Staff reviewed the above referenced RFP and recommends approval by the Board of Education.

The Budget and Finance Department requests approval of Current Expense Amendment 2-15.

This amendment is needed to fund a consultant review of Special Education staffing. Funding for this study is available from the unused budget for the Strategic Planning consultant. This amendment will allocate the funds to the appropriate Maryland State Department of Education category.

Staff will be available to answer questions about this amendment.

Presenter(s):           Leslie Pellegrino, Executive Director of Fiscal Services

Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation staff will present an overview of Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs and services and share the new Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA) tool currently used to measure school readiness.  The focus and goal is to collaborate with other FCPS departments and local partners within Frederick County to prepare all children from birth to five years old for “school readiness” as it pertains to social and academic expectations.

Aspirational Goal 1:  FCPS will equip each and every student to be an empowered learner and an engaged citizen to achieve a positive impact in the local and global community.

Aspirational Goal 3:  FCPS will pursue and utilize all resources strategically and responsibility to achieve identified outcomes and inspire public confidence.

Presenter(s):    Dr. Kevin Cuppett, Executive Director, CII

                       Cathy Nusbaum, Coordinator, Early Childhood Education & Judy Center

                       Michele Baisey, Teacher Specialist, Early Childhood Education

The BOE has worked with staff and the community to develop a new strategic plan. This plan is a dynamic document intended to guide our work as a system for the next 5 to 10 years. At the December 17, 2014 meeting, the BOE approved aspirations, priorities, and a theory of action.  The discussion today will focus on measurable goals for public reporting on our progress in addressing the identified priorities.

Staff and the Strategic Plan Steering Committee recommend the approval of the identified measurable goals.

PRESENTER:  Ed Pratt-Dannals, The District Management Council

In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305, the Board met in Closed Session at 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room 5A to receive information regarding upcoming collective bargaining negotiations with the Frederick County Teachers Association and the Frederick Association of School Support Employees; to approve Closed Session Minutes of October 8, 22 and 28, 2014; to discuss a personnel matter and receive advice of counsel.

Frederick County was recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education for our comprehensive work attributed to students with disabilities as related to the college and career framework.  Select Frederick County Public Schools staff co-presented “Developing Effective Systemic Programming through Student Transition Planning that Ensures Equitable Career and Technology Opportunities” at the 2014 Professional Learning Institute in November.  The video you will see was featured as part of this presentation and shares perspectives from a student and his parent about the importance of effective programming, meaningful parent participation, and fostering student independence with the ultimate goal of becoming a contributing member of a global society. 

This video supports our Department Vision Statement:  Through ongoing collaboration with our local and state stakeholders, including parents, staff and students, the Department of Special Education & Psychological Services serves FCPS by supporting systemic instructional programming focusing on eliminating the achievement gap, developing social competencies, nurturing independence, and preparing students with disabilities to become contributing members of a global society. 

Presenter(s):    Mr. Dan Martz, Director of Special Education & Psychological Services

National School Counseling Week, sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated February 2-6, 2015. The celebration of National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and career readiness.  Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is fortunate to employ 37 high school, 37 middle school and 39 elementary school counselors.  We also have school counselors at the Heather Ridge School, Rock Creek School, FCPS Virtual School, Career and Technology Center, and with the Success Program and English Language Learning (ELL) Program.

With the ultimate goal of removing barriers to learning, school counselors address the personal, social, emotional, academic and career needs of students.  Through collaboration with school staff, parents/guardians and community members, school counselors access and organize supports necessary for student success.  In an effort to recognize the dedication, diligence and compassion of all FCPS counselors, it is requested that the Board of Education of Frederick County adopt the ASCA resolution and encourage students, staff and community members to celebrate National School Counseling Week.

Sherry Bueso, School Counselor at Thurmont Middle School will be recognized as the 2013-14 Frederick County Association of Counseling and Development school counselor of the year.

Presenter(s):   Janet Shipman, Coordinator of School Counseling and Student Support

Sherry Bueso, School Counselor, Thurmont Middle School

Design of a new elementary school in the West Frederick City Area is underway and a name for the school must be selected.  Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) Policy 201.1 and 201.2, governs the selection of names for new schools. In compliance with this policy, in September 2014, the Superintendent established a Name Recommendation Committee chaired by Assistant Principal Marilyn Dolbeare-Mathews. The Name Recommendation Committee has prepared the attached report (backup document 1) for the BOE’s consideration. The top three names recommended, in priority order, are as follows:

1. Butterfly Ridge Elementary School
2. Greenstone Elementary School
3. Woodland Fields (alternate: Woodfield) Elementary School

Information about each of the recommended school names is found in the report, along with names of the committee members, and a summary of community outreach efforts.  Also attached is a copy of BOE Policy 201 (backup document 2), which outlines the procedures and criteria that should be used in the selection of school names.

Presenter: Marilyn Dolbeare-Mathews, Chair, School Name Recommendation Committee

The BOE is scheduled to hold a public hearing on February 4, 2015 on the Board of Education FY2016 Operating Budget.  The Board will need to approve a proposed budget to take to the public hearing at their January 28, 2015 Board Meeting.

Backup for this discussion is the FY2016 Operating Budget Working File.

The BOE public hearing on the Proposed Operating Budget is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Oakdale High School.

Presenter(s):   Leslie Pellegrino, Executive Director of Fiscal Services

The United Way of Frederick County has awarded Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) a $1,000 grant to support the purchase of technology at Hillcrest Elementary School.

Grant funds will be used to purchase two Apple iPad Air tablets.  The tablets will be used both in the classroom and during community engagement events.  Students will use the iPads during small groups in the classroom, in intervention settings and for tutoring.  Parents and families will have access to the tablets during community engagement events for personal use; many Hillcrest families do not have Internet access at home. 

Acceptance of this $1,000 grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.

The Community Foundation of Frederick County has awarded Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) a $382 grant to support the purchase of art supplies for use in the Success Program.

The Success Program, located at the FCPS Staff Development Center in Walkersville, provides post-secondary transition education for students, ages 18-21, who have completed at least four years in a comprehensive high school and exhibit potential for competitive employment. Students earn a Maryland Certificate of Completion. They work in a community-based setting to learn skills for independent living and are exposed to the world of work.

The Success Program currently serves 44 students.  Grant funds from the Community Foundation will be used to implement a weekly arts class that is not currently offered.  Through this class, students will build their expressive communication skills while building self-confidence through exploration and appreciation of individual and group projects.  The weekly classes will be planned and facilitated by two Success teachers who hold certification in Art and Special Education.  Grant funds will be used to purchase basic art supplies.

Acceptance of this $382 grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.

The Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Program has awarded Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) a $2,030 grant to support the purchase of window blinds for Parkway Elementary School.

Grant funds will be used to purchase mini-blinds for Parkway Elementary School’s cafeteria and media center.  Currently, the window blinds in those locations do not function properly.  Working window blinds will help both locations function effectively.  For example, both areas have projection units available for use.  However, because of the light coming in from the windows, the units cannot be used on sunny days.

Acceptance of this $2,030 grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.

The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) a $14,572 grant to participate in the Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Project (SHAPP).

Through SHAPP, a team of sixteen high school teachers from around the state (including four from FCPS) will participate in a three day professional development opportunity on standards-based instruction in health education, particularly as it pertains to sexual harassment.  Teachers will also receive training in professional development facilitation.  Lastly, the teachers will develop skills-based health education lessons that focus on healthy relationships and dating violence.  The team of sixteen teachers will then conduct workshops in summer 2015 in locations around Maryland.  

The budget includes $6,650 to hire a consultant to conduct the three day training; $6,786 in supplies and materials; and $1,136 to provide substitutes for the four FCPS teachers participating in the training.

Acceptance of this $14,572 grant does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.