In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (9) the Board met in Closed Session on 9/9/20 at 5:00 pm in the Board Room to discuss a pending matter regarding negotiations with the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA) and the Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE).
Due to the critical health situation that our community is currently experiencing, the September 23rd Board meeting will be broadcast from the central office of Frederick County Public Schools; however, the meeting will not be open to the public. Should anyone wish to provide public comment, please send an email that includes your full name to: FCPSBoEmtg@fcps.org the day of the Board meeting. The Board allocates 30 minutes for public comment. Public Comments will be read up to 30 minutes; however, all public comment, whether read or not, will be posted on BoardDocs within 24 hours of the meeting. Please note that public comment is for statements and questions will be directed to the appropriate staff for response.
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. Public comment is not intended to be a question and answer platform with the Board. Generally, the Board will not respond to comments made.
If you are speaking as an individual you have up to 3 minutes and will be asked to complete your thoughts when the buzzer sounds. On behalf of an organization you have up to 5 minutes.
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff has reviewed the attached contract and recommends approval by the Board of Education of Frederick County.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: The intent of this solicitation is to establish a contract for snow removal services beginning with the Fall/Winter 2020/2021 season on a time and materials basis.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Bill Meekins CPPB, CPPO, CSBO, CPCP, Purchasing Agent
Larry Phillips, FMP, Custodial Services Manager
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval of the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY2022) Operating Budget calendar.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Goal 3 of the Board’s strategic plan states FCPS will pursue and utilize resources strategically and responsibly to achieve our objectives and inspire public confidence. The budget calendar is the first of many steps to establish the FY2022 Operating Budget. The calendar highlights several key milestones including the creation of the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget, the Board’s request to the County Executive, and finally the approval of the Operating Budget in June. This calendar also includes several public engagement events for the community and the FCPS staff members.
FCPS updates our website with the latest budget news and provides an email address – fcps.budget@fcps.org – to answer questions. The budget department’s goal is to provide a transparent process that seeks engagement from FCPS’s many stakeholders, including the Board, FCPS staff, and the community.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Heather Jo Clabaugh, Budget Officer
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks Board of Education acceptance of an Emergency Food and Shelter Program Grant.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $27,688 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Association to support food programs.
In 1983, Congress created the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people throughout the United States. The EFSP National Board was established to oversee the program, with members including the United Way, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, Catholic Charities USA, the Jewish Federations of North America, the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. Since its inception, the EFSP program has disbursed over $4.5 billion to local providers of emergency human services in communities across the country.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed into law in March 2020, included $320 million in funds for the EFSP. The funds awarded to FCPS are through the CARES Act.
If accepted by the Board of Education, FCPS would use EFSP grant funds to cover the cost of food purchased served to children, ages 18 and younger, through our “to go” breakfast and lunch program that is currently available at 34 schools and four community drop-off sites.
Acceptance of this grant would not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Robert Kelly, Director, Food and Nutrition Services
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
Staff seeks approval of an emergency systemic project to replace the chiller at Walkersville ES.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Included in the annual capital budget is funding dedicated to respond to emergency systemic projects, so FCPS does not have to rely on limited, operating-budget contingency funds to respond to major repairs. The proposed replacement cost is $219,700 (see backup 1). The existing chiller is only performing at half capacity and cannot provide adequate air conditioning for a large portion of the building during peak occupancy and the peak cooling season.
Staff recommends approval of the replacement as part of the emergency systemic project to support maintaining the optimal learning environment for students and staff.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Robert Wilkinson, Director, Maintenance and Operations
Curtis Orndorff, Building Maintenance Manager
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The YMCA of Frederick County will present an update to the Board of Education of Frederick County (BOE) about the status of the south county YMCA project and discuss their request to obtain ownership of two sections of BOE property on the campus of Urbana High School.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
On January 9, 2019, the BOE approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the YMCA to support the construction of the south county YMCA and the needed access through Campus Dr. In return the YMCA agreed to construct improvements to the entrance of Campus Drive and to reconstruct the access to the parking and fields on the west side of Urbana HS. The YMCA also agreed to improve pedestrian access to the high school from MD 80, and construct a private road from Campus Drive, through their property, and connecting to Urbana MS.
The YMCA is now seeking consideration of a property transfer for a portion of the property, specifically parcel A-1 and A-2 in the YMCA request (see backup 1). Any property transfer would need to meet the requirements of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). Staff seeks direction from the BOE in response to the request.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Chris Colville, CEO YMCA of Frederick County
Paul Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
Beth Pasierb, Supervisor of Facilities Planning
SUBMITTED BY:
Paul A. Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
This presentation will provide the Board of Education with information on efforts within the school system to address race and racism, and social-emotional learning with students.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Efforts to address race and racism and its social and emotional impact on students has occurred in a sustained manner since 2015 with staff in FCPS. This work not only includes professional learning for staff, but also working collaboratively with staff and families to address incidences of racism. Staff have participated in restorative practices training and have engaged in ongoing discussions to examine the impact of race and racism on their own practice.
To address students’ social and emotional well-being, social-emotional learning is being implemented for all students (elementary, middle, and high). Throughout distance learning, students requiring therapy have continued to receive these services through a secure virtual platform.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
Presenters will share information on efforts to address race, racism and social-emotional learning with students. After a brief sharing of information, staff will be available to address questions the Board may have on the information shared.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Dr. Eric Loures-Phillips, Supervisor, Accelerating Achievement & Equity
Mrs. Ann McGreevy, Supervisor, Mental Health & Psychological Services
SUBMITTED BY:
Dr. Keith Harris, Executive Director, Accelerating Achievement & Equity
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The Board of Education (Board) will discuss a step-by-step approach to gradually returning students to in-person instruction at schools. Staff will share possible metrics, dates and designated grade-levels/specialized groups for the step-by-step implementation of a hybrid school model.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
On July 29,2020, the Board voted to start the 2020/2021 school year virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, on August 5, 2020, the Board voted to allow teachers and instructional assistants to only return to Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) facilities on a voluntary basis.
Revisions to the https://www.fcps.org/update/files/documents/reopening/FINAL_FCPS_ReopeningPlan.pdf
PROCESS STATEMENT:
Staff will seek guidance from the Board regarding a step-by-step approach to returning students and instructional staff to in-person instruction at schools.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
SUBMITTED BY:
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Board approval of the 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 October - December 2020 Quarterly Agenda is attached for board approval.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Mr. Young, Board President
SUBMITTED BY: Mr. Young, Board President
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
ACTION/CONSENT
The Board of Education of Frederick County (Board), Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS), and the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA) executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated September 14, 2020, regarding the terms and working conditions to deliver virtual instruction for the 2020-2021 school year.
The MOU is presented for approval as an addendum to the current Board-FCTA Negotiated Agreement. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Curtis Scott, Senior Manager - Human Resources - Chief Negotiator, Board of Education
Jennifer Nguherimo – Chief Negotiator, FCTA
Missy Dirks – President, FCTA
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-305(b), (1) the Board will meet in Closed Session at 5:00 pm in the Board Room to discuss a matter related to personnel.