In accordance with Maryland’s Open Meetings Act, General Provisions Article § 3-104, the Board met in Administrative Function on 10/21/20 at 5:20 p.m. in the Board Room. The Board was provided updates on language in a negotiated agreement and a charter school.
Due to the critical health situation that our community is currently experiencing, the November 11th 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: This recommendation is to qualify and select inspection/testing firm(s) that will provide quality assurance testing services on an as needed basis. Testing and inspection services may be used for new construction, renovation, maintenance repairs and replacement projects.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kim Miskell, CSBO, Assistant Purchasing Manager
Brian Staiger, Senior Project Manager, Capital Programs Department
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff is presenting the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status Report for information only.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Attached for your information is a copy of the County requested “Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status Report” for the quarter ending September 30, 2020.
This report provides information concerning the financial status for all projects currently active with the construction fund, and for projects that are completed but have a remaining budget balance. The document lists the projects in three categories – major projects (new schools, major renovations and additions), systemic renovation projects and closed projects. Details concerning an individual project are available upon request. Please note projects solely funded by the State are excluded from this report.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Dawn Worrell, Accountant
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION: Staff seeks approval of School Construction Budget Amendment #21-02.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY: Budget Amendment #21-02 recognizes the reversion of state funds for the Carroll Manor Elementary Sewer Pump Station project.
The level of state funds originally allocated for this project by the Public School Construction Program exceeded what was necessary to complete the projects. State funding was reduced due to favorable bids received for the project. The funds will be reverted to the state, and will be available for future FCPS projects.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Dawn Worrell, Accountant
SUBMITTED BY:
Leslie 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 the purchase of kitchen equipment for use by the Food and Nutrition Services Department.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Shane Ryberg, Purchasing Agent
Robert Kelly, Director, Food and Nutrition Services
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, 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 the purchase and delivery of disposable food service supplies for use by the Food and Nutrition Services Department.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Shane Ryberg, Purchasing Agent
Robert Kelly, Director, Food and Nutrition Services
SUBMITTED BY:
Kerrie Koopman CPPB, CPPO, CPP, Purchasing Manager
Leslie R. Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY- Due to a recent revision to FCPS Regulation #500-21 Approval Process for Restricted Fund Grants and Projects, grants below $50,000 must be approved by the appropriate division chief. Such grants, and required supporting information, must be reported as information items on the agenda of the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Education.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Albertsons Companies Foundation. Albertsons is the parent company of Safeway.
Grant funds will be used by North Frederick Elementary School and Middletown Middle School to purchase Safeway gift cards that will be distributed to families in their school communities that are experiencing food insecurity. Each school will receive $5,000 to support families. Distribution of gift cards will be done in compliance with FCPS Operating Procedure OPO40, Procedure for Gift Cards.
Acceptance of this $10,000 grant from the Albertsons Companies Foundation does not obligate FCPS to expend additional local resources.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Doreen Bass, Grants Coordinator
SUBMITTED BY:
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
Recognition of American Education Week and Adoption of Proclamation
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
During the week of November 16-20, 2020, school systems across the nation will celebrate the 99th annual American Education Week. American Education Week occurs the week prior to the week of Thanksgiving. Each day of the week has its own theme, during which we celebrate our public school community. Festivities honor the team of people who work in our public schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others.
It is requested that the Board of Education of Frederick County recognize American Education Week in Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) by adopting the following proclamation and inviting the citizens of Frederick County to continue their support of public education.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
Representatives from the Frederick County Teachers Association (FCTA), the Frederick Association of School Support Employees (FASSE), the Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association (FCASA), and the PTA Council of Frederick County (PTA) will read the proclamation.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Missy Dirks, FCTA representative
Sharon Eburg, FASSE representative
Amy Schwiegerath, FCASA representative
Traci Tatum, PTA representative
SUBMITTED BY:
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
Inform the Board and public of National School Psychology Week and seek the Board’s Recognition of the Week of November 9 – 13, 2020 as National School Psychology Week in Frederick County Public Schools.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
During the week of November 9 - 13, 2020 schools throughout the country will celebrate National School Psychology Week to highlight the important work school psychologists and other educators do to help all students thrive. Every day, in all of Maryland’s public schools, school psychologists work diligently to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that allow all students to thrive. The extensive training school psychologists’ have had in child and adolescent development, mental health, behavior, and learning make them among the most unique school-based professionals, as their skills work to bridge and support the academic, social, and emotional success of Maryland’s youth.
This year’s National School Psychology Week theme – “Power of Possibility”- relates to how school psychologists can empower children to make small, positive efforts to achieve goals, grow academically, build understanding, and create compassion. Focusing on the Power of Possibility is especially important given the current hardships our students, schools, families, and communities are facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PROCESS STATEMENT: N/A
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Ann C. McGreevy, Supervisor of Mental Health and Psychological Services
SUBMITTED BY:
Dana A. Falls, Director of Student Services
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
FIRST READING
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On October 21, 2020, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes to Policy 200 School Attendance Areas and Redistricting. The BoardDocs link of that discussion is found below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BU7KLU5174CB
Policy 200 is presented today for the Board’s first reading. (backup1)
The Policy Committee recommended proceeding with the changes outlined in 200.3 “School Closing or Consolidation” sections C and D. In addition, the Policy Committee requested information for the Board related to criteria outlined in 200.3, section A. Paul Lebo, Chief Operating Officer, and Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer, will be present to provide information and respond to questions.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Paul Lebo, Chief Operating Officer
Leslie Pellegrino, Chief Financial Officer
Michael Bunitsky, Liz Barrett and Dr. Lois Jarman, Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The Calendar Committee will share the proposed and updated calendar for the 2022-2023 academic year.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
The Board of Education charged the Calendar Committee with developing the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school year academic calendars. The committee produced draft calendars based on the committee’s priorities and the feedback and direction received from the Board at the January 22, 2020 Board meeting.
The FCPS Calendar Committee presented draft calendars to the Board of Education at its regular meeting on May 13, 2020. The Board asked for community feedback, which was gathered and shared with the Board.
Board members asked the committee to revise the 2022-2023 school year academic calendar with a later start date at the August 5, 2020 Board Meeting.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
The Calendar Committee is comprised of FCPS staff, parents, a student member, PTSA, FASSE, FCASA and FCTA representatives. The Board of Education sent out a FindOutFirst in January of 2020 advertising for parent and community representatives to serve on the committee. Applications were received and parent and community representatives were selected. In addition to the parent and community members selected to serve on the committee, community members always have the opportunity to offer feedback via the FCPS website and at Board of Education meetings.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation, Interim Committee Co-chair
SUBMITTED BY:
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
The Board of Education (Board) will revisit the system’s reopening plan, and staff will respond to questions posed to return students to in-person instruction at schools using a hybrid model.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
On July 29,2020 the Board voted to start the 2020/2021 school year virtually for the first semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. In response to a requirement from the State Superintendent that all school systems re-evaluate their reopening plans before the end of first quarter, the Board reviewed a proposed step-by-step implementation of a hybrid school model at its September 23rd and October 7th, 2020 meetings. No successful motion was passed to implement staff’s step-by-step approach; therefore, staff will respond to any questions as preparations are occurring to begin the full hybrid implementation at the start of second semester, January 28, 2021.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
The Board of Education submitted a series of questions after the last presentation. Staff will respond to identified questions and continue preparations for a full hybrid implementation beginning second semester, pending positive health metrics.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Aliveto, Ed.D., Executive Director, System Accountability and School Administration
Kevin Cuppett, Ed.D., Executive Director, Curriculum, Instruction and Innovation
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Aliveto, Ed. D., Executive Director, System Accountability and School Administration
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
To provide the Board with an update from the Return to Play (RTP) Committee.
BACKGROUND/SUMMARY:
On behalf of the FCPS Return to Play (RTP) Committee, staff will be sharing the committee’s recommendations related to the October 26, 2020 MSDE State Board Meeting approved request for Local School Systems (LSSs) to start winter sports on December 7, 2020.
PROCESS STATEMENT:
Upon approval from the BOE, FCPS instituted first semester small group RTP conditioning and skill-based practices for fall, spring and winter sports, as well as small group RTP marching band activities that followed the pandemic-related health and safety guidelines. Protocols for these activities and the upcoming sports seasons were developed by the FCPS RTP Committee in collaboration with the Frederick County Health Department (FCHD) and were based on guidance from the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) and their Roadmap for Return to Interscholastic Athletics and Activities resource documents.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Daniel Lippy, Ed. D., Director, School Management
Kevin Kendro, Supervisor, Athletics and Extracurricular Activities
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Aliveto, Ed. D., Executive Director, System Accountability and School Administration
Mike Markoe, Ed.D., Deputy Superintendent
The Board will approve its 2021 Legislative Principles which were discussed at the October 7th and 21st Board of Education meetings.
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
ACTION/CONSENT
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On August 28, 2019 and October 30, 2019, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes to Policy 101 Organization of the Board regarding section 101.3 ¶B Citizens Advisory Council (CAC). Below are the BoardDocs links to those Policy Committee agenda items:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BEUGDS429FD5
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BGCM4M59714A
On December 11, 2019, Policy 101 with proposed changes to section 101.3 ¶B CAC was presented for the Board’s first reading with several documents for the Board’s review and discussion. Below is the link to that discussion:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BJAJM84DCFF1
On February 26, 2020, the Board approved changes to Policy 101.
On August 19, 2020, the Policy Committee discussed next steps for the CAC as noted below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BRXNJG5FDC48
On October 7, 2020, the Board discussed next steps, as well as membership and purpose of the CAC, and asked the Policy Committee to finalize as noted below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BTQN8G5EB1C7
On October 21, 2020, the Policy Committee finalized changes to the CAC membership, as well as recommended edits to Policy 101 with section 101.3 ¶B highlighted and suggested changes. Below is the link to that discussion:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BU7KME517DCF
Policy 101 is presented today for the Board’s consent agenda approval. (backup1) Following approval, the Board will advertise for CAC applicants.
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Michael Bunitsky, Liz Barrett and Dr. Lois Jarman, Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
ACTION/CONSENT
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On October 21, 2020, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes to Policy 102 Meetings. Below is the BoardDocs link to that Policy Committee agenda item:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BUDNRH604DDD
The Policy Committee recommends Policy 102 with changes for the Board’s consent agenda approval. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Michael Bunitksy, Liz Barrett and Lois Jarman, Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
ACTION/CONSENT
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On October 21, 2020, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes to Policy 108 Unused School System Property. Below is the BoardDocs link to that Policy Committee agenda item:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BUDNRG604C51
The Policy Committee recommends Policy 108 with changes for the Board’s consent agenda approval. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Michael Bunitksy, Liz Barrett and Lois Jarman, Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
ACTION/CONSENT
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On September 23 and October 21, 2020, the Policy Committee reviewed Policy 405 Graduation Requirements, Policy 422 Graduation and Policy 433 Graduation Honors and Awards. The Policy Committee recommends deleting Policies 422 and 433 and merging language into Policy 405 with an updated title. Below is the BoardDocs link to the Policy Committee discussions:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BSUMS35C8649
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BU7KHW5106C0
The Policy Committee recommends deletion of Policies 422 and 433 with changes to Policy 405 Graduation for the Board’s consent agenda approval. (backup1, backup2 and backup3)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Michael Bunitksy, Liz Barrett and Lois Jarman, Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
ACTION/CONSENT
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On September 23, 2020, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes to Policy 423 Gang Activity and the BoardDocs link of that discussion is found below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BSUMRR5C75B8
On October 21, 2020, Policy 423 was presented for the Board’s first reading. The BoardDocs link to that discussion is found below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BTQNL76068F0
Policy 423 is presented today for the Board’s consent agenda approval. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Michael Bunitsky, Liz Barrett and Dr. Lois Jarman, Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
ACTION/CONSENT
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On October 21, 2020, the Policy Committee reviewed proposed changes to Policy 439 Dress Code for Students. Below is the BoardDocs link to that Policy Committee agenda item:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BU7KL7516A30
The Policy Committee recommends Policy 439 with changes for the Board’s consent agenda approval. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Michael Bunitksy, Liz Barrett and Dr. Lois Jarman, Board of Education Policy Committee
SUBMITTED BY:
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION:
ACTION/CONSENT
PROCESS STATEMENT:
On August 19, 2020 and September 23, 2020, the Policy Committee discussed adopting a new policy identified as Policy 516 Teaching of Controversial Issues. The BoardDocs links to those discussions are found below:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BRXNJH5FDD45
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BSUMRD5C56E8
On October 21, 2020, new Policy 516 was presented for the Board’s first reading. Here is the BoardDocs link to that discussion:
http://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/fcps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BTQNL4605641
New Policy 516 is presented today for the Board’s adoption. (backup1)
PRESENTER(S) & TITLE(S):
Jamie Cannon, Chief of Staff and Legal Counsel
Michael Bunitsky, Liz Barrett and Dr. Lois Jarman, Board of Education Policy Committee
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), (7) the Board will meet in Closed Session at 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room to consider matters related to an appeal and to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice.