2021 - 2022 School Year.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
Dr. Alban will discuss plans for the 2021-2022 school year.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Dr. Theresa Alban, Superintendent of Schools
SUBMITTED BY:
Dr. Theresa Alban, Superintendent of Schools
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
To provide the Board with an update from the Return to Play (RTP) Committee.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
On behalf of the FCPS Return to Play (RTP) Committee, staff will be providing an update regarding interscholastic athletics and extracurricular activities.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
Central office staff will share successes and challenges from the most recent RTP events, share consideration of continuously updated health guidance, and share committee outcomes from collaboration with local health leaders and other key stakeholders.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Daniel Lippy, Ed. D., Director, School Management
Kevin Kendro, Supervisor, Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Aliveto, Ed. D., Executive Director, System Accountability and School Administration
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
Purpose of Presentation:
Board members are asked to take appropriate action.
Presenter(s) & Title(s):
Jay Mason, President
Board Members
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 April 12-19, 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
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
ACTION/CONSENT
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
On March 10, 2021, new Policy 516 was presented for the Board’s second reading. New Regulation 500-40 was also attached for the Board’s review. Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel, and Colleen Bernard, Secondary Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, provided background information on new Policy 516 and new Regulation 500-40 and responded to the Board’s questions. Jenny Ryan, West Frederick Middle School teacher; Jamie Hendi, Linganore High School teacher; Dominic Phillips-Moore, Frederick High School student; and Kristina Delos Reyes, Tuscarora High School student, provided input on related instructional practices and responded to the Board’s questions. The Board suggested additional edits and recommended placing Policy 516 on the next consent agenda. Below is the BoardDocs link to that discussion:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BXPM8259F13A
On March 24, 2021, new Policy 516 was scheduled for the Board’s consent agenda approval; however, the item was pulled from the agenda after receiving public comment from the Racial Equity Committee and referred back to the Policy Committee to consider additional edits.
On April 14, 2021, the Policy Committee reviewed public comment and feedback provided on new Policy 516. The Policy Committee recommended changes and an updated title: Teaching of Potentially Controversial Issues/Use of Historical Artifacts. Below is the BoardDocs link to that Policy Committee meeting:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BZUM24570C60
Today new Policy 516 is presented for the Board’s consent agenda approval. (backup1)
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
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (1), (9) the Board will meet in Closed Session at 6:15 p.m. via teleconference to consider appointing members to the Racial Equity Committee and to receive an update on negotiations with Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA), Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA) and Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE).