PRESENTATION OF 2 BID CALENDAR ITEMS

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  Staff would like to inform the Board of Education of Frederick County of upcoming bid solicitations.

Bid 18C7, Kemptown Elementary School Water Storage Tank Replacement

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:  The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract for the replacement of two 10,000-gallon water storage tanks originally installed in 1981 at Kemptown Elementary School.  These tanks provide all the fire suppression and potable water for the school. 

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Kim Miskell, Assistant Purchasing Manager

Ryan Carter, Project Manager II, Construction Management

RFP 18I2, Structured Literacy Intervention Resources and Staff Training

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:  The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract for Resources and Staff Training for Structured Literacy Intervention to be used in the Frederick County Public Schools.  Resources and training will maximize the FCPS Response to Intervention (RTI) model and allow for staff to upgrade their support for students with characteristics of or formally identified with dyslexia and/or dysgraphia. 

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Billie Laughland, Purchasing Agent

Jamie Aliveto, Director, System Accountability and School Improvement (SASI)

SUBMITTED BY: 

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, 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 Baltimore County, Maryland.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This contract will be utilized by the Transportation Department, Bus Garage for the collection, removal and recycling of waste oils and antifreeze.   

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Bill Meekins CPPB, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent

Mark Maggitti, Fleet Maintenance Manager, Transportation

SUBMITTED BY:

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, Purchasing Manager

Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  Staff would like to inform the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) that Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has determined a vendor to assist in the upgrade of PeopleSoft Financials.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:  FCPS utilized the Maryland Educational Enterprise Consortium (MEEC) contract for IT Consulting Services and the US Communities contract for Oracle Products to supply a pool of vendors, proficient in PeopleSoft, to assist FCPS in the upgrade of PeopleSoft Financials from 8.8 to 9.2.  The prequalified vendors were asked to submit proposals for the work. 

Based on the total value to FCPS, ERP Analysts, Inc. of Dublin, OH was selected as the upgrade partner.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Bill Meekins CPPB, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent

Mark Payne, Technology Systems Administrator, Business Services Technology

SUBMITTED BY: 

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, 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 (FCPS) is riding The Cooperative Purchasing Network’s (TCPN) contract approved by the Board on February 3, 2016.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:  This contract will be utilized by FCPS for the design and replacement of the 1969 installed HVAC unit for the entire school and add cooling to the gymnasium at Catoctin High School.  The total cost of this project will be approximately $6 million.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, Purchasing Manager

Thomas Mulligan, Project Manager III, Planning and Construction Management

SUBMITTED BY: 

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, 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 (FCPS) is riding the above contract from Maryland Transportation Authority.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: This contract will be utilized by FCPS to support the financing of the new bus garage facility project with the use of a lease-leaseback arrangement similar to the financing used for the Central Office Building at 191 South East Street.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, Purchasing Manager

Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer

SUBMITTED BY:

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, 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 replacement of fire alarm systems at five elementary schools to bring existing systems up to local codes and ADA standards.  The five elementary schools include:  Spring Ridge, Ballenger Creek, Whittier, Valley and Twin Ridge.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Kim Miskell, Assistant Purchasing Manager

Tony Ray, Project Manager III, Construction Management

SUBMITTED BY: 

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, 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 Construction Management Services for the Rock Creek School Replacement project.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Kim Miskell, Assistant Purchasing Manager

Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Construction Management

SUBMITTED BY: 

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, 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 qualified benefit consultant to assist FCPS in the management of its employee health and welfare programs.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Kim Miskell, Assistant Purchasing Manager

Penny Opalka, Senior Manager, Human Resources

SUBMITTED BY: 

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, 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 excavation and backfill repair of site work at various sites within Frederick County Public Schools.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Bill Meekins CPPB, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent

Tony Ray, Project Manager III, Construction Management

SUBMITTED BY: 

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, Purchasing Manager

Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  Staff has reviewed the attached contract renewal and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:  This recommendation is to renew the contract for fuel tank replacement and fuel system cleaning and maintenance.  This contract includes various size tank removal and replacements, tank installations, piping and wiring systems, monitoring wells, pumps and pumping systems.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Bill Meekins CPPB, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent

Tony Ray, Project Manager III, Construction Management

SUBMITTED BY: 

Stephen P. Starmer, C.P.M., CSBA, Purchasing Manager

Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  Staff seeks approval of School Construction Budget Amendment #18-07.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:  Budget Amendment #18-07 transfers a portion of the projected surplus for the Urbana High School Auditorium Repairs to the Fire Alarm Replacements project.  The Fire Alarm Replacement project replaces the original fire alarm equipment installed at Ballenger Creek Elementary, Spring Ridge Elementary and Twin Ridge Elementary schools.  Bids received for the Fire Alarm Replacements project exceeded the total budget.  A budget transfer is required to complete the project.

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:   

In accordance with Frederick County Public Schools Regulation 200-06, Change Orders to Construction Projects, staff is notifying the Board of Education of Frederick County about a proposed change order (PCO) which was approved for the Frederick High School (FHS) replacement project.  The PCO was approved by staff to allow the demolition of the old FHS building to continue without undue delay.  Attached is the detailed information about the change order.

1. PCO-321 R1 in the amount of $426,635.00 – Backup #1

*This PCO is a not to exceed amount*

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:

The PCO was required to allow for the removal of black mastic asbestos containing materials (ACM) that was encountered during the demolition of the old FHS.  This ACM was an unforeseen condition in the original 1939 section of the building. The HAZMAT survey performed was unable to anticipate the ACM because it was encapsulated in sections of the building that were not revealed until the demolition had commenced. The cost associated with this PCO have been approved by the construction manager, architect, and industrial hygienist.  Additionally, an independent contractor (AERO) will be monitoring the removal of the materials and quantifying/validating the tonnage removed.

No additional funding for the project is required to approve this change order. Adequate funds exist in the project contingency budget to support the request. 

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Construction Management Department

Roger Fritz, Director, Construction Management Department

SUBMITTED BY:

Paul Lebo, Chief Operating Officer

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  

FIRST READING

PROCESS STATEMENT: 

On August 23, September 27 and October 25, 2017, the Policy Committee discussed new Policy 115 Responsible Use of Social Media. The draft policy is presented today as a first reading for the Board’s review and discussion. (backup1)

A proposed corresponding Regulation 100-08 Responsible Use of Social Media is also attached. (backup2)

The Policy Committee agenda items regarding this new policy can be accessed at the BoardDocs links below:

http://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=AQANYF598C23

http://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=ARBQAS66A206

http://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=AS9GD643424C

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Elizabeth Barrett, April F. Miller and Joy Schaefer, Board of Education Members

Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel

Kevin Cuppett, Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation

Michael Doerrer, Director of Communications, Community Engagement and Marketing

Edward Gardner, Director of Technology Infrastructure

SUBMITTED BY: 

Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  

SECOND READING

PROCESS STATEMENT: 

On August 9, 2017, the Board of Education (Board) discussed student activity times and then referred the matter to the Policy Committee.

On August 23, 2017, the Policy Committee discussed student activity times and the Board’s expectations regarding the role of extracurricular activities and athletics in the school system, as well as the Board’s aspirational goal for health and wellness.

On November 8, 2017 the Board discussed recommended edits to Policy 509 Extracurricular Activities. Today Policy 509 is presented for the Board’s second reading. (backup1) It is recommended that Policy 402 Physical Education and Athletic Programs for Students with Disabilities be deleted, and that language be incorporated into Policy 509. (backup2)

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Elizabeth Barrett, April F. Miller and Joy Schaefer, Board of Education Members

Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel

SUBMITTED BY: 

Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:

Staff is seeking Board of Education of Frederick County’s (BOE) input and feedback on proposed staffing recommendations for the 2018/2019 school year.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:

The Board has indicated a commitment to restoring class size to the 2014-2015 levels, while recognizing that budgetary constraints may require multiple years to achieve this goal. In previous presentations to the Board (see dates with links below), staff have explored budget neutral options to address class size, presented complexity factors, and shared feedback from stakeholder groups.  The Board has agreed that a tiered system for allocating staff recognizes the varying complexities of our schools and aligns with the BOE's Strategic Plan and Educational Equity Policy. The Board also expressed a desire to increase support to schools to address growing mental health issues faced by students. Based on guidance from the Board, the staffing model for the 2017-2018 school year achieved several successes:

• Differentiated staffing positions were allocated through a more structured process which resulted in reduced class size in grades K-2 in identified schools;
• An additional counselor position was added to high schools with fewer than 1200 students;
• Sixteen contingency positions were allocated to address unexpected enrollment increases;
• Five positions were added to the Virtual High School to address growing demand for the flexibility of online courses;
• Special education positions were formalized to ensure appropriate support of specialized programs;
• Two additional psychologists were placed at Tuscarora HS and Walkersville HS as part of a pilot program. The feedback has been extremely positive.

During the 2017-2018 school year, there were still staffing challenges:

• In working with media specialists, the significant challenge faced by elementary media specialists serving schools with 700 or more students was a serious concern as it is impossible to fully meet the curricular expectations in the limited time spent with each class. 
• Staffing was allocated to prevent "split" classes in small elementary schools; this resulted in some small schools having very small class sizes while larger schools had much larger class sizes.
• There was no improvement in class size at the secondary schools.

At the August 23, 2017 BOE meeting, the Board asked staff to identify several complexity models that could be used to stratify schools based on need.  The Board was interested in both a 2 Tier and 3 Tier model.  The Board asked staff to focus on ways to restore class size at the secondary level. The Board asked for recommendations on staffing to support the mental health needs of students. And finally, the Board asked staff to gather additional information about a potential residential substitute program.

PROCESS STATEMENT:

Staff seeks guidance from the Board regarding six specific questions:

• Do we formalize the reallocation of media specialists from small schools to support large schools?
• In the short term, do we use a 2 Tier model in addressing complexity factors?
• Which complexity factor model does the Board prefer?
• Do we reduce class size for Tier 2 secondary schools through the redeployment of non-classroom based staff or do we devise a multi-year plan to add staff at additional cost?
• Do we begin a 4 year plan to ensure a psychologist for each secondary school at additional cost?
• Do we pilot a "residential substitute" program at a few schools with the lowest "fill rate" for substitutes at additional cost?

The feedback from the Board will inform development of the 2018-2019 Staffing Model and the FY19 Budget. The Board will approve any changes made to the staffing model as part of the budgetary process in the months ahead.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S): Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent

SUBMITTED BY: Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent

12.14.16 BOEStaffingReport

01.11.17 BOEStaffingReport

07.12.17 BOEStaffingReport

08.23.17 BOEStaffingReport

 PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:

• Receive information on current practices related to recess time at schools, including recess time at each level, any interruptions to recess time, and staffing for recess
• Examine how behavioral/disciplinary interventions are applied with regard to withholding or limiting recess
• Examine best advice from American Academy of Pediatrics, education health experts, and child development specialists
• Request opinion of School Health Council
• Consider surveying families (students and parents)
• Assess impacts on instructional time; assess known benefits to student mental, physical and social well-being of recess
• Assess how recess may be implemented with fidelity during inclement weather (use of gymnasium, etc.) to provide space for activity
• Examine best practices of other school systems with regard to staffing at recess (use of paid aides, volunteers, etc.)
• Evaluate and deliberate upon expanding mandatory minimum recess times at all levels (elementary, middle, and high)

Additional Resources:

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2017/02/13/a-new-way-to-measure-the-benefits-of-school-recess/

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/131/1/183

http://healthland.time.com/2012/12/31/yay-for-recess-pediatricians-say-its-as-important-as-math-or-reading/

https://usplaycoalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/13.11.5_Recess_final_online.pdf

Bohn C. The role of recess in children’s cognitive performance and school adjustment.Educ Res. 2005;34(1):13–19

Bilello TE. Parents’ victory in reclaiming recess for their children. Child Educ.2005;82(1):19–23

Blimkie CJ, et al. Evidence based physical activity for school-age youth. J Pediatr. 2005;146(6):732–737pmid:15973308

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Liz Barrett, Vice President, Board of Education 

SUBMITTED BY:

Liz Barrett, Colleen Cusimano, Dr. April F. Miller

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  To review the upcoming Quarterly Agenda.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:   At the January 14, 2015 meeting the Board voted to adopt the new quarterly agenda process and instituted a new process for submitting requests for future agenda items.  The request form is attached.

PROCESS STATEMENT:   To provide quarterly agendas that will be posted on Board Docs at each Board meeting.  This process will enable the public and staff to plan for upcoming Board meetings.  The quarterly agenda is a dynamic document that will be revised as needed to accommodate time sensitive business items and items requested using the form adopted for the Board.   

The January - March 2018 Quarterly Agenda is attached for review and discussion.  It will be submitted for Action Consent at the next board meeting.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Mr. Young, Board President

SUBMITTED BY:  Mr. Young, Board President

In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (1) and (9) the Board will meet in Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. in Conference Room 5A to appoint a member to the Family Life Advisory Committee (FLAC) and consider matters that relate to negotiations with the Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA), the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA) and the Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE).    

In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (1) and (9) the Board will meet in Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. in Conference Room 5A to appoint a member to the Family Life Advisory Committee (FLAC) and consider matters that relate to negotiations with the Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA), the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA) and the Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE).    

In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-104, the Board met on November 15, 2017 in Administrative Function at 2:40 pm., in the Board Room.

Topic included:  professional learning opportunity on Cultural Proficiency

Members present:  Elizabeth Barrett, Michael Bunitsky, Colleen Cusimano, Ken Kerr, April F Miller, Joy Schaefer, Brad W Young

Others present: Theresa R. Alban, Superintendent, Keith Harris, Executive Director, Accelerating Achievement and Equity; Eric Phillips, Supervisor, Accelerating Achievement and Equity; Toby Heusser, Teacher Specialists, Accelerating Achievement and Equity and Debbie Wachter-Harne, Executive Assistant to the Board

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Recognition of Veterans Day (November 11)

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:

Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is proud to highlight some of the activities that took place in recognition of Veterans Day.  In addition, we are proud to recognize FCPS employees and their family members who are veterans.

This year, FCPS launched the Veteran in Education Service Award to honor FCPS employees who have served our nation in the armed forces and provided exemplary service to FCPS and the community (by showing integrity and trustworthiness, perseverance, selflessness, and teamwork). Community members were invited to nominate FCPS veterans; a committee of FCPS staff, community members and veterans reviewed all nominations and chose the award winner.

Ms. Colleen Bernard and Dr. Randy Rumpf will introduce a video highlighting activities that took place in schools across the county. The video also highlights FCPS employees and their family members who are veterans. Following the video, Ms. Bernard and Dr. Rumpf will introduce the winner of the 2017 FCPS Veteran in Education Service Award for recognition by the Board.  The winner will also be presented with a plaque graciously sponsored by Woodsboro Bank.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

1. Colleen Bernard, Curriculum Specialist for Secondary Social Studies
2. Randy Rumpf, Curriculum Specialist for Secondary Visual and Performing Arts
3. Steven Heine, CEO, Woodsboro Bank

SUBMITTED BY: Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent

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.

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.

 The Board will approve this final and third reading of its 2018 Legislative Principles, which were developed and discussed at its regular meetings on October 11, 2017 and November 8, 2017.

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  

ACTION/CONSENT

PROCESS STATEMENT: 

On August 9 and September 27, 2017, the Policy Committee reviewed Policy 113 Scholarship Programs.

The Board of Education’s first reading was November 8, 2017.

Recommended edits are presented today for the Board’s approval/consent. (backup1)

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Elizabeth Barrett, April F. Miller and Joy Schaefer, Board of Education Members

Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel

SUBMITTED BY: 

Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  Review of the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Biannual Actuarial Report and OPEB Funding Policy Study.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:  Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) recently received the biannual OPEB valuation report. The FY2018 report shows that the Annual OPEB Cost (AOC) has decreased from $57,189,000 to $46,166,000. The AOC includes both the “pay-go” payments that FCPS makes from the operating fund on behalf of retirees, as well as the amortized portion of the Unfunded Actuarial Liability.

FCPS implemented the Government Accounting Standard’s Board (GASB) Statement 74 in the FY2017 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR).  This statement helped strengthen the information provided in the supplemental schedules and disclosures regarding OPEB and had no material effect on the financial statements.  GASB Statement 75 will be implemented in FY2018 and will require the entire unfunded actuarial accrued liability to be reported on the financial statements.  This will have a material effect on the financial statements and may report a negative net position on the system’s Statement of Net Position.

FCPS established an OPEB Trust in 2009 to begin pre-funding a portion of the future retiree health benefits.  The pre-funding to the Trust has been intermittent and has not met the annual required contributions (as defined by GASB Statement 45).

Since the inception of the original OPEB reporting requirements and the establishment of the OPEB Trust, FCPS has taken steps to mitigate the overall OPEB Liability.  Some of these adjustments included increasing the vesting period for OPEB from five years of service to ten years and implementing the Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) that required retirees over 65 to enroll in Medicare with a wrap plan that ensures identical coverage as active and non-65 retiree coverage.

Even with these changes, FCPS faces an ever increasing OPEB Liability as the number of retirees and the cost of medical claims are growing at a much higher rate than the overall operating budget.  Therefore, FCPS will face a time when the operating budget will no longer be able to afford to pay for all of the retiree costs.  Since FY2011 the number of retirees have increased 42.5% (1,399 retirees to 1,994) and the average claim cost has increased by 27% (from $5,911 per retiree to $7,508).  For that same time period, the operating budget has increased only 9.6% (from $506.9 Million to $555.8 Million).

Bolton Partners, FCPS’ actuarial consultant was asked to compile a Funding Policy Study in October 2017.  The intent was to see what the annual required funding levels would be under various scenarios based on three factors: target funding percentage goals, investment rates and durations of funding.  A total of 27 scenarios were developed and the results ranged from $26.3 Million per year to obtain a 50% funding level over a 30 year period at a 7.5% investment rate to $47.2 Million per year at 100% funding over 30 years at 5.5%.

In light of these two reports, staff is recommending enlisting the assistance of the Insurance Council’s OPEB Subcommittee to establish a working group with varied stakeholders and experts to review the options to mitigate the OPEB Liability.  The work of this sub-committee will allow for deeper evaluation of options to mitigate, eliminate and/or control the growth of the OPEB Liability. 

Any changes to employee or retiree benefits would ultimately be a part of the negotiating process.  Annual contributions to the OPEB Trust continue to be determined through the operating budget process.

Staff from Bolton Partners will be available to answer questions regarding the report.

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer

Kevin Binder, Bolton Partners, Inc.

SUBMITTED BY: 

Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: The Monocacy Montessori Communities, Inc. (MMCI) is seeking to renew the charter contract for Monocacy Valley Montessori Public Charter School (MVMPCS). The current charter contract ends on June 30, 2018 (backup1). In accordance with Maryland Charter School law and Board of Education Policy 440, a charter school may be renewed provided a program review demonstrates the school has successfully fulfilled the terms of its contract.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: In accordance with Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Policy 440, MMCI has requested renewal of the MVMPCS charter and has submitted a renewal application (backup2). In conducting the renewal program review, FCPS staff focused its analysis on the school’s performance in three categories:

1. Educational Performance

2. Financial Performance

3. Organizational Performance

Specific indicators and standards were analyzed, evaluated, and summarized within these three categories, along with the expectations outlined in the original charter school application and agreement (backup3 and backup4). It is a school’s performance within these indicators, along with supporting documentation that informed the Superintendent’s recommendation.

After an evaluation of the indicators and standards in the above categories, the Superintendent, Dr. Theresa Alban, is recommending renewal of the MVMPCS charter.

PROCESS STATEMENT: Tonight’s presentation is for discussion and information for the Board in preparation for the Board’s action on the recommendation at the December 13, 2017 meeting.

Dr. Alban and Mr. Pritts will be available to respond to questions from the Board.

Also available to respond to questions on behalf of the charter school will be the following individuals:

• Amy DuVall, MMCI President

• Deb Knox-Tiel, MVMPCS Governing Council President

• Nancy Radkiewicz, MVMPCS Principal

PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):

Dr. Theresa Alban, Superintendent of Schools

Mark Pritts, Instructional Director – Charter Schools

SUBMITTED BY:

Dr. Theresa Alban, Superintendent of Schools

 PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:  Staff requests review and consideration of a request to name the Middletown High School (MHS) basketball court "Ron Engle Court".

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:   In accordance with Policy 201 and Regulation 100-6 Naming Rights of Board Facilities, an application (see backup 1) was submitted by Jay Schill and Mike Farron, representing MHS parents with support of the MHS Athletic Boosters. 

Pursuant to the regulation, a school-based committee was formed and convened on September 14, 2017 to review the request as outlined in a charge from the Chief Operating Officer (see backup 2). There was consensus to move the request forward for consideration of the Superintendent (see backup 3).   The Superintendent approved the opening of a 30-day public comment period. 

A renovation of the MHS gym floor is already scheduled for the summer of 2018, so this is an appropriate time to consider and incorporate the name Ron Engle Court upon the floor.  If approved, FCPS staff will work with the applicants on a finalized design.  The Boosters received a quote from a flooring contractor of $2,000-$3,000.  All costs associated with design and placement of the signage will be the responsibility of the MHS Athletic Boosters and/or applicant. 

PROCESS STATEMENT:   A FindOutFirst (FOF) was sent on September 28, 2017 to nearly 14,080 FOF subscribers including those associated with the MHS community. A press release and Channel 18 advertisement were also made to solicit 30-days of public comment through October 31.  Board Policy 201.3 states “if there is considerable support within the community, the board may consider a request to name a portion of the building or grounds.”  As of October 31, 69 emails were received.  One email was a general statement about naming rights, but the remaining 68 emails all supported the naming to Ron Engle Court.    Copies of the email comments may be made available to BOE members upon request.  Staff recommends approval of this naming rights request. 

PRESENTER & TITLE:  Paul A. Lebo, FCPS Chief Operating Officer

SUBMITTED BY:  Paul A. Lebo, FCPS Chief Operating Officer

The Board will hear updates regarding Legislation, the 2018 session and discuss their upcoming meeting on December 6, 2017 with the Frederick County Delegation.

The Board will also discuss proposed legislation from County Councilman Tony Chmelik regarding home school students and participation in FCPS extracurricular activities.