BOE 2/23/05

Notes from Board of Education Meeting 3/23/05   

  The evening part of the BOE meeting began with the pledge and the “dream team” from Ridge Elementary.  

     They meet after school.  They use leap pads, Versa Tiles, National Geographic Explorer, and Scholastic news and a team leader.  They also learned to juggle.

     The Agenda was approved.

     The School System recognized the semifinalist for State member of the student Board of Education.  Pria Ramaswami was one of five semi finalists for the State BOE.

     After a break, speakers came forward.  

     As always, Cathy Allen read her policy about public comment.

Beatrice Burroughs came to share her experience on behalf of the Chesapeake Public Charter School.  She goes to a Montessori school and loves.  She said her school is like a big family.

      Andy Palko was next.  He addressed the Board of Education Public Comment Policy.  He reiterated a statement by the Board’s attorney.  What employee would trust the St. Mary’s County Board of Education to make a fair decision.  The Board has become more of a rubber stamp for the school system. The advice you receive is coming from a law firm outside this county.  Like a high quality carpenter, he builds and builds.  Mostly walls.  If you select a new superintendent who is a wall builder, it is only a matter of time until this community takes the wall down. “

     Tom Bailor said accountability is the buzzword of our time.  He teaches about representative government.  Their job as a citizen is to hold the elected leaders accountable.  Is the decision making process transparent?  Etc.  What happened to the public’s request for more openness.  It is not too late to make this board more open.  The public needs to know your thoughts on this question.  Please answer the question.  Do you believe that a teacher must give a reason to take personal leave?  We need the answer to your question.

     David ? Expressed his support for the Chesapeake Charter School project.  The project can do more than scratch the surface of using the Chesapeake to teach.  This project has the potential to help children who need smaller classes.  He has seen the importance of strong parental involvement.  It’s a realization that one size does not fit all.  We have motivation and capital to invest in these projects.  This can be a laboratory for new ways of teaching.  

      Don O’Neal thanked Dr. Fulton, Mrs. Washington, and Dr. Fulton for coming to the luncheon and for their actions.