In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b),(1), the Board will meet in Closed Session at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 5A to select an Ethics Panel member and consider matters related to an employee appeal.
PRESENTATION OF 4 BID CALENDAR ITEMS
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff would like to inform the Board of Education of Frederick County of upcoming bid solicitations.
Bid 17M1, Unit Price Contract for Fencing
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: To establish a contract for the repair, replacement, and new installation of chain link fencing, gates, and associated hardware.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPCP, Buyer Specialist
Gary Barkdoll, FMP, Projects and Grounds Manager, Maintenance
Bid 17M2, Maintenance Repair and Operations (MRO) Material & Supplies – Plumbing
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is for the purchase of materials and supplies for plumbing, water, sewer and storm drain site utilities and fire suppression systems throughout Frederick County Public Schools and offices.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPCP, Buyer Specialist
Randy Connatser, Maintenance Project Manager
Bid 17M3, Water Testing/Treatment – HVAC Systems
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract for water testing and treatment in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems in all Frederick County Public School buildings.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPCP, Buyer Specialist
Gary Barkdoll, FMP, Manager of Maintenance Projects and Grounds, Maintenance Department
RFQ 17MISC1, Request for Qualifications for General Construction Services
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this proposal is to qualify licensed general contractors for small construction and repair projects. Contractors will be evaluated on their qualifications, experience, financial information, and other pertinent data.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brad Ahalt, Senior Project Manager
SUBMITTED BY:
Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., 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 is riding the above contract from the Keystone Purchasing Network (KPN) for athletic and parking lot lighting.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The contract was awarded to Musco Sports Lighting, LLC of Oskaloosa, Iowa. This contract will be utilized for the replacement of stadium lights at Brunswick High School. It is anticipated that the work will be performed before the fall sports season.
Funding for the Brunswick High School stadium light project was approved in the FY17 CIP Budget.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Tony Ray, Project Manager III
SUBMITTED BY:
Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., 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 is riding the above contract from Richmond Public Schools.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The contract was awarded to Cropper GIS Consulting, LLC of Dublin, Ohio. It is anticipated that purchases against this contract will be approximately $30,000 for redistricting support services for the new Butterfly Ridge attendance area.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Beth Pasierb, Facilities Planning Supervisor
SUBMITTED BY:
Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., 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 a vendor to provide all labor, supervision, supplies and equipment to perform full or partial painting projects.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins, CPPB, CPCP, Buyer Specialist
William Kosola, Paint Foreman, Maintenance Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., 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 school bus/motor coach contractors to provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation services to students for educational and extracurricular programs.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Fred Punturiero, Director of Transportation
SUBMITTED BY:
Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval of School Construction Budget Amendment #17-01.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Budget amendment #17-01 recognizes the transfer of funds from the FCPS operating fund to the FCPS capital project fund to fully fund the Wide Area Network (WAN) Technology Upgrade. FCPS received one-time capital funding of $500,000 for the project. The total project cost is $1,300,000 and requires a transfer from the operating budget. This additional funding of $800,000 was budgeted as a transfer to the capital project fund in preparation for the WAN project. This project will upgrade the end of life/end of support core network infrastructure at all school and central office locations.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S): Heather Jo Clabaugh, Accountant
SUBMITTED BY: Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval of Current Expense Amendment 1-17.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This budget amendment reflects the adjustments made by the Board at the June 8, 2016 meeting that increased the salary resource pool by reducing the health insurance increase, the number of new CASS workers, and the number of teachers used to mitigate class size.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Robert Reilly, Director, Budget & Finance
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff requests approval of a contract change order in the amount of $59,246.75 to relocate one portable classroom and provide electrical services at Waverley Elementary School (WavES). (See backup)
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: A request from the school’s instructional director was received to place an additional portable at WavES after the bids were received and awarded.
PROCESS STATEMENT: Construction Management department staff reviewed JCS General Contractors, Inc. change proposal and modified the electrical scope to reduce the cost. The revision in electrical services reduced the cost from $69,814.00 to $59,246.75. This cost includes relocating one portable from Tuscarora Elementary School and associated electrical services. The change order presented modifies the contract with JCS General Contractors Inc. to add $59,246.75. The budget for the portable classroom relocation project is adequate to the meet this expense.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Tony Ray, Project Manager III, Construction Management
Roger Fritz, Director, Construction Management
SUBMITTED BY:
Ray Barnes, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
SIXTH READING
PROCESS STATEMENT:
At the August 26, 2015 Board of Education (Board) meeting, Section 200.3 “School Closing or Consolidation” was discussed by the Board. A subcommittee was designated of Board members Liz Barrett, Katie Groth and April Miller to further discuss the policy.
Board Policy 200 School Attendance Areas and Redistricting is presented for the Board’s approval. (backup1)
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
SECOND READING
Board Policy 202 Construction, Renovation and Maintenance is presented for information and discussion by the Board.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
At the March 30, 2016 Board of Education (Board) meeting, the Board discussed changes to Policy 202 as a result of transition to charter government in Frederick County and the elimination of a subcommittee of the Board. The suggested changes from that discussion are presented for the Board’s review. (backup1)
PROCESS STATEMENT:
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie R. Cannon, Esquire - Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Ray Barnes – Chief Operating Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie R. Cannon, Esquire – Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Ray Barnes – Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
FIRST READING
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Policy 441 Transportation of Students (backup1) is presented for discussion by the Board of Education (Board). Board member Colleen Cusimano requested a review of this policy as it relates to student eligibility for bus transportation and exceptions as outlined in section 441.2.
A. Elementary
With the exceptions as outlined in sections D and E, elementary students are not eligible for school bus transportation to school unless the most practical, direct walking route is longer than 1¼ miles. Up to 1/10 of a mile may be added by the Transportation Department so that a street or cul-de-sac is not divided. Walking distances in contiguous areas may be extended at the superintendent’s discretion.
B. Secondary
With the exceptions as outlined in sections D and E, middle and high school students are not eligible for school bus transportation to school unless the most practical, direct walking route is longer than 1¾ miles. Up to 1/10 of a mile may be added by the Transportation Department so that a street or cul-de-sac is not divided. Walking distances in contiguous areas may be extended at the superintendent’s discretion.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
Fred Punturiero, Director of Transportation, and Ray Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, will be available to respond to specific questions from the Board.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Colleen Cusimano, Board Member
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
SUBMITTED BY:
Colleen Cusimano, Board Member
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The purpose of this presentation is to bring forth recommendations from the Family Life Advisory Committee (FLAC) to adopt two (2) new instructional materials for High School Family Life and Human Sexuality curriculum (HE.900.40). The proposed materials support FCPS Goal 1 and 5.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Staff recommends approval of the following items in the Health Education Program:
High School
PROCESS STATEMENT: In accordance with Maryland Bylaw 13A.04.18.01, curricular changes and instructional materials intended for use in Family Life and HIV & AIDS Prevention Education must be reviewed by the Board-Appointed Family Life Advisory Committee prior to consideration by the Board of Education. Following review by that committee, recommended materials are presented to the Board of Education for approval and subsequent use in schools. The FLAC committee recommends approval.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
James Hitchner, Curriculum Specialist for Elementary Health and Physical Education
Brian Griffith, Curriculum Specialist for Secondary Health and Physical Education
FCPS Staff Liaisons to the Family Life Advisory Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Brett Stark, Director of Curriculum
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director, Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: The St. Thomas More Academy (STMA) is currently renting property owned by the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) at 103 Prospect Street, Middletown, MD. Occupancy of this building began in August 2012. The current lease for this building expired on June 30, 2016. STMA is requesting renewal of the lease for a year at the same rent. The BOE is asked to determine if they wish to approve a new lease.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: STMA has received several successive approvals by the BOE for one-year leases for the BOE’s property at 103 Prospect Street. This property is currently being leased while a buyer for the property is being sought. Under the terms of the lease, STMA has the right of first refusal if another buyer is found and a viable offer is presented. Until this occurs, the current rent is $30,593 annually, or $2,549 monthly. In the event a new lease is not approved, the property may be occupied on a month-to-month basis, with the tenant responsible for all interior maintenance and repairs.
PROCESS STATEMENT: This is the last of four (4) properties the BOE approved for excessing and sale as a means to offset the cost of the new central office building. The BOE agreed to a lease arrangement with STMA in August 2012, and the Prospect Street school building was occupied by STMA for the 2012-13 school year. Extensions of this lease have been approved each year since 2012. The attached lease reflects the direction given by the BOE at that time (see backup1).
PRESENTER & TITLE: Ray Barnes, Chief Operating Officer
SUBMITTED BY: Ray Barnes, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: To provide information on the conclusions of the first phase of the Bus Facility Feasibility Study. This is the first of a three-phase study.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Transportation department operates out of the Hayward Road Annex at 7446 Hayward Road, located on the north side of Frederick City. All management, routing, dispatch, training, and payroll operations take place at this facility. Maintenance for 426 buses and 207 fleet vehicles primarily takes place at the Hayward Road Annex in a 5-bay, 5,500 sq. ft. shop, although a mobile bus maintenance crew completes some simple maintenance tasks remotely. The Hayward Road Annex accommodates less than half of the refueling and parking needs; other buses refuel at Linganore High School, County fueling stations, or at gas stations using a gas card and are parked in 26 locations around the county or at the homes of their drivers.
FCPS initiated the Bus Facility Feasibility Study in January 2016 to explore ways to improve the operations of the Transportation department by providing adequate and efficient facilities for bus parking, bus maintenance, driver training, and administration.
A team of FCPS employees from Facilities Planning, Transportation, Accounting, Construction Management, and Communication Services is completing a feasibility study to determine the scope of the Transportation department’s needs and how FCPS can address them on the existing site or elsewhere in the county. This project will include three major phases:
1. Project Scope Phase: Inventory of existing conditions and definition of facility needs
2. Feasibility Phase: Feasibility study of existing and additional site resources based on project scope
3. Recommendation Phase: Recommendation optimizing FCPS bus operations and taxpayer dollars
The report for Phase 1, the Project Scope Phase, outlines the team’s priorities for the future of the bus facilities, which are organized into four categories: efficiency and cost effectiveness, stewardship of resources, security, and health and safety. The report also includes a space summary that lists the Transportation department’s space needs. The current spaces available for bus and other vehicle repairs, bus washing, and parking are in need of significant improvements. During the second phase of the project, the team will discuss potential sites and the configuration of services, and make adjustments to the facility space needs analysis depending on the service locations proposed. The team will develop one or more recommendations on space configuration and project phasing for the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) at the conclusion of the third phase.
The project webpage contains an overview of the project and a short introductory video. http://www.fcps.org/facilities/FCPS-Bus-Facility-Feasibility-Study.cfm Comments and questions are welcome and can be directed to project manager Holly Nelson (holly.nelson@fcps.org).
PROCESS STATEMENT: This project was initiated as a follow-up to BOE discussions with Frederick County Government in 2013-14. Phase 1 of the project began in January 2016. The FCPS Capital Improvement Program does not yet include funding for the design or construction of additional transportation facilities.
The project team met bi-weekly over the past six months to inventory and evaluate the existing facilities, collect and analyze data on bus repair, usage, and parking, conduct extensive outreach to bus garage staff and bus drivers, and visit other transportation facilities in the area. The outcome of this effort is the Bus Facility Feasibility Study Phase 1 – Project Scope Report, attached to this agenda item (backup 1).
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Holly Nelson, Facilities Planner, Facilities Planning
Mark Maggitti, Fleet Manager, Transportation Services
SUBMITTED BY: Ray Barnes, Chief Operating Officer
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b),(1), the Board will meet in Closed Session at 2:00 p.m. in Conference Room 5A to select an Ethics Panel member and consider matters related to an employee appeal.
The Board welcomes and encourages public comment. With the exception of confidential and personnel related matters, 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.
If you are speaking as an individual you have up to 3 minutes and I ask that when the buzzer goes off that you complete your thoughts. On behalf of an organization you have up to 5 minutes.
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff recommends Board approval of recently displayed textbooks.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The textbook(s) listed on the attached memorandum were on public display at the C. Burr Artz Library and the Frederick County Public Schools Central Office Building at 191 South East Street, Frederick, from June 6-11, 2016.
PROCESS STATEMENT: FCPS Regulation 500-38, "D. Approval of textbooks intended for instructional use with students must be approved by the Board prior to purchase."
PRESENTER(S)/TITLE(S): N/A
SUBMITTED BY: Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff requests approval of a contract change order in the amount of $59,246.75 to relocate one portable classroom and provide electrical services at Waverley Elementary School (WavES). (See backup)
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: A request from the school’s instructional director was received to place an additional portable at WavES after the bids were received and awarded.
PROCESS STATEMENT: Construction Management department staff reviewed JCS General Contractors, Inc. change proposal and modified the electrical scope to reduce the cost. The revision in electrical services reduced the cost from $69,814.00 to $59,246.75. This cost includes relocating one portable from Tuscarora Elementary School and associated electrical services. The change order presented modifies the contract with JCS General Contractors Inc. to add $59,246.75. The budget for the portable classroom relocation project is adequate to the meet this expense.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Tony Ray, Project Manager III, Construction Management
Roger Fritz, Director, Construction Management
SUBMITTED BY:
Ray Barnes, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
SIXTH READING
PROCESS STATEMENT:
At the August 26, 2015 Board of Education (Board) meeting, Section 200.3 “School Closing or Consolidation” was discussed by the Board. A subcommittee was designated of Board members Liz Barrett, Katie Groth and April Miller to further discuss the policy.
Board Policy 200 School Attendance Areas and Redistricting is presented for the Board’s approval. (backup1)
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
SECOND READING
Board Policy 202 Construction, Renovation and Maintenance is presented for information and discussion by the Board.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
At the March 30, 2016 Board of Education (Board) meeting, the Board discussed changes to Policy 202 as a result of transition to charter government in Frederick County and the elimination of a subcommittee of the Board. The suggested changes from that discussion are presented for the Board’s review. (backup1)
PROCESS STATEMENT:
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie R. Cannon, Esquire - Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Ray Barnes – Chief Operating Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie R. Cannon, Esquire – Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Ray Barnes – Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The purpose of this presentation is to bring forth recommendations from the Family Life Advisory Committee (FLAC) to adopt two (2) new instructional materials for High School Family Life and Human Sexuality curriculum (HE.900.40). The proposed materials support FCPS Goal 1 and 5.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Staff recommends approval of the following items in the Health Education Program:
High School
PROCESS STATEMENT: In accordance with Maryland Bylaw 13A.04.18.01, curricular changes and instructional materials intended for use in Family Life and HIV & AIDS Prevention Education must be reviewed by the Board-Appointed Family Life Advisory Committee prior to consideration by the Board of Education. Following review by that committee, recommended materials are presented to the Board of Education for approval and subsequent use in schools. The FLAC committee recommends approval.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
James Hitchner, Curriculum Specialist for Elementary Health and Physical Education
Brian Griffith, Curriculum Specialist for Secondary Health and Physical Education
FCPS Staff Liaisons to the Family Life Advisory Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Brett Stark, Director of Curriculum
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director, Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: The St. Thomas More Academy (STMA) is currently renting property owned by the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) at 103 Prospect Street, Middletown, MD. Occupancy of this building began in August 2012. The current lease for this building expired on June 30, 2016. STMA is requesting renewal of the lease for a year at the same rent. The BOE is asked to determine if they wish to approve a new lease.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: STMA has received several successive approvals by the BOE for one-year leases for the BOE’s property at 103 Prospect Street. This property is currently being leased while a buyer for the property is being sought. Under the terms of the lease, STMA has the right of first refusal if another buyer is found and a viable offer is presented. Until this occurs, the current rent is $30,593 annually, or $2,549 monthly. In the event a new lease is not approved, the property may be occupied on a month-to-month basis, with the tenant responsible for all interior maintenance and repairs.
PROCESS STATEMENT: This is the last of four (4) properties the BOE approved for excessing and sale as a means to offset the cost of the new central office building. The BOE agreed to a lease arrangement with STMA in August 2012, and the Prospect Street school building was occupied by STMA for the 2012-13 school year. Extensions of this lease have been approved each year since 2012. The attached lease reflects the direction given by the BOE at that time (see backup1).
PRESENTER & TITLE: Ray Barnes, Chief Operating Officer
SUBMITTED BY: Ray Barnes, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: To present for ratification by the Board of Education (Board) the negotiated agreement with the Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE).
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Negotiations for the successor collective bargaining agreement with FASSE has concluded. The teams are prepared to share with the Board for its ratification, the tentative agreement. FASSE has conducted a ratification vote of its members. A summary of the changes include:
Article IV – Wages
2.06% Cost of Living Adjustment effective July 1, 2016. The agreement to develop common goals to restructure the current scale.
Article VI – Insurance
1.99% increase to be set for both employer and employee.
Article VIII – Miscellaneous
Creating of a subcommittee to review increase to tuition reimbursement amount.
PROCESS STATEMENT: Negotiations began February 22, 2016 and tentatively concluded on June 8, 2016 pending the salary agreement between the Board and the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA).
The Addendum to Negotiated Agreement for the 2016-17 school year is attached. (backup1)
Staff recommends that the Board ratify the Addendum to Negotiated Agreement.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Robert W. Wedge, Senior Manager for Support Talent Acquisition and Management – Board
of Education’s Chief Negotiator
SUBMITTED BY:
Robert W. Wedge, Senior Manager for Support Talent Acquisition and Management – Board
of Education’s Chief Negotiator
Second Discussion
Sarah Perez will continue discussion with Board members to allow partial voting rights for the Student Member of the Board.
The document below is the Final Report of the Commission to Review Maryland’s Use of Assessments and Testing in Public Schools. In accordance with House Bill 452 of the 2015 General Assembly Session, the Commission was required to report its findings and recommendations to the State Board of Education, each county board of education, and the General Assembly on or before July 1, 2016.
Also, in accordance with the legislation, on or before September 1, 2016, each county board of education shall review and consider the Commission’s findings and recommendations; make comments and recommendations related to whether they accept or reject the Commission’s findings and recommendations to the State Board; and make the comments and recommendations available to the public on request.
The Board will discuss the process for reviewing and commenting on the Commission's final report.
As reported during Legislative Updates at the Board's June 8th meeting, Legislative Liaison Joy Schaefer discussed the draft regulations regarding state assessments and state accountability systems released by the Education Department and published in the Federal Register on May 31.
These draft regulations serve to clarify and codify what states must do to comply with the Every Student Succeeds Act, the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
Per the Board's discussion on June 8, below are draft comments for submission to the Education Department for discussion. The deadline for comment is August 1. Also included below is a link to the full text of the draft regulations.
Draft Comments:
The Board of Education of Frederick County (MD), representing over 40,700 students, their families, and 5,000 teachers and staff, appreciates the opportunity to provide public comment in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for regulations regarding assessments and state plans under ESSA.
1) Proposed 200.15
ESSA includes the requirement that states and schools assess 95% of all students and 95% of students in each subgroup. The ACT also requires that each State, in the State plan, describe how the State will factor (or calculate) the failure to test 95% into the system of meaningful differentiation. However, the proposed rule 200.15(b)(2) enumerates four possible options that are not based on statutory language.
The determination of how each State will factor in the failure to test 95% of students in their statewide assessment system and any prescribed actions with regards to school systems who fail to meet this requirement should be left up to individual states.
2) Proposed 200.18
200.18 includes a rating system that produces "a single rating from among three distinct categories for each school."
This requirement for a single, summative rating from three distinct categories in each school is not found in ESSA. States should determine the system by which to evaluate school districts or individual schools in a way that is aligned with the Act’s requirements to ensure meaningful differentiation.
3) Proposed 200.19
Proposed rule 200.19 includes a third type of school - one with "chronically low-performing subgroup" – in terms of identifying schools for comprehensive support and improvement - the addition of a third type of school. The rules should be clear that this determination is one made by States, through the development of their State Plan.
Additionally, the proposed regulations set forth that schools would be identified for comprehensive support and improvement during the 2017-18 school year. This would force states to base base these determinations on data from the 2016-17 school year, the transition year between ESEA and ESSA. More effective would be to use the 2017-18 school year, the first year of ESSA, to establish a baseline set of data that States may use to develop their own criteria in a timeframe aligned with the requirements of the Act.
4) As a general comment, our Board strongly advocates that the Department protect the intent and spirit of the Act by reinforcing the requirements for meaningful, on-going stakeholder engagement and preserving the authority for local determination given to States to create the educational landscape that allows effective teaching and learning.