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 bid and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

Staff reviewed the above referenced request for proposals 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 has extended the Fairfax County Virginia contract to Washington Gas Energy Services, Herndon, VA, for the purchase of Natural Gas from June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016.

The price to the burner tip at Twin Ridge Elementary will be $0.5850 per thermal unit through the Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) utility provider.  The price to the burner tip at the remaining 50 accounts will be $0.5780 per thermal unit through the Washington Gas and Light (WGL) utility provider.  The balancing charges will be added to the bills as a separate line item. 

It is anticipated that the annual spend against this contract, based on actual consumption, will be approximately $1.02 million. Based on the current levels of electric consumption, this would represent an estimated annual savings of $80,000.  The source of funding will be the FY15 Approved Operating Budget and contingent upon FY16 Operating Budget Board approval.

This contract will be administered by Charles Dalphon, Energy and Recycling Coordinator.   

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.

The Budget and Finance Department requests approval of this current expense amendment to reflect actual line-item budgets developed by the charter schools from previous estimates.

The FY 2015 Approved Budget included estimated category totals for the three charter schools. The actual line-item budgets developed by the charter schools are different from the estimates. This amendment adjusts the Maryland State Department of Education categories to align with the actual budgets of the charter schools and recognizes a portion of the charter schools’ prior-year fund balances.

Staff will be available to answer questions about this amendment.

This item will be placed on this evening's Consent Agenda for action.

PRESENTERS:       Jessica Sichert, Accountant, Budget & Finance Department

         Robert Reilly, Director, Budget & Finance

         Leslie Pellegrino, Executive Director, Fiscal Services

School Construction Budget Amendment 15-07 transfers a portion of the anticipated surplus from the Ballenger Creek Middle School Floor Replacement, Ballenger Creek Elementary School Gym and Cafeteria Floor Replacement, Walkersville High School Gym Bleacher Replacement, 7446 Hayward Road Roof Replacement and Sabillasville Elementary School Water Storage Tank Replacement projects to the Walkersville High School Track Replacement project. 

The scope of the Walkersville High School Track Replacement project increases the lane size to meet the current high school educational specifications and replaces the asphalt that has exceeded its useful life.  The engineer's estimate for the project exceeds the original FCPS budget.  The requested additional funds are required to move the project forward.  FCPS is scheduled to begin the project at the conclusion of the 2015 spring sports season, with the anticipated completion in August 2015.

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.

Staff will be available to answer questions about these projects at the meeting.

This item will be placed on this evening's Consent Agenda for action.

PRESENTERS:              Heather Clabaugh, Accountant, Fiscal Services Division

The attached memorandum explains the circumstances surrounding an emergency change order issued at staff level that exceeded $25,000 in value for the replacement project at Frederick High School. This notification is provided in accordance with Regulation 200-06.

This item will be placed on this evening's Consent Agenda for action.

PRESENTERS:   Roger Fritz, Director, Construction Management

                        Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Construction Management

The Battelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC (BNBI) has been a proud partner in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) since 2009.  BNBI shares our vision and sense of priority for STEM education.  Since the partnership began, BNBI has donated over $220,000 that has helped to provide a firm foundation for our STEM programming and has greatly increased STEM opportunities for our students both during and after school.  In addition to the financial contributions, BNBI employees have generously volunteered their time to support FCPS STEM activities.  The interactions students have had with workplace professionals are motivating and offer real-world relevance to their classroom studies.

As we move forward with our FCPS STEM initiatives, providing instruction for all FCPS students to graduate STEM proficient and prepared for post-secondary study and the 21^st Century workforce, BNBI is committed to continuing its active partnership with FCPS in support of STEM education.

At this time, BNBI would like to make an unconditional commitment to provide a donation of $63,000 to FCPS.

This item will be placed on this evening's Consent Agenda for action.

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

Presenter:  Kim Day, Coordinator, STEM

Based on recent discussion by the Board of Education regarding its meeting structure and changes in local charter government, revisions to Board Policy 102 Meetings are attached for Board discussion. (backup 1)

The draft form for suggesting topics for the quarterly agenda is attached.

Most meetings on the attached draft calendar for July 2015 through June 2016 are scheduled on the second and fourth Wednesday.  The November meetings are on the first and third Wednesday due to Thanksgiving on the 26th.  Only one meeting is scheduled during the months of July, December, and April.

This item will be placed on the Board's Consent Agenda for action.

This item will be placed on this evening's Consent Agenda for action.

 The Frederick County Public Schools Strategic Planning Steering Committee has been working with The District Management Council (DMC) to develop new strategic plan goals and priorities for the school district.  Feedback from the community has been incorporated into the final draft.  At this time, the steering committee seeks action from the Board to approve these goals and priorities. 

Board action will be taken on this evening's Consent Agenda.

PRESENTER:  Ed Pratt-Dannals, The District Management Council

Generation Connect, a program of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, announced the winner of the second annual Young Professional of the Year award at the fourth anniversary celebration and networking event on November 19, 2014.  Young professionals and chamber members celebrated Eric Haines, coordinator for Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Career and Technology Education, for his career dedication, student commitment and community service.  Eric was nominated for this award by Brett Stark, director of curriculum.

Eric’s qualifications and spirit were apparent to the selection committee from the first time they read his nomination form and application.  He was chosen as a top five finalist from 20 nominees.  Applicants were judged on the following criteria:

·         1-2 years professional experience in current career

·         Under the age of 40 as of December 31, 2014

·         Works and resides in Frederick County

·         Demonstrates leadership skills and potential for continued development

·         Eager to aid the Frederick County community through current and future positons

·         Nominated by employer or supervisor with highest recommendation

Eric oversees programs designed to prepare students for college and careers.  FCPS’ Career and Technology Education program has over 200 teachers in 28 different program areas, and is comprised of 169 courses impacting over 10,000 students each year.  In addition, Eric manages the Biomedical Science program which was named the Most Outstanding Secondary Career and Technology Education program in Maryland for 2013.  Currently, he is working to develop a new course entitled Food Science.

The son of teachers, Eric grew up in Frederick County, graduated from Governor Thomas Johnson High School, and now works and lives here.  He believes that “students win when we work together,” which is evidenced by his approach toward his job, co-workers and our students.    

Goal 3  All employees will be highly qualified for their jobs, motivated and effective at work, and valued and respected by their students and community.

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

Presenter(s): Brett Stark, Director of Curriculum

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 bid and recommends approval by the Board of Education as part of its consent agenda.

Staff reviewed the above referenced request for proposals 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.

The Budget and Finance Department requests approval of this current expense amendment to reflect actual line-item budgets developed by the charter schools from previous estimates.

The FY 2015 Approved Budget included estimated category totals for the three charter schools. The actual line-item budgets developed by the charter schools are different from the estimates. This amendment adjusts the Maryland State Department of Education categories to align with the actual budgets of the charter schools and recognizes a portion of the charter schools’ prior-year fund balances.

Staff will be available to answer questions about this amendment.

PRESENTERS:       Jessica Sichert, Accountant, Budget & Finance Department

         Robert Reilly, Director, Budget & Finance

         Leslie Pellegrino, Executive Director, Fiscal Services

School Construction Budget Amendment 15-07 transfers a portion of the anticipated surplus from the Ballenger Creek Middle School Floor Replacement, Ballenger Creek Elementary School Gym and Cafeteria Floor Replacement, Walkersville High School Gym Bleacher Replacement, 7446 Hayward Road Roof Replacement and Sabillasville Elementary School Water Storage Tank Replacement projects to the Walkersville High School Track Replacement project. 

The scope of the Walkersville High School Track Replacement project increases the lane size to meet the current high school educational specifications and replaces the asphalt that has exceeded its useful life.  The engineer's estimate for the project exceeds the original FCPS budget.  The requested additional funds are required to move the project forward.  FCPS is scheduled to begin the project at the conclusion of the 2015 spring sports season, with the anticipated completion in August 2015.

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.

Staff will be available to answer questions about these projects at the meeting.

PRESENTERS:              Heather Clabaugh, Accountant, Fiscal Services Division

The attached memorandum explains the circumstances surrounding an emergency change order issued at staff level that exceeded $25,000 in value for the replacement project at Frederick High School. This notification is provided in accordance with Regulation 200-06.

PRESENTERS:  Roger Fritz, Director, Construction Management

          Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Construction Management

The Battelle National Biodefense Institute, LLC (BNBI) has been a proud partner in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) education with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) since 2009.  BNBI shares our vision and sense of priority for STEM education.  Since the partnership began, BNBI has donated over $220,000 that has helped to provide a firm foundation for our STEM programming and has greatly increased STEM opportunities for our students both during and after school.  In addition to the financial contributions, BNBI employees have generously volunteered their time to support FCPS STEM activities.  The interactions students have had with workplace professionals are motivating and offer real-world relevance to their classroom studies.

As we move forward with our FCPS STEM initiatives, providing instruction for all FCPS students to graduate STEM proficient and prepared for post-secondary study and the 21^st Century workforce, BNBI is committed to continuing its active partnership with FCPS in support of STEM education.

At this time, BNBI would like to make an unconditional commitment to provide a donation of $63,000 to FCPS.

This item will be placed on this evening's Consent Agenda for action.

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

Presenters:  Kim Day, Coordinator, STEM

Most meetings on the attached draft calendar for July 2015 through June 2016 are scheduled on the second and fourth Wednesday.  The November meetings are on the first and third Wednesday due to Thanksgiving on the 26th.  Only one meeting is scheduled during the months of July, December, and April. 

The Frederick County Public Schools Strategic Planning Steering Committee has been working with The District Management Council (DMC) to develop new strategic plan goals and priorities for the school district.  Feedback from the community has been incorporated into the final draft.  At this time, the steering committee seeks action from the Board to approve these aspirations and priorities.

PRESENTER:  Ed Pratt-Dannals, The District Management Council

The Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) has met several times since July 2014 to discuss the design and schedule of a new school currently identified as West Frederick City Area Elementary School (WFCAES). WFCAES will be located on Butterfly Lane and addresses enrollment growth in the Waverley Elementary School (ES), Hillcrest ES and Orchard Grove ES attendance areas. WFCAES is now in the initial phases of design and scheduled to open in August 2017, funding permitting. This new school will follow the prototype layout of the recently completed North Frederick ES (NFES).

Recent discussions have centered on two options for grade configurations at WFCAES. The first option is to design WFCAES as a traditional preK-5 elementary school. This would be consistent with nearly all Frederick County Public Schools’ (FCPS) elementary schools.  It would follow the grade configuration used at NFES and scheduled for use at Sugarloaf ES in Urbana.  The second option is to “pair” WFCAES with another school in the area. Under this arrangement, WFCAES would house grades 3-5 and be paired with a primary school consisting of grades preK-2. FCPS has two examples of paired schools, which include Middletown Primary/Middletown ES and Thurmont Primary/Thurmont ES.

This subject was first discussed at the July 9, 2014 BOE meeting when the architect was appointed for the project. At that time, the BOE decided to schedule community meetings to receive comments on the new school project. Subsequent to this meeting, a September 17, 2014 BOE community meeting was held at Hillcrest ES. This was followed by a November 5, 2014 BOE work session discussion and a November 18, 2014 BOE community meeting at Orchard Grove ES.  Additional community meetings have been held by the FCPS staff as part of our community information sharing efforts.

Currently, the project is proceeding forward with design as a traditional preK-5 facility that will follow the prototype model. The BOE is asked to determine if it wishes to give further consideration to a paired school for this project. Schematic plans for WFCAES are scheduled to be presented to the BOE on January 28, 2015.  The backup document provides information that was presented to the BOE and community at past meetings. 

PRESENTER: Ray Barnes, Executive Director, Facilities Services Division

The Board of Education has charged the Calendar Committee with developing two calendar proposals for the 2015-2016 school year.  The proposed calendars include one calendar with an August start date and one with a post-Labor Day start date.  Both versions have been updated to include additional holidays and observances as well as a primary Election Day in April of 2016.  As previously noted, the post-Labor Day calendar was prepared in anticipation of a potential change to Maryland law that would institute a state-wide, post-Labor Day start for all school districts.

The Calendar Committee seeks action from the Board to approve one of the calendars for the 2015-2016 school year.

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.

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

PRESENTERS:     Mike Markoe, Deputy Superintendent

                          Debbie Gilmartin, Coordinator of Testing and Accountability

                          Julie Marker, Committee Co-chair, Frederick County PTA President, Parent

Frederick County Public Schools has been awarded a $500 grant from the Association of American Educators to support science instruction at Frederick High School where instructional materials will be purchased to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students in various science classes.

Water kits will be purchased to support physical science instruction by allowing students to explore concepts of polarity; demonstrate the differences between adhesion and cohesion; and, define and create models of the states of osmosis.  Synapse kits will be purchased to support biology instruction by providing students the means to construct a synapse out of foam parts.  Students will then explore how various substances, drugs and neurotransmitters make their way through the membrane.   

All grant funds will be used to purchase instructional materials for use in various science classes at Frederick High School.  Acceptance of this $500 grant does not obligate Frederick County Public Schools to expend additional local resources.

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.

FirstEnergy Corporation, the parent company of Potomac Edison, has awarded Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) a $500 grant to support science instruction at Walkersville High School.  Grant funds will be used to purchase instructional materials for use in the ninth grade science course, Introduction to Chemistry/Physics (ICP).

Students will build various alternative energy systems (wind turbines and solar energy panels) and determine the efficiency of each system and will then compare the efficacy of these systems to traditional systems where electricity is generated from fossil fuel.  Students will use the language and instruments of science to apply the skills of scientific inquiry to understand the nature of science; cite examples of how energy can be changed from one form to another; analyze electric fields and their effects on charges and electric circuits, magnets and magnetic fields; and, explain how electricity and magnetism affect one other.

Materials to be purchased include wind power kits, renewable energy science kits and solar panels. Acceptance of this $500 grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.

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.

Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has received an $11,799 sub grant from the Frederick County Department of Emergency Preparedness’ Hazard Mitigation grant to support emergency preparedness in our schools.  The source of Frederick County’s grant is the Maryland Emergency Management Agency.

In 2013, FCPS received grant funds from the Frederick County Department of Emergency Preparedness to install the emergency messaging Alert Beacon System in 63 FCPS schools and four support facilities. The beacons, which are located in the front office of each school, allow the FCPS security office to send emergency messages to schools and buildings.  Messages are displayed on the beacon, and the system requires that schools respond within a certain period of time.  The Alert Beacon System records the response time for each school and generates a report that is sent to the FCPS security office.  If a school does not respond, the security office follows up immediately.

Grant funds will be used to purchase Alert Beacon System Emergency Buttons for 63 schools and four support facilities.  The Emergency Buttons will be integrated into the Alert Beacon System.  If an onsite emergency occurs and school staff is unable to contact the FCPS security office or emergency responders, they will be able to hit the Emergency Button to generate an emergency notification alerting FCPS security staff and Frederick County emergency responders.

This grant has a $3,656 cost sharing requirement from FCPS. This requirement will be satisfied through FCPS security staff time spent installing the Emergency Buttons.  

Acceptance of this $11,799 grant obligates FCPS to expend $3,656 in in-kind local resources.

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.

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has awarded Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) an $8,010 grant to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) professional learning.

MSDE will hold a series of regional workshops for K-12 teachers to learn and build integrated STEM lessons with their colleagues from around Maryland.  The workshops will provide teachers with tools to integrate STEM content and skills into the curriculum; provide opportunities for teachers to build STEM content knowledge; enable teachers to share best practices and challenges in integrating STEM education into the curriculum; and, provide time to collaborate and plan integrated STEM lessons.

Grant funds will be used to support a team of 15 FCPS teachers participating in the workshops.  Five teachers from each level (elementary, middle and high) will participate in the workshops which will be held on three separate days throughout the school year.  Grant funds will cover the costs of substitutes ($4,260) and provide a $250 stipend to each of the participating teachers for time spent outside the workshops developing lessons ($3,750).

Acceptance of this $8,010 grant award does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources. 

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.