Staff reviewed the above referenced bid and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

Staff reviewed the above referenced bid and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

Staff reviewed the above referenced contract renewal and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

Staff reviewed the above referenced contract renewal and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

This is to inform the Board that Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is riding the above contracts from US Communities, Fairfax County Public Schools, and Washington County Public Schools for custodial supplies.

The contracts were awarded as per the following:

• U.S. Communities, RFP12-22:  AmSan
• Fairfax County Public Schools, RFP07-918243-79:  Daycon Products (product pricing only)
• Washington County Public Schools, 2014-72:  Weiss Brothers
   

These contracts will be used in addition to the partial renewal of FCPS Bid 12M1, Custodial Products and Supplies, and the previously approved (June 20, 2012) Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) RFP1862 for Facilities Maintenance, Lighting Products, Industrial Supplies and Tool.  These contracts will replace part of Bid 12M1, as well as bids with Washington County Public Schools and Baltimore County Public Schools that FCPS currently rides.

Utilizing the above contracts, along with a partial renewal of Bid 12M1, will save FCPS approximately $84,700 based on historical usage.

These contracts will be administered by John Carnahan, Custodial Services Manager.

This is to inform the Board that Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is riding the above contract from the US Communities Government Purchasing Alliance.  

The contract was awarded to DLT Solutions of Herndon, VA.  The contract term is effective from date of award through April 3, 2017, and with two additional one-year renewal options available.  The contract will be utilized by FCPS for the evaluation of our PeopleSoft enterprise resource planning software.

This contract will be administered by Mark Payne, Technology Systems Administrator.  The source of funding is the FY15 Approved Operating Budget.

In December 1998, Franklin and Bess Gladhill made a major donation to The Community Foundation of Frederick County to be issued to Frederick County Public Schools for the purpose of developing, supporting, and promoting agricultural education programs and activities in our schools.  This money was placed in an endowment fund, which will provide interest for our use in perpetuity.  Since that time, 124 grants have been awarded totaling $71,527.

After reviewing proposals submitted for the 2014-15 school year, the Community Foundation Grants Committee assisted in the recommendation to the following schools for nine grants totaling $4,488.

The Community Foundation Executive Board approved these applications at its meeting on October 9, 2014.  Approval of these grants by the Board of Education of Frederick County is required.  A summary of each proposal is attached.  A copy of each proposal as prepared by the applicant is available for review in the office of the chief operating officer.

This grant process is in accordance with FCPS Goal 5:  All sectors of the community will be engaged in the education of our children.

On July 15, 1998, the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) appointed an eleven-member committee to provide oversight and to make recommendations for distribution of funds from the FCPS Gifts for Education Fund.  This fund is managed by The Community Foundation of Frederick County and it is to support enrichment activities for students.  In February 1999, the first round of grants was awarded.  Since that time, 146 grants have been awarded totaling $67,145.

After reviewing proposals submitted for the 2014-15 school year, the Gifts for Education committee recommends approval to the following schools for ten grants totaling $4,455 (the total amount available for 2014-15).

The Community Foundation Executive Board approved the applications at its meeting on October 9, 2014.  BOE approval of these grants is also required.  A summary of each proposal is attached.  A copy of each proposal as prepared by the applicant is available for review in the office of the chief operating officer.

This grant process is in accordance with FCPS Goal 5:  All sectors of the community will be engaged in the education of our children.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has awarded Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) a $500,000 grant to continue funding the Digital Learning/Digital Natives (DL/DN) project.  Through this project, FCPS will transform traditional sixth grade language arts and science classrooms into comprehensive digital learning environments.

A transdisciplinary team of sixth grade science and language arts teachers, as well as media specialists, career and technology education teachers, special education teachers, and English Language Learner teachers will develop a series of project based learning (PBL) units that will serve as the vehicle for transformation. The units will include digital tools that enhance creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration among students and teachers.  The units will be piloted in spring 2015 at selected middle schools, refined by the transdisciplinary team in summer 2015, and then rolled out to middle schools for full implementation for the 2015-2016 school year. 

A professional learning program will also be developed to train all sixth grade language arts and science teachers on implementing the units in their classrooms.  The professional learning program will expand teacher knowledge, skills, and confidence in using technology tools to engage and instruct students.  A broader professional learning program will also be developed for all middle school teachers and administrators to support their efforts in transforming middle school classrooms into digital learning environments.

To support the transformation to a digital learning environment, each sixth grade language arts and science teacher will receive a Chromebook.  In addition, each middle school will receive at least three class sets of Chromebooks (30 devices/class set) and three carts to store and charge the devices.  Middle schools with larger enrollments will receive an additional class set of Chromebooks.  A total of 1,328 Chromebooks will be purchased through the grant.

This project builds upon the work done during the 2013-2014 school year through FCPS’ initial Digital Learning grant.  That grant focused on eighth grade language arts and science.  Units were developed by a transdiscplinary team of teachers and then piloted at three middle schools.  In June 2014, 1,180 devices purchased through the grant were deployed; each middle school received two class sets of Asus Transformers and one class set of iPad Airs, as well as carts to store and charge the devices.  In September 2014, eighth grade language arts and science teachers were trained on the new curricular units, project based learning, and teaching and managing a digital learning environment.  The new units will be implemented in eighth grade language arts and science classes during the 2015-2016 school year.

Acceptance of this $500,000 grant award commits FCPS to sustain the initiative by including the devices purchased through this grant in its technology replacement cycle. 

Staff recommends approval of this grant.

Goal 1 –  Every student will learn in an intellectually challenging environment, prepared as a life-long learner to excel in college, further study and the workplace.

PRESENTERS:   Thomas M. Saunders, Instructional Director of Middle Schools

                    Kim Day, STEM Coordinator, PreK-12

                    Doreen Bass, Grants Coordinator

In December of 2013, the Board developed legislative positions around several broad issues related to education:

• Education Funding
• School Construction
• Pension/Retirement
• Curriculum
• Unfunded Mandates

In preparation for the upcoming legislative session, the Board of Education will review its 2014 Legislative Positions and begin to develop its 2015 Legislative Positions.  The Board will also discuss meeting with the Frederick County Delegation to present and discuss them.

The Board will also finalize communication to the Frederick County Delegation regarding its position on the 2014-15 PARCC assessments as they relate to high school graduation requirements.

In accordance with Maryland's Open Meetings Action Section 10-508(a)(1), the Board of Education met in Closed Session at 4:15 p.m. in the Board Room to consider a personnel appointment and to have a discussion regarding a performance evaluation.

The President of the United States annually proclaims the third week of October as Character Counts! Week. Frederick County Public Schools actively provides students with character education and has participated in the Character Counts! program for 18 years.

Janet Shipman will present the proclamation and introduce staff from Catoctin High School and Thurmont Elementary School, both recently recognized by the Maryland Center for Character Counts for their exceptional programs.  We request that the Board recognize the proclamation and celebration of Character Counts! Week from October 19-25, 2014 in Frederick County Public Schools. 

Goal 2    Every student will learn in a safe, caring and engaging environment, prepared to participate as a productive citizen and contributing member of our global society.

PRESENTER:     Janet Shipman, Coordinator of Counseling and Student Support

Drug resources on FCPS website:  http://www.fcps.org/page/138

Staff reviewed the above referenced bid and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

Staff reviewed the above referenced bid and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

Staff reviewed the above referenced contract renewal and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

Staff reviewed the above referenced contract renewal and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

In December 1998, Franklin and Bess Gladhill made a major donation to The Community Foundation of Frederick County to be issued to Frederick County Public Schools for the purpose of developing, supporting, and promoting agricultural education programs and activities in our schools.  This money was placed in an endowment fund, which will provide interest for our use in perpetuity.  Since that time, 124 grants have been awarded totaling $71,527.

After reviewing proposals submitted for the 2014-15 school year, the Community Foundation Grants Committee assisted in the recommendation to the following schools for nine grants totaling $4,488.

The Community Foundation Executive Board approved these applications at its meeting on October 9, 2014.  Approval of these grants by the Board of Education of Frederick County is required.  A summary of each proposal is attached.  A copy of each proposal as prepared by the applicant is available for review in the office of the chief operating officer.

This grant process is in accordance with FCPS Goal 5:  All sectors of the community will be engaged in the education of our children.

On July 15, 1998, the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) appointed an eleven-member committee to provide oversight and to make recommendations for distribution of funds from the FCPS Gifts for Education Fund.  This fund is managed by The Community Foundation of Frederick County and it is to support enrichment activities for students.  In February 1999, the first round of grants was awarded.  Since that time, 146 grants have been awarded totaling $67,145.

After reviewing proposals submitted for the 2014-15 school year, the Gifts for Education committee recommends approval to the following schools for ten grants totaling $4,455 (the total amount available for 2014-15).

The Community Foundation Executive Board approved the applications at its meeting on October 9, 2014.  BOE approval of these grants is also required.  A summary of each proposal is attached.  A copy of each proposal as prepared by the applicant is available for review in the office of the chief operating officer.

This grant process is in accordance with FCPS Goal 5:  All sectors of the community will be engaged in the education of our children.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has awarded Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) a $500,000 grant to continue funding the Digital Learning/Digital Natives (DL/DN) project.  Through this project, FCPS will transform traditional sixth grade language arts and science classrooms into comprehensive digital learning environments.

A transdisciplinary team of sixth grade science and language arts teachers, as well as media specialists, career and technology education teachers, special education teachers, and English Language Learner teachers will develop a series of project based learning (PBL) units that will serve as the vehicle for transformation. The units will include digital tools that enhance creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration among students and teachers.  The units will be piloted in spring 2015 at selected middle schools, refined by the transdisciplinary team in summer 2015, and then rolled out to middle schools for full implementation for the 2015-2016 school year. 

A professional learning program will also be developed to train all sixth grade language arts and science teachers on implementing the units in their classrooms.  The professional learning program will expand teacher knowledge, skills, and confidence in using technology tools to engage and instruct students.  A broader professional learning program will also be developed for all middle school teachers and administrators to support their efforts in transforming middle school classrooms into digital learning environments.

To support the transformation to a digital learning environment, each sixth grade language arts and science teacher will receive a Chromebook.  In addition, each middle school will receive at least three class sets of Chromebooks (30 devices/class set) and three carts to store and charge the devices.  Middle schools with larger enrollments will receive an additional class set of Chromebooks.  A total of 1,328 Chromebooks will be purchased through the grant.

This project builds upon the work done during the 2013-2014 school year through FCPS’ initial Digital Learning grant.  That grant focused on eighth grade language arts and science.  Units were developed by a transdiscplinary team of teachers and then piloted at three middle schools.  In June 2014, 1,180 devices purchased through the grant were deployed; each middle school received two class sets of Asus Transformers and one class set of iPad Airs, as well as carts to store and charge the devices.  In September 2014, eighth grade language arts and science teachers were trained on the new curricular units, project based learning, and teaching and managing a digital learning environment.  The new units will be implemented in eighth grade language arts and science classes during the 2015-2016 school year.

Acceptance of this $500,000 grant award commits FCPS to sustain the initiative by including the devices purchased through this grant in its technology replacement cycle. 

Staff recommends approval of this grant.

Goal 1 –  Every student will learn in an intellectually challenging environment, prepared as a life-long learner to excel in college, further study and the workplace.

PRESENTERS:   Thomas M. Saunders, Instructional Director of Middle Schools

                    Kim Day, STEM Coordinator, PreK-12

                    Doreen Bass, Grants Coordinator

The Board of Education met on July 9, 2014, and consensually agreed with staff’s recommendation to utilize the elementary school prototype design and appoint the architectural firm of Grimm and Parker for the design of the new west Frederick City area elementary school. 

Total cost for the project is $1,163,015; this represents approximately 4.5 percent of the estimated construction cost of the project and is within the amount budgeted for design.  Staff notes that additional fees are included in the proposal if construction funding is delayed by the County until Fiscal Year 2018.  The potential additional fees for delayed bidding are $16,295. 

While this item was presented and consensually agreed to at the July 9^th meeting, it was inadvertently left off the consent agenda for formal approval.  Therefore, staff requests formal approval on the Consent agenda.

The textbooks listed on the attached memorandum were on public display at the C. Burr Artz Library and the Frederick County Public Schools Central Office at 191 South East Street September 8-13, 2014.   Staff recommends approval of these textbooks.

Staff discussed with the Board of Education the proposed Frederick County Public Schools Operating Budget Calendar for Fiscal Year 2016 at the October 15, 2014, work session. Attached is the revised calendar for approval.

PRESENTERS:    Robert Reilly, Director, Budget & Finance

                          Leslie Pellegrino, Executive Director, Fiscal Services

FCPS has hired over 280 new support staff and 250 new teachers for the 2014-15 school year.  The Talent Acquisition team partners with school principals, managers/supervisors, and curriculum specialists to identify top talent for placement in K-12 classroom assignments and support positions. 

Our goal is to staff all vacancies with employees who can make a positive impact on student achievement.  This report will provide information on the applicant pools, the number of positions filled and in particular the characteristics of our newly hired instructional staff.  Data on new teacher diversity, education, experience, and connections to Frederick County will be highlighted.  Of note will be the significant number of teachers who are FCPS graduates, former FCPS substitute teachers/support personnel, FCPS student teachers and local residents.

During the work session a packet of charts and graphs illustrating new hire profiles will be distributed.

PRESENTERS:    Gina Keefer, Senior Manager: Talent Acquisition

                          Carrie Artis, Teacher Recruiter: Talent Acquisition

Mr. Robert (Bob) Kelly, the new Senior Manager for Food and Nutrition Services, will present an overview of the Frederick County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services.  This presentation will also include the changes related to the Healthy Hungry Kids Act of 2010 and what these changes have meant to the meals and food served to our students.

PRESENTER:   Bob Kelly, Senior Manager, Food and Nutrition Services

Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $7,207 grant from the Fredericktowne Rotary Club to support Parkway Elementary School.

Grant monies will be used to fund Parkway’s after school program.  The program supports students in grades three through five who need additional assistance in reading and math.  Students targeted for the program will be determined based on scores on local assessments and teacher recommendation.  The program runs for 95 days during the school year, from 3:30–4:30 p.m., is coordinated by Parkway’s reading specialist, and staffed by an instructional assistant and volunteers from the Fredericktowne Rotary.

Grant funds will be used to cover the costs of hourly pay for staff ($6,257), nutritious snacks for students ($600) and materials ($350).  

Acceptance of this $7,207 grant award does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.  Staff recommends approval of this grant.

Goal 5 – All sectors of the community will be engaged in the education of our children.