BOE 4/27/05

Dr. Janice Walthour came to speak.  She represented the NAACP.  She expressed their concern over the size of Leonardtown Elementary.  Said the public should informed and understand what is being done.  She quoted the study which says that large schools have a particular effect on thmembers of minority groups.  She noted the advantages of small schools.  Many researchers say 3 - 400 students is the right size according to Cotton.  Resources must match the population if the needs are to be meet.  The BOE should return theissue of school size to its agenda before making a decision.

William Breslan, the chair of an attendance task for Leonardtown Elementary was next.  The group collected data and has concluded that a policy change is needed, although it may not affect attendance.  Teachers do not give students their make up work for unexcused absences.  Who do some students have 20 or 30 excused absences.  A note from a parent or guardian is all that’s needed.  We have seen students absent before and after prom.  Perhaps these are children of indulgent parents who allow children to work instead of attending school (bag my groceries.)  We cannot penalize parents who can’t afford health care.  They ask to have children with chronic excused absences to consult with a school nurse or personal physician.  

Tom Baylor of EASMC said he would like to praise the BOE for all the hard work that went into the selection of this superintendent.  The BOE gave up power and collaborated with the community in the process.  The stakeholders were skeptical, but the BOE took the candidate they selected.  Research has shown that when you involve the stakeholders in the process, you get support for everything.   He welcomed Dr. Martirano.  He attended the leadership academy.  Dr. M came to teach, not to lecture.  Tom learned that if we want lifelong learners, teachers must be lifelong learners.  He presented Dr. M with a bag of goodies.  We look forward to the challenge

The agenda was approved.  

The attendance policy, when approved, will be presented to the community.  The new policy will be on the web site.  A news release will be drafted.  This information will be included in a letter from the principal.  The issue of attendance will be the first project for the students when the begin the new school year.  

Mrs. Washington suggested new language for the second paragraph, which would include early intervention.  She wants things in places to help students before consequences come into play.  There is a free program and students should get services before they get into trouble.  We also need intervention strategies, monitoring, and procedures.  Raspa asked and was told there are a series of steps.  Washington said she thinks the board would want to intervene early, rather than consequences.  Raspa said he is not sure we are ready for this.  

Washington asked if the policies are still in the libraries and still being updated and was told yes.  She noted that lawful and unlawful absences are not defined in this policy.

She asked and was told that the law required that children attend school between age 5 and 16.  Washington said we can’t require that for pre K?  We are told that we can have preK

Lyon said you can’t rework that section, but you could say the BOE encourages all students to attend.  One of the lawful absences is a situation deemed lawful by the superintendent or his designee.  It is not illegal, said Lyon, to take children on vacation, but that is not a legal absence.  It was noted that students who are absence for more than a few days are referred to the school nurse.  Mr. Breslan asked by whom.  The language suggested by Washington was approved.  Raspa said there seems to be a concern about the nurses picking up the absences of children.  Maybe we need to see what difficulties there are.  Lyon said she knows that nurses are working with students.  Raspa asked lyon to look into whether there may be a problem.  Dr. M said they should probably review procedures.  Allen asked about a preprinted note. Lyon said we’ll come up with something.  The two policies were approved by the BOE.

The next item was Brad Clements talking about land acquisition.  He talked about the amount of work on property acquisition done by Kim Howe.  As you know we need 3 elem, a middle and a high school in the next ten years.  They met with the commissioners and Planning an Zoning of Leonardtown.  Both groups were very favorable.  The next step is a 3 way agreement among the Town, the developer, the school system.  

He asked for a vote on a property to hold two more schools.  Also he has an elementary site on the Oscar Buchanan Property on St. Andrews Church Road.  It will have an on site septic system.  Almost the whole project will go on the cleared area.  The Buchanan property will go to the State for approval.  That would give us three sites over the next 3 years.

Board members thanked Mr. Clements who said the State has visited the site.  Dr. M said we are pleased.  Allen said this has been a long time coming and it is wonderful that we can go forward.  We have other irons in the fire.  We have been quiet.  We have gone forward.  She is pleased that the Enterprise has recognized that the Clarks rest site is not a quick fix.  It will take time.  Clements noted that the build out will also take time.  The Board approved the Buchanan site and the negotiation parameters for the purchase of a property as discussed in executive session.  

Clements said they have not rejected 60 some sites.  If any property owners would like to come forward, they would be welcome.  He thanked Dr. M for his quick uptake.

School bus contracts for 2006 came forward.  The ones in yellow are the new contracts from the seniority list.  The red ones are transfer contracts in which the prior contractor has negotiated a transfer.  All others are contractors that have been with us for a great number of years.  Reed Walker, he said, is present.  Raspa asked to have the process reviewed.  Walker said they verified the date they first received a contract and they were given priority.  Now when 4 buses come out, they contact the first four and ask them if they want to received the contract.  They also allow contractors to negotiate the sale of the contract and the bus to another contractor.  The SS still has to approve the contractor.  Mattingly asked if they were opposed to the method.  Clements said people know what the process is and they like that.  

Allen asked if the bus contractor agreement is basically unchanged, and Clements said it is unchanged.  They will update the contract next year.  Allen said under #9, section a,   . . Clements said there are things we need to work on.  (Dr. M looked at his watch.) Bill Mattingly asked if we have had to dip into the pool self insurance.  Cl said we carry insurance.  The contractor carries his own.  Mattingly is the contractor primary.  Carney said we have the primary liability for the children and for the other party.  The driver has insurance for the bus itself.  The bus contract award as presented was approved.  

Allen asked and was told the the amount of paperwork bus drivers do would be decreased.  

CL said he wants to go over the APF ordinance as it applies to schools.  We’ve heard that the Leonardtown area may be shut down.  We have heard that we need to redistrict.  What’s the school system going to do to fix this.  The county ordinance requires sept 30 enrollment and county and state capacity.  WE did that within zones established b y the BOCC.  They would like to see developers mitigate by giving land and have the rules established as to what you get.  In Charles Co they are accepting $$ from developers.  Kessler noted that in some states, developers build the schools. Kim said our CIP is based on county growth.  We get about a dollar from Md  for every dollar we spend.  On average our growth has our accuracy rate on school proj is 98% or so.  The CIP will be reviewed in October.  They have a premeeting in July.  This year they talked about forward funding.  When we talk about middle and high schools, the overcrowding is starting .  We have to have 50% of students in place and have to show the rest will be by the time the school is built. $$ for 17.5% increase 175 - 200+.  Secondary projects are becoming the key element.  The state pays based on cash flows.  Cash flow may be spread out over 9 or more years.  Growth is projected in projections.  When we get to the secondary level 75 M high school, middle school 35 M.  We can accelerate the school if needed.  We are 276 seats short for the ‘09 high school needed.  They will monitor the situation of forward funding in the State.  The environment is changing.  They will maximize investment.                                       

Cl said we would love to forward fund, because we wouldn’t have students Allen noted we can’t just keep piling on relocatables.  Kessler said it seems to be a catch 22.  Clements said we need to move the 107 up.  We know what our growth rate is.  Would that make a difference?  It is adiscussion that needs to take place.  We’ve been able to manage it, but today we are behinds.  Cl said the sTate told them  “even if we get as much money next year, it doesn’t buy the same.  Allen noted that we don’t have anything to do with adequate public facilities.  That’s difficult for people to understand.  “When the new zoning ordinance was being discussed, the Board at that time made it clear that it was not interested in moving students out of as school seat to allow development .  I don’t see any indications that has changed.”  

FY 2005 unaudited financial report. Carney noted there are 60 days for bills to come in and be reflected in the past year.  Carney has a number for salary changes.  Vendor has notified them that they will not honor the price.  Transportation costs are reflecting changes at the pump.  There is a surplus of approximately 2.6 M.

Dr. M said he is honored to be Superintendent of Schools.  He’s been here 4 weeks and things are good.  He thanks the BOE for running an outstanding process.  He said to his wife that he wishes the county all the best because the community made such an impression on the him and his wife.  He thanked teachers, staff members, parents that have helped make the process easier.  He wants the best possible school year for all of our children.  He spoke at the Rotary Club and felt the interview process was continuing.  On August 24 the will meet to on Charting a Course to Excellence. “ One community committed to the learning and safety for children.  Work hard and be nice.  That encompasses the whole aspect.  We want all community members to rally around for the betterment of children.  

He’s smiling all the time and he can’t stop.  August 10 is next meeting.  

The evening began with 3rd grade teacher Amy Morris who brought her students’ history alive presentation for the board.  As usual the children were wonderful.  

The agenda was approved, followed by Science fair winners.  

After the consent agenda was approved, the Great Mills High School Enhancement Study Group report was presented.  The group met for 1 1/2 months, and has now presented a report with specific issue and supportive discussion statements.  

Group chairs presented their findings.  Capt Daniel Doster and Lynday Lymas cochaired the group.  Academic, behavior management/intervention, staff retention recruitment subcommittee were the sub groups.  These, results, said Fulton, are a point of departure.  These recommendations are being applied to a strategic plan.

Dr. Lymas presented the recommendations.  Ina school with such unique diversity, some students will never get to rise to the top if some things are not changed.  

Capt Kelly presented the results of the behavior management group.  He noted that a lot of data was considered and reviewed.  There were visits, interviews, and several meetings.  Can we reduce the amt of misbehavior?  Can we recommend strategies to manage behavior in GMHS.

It’s not just a cry for more and more resources.  It’s how resources are allocated.  Training is a key piece of what is to happen.  There are changes recommended to policies, and policies are interrrelated.  This is not a complete list.

3581 referreals in 92 class days.  Turn around time cannot be tight so referral and dealing with it is current.  A high 5age were 7 days being dealt with.  There were many instances greater than 7, in some cases weeks, reather than days.  For the students there is a disconnect between what I did wrong and what happened.  For teachers, they preceive a lack of support.

So can we just add AP’s?  No.  First we must reduce referral level.  One ap spends much of her time is spent on IEP’s.  Once you understand it.  Shift people.  2,000 of 3500 referrals are 9th grade.  AP’s to stay with a class all the way?  75% - 80% of day spend processing referrals, not proactively engaging students and staff.  We have to get by this and get eyes on the horizon.  LBWA = leadership by walking around.  Recommendations leadership interns or safety advocates can help.  Clerical staff is short.  

Vacancies impact staff adversely.  AP’s and hall monitors must be hired ASAP.  Resource allocation should be looked at.  The new hall monitor positions helped and should return.  1,700 referrals are for not getting to class on time.  We could cut referrals in half by dealing with this.  Hall sweeps are now routine and have helped.  Assign specific staff to specific places.  Teachers are supposed to be at their doors.  Some never miss. Some never show up.  Enforce the policy.  Everyone must do it.

Linking class failure to a certain number of absences.

School discipline plan needs to be clearly defined and focused.  You can’t train to the plan.  It has to be a progressive discipline plan.  People need to try other means before sending off a referral.  We need to change it, and do it.  Some parts of the plan are not followed.  

Early student training is needed about expectations of acceptable behavior.  Then we have to follow through.  Tell them what we want, then tell them what will happen.  We have to ensure timely referral processing.  

We need system wide efforts to reduce suspension.  All ideas in master plan sound good, but there are not resources provided for these actions.  We must make progress.  One school feeding Great Mills has a very high suspension level.  We need to address that.

Positive Behavior Intervention Training has been begun.  It’s great and should help.  

73 students generate 50% of referrals.  How will we engage and train the?  The Alternative learning Center has been mentioned, but we have to address those 73 students.  How about peepr mentors.  We are already doing peer mediation.  Can we give community service credit for this activity?

There is anecdotal evidence that there are different consequences for different students.  We want equal justices.   Perhaps we need an ombudsman.  

TEACHER RETENTION was next.

Teacher retention is affected by student discipline.  This group recommends BMI subcommittee.  Rules need to be enforced.  Teacher training and students training must take place.  Build the staff to meet the needs at GMHS.  MSTA says new teachers stay about 5 years, 3 if there is a heavy minority population.  

We need to align administrators responsibilities.  

There is a perceived lack of support for teacher discipline. 2 full time mentors.  Look at faculty council.  Build a sense of community.  Provide more verbal and concrete positive feedback.  Send a card or note.

Received poor communication among stakeholders.  Teachers say there is an overload of paperwork.  Send e-mail instead of paper.

Promote Staff members.  Communication is 2 ways.

Establish a public relations counselor.  

Implement a staff suggestion box.

There is a need to build a professional learning community throughout the school.  

Class schedule assignments mentors needed full time with new teachers.  Novice teachers should have 2 standard classes.  Novice teachers need training on specific discipline issues.  Novice teachers should not just teach 9th grade.  

Special education recruitment and retention is affected by the inclusion model.  

State and locals should accelerate the certifications students.

Best Buddie type activities.  GMHS won outstanding in state.  

One administrator spends 40% of time on IEP meetings.  Full time special ed mentor.  Develop and implement a centralized plan to support teachers in getting training they need.

The inclusion teacher and the regular teacher should have common planning time.

GMHS may need additional resources to meet its needs Another AP, etc

Develop a professional learning community.  Examine staffing.  

ACADEMIC

Teach skills should be enhanced.  Implement and expand TESSA.  It increases teachers capacity.  When students are engaged, they are less likely to act out.  Training and co teaching.  

Tutoring for students needing extra help Peer tutoring program, focus on math.  GMHS runs an after school credit recovery program.  

Increased parent involvement. Quarterly workshops,

Negative attention and self image School newspaper, daily announcements to celebrate success.  

Resources that help provide equity for students of GMHS How to teach reading.  How to teach families who are living in poor communities.  

Now there will be an action plan.  The BOE will get the action plan.  

Ricky Raley I4 in BM.  Hall monitors.  Tardiness is a gateway offense.  Teachers must track attendance.  Hall monitors must be consistent.  

Lymas said there is a correlation between student achievement and veteran teachers.  

Raley said it is wonderful that community members are involved.  For every person who is there every day, there are 3 who are not.  There are only two students.  

Lymas said students were invited but often could not be there.  Lymas said we wanted to hear from the community.  We needed another set of eyes.  There were parents there.

Kessler said the groups has exceeded expectations.  One session at national BOE looked at using group leaders of sub groups.  

Raspa asked about inconsistencies.  Lymas said it’s a perception.  Raspa talked about repeat offenders.  Some students can’t be excluded.  Raspa said we need to get on this and do every things we can.  

Mary recited her understanding of what had been said.  Then she said we have to continue to find ways to change student behavior.  9th grade is most of the problems.  We need to access the community to get help.  Washington asked if tardiness had anything to do with overcrowded hallways.  Lymas said hallways are very narrow.  Opening a locker does hold up traffic.  The more time you give them, the more time it takes.   W said a school can be too big.  Lymas said that is what a small learning community can do.  We need a plan for your financial need.  We need to align they things you need in the Master Plan.  

Mattingly said it wasn’t broken over night. You are looking for 12 full time people.  You know we can’t give you 12 individual staff.  You’ll get what we can give you.There’s got to be target dates.  We’ve got to communicate and you’ve got to make some tough decisions. You may have to scrub staff.  Repeaters cause 50% of all the problems.  We have to deal with HRS.  We have to make sure we are fair and consistent.  

Dr. Fulton said after a while you see overlaps.  It boils down to high expectations for students and staff. Enforcing and communication.  Support within the schools and with the technical assistance team.  It isn’t all additional staff.  

Mrs. Allen commended everyone for an excellent report.  She noted that a number of recommendations have already been implemented.  She looks forward to the action plan.  She thanked everyone.  

Mattingly said it’s going to be really interesting to see how Mark writes the story.  Will the Enterprise buy into it?  

The special education staffing plan for FY ‘06 was next.  They are proposing two behavior specialists and lowering the number of school psychologists.  

Raspa asked if Mr. Carney looks at this plan.  The staffing plan was approved.

Next funding was moved to the land acquisition project.

Dr Fulton said GMHS is ranked 806 of top 100 high schools. # advanced Placement courses taken as a ratio of graduating seniors.