PRESENTATION OF 1 BID CALENDAR ITEM
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff would like to inform the Board of Education of Frederick County of an upcoming bid solicitation for Frederick County Public Schools.
RFP 22MISC6, Dental Insurance Benefits:
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract for dental insurance benefits for active and retired employees of Frederick County Public Schools and their dependents.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Donna Clabaugh, Senior Manager, Human Resources
SUBMITTED BY:
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, 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 Sourcewell.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This contract will be utilized by FCPS for the purchase of large truck and van chassis that are the basis for vehicles such as delivery trucks, milk trucks, courier vans, etc.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Manager
Robert Kelly, Director of Food & Nutrition Services
SUBMITTED BY:
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie 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 contracts with qualified providers of special education staffing services for short and long-term assignments for Frederick County Public Schools.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Dr. Linda Chambers, Director, Special Education
SUBMITTED BY:
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff has reviewed the attached contract and recommends rejection of bid by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This recommendation is to reject all proposals received for trauma therapy and other related services.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Shane Ryberg, Purchasing Agent II
Lynn Davis, Coordinator of Mental Health Services, Student Services
SUBMITTED BY:
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie 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 the purchase of paint and related supply items.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Manager
Gary Barkdoll, Manager of Maintenance Projects and Grounds, Maintenance Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, 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 contracts with qualified firms for providing annuity, mutual fund and custodial account investment products and services for employees of Frederick County Public Schools.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Donna Clabaugh, Senior Manager, Human Resources
SUBMITTED BY:
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $3,647 grant from the Community Foundation of Frederick to support the music program at Brunswick High School.
Grant funds will be used to purchase 20 classical guitars, 20 sets of guitar strings for each guitar and a guitar rack. The instruments will be used in guitar classes at Brunswick High School.
Acceptance of this $3,647 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:
Jamie Aliveto, Ed.D., Executive Director, System Accountability & School Administration
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: To seek Board of Education acceptance of the Expanding Advanced Placement Opportunities for Low-Income Students Grant (AP Grant).
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $51,912 AP Grant from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021.
All FCPS high schools, including the Blended Virtual Program, offer AP courses. Over the past five years, we have seen a 16.6% decline in AP course enrollment among all students, and a 7.1% decline in AP course enrollment among students who receive Free and/or Reduced-Price Meals (FARM). The decline in AP course enrollment is largely due to the growth in popularity of our Dual Enrollment (DE) program. However, over the same time period, we have seen a 25% increase in the number of FARM students who take at least one AP exam. We attribute this increase to a fee waiver provided to low-income students through our Title IV Grant.
AP Grant funds would be used to ensure that low-income students taking AP exams would be successful. AP Grant funds would be provided to our ten comprehensive high schools and our Blended Virtual Program to run a tutoring program ($47,883). Tutoring would be provided by AP teachers in the weeks leading up to the exams. High schools would select AP courses that have enrolled low-income students to be the focus of tutoring. Low-income students would be intentionally recruited for the program. Grant funds have been budgeted to hold AP tutoring in May 2022 and May 2023.
In addition, funds would also be used to provide scholarships for up to three AP teachers to attend the 2022 AP Summer Institute sponsored by Goucher College ($3,012). Lastly, $1,017 has been budgeted for indirect cost recovery.
Acceptance of this $51,912 grant from MSDE does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
Staff recommends acceptance of this grant.
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):
Diana Sung, Coordinator, Dual Enrollment and AP Programs
Kathleen Schlappal, Director, High Schools
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Aliveto, Ed.D., Executive Director, System Accountability and School Administration
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director, Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
Michael Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval from the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) for the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal submitted by Keller Construction Management, Construction Manager at Risk for the Brunswick Elementary School Replacement Project.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The replacement Brunswick Elementary School (BES), housing grades Pre-K through 5th grade, is being designed and constructed on the existing BES School site that is located at 400 Central Avenue Brunswick, MD 21716 and the existing site is approximately 24.6 acres. 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 95,000 gross square feet (GSF). The project will also provide a parks and recreation gym in the building.
The project received BOE approval of the feasibility study on October 30, 2019, and local planning approval was received on May 14, 2020. The funding for the design (architect and construction manager selections) was received in FY21. 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 is construction manager at risk. The funding for the construction is anticipated to be received over three (3) fiscal years between FY22, FY23 and FY24. The substantial completion date for the new school is scheduled for June 30, 2023.
The bidding for this project took place in October and November 2021. After receiving competitive bids from the subcontractors, Keller has submitted a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Proposal (see back-up 1) for the project in the amount of $41,000,000. This amount is within the project budget.
Staff recommends approval of the GMP proposal.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Adnan Mamoon, Director, Capital Programs
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
SECOND READING
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On March 24, 2021, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes to Policy 405 Graduation resulting from Senate Bill 564 regarding high school graduation requirements for students in foster care or homeless youth. Below is the BoardDocs link to that Policy Committee meeting:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BRWN6N5D37C0
On June 23, 2021, Policy 405 was presented to the Board of Education (Board) as a first reading and the Board suggested additional changes be reviewed by the Policy Committee. Here is the BoardDocs link to that discussion:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=C2RGZ3460E43
On September 22, 2021, the Policy Committee discussed changes to Policy 405. Here is the BoardDocs link to that Policy Committee meeting:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=C42K6W46FF1A
Today Policy 405 is presented to the Board as a second reading. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Kathleen Schlappal, Instructional Director of High Schools
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:
FIRST READING
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On September 22, 2021, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed edits for Policy 430 Attendance at Schools. This is the BoardDocs link to that agenda item:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=C6AJT44EAC3A
Policy 430 is presented today for the Board of Education’s first reading. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
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 provide the Board with an overview of the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) and to seek the Board's direction for the CAC.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
At the February 26, 2020 BOE meeting, the Board approved changes to Policy 101 as they pertained to the CAC. On August 19, 2020, the Policy Committee met to discuss next steps for the CAC and presented its proposal to the Board on October 7, 2020.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
Upon receiving direction from the Board, the Board Liaison and Staff Liaison to the CAC will move forward with advertising and seeking new members for the CAC. Membership applications will be brought back to the Board for consideration and appointments.
PRESENTERS/TITLE:
Mr. "J" Johnson, Board Member and Liaison to the CAC
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent and Staff Liaison to the CAC
SUBMITTED BY:
Mr. "J" Johnson, Board Member and Liaison to the CAC
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent and Staff Liaison to the CAC
The Board will discuss draft Legislative Principles for the 2022 session.
Today these principles will be discussed and voted on via the consent agenda at their meeting on January 12, 2022.
The Board of Education meeting dates for July 2022 through June 2023 are scheduled on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month with exceptions occurring in November, December, April and May. The second meeting in November will be held on the 3rd Monday due to the Thanksgiving holiday break. The December meeting will be held on the 1st Wednesday to swear in the incoming Board members and the Board elections will follow the swearing in. The April meeting will be held on the 3rd Wednesday of April due to Spring Break being the week of the 2nd Wednesday. The May meetings will be held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month due to conflicts with Board members attending high school graduations.
Only one meeting is scheduled during the months of July, December and April.
Board members are asked to adopt the 2022-2023 Board meeting dates calendar.
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b),(1),(2),(7) the Board will meet in Closed Session at 4:30 pm in the Board Room to receive advice of counsel on an appeal.
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b),(1),(2) the Board met in Closed Session on December 7, 2021, at 6:25 pm in the Board Room to discuss a personnel matter.
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b),(1),(2),(7) the Board met in Closed Session at 4:30 pm today in the Board Room to receive advice of counsel on an appeal.
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-104, the Board met in Administrative Function at 6:00 p.m. on December 2, 2021, via teleconference to receive an update from the Superintendent.
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 our 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
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: Staff seeks approval from the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) for the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal submitted by Keller Construction Management, Construction Manager at Risk for the Brunswick Elementary School Replacement Project.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The replacement Brunswick Elementary School (BES), housing grades Pre-K through 5th grade, is being designed and constructed on the existing BES School site that is located at 400 Central Avenue Brunswick, MD 21716 and the existing site is approximately 24.6 acres. 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 95,000 gross square feet (GSF). The project will also provide a parks and recreation gym in the building.
The project received BOE approval of the feasibility study on October 30, 2019, and local planning approval was received on May 14, 2020. The funding for the design (architect and construction manager selections) was received in FY21. 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 is construction manager at risk. The funding for the construction is anticipated to be received over three (3) fiscal years between FY22, FY23 and FY24. The substantial completion date for the new school is scheduled for June 30, 2023.
The bidding for this project took place in October and November 2021. After receiving competitive bids from the subcontractors, Keller has submitted a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Proposal (see back-up 1) for the project in the amount of $41,000,000. This amount is within the project budget.
Staff recommends approval of the GMP proposal.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Adnan Mamoon, Director, Capital Programs
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Seeking Board approval of the elimination of the Independent Living course.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Curriculum development and program implementation are dynamic processes requiring continued refinement. As a result, new courses and pilot programs are proposed, implemented, and evaluated on a regular basis.
PROCESS STATEMENT: At the request of the Board members from the October 27 meeting this topic was available for further discussion. After further discussion at the November 22 Board meeting, this item is moved to the consent agenda.
SUBMITTED BY:
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director of Curriculum Instruction and Innovation
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The purpose of the presentation is to seek Board approval to change the Transition Skills Program Course, as it currently exists.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The current Transition Skills Program Course at the Career and Technology Center (CTC) was developed prior to revisions in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). IDEA now requires transition skills planning for all students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). While transition skills are available at all FCPS High Schools, in accordance with changes in IDEA, the Transition Skills Course at the CTC will also be refined to ensure greater alignment with IDEA mandates and to allow more students to access this opportunity.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
Discussion on the proposed changes to the Transition Skills Course were discussed at the November 22, 2021 Board meeting. The Board requested that this agenda item be moved to the consent agenda for the December 8, 2021 Board Meeting.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Linda Chambers, DOL, Special Education Director, Secondary Programs
SUBMITTED BY:
Keith Harris, Ed.D., Executive Director of Accelerating Achievement & Equity
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 2022 Quarterly Agenda is attached for board approval.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Mr. Mason, Board President
SUBMITTED BY: Mr. Mason, Board President
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The Board will make a decision regarding authorizing the charter application for the Sabillasville Environmental School: A Classical Charter.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Board of Education (Board) Policy 440 Charter Schools and Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Regulation 400-84 Charter School Application Process provide the policy, procedure and criteria for accepting and evaluating a public charter school application. In addition, Maryland State Board of Education Opinion No. 05-23 stipulates that it is the responsibility of the Superintendent to provide the Board with a detailed recommendation regarding the approval or denial of a charter school application.
On May 13, 2021, the Board received a public charter school application for Sabillasville Environmental Public Charter School (SEPCS). SEPCS is proposing a K-8 public charter school with an environmental focus in all disciplines through a classical education pedagogical approach.
After FCPS staff review, the applicants made modifications in response to the feedback. On August 18, 2021, Dr. Alban presented her recommendation for the application – conditional approval based on enrollment numbers and securing a facility.
At the September 8, 2021 Board of Education Meeting, Ms. Barrett made the motion to approve the charter school application for the Sabillasville Environmental Charter School and make, as one of the Board’s qualifications, a conversion charter be favored once all the information is received by the Board. Ms. Yoho amended the motion to have a bottom line of students required. After discussion the motion was rescinded.
During the November 22, 2021 Board of Education Meeting, Ms. Barrett motioned to approve the conversion of Sabillasville Elementary School to the public charter operator, Sabillasville Environmental School: A Classical Charter, at the conclusion of this school year in accordance with all of the processes for conversion charter, and associated with the conditional charter approval.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
The Board will review the information related to the conditional approval of Sabillasville Environmental School: A Classical Charter and if met, approve the application and charge staff to work with the applicant to develop a formal Charter Agreement.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Daniel Lippy, Ed.D., Director of School Management
SUBMITTED BY:
Daniel Lippy, Ed.D., Director of School Management
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: At the November 15, 2021 Board of Education Meeting, Board Members prioritized needs based on feedback from staff. During the November 22, 2021 Board of Education Meeting prioritized options were presented that related to budget, policy, and calendar adjustments.
The following motions were approved by the Board at the November 22nd meeting:
Motion one: If any motions are passed related to salaries, the Board will start conversations with the three employee associations as soon as possible.
Motion two: FCPS will increase *pay by $3 an hour for all substitute teachers effective December 1, 2021.
Motion three: FCPS will remove payment for fingerprinting services effective December 1, 2021 and reimburse those who paid for fingerprinting between July 1, 2021 - November 30, 2021.
Motion four: Professional development will be voluntary unless it is mandated by law.
Motion five: FCPS will close 2 hours early on Thursday, January 13, Tuesday, February 22, and Friday, March 25, to provide additional time for staff.
Motion six: FCPS offices will be closed to the public during Winter Break and Spring Break to allow staff uninterrupted time to focus on priorities.
Motion seven: FCPS will create a centralized volunteer recruitment program to support school-based needs.
Motion eight: FCPS will increase minimum starting *salary to $15 an hour.
Motion nine: FCPS Board of Education will advocate to the state to increase time from one to three years for retired staff to be able to reapply without being subject to fingerprinting and background checks.
Motion ten: FCPS will offer a retention incentive to food service workers and bus drivers & assistants.
Motion eleven: FCPS will charge the insurance council to research & determine options to provide alternate compensation in lieu of selecting FCPS health & dental benefits.
Motion twelve: FCPS will provide supplemental pay to teachers and administrators providing substitute coverage for colleagues at their *per diem rate during FY22.
*Salary changes will be subject to negotiations.
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: The Board asked to continue discussion on some of the previously proposed options as well as different suggestions made by the Board.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
Board approval of a legislative bill to benefit students with Individualized Education Programs. Should the board approve the language in the bill, it will be sent to the Frederick County Delegation for support and then to the State Legislature. This legislation was working its way through the system in early 2020, prior to the Covid shutdown, and passed through the State Senate 47-0.