PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff would like to inform the Board of Education of Frederick County that Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is riding the above contract from Baltimore County Public Schools.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This contract will be utilized to review, recommend and perform needed repairs and/or maintenance to the stage and overhead rigging assemblies at all FCPS High Schools.
The contract was awarded to Parlights, Inc. of Frederick, MD.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Vernon Beals, Project Manager III, Capital Program 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 and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This recommendation is to establish a contract with qualified agencies and licensed professionals for the provision of school-based individual and group bereavement counseling services for students of Frederick County Public Schools.
Staff recommends RFP 23MISC2, Bereavement Counseling and Support Services be awarded to Frederick Health Hospice of Frederick, MD and Advanced Behavioral Health of Frederick, MD.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Kristen Spear, CASS Coordinator, Student Services
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 and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This recommendation is to establish a contract for the purchase of materials and supplies for plumbing throughout Frederick County Public Schools and offices.
Staff recommends Bid 23M2, Maintenance Repair and Operations Material and Supplies – Plumbing, be awarded to Best Plumbing Supplies, Inc. of Myersville, MD; Ferguson Enterprises LLC of Newport News, VA; and Noland Company of Frederick, MD.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Roy McHaffa, Purchasing Agent
Randy Connatser, Maintenance Project Manager IV, Maintenance Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPPO, NIGP-CPP, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval of School Construction Budget Amendment #23-02.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Budget Amendment #23-02 proposes to transfer the remaining balance from the closed Systemic Contingency project into the FY2023 Systemic Contingency project and the Monocacy Elementary Limited Renovations project. The Systemic Contingency project is in place to fund emergency systemic projects as they arise to help support the "Maintain to Fail" capital maintenance strategy. It is also the intention of the Systemic Contingency project funding to help support the limited renovations projects which renew the schools to support instruction for another 35 years without major repair.
This budget transfer is consistent with terms and conditions for capital budget transfers included in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the County Commissioners and Board of Education dated May 30, 2013.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Dawn Worrell, Accountant
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie 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 September 30, 2022.
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: To inform the Board of Education of Frederick County of acceptance of the FY23 Safe Schools Fund Grant.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Maryland Center for School Safety to fund security improvements at Hillcrest Elementary School.
Grant funds will be used to ensure student and staff safety by replacing the existing antiquated analog security surveillance system at Hillcrest Elementary with an Internet Protocol (IP)-based security surveillance system. The work will include a server, new cabling, conduits and the set-up of new cameras for proper monitoring required for safety and security. In addition, grant funds will be used to purchase the one-time per camera software license needed to use the Avigilon system. FCPS has adopted Avigilon integrated technology and software as its security surveillance system. We are currently transitioning our schools’ security surveillance systems from TruVision’s analog system to Avigilon.
An IP-based security surveillance system has several benefits:
Acceptance of this $25,000 grant obligates FCPS to expend $11,028 from its FY23 School Safety Grant to complete the Hillcrest Elementary security surveillance project.
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.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S): N/A
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, DSL, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: To seek the Board of Education of Frederick County acceptance of the FY23 School Safety Grant.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $409,350 grant from the Maryland Center for School Safety to fund security improvements at 37 schools.
Grant funds will be used to ensure student and staff safety by upgrading the security surveillance system at 37 schools from an antiquated analog system to an Internet Protocol (IP)-based security surveillance system.
FCPS has adopted Avigilon integrated technology and software as its security surveillance system. We are currently transitioning our schools’ security surveillance systems from the TruVision analog system to Avigilon.
At 34 of the schools, the transition from TruVision to Avigilon will be accomplished by purchasing encoders that will allow data from analog cameras to be compatible with the Avigilon software. In addition to the encoders, servers will be purchased for each school on which to house the Avigilon software.
At three of the schools, the scope of the project includes replacing the existing analog security surveillance cameras with IP-based camera equipment. In addition to the cameras, network video recording devices will be purchased that allow for video to be retained for longer periods of time. New cabling and conduits will be installed and one-time Avigilon software licenses will be purchased for each camera.
Acceptance of this $409,350 grant obligates FCPS to expend $3,604 in local monies and $25,000 from our FY23 School Safety Fund grant to complete the project.
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):
Doreen Bass, Grants Management Specialist
Scott Blundell, Supervisor, Security & Emergency Management
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, DSL, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Following the presentation, staff seeks approval of the proposed educational specifications for the Yellow Springs Elementary School replacement building.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The educational specifications serve as the guidelines for the design of a school. The last prototype elementary educational specifications were approved by the Board of Education of Frederick County in 2018 for the Waverley Elementary School replacement project. Over the past four years, these specifications have served as guidance for other projects, including the designs of Blue Heron Elementary School, Brunswick Elementary School replacement, Thurmont Elementary School limited renovation, Monocacy Elementary School limited renovation, Green Valley Elementary School replacement and Valley Elementary School replacement, as well as several feasibility studies.
FCPS educational programs and facilities need change over time. Staff from Capital Programs along with staff from System Accountability and School Administration spent the last several months reviewing and adjusting the 2018 educational specifications incorporating input from other departments. The educational specifications for Yellow Springs Elementary School call for a facility consisting of 81,627 gross square feet with a capacity for 725 students in grades Pre-K through 5. An add-alternate would provide an additional two classrooms and support spaces to accommodate a specialized program.
PROCESS STATEMENT: At the September 28, 2022, Board of Education meeting, the recommendation of the Yellow Springs Elementary Feasibility Study to replace the building on the Tuscarora Creek/Sanner future school site located east of Walter Martz Road on Christopher’s Crossing was approved by the Board. Following approval of the educational specifications for Yellow Springs Elementary School, staff will begin to prepare for procurement of a design team for the replacement school. The educational specifications and design of Yellow Springs Elementary School are expected to serve as a prototype for the next several elementary projects.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Holly Nelson, AICP, Facilities Planner, Capital Programs Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, DSL, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
FIRST READING
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On September 28, 2022, the Policy Committee reviewed changes to Policy 410 Fire Drills in School Buildings. This is the BoardDocs link to that agenda item:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CHNM2E590480
Policy 410 is presented today for the Board of Education’s first reading. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief Legal Counsel
Scott Blundell, Supervisor of Security and Emergency Management
Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
SECOND READING
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On August 24, 2022, the Policy Committee discussed Policy 427 Religious Expression as a result of a new Supreme Court case developing a broader standard for employees under the Free Exercise Clause. This is the BoardDocs link to that agenda item:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CGNNY761F46C
On September 28, 2022, the Policy Committee reviewed changes to Policy 427. This is the BoardDocs link to that agenda item:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CHNM2F590D5F
On October 12, 2022, Policy 427 was presented for the Board of Education’s first reading and the Board suggested additional edits. This is the BoardDocs link to that agenda item:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CJQP2L626C16
Policy 427 is presented today for the Board’s second reading. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief Legal Counsel
Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
To share and receive approval on the Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) proposal to the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to have three asynchronous virtual instruction days approved and available to be utilized for inclement weather days.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The MSDE has opened a pathway for local school systems to repurpose certain days as virtual school days in the 2022-23 school year. A process with attestations has been established. School systems have the opportunity to use a total of eight days as virtual, with three of the eight days allowed for asynchronous instruction. FCPS drafted a proposal to use three asynchronous instruction days for inclement weather for the purpose of: mitigating disruption to learning throughout the middle of the school year, avoiding additional days of instruction at the end of the year when benefits to learning may be less meaningful, and having a plan to keep students connected to learning in the event of a weather event that could create an extended school closure.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
This topic has been under discussion in FCPS for over a year. For the 2021-2022 school year, MSDE allowed only synchronous virtual days. Previous feedback from stakeholders did not indicate an overwhelming agreement to implement due to some of the challenges related to this option including: power or connectivity outages related to the weather event, last minute device distribution at elementary, last minute childcare needs, and in acknowledgement of the benefits of a snow day. With the new allowance of three asynchronous days, again feedback was sought from both Teachers Advisory Council (TAC) and Principals Advisory Council (PAC). Asynchronous days mitigate some of the concerns staff had previously shared about last minute synchronous instruction plans. All feedback was considered and added in the refinement of the FCPS draft plan. A public discussion must occur with the Board of Education (BOE) prior to submitting the plan to MSDE for approval. Additional public comment and input can help to refine the plan. If approved by MSDE, FCPS would implement preparations, including a communication plan for the system to have this option available to be utilized as needed and appropriate.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Aliveto, Ed. D., Executive Director, System Accountability and School Administration
Kevin Cuppett, Ed. D., Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Innovation
Keith Harris, Ed. D., Executive Director of Accelerating Achievement and Equity
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Aliveto, Ed. D., Executive Director, System Accountability and School Administration
Mike Markoe, Ed. D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
Mr. Phillips will provide an update on the COVID-19 Response.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Larry Phillips, Acting Assistant to the Superintendent for Special Projects
SUBMITTED BY:
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
An update on Special Education will be provided to the Board.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Troy Keller, Director Special Education- Elementary
Linda Chambers, DOL, Director Special Education- Secondary
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
SUBMITTED BY:
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b)(1),(2),(7) and (9), the Board will meet in Closed Session at 4:00 pm in the Board Room to consider matters related to a 4-205(c) appeal, to consult with counsel and receive legal advice, and to consider matters related to negotiations with the Frederick County Association of School Support Employees (FASSE), the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA), and the Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA).
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b)(1),(2),(7) and (9), the Board met in Closed Session at 4:00 pm in the Board Room to consider matters related to a 4-205(c) appeal, to consult with counsel and receive legal advice, and to consider matters related to negotiations with the Frederick County Association of School Support Employees (FASSE), the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA), and the Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA).
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Presentation of the FCPS Educational Partnerships Annual Report
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools has produced its 7th annual comprehensive Educational Partnerships Annual Report for 2021-2022. This report outlines its partnership program and acknowledges the many business and community partners who show their commitment to public education by supporting FCPS students and staff. Tiana Haile will present a PowerPoint showcasing the FCPS Educational Partnerships Annual Report for 2021-2022. Guests Crosby Blair, Aje Hill and Jose Bueso will share their perspective of what partnerships mean to our students, schools, and partners.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Tiana Haile, FCPS Community Engagement Coordinator
Crosby Blair, Community Schools Coordinator, Lincoln Elementary
Aje Hill, Executive Director, I Believe in Me, Inc.
Jose Bueso, Chief Operating Officer, Dynamic Automotive
SUBMITTED BY: Dr. Eric Louérs-Phillips, Executive Director of Public Affairs
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 is seeking approval of Secondary Social Studies curriculum standards revisions and changes to include:
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Curriculum development and program implementation are dynamic processes requiring continued refinement. As a result, curriculum revisions and changes are proposed, implemented and evaluated on a regular basis.
PROCESS STATEMENT: These proposed curriculum revisions were reviewed and supported by the C&I Committee on October 12, 2022.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
SUBMITTED BY:
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff will present financial highlights from the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the year ended June 30, 2022. Accompanied by the Board’s external auditors, SB & Company, will present an overview of the audit process, provide financial highlights and share the required communications for the Report of Internal Control over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The ACFR is a thorough and detailed presentation of the financial position. It provides our stakeholders information on the activities and fiscal year end balances for Frederick County Public Schools’ seven funds.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Melissa Rollison, Financial Reporting Manager
Graylin Smith, Audit Partner, SB & Company, LLC
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer