February 6, 2024 Meeting

Caroline County Board of Education meetings are livestreamed and may also be viewed after the meeting has concluded. For information about the Board of Education, including agendas and meeting schedules, please visit the Leadership page of our website.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mission Statement

At the start of each meeting, the board of education president reads the Mission Statement, "In partnership with families and community, we prepare all students to achieve college, career, and life readiness through a challenging and progressive educational experience."

REPORTS

Board Member Reports

Ms. DiGiacomo highlighted conversations in the community about the role of a board member.

Mr. Plutschak plans to attend the CRMS Drama Production this upcoming weekend.

Ms. Wayman highlighted her attendance at the NCHS v. CRHS basketball game. She enjoyed cheering for both teams. She also highlighted the Annual Martin Luther King Walk at Lockerman Middle School. She was pleased with the diverse group of attendees from the different schools.

Mr. Jones highlighted attending the FFA Farm Show in Pennsylvania. He said the students were focused and an all-around great group of young adults representing CCPS.

Mr. Barton highlighted his attendance at the Cool Schools Plunge and as the MC for the event, gave a shout out to the large group of CCPS representatives.

Finance Report

Report

Chief Financial Officer Erin Thornton presented the Finance Report as of January 31, 2024. She explained that CCPS finances are as expected seven months into the fiscal year, having spent or encumbered 80% of the budget. Ms. Thornton explained that the overage of Special Education Contracted Services has increased due to turnover of contractors. The turnover has caused overlapping purchase orders (POs) and therefore, once final invoices are received, the old POs will be closed out and the overage decreased substantially.

Legislative Update

Report

Dr. Simmons explained that Maryland legislators are expected to introduce up to 3,500 bills between both chambers this legislative session. The Public Schools Superintendent Association of Maryland (PSSAM) and the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) will be continuously monitoring anything relative to education. The following two bills are of particular importance to Caroline:

HB 200/SB 61: Community Schools - Alterations authorize each county board of education with fewer than 40 community schools and receiving funding from the Concentration of Poverty School Grant Program for the personnel grant and the per pupil grant to expend no more than 10% of the funds distributed by the State under certain circumstances; providing that the per pupil grant portion of the Program prioritize funding for areas of greatest need according to the needs assessment plan; etc. Dr. Simmons plans to submit written testimony in support of this bill.
HB 571/SB 485: FMLA Insurance Program seeks to delay the beginning of the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) Insurance Program.

CONSENT AGENDA

Personnel

The Board approved personnel items as presented by Supervisor of Human Resources Dr. Willoughby. They also approved the minutes from the January board of education meetings.

INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEMS

Administrative Appointment: Chastity Wright, NCHS Assistant Principal

The Board approved the recommendation of Ms. Chasity Wright to Assistant Principal of North Caroline High School effective January 2, 2024.

Dr. Simmons shared that he was very excited to bring "the official appointment" before the Board for the assistant principal at North Caroline High School (NCHS). He explained that Ms. Wright has been the dean of students at NCHS since start of school year, doing an outstanding job while she was finishing the administrator program necessary to be assistant principal.

Ms. Wright has been with CCPS since 2012 as an intervention teacher, PBIS coach, and evening school teacher, among other positions.

Dr. Simmons said, "Chastity was the unanimous choice of interview committee originally, and I'm glad we were able to make it work as a dean. Now that the coursework is done, we can officially accord her the title of assistant principal."

Award of Contract: Grass Mowing Services

The Board awarded Contract #24-005 to Top Notch Lawn Care & Landscaping, LLC for grass mowing services at 13 CCPS locations beginning May 1, 2024, with four one-year renewal options through December 31, 2028.

Supervisor of Operations Bill Mengel explained that the bid process and procedures complied with Board policy and applicable state laws and regulations. Notice of the opportunity was posted on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage, as well as the CCPS Purchasing website. There were four on-time responses received, with the incumbent once again bidding the lowest price. Top Notch Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC has been an excellent partner with CCPS to date.

Summary of Quotes

Advanced Placement Precalculus Course Approval

Presentation

The Board approved the recommendation of an AP Calculus course.

Director of College & Career Readiness Lindsey McCormick explained that Precalculus is currently offered at both high schools as an option for one of the four required math credits to graduate. Precalculus is a math course designed to help students prepare for college and the workforce with higher level math concepts such as algebraically manipulating functions, equations and expressions, translating mathematical information between representations and communicating with precise language as well as providing rationale for conclusions. All of these skills are necessary for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health sciences, social science and data science.

Blueprint legislation requires each school district to examine the avenues students can take to become College and Career Ready (CCR). Providing students with more opportunities to enroll in Advanced Placement courses can help students on their CCR pathway and give them more the skills and knowledge to prepare for college level math and science courses. Changing our current course offering of Precalculus to AP Precalculus has a one time monetary impact covered with CCR funding to train teachers. The current course materials are aligned to the AP Precalculus course, therefore there is no cost or change in curriculum or materials. The course change does not impact staffing or scheduling.

Advanced Placement U.S. History Course Modification

The Board approved the recommendation of a modification of AP U.S. History from 9th grade to an 11th/12th grade 1-credit elective.

Supervisor of Instruction Jon Marketto explained that AP U.S. History has been a 9th grade 2-credit course for Caroline County Public Schools. The course was originally an 11th grade course prior to the re-sequencing of high school history courses in the early 2000s. This is an extremely challenging course which nationwide has a low passing rate, and Caroline County has seen the same low pass rate since it became a 9th grade course. Student achievement would improve if class is offered in 11th grade after students have completed the prerequisite U.S. History in 9th grade to build background knowledge and build the requisite critical reading and writing skills.

2024-2025 School Year Calendar

The Board approved a calendar for the 2024-2025 school year. (News Release)

PRESENTATIONS

Recuitment Schedule

Supervisor of Human Resources Robert Willoughby shared an update regarding recruiting efforts and reviewed the recruiting calendar.

DISCUSSION OF ITEMS FOR FUTURE BOARD ACTION

FY25 Budget Development Update

Dr. Simmons explained that CCPS had received the state revenue figures but the budget team is questioning the accuracy. He also explained the Caroline County Disparity Grant was reduced by $600,000 this year and the County is transitioning from being a Maintenance of Effort district to a Local Share formula.

February 20, 2024 Work Session

Budget Discussion with Caroline County Commissioners

Board President Richard Barton welcomed Caroline County Commissioners and staff, and expressed appreciation for the collaborative working relationship they have had through the years. Superintendent Dr. Simmons reviewed the current fiscal picture, Blueprint funding, priorities, and funding challenges, as well as large scale capital projects.

Dr. Simmons explained the current fiscal picture by reviewing the expected increase to the state funding formula for FY25. He reviewed the significant grants that are ending in September 2024.

Moving onto the Blueprint, Dr. Simmons explained that the State has funded it through FY27 and acknowledged the difficulty in projecting beyond that due to significant costs associated with the legislation. He explained the significant costs related to dual enrollment, teacher salary increases, developing a career ladder, and operationalizing expenses such as financial reporting. He also pointed out that the legislation focuses on teachers and students but is silent on support staff and administration.

Dr. Simmons reviewed CCPS budget priorities for FY25 which include maintaining reasonable staffing levels and implementing Blueprint. The group discussed the challenges associated with an increase in student population, particularly in the northern end of the county, without a corresponding increase in construction or tax revenue providing additional funding.

The group also discussed funding challenges due to a decreased disparity grant as well as a discrepancy in Comp Ed and Community Eligibility Provision funding. Dr. Simmons advised he was working to get clarity on the current figures.

The group then discussed large scale capital projects. Dr. Simmons expressed appreciation for the Commissioners support for the recent roof projects, and said those projects had a positive impact on the buildings. Mr. Bill Mengel discussed the cost breakdown and local share estimates for the proposed new Lockerman Middle School.