Jun 15, 2023 Board of Education

[2.01 Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silence]

[00:00:07]

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I CALL THE BOA BOARD OF EDUCATIN MEETING TO ORDER. WE WILL BEGIN TODAY'S MEETING WITH THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, FOLLOWED BY A MOMENT OF SILENCE.

I ASK YOU TO PLEASE STAND. YOU MAY BE SEATED.

[2.02 Report by CAC]

>> GOOD EVENING, MRS. CLAGGETT. DR. TOWNSEL, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. WE HAD A REALLY WONDERFUL GROUP THAT WORKED WITH US AS PART OF THE CAC, THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE. I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME OUR CHAIR, STEVEN NOWICKI AND T.J. HOOKER TO THE FRONT SO THEY CAN PRESENT THEIR FINAL REPORT TO YOU.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. >> WELCOME.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING US. I FIRST AND FOREMOST WANT TO THANK THE 24 INDIVIDUALS WHO VOLUNTEERED TO SPEND THE LONG NIGHTS HERE IN THIS BUILDING, INTRODUCING OURSELVES, BECOMING FAMILIAR AND REALLY UNDERSTANDING WHAT PILLAR THREE IS. WITH THAT SAID, WE WILL JUMP IN TO THE REPORT. EVERYBODY HERE, YOU, THE BOARD KNOW WHAT PILLAR THREE IS. F HOWEVER, A LOT OF THE PARENTS, THE GUARDIANS, THE MEMBERS OF THIS DIVERSE COMMITTEE HAD NO CLUE WHAT IT WAS. SO THROUGH THE COURSE OF THIS TEN-MONTH JOURNEY, WE GOT A CHANCE TO LEARN, BE EDUCATED, AND REALLY INVIGORATED AND EXCITED ABOUT WHAT PILLAR THREE, WHAT CTA, THE MARYLAND APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IS DOING.

WITH THAT SAID, THE CITIZEN'S ADVISORY COMMITEE WAS TASKED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS. WE WERE ALSO CHARGED BY DR. TOWNSEL TO ASSESS THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP THAT WE HAVE HERE WITH CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS.

WE WILL CALL IT THE COMMITTEE. WE LOOKED AT ALL ASPECTS OF POLICY AREA THREE. AS WELL AS EXTERNAL STIMULI ASSOCIATED WITH STUDENT PARTICIPATION AND GROWTH OF DEVELOPMENTAL OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN CTA AS WELL AS OUTREACH MAINTENANCE ALONG WITH ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, ADMINISTRATORS AND TEACHERS TO PROMOTE THE OPPORTUNITIES AND THE STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES.

THROUGHOUT THIS PROCESS, THE CAC RECEIVED TREMENDOUS LEVELS OF SUPPORT FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, DR. JOHNSON, MR NAVARRO, MS. MAXIE IN THE BACK WAS A HUGE PROPONENT.

AND REALLY HER SUPPORT, WE COULDN'T HAVE DONE THIS WITHOUT IT. MS. KERRY AIKENS, THE PRINCIPAL AT CTA. MRS. PAMELA COUSINS, JOE SUTTON.

WE NARROWED THE FOCUS TO STUDENTS EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY ACADEMICALLY TO CULTIVATE EARLY INTERVENTION BUT ALSO GROWTH AND EXPANSION OF THE CTA ABILITY. WE DIDN'T LOOK AT THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT. WE DIDN'T LOOK AT GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS. THAT IS NOT SOMETHING WE CAN DO FROM A COUNTY LEVEL ACROSS THE STATE.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OVER THE NEXT 7-10 YEARS, AS WE GET THIS THING FULLY ROLLING, I THINK YOU GUYS-- THE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS AND STUDENTS ARE GOING TO BE WELL TAKEN CARE OF BY CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. WE HAVE MULTIPLE PRESENTATIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

THE APPRENTICESHIP MARYLAND PROGRAM.

IMPLEMENTATION, CURRENT STATUS, PROJECTED GROWTH FOR THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND APPRENTICE MARYLAND PROGRAM AND THE IMPACT OF THE BLUEPRINT WITH REGARD TO OUR GROWING AMP PROGRAM IN CALL VERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. WE ALSO LOOKED AT HOW CALL VERT IS GETTING AT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PILLAR THREE OR POLICY AREA THREE. ONE OF THE BIG THINGS THAT STUCK OUT TO THE COMMITTEE, THIS ISN'T YOUR PARENTS' VOCO.

RIGHT? WE HAVE BEEN THROUGH VOCATIONAL STUDIES. ONE OF THE THINGS WE RECOGNIZED IN FIELD TRIPS OVER TO CTA, TALKING AMONGST OURSELVESES AND IN OUR HIGH SCHOOLS AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS IS CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS ALREADY DOING A PHENOMENAL JOB TO EDUCATE THE STUDENTS ON THEIR ABILITY AND OPPORTUNITIES COMING FORTH.

WE WON'T GO INTO THE BACKGROUND TOO MUCH.

WHAT MAKES AN APPRENTICE POSITION IN THE ASPECT OF TIME.

[00:05:06]

ONE OF THE BIGGEST THINGS I TOLD MY GROUP WHEN I TOOK ON THIS POSITION WAS MY FAVORITE PART ABOUT CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, MOVING HERE FROM SAN ANTONIO, IS THE BIG-CITY OPPORTUNITY BUT THE SMALL-TOWN HOMEY FEEL OF THE ADMINISTRATORS, THE STAFF, AND THE STUDENTS.

HAVING TWO KIDS IN WINDY HILL EDUCATIONAL COMPLEX-- THAT IS WHAT THEY CALL IT, RIGHT? AS WE MOVE DOWN THE HILL NEXT YEAR, I CAN TELL YOU FOR A PACK THE, I COULDN'T BE MORE PROUD OF WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE DOING, WHAT OUR ADMINISTRATORS ARE DOING AND WHAT THE TEACHERS ARE DOING FOR THESE STUDENTS IN CALVERT COUNTY. MOVING FORWARD, WHAT WE ARE NOTICED IS THIS PROGRAM CONTINUES TO GROW.

IT CONSTANTLY CONTINUES TO GROW. WE SAW AN INCREASE OF 10%, 13 BUSINESS PARTNERS. AND MS. ACHENS IS DOING A GOOD JOB. GETTING AFTER THAT AND ATTRACTING THOSE BUSINESS OWNERS.

MAKING IT MARKETABLE TO THE STUDENTS.

RIGHT? NOT EVERYBODY WANTS TO GO TO COLLEGE. I DIDN'T GO TO COLLEGE UNTIL I WAS 27. I HATED IT.

OF COURSE, LEARN A TRADE. YOU WILL MAKE MONEY.

RIGHT? SO THE DISCUSSION THROUGHOUT THE EXAMINATION OF THE POLICY AREA THREE OR PILLAR THREE AND WHAT THE COMMITTEE IDENTIFIED IS THAT MARYLAND STUDENTS THROUGH THE MARYLAND COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM, I HAD TO LEARN WHAT IT ACTUALLY MEANT. ON AVERAGE, THEY ARE IN LINE WITH THE NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR MATH AND READING SCORES.

BY REVIEWING THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND THE IMPLEMENTATION BOARD, WE WERE ABLE TO ASSESS THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS IN LINE WITH THAT BOARD AND DID NOT DISCOVER ANY AREAS OF CONCERN OR LATENCY WITH IMPLEMENTATION. DISCUSSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP, WE TOOK INTO CONSIDERATIONS, LIKE THE SOCIOECONOMIC RESTRAINTS. IT COSTS A LOT TO LI IN MARYLAND. A LOT OF THESE HOUSES HAVE ONE PARENT. THAT ONE PARENT HAS TO WORK.

WELL, WE CAN DO BETTER AS A BOARD ANDS A CALL VERT COUNTY DPS CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, THAT IS OUR MESSAGING.

WE WILL GET TO THAT SHORTLY. AFTER MILLION SCHOOL-- AFTER-SCHOOL EMPLOYMENT TO HELP THE FAMILY AT HOME.

THERE ARE RESOURCES FOR PARENTS, GUARDIANS, AS WELL AS TRANSPORTATION DURING NON-SCHOOL HOURS.

SOMETIMES IT IS JUST HARD TO GET AROUND THIS BIG LONG COUNTY.

AM I LYING? >> TAKES ME 30 MINUTES FROM PRINCE FREDERICK TO DUNCAN. I DON'T KNOW WHY.

I'M DOING 70. THAT IS JUST HOW IT GOES.

WE FOUND THAT IN SOME CASES, DIFFERENT CAMPUSES ACROSS CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFER DIFFERENT PROGRAMS AND THAT WHILE IT MIGHT BE TOLD TO A STUDENT WHAT THE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE ARE, THAT MESSAGE ISN'T ALWAYS GETTING INTO THE HOME. WE FOUND THAT EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION FROM INDIVIDUAL CAMPUSES DIRECTLY TO THE PARENTS IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE THROUGH PHONE CALLS, EMAILS, AND FLYERS.

WE ALWAYS CAN'T GUARANTEE THAT OUR KIDS WILL EMPTY THEIR BACK-PACKS WHEN THEY GET HOME. I JUST FOUND STUFF FROM OCTOBER.

WE HAVE BEEN OUT OF SCHOOL FOR ONE DAY.

SHE IS IN TROUBLE. ADDITIONALLY, THE COMMITTEE WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ADDITION OF A PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROFESSIONAL TO THE CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL STAFF.

WE FIND THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

WE NO LONGER ANSWER THE PHONE. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT SAYS "SPAM." WE ARE ALL ON FACEBOOK. WE ARE ALL ON INSTAGRAM.

WE ARE ALL ON TWITTER. THE ADDITION OF A PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROFESSIONAL TO THE PUBLIC SCHOOL STAFF AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MORE SOCIAL MEDIA AND MORE LOCAL NEWS ENTITIES WOULD ASSIST IN FURTHERING THE MESSAGE.

THE COMMITTEE TOURED AND AGREED TO THE CTA PROGRAM, PERFORMING AT A HIGH STANDARD. IT WILL LEAVE THE BETTER MESSAGING, BETTER EXPLAINED AND INTRODUCED AT A YOUNGER AGE.

WE ARE GETTING AFTER THESE KIDS AT THAT FIFTH GRADE, SIXTH-GRADE LEVEL. RIGHT? THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT TO BE.

THEY THINK THEY DO. THAT IS WHEN WE CAN ENGAGE THEM AND OFFER THEM OPPORTUNITIES MOVING FORWARD.

WHAT WE CAME UP WITH, WE ONLY CAME UP WITH ONE RECOMMENDATION.

AND WE DEVELOPED STRATEGIC IMPERATIVES AS THEY RELATE TO THE CTA PROGRAM. WE RECOMMEND THAT THE CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL APPLY THIS ACRONYM ACROSS THE ENTERPRISE TO MONITOR ACHIEVEMENT AND CONTINUE TO GROW THE PROGRAM.

THIS ACRONYM IS TEAMS. BECAUSE IT TAKES A TEAM OR IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE THESE KIDS AND DO RIGHT BY THEM.

WHAT THIS ACRONYM STANDS FOR IS TIMELINESS.

INCORPORATING MORE TEAM IS AND CTA IN CHILD ACTIVITIES.

[00:10:02]

INCREASING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES W WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. COMMUNICATING EARLY AND OFTEN ON THE HURDLES A STUDENTS IS FACING AND HAVE HONEST FEEDBACK WITH FAMILIES. WE KNOW WHERE A STUDENT IS STRUGGLING. WE WILL GET TO THAT IN A SECOND.

ENCOURAGING MORE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND ENTICING THEM TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED. ADVOCATE CIVIC LEADERS TO ENHANCE FACILE DISAND FUNDING FOR MORE STATE-OF-THE-ART OPPORTUNITIES FOR A GROWING TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD.

A WELL-ENGAGED FAMILY IS A SUPPORTIVE FAMILY AND A BETTER-ENGAGED STUDENT IS READY AND ABLE TO LEARN.

THE WHOLE CHILD CONCEPT AS STUDENTS CONTINUE TO GROW.

LET THEM KNOW THAT ALL PATHS TO SUCCESS ARE OPEN.

THEY WILL NOT BE STOVE-PIPED SHOULD THEY DECIDE TO CHANGE THEIR GOALS AT THAT MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL.

INCREASED CHECKPOINTS FOR RE-EVALUATING PROGRESS AND SUCCESS IN THE CURRENT TRAJECTORY.

HAVING MORE COUNSELORS IN SCHOOL TO ASSIST WITH THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ASSIGNED. AT WINDY HILL, WE HAVE TWO FOR ALMOST 1,200 STUDENTS. STUDENTS COMING OUT OF COVID, THAT HAVE SOCIAL ANXIETY. THEY ARE NOT USED TO BEING IN A ROOM AND HIGH-FIVING OVER HERE. HAVING MORE COUNSELORS IN SCHOOLS, TO MEET THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ASSIGNED WILL HELP US WITH THAT EARLY INTERVENTION AND THOSE CHECKBACKS THROUGHOUT.

THE M IS FOR MAINTENANCE. MONITOR THE FUNDING AND PROGRAM GROALT ALONG WITH MODERNIZATION WITH CURRICULUMS. WITH CORE ACADEMICS AND CTA. MAINTAINING ACADEMIC RECORDS.

USING THE ON-LINE MODALITY TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO TRACK TROUBLE AREAS FOR LEARNING. FOLLOW THEM THROUGH GRADUATION.

RIGHT? WE CAN LOOK BACK AT THOSE TOUCH POINTS THAT WE HAD IN FIFTH GRADE.

OKAY. WE IDENTIFIED THIS EARLY.

LET'S MOVE, YOU KNOW, IT IS SIXTH GRADE, 7TH GRADE, 9TH GRADE. WHEN THEY START TO RE-PRESENT THEMSELVES. THE STUDENT REMAINS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ANY STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE OR STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT. THEY SHOULD KNOW THEIR ROLE AND WHAT IT IS THAT THEY PLAY IN THEIR OWN EDUCATIONAL PROCESS ALONG THE WAY. AND UNDERSTANDING THEIR OWN REQUIREMENTS FOR PROGRESSION AND GRADUATING ALONG THE WAY.

HOW MANY TIMES, THE PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT I HAD TO DO TO GRADUATE. I JUST KNEW IF I WAS GROUNDED OR NOT BECAUSE I DIDN'T DO IT. HELPING THEM KNOW THEIR ROLE AND WHAT THEY REQUIRE, I MEAN, THAT IS GOING TO BE A HUGE HELP.

THEN ALSO, THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR INDIVIDUAL ASPIRATIONS MAY CHANGE. THAT IS OKAY.

WE SUPPORT IT. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THAT CONCLUDES MY REPORT FROM THE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

AGAIN, I THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

YOUR PATIENCE. WHAT A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY, AND I CAN'T WAIT TO SERVE AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

PENDING YOUR QUESTIONS. >> THANK YOU FOR THAT REPORT.

COLLEAGUES, DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? ALL RIGHT. WELL, THANK YOU FOR REPRESENTING THE CAC HERE TODAY AND PROVIDING THIS VALUABLE REPORT.

I'M SURE IF WE DO COME UP WITH ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS, WE WILL REACH OUT TO YOU AND ADDRESS THOSE AT THAT TIME.

AND WE HOPE THAT ALL MEMBERS WILL RETURN NEXT YEAR AND SERVE AGAIN. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. NEXT I WILL TAKE A MOTION FOR

[3. Consent Agenda]

>> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> WE HAVE A MOTION.

IS THERE A SECOND? >> I SECOND.

>> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR.

ANY DISCUSSION? >> SO I HAVE-- THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ASKED THE LAST MEETING. MY APOLOGIES.

ON POLICY 1012, THERE IS ONE OF THE CHANGES.

I WAS HOPING TO GET A LITTLE BIT OF CLARIFICATION BEFORE WE PROCEED. IF WE NEED TO MOVE IT BACK TO AN ACTION ITEM, I'M OKAY WITH THAT. JUST TELL ME WHAT TOO DO.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR.

THAT NEEDS TO BE VOTED UPON. BEFORE WE CAN ENTERTAIN ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO. WITH ANY OF THE POLICIES.

IS THERE FURTHER DISCUSSION YOU WANT TO HAVE ABOUT IT?

WE ARE IN A DISCUSSION PHASE. >> NO.

>> OKAY. >> YOU SURE IN.

>> WELL, I WANT TO HAVE A DISCUSSION ABOUT THAT POLICY.

IF WE HAVE TO VOTE FIRST, THAT IS KIND OF MOOT.

>> OKAY. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION FROM COLLEAGUES? ALL RIGHT.

CONSENT AGENDA, MOTION TO APPROVE.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR? >> AYE.

[00:15:03]

>> ANY OPPOSED? >> OPPOSED.

>> ALL RIGHT. THE CONSENT AGENDA FAILS.

2-2. WE DO NOT HAVE A THIRD VOTE WHICH IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO MOVE THE CONSENT AGENDA FORWARD.

SO THAT MEANS OUR AGENDA IS NOT APPROVED.

OUR MINUTES FROM LAST MEETING ARE NOT APPROVED.

OUR PERSONNEL REPORTS ARE NOT APPROVED.

OUR FINANCIAL REPORTS ARE NOT APPROVED.

ALONG WITH ENROLLMENT REPORTS. NONE OF THE POLICIES THAT WERE COMING FORWARD, THE CODE OF CONDUCT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED.

THE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES MASTER PLAN REVIEW IS NOT APPROVED. AS WELL AS THE BUDGET TRANSFERS.

DO WE WANT TO CONSIDER ANOTHER MOTION FOR THE CONSENT AGENDA?

>> SO I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO MOVE POLICY 1012 BACK TO ACTION AND ALSO THE POLICY FOR THE CODE OF CONDUCT BACK TO

ACTION ITEMS. >> THERE IS A MOTION ON THE FLOOR TO REMOVE POLICY 1012 FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AS WELL AS THE CODE OF CONDUCT. FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA AND MOVE THEM DOWN TO ACTION ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED LATER IN THE MEETING.

IS THERE A SECOND? >> I SECOND.

>> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND.

ANY DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR?

>> AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED?

>> I ACTUALLY ABSTAIN. >> AGAIN, THE CONSENT AGENDA FAILS. IS THERE A MOTION FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA? IF THERE IS NOT, WE WILL MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR MEETING.

[4.01 Public Comment]

>> THE BOARD OF EDUCATION PERMITS THE PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON ISSUES OF CONCERN. THE NUMBER OF SPEAKERS IS LIMITED TO 20. WHEN YOU ARE CALLED TO SPEAK, PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD AND LIMIT YOUR COMMENTS TO THREE MINUTES. PERSONS ON THE SIGN-UP SHEET OR RELINQUISH ANY OF THEIR TIME TO ANOTHER PERSON OR GROUP.

>> YOU HAVE HANDOUTS OR WRITTEN TESTIMONY, DISTRIBUTE TO KAREN MAXEY. ALL COMMENTS ARE TO BE MADE IN A CIVIL MANNER. ANYONE NOT FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES WILL BE ASKED TO STOP SPEAKING AND MAY FORFEIT THEIR RIGHT TO SPEAK AT FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT WHILE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION VALUES YOUR COMMENTS AND CONCERNS, THIS IS A BUSINESS MEETING, AND THE BOARD CANNOT RESPOND TO YOUR QUESTIONS OR ENTER INTO A DISCUSSION WITH YOU DURING THE MEETING. THE CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL RESPOND TO THE ISSUES YOU RAISE IF YOU PROVIDE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION WHEN YOU SIGN IN.

THE WRITTEN COMMENTS ARE WELCOME AT ANY TIME.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE ADMINISTRATIVE

ASSISTANT BOARD. >> OUR FIRST SPEAKER IS TIFFANY

HANCE. >> COULD YOU TURN ON YOUR MICROPHONE? THERE IS A BUTTON.

THEN PULL THE MICROPHONE TO YOU VERY CLOSELY SO WE CAN HEAR YOU.

>> OKAY. >> THANKS SO MUCH.

>> SURE. THANK YOU.

>> TIFFANY HANN. CE.

TEACHEN AND PARENT. HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN A BLOW JOB IN YOUR CHILD COULD BE READING THIS IN THE LIBRARY.

THIS BOOK IS LOOKING FOR ALASKA BY JOHN GREEN.

IT IS IN TWO MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND ALL FOUR HIGH SCHOOLS.

NINTH-GRADERS COULD BE READING "PULLED OUT MY DICK." I SLOWED DOWN AND GOT INTO A GOOD RHYTHM.

I DID MY BEST TO ACT DOMINANT LIKE MY FAVORRY PORN STAR.

7-PLUS YEARS OF WATCHING PORNOGRAPHY.

THIS IS FROM GEORGE JOHNSON. FOUND IN ALL FOUR HIGH SCHOOLS.

BOTH BOOKS MADE THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION'S TOP 13 CHALLENGE LIST FOR 2022. BOOKS THAT ARE CHALLENGED ARE FOR DRUGS, ALCOHOL, BEING SEXUALLY EXPLICIT AND NUMEROUS OTHER TOPICS. IF A TEACHER OVERHEARD STUDENTS TALKING LIKE, THIS THEY WOULD TELL THEM TO STOP BECAUSE IT IS INAPPROPRIATE. TEACHERS WOULD NEVER SHOW A MOVIE LIKE THIS AT SCHOOL BECAUSE IT IS INAPPROPRIATE.

WHY IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR A CHILD TO READ A BOOK FROM SCHOOL THAT IS DESCRIBING SEXUAL ACTIVITY IN SUCH DETAIL? I AGREE WITH PERMISSION SLIPS FOR CERTAIN BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY AND CLASSROOMS. I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ENTIRE POLICY AS IT IS WRITTEN. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR A GROUP OF TEACHERS AND A LIBRARIAN TO READ HUNDREDS OF BOOKS WE PURCHASE

[00:20:02]

PARENTS SHOULD BE GIVEN ACCESS TO DESTINY AND HOW TO USE IT.

THEY NEED TO SEE WHAT THEIR CHILD IS CHECKING OUT.

IF A PARENT HAS A PROBLEM WITH A BOOK, THEY CAN READ IT AND FILL OUT THE PAPERWORK TO BE REVIEWED BY THE COMMITTEE.

IF THE LIBRARY IS GIVEN A BOOK ON THE LIST OF CHALLENGED BOOK, THEY SHOULD READ IT COVER TO COVER AND SEND IT FOR APPROVAL.

THE BOOKS SHOULD BE REVIEWED. PERMISSION SLIPS SHOULD BE REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS: ONE, AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLTEACHER READS A STORY OUT LOUD OR HAS BOOKS IN THEIR CLASSROOM LIBRARY PERTAINING TO ANY SORT OF ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP OR REFERENCES QUESTIONING IDENTITY.

TWO, A TEACHER DESIGNS AN ASSIGNMENT OR HOSTS A BOOK CLUB INVOLVING A BOOK THAT IS ON THE ALA CHALLENGE LIST DUE TO SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL. PARENTS CAN OPT OUT OF HEALTH.

THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO OPT OUT OF THIS TWO AS WELL.

STATE THIS POLICY IS ONLY FOR LIBRARY BOOKS AND CLASSROOM LIBRARIES REGARDING SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL.

TEACHERS WORRY THIS POLICY WILL START TO ATTACK OTHER THINGS SUCH AS HISTORY BOOKS OR ARTWORK.

WE WANT CHILDREN TO GO TO HISTORY AND OUR MUSEUMS EVEN THOUGH SOME MISOR THE CALL ARTWORK COULD BE CONSIDERED RISQUE UNDER THE NEW DEFINITIONS.

I HOPE ALL PARTIES INVOLVED WILL WORK TOGETHER ON A SOLUTION THAT MEETS EVERYONE'S NEEDS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> THESE BOOKS CAME FROM MY LIBRARY AT MY SCHOOL. I CHECKED THEM OUT.

THEY ARE THERE. JUST SO YOU KNOW.

THANK YOU. >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS NATALIE

GEIGER. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

BEFORE I START, SECONDARY STUDENTS IN THE ROOM ARE WATCHING ON-LINE, ARE WELCOME TO STAY AND LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY AS WELL. HERE WE ARE AGAIN DISCUSSING POLICY 2305. THE PROPOSAL-MAKERS PRIDE THEMSELVES IN STATING THAT THE POLICY DOES NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT DISCRIMINATING AGAINST MARGINALIZED GROUPS.

HOWEVER, WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE BOOKS, THEY CLAIM IT COULDN'T BE FARTHER FROM THE TRUTH. THE WEBSITE BEHIND SCHOOL DOORS HAS A LIST OF BOOKS THAT SUPPORTERS OF THE POLICY WANT TO BAN. THE MAJORITY OF THESE BOOKS ARE, INDEED, FEATURING LGBQTIA-PLUS AND PEOPLE OF COLOR.

INTERESTING. AS A HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER, I KNOW OF SO MANY OTHER BOOKS THAT COULD BE LABELED SEXUALLY EXPLICIT BUT ARE NOT TARGETED. POPULAR BOOKS THAT ARE WELL-KNOWN AND READ BY MANY. THE BIBLE HAS MANY BEAUTIFUL PASSAGES THAT EXPLAIN TO READERS HOW TO BE CHRIST-LIKE AND LIVE A GOOD LIFE. THIS TEXT ALSO HAS STORIES OF RAPE, INCEST, AND BRUTALITY. IT IS FREELY AVAILABLE IN HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES. VARIOUS OTHER WORKS LIKE WILLIAMS SHAKESPEARE AND COUNTLESS OTHERS ARE FREELY AVAILABLE IN THE LIBRARY, EVEN ENCOURAGED TO BE READ.

TECHNICALLY, THEY SHOULD BE MARKED SEXUALLY EXPLICIT IF WE FOLLOW THIS POLICY TO THE LETTER.

COUNTLESS AUTHORS WHO ARE STRAIGHT AND CIS-GENDER ARE NOT ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK. PROPOSED CHANGES TO POLICY 20305 ARE MERELY A VEHICLE TO TAKE AWAY REPRESENTATION FROM LGQTIA-PLUS PEOPLE IN OUR SCHOOL LIBRARIES.

I NEED TO BE AN ADVOCATE FOR EVERY STUDENT AS A TEACHER.

FOR MY QUEER STUDENTS AND COLLEAGUES.

MANY YEAR MY STUDENTS READ "FAHRENHEIT 451 BY RAY BRADBURY.

I OBSERVED STUDENTS CONNECTING WITH THIS TEXT BECAUSE OF IT TIMELESS WARNINGS OF VARIOUS KINDS OF CENSORSHIP.

STUDENTS PAY ATTENTION TO THE BOOKS WE READ AS WELL AS WHICH ONES THEY ARE DENIED ACCESS TO. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE AN EXEMPT FROM ONE OF MY STUDENT'S LAST ASSIGNMENTS.

THEY WERE PROMPTED TO WRITE A PERSUASIVE LETTER.

THIS STUDENT CHOSE TO WRITE ABOUT POLICY 2305.

I'M READING THIS WITH PERMISSION OF THE STUDENT.

DO QUEER CHILDREN NOT DESERVE TO SEE THEMSELVES IN THE LITERATURE THEY READ? DO THEY NOT DESERVE THE SAME REPRESENTATION AS THEIR PEERS? IN ADDITION TO THIS, TAKING AWAY BOOKS CAN TAKE AWAY ONE'S ACCESS TO A NUANCED VIEW OF THE WORLD.

LIFE IS COMPLICATED AND COMPLEX. PEOPLE HAVE TO FACE DIFFICULT CHOICES AND TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES.

BOOKS HAVE NEVER BEEN INTERESTED IN SHYING AWAY.

BOOKS, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF THE CONTROVERSIAL VARIETY, PROMOTE A MORE COMPLEX WORLD VIEW FOR ALL THOSE WHO READ THEM.

I COULDN'T HAVE SAID THIS BETTER MYSELF.

STUDENTS PAY ATTENTION TO BOOKS AND USE THEM AS AN ESSENTIAL WAY TO NAVIGATE THE WORLD INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL.

WE CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY. THANK YOU.

[00:25:04]

>> THANK YOU. (APPLAUSE).

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS TIM SINCLAIR.

>> HELLO. I'M TIM SINCLAIR.

POLICY 2305 AGAIN. LAST TIME I SPOKE IN TERMS OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL ISSUES WITH THE POLICY.

THAT IGNORES THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ISSUES AS WELL AS SOME OTHER MASSIVE PROBLEMS WITH THIS JUST PLAIN POORLY-WRITTEN POLICY. WHERE TO START.

HOW ABOUT THE RIDICULOUS DEFINITION OF A LIBRARY AS EVERY SINGLE ROOM OR AREA WITH BOOKS OR OTHER MATERIALS IN IT.

ARE STUDENT LOCKERS LIBRARIES? ARE WE CHECKING THEIR BACK-PACKS ÚFOR BANNED CONTENT AS WELL? ALSO WHY ARE THE TEACHERS ON THE MYRIAD COMMITTEES CHOSEN BY THE ELECTED BOARD OF EDUCATION, BUT THE PARENTS ARE RANDOM. THAT SEEMS RIPE FOR ABUSE TO STACK THE COMMITTEES. THIS ISN'T CENSORSHIP, STATES THE PROPONENTS. HUH.

IF THAT IS THE CASE, WHY ARE THE ONLY APPEALS IN THE POLICY RESERVED FOR BOOKS THAT ARE K KEPT? WHY CAN'T REMOVAL DECISION BE APPEALED? IT ISN'T CENSORSHIP. WE ONLY RECOGNIZE REMOVAL IN THE POLICY, NOT RETENTION. INTERESTING POLICY CHOICE THERE.

ACTUALLY, DOES THIS EVEN QUALIFY AS A POLICY? I'M NOT A LAWYER, AND I HOPE THAT THE BOARD OF ED MEMBERS HAVE MORE INFORMATION THAN I DO. THE MARYLAND SCHOOL LAW DESK BOOK DEFINES COUNTY BOARD POLICY AS THE WHAT AND WHY TO SET A COURSE. THE REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES DEVELOPED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL STAFF ARE THE HOW TO MAKE THOSE POLICIES HAPPEN. IN FACT, IN THIS DRAFT, THE LINE ABOUT THE SUPERINTENDENT DEVELOPING PROCEDURES IS STRICKEN OUT. THIS POLICY AS WRITTEN, APPEARS TO A LAYPERSON LIKE MYSELF TO CROSS THE LINE INTO MAKING REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES, NOT POLICY AND WOULD, THEREFORE, BE ON SHAKY LEGAL GROUND. WHAT ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT? IT WAS CLEARLY DEFINED IN TINKER V. DES MOINES THAT STUDENTS DO NOT SHED THEIR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS WHEN ENTERING A SCHOOL.

AND ANOTHER CASE SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED LIBRARY BOOKS IN THEIR REMOVAL. DETERMINING SCHOOLS ARE LIMITED IN THEIR ABILITY TO REMOVE BOOKS.

WHAT IS THE GOAL HERE? BECAUSE RIGHT NOW IT SEEMS IT IS JUST BEGGING TO BE TAKEN TO COURT.

WHICH LEADS TO THE FINANCIAL ISSUES.

IN A TIME WHEN WE CAN'T EVEN PAY OUR SUPPORT STAFF A LIVING WAGE, AND HAVE SO MANY OTHER FINANCIAL PRESSURES ON THE SYSTEM, WHY ARE THE SAME PEOPLE CALLING FOR INTENSE FINANCIAL SCRUTINY SEEMINGLY WILLING TO INCUR THE MASS I LEGAL FEES THAT WILL BE REQUIRED TO DEFEND AGAINST THE CHALLENGES THE POLICY WILL GENERATE? HOW MANY GNT TEACHERS WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO HIRE FOR THAT COST? HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE TO BE LET GO TO PAY THOSE BILLS? LASTLY, I WILL END WITH THIS.

THOSE SUPPORTING THE POLICY KEEP TROTTING OUT THAT IT IS NOT INTENDED AS A CUDGEL TO BEAT DOWN OUR MARGINALIZED POPULATIONS. YET IT DEFINITELY COULD BE USED THAT WAY. THE WEBSITE THEY LOVE TO USE TO POST PROBLEM BOOKS IS 90% AIMED AT BOOKS FEATURING MARGINALIZED CONTENT. SO I CHALLENGE EACH ONE OF YOU UP THERE TO MAKE A STATEMENT EITHER DURING THE DISCUSSION OR YOUR BOARD COMMENT THAT SHOULD A POLICY LIKE THIS EVER PASS, YOU WILL NEVER USE IT TO SCRUB LGBTQ OR OTHER MARGINALIZED STORIES FROM EXISTENCE. SAY IT OUT LOUD.

SAY IT HERE. AND IF YOU WON'T, I THINK THAT TELLS US WHAT YOU REALLY FEEL. AND IF YOU DO, AND THEN GO BACK ON THAT, THE PUBLIC WILL KNOW FOR CERTAIN YOU CAN'T BE TRUSTED. BUT WHO AM I? I'M JUST A GUY WHO READS EVERYTHING.

>> THANK YOU, MR. SINCLAIR. (APPLAUSE).

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS RILEY BROWN.

>> I'M BACK. THERE IS AN ATTACK HAPPENING HERE. AND IT IS NOT YOU WHO SIT ON THIS BOARD OR THOSE WHO SIT WITH THEIR HANDS CLENCHED.

147 BOONGS BOOKS OUT OF THE 162 FEATURED OF THE HIGH SCHOOL SECTION OF THE SCHOOL WEBSITE THAT IS SUPPORTED BY A MEMBER OF THIS BOARD ARE LGBTQ. THAT IS 90.7%.

THAT IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. JUST AS READING SLEEPING BEAUTY DID NOT MAKE ME STRAIGHT, READING PRINCE AND KNIGHT WON'T MAKE YOU OR YOUR CHILDREN QUEER. LAST MEETING I SAT WITH MULTIPLE EDUCATORS, STUDENTS, PARENTS, AND ALUMNI WHO EXPRESSED WHAT AN EDUCATIONAL MASSACRE THIS WOULD BE IF THIS POLICY WERE TO PASS.

WE LISTENED TO THE ANGRY WORDS OF SOME, THE GASLIT WORDS OF ANOTHER. WE WATCH THE CHILDREN WHO WE ARE TALKING ABOUT, THEY WERE TOLD TO LEAVE BY A PERSON WHO IS NOT THEIR PARENT. THIS IS NOT A NEW FIGHT FOR US QUEERS. LET ALONE EDUCATORS.

IF THIS POLICY IS PASSED, EDUCATORS, CHILD CARE PROPROFESSIONALS AND STUDENTS WILL WALK.

[00:30:03]

THAT WE ARE NOT HERE TO SHOW YOUR CHILDREN EXPLICIT DIAGRAMS OF PLAYFUL PENETRATION AND INTERCOURSE DESPITE THE FACT THAT MANY OF THE SO-CALLED CHRISTIANS ATTACKING US SIT AND READ THE MOST SEXUAL AND VIOLENT BOOK OF ALL.

EDUCATION IS A FREEDOM. YOUR CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE A RIGHT TO CHOOSE. THE ONLY PEOPLE OBSESSED WITH ANYONE'S GENITALS OR GENDER IDENTITY ARE THOSE WHO ARE WILLINGLY ATTEMPTING TO PASS POLICIES THAT FOCUS HEAVILY ON CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS' GENDER AND SEXUAL IDENTITIES.

YOU ARE ON THIS BOARD TO MAKE CHILDREN SAFE.

EXPAND YOUR COMMITTEE. HIRE REAL EXPERTS AND PROFESSIONALS WHO AREN'T OBSESSED WITH THE GENDER AND SEXUALITY OF CALVERT COUNTY CHILDREN.

THIS POLICY, THIS BOARD MEMBER IS FULL OF HYPOCRISY.

HEAR THE ANGER FROM THESE PARENTS AND EDUCATIONERS AND PLEASE FROM THESE STUDENTS. IN HISTORY, IT IS NEVER THE GOOD GUYS WHO BAN BOOKS. WHERE ARE THOSE 20,000 PEOPLE? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. (APPLAUSE).

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER, OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS DAVID HILL.

>> BEFORE OUR NEXT SPEAKER COMES UP, LET ME ASK IF YOU ALL CO COULD-- I UNDERSTAND THE APPLAUSE AND THE PASSION.

IF YOU COULD KEEP IT TO A MINIMUM, SO SO WE CAN MOVE OUR MEETING TONIGHT. THE BOARD MEMBERS DO HAVE A RETIREMENT DINNER THAT WE WOULD LIKE TO GET TO.

NOT TO SAY THAT THIS TOP SICK NOT IMPORTANT.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT. HOWEVER, OUR STAFF, WHO ARE RETIRING WHO HAVE DEDICATED THEIR YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE SCHOOL SYSTEM ARE ALSO IMPORTANT.

THANK YOU. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS DAVID HILL. I THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS MY OPINION THIS AFTERNOON.

I OPPOSE THE PROPOSED REVISIONS TO THE BOARD'S POLICY, STATEMENTS 2305 AND 2315. NOT ONLY FROM A PRACTICAL AND EQUALITY POINT OF VIEW BUT ALSO THE LONG STAPPING ADVERSE IMPACT THE CHANGES WOULD HAVE ON STUDENTS' READINESS FOR THE FUTURE. IT IS CLEAR TO ME THAT THESE EFFORTS ARE NOTHING MORE THAN SOLUTIONS IN SEARCH OF A PROBLEM. FROM A PRACTICAL AND FINANCIAL STANDPOINT, I DON'T BELIEVE THE PROPOSED COMMITTEES ARE WORKABLE. OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAVE SKILLED LIBRARIANS AND TEACHERS WHO HAVE DEMONSTRATED TIME AND AGAIN LIKE CALVERT COUNTY IS RECOGNIZED AT THE TOP OF THE LIST FOR THE QUALITY OF ITS PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THIS PROCESS SHOULD REMAIN WITH OUR TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS AND PUTTING THE OVERSIGHT OF LIBRARY MATERIALS AND SCHOOL CURRICULUMS IN THE HANDS OF COMMITTEES WOULD BRING OTHERWISE EXEMPLARY PROGRAMS TO A SCREECHING HALT THROUGH GRIDLOCK AND RED TAPE. THIS WOULD DETRACT FROM THE STRESSED AND FINANCIAL EDUCATOR RESOURCES NEEDED TO RUN A TOP-TIER SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT I HOPE WE CAN MAINTAIN IN CALL VERT COUNTY. THESE CHANGES WOULD BE A STEP BACKWARDS. I'M ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE IMPACT THESE CHANGES WOULD HAVE ON THE CONCEPT OF EQUALITY IN OUR SCHOOLS. MORE SPECIFICALLY, I BELIEVE THESE EFFORTS ARE A THINLY VEILED ATTEMPT TO LIMIT ACCESS TO BOOKS AND IDEAS. THE POLICY CHANGES APPEAR TO FOCUS ON THE LIKES OF OBSCENITY AND SEXUALLY EXPLICIT MATERIAL.

THAT IS JUST A RED HERRING. IN LOOKING AT SOME OF THE UNDERLYING BEHIND THE SCENES EFFORTS AND LANGUAGE AND OTHER PARTS OF THE POLICY DOCUMENTS, I BELIEVE THIS IS REALLY AN EFFORT TO PUT IN PLACE A MORALITY POLICE FORCE AIMED AT ROLLING BACK VALUABLE ADVANCEMENT IN THE AREAS OF INCLUSION, EQUITY, PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY, AND OTHER CIVIL RIGHTS.

YOU SHOULD NOT BELIEVE THE SPONSORS AND BEHIND THE SCENES SUPPORTERS OF THIS EFFORT WHEN THEY TELL YOU THIS IS NOT THE CASE. LINTING ACCESS TO BOOKS AND IDEAS IS AKIN TO BOOK-BANNING AND SOFT CENSORSHIP.

THIS IS NOT A ROAD WE SHOULD BE TAKING IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

BY TAKING THIS ROAD, THE BOARD WOULD RISK DUMBING DOWN OUR STUDENTS. BY REDUCING STUDENT ACCESS TO DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS AND IDEAS, THERE IS EVIDENCE OUT THERE SHOWING THEY LOSE THE ABILITY TO EMPATHIZE AND UNDERSTAND.

TWO INVALUBLE TRAITS FOR FUTURE COLLEGE AND CAREER ENDEAVORS.

BOOKS AND PRINCE MATERIAL ARE AMONG THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE. ALLOWING STUDENTS TO READ BOOKS ABOUT A DIVERSE SET OF TOPICS AND IDEALS, THEY CAN FORM THEIR OWN THOUGHS AND OPINIONS. THEREBY, STRENGTHENING THEIR ASSESSMENT OF EVALUATION SKILLS IN PREPARATION FOR THEIR FUTURE LIVES. THE ANSWER IS NOT TO WALL OFF ACCESS TO BOOKS AND IDEAS. RATHER, TO EMBRACE THE VALUE OF EXPANDED ACCESS IN A STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT LIKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

PARENTS CAN READ WHAT THEIR CHILDREN-- WITH THEIR CHILDREN

[00:35:02]

IN CONCLUSION, I WOULD ASK THE BOARD TO NOT TAKE AWAY PARENTAL RIGHTS BY LIMITING ACCESS TO BOOKS AND ADVERSELY IMPACTING THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM THAT I FOUND SO VALUABLE FOR MY TWO CHILDREN WHO WENT THROUGH THE SYSTEM.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE). >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS AMY COX.

>> I SIT BEFORE YOU TODAY REPRESENTING 650 EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO SIGNED A PETITION IN SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION. ORIGINALLY WRITTEN AND UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTED BY THE CALVERT COUNTY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD. WHEREAS TEACHERS ARE PROFESSIONALS WITH ADVANCED DEGREES WHO ARE REQUIRED TO CONTINUALLY REFINE THEIR SKILLS THROUGH PROFESSIONAL DEVEL DEVELOPMENT, PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE, AND CONTENT WHOSE EXPERTISE CAN AND SHOULD BE UTILIZED WHEN DETERMINING THE CURRICULUM AND APPROPRIATE MATERIALS OF INSTRUCTION.

WHEREAS ARTICLE 18 OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CALL VERT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CALVERT COUNTY REGARDING ACADEMIC FREEDOM ACKNOWLEDGES "THE FUNDAMENTAL NEED TO PROTECT TEACHERS FROM CENSORSHIP OR RESTRAINT WHICH MIGHT INTERFERE WITH THE OBLIGATION TO PRESENT ALL SURFACE ETS, SIDES, AND/OR OPINIONS OF ALL TOPIC INTRODUCED AND SHALL STRIVE TO PROMOTE TOLERANCE FOR THE VIEWS OF OTHERS AND THE RIGHT OF INDIVIDUALS TO FORM AND WHOLE DIFFERING VIEWS AND OPINIONS." WHEREAS THIS STATES THAT "MARYLAND FAMILY LIFE AND HUMAN SEXUALITY INSTRUCTION SHALL REPRESENT ALL STUDENTS REGARDLESS OF ABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, AND GENDER EXPRESSION." AND WHEREAS THE CALVERT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS PROPOSED CHANGES AT ITS MAY 11, 2023 MEETING TO POLICY 2305 REGARDING SELECTION AND YOU PURCHASE OF MATERIALS AND INSTRUCTION AND LIBRARY TOOLS WHICH WOULD DISMANTLE THE AUTHORITY OF TEACHERS TO DELIVER INSTRUCTION IN A MANNER THEY DEEM EFFECTIVE AND APPROPRIATE. WHEREAS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS PROPOSED CHANGES AT ITS MAY 11, 2023 MEETING TO POLICY 2305 WHICH WOULD CREATE AN ONEROUS, ARBITRARY, AND POLITICIZED REVIEW BUREAUCRACY TO RESTRICT TEACHERS.

WHEREAS CAA RECOGNIZES ATTEMPTS TO DIMINISH SCHOOL SYSTEM AUTHORITY RELATED TO THE SELECTION OF CONTENT, CURRICULUM, AND MATERIALS OF INSTRUCTION, PARTICULARLY, RELATED TO HEALTH AND FAMILY EDUCATION, HAVE HISTORICALLY BEEN THINLY VEILED ATTEMPTS TO ERASE AND DISCRIMINATE AGAINST MARGINALIZED GROUPS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

THEREFORE, CEA OPPOSE IT IS CHANGES TO THE EDUCATION POLICIES 23005 AND 2315 WHICH WOULD DIMINISH ACADEMIC FREEDOM.

CEA OPPOSES CHANGES TO POLICY WHICH COULD AND CEA INTLEES INTENDED TO BE USED TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST AND ERASE VOICEVOICES FROM MARGINALIZED GS FROM SCHOOLS AND THE COMMUNITY.

THANK YOU. (APPLAUSE).

>> THANK YOU. >> WE HAVE THIS PRINTED OUT.

I WILL GIVE IT TO KAREN. WE WILL EMAIN IT TO EVERYONE.

THE FULL PETITION. >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS LEE SOUSA. IS THAT CORRECT? LYNN SOUSA. THANK YOU.

>> MY NAME IS LEN SOUSA. I HAVE THREE COMMENTS DIRECTLY RELATING TO YOUR ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT AN EFFECTIVE SYSTEM AS PROPOSED BY MS. POST. THE FIRST YOU NEED TO HAVE A CLEAR STATEMENT AS TO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND EXACTLY WHAT THE GOALS ARE OF THE EFFORTS TO CHANGE THESE POLICIES. I DON'T SEE THAT IN THE CURRENT DRAFT. SECOND, HAVE THE EXISTING LIBRARIANS IN THE CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM BEING CONSULTED ABOUT THE SYSTEM AND WHAT WOULD BE THEIR ROLES IF IT WERE TO BE ADOPTED RELATIVE TO THE NEW COMMITTEES.

MANY CURRENT CCPS LIBRARIANS ARE NOT ONLY FULLY CREDENTIALED AND HAVE WON PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS. THEY ARE HIGHLY ACCOMPLISHED PROFESSIONALLY. ABSENT THE IDENTIFICATION OF A PROBLEM, AND THE CCPS PROCUREMENT SYSTEM, THERE WOULD SEEM TO BE NO NEED TO INVENT A NEW SYSTEM FOR SCREENING EXISTING NEW MATERIALS IN THE CALVERT SCHOOL LIBRARIES.

[00:40:07]

THE THIRD PROBLEM I WOULD LIKE TO CALL TO YOUR ATTENTION IN THIS REGARD IS ONE THAT I THINK IS EVEN MORE FUNDAMENTAL THAN THE OTHER TWO. AND THAT IS THAT A RECENT ARTICLE BY THE "WASHINGTON POST" POINTED OUT THAT OUT OF 1,000 COMPLAINTS ON THE SAME TYPE OF SUBJECT MATTER FILED IN SCHOOL LIBRARIES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY, WERE FILED BY 11 PEOPLE. THAT IS CLOSE TO 90 APPEALS FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL. UNLESS SOMETHING IS DONE IN YOUR SYSTEM WITH THIS PROPOSAL, TO SCREEN APPLICATIONS, THE WHOLE SYSTEM COULD GET TOTALLY BOGGED DOWN WITH REPEATED COMPLAINTS, ESPECIALLY SINCE THIS PROPOSAL ALLOWS UP TO THREE APPEALS FOR THE DECISIONS MADE BY THE COMMITTEES THAT ARE ESTABLISHED.

I STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO ENCOURAGE MS. POST TO PROVIDE MORE DETAILS ON THESE PRACTICAL MATTERS THAT WILL BE ESSENTIAL FOR AN EFFICIENTLY OPERATING SYSTEM TO SCREEN THE BOOKS AND OTHER MATERIALS GOING TO THE LIBRARIES OF CALVERT PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. (APPLAUSE).

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER, MARY BOCKERS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYBODY. DR. TOWNSEL, PRESIDENT CLAGGETT, BOARD MEMBERS, I APPRECIATE THAT OUR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS ARE POSTED AND THAT PUBLIC COMMENT IS WELCOMED.

CIVIL DISCOURSE IS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF SOCIETY TO ENHANCE LEARNING AND SOLVE PROBLEMS. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION PROVIDES REASONABLE GUIDELINES FOR CIVIL DISCOURSE.

FOR EXAMPLE, NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS OF STUDENTS AND STAFF MEMBERS SHOULD NOT BE MENTIONED.

I'M WONDERING IF THOSE GUIDELINES COULD BE EXTENDED TO ALSO NOT MENTION NAMES OF CALVERT COUNTY CITIZENS IF THEY ARE NOT PRESENT IN THE ROOM DURING MEETINGS.

THAT SEEMS FAIR. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SUGGEST THAT AS WE LISTEN TO PEOPLE'S COMMENTS, THAT WE KEEP THIS THOUGHT IN MIND. THE WELLNESS OF MINORS, I DO BELIEVE, IS OUR MUTUAL GOAL. ADMITTEDLY, I DON'T THINK I UNDERSTAND THE COMPLETENESS OF THE POLICY TO 2305, AND 215.

THEY SEEM TO BE THE ONES GETTING A LOT OF REACTION.

I THINK THERE IS SOME MISUNDERSTANDING, AND I HOPE WE CAN CLEAR IT UP. BECAUSE I REALLY, REALLY WANT US TO TRY TO FOCUS ON THE FACT THAT WE HAVE A MUTUAL GOAL IN MIND.

THE WELLNESS OF MINORS. WE SET GUIDELINES FOR ALL KINDS OF THINGS. PARKS AND REC SPORTS TEAMS, DRIVER'S LICENSE, VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY, ALSO HAS A RATING SYSTEM TO PREVENT CHILDREN FROM PLAYING GAMES WHICH CONTAIN INAPPROPRIATE MATERIAL AND VIOLENCE.

F BACK WHEN-- I DON'T KNOW IF IT STILL HAPPENS, THE 7-11 USED TO SELL ADULT MAGAZINES, LIKE PLAYBOY AND HUSTLER.

AND I.D.S NEEDED TO BE PRESENTED TO PURCHASE SUCH MATERIALS.

SO I'M SIMPLY SAYING THAT I WANT OUR SCHOOLS TO BE A SAFE PLACE WHERE OUR STUDENTS CAN COME AND LEARN, AND I THINK WE ALL WANT THAT. IT IS OUR JOB AS ADULTS TO PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT. I JUST-- I JUST THINK THAT SINCE WE HAVE GUIDELINES AND OTHER THINGS THAT, TO HAVE GUIDELINES IN PLACE FOR THE CHILDREN THAT ARE MINORS IN OUR SCHOOLS FOR BOOKS TO CHECK OUT-- AND I KNOW IT IS COMPLICATED.

YOU KNOW? IF WE ARE LISTENING TO WHAT THAT FIRST WOMAN READ, I DON'T SEE HOW THAT IS APPROPRIATE IN ANY OF OUR SCHOOLS. I DOESN'T MATTER WHAT THE BACKGROUND OF THE INDIVIDUAL IS. IT IS JUST TOO MUCH.

WE LIVE IN AN AGE WHERE THERE IS TOO MUCH INFORMATION.

ANYWAY, I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE BY SAYING THAT I JUST REALLY WANT US TO FOCUS ON THE WELLNESS OF MINORS.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE). >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS MELANIE

SANCHEZ. >> GREETINGS, DR. TOWNSEL AND

[00:45:02]

I'M HERE TO DISCUSS THE LIBRARY POLICIES.

I'M THE LIBRARIAN AT MOUNT HOLLY ELEMENTARY.

THIS PAST YEAR, OUR KIDS CHECKED OUT OVER 22,000 BOOKS.

WE CAN COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THEY ARE READERS.

I'M SO PROUD OF THEM. (APPLAUSE) I'M HERE ON THE SUMMER BREAK FOR EACH OF THEM. THERE ARE THREE THINGS THAT MIGHT HELP US WORK THROUGH THESE POLICIES.

THE FIRST ONE IS I REALLY STRONGABLY BELIEVE WE NEED TO BUILD BRIDGES BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL.

CHILDREN NEED A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT.

I HAVE 7 VOLUNTEERS THAT PUT IN 40-PLUS HOURS PER WEEK ON A REGULAR BASIS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR EVERY SINGLE CHILD AT MY SCHOOL. I LOVE THAT THESE COMMUNITY MEMBERS TAKE A SUPER IMPORTANT ROLE TO CREATE A STELLAR LIBRARY PROGRAM. THEY ARE A HUGE PART OF THAT.

THE SECOND THING, AFTERBUILDING BRIDGES IS I THINK WE NEED TO USE TOOLS. LIBRARIANS AND DESTINY ARE YOUR FRIEND. WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN CHOOSE GOOD BOOKS AND SO THAT PARENTS CAN THEN KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE READING.

I WOULD BE THRILLED IF PARENTS SHOWED THAT INTEREST.

I'M HERE TO SUPPORT JUST THAT. NUMBER THREE.

EDUCATION. CHILDREN KNOW HOW TO PICK JUST RIGHT BOOKS. I WANT TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY MEMBERS SO THEY UNDERSTAND HOW WE DO JUST THAT.

INSTEAD OF JUST HANDING OUR KIDS BOOKS, WE TEACH THEM HOW TO FISH. THAT HELPS THEM TO READ EXPONENTIALLY. THE PROPOSED POLICY STATES THAT LIBRARIANS READ EVERY BOOK THAT THEY CURE RATE.

I'M GOING TO ASK YOU. DO YOU READ EVERY EMAIL YOU RECEIVE? I KNOW I STRUGGLE.

I FEEL AS THOUGH-- IF I CAN'T KEEP UP WITH EMAILS, CERTAINLY, A POLICY LIKE THAT IS NOT FEASIBLE.

I HAVE GOOD NEWS. LIBRARIES KNOW HOW TO CURATE COLLECTIONS. THE POLICY IS INTENSE AND REWARDING. WE HAVE A STUDENT-CENTERED LIBRARY. I'M SO PROUD OF HOW OUR STUDENTS TAKE THE LEADERSHIP ROLE. THEY HELP BUILD THE COLLECTION.

ALL OF THE STUDENTS RATE BOOKS, PROVIDE FEEDBACK, EVEN KINDERGARTEN DOES JUST THAT. I START EVERY YEAR WITH STUDENT RECOMMENDATIONS. WE BUILD ON THIS LIST ALL YEAR LONG. IF YOU THINK THAT KIDS ARE PICKY EATERS, THEY ARE EVEN MORE PICKY WHEN IT COMES TO PICKING GOOD BOOKS. I LOVE IT WHEN THEY TELL ME A BOOK IS NOT FOR THEM. OUR BOOK CLUB AMBASSADORS, I HAVE ONE IN THIS ROOM RIGHT NOW, ARE ACCOUNTABLE FOR RECOMMENDING AND REVIEWING THE BEST BOOKS IN THE STATE.

AND THEY DO THIS FOR OUR YOUNGER STUDENTS.

I WANT YOU TO HEAR THEIR CONVERSATIONS THEY BATTLE OVER WHETHER A BOOK IS GOOD ENOUGH OR NOT FOR ONE OF THEIR YOUNGER PEERS. CAN YOU PLEASE, PLEASE STREAMLINE YOUR POLICY SO IT DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE AND APPLICATION OF THE BEST LIBRARY PROGRAM POSSIBLE BASED ON NATIONAL STANDARDS BECAUSE WE NEED TO KEEP INSPIRING OUR STUDENTS TO READ. I WANT YOU TO COME AND VISIT.

I WANT YOU TO BE IN OUR ELEMENTARY LIE BRAIRS, AND OUR HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES. FEET ON THE GROUND.

THANK YOU. PLEASE COME AND SEE THE MAGIC THAT HAPPENS. ASK OUR KIDS.

THEY WILL TELL YOU. >> THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE). >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS DONNA

ASTENSO. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS DONNA ASTENSO. I'M AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLTEACHER, PRESIDENT OF THE CALVERT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AND A CALLER HAVE COUNTY EMPLOYEE FOR OVER 30 YEARS.

I COME BEFORE YOU TODAY TO SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON SEVERAL ISSUES. CAA BELIEVES EVERY PARENT HAS THE RIGHT TO DECIDE WHAT THEIR CHILD READS.

CEA DOES NOT NEED TO ADVOCATE FOR THIS BECAUSE WE ALREADY HAVE AN ON-LINE SYSTEM IN PLACE THAT ALLOWS A PARENT AND CHILD TO GO INTO DESTINY LIBRARY CATALOG BEFORE A LIBRARY VISIT AND CREATE A READING LIST TOGETHER BASED ON THE CHILD'S INTERESTS.

THE PARENT CAN LIMIT WHAT THEY WANT THEIR CHILD TO READ.

IF THEY HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT CERTAIN CONTENT.

AND IF A PARENT DOES HAVE A CONCERN, THEY SHOULD REACH OUT TO THE LIBRARIAN IN THEIR CHILD'S SCHOOL.

THEY ARE THE PROFESSIONALS IN THIS FIELD.

I DO NOT BELIEVE I HAVE THE RIGHT TO RAISE OTHER PEOPLE'S CHILDREN. I WANT TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS, AND READING SPECIALISTS TO BE ABLE TO DO THE JOBS THEY ARE TRAINED TO DO. THE CURRENT CCPS POLICY AND PROCEDURES THAT ARE IN PLACE HAVE A ROBUST SELECTION CRITERIA. CERTIFIED SCHOOL LIBRARIANS CHOOSE BOOKS FOR THEIR SCHOOL COMMUNITY BASED ON THE CRITERIA IN THE PROCEDURES. IF PARENTS, STUDENTS, OR STAFF THINK CERTAIN BOOKS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE, FOR THEIR CHILD, I WANT THE PROCEDURES THAT ARE ALREADY IN PLACE THROUGH THE

[00:50:02]

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO THE ELECTED BOARD, I THINK THERE IS SOME CONFUSION AMONGST THE BOARD ABOUT WHAT IS CONSIDERED POLICY VERSUS PROCEDURES. AND WHAT THEIR ROLE IS IN CREATING THESE DOCUMENTS. IT IS THE JOB OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO VOTE ON POLICY, BUT IT IS A TEAM OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS WHO WRITE THE PROCEDURES.

THE PROPOSED CHANGES TO POLICY NUMBER 2305 AND NUMBER 2315 DO NOT BELONG IN A POLICY. THEY ARE STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS, CHECKLISTS, OR PROCESS STEPS THAT NEED TO BE FOLLOWED, AND THEY ARE FOUND IN THE PROCEDURES.

A DOCUMENT THAT IS CREATED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT AND HIS TEAM OF EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONALS. CEA HAS NOT, NOR WILL WE EVER MAKE A PETITION AGAINST PARENTAL RIGHTS.

CEA WILL SUPPORT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES THAT PROTECT EDUCATOR AUTONOMY, ACADEMIC FREEDOM, AND MEMBERS OF OUR MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES. THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE). >> THANK YOU.

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS ERIN FAIR.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. BOARD MEMBERS AND SUPERINTENDENT TOWNSEL. MY NAME IS ERIN FRERE.

I HAVE E-MAILED YOU MY PROFESSIONAL VIEWS OF THIS POLICY, BUT I AM HERE THIS AFTERNOON AS A MOTHER OF TWO CHILDREN AT WINDY HILL ELEMENTARY.

EARLIER THIS SCHOOL YEAR, MY DAUGHTER WAS GOING THROUGH A ROUGH TIME AT SCHOOL. HER FATHER AND I WERE WORKING WWITH THE SCHOOL'S ADMINISTRATIN TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE.

MY DAUGHTER WAS STRESSED, SAD, AND CONFUSED.

DURING THAT TIME, MY DAUGHTER'S ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PULLED HER ASIDE AND TOLD HER THERE WAS A BOOK IN THE LIBRARY THAT MY DAUGHTER SHOULD READ. MY DAUGHTER LOVED TO READ.

SHE EAGERLY DOVE INTO THE BOOK. IN THAT BOOK, SHE FOUND A GIRL WHO WAS GOING THROUGH A ROUGH TIME AT SCHOOL.

THE BOOK GAVE MY DAUGHTER A CONNECTION IN A TIME WHEN SHE FELT ALONE. A FEW DAYS LATER, MY DAUGHTER'S WONDERFUL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PULLED HER ASIDE TO TALK ABOUT THE BOOK. I WAS SO GRATEFUL THAT MY DAUGHTER HAD A CARING ADULT WHO KNEW JUST THE RIGHT BOOK TO PUT IN HER HANDS AT THAT DIFFICULT TIME.

THE ROUGH TIME PASSED. MY DAUGHTER CONTINUED TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR. BUT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, SHE WOULD BRING UP FROM TIME TO TIME HOW GLAD SHE WAS THAT SHE HAD READ THAT BOOK AND HOW NICE IT WAS THAT HER ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL SUGGESTED THAT BOOK FOR HER. MY DAUGHTER WAS THE BENEFICIARY OF THE RIGHT BOOK AT THE RIGHT TIME WITH THE RIGHT ADULT.

THE CONFLICT CAUSING MY DAUGHTER STRESS WOULD HAVE RESOLVED WITHOUT THE BOOK, BUT GOD, AM I GLAD AS HER MOTHER THAT THERE WAS A CARING ADULT WHO WAS THERE AT THE RIGHT TIME WITH THE RIGHT BOOK. AS I READ THROUGH POLICY 2305 AND 2315, I FOUND MYSELF THINKING BACK TO THIS PERSONAL MOMENT. WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THE RIGHT ADULT WITH THE RIGHT BOOK WAS NOT THERE BECAUSE THE RIGHT BOOK WAS HELD UP IN A COMMITTEE WAITING FOR A TRAUMA SPECIALIST TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE? WHAT IF MY CHILD WASN'T ABLE TO READ THIS BOOK BECAUSE SOME PARENT WHO DOESN'T KNOW MY CHILD NOR WHAT SHE IS EXPERIENCING HAD BLOCKED THAT BOOK FROM GETTING INTO HER HANDS? HER? WHAT IF THE NEXT TIME SHE IS IN CRISIS SHE CAN'T ACCESS THE RIGHT BOOK AT THE RIGHT TIME. PARENTS HAVE ALWAYS HAD THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO LET THEIR CHILD READ A BOOK.

I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ONLY A FEW TIMES BECAUSE MOST PARENTS UNDERSTAND THAT THEIR CHILD BENEFITS FROM READING BOOKS, EVEN CONTROVERSIAL BOOKS WITH THE RIGHT ADULT AT THE RIGHT TIME. PUTTING LIBRARY BOOKS BEHIND UNNECESSARY COMMITTEES WILL KEEP ALL BOOKS FROM REACHING CHILDREN. INCLUDING THE CHILDREN WHO ARE IN CRISIS AND NEED THAT CONNECTION AT THAT MOMENT.

ALL OF THE ADULTS IN OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE.

DO WE WANT TO BE THE RIGHT ADULT WITH THE RIGHT BOOK AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR A STRUGGLING CHILD? DO WE WANT TO BE AN OBSTRUCTIONIST WIELDING POLICY TO HARM CHILDREN? I HOPE YOU ALL WANT TO BE THE FORMER AND NOT THE LATTER.

PLEASE VOTE AGAINST THIS HARMFUL AND UNNECESSARY POLICY.

THANK YOU. (APPLAUSE).

>> THANK YOU. >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS JENNIFER STURNLG. JENNIFER STURGE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND DR. TOWNSEL. I'M SPEAKING TODAY AS A SCHOOL LIBRARIAN AND A PROFESSOR OF LIBRARY SCIENCE.

I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE ABOUT THE CONTENT OF SCHOOL LIBRARIES UNFOLD IN OUR COUNTY. I HAVE FOUND IT TO BE DEEPLY HEARTBREAKING AND DISTURBING. A FEW PEOPLE ARE USING SENTENCES OUT OF WELL-KNOWN AWARD-WINNING AND WELL-REVIEWED BOOKS TO

[00:55:01]

THE SAME PEOPLE ARE COMING TO THE BOARD MEETINGS AND READING PASSAGES COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTEXT AND WITHOUT REGARD TO THE INTENT OF THE BOOK. AND THAT SADDENS ME GREATLY.

IT IS DONE TO SHOCK. AS JOHN GREEN, THE AUTHOR OF LOOKING FOR ALASKA AND MANY OTHER BOOKS FOR TEENS STATES, TEXT IS MEANINGLESS WITHOUT CONTEXT.

AS A PROFESSOR OF CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG ADULT IT WILL RA YOU ARETURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, I TEACH ABOUT THE POWER OF THE RIGHT BOOK AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS. BOOKS CAN SAFELY TEACH ABOUT THE WORLD AROUND US AND SOMETIMES THE WORLD AROUND US CONTAINS TRAUMA. BOOKS CAN TEACH ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS THAT ARE HEALTHY AND ONE THAT IS ARE NOT.

BOOKS CAN TEACH US ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS OR BOOKS CAN TEACH US ABOUT MAKING MISTAKES GROWING UP, FALLING IN LOVE, AND LEARNING FROM OTHERS. BOOKS CAN TEACH US TO FIND JOY IN THE WORLD, BOOKS CAN TEACH US TO BE MORE EMPATHETIC PEOPLE AND BEDENYING THE INCLUSION OF STORIES THAT HAVE CHARACTERS WHO ARE LGBGQT PLUS AND SAYING THEY ARE OBSCENE, THAT IS NEVER THE RIGHT THING TO DO. PERHAPS THEY SHOULD READ ABOUT OTHERS WHO HAVE STORIES AND LIFE EXPERIENCE THAT IS ARE DIFFERENT FROM THEIR OWN AND DEVELOP EMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING.

THAT WOULD TAKE AWAY THE OUTRAGE DISPLAYED ABOUT CERTAIN TITLES.

PARENTS ABSOLUTELY CAN AND SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN WHAT THEIR CHILD IS READING. AS A LIBRARIAN, I WANT YOU TO BE INVOLVED IN WHAT YOUR CHILD IS READING.

LIMIT WHAT YOUR CHILD CAN READ. DON'T LIMIT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS TO CHOOSE FOR THEIR OWN CHILD. LIBRARY BOOKS ARE NOT REQUIRED READING. NOR ARE THEY PART OF THE CURRICULUM. FOR THOSE WHO USE THE ARGUMENT JUST GO TO THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OR BUY IT ON AMAZON, SOMETIMES THE SCHOOL LIBRARY IS THE ONLY ACCESS.

FINALLY, THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES THAT WE HAVE IN PLACE WORK. THEY ARE NOT BROKEN.

SCHOOL SYSTEMS SHOULD NOT CHANGE THE ENTIRE POLICY BASED ON A FEW SHOCKING SENTENCES TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT.

PLEASE VOTE NO. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS JACOB

GERTING. >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

MY NAME IS YEA COB GERTING. I'M A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL LIBRARIANS. I WAS ALSO A FINALIST FOR MARYLAND SCHOOL LIBRARIAN OF THE YEAR FOR 2023.

I'M HERE TODAY TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST THE APPALLING CHANGES BEING PROPOSED TO BOARD POLICY 2305 AND 2315.

AS A TRAINED LIBRARIAN, I TAKE ISSUE WITH SEVERAL OF THESE PROPOSED CHANGES, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE CURRENT POLICY IS A RESEARCH-BASED BEST PRACTICE THAT EXISTS IN MOST SCHOOL DISTRICTS NATIONALLY. FIRST, THERE ARE POTENTIAL CONCERNS WITH THE MAKEUP OF THE STANDING COMMITTEES THESE CHANGES WOULD CREATE. IT IS A COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LIBRARY BOOKS AND MATERIALS, BUT ONLY TWO LIBRARIANS ARE ON THE TEAM. WHAT A SLAP IN THE FACE.

ADDITIONALLY, SOME OF THE RANDOMLY SELECTED COMMITTEE MEMBERS HAVE NO RELEVANT TRAINING OR BACKGROUND WHICH SUGGESTS THAT THE PURPOSE OF THEIR INCLUSION IS TO INSERT A VIEWPOINT-BASED AGENDA INTO THE PROCESS.

ALSO HOW ARE COMMUNITY MEMBERS GOING TO KEEP A FULL AGENDA OF READING WHILE STILL WORKING FULL-TIME? IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. IT IS LUNACY.

SECONDLY, WHILE YOU SUGGEST THAT THESE COMMITTEES ARE MANDATED BY KOMAR, I FOUND NO REQUIREMENT IN THE CODE FOR THIS COMMITTEE TO EVEN EXIST. MUCH LESS FOR REVIEW OF LIBRARIAN MATERIALS TO FALL UNDER ITS PURVIEW.

ABSOLUTELY APPALLING. THE CLAIM IS THAT IT IS NECESSARY PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION OF CODE IS DUBIOUS AT BEST, AND DECEITFUL AT WORST. AND JUST MORE EVIDENCE OF AN AGENDA BEING FORCED DOWN PEOPLE'S THROATS.

STUDENTS AND FAMILIES SHOULD BE APPALLED.

THIRD, IN SECTION 3B4, OF POLICY 2305, THE AMERICAN LIBRAR ASSOCIATION INSERTS A POLICY MISREPRESENTS THE PLAN OF ITS AUTHOR. WHICH IS THAT PARENTS CAN GUIDE THEIR OWN CHILDREN'S READING. I FIND IT CONVENIENT THAT YOU LEFT OUT AND CHERRY-PICKED FROM THAT QUOTE.

TO USE IT IN A WAY YOU DO TO AVOW THE COLLECTION TO BECOME A REFLECTION OF THE PERSONAL VALUES OF ONE GROUP OF PEOPLE IS TRAGIC. YOU TAKE POWER AWAY FROM PARENTS CHILDREN ABOUT WHAT THEY DO AND DO NOT VALUE.

AS WELL AS RESTRICT CHOICES FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES THAT WOULD LIKE TO ACCESS THE MATERIALS THAT ARE DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR AGE. EVEN IF THEY ARE NOT YET IN HIGH

[01:00:02]

AS I LOOK BACK ON HUMAN HISTORY, PEOPLE WHO SEEK TO VIOLATE THE CIVIL LIBERTIES OF OTHERS AND TAKE AWAY THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS OF PARENTS TO RAISE CHAIR CHILDREN NEVER UP UP END UP ON

THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY. >> THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE). >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS MELISSA GAYSHORN. GAWSHORHN.

>> HI. I'M THE MOTHER TO TWO CHILDREN IN CCPS. I'M HERE TODAY TO SPEAK IN SUPPORT OF POLICIES 2305 AND 2315.

IN OPPOSITION TO POLICY 3170. YOU HAVE MY DETAILED COMMENTS IN I WILL START BY FORMALLY THANKING JANEA POST.

YOU SAID YOU WOULD BE A VOICE FOR THE PARENTS.

YOU ARE TRYING TO RESTORE SOME PARENTAL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION.

REGARDING POLICY 2305, I WANT TO ADDRESS TWO OF THE CONCERNS I HAVE BEEN BEEN MADE AWARE OF. THERE SEEMS TO BE CONCERN THAT THIS POLICY WILL BAN ALL LGBTQ PLUS BOOKS.

UNFORTUNATELY, IT IS A SAD REALITY THAT A LOT OF THE BOOKS THAT HAVE LGBQT CONTENT IN THEM ARE SEXUALLY EXPLICIT.

IT IS UNFAIR TO THE COMMUNITY THAT HIGH-QUALITY BOOKS AREN'T BEING WRITTEN AND PUBLISHED TO REPRESENT THEM.

THE COMMUNITY IS IS ABOUT MORE THAN SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS.

ESPECIALLY SINCE ASCENSION WALL PEOPLE HAVE A LOWER INTEREST IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY ALTOGETHER. I RECOMMEND YOUR GROUP ADVOCATE TO PUBLISHERS AND AUTHORS TO FOCUS ON WRITING HIGH-QUALITY CONTENT FOR LGBTQ PLUS YOUTH. MANY LIBRARIANS ARE UPSET THAT THE POLICY STATES LIBRARIANS OR EDUCATORS HAVE TO READ THE BOOKS BEFORE MAKING THEM AVAILABLE. I WAS SURPRISED TO LEARN BY MY DAWGHT'S LIBRARIAN THAT OUR LIBRARIANS DON'T READ THE BOOKS BEFORE MAKING THEM AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS.

I ASSUMED THAT WAS A RESPONSIBILITY OF A LIBRARIAN.

TO MAKE SURE THAT THE BOOKS WERE AGE-APPROPRIATE, ALIGNED WITH THE COMMUNITY'S VALUES, AND THE SCHOOL'S EDUCATIONAL GOALS.

IF A CCPS STAFF MEMBER ISN'T READING A BOOK, HOW CAN THEY PROPERLY ASSESS THE CONTENT, INCLUDING THEMES, LANGUAGE AND POTENTIALLY SENSITIVE OR CONTROVERSIAL MATERIAL? HOW ARE THEY MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS ON BOOKS FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS? IN TODAY'S WORLD, WE HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT ANYONE CAN WRITE AND PUBLISH A BOOK.

IF A SERIAL KILLER WROTE A BOOK, A MEMOIR ABOUT THEIR LIFE AND THE EXCITEMENT THEY GOT WHEN THEY KILLED ANOTHER, WOULD WE MAKE THAT AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS? WOULD WE WANT TO MAKE BOOKS IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY THAT IS ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO BECOME SCHOOL SHOOTERS SIMPLY BECAUSE SOMEONE WROTE ABOUT STHIT IT HS LEFT ME CONFUSED. I HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF TAKING A BOOK OUT OF CONTEXT, NOT SHOWING THE THEMES OR THE LITERARY VALE THESE SEXUALLY EXPLICIT BOOKS MAY POSSESS.

WE HAVE TO STOP THE BANNING BOOK TALK.

WE NEED TO FOCUS ON THE REALITY THAT NOT EVERYTHING WRITTEN IS APPROPRIATE FOR MINOR CHILDREN AND NOT EVERYTHING WRITTEN HAS EDUCATIONAL VALUE. IF CCPS WANTS TO EXCEED THE BAR AND RAISE THE BAR, WE CANNOT SIMPLY RELY ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF OTHERS TO DETERMINE WHAT IS CONSIDERED HIGH-QUALITY CONTENT FOR OUR STUDENTS.

WE ARE LIVING IN A DIVISIVE AND BROKEN SOCIETY.

THE JOB OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IS TO EDUCATE STUDENTS.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS RHONDA >> HI.

THANK YOU FOR LETTING ALL OF US SPEAK.

THE BOARD MEMBERS. MY NAME IS RHONDA KAZER.

I AM A RESIDENT OF THIS COUNTY, AND I WAS AN ESL TEACHER FOR OVER 34 YEARS IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, VIRGINIA, AND IN MARYLAND. SO I COME FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF WORKING WITH OTHER PARENTS FROM OTHER BACKGROUNDS.

YOU KNOW, AND RELIGIOUS GROUPS. SO WHEN I SPEAK WITH THEM ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, A LOT OF THEM HAVE A VERY HARD TIME WRAPPING THEIR HEAD AROUND SEXUALLY EXPLICIT BOOKS NO MATTER WHAT THE AGE. IT IS JUST NOT PERMITTED IN

[01:05:03]

THEY HAVE COME TOO THIS COUNTRY FEELING-- AND HOPING THAT THEIR CHILDREN, ESPECIALLY GIRLS, WILL GET AN EDUCATION.

THEY JUST FIND ALL OF THIS TALK ABOUT INAPPROPRIATE BOOKS VERY APPALLING. I GUESS I'M HERE SPEAKING FOR THEM. I'M ALSO GOING TO READ SOMETHING THAT WAS-- I'M GOING TO READ THIS.

OKAY. SO SEVERAL PIECES OF MISINFORMATION SURROUNDING POLICY 2305.

I'M FOR THE POLICIES 2305 AND 2315.

REGARDING THE LIBRARY MATERIALS. FIRST, THIS IS NOT AN ANTI-LGBTQ POLICY. THERE ARE PLENTY OF BOOKS WITH GAY CHARACTERS THAT ARE NOT SEXUALLY EXPLICIT AND THEREFORE, NOT SUBJECT TO AN EXPLICIT LABEL OR REMOVAL.

CONVERSELY, THERE ARE MULTIPLE SEXUALLY EXPLICIT BOOKS THAT ARE HETERO-NORMATIVE WHICH WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE REVISIONS O'THIS POLICY. THERE IS NO NEED TO CON LATE IN THE TWO. THIS POLICY APPLIES TO EXPLICIT CONTENT AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE.

WE DON'T NEED TO HAVE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HIDDEN MOTIVE WHERE EVERYONE ASSUMES THE WORST ABOUT THE OTHER POLICY.

ABOUT THE OTHER PARTY. READ THE POLICY.

ASSESS THE STATED GOALS AND INTENTIONS AND DETERMINE IF THE OUTCOME HAS BEEN ACHIEVED. IF NOT, WHAT CAN BE ADJUSTED TO ACHIEVE THE STATED PURPOSE WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF DISRUPTION TO CURRENT STAFF AND IN A COST-EFFECTIVE WAY.

JANA POST HAS ALREADY STATED SHE WELCOMES ALL INPUT.

AND IT MATTERS. FOCUS ON CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK IN LIEU OF NAME-CALLING AND THE ASSUMPTIONS AND NEFARIOUS INTENT. NEXT, ASSESSING AGE-APP AGE-APPROPRIATENESS IS NOT BOOK-BANNING.

AGE-APPROPRIATENESS SEEKS TO ENSURE THAT IT IS-- THAT READERS CAN ENGAGE WITH CONTENT IN A MEANINGFUL WAY WITHOUT ENCOUNTERING OVERLY COMPLEX MATERIALS AND ADULT THINGS, INCLUDING EXPLICIT LANGUAGE, SEXUAL ENCOUNTERS OR EXTREME VIOLENCE. THIS POLICY SEEKS TO KEEP MEDIA CONTENT FOR ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE-SCHOOLERS IN STEP WITH CURRENT FAMILY LIFE AND HUMAN SEXUALITY CURRICULUM.

FOR HIGH-SCHOOLERS, SEXUALLY EXPLICIT CONTENT IS ALLOWED BUT MUST BE MARKED AS SUCH. REQUIRING PARENTAL CONSENT.

EVEN IN HIGH SCHOOL, WE HAVE MATURITY GAPS AND NEURODIVERSITY. CERTAIN CONTENT WITHOUT DISCUSSION OR OVERSIGHT COULD BE OF GREATER CONSEQUENCE.

>> EXCUSE ME, MA'AM. YOUR TIME HAS EXPIRED.

IF YOU WOULD FINISH YOUR SENTENCE.

THANK YOU. >> BASICALLY, THE GOAL IS HERE TO WORK TOGETHER TO ACHIEVE THE BEST RESPONSE TO OUR DIVERSE POPULATION. WE SHOULD NEVER VIEW THINGS IN

LIGHT -- >> MA'AM, PLEASE FINALIZE YOUR

SENTENCE. >> FIRST OF ALL, LOOK, THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WE ARE SO FAR...

>> MA'AM, YOUR TIME HAS EXPIRED PLEASE FINISH YOUR SENTENCE.

>> WELL, THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THE UNITED STATES CONTINUES TO BE GROSSLY BEHIND THE REST OF THE WORLD.

BECAUSE OF THIS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS CRYSTAL

ARTHUR. >> MY NAME IS CRYSTAL ARTHUR.

I'M A SIXTH-GRADE SCIENCE TEACHER AT WINDY HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AT CCPS.

I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT WHATEVER BOOK MY CHILD CAN CHECK OUT AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO SO IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL. CCPS MEDIA SPECIALISTS DO READ AND PREVIEW THE BOOKS THAT ARE IN THEIR LIBRARIES.

SO THAT WAS AN UNTRUTH THAT WAS SAID.

I WELCOME OPEN CONVERSATION ABOUT TABOO TOPICS IN THE HOPE WITH MY CHILDREN THAT THEY WILL DEVELOP INTO WELL-ROUNDED INDIVIDUALS AND SUCCESSFUL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.

I AM AGAINST THE CHANGES TO POLICY TO 2305.

BUT THIS IS NOT ACTUALLY WHY I'M HERE.

YOU GUYS GET A LITTLE BIT OF A BREAK.

I WANT TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFFING PLAN AND ASK THAT WE CHANGE THE NUMBER OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS PER THE NUMBER OF STUDENT POPULATION.

WHY ARE THE NUMBER OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS FOR EACH SCHOOL BASED ON A POPULATION THEY DO NOT NEBRASKA IS IT IS ONE TO EVERY 175 STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOL IS HOW MANY ALLOTTED TEACHERS. SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS FOR EACH SCHOOL. IF THAT MAKES ANY SENSE.

WHICH I'M NOT SURE IT DOES. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE RATIO SHOULD BE, BUT I DO KNOW IN A SELF-CONTAINED CLASSROOM, THERE IS AN ALLOTTED MAXIMUM OF EIGHT TO TEN SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS PER SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER.

ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE STATEMENT IN THE STAFF PLAN, "THE FOLLOWING TASKS ARE UNIQUE TO SPECIAL EDUCATION AND CONSUME

[01:10:03]

TO NAME SOME. ARE WE ASKING SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS TO WORK FOR FREE? MY INTERPRETATION OF CONSUMED TIME BEYOND THAT WHICH IS ALLOTTED MEANS THAT YOU ARE ASKING TEACHERS TO DO WORK FOR FREE ON THEIR OWN TIME.

GID YOU KNOW-- DID YOU KNOW ALSO ABOUT MCIE? A MARYLAND COALITION FOR INCLUES I EDUCATION.

I'M ALL FOR INCLUSION. DO NOT GET ME WRONG.

I WELCOME THESE STUDENTS INTO MY CLASSROOM.

I HAVE FOR 15 YEARS. BUT THIS SAYS ON THEIR WEBSITE, THAT CCPS HAS BEEN THEIR PROJECT SINCE 2016.

THE INITIATIVE TO PUT ALL SPECIAL EDUCATION KIDS INTO THE CLASSROOM, WHETHER IT IS BEST FOR THEM OR NOT.

ALTHOUGH NOT FULLY IMPLEMENTED AND HAD GOOD INTENTIONS, I ASK YOU TO LOOK INTO THE SUCCESS RATES OF THE PROGRAM AND SEEK OUT DATA AND INFORMATION TO SUPPORT THE EMIMPLEMENTATION BECAUSE I HAVE NOT FOUND ANY. I JUST WANT TO POINT OUT THAT I FEEL LIKE WE ARE A PROJECT. WE ARE AN EXPERIMENT.

WE ARE GUINEA PIGS. >> MS. ARTHUR, YOUR TIME HAS EXPIRED. PLEASE FINISH YOUR SENTENCE THANK YOU. (APPLAUSE).

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS JAMES ARTHUR.

>> HELLO, BOARD OF ED, DR. TOWNSEL.

I, JAMES, ARTHUR, DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC. TRUTH, FAITH, AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME. I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME. ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE.

I TOOK THIS SACRED OATH ON JULY 1, 2003.

OUR SCHOOLS ARE UNDER ATTACK. THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO PUT IN PLACE POLICY THAT IS VIOLATE MY CHILDREN AND OTHER STUDENTS AND CCPS FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS AS GUARANTEED BY THE CONSTITUTION.

THE SUPREME COURT HAS STATED THAT THE RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH ALSO INCLUDES THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE INFORMATION IN BOOKS.

AND THE BOARD OF ED-- THE POLICY 2305 DOESN'T COME OUT AND INSTEAD IT CREATES DEATH BY COMMITTEE.

THE BOOKS DON'T HAVE TO BE DIRECTLY BANNED.

INSTEAD, THEY WILL BE SENT THROUGH UP TO 28 COMMITTEES SO THAT LITTLE BY LITTLE, UNTIL ITEM 3G, 43, LIBRARY MATERIAL WILL BE REMOVED FROM ALL CCPS SCHOOLS.

INCLUDING POLICY 2315. 293 PEOPLE ARE NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT THE PROPOSED COMMITTEES.

107 SCHOOL EMPLOYEES. 87 OUTSIDE SPECIALISTS.

99 PARENTS. YOU CAN'T GET THAT MANY TO VOLUNTEER FOR, LIKE, FOOTBALL GAMES.

COMBINE THAT WITH THE REVIEW TIME REQUIREMENTS, THE REVIEW TIME FRAME REQUIREMENTS. THESE POLICIES QUICKLY SPIRAL OUT OF CONTROL, CONSUME A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF WHAT IS BUDGETED FOR EDGE EDUCATING OUR STUDENTS AND SHIFT IT TO COMMITTEES, OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS, AND LAWYERS.

THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE HAS ALREADY STARTED INVESTIGATIONS AND LAWSUITS AGAINST DISTRICTS THAT ARE REMOVING BOOKS FROM THE SHELVES. HOW MUCH MONEY WILL NEED TO BE SET ASIDE FOR LAWYERS WHEN THE INEVITABLE LAWSUITS DUE TO THIS RADICALIZED POLITICAL AGENDA? WILL THIS FORCE THE SCHOOL SYSTEM TO EITHER ELIMINATE LIBRARIES OR SEVERELY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF BOOKS AVAILABLE? THE LIBRARIES HAVE EARNED CCPS NATIONAL RECOGNITION. WILL SLOWLY DIE THROUGH COMMITTEE. IF THIS IS APPROVED, WHAT IS STOPPING SIMILAR POLICIES FROM SPREADING TO OTHER AREAS IN CCPS? SLOWLY KILLING THE AMAZING SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT MANY OF US HERE HAVE GROWN UP IN.

FROM WHAT I CAN TELL SO FAR, THE MARYLAND CHAPTER HEAD OF A LAS

VEGAS-BASED ORGANIZATION THAT -- >> MR. ARTHUR, THAT IS YOUR TIME. PLEASE FINISH YOUR SENTENCE.

[01:15:04]

>> THINK OF THE LARGER PICTURE. THIS IS ABOUT F MORE THAN JUST A FEW LINES IN BOOKS. THAT ARE USED OUT OF CONTEXT.

>> THANK YOU. (APPLAUSE).

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER, MYRA GALLONS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, BOARD. GOOD AFTERNOON, DR. TOWNSEL.

I HAVE READ YOUR ARTICLE IN THE PAPER.

IT WAS VERY, VERY ENLIGHTENING. JUST CAME OUT.

I RESPECTFULLY WANT TO TALK TO YOU ALL TODAY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS LOOMING OVER THE BOARD. OVER THE SCHOOLS AND OVER OUR COUNTY RIGHT NOW. I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF A PUBLIC FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION UNDER THE FEDERAL AND STATE LAW. FIDUCIARIES HAVE THE ULTIMATE CARE FOR THE BEN BENEFICIARIES. THOSE FIDUCIARIES ARE OUR SCHOOL BOARD, ELECTED, YOU ALL, SELECTED, HIRED, TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF. EVERYONE THAT IS PAID BY THE BOARD OF ED IS A FIDUCIARY. FIDUCIARIES POSSESS THE HIGHEST DUTY OF CARE, LOYALTY, AND OBEDIENCE TO ITS BENEFICIARIES.

PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS, ADMINISTRATORS, EVERY OTHER SCHOOL EMPLOYEE ARE ONCE AGAIN, A FIDUCIARY AND HAVE THAT RESPONSIBILITY. FIDUCIARIES ARE ENGAGED TO MANAGE A PERSON'S ASSETS AND RESOURCES.

FEDERAL LAW STATES THAT THE PARENTS ARE YOUR BENEFICIARIES.

AND THEY, IN TURN, PUT THEIR ASSETS, THEIR CHILDREN INTO YOUR HANDS, AND THEY TURN THEIR RESOURCES OVER TO YOU.

WHICH ARE THEIR FUNDS FOR GIVING YOU TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO RUN THE SCHOOLS. BENEFICIARIES' ASSETS ARE MOST IMPORTANT BECAUSE YOU HAVE CARE, DUE DILIGENCE, AND L LOYALTY TO THEM. RIGHT NOW, THE BOE IS SITTING ON $24 MILLION PLUS. THAT IS UNACCOUNTED FOR.

IT IS YOUR BANK ACCOUNT. RIGHT NOW YOU ALL ARE ASKING THE COMMISSIONERS, THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS TO APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL $26 MILLION THEREABOUTS.

THIS IS JUST GIVING YOU FACTS. THIS IS SITTING THERE.

AND IT IS TAXPAYER FUNDING. IN ESSENCE, YOU ARE REQUIRING THE BOCC TO BREACH THEIR FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITY TO THE TAXPAYERS THAT PAY THEIR SALARIES AND YOURS AND RUN THE SCHOOLS. BECAUSE YOU ALL NEED THE MONEY THAT IS ALREADY SITTING IN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT.

>> THAT IS YOUR TIME. PLEASE FINISH YOUR SENTENCE.

>> OKAY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

I RESPECTFULLY THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND YOUR

CONSIDERATION. >> THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE). >> OUR NEXT SPEAKER, DONNA ZUPANAN. ZUPANIK.

THANK YOU. >> BOARD OF EDUCATORS,

DR. TOWNSEL,. >> PLEASE PULL THE MICROPHONE TO YOU. MAKE SURE IT IS TURNED ON.

THE LIGHT SHOULD BE GREEN. >> IT IS GREEN.

>> THANK YOU. >> CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

>> A LITTLE CLOSER. AND SPEAK-- USE YOUR OUTSIDE VOICE. (LAUGHTER).

>> OKAY. I'M NERVOUS.

I'M HONORED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO YOU TODAY ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING ACADEMICS IN SCHOOL.

AS WE KNOW, EDUCATION IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS THAT WE CAN USE TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS INTO UPSTANDING MEMBERS OF SOCIETY. HOWEVER, I MUST EXPRESS MY DEEP CONCERN OVER THE RECENT TRENDS IN EDUCATION THAT SEEMS TO PRIORITIZE SOCIAL ISSUES OVER ACADEMIC SUBJECTS SUCH AS MATH, SCIENCE, AND LANGUAGE. IT IS UNDENIABLE THAT SOCIAL ISSUES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN SCHOOL AT THE AGE-APPROPRIATE AGE. HOWEVER, IT IS CRUCIAL THAT WE DO NOT ALLOW THESE ISSUES TO TAKE PRECEDENT OVER CORE ACADEMICS THAT OUR CHILDREN NEED TO SUCCEED IN LIFE.

[01:20:02]

THIS DIVISION IS PURE EVIL AND HAS NO PLACE IN OUR SCHOOL OR SOCIETY. WE MUST REMEMBER THE EDUCATION IS NOT ABOUT PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A CAREER.

IT IS ALSO INSTILLING THEM WITH VALUES.

WITHOUT GOD, HOW ARE THEY TO KNOW WHAT THE TRUTH, LOVE, OR GRACE? WHEN WE TAKE AWAY THESE PRINCIPLES FROM OUR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION, WE LEAVE THEM VULNERABLE TO SELFISHNESS, VIOLENCE, AND HATE.

WHICH IS WHAT WE ARE NOW SEEING IN OUR SCHOOLS AND IN SOCIETY AS A WHOLE. WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO BRING BACK GOD'S LOVE BACK INTO OUR SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM SO WE CAN TEEN OUR CHILDREN THE TRUTH ABOUT THEMSELVES AND THEIR WORLD. ONLY THEN WILL WE BE ABLE TO REACH THE FULL POTENTIAL AS INDIVIDUALS IN SERVING THEIR COMMUNITY. IN CONCLUSION, I URGE YOU TO FIGHT FOR ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND EDUCATION.

BY SUPPORTING 2305 POLICY AND 2315 AS A GOOD START IN TRYING TO PUT VALUES BACK INTO THE SCHOOLS.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR STUDENTS BY ENSURING THAT THEY RECEIVE AN EDUCATION THAT FOCUSED MORE ON MATH, SCIENCE, AND LANGUAGE AND IS ROOTED IN TRUTH, LOVE, AND GOD'S GRACE. I PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU THAT YOU DO WHAT IS RIGHT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.

>> THANK YOU. (APPLAUSE).

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS PATTY STUCKLER.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK.

>> PLEASE TURNEN TO MICROPHONE. THANK YOU.

THE LIGHT SHOULD BE GREEN. YES.

>> SORRY ABOUT. THAT THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

I'M A REALTOR IN THE COUNTY FOR THE LAST 21 YEARS.

I'M A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER. I'M A MOTHER OF TWO GROWN GRADUATES OF CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

MY CHILDREN ARE BOTH COLLEGE GRADUATES.

THEY HAD AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE HERE IN CALVERT COUNTY.

WE STILL LIVE IN THE COUNTY. THEY ARE BOTH NOW MARRIED.

MY SON IS 31. MY DAUGHTER IS 33.

THEY HAVE 7 CHILDREN BETWEEN THEM.

BOTH OF MY CHILDREN HAVE DECIDED NOT TO PUT THEIR CHILDREN IN THE CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM, AND I CAN TELL YOU THAT THEY ARE NOT HAPPY ABOUT. THAT THEY DON'T WANT THAT.

THEY DON'T WANT TO MAKE THE SACRIFICE OF PAYING FOR A HOME-SCHOOL POD WHICH IS WHAT MY DAUGHTER OPTED TO DO WITH THE WP P WINDY HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER WHO IS EXCELLENT, BY THE WAY, WHRO STARTED HER OWN POD. THAT IS WHERE THEY HAVE BEEN GOING. AND IN THE FALL, THEY WILL ATTEND CARD AM IN HICKEY. IT IS A SHAME THAT THEY DON'T HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO CALVERT COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM AND HAVE A GREAT EXPERIENCE LIKE MY SON AND MY DAUGHTER.

I FIND THAT AN EGREGIOUS MOMENT IN OUR HISTORY.

REALLY IN THE COUNTY. THIS WHOLE ARGUMENT-- I HEAR A LOT OF VIRTUE-SIGNALING. I HEAR A LOT OF HYPERBOLE.

I HEAR A LOT OF NAME-CALLING. THE REALITY IS WHAT ARE WE REALLY TALKING ABOUT HERE? WE ARE TALKING ABOUT PORNOGRAPHY IN BOOKS. IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM.

IN OUR PUBLIC TAXPAYER-FUNDED SCHOOL SYSTEM.

IF A PARENT OR A PERSON OF ANY AGE WANTS TO OBTAIN MATERIAL, MY GOODNESS, IT IS A COUPLE OF CLICKS AWAY ON YOUR PHONE.

YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY IT. OR RENT IT.

OR GO TO THE LIBRARY. SO THE BOTTOM LINE IS IT IS GONE TOO FAR WITH THIS PORNOGRAPHY. IF IT CONTINUES IN THE VEIN THAT IS IT IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW, YOU WILL SEE MORE OF A MASS EXODUS FOR GOOD STUDENTS AND GOOD PARENTS, GREAT PARENTS LIKE MY SON AND MY DAUGHTER, HOW THEY ARE RAISING THEIR CHILDREN.

I WOULD NOT WANT MY FIVE, SIX, AND SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GRANDE DAUGHTERS TO READ ANY OF THAT MATERIAL THAT WAS READ HERE TODAY. THAT IS FOUND IN OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS. WOULD YOU? WOULD YOU WANT THEM TO READ THAT? I WOULD LIKE THEM TO RETAIN THEIR INNOCENCE.

I WOULD LIKE THEM TO LEARN TO READ, LEARN TO SPELL, LEARN TO HAVE MATH SKILLS, WRITING SKILLS WHICH WE ARE TO DESPERATELY IN NEED OF IN THIS COUNTRY. LET'S GET BACK TO THE BASICS.

THERE WAS A SIGN, BY THE WAY, WHEN I WAS WALKING IN THAT SAID, "JANA POST. LET ME DO MY JOB." I'M ASSUMING THAT WAS A TEACHER HOLDING THAT SIGN.

AS A MOTHER AND BUSINESS OWNER IN CALL VERT COUNTY, I'M ASKING YOU AS TEACHERS AND AS THE SCHOOL BOARD, DO YOUR JOB.

TEACH. THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE). >> THAT CONCLUDES OUR SPEAKERS

[01:25:01]

FOR TODAY. >> THANK YOU, DR. JOHNSON.

COLLEAGUES, WE DO NOT HAVE AN AGENDA THAT IS APPROVED FOR THIS EVENING. SO UNLESS WE APPROVE AN AGENDA, OUR MEETING CAN NOT MOVE FORWARD.

I WILL TURN TO THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD.

>> YES. I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO ADOPT TODAY'S AGENDA AND PUT PLACEMENT OF THE REMAINING ITEMS ON THE FAILED AGENDA ON THE NEXT MONTH'S MEETING CONSENT AGENDA.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION ON THE FLOOR FOR CONSIDERATION OF TODAY'S AGENDA FOR APPROVAL WITH MOVEMENT OF THE ITEMS FROM THE FAILED CONSENT AGENDA FROM TODAY TO NEXT MONTH'S CONSENT AGENDA.

DO I HAVE A SECOND? >> SECOND.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND.

IS THERE DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR,.

>> AYE. >> AYE.

>> ANY OPPOSED? >> MOTION PASSES.

4-0. WE WILL MOVE FORWARD WITH

[5.01 Jordan Hayes]

THE BOARD REPORT. >> HI, EVERYONE.

GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS JORDAN HAYES.

I'M MORE THAN ECSTATIC TO BE SERVING HERE FOR MY FIRST MEETING AS STUDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD.

I CAN NOT WAIT TO CONTINUE WORKING WITH THE CALVERT COUNTY STUDENT BODY AS I HAVE IN THE PAST AND PROVIDING THE STUDENT PERSPECTIVE TO THE BOARD. IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHO I AM, I'M A RISING 11TH-GRADER AT PATUXENT HIGH SCHOOL.

I'M INCREDIBLY PASSIONATE ABOUT STUDENT VOICE AND ADVOCACY.

ALL STUDENTS DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR VOICES HEARD AND PURSUE THE CHANGES THEY WISH TO SEE IN THEIR LIVES, WHICH INCLUDES THEIR SCHOOLS. I'M A REPRESENTATIVE FOR STUDENTS AND I'M EXCITED TO WORK WITH THEM ON ISSUES THEY FEEL ARE NECESSARY TO ADDRESS. SUCH AS ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY, A JUSTLY ENFORCED DRESS CODE AND CONTINUED MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT.

TO HIGHLIGHT SOME RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF CALVERT COUNTY'S AMAZING STUDENTS, I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A HUGE CONGRATULATIONSES TO ALL SENIORS WHO GRADUATED LAST WEEK.

THEIR 12 YEARS OF HARD WORK AND EFFORT HAVE NOT GONE UNNOTICED.

BEST OF LUCK FOR ALL OF THEM TO PURSUE THEIR GOALS FOR THE FUTURES. THIS WEEK ALSO, THE ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT COUNCILS HELD INTERVIEWS FOR THE EXECUTIVE BOARD. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE YOUNG LEADERS THAT WERE SELECTED.

I HAD THE PLEASURE OF BEING PART OF THESE INTERVIEWS.

I'M EXCITED TO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THESE PASSIONATE STUDENT LEADERS OVER THE COURSE OF THE NEXT YEAR.

I LOOK FORWARD TO SHARING MORE ABOUT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE STUDENTS IN THE FUTURE. THANK YOU ALL FOR HAVING ME.

(APPLAUSE). >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR REPORT. WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU. NEXT WE WILL HAVE OUR-- WE WILL MOVE INTO ACTION ITEMS. IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT WE HAVE A SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. THIS MEETING.

I'M JUST MAKING SURE WE DIDN'T LEAVE THAT OFF THE AGENDA.

IT IS AT THE END. ALL RIGHT.

WE ARE PUTTING YOU AT THE END TODAY.

[7.01 Policies for Review]

I WILL MOVE BACKWARDS TODAY WITH POLICY 3170.

DRESS CODE. THAT IS A POLICY THAT I PROPOSED FOR REMOVAL OF THE DRESS CODE FROM THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT. IT IS UP FOR DISCUSSION TODAY.

>> I'M TRYING TO FIND IT. >> OH.

YES, MA'AM. CORRECT.

WE HAVE MOVED INTO POLICIES FOR REVIEW.

LISTED AS A POLICY UNDER POLICIES FOR REVIEW.

ITEM NUMBER 3170. COLLEAGUES, DO WE HAVE ANY DISCUSSION FOR THE DRESS CODE POLICY THAT HAS BEEN PROPOSED? YES. OUR STUDENT MEMBER.

>> SO I LOVE THIS POLICY. I WORKED WITH OUR PREVIOUS STUDENT MEMBER AS WELL AS MS. CLAGGETT ON THIS INITIALLY.

ONE ADDITION THAT I HAVE SPOKEN WITH A LARGE AMOUNT OF THE STUDENT-- I DON'T WANT TO SAY ALL STUDENTS.

A LARGE AMOUNT OF STUDENTS THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WORK WITH OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS. IN SECTION H-- I APOLOGIZE.

OF SECTION 4, SUB-SECTION H, ADDITIONAL SECTION PART A, THE TERM "HATE SPEECH," ATTIRE THAT DEPICTS OBSCENITY, USE OF WEAPONS OR VIOLENCE, PEOPLE BELIEVE THERE IS A NECESSITY FOR A DEFINITION OF HATE SPEECH. SO IT IS NOT TAKEN TO A SERIOUS EXTENT. THAT IS, OVERARCHING OF WHAT IT WAS INITIALLY MEANT TO BE. ESSENTIALLY OFFENSIVE SPEECH.

>> THANK YOU FOR THAT COMMENT. COLLEAGUES, ANY OTHER DISCUSSION REGARDING THIS POLICY IN? YES.

[01:30:02]

MS. GRENIS. >> I WANTED TO DISCUSS THE HOODIES. THAT IS THE ONE I HAVE A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE WITH. YOU KNOW, IT WAS DESCRIBED AS A WAY OF LETTING STUDENTS EXPRESS THEMSELVES.

WELL, IF WE GO BACK A FEW YEARS, AGO, WE HAD KIDS WHO WANTED TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES BY WEARING THEIR PANTS DOWN TO THEIR AN ANKLES. YOU WILL REMEMBER THAT.

WALKING AROUND WITH THEIR UNDERWEAR SHOWING.

YOU KNOW, THAT IS OBVIOUSLY NOT APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL.

AND IT WAS NOT ALLOWED. AND TO ME, WEARING HOODIES IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR SCHOOL. SIMPLY BECAUSE IT PUTS AN EXTRA BURDEN ON THE TEACHER. AND WE SHOULDN'T BE DOING ANYTHING THAT PUTS AN EXTRA BURDEN.

WE KNOW THAT THERE ARE KIDS WHO ARE WEARING THE EAR BUDS AND HIDING IT BY WEARING THE HOODIES.

I JUST DON'T THINK IT IS A NECESSARY WAY FOR CHILDREN TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES. IT IS NOT NEEDED.

I WAS IN A SCHOOL NOT LONG AGO WITHIN THE PAST MONTH.

I WALKED TO ONE CLASSROOM AND CAME BACK.

AND DURING THAT TIME, I COUNTED 11 CHILDREN WEARING HOODIES.

NOT ONE OF THEM HAD IT BEHIND THE EAR TO.

ME IT IS JUST GOING TO BE SOMETHING ADDED TO THE DRESS CODE THAT WON'T BE ENFORCED. THAT WORRIES ME BECAUSE THESE TEACHERS ARE BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE F FOR STUDENTS' ACHIEVEMENT. IF THAT PREVENTS STUDENTS FROM ACHIEVING, WHY, WHY LET IT HAPPEN? YOU KNOW, A HAT TO ME IS DIFFERENT THAN A HOODIE.

A HAT IS NOT-- YOU KNOW, A CAP IS NOT GOING TO COVER YOUR EARS.

A HOODIE CAN. SO I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE

HOODIE TAKEN OUT. >> SO I THINK THAT, YOU KNOW, FROM A PERSPECTIVE OF A PARENT WHO HAS A KID WHO LIKES TO WEAR A HOODY, I WISH THAT THERE WAS A POLICY THAT PREVENTED IT.

EVERY DAY WHEN HE LEAVES THE HOUSE, I TELL HIM TO TAKE HIS HOOD DOWN. FOR HIM, I DON'T THINK IT IS ANYTHING OTHER THAN A HABIT. I ALSO THINK HE HAS, YOU KNOW, SOMETIMES HIS ATTENTION IS AN ISSUE IN SCHOOL.

I DON'T WANT THAT TO BE SOMETHING HE HIDES.

I THINK THAT WE HEARD FROM A NUMBER OF PUBLIC FOLKS WHO WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DRESS CODE. NOT JUST ABOUT HOODIES OR HATS BUT ALSO ABOUT, YOU KNOW, SPAGHETTI STRAPS AND TANK-TOPS.

ALL OF THOSE OTHER THINGS. WHILE-- AND I HAVE EVERYBODY ON THE SPECTRUM. I HAVE ALL THE BASES COVERED ABOUT THE DRESS CODE. WITH ALL OF MY KIDS THAT GO TO SCHOOL. WHILE I WOULD APPRECIATE THERE BE A LITTLE BIT MORE OF A FORMAL DRESS CODE, I CAN ALSO APPRECIATE THE FREEDOM THAT ESPECIALLY THE GIRLS WOULD GET TO HAVE. BUT EVERY KID IS DIFFERENT.

I WOULD SAY THAT THERE IS ONE THING ON HERE THAT DOES STAND OUT SPECIFICALLY. AND THAT IS THE ONE THAT SAYS-- ITEM G, ATTIRE THAT CAUSES OR-- ATTIRE THAT KOHS OR IS LIKELY TO CAUSE MATERIAL DISRUPTION AND SUBSTANTIAL DISORDER TO SCHOOL ACTIVE IS OR THE ORDERLY OPERATION OF SCHOOL OR INVASION OF THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT WHATEVER THIS POLICY IS IN THE DRESS CODE AND HOW IT IS GOING TO BE ENFORCEABLE, THAT EVERYTHING THAT WE PUT HAS TO BE VERY OBJECTIVE, AND IT HAS TO BE ENFORCEABLE.

AND I THINK IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO STAY AWAY FROM STATEMENTS THAT ARE MORE SUBJECTIVE.

WHAT IS OFFENSIVE TO ME MAY BE DIFFERENT AND OFFENSIVE-- I KNOW. WE COULD ALL GO WITH UNIFORMS. THAT'S RIGHT. THAT WAS SOMETHING I JUST WANTED TO MENTION. I THINK THAT WHATEVER IT IS, WHATEVER THE POLICY IS, IT SHOULD NOT BE SUBJECTIVE.

IT SHOULD BE OBJECTIVE. >> I GUESS FOR ME, I THINK THAT AS BOARD MEMBERS, WE ARE OLDER. THINGS ARE DIFFERENT NOW.

I THINK THE MERE FACT THAT WE HAD STUDENTS WORKING ON THIS POLICY, THAT WE SHOULD LISTEN TO WHAT THEY ARE SAYING.

I KNOW THAT FOR WHEN I GO TO SOME OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOLS AND HIGH SCHOOLS, AND I SEE THESE KIDS WALKING OR WHATEVER THEY ARE DOING, THE PRINCIPALS ARE REALLY INTACT AND IN TUNE WITH WHAT'S GOING ON IN THESE SCHOOLS.

I KNOW AT CALVERT MIDDLE SCHOOL. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW BECKY BOWEN. THAT SISTER DOESN'T PLAY.

SHE HAS THAT SCHOOL ON LOCK. IF SOMEONE IS WEARIN A HOODIE OR DOING SOMETHING, SHE IS GOING TO SAY SOMETHING TO THEM.

SHE IS CONTROLLING THE SCHOOL. GRANTED, I DON'T THINK THAT TEACHERS SHOULD HAVE TO BE THE FASHION POLICE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. WHEN IT COMES TO DIFFERENT

[01:35:01]

WE SHOULD LISTEN TO THEM AND ACTUALLY SEE WHAT THEY ARE SAYING AND MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE HONORING WHAT THEY ARE SAYING.

JUST THE MERE FACT THAT WE HAD STUDENT MEMBERS WHO PARTICIPATED AND CAME UP WITH THIS POLICY, I DON'T WEAR SPAGHETTI STRAPS OR HALTER TOPS OR ANYTHING LIKE. THAT THAT IS NOT MY JAM.

>> WE WOULD PAY TO SEE IT. WE WOULD PAY TO SEE IT.

>> ONCE AGAIN, WHEN IT COMES TO THINGS LIKE THIS, WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING DECISIONS FOR THE K KIDS, HAVING THEIR INPUT, I THINK THAT IS IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO WHAT THEY ARE SAYING.

>> WELL, YOU KNOW WHAT? I DO AGREE TO AN EXTENT.

I WILL TELL YOU THAT WITHOUT SAYING ANY SPECIFIC HIGH SCHOOL, I TOO AM AT SOME, AND IT SEEMS AS THOUGH-- THE THINGS ABOUT NOT SHOWING YOUR MIDSECTION. I COULD COUNT EVERY GIVEN DAY THAT I WENT TO PICK UP ABOUT THE NUMBER OF FEMALES THAT I SAW WITH THEIR MIDSECTIONS OUT AND OPEN.

AND NOW MAYBE THE ARGUMENT COULD BE MADE THAT THEY HAD TAKEN A SHIRT OFF THAT WAS OVER THE TOP OF IT.

AND THEY WERE WALKING TO THE BUS OR THEIR CAR OR WHATEVER.

AGAIN, WHATEVER THE POLICY IS, IT HAS TO BE ONE THAT IS GOING TO BE CONSISTENT, AND IT IS GOING TO BE CONSISTENTLY ENFORCED THROUGHOUT EVERY ONE OF THE SCHOOLS.

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THAT IS NOT THE CASE.

>> IT IS PRETTY HARD. WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT A COUPLE OF HUNDRED KIDS WALKING DOWN A HALLWAY.

I TALKED TO ONE TEACHER. YOU KNOW, SOMEONE IS DRESSED BORDERLINE. THEY WILL GET OVER TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THEIR FRIENDS. IT IS NOT SOMETHING WE CAN CONTROL 100%. GRANTED, I UNDERSTAND WE SHOULD TRY TO. ALSO I TOLD YOU I WAS AT A DA DANCE, AND YOU KNOW, THE KIDS THAT WALKED IN DIDN'T LOOK LIKE THE KIDS THAT CAME OUT. AND THEN WHEN IT WAS TIME TO PICK THE KIDS UP, IT DIDN'T LOOK LIKE THE KID THAT WALKED IN AGAIN. YOU KNOW, SOME OF THOSE THINGS

ARE HAPPENING ALSO. >> SO I DRAFTED THE POLICY WITH THE HELP OF THE STUDENTS. I REALLY HAVE NO ADDITIONAL COMMENTS REGARDING POLICY. I HAVE READ THE COMMENTS FOR CHANGES TO THE POLICY AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

I HAVE HEARD THE WORDS OF MY COLLEAGUES.

IT IS A NEW POLICY. IT WILL BE GOING OUT AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 30-DAY REVIEW FOR. FOR THIS REVIEW,LY ASK THAT STAFF REVIEW THE POLICY AND COMMENT AND PROVIDE US ANY FINANCIAL OR I WOULD SAY ECONOMIC OR, YOU KNOW, THEIR THOUGHTS AND ISSUES WITH THE POLICY AND IMPLEMENTATION TO INCLUDE DR. TOWNSEL. AND HIS WORDS ON THE POLICY AND IF IT CAN BE-- IF THEY FEEL IT CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTED.

DRESS CODE POLICY 3170 WILL BE POSTED FOR A 0-DAY REVIEW.

FOR A 30-DAY REVIEW. >> NEXT WE WILL MOVE TO POLICY 2315. CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.

COLLEAGUES, THIS POLICY IS ALSO UP FOR BOARD DISCUSSION.

MS. GRENIS? MS. POST?

>> LY START. >> I SEE YOUR LIGHT.

>> I NEVER TURNED IT OFF. SORRY.

I TOO HAVE-- I DID READ EVERY EMAIL.

IT WAS A LOT OF EMAILS. I WILL TELL YOU.

THAT I DID READ EVERY EMAIL THAT CAME IN.

WITH COMMENTS IN REGARDS TO BOTH OF THE POLICIES.

YOU KNOW, IN LOOKING AT SOME OF THOSE, IN ADDITION TO GOING BACK AND LISTENING TO THE LAST BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING AND YOU KNOW, AND CONTINUING TO TALK TO OTHER PROFESSIONALS IN THE COMMUNITY, I THINK THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THINGS THAT DO NEED TO BE CHANGED. SPECIFICALLY, FOR POLICY 2315.

AND THERE IS A REQUIREMENT THAT WE HAVE A FAMILY LIFE AND HUMAN SEXUALITY COMMITTEE AND THINGS LIKE THAT.

LET ME SAY THIS. WHAT IS IN THIS POLICY IS BY FAR, FROM PERFECT. I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND.

THAT I DON'T WANT YOU TO BE ANGRY WITH ME.

I WANT YOU TO COME AND HAVE A CONVERSATION AND TELL ME WHY YOU THINK THE THINGS THAT ARE IN HERE SHOULD BE PROCEDURE VERSUS POLICY. THAT IS THE WHOLE PURPOSE THIS.

YOU KNOW, I'M LEARNING JUST LIKE YOU GUYS ARE LEARNING.

IF THERE ARE THINGS THAT-- THERE WERE SUGGESTIONS THAT YOU HAVE.

THERE HAS BEEN SOME AMAZING SUGGESTIONS.

EVEN HERE TODAY. YOU KNOW, THAT IS THE PURPOSE.

I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH, YOU KNOW, SOME OF THE THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP: I WILL TELL YOU. ANYWAY, I'M GOING TO KEEP GOING.

BUT SPECIFICALLY, THERE WERE THINGS AND FEEDBACK THAT I GOT, AND THEN IT KIND OF FORCED ME TO GO BACK AND TALK TO SOME LEGAL PROFESSIONALS AND SPECIFICALLY, IN 2315, WHERE WE HAVE THINGS LIKE, YOU KNOW, WE CITE THE MARYLAND OBSCENITY LAWS.

THE INTENT, AGAIN, WAS TO MAKE SURE THAT, YOU KNOW THAT, PARENTS HAVE A RIGHT. IF THEY KNOW HOW TO GET INTO DESTINY, I LOVED THAT SUGGESTION.

[01:40:02]

BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS PARENTS. YOU KNOW? AS THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, IT IS ALSO OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE GIVE THE PARENTS THE TOOLS AND WE ARE BEING AS TRANSPARENT AS WE CAN BE. RIGHT? SO SAYING THINGS LIKE HAVING THE OBSCENITY LAWS AND THEN CITING THOSE THINGS, YEAH. YOU KNOW WHAT? IT NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. IT SHOULDN'T BE IN THIS POLICY.

YOU KNOW, IT DOESN'T ACCURATELY REFLECT WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO HERE. AND TH THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS.

THOSE LAWS ARE VERY VAGUE. WHEN IT COMES TO EDUCATION, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS ABOUT WHAT WE ARE TEACHING.

SPECIFICALLY, FOR FAMILY LIFE AND HUMAN SEXUALITY.

BUT ALSO OTHER EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS.

WHETHER IT BE A LINE OF-- A BOOK, WHATEVER THE INTENT IS, IT IS THAT PARENTS GET TO ULTIMATELY KNOW AND UNDERSTAND AND HAVE A SAY. THEN GRANT PERMISSION WHERE PERMISSION IS NEEDED. SO I'M SUGGESTING THAT, YOU KNOW, THE FAMILY LIFE AND HU HUMAN-- EXKEYS NEW.

THAT THERE IS INFORMATION AND LANGUAGE IN THERE ABOUT THERE BEING A COMMITTEE THAT IS REQUIRED BY KOMAR.

PLEASE LOOK THAT UP. YOU KNOW, IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE LINK, IT IS THERE. I PROMISE.

I DIDN'T MAKE IT UP. I THINK THAT WE ALSO SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE THINGS IN THERE ABOUT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AND HOW DEVELOPMENTALLY, MAYBE THEY ARE NOT AS MATURE FOR THE CURRICULUM AND WE SHOULD MAKE SURE WE DETERMINE THAT. THE WHOLE ENTIRE SECTION FOR THE MARYLAND OBSCENITY LAWS SHOULD BE STRICKEN.

THAT SHOULDN'T BE IN THERE AT ALL.

I ALSO THINK IN LOOKING AT IT, YOU KNOW, I CAN APPRECIATE WHY SOME OF YOU, STAFF OR SOME OF THE LIBRARIANS MIGHT HAVE BEEN OFFENDED. THAT WAS NOT MY INTENT.

MY INTENT WAS TO GET EVERYBODY'S ATTENTION.

I DID. I MIGHT DO IT A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY THE NEXT TIME. I DID DEBT YOUR ATTENTION.

I CAN CHECK THAT BOX. MY INTENT WAS NOT TO SAY THAT THIS WAS OVERSTEPPING THE BOUNDARIES.

WE AS THE BOARD AND WE AS THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE TELLING YOU AS LIBRARIANS OR EDUCATIONAL PROFESSIONALS HOW TO DO YOUR JOB. THAT WAS NEVER THE INTENT.

THE INTENT WAS TO KIND OF FIGURE OUT HOW TO LIGHTEN THE LOAD AND GET AS MANY PEOPLE INVOLVED AS WE.

CAN AT THE END OF THE DAY, MAYBE IT IS ONLY FIVE PEOPLE THAT WANT TO BE INVOLVED. WHATEVER.

AT LEAST IT WAS FIVE MORE THAN WE STARTED WITH.

OKAY? I ALSO THINK THAT THE, YOU KNOW, DETERMINING COMMITTEES AND OTHER THINGS, THE INTENT OF THAT-- IT IS NOT THE INTENT OF THE COMMUNITY TO TELL THE LIBRARIANS WHAT TO DO. OR THE EDUCATORS WHAT TO DO.

NOR IS IT TO EVALUATE THEM. THOSE ITEMS IN THIS POLICY ALSO-- YOU KNOW, I'M GOING TO MAKE MY EDITS AND SUGGEST THAT THEY GO AWAY. THEY SHOULDN'T BE THERE.

THERE ARE SOME THINGS SPECIFICALLY THAT SHOULD BE PROCEDURE THAT ARE NOT POLICY. I RECOGNIZE THAT AS WELL AND I HAVE MADE MY COMMENTS. I WILL ALSO JUST SAY IN-- YOU KNOW, IN CLOSING, FOR THIS PARTICULAR POLICY, WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE DO HAVE CONSISTENCY ESTABLISHED.

I THINK THAT IS KIND OF WHERE WE GOT HERE.

I REPRESENT ALL OF YOU. NOT WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT.

I DO. AND I'M WILLING TO LISTEN TO ALL OF YOU. ALL THE TIME.

WHETHER I LIKE WHAT YOU SAY OR WHETHER I AGREE OR DON'T.

AND I'M ALSO WILLING TO BE THE VOICE FOR ALL OF YOU.

REGARDLESS OF WHAT YOU READ ON THE INTERNET.

THAT IS BECAUSE OF MY OPEN DOOR. W HAVE TO HAVE SOME CONSISTENCY. I THINK THAT IS WHAT LED US HERE TO BEGIN WITH. THAT THERE IS NOT A CONSISTENCY BETWEEN SCHOOL-TO-SCHOOL, BETWEEN THE CURRICULUM, BETWEEN THOSE THINGS. AND ACCORDING TO KOMAR AND WHAT'S WRITTEN, ESPECIALLY FOR A SENSITIVE TOPIC LIKE FAMILY LIFE AND HUMAN SEXUALITY. WE ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE AN OPT-OUT POLICY. THE CURRICULUM SHOULD BE AGREED UPON AND REVIEWED BY A COMMITTEE.

ALL OF THOSE THINGS SHOULD BE PRESENT.

IT SHOULD BE PUBLIC. IF WE HAVE A COMMITTEE, IT SHOULD BE RANDOMLY VOTED ON. NOT PICKED BY THE BOARD.

WE SHOULD BE, YOU KNOW, DRAWING NAMES OUT OF A BUCKET.

FOR MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY AND OTHER THINGS.

WE SHOULD HAVE THOSE THINGS ESTABLISHED, AND EVERYBODY SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO SEE AND UNDERSTAND THAT PROCESS AND BE

AWARE OF IT. >> THANK YOU, MS. POST.

YOU MENTIONED THAT YOU HAD SOME CHANGES TO THE POLICY THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE. DO YOU HAVE THOSE CHANGES THAT YOU CAN SHARE TODAY? SO THAT THE POLICY CAN BE EDITED? AND THEN POSTED FOR 30-DAY REVIEW? WOULD IT BE COMING BACK TO THE BOARD AGAIN NEXT MEETING FOR DISCUSSION?

>> I HAVE THOSE CHANGES AND I CAN SHARE THOSE.

>> ALL RIGHT. >> ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION ON

THAT POLICY? >> ALL RIGHT.

MS. POST WILL BE POSTING HER CHANGES TO THE POLICY WITH YOU.

FOR THEM TO BE POSTED OUT FOR 30-DAY REVIEW.

LY ASK DR. TOWNSEL AND STAFF ONCE THE CHANGES HAVE BEEN POSTED, TO PROVIDE COMMENT ON THE POLICY REGARDING-- IS IT SOMETHING THAT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED OR NOT.

AND YOUR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS. I WOULD ALSO ASK THAT OUR-- THIS

[01:45:03]

AND PROVIDE A REPORT TO THE BOARD.

NEXT WE WILL GO TO POLICY 2123. I APOLOGIZE.

2305. COLLEAGUES, THIS POLICY IS ALSO

UP FOR BOARD DISCUSSION. >> OUR STUDENT MEMBER WOULD LIKE

TO START. >> HI AGAIN.

SO LET ME GET THE ACTUAL SECTION SO I'M NOT SCRAMBLING THIS TIME.

>> USE YOUR OUTSIDE VOICE, PLEASE.

>> I APOLOGIZE. I PROMISE I CAN BE LOUD.

SO SECTION B, SUBSECTION 4, I THINK I HAVE THAT RIGHT.

DON'T HOLD ME TO IT. DISCUS IT IS MISSION OF CCPS AS WELL AS CITING A QUOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF OFFICE FOR INTELLECTUAL FREEDOM. FROM ALA.

PART OF THE CCPS MISSION THAT WAS CITED WAS TO COLLABORATE WITH FAMILIES AND STUDENTS AND THE FOLLOWING QUOTE TAKES THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENTS WHO ARE CHILDREN, WE ARE MINORS, AND MOVES IT TO THE PARENTS. WHILE I ENTIRELY UNDERSTAND HAVING THE TOPIC OF A BOOK SENT TO SOMEBODY'S PARENTS, OBVIOUSLY, MY PARENTS WANT TO HAVE A SAY IN WHAT I'M READING.

THEY DON'T WANT ME TO READ WILDLY INAPPROPRIATE THINGS COMING FROM MY SCHOOL. I FEEL AS THOUGH THE DIRECT CONTRADICTION OF STUDENTS HAVING A VOICE IN THE MATTER OF WHAT THEY READ AND THE MATERIALS AVAILABLE TO THEM COMPLETELY OVERLOOKS OUR ABILITY TO BE ABLE TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS ABOUT THE CONTENT WE ARE READING. IT IS, I BELIEVE, THE WORDING IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE LOOKED AT BECAUSE OF THE CONTRADICTION.

>> MS. GRENIS? >> OKAY.

I THINK THE ONE THING WE CAN ALL AGREE ON IS THAT THE BOOKS IN OUR SCHOOLS SHOULD BE AGE AND DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE.

YOU KNOW, THAT IS OUR COMMON GROUND.

HOPEFULLY. BUT FROM WHAT I HEARD FROM I BELIEVE IT WAS OUR FIRST SPEAKER, THAT, TO ME, THAT IS VERY SEXUALLY EXPLICIT. AND I QUESTION WHETHER MIDDLE SCHOOL SPECIFICALLY, AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE READY FOR SOME OF THAT. THAT TYPE OF MATERIAL.

SOME ARE. BUT YOU CAN'T JUST GENERALIZE THAT ALL CHILDREN ARE. AND I ACTUALLY PURCHASED ONE OF THE BOOKS THAT WAS BEING UP FOR DEBATE.

I READ THE SUMMARY. AND IN THE SUMMARY, THERE WAS NOTHING, NOTHING THAT WOULD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS SEXUALLY EXPLICIT CONTENT WITHIN THAT BOOK.

WHEN I WENT THROUGH THE BOOK, I DID FIND SEXUALLY EXPLICIT CONTENT IN THERE. AND THAT IS WHAT HAS ME WORRIED.

I WANT TO ASK IF I CAN MAKE A MOTION.

AT THIS POINT. >> YOU ARE AN ELECTED OFFICIAL.

YOU DON'T NEED PERMISSION TO MAKE A MOTION.

>> OKAY. >> WE KNOW WE GET A LITTLE

HAYWIRE. >> BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF RESPONSES RECEIVED ON THIS POLICY, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO TABLE THE PROPOSED CHANGES FOR 2305.

I PROPOSE THAT A COMMITTEE BE ESTABLISHED TO STUDY THE ISSUES, REVIEW THE CONTROVERSIAL BOOKS, GETTING THROUGH THE PROCESS, AND REVIEW THE SELECTION PROCESS ITSELF.

THIS COMMITTEE WOULD BE CHARGED WITH BRINGING BACK RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD AS TO WHAT CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE TO THIS POLICY. TO ENSURE ITS LEGITIMACY, WE PLEAD TO INCLUDE REPRESENTATION FROM DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON THIS ISSUE. THE MAKEUP OF THIS COMMITTEE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED BY DR. TOWNSEL.

AND IS OPEN TO-- THAT IS OPEN TO DISCUSSION.

I SUGGEST THAT IT CONSISTS OF OUR CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL LIBRARIANS, TEACHERS, IDEALLY REPRESENTING ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOL. WE COULD HAVE CHILD PSYCHOLOGISTS ON IT. EVEN PERHAPS A CHILD SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERT. MENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS.

PARENTS. WHO ARE CURRENTLY ATTENDING

CALVERT COUNTY. >> THERE IS A MOTION ON THE FLOOR. IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND A

SECOND. >> COLLEAGUES, WE ARE NOW IN

DISCUSSION REGARDING THE MOTION. >> SO I THINK THAT, LIKE I SAID AND GOING BACK AND LISTENING TO THE BOARD COMMENTS AND LISTENING AND READING, THERE IS ONE COMMENTST-- COMMON THEME THAT EMERGED. WE DO AGREE THAT PARENTAL

[01:50:02]

BUT MERELY TO CREATE SOMETHING WHERE THINGS WERE A LITTLE BIT MORE TRANSPARENT. THAT PARENTS DID HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW. LIKE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DESTINY LIBRARY AND THINGS LIKE. THAT I DON'T HAVE AN OBJECTION TO THIS. I THINK IT WOULD BE WONDERFUL TO GET THE INPUT AND THE SUGGESTIONS OF THE LIBRARIANS.

AS TO HOW WE CAN BETTER SUIT THIS.

>> IT IS A WAY TO BRING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER.

>> I THINK THAT WE ALREADY HAVE PEOPLE IN PLACE TO DO THESE THINGS. WE HAVE LIBRARIANS.

WE HAVE STAFF ALREADY IN PLACE TO MAKE SOME OF THESE DECISIONS.

WE HEARD EARLIER HOW A BOOK WAS RECOMMENDED TO SOMEONE.

I DON'T THINK CREATING A BUNCH OF COMMITTEES, ESPECIALLY OUTSIDE COMMITTEES TO DO THINGS THAT PEOPLE ALREADY IN THE

SCHOOLS ARE DOING IS WARRANTED. >> SO AND TO COUNTER THAT A LITTLE BIT, I DO APPRECIATE THAT PARENT WHO HAD, YOU KNOW, SOMEONE WHO HAD-- WHO KNEW HER CHILD AND WHO MADE SURE SHE HAD THE RIGHT BOOK. WHAT IF SOMEBODY DOESN'T KNOW THE CHILD VERY WELL AND DOESN'T GET THE RIGHT BOOK.

THEN WHAT? WE HAVE TO LOOK AT BOTH OF THOSE THINGS. WHERE CAN WE GO, AND WHERE CAN WE HAVE COMMON GROUND AND MEET IN THE MIDDLE FOR THOSE THINGS?

>> I KNOW WHEN MY DAUGHTER COMES HOME, SHE HAS A BOOK BAG.

I CAN GO THROUGH THAT ANY TIME. >> WHAT ABOUT---HOLD ON.

HOLD ON. LOT ME SPEAK.

FOR ME, YOU KNOW, IN MY DAUGHTER GETS A BOOK OR IF YOUR CHILD GETS A BOOK FROM THE LIBRARY, UNLESS THEY ARE GOING TO READ THAT ENTIRE BOOK BEFORE THEY GET HOME, AS A PARENT, HEY, LET ME SEE WHAT YOU HAVE. I WANT TO CHECK THAT BOOK.

THEN I'M GOING TO MAKE A DECISION WITH THEM IF THAT IS SOMETHING I WANT MY CHILD TO READ OR NOT.

SOME OF IT HAS TO BE ON THE PARENTS.

IT IS NOT ALWAYS-- YOU CAN'T LEAVE EVERYTHING ON THE LIBRARIAN AND EVERYONE ELSE. YOU HAVE TO MONITOR AND SEE WHAT'S GOING ON WITH YOUR CHILD YOURSELF.

>> SURE. WHAT ABOUT WHEN THERE IS NOT-- EXCUSE ME. WHAT ABOUT WHEN THERE IS NOT, WHEN THE BOOK DOESN'T COME HOME? IF THEY READ IT ONLY IN THE LIBRARY? OR ONLY IN THE CLASSROOM.

THAT IS WHERE THINKING ABOUT ALL THE THINGS.

YOU KNOW, I'M NOT SUGGESTING THAT I HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS.

I'M LOOKING FOR ANSWERS ABOUT HOW WE CAN BEST MAKE EVERYBODY COMFORTABLE. YOU KNOW, I DON'T-- THERE IS NO ISSUE. MY KIDS TOOK THE HEALTH CURRICULUM. I OPTED OUT.

I'M PROACTIVE IN TALKING AND UNDERSTANDING ALL OF THOSE THINGS. NOT EVERYBODY KNOWS.

NOT EVERYBODY IS COMFORTABLE. SO I GET TO BE THE VOICE FOR THOSE PEOPLE. WE DON'T GET TO DISMISS A FEW BECAUSE THE MANY THINK WE ARE NOT RIGHT.

OR VICE VERSA. THAT IS NOT WHAT THIS IS ABOUT.

>> WELL, I THINK IT IS A LARGER ISSUE.

IF THAT IS THE CASE. IF YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO GET A BOOK AND HIDE IT FROM YOU, THAT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE RELATIONSHIP THAT YOU HAVE WITH YOUR CHILD.

>> WELL, NO. I DON'T DISAGREE.

AUDIENCE, PLEASE HOLD YOUR COMMENTS.

THIS IS A BOARD DISCUSSION. I WANT TO ASK YOU TO REMAIN COGNIZANT THAT WHILE WE CAN HAVE CIVIL DISCOURSE, THIS IS A BUSINESS MEETING. WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO HEAR EACH OTHER. ON THE DAIS.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

I DO APPRECIATE THIS CONVERSATION.

MINE IS NOT THAT-- BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME KIDS THAT MAY NOT HAVE GOOD FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND GOOD HOME-- I UNDERSTAND THAT.

I DON'T KNOW HOW WE CAN HELP THOSE THAT ARE WORRIED OR CONCERNED ABOUT BOOKS, CERTAIN BOOKS WINDING UP IN THE HANDS OF THEIR CHILDREN IF THEY CAN'T BE THERE EVERY DAY.

IF WE DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT IS IN THE SCHOOL.

ARE THEY HAVEN'T A PARTY NEXT-DOOR? IF THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT'S IN A SCHOOL LIBRARY OR WHATEVER.

IT IS NOT-- IT IS WHAT WE DON'T KNOW.

ESSENTIALLY. THAT IS WHERE I GUESS I'M GETTING AT. AGAIN, I DON'T HAVE THE ANSWER.

LOOKING TO HAVE THIS DISCUSSION BECAUSE I THINK ALL PERSPECTIVES ARE REALLY IMPORTANT. I APPRECIATE YOURS AS WELL.

THANK YOU. >> SO I HEAR THE DISCUSSION.

MY COMMENTS-- I AM NOT AGAINST TABLING DISCUSSION OF THE PO POLICY. I AM AGAINST CREATING IF BOARD-- THE BOARD CREATING A COMMITTEE BECAUSE IF THE BOARD CREATES A COMMITTEE, THAT WILL MEAN THE COMMITTEE HAS TO HAVE PUBLIC AND OPEN MEETINGS WHERE STAFF, PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM STAFF WOULD NEED TO STAFF THOSE MEETINGS. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS ONE EMPLOYEE. MS. MAXEY.

[01:55:03]

AS WE MAKE MOTIONS TO ESTABLISH COMMITTEES.

AGAIN, I'M NOT AGAINST TABLING THE POLICIES SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DISCUSS IT. MAKE CHANGES TO THE POLICY.

AND CROW IT A A POLICY THAT WORKS FOR THE COMMUNITY.

BUT BE I AM NOT IN FAVOR OF TASKING OUR ONE BOARD EMPLOYEE WITH A BURDEN OF HAVING TO STAFF COMMITTEES TO MEET OUR NEED.

MAYBE WE COULD POSSIBLY CONSIDER HAVING SCHOOL SYSTEMS STAFF REVIEW THE POLICY, MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO US ON HOW WE CAN CREATE SOMETHING THAT WORKS FOR ALL AND ALSO ASKING OUR BOARD ATTORNEY TO REVIEW THE POLICY AND COMMENT ON WHAT WITHIN THE POLICY, THE LEGALLY SUFFICIENT AND WHAT WITHIN THE POLICY, MAYBE BE PROCEDURE AND PROCESS THAT MAY NEED TO BE REMOVED AND PUT INTO A PROCESS AND PROCEDURE DOCUMENT AND THEN CONTINUE TO HEAR FROM OUR COMMUNITY ON WHAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN THE POLICY. SO RIGHT NOW AS PROPOSED, I'M NOT IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION. AND WHEN WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE VOTE AFTER DISCUSSION, I WILL NOT BE VOTING FOR THE MOTION. IS THERE ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION?

F MS. POST? >> AFTER WE VOTE ON THIS ONE, CAN I MAKE A MAJOR LEAGUES? I KNOW I'M AN ELECTED OFFICIAL.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE I'M FOLLOWING THE RULES TO.

TABLE THE 2305. AND THAT BE THE END OF THE MOTION. THEN WE COULD VOTE ON THAT.

>> CAN WE MOVE TO A VOTE ON THE MOTION AND SECOND THAT IS ON THE FLOOR? WE CANNOT HAVE A SECOND FOR A SECOND MOTION. WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR. WHICH WE NEED TO ENTERTAIN AND VOTE ON. THEN WE CAN MOVE ON WITH THE MEETING AND HAVE AN ADDITIONAL MOTION AT THAT TIME.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR OF THE MOTION MADE BY MS. GRENIS TO TABLE THIS POLICY AND CREATE A COMMITTEE IN HER ADDITIONAL WORDS THAT WERE IN HER MOTION THAT I CAN'T REMEMBER EXACTLY-- ALL THOSE IN FAVOR? ANY OPPOSED?

I AM OPPOSED. >> OPPOSED.

>> MOTION FAILS. I'M ASSUMING NO ONE IS SPEAKING INTO THEIR MICROPHONE. MS. GRENIS, YOUR VOTE ON THE

MOTION? >> AYE.

>> IT IS NOT ON. >> OKAY.

MS. GRENIS' VOTE IS NO. MR. WHITE, I DID NOT HEAR YOUR

VOTE. >> NO.

>> MOTION FAILS 0-4. MS. POST, YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE

A MOTION. >> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO TABLE POLICY 2305 FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION.

AT A LATER DATE. >> THERE IS A MOTION ON THE FLOOR TO TABLE POLICY 2305. IS THERE A SECOND?

>> I SECOND. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?

HEARING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR? >> AYE.

>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.

4-0. NEXT POLICY UP FOR DISCUSSION.

1112. POLICY ON STUDENT DISCIPLINE.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. MRS. CLAGGETT, DR. TOWNSEL, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

I'M PRESENTING POLICY 1112 REGARDING STUDENT DISCIPLINE.

THIS POLICY HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY OUR STAFF AND WE ARE NOT MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGES AT THIS TIME.

>> ANY DISCUSSION FROM COLLEAGUES? SEEING NONE, THE POLICY WILL BE POSTED FOR 30-DAY REVIEW.

THANK YOU. NEXT IS POLICY 1540, REGARDING THE PROHIBITION OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ON CCPS PROPERTY.

MR. SOULE? >> GOOD AFTERNOON.

PRESIDENT CLAGGETT, DR. TOWNSEL, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.

I'M HERE THIS AFTERNOON TO REVIEW POLICY 1540 AND RECOMMEND SOME REVISIONS FOR CONSID CONSIDERATION.

POLICY 1540 REGARDING THE PROHIBITION OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN CALVERT COUNTY SCHOOLS PROPERTY PROHIBITS THE SALE, DISTRIBUTION, USE OR POSSESSION OF ALCOHOL, ANY ILLEGAL OR

[02:00:03]

BASED ON THIS LEGISLATION, I FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO CONSIDER OUR CURRENT POLICY LANGUAGE AND INCLUDE LANGUAGE THAT RECOGNIZES THIS CHANGE TO THE LAW.

AFTER REVIEWING OUR CURRENT POLICY, I'M RECOMMENDING THAT THE DEFINITIONS WITHIN THE POLICY BE UPDATED TO INCLUDE THE DEFINITION OF CANNABIS. THE DEFINITION PROPOSED MIRROR IT IS DEFINITION INCLUDED IN THE MARYLAND.GOV INFORMATION GUIDE REGARDING ADULT USE CANNABIS LEGALIZATION.

IN ADDITION, I'M RECOMMENDING THAT THE TERM CANNABIS BE UTILIZED THROUGHOUT THE POLICY TO CORRECTLY IDENTIFY IT AND TO RECOGNIZE THE CHANGE ALSO INTO LAW.

TO BE CLEAR, NO RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BEING MADE TO ADJUST OUR POLICY PROHIBITING DRUGS AND ALCOHOL ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.

THE REVISIONS ARE BEING PROPOSED SOLELY TO ENSURE THE CLARITY REGARDING CANNABIS AND THE CHANGES THAT ARE OCCURRING IN

THE LAW. >> THANK YOU, MR. SOULE.

COLLEAGUES. DISCUSSION?

>> I JUST HAVE A QUESTION. WE HAVE A TOBACCO POLICY.

IS THAT SEPARATE THAN WHAT IS HERE? I'M SORRY. I SHOULD PROBABLY KNOW.

THAT BECAUSE THERE IS SUCH AN ISSUE.

I WAS WONDERING. I DON'T SEE ANY MENTION OF TOBACCO OR VAPES IN HERE. IS IT SOMEWHERE ELSE?

>> THAT IS SEPARATE. >> OKAY.

THAT IS ALL. THANK YOU.

>> ANY OTHER COMMENTS? ALL RIGHT.

SEEING NONE, THE POLICY IS POSTED FOR 30-DAY REVIEW.

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> SO MOVING BACK TO OUR AGENDA. I SKIPPED OUR SUPERINTENDENT WHO IS NOW PREPARED TO GIVE HIS REPORT.

BEFORE HE PROCEEDS, I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO THROW OUT A TIDBIT FOR MY COLLEAGUES TO CONSIDER FOR ACTION MAYBE LATER IN THE MEETING. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT WE HAVE A DEADLINE OF JULY 1 FOR OUR EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES PLAN TO REACH THE STATE. SO WE MAY WANT TO GO BACK AND CONSIDER THAT ITEM. IT FAILED UNDER THE CONSENT AGENDA AS WELL AS BUDGET TRANSFERS THAT ARE REQUIRED TO BE MADE AND APPROVED TODAY. BECAUSE THAT WOULD ALSO HAVE A JULY 1 REQUIREMENT. WE DO NOT WANT OUR AUDITORS TO COME IN AND TELL US THAT AFTER JULY, WE CANNOT MAKE THE BUDGET TRANSFERS THAT ARE REQUIRED. I WILL PUT THOSE ITEMS ON THE TABLE FOR OUR COLLEAGUES TO THINK ABOUT.

WHILE DR. TOWNSEL GIVES HIS REPORT.

[6.01 Dr. Andrae Townsel]

DR. TOWNSEL? >> THANK YOU, PRESIDENT CLAGGETT. FIRST OF ALL, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2023.

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO CELEBRATE WITH OUR STUDENTS, FAMILIES, AND STAFF WITH MY FIRST GRADUATION HERE IN CALVERT COUNTY.

I WOULD LIKE TO SHOUT OUT A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STAFF OF CALVERT, PAW TUXENT HIGH SCHOOLS AS WELL AS CALVERT COUNTRY SCHOOL. AND STAFF AT THE CENTRAL OFFICE WHO WORKED EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE THE MOMENTOUS OCCASION FOR GRADUATES AND THEIR FAMILIES. OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS WERE ABLE TO VIEW THE CEREMONIES VIRTUALLY.

IT WAS WELL-RECEIVED. INITIAL MEETINGS HAVE OCCURRED WITH THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SHARING THIS PROCESS WITH THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS WORK WITH EVERY ONE OF YOU.

I'M PRE-MESSAGING THAT IN JULY, WE WILL BEGIN PHASE ONE OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS DOING A PREENGAGEMENT PLAN.

I WILL HAVE SOME INFORMATION IN JULY, AUGUST AND FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR TO BRING TO OUR BOARD OF EDUCATION WITH REGARD TO THE STRATEGIC PLAN. I'M ASKING AND PRE-MESSAGING THAT EVERYONE GET INVOLVED WITH THE STRATEGIC PLAN AS WE LOOK AT THE NEXT THREE TO FIVE YEARS HERE IN CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THIS PAST TUESDAY, WE HAD A GREAT TIME WITH OUR 2023 SUMMER KICKOFF CELEBRATION WHICH WAS HELD AT MULLY'S. EVERYONE ENJOYED MUSIC, GAMES, FOOD AND FUN. THIS YEAR'S ATTENDANCE WAS ABOUT 500. IT WAS A GREAT TIME TO CELEBRATE. A VERY, VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR.

HOPEFULLY, WE CONTINUE TO DO THAT EVERY YEAR TO ENSURE THAT THE MORALE IS UP FOR ALL OF OUR EDUCATORS HERE IN CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. TONIGHT WE HAVE STAFF WHO ARE RETIRING FROM CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

DINNER AND CEREMONY AT THE RIDE AND REEL.

I'M SUPPOSED TO BE THERE AT 6:30.

WE WILL SEE WHAT HAPPENS. I ALSO WANT TO SHARE THAT IN JULY, WE HAVE OUR SUMMER LEADERSHIP DAYS THAT WILL BE HELD AND THE THEME FOR OUR SUMMER LEADERSHIP RAISING THE BAR. THAT IS GOING TO BE HELD JULY 18, 19, AND 20. AND THAT IS WHERE WE WILL START THE FIRST PHASE ON THE FIRST DAY FOR THE HALF DAY.

TALKING ABOUT PHASE ONE OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN.

[02:05:01]

NOW, I WOULD LIKE TO SEEK BOARD APPROVAL FOR THE FOLLOWING APPOINTEES HERE IN CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

FIRST WE HAVE MS. SUSAN MCGOWAN WHO IS CURRENTLY THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT THE PATUXENT CAMPUS.

SHE RECEIVED HER BACHELOR'S OF ARTS DEGREE FROM THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK, AND HER MASTER ESOF ART DEGREE.

SHE JUST COMPLETED THE CALVERT COUNTY NEXT LEADERSHIP COHORT ONE. I'M RECOMMENDING YOUR APPROVAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF SUSAN MCGOWAN AS SUPERVISOR OF

STUDENT SERVICES. >> DO WE HAVE A MOTION?

>> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> DO I HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?

SEEING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR? >> AYE.

>> AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES. 4-0.

WELCOME. THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE). >> GOOD AFTERNOON, PRESIDENT CLAGGETT, DR. TOWNSEL, AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDGE CAKES. I'M HONORED TO BE APPOINTED SUPERVISOR OF STUDENT SERVICES. CALLER HAVE KOINTY HAS BEEN MY CHOSEN HOME FOR THE LAST 22 YEARS.

I'M EXCITED TO BRING MY EXPERIENCES AS A SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST AND A SCHOOL-BASED LEADERSHIP ROLE ALONGSIDE THE DEDICATED MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT SERVICES.

LY WORK HARD TO SERVE STUDENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND SUPPORT OUR HARD-WORKING MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS, TEACHERS AND SUPPORT STAFF AND SCHOOL LEADERS FOR ALL CHILDREN.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. WE WILL BE FORWARD TO YOU WORKING IN YOUR NEW POSITION. (LAUGHTER).

>> THANK YOU. NEXT I HAVE MR. STEPHEN WILLIAMS. MR. WILLIAMS BEGAN HIS TEACHING CAREER AS A HEALTH EDUCATION TEACHER.

HE RECEIVED HIS BACHELOR'S OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH EDUCATION FROM THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK COLLEGE AT ROCKPORT, AND HIS MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE FROM MCDANIEL COLLEGE.

MR. WILLIAMS HAS ALSO SERVED AS ANSIS TANT PRINCIPAL AND HAS BEEN THE PRINCIPAL OF NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL SINCE 2016.

I'M RECOMMENDING YOUR APPROVAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF STEPHEN WILLIAMS AS SUPERVISOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

>> DO I HAVE A MOTION? >> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR. ANY DISCUSSION?

HEARING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR? >> AYE.

>> AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES 4-0. (APPLAUSE).

>> THANK YOU, DR. TOWNSEL, MEMBERS.

(INAUDIBLE) I THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY. I'M EXCITED AND LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING ALONGSIDE WITH THE HR DEPARTMENT.

BEFORE I LEAVE THE PODIUM, I WOULD BE REMISIF I DIDN'T FORMALLY SAY GOOD-BYE TO THE PATRIOT FAMILY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIP IN CREATING A PHENOMENAL EXPERIENCE FOR OUR STUDENT AND OUR STAFF.

TO THE TEACHERS AND STAFF, THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO PREPARING OUR STUDENTS FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL, WHETHER IT BE COLLEGE OR A CAREER.

LASTLY, TO THE STUDENTS, YOU MAY NOT REALIZE THIS.

YOUR PRESENCE EACH DAY IS WHAT MOTIVATED ME TO GET OUT OF BED AND COME TO WORK EACH DAY. I WILL MISS THE DAILY INTERACTIONS, THE CONVERSATIONS, AND THE CELEBRATIONS.

EVEN THOUGH SOME OF YOU NEVER SAID GOOD MORNING WHEN YOU WALKED BY ME, AS YOU ENTERED THE BUILDING.

AND OFTEN I WOULD REPLY FOR YOU. GOOD MORNING, MR. WILLIAMS. IT WAS YOUR NOD, AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT YOU SAW ME AND THAT I SAW YOU. FLY THAW YOU WERE OFF I KNEW YOU WERE OFF TO START YOUR DAY ON A GOOD FOOT.

THAT I WILL CHERISH AND MISTHE MOST.

STUDENTS, PLEASE REMEMBER THE PATRIOT PILLARS WORK HARD.

BE KIND TO OTHERS. FOR AND GET INVOLVED.

LASTLY, PROBABLY THE LAST TIME I CAN SAY THIS.

AS ALWAYS, PROUD TO BE A PATRIOT.

[02:10:03]

(APPLAUSE) >> THANK YOU.

NEXT DR. KEVIN SIMMONS RECEIVED HIS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATIO AND HIS MASTER'S AND DOCTORATE DEGREES FROM WESTER MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY.

DR. SIMMONS HAS SEVEN SERVED IN A POSITION OF TEACHER, COACH, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, PRINCIPAL, AND SUPERINTENDENT.

I'M RECOMMENDING FOR YOUR APPROVAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. KEP SIMMONS AS PRINCIPAL OF NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL.

>> IS THERE A MOTION? >> MOVE TO APPROVEMENT

>> SECOND. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR. ANY DISCUSSION?

SEEING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR? >> AYE.

>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES 4-0.

(APPLAUSE) >> THANK YOU, DR. TOWNSEL.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD. I'M TRULY HONORED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AS PRINCIPAL AS NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL. I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THE FACT THAT I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A TRADITION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE THAT HAS BEEN THERE FOR YEARS. AND THAT I WILL CONTINUE WITH MY LEADERSHIP TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS A PRIDE THAT IS STILL THERE WITH THE PATRIOT NATION. AS ALWAYS, WE WILL ROCK THE RED.

THANK YOU. (APPLAUSE)

>> THANK YOU. NEXT, MR. WAYNE GLEASON RECEIVED HIS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL LAND USE PLANNING DEGREE FROM SALISBURY UNIVERSITY.

MR. GLEASON COMES TO CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH 16-PLUS YEARS OF TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE.

I'M RECOMMENDING YOUR APPROVAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. WAYNE GLEASON AS SUPERVISOR OF SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION.

>> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> YES.

MOVE TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.

>> THERE IS A MOTION AND SECOND ON THE FLOOR.

ANY DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR?

>> AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES. 4-0.

MR. GLEASON, WELCOME ABOARD. I'M PARTIAL TO SALISBURY

UNIVERSITY >> VERY NICE.

>> YES. >> VERY NICE.

GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYBODY. PRESIDENT CLAGGETT, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, THANK YOU SO MUCH. BEYOND GRATEFUL.

AND HONORED TO BE HERE TODAY. THIS APPOINTMENT TO SERVE AS THE SUPERVISOR OF CONSTRUCTION FOR THE CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THIS POSITION COMES WITH GREAT RESPONSIBILITY. IT IS IMPORTANT TO REHABILITATE OUR SCHOOL'S INFRASTRUCTURE, ADMINISTERING TECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTS AND IMFLEMING AND EXECUTING CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS AS WELL AS EDUCATION FACILITIES. I LOOK FORWARD TO COLLABORATING WITH THE BOARD, DR. TOWNSEL, MS. WARNER AND EXECUTING THE MISSION OF CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE CONSTRUCTION.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. (APPLAUSE)

>> THANK YOU. NEXT, MS. DENISE HAR BOUGH IS CURRENTLY THE DEAN OF STUDENTS AT DOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

PRIOR TO BECOMING DEAN OF STUDENTS, SHE HAD BEEN AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLTEACHER FOR 17 YEARS.

SHE RECEIVED HER BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AND MASTER'S DEGREES FROM US TOON UNIVERSITY. I'M RECOMMENDING APPROVAL FOR APPOINTMENT OF DENISE HARBOUGH AS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT DOWELL

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL >> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> ANY DISCUSSION?

HEARING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR. >> AYE.

>> MOTION PASSES 4-0. (APPLAUSE)

[02:15:14]

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. YUP OKAY. THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AS THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF DOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

I'M EXTREMELY EXCITED FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD.

I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO WORK WITH THE STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FAMILIES AT DOWELL AND CONTINUING MY JOU JOURNEY. THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE) MS. CHRISTINE WILLIAMS RECEIVED HER BACHELOR'S IN EARLY CHILDHOOD AND SPECIAL EDUCATION.

AND HER MASTER OF ART AND LEADERSHIP IN TEACHING, ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION FROM NOTRE DAME OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY. SHE IS CURRENTLY AN ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT MUTUAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

PRIOR POSITIONS HELD ARE DEAN OF STUDENTS AND IEP FACILITATOR AND ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE-SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER.

I'M RECOMMENDING FOR YOUR APPROVAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MS. CHRISTINE WILLIAMS AS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF PATUXENT

APPEAL CAMPUS >> MOVE TO APPROVE

>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR. ANY DISCUSSION?

SEEING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR. >> AYE.

>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES 4-0.

(APPLAUSE) >> GOOD EVENING.

I'M HONORED TO ACCEPT THIS POSITION AT THE PATUXENT APPEAL CAMPUS. THANK YOU FOR ENTRUSTING ME WITH THIS OPPORTUNITY. I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO JOINING THE COMMUNITY. I'M EXCITED FOR THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. THANK YOU.

(APPLAUSE) >> THANK YOU.

NEXT. MS. SHAYNA BRICKNER IS CURRENT THE TEAM LEAD AT PATUXENT HIGH SCHOOL.

SHE HAS SERVED IN POSITION AS DEAN OF STUDENTS AND ENGLISH TEACHER. MS. BRICKNER RECEIVED HER BACHELOR OF ART DEGREE FROM SALISBURY KT UNIVERSITY AND HER MASTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES. I'M RECOMMENDING APPROVAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF MS. SHAYNA BRICKNER AS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

AT HUNTINGTOWN HIGH SCHOOL. >> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> WE HAVE A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR. ANY DISCUSSION?

HEARING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR? >> AYE.

>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES 4-0.

(APPLAUSE) >> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE THE STUDENTS, THE STAFF, FAMILIES, AND THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS AT HUNTINGTOWN HIGH SCHOOL.

I'M EXTREMELY HONORED TO ACCEPT THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL POSITION AT HUNTINGTOWN. I'M MOST EXCITED TO WORK WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS TO ENSURE THAT THE STUDENTS AT HUNTINGTOWN HAVE THE BEST EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE AND TO HAVE AN IMPACT IN THIS ROLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

(APPLAUSE) IS

>> THAT CONCLUDES MY COMMENTS, PRESIDENT CLAGGETT.

>> THANK YOU, DR. TOWNSEL. >> I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PERSONNEL REQ REQUEST, BUDGET TRANSFERS, AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES MASTER PLAN REVIEW FROM THE FAILED-- FROM TODAY'S FAILED CONSENT AGENDA.

>> WE HAVE A MOTION ON THE FLOOR FOR CONSIDERATION-- RECONSIDERATION OF THE PERSONNEL REPORTS, BUDGET TRANSFERS, AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES MASTER PLAN REVIEWED FROM TODAY'S FAILED CONSENT AGENDA DO I HAVE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >> ANY DISCUSSION?

HEARING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR >> IEVMENT

>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.

[7.02 Bid Approvals]

[02:20:13]

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, PRESIDENT CLAGGETT, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, DR. TOWNSEL. I'M THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER.

SCOTT JOHNSON. MY COLLEAGUE IS HERE TO ASSIST WITH THIS RECOMMENDATION. PURSUANT TO CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS POLICY 5140, BOARD APPROVAL IS REQUESTED FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT PLUM POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR A TOTAL OF $229,880.40.

IN AN INTEREST OF TIME, I WILL SKIP DOWN TO A NOTE JUST ABOVE RECOMMENDATION. ALL FUNDING FOR THIS PLAYGROUND, THIS PROJECT WILL BE THROUGH THE PAST GRANT FUNDS AND THE AGING SCHOOLS PROGRAM. THE RECOMMENDATION IS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AWARD THE PURCHASE OF THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AT PLUM POINT TO PLAYCORE WISCONSIN INCORPORATED, DOING BUSINESS AS GAMETIME.

PO BOX 240891. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA.

FOR $229,880.48. >> I'LL TAKE A MOTION

>> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR. ANY DISCUSSION FROM COLLEAGUES? QUESTIONS? STUDENT MEMBER?

>> HI. SO WILL THIS PROJECT BE COMPLETED BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS AGAIN WHEN IT IS PUT INTO WORKS OR WILL IT HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE INSTITUTE'S ABILITY TO HAVE OUTDOOR RECESS AND/OR USE THE AREA THAT IS DESIGNATED FOR

RECESS? >> I WOULD BE HAPPY TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION. SO THIS IS FOR THE PRIMARY PLAYGROUND AT PLUM POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

THERE IS AN INTERMEDIATE PLAYGROUND.

AND THERE IS A LEAD TIME ASSOCIATED WITH THE EQUIPMENT, SO THE PROJECT WILL ACTUALLY NOT BEGIN UNTIL THE END OF AUGUST, SEPTEMBER. WE HAVE ALREADY WORKED WITH THE PRINCIPAL TO ENSURE THAT ALL STUDENTS CAN CONTINUE TO USE THE OTHER PLAYGROUND. THAT WILL NOT BE IMPACTED.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? I HAVE A QUESTION. WILL THIS PLAYGROUND NOW BE INCLUSIVE FOR OUR STUDENTS WHO HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?

>> YES. IN FACT, WE WENT THROUGH A DISCUSSION AND A REVIEW WITH MEMBERS WITHIN CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, INCLUDING PHYSICAL THERAPISTS, TO ENSURE THAT THERE WERE INCLUSIVE ELEMENTS WITHIN THE PLAYGROUND.

THAT WAS PROGRAMCALLY PROGRAMMATICALLY ONE OF THE POINTS OF THE DESIGN. IT WILL BE INCLUES ARE ICIVE.

>> THANK YOU. MS. GRENIS?

>> WILL IT HAVE THE RUBBERIZED SURFACE SO WHEELCHAIRS CAN

ACCESS DIFFERENT PARTS? >> YES, IT WILL

>> THAT IS WONDERFUL. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? SEEING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR?

>> AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED?

>> MOTION PASSES. 4-0.

>> REPLACEMENT VENDOR FOR PURCHASE OF 203 PREVIOUSLY APPROVED HEAD-START VEHICLES. ON MAY 12, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVED USING BALTIMORE COUNTY CONTRACT 0004504 FOR THE PURCHASE OF THREE 2022 FORD ESCAPE VEHICLES FOR THE HEAD-START PROGRAM. FROM APPLE FORD FOR $85,132.02.

IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR, APPLE FORD WAS ABLE TO DELIVER ONE OF THE THREE VEHICLES, SO THE FIRST RESCIND THE REMAINDER OF THE AWARDED CONTRACT TO APPLE FORD SINCE THEY ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO PROVIDE THE DISTRICT WITH THOSE VEHICLES.

AND THE SECOND PART OF THE REQUEST IS TO SEEK BOARD APPROVAL TO PURCHASE-- TO USE THE WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE REF MAINING TWO VEHICLES FOR THE AMOUNT SHOWN BELOW.

THESE VEHICLES WILL BE FUNDED WITH HEAD-START GRANT FUNDS.

>> I'LL TAKE A MOTION. >> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR. ANY QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? SEEING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR?

>> AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED?

MOTION PASSES 4-0. >> THANK YOU THE NEXT ITEM IS ALSO FOR A VEHICLE PURCHASE.

THIS IS FOR THE SCHOOL FACILITIES DEPARTMENT.

THE DISTRICT REQUESTED AND RECEIVED BIDS FROM TWO VENDORS.

AND THE BID SUMMARY, THE BID TAB IS PROVIDED IN THIS MEMO.

OF THE TWO BIDS RECEIVED, CHEVROLET BERLINED THAT LOWEST PRICE FOR THE SAME VEHICLES AND OPTIONS.

[02:25:02]

BASED ON THE SCHOOL FACILITIES DEPARTMENT VEHICLE NEEDS, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE BOARD OF EDGE CAKES AWARD THE BID FOR THE VEHICLE TRUCK NUMBER ONE TO WALDORF FORD OF WALDORF, MARYLAND FOR UP TO $71,500. CERTAIN REQUESTED SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE REMOVED FOR A PURCHASE PRICE OF $75,500.

FUNDING FOR VEHICLE ONE WILL BE FROM THE SCHOOL FACILITIES DEPARTMENT'S BUDGET. VEHICLE TWO WILL NOT BE PURCHASED AT THIS TIME DUE TO BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS.

>> I'LL TAKE A MOTION. >> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND ON THE FLOOR. ANY DISCUSSION? I WILL SAY THAT I'M HAPPY TO SEE THAT WE ARE MOVING CLOSER TO USING VENDORS WHO ARE MORE CENTRALLY LOCATED AND CLOSER TO WHERE WE ARE HERE IN CALVERT COUNTY.

IT IS ALWAYS A CONCERN THAT OUR PURCHASES ARE FROM OUT OF COUNTY OR OUT OF STATE. IT IS NICE TO SEE DOLLARS REMAINING HERE IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND.

ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR?

>> AYE. >> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES. 4-0.

THANK YOU, MR. JOHNSON. >> THANK YOU, DR. TOWNSEL FOR LEAVING EARLY TO JOIN OUR RETIREES AT THEIR DINNER.

[7.03 Review of Special Ed Staffing Plan]

>> GOOD EVENING. >> PLEASE PULL YOUR MICROPHONE.

>> CLOSER? >> CLOSER TO YOU, YES.

>> THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING.

I HAVE THE SPECIAL ED STAFFING PLAN THAT I REVIEWED WITH CCAC ON JUNE 13. IT REPRESENTS THE NUMBER OF STAFF THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY. IF YOU GO TO PAGE TWO OF THE DOCUMENT, MOST PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN THE VARIANCES.

SO THERE ARE TWO ADDITIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS FOR NEXT YEAR. FIVE ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS AND .5 ADDITIONAL SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS. FOUR OF THOSE INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANTS ARE TO SUPPORT VIRTUAL SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY. IF YOU GO TO PAGE THREE OF YOUR DOCUMENT, NOTHING HAS CHANGED WITH REGARD TO STAFFING RATIOS FOR REGIONAL PROGRAMS, AND THE VACANCIES ARE A SNAPSHOT FRO%-Ú. IF YOU HAVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OVERALL DOCUMENT, I'M

HAPPY TO RESPOND TO THOSE. >> ANY QUESTIONS FROM

COLLEAGUES? >> I HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING THE VACANCIES THAT ARE LISTED. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE IS A NATIONWIDE ISSUE WITH STAFFING SLPS.

HOWEVER, DOWN IN THE CURRENT VACANCY SECTION, IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT WE ARE RECOGNIZING THAT.

THERE MAY BE OTHER VACANCIES THAT WE ARE NOT RECOGNIZING.

SO WHAT IS BEING SHOWN IN THAT AREA?

>> SO THIS WAS A SNAPSHOT IN MID-MAY.

THE SPECIFICALLY SPEECH AND LANGUAGE, WE HAVE BEEN REALLY FORTUNATE AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GET CONTRACTED SERVICES VIRTUALLY. THAT IS WHAT SOME OF THOSE ADDITIONAL ONE TO ONES ARE. BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO WALK STUDENTS TO THE VIRTUAL SETTING AND MONITOR THEM, ESPECIALLY YOUNGER STUDENTS. BUT WE HAVE BEEN REALLY SUCCESSFUL WITH SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPISTS.

OVERALL. I DO HAVE ADDITIONAL RETIREMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS SINCE THEN. MY TEAM HAS WORKED REALLY HARD SINCE LATE NOVEMBER, EARLY DECEMBER.

WE HAVE ABOUT TENNEN TO TIN GENT CONTRACTS THAT I'M PLACING.

WE REALLY TRIED TO FRONT END-LOAD ON THE TEACHER SIDE.

>> ALL RIGHT. THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT IN THIS REPORT TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN AN EMPLOYMENT VACANCIER HAVE US IF VERSUS CONTRACTED EMPLOYEE. THAT IS MY ISSUE WITH THIS SECTION. I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A CONCERN OF MINE THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO FILL CERTAIN POSITIONS.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO ME TO BE ABLE TO RECOGNIZE WHAT PART OF THE PLAN IS BEING FILLED BY EMPLOYMENT VERSUS WHAT PART MAY BE FILLED BY CONTRACTORS. SO IN THAT SECTION, CURRENT VACANCIES, COULD WE TALK ABOUT THAT? COULD IT BE EXPANDED TO SHOW WHAT OUR ACTUALLY EMPLOYS OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM VERSUS THE CONTRACTED?

[02:30:02]

>> YEAH. I CAN SEND THAT TO YOU.

THIS MIRRORS THE MSDE REPORT. I'M HAPPY TO SEND THAT AS A

BREAKOUT FOR YOU. >> RT ALL RIGHT.

I APPRECIATE THAT. THANK YOU.

MS. GRENIS? >> EXCUSE ME I HAVE ONE QUESTION. I NOTICED IN HERE THAT IT SAID "ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE NEEDED WHEN THE NATURE AND INTENSITY OF A CHILD'S DISABILITY WARRANTS INCREASED STAFF TO PROVIDE A SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT." ARE WE PULLING FROM OUR STAFF OR IS THAT PULLING IN NEW STAFF?

>> THAT STATEMENT IN PARTICULAR, IS BECAUSE YOU CAN'T PREDICT MOVE-INS AND THINGS THAT HAPPEN JUST THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

SO TYPICALLY, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE NEED ADDITIONAL STAFFING IS I MAKE A REQUEST, AND WE FILL IT WITH A LONG-TERM SUB.

AND THEN IF A STUDENT MOVES OR DOESN'T-- YOU KNOW, WE HAVE PLANS. IF THEY DON'T NEED IT ANYMORE, WE REASSIGN THAT FIRST. IT IS A CONSTANT BACK-AND-FORTH

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. >> SO WOULD-- SO WHAT I'M ASKING IS WOULD A KINDERGARTEN ASSISTANT, FOR EXAMPLE, BE PUT INTO THAT POSITION AND THEN LEAVE THE KINDERGARTEN TEACHER

WITHOUT HELP? >> NOT TYPICALLY.

SCHOOLS DO HAVE-- YOU KNOW, IF THEY HAVE A STUDENT THAT NEEDS SOME SUPPORT, ONE PERIOD, I'M NOT GOING THE EL TELL YOU A PRINCIPAL MIGHT NOT REASSIGN THEIR OWN STAFFER.

WHEN WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ADULT SUPPORT THROUGH AN IEP, THAT IS

TYPICALLY NOT WHAT HAPPENS. >> OKAY.

>> AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, I'M HESITANT TO SAY NEVER.

TYPICALLY NOT. >> OUR STUDENT MEMBER?

>> I HAVE TO BREAK THE HABIT OF RAISING MY HAND.

ALL RIGHT. WITH THIS CONSISTENT BACK-AND-FORTH THAT YOU JUST NOTED ABOUT, HAS IT PROVEN TO EFFECTIVELY RESULT IN WHATEVER THE CHILD NEEDS, THE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT, GETTING AN ADEQUATE EDUCATION? ARE THEY OVERWHELMED WITH THE CONTINUOUS CHANGE IN SUPPORT?

>> OH, WHEN I'M TALKING ABOUT THE BACK-AND-FORTH OF SUPPORT, I DON'T MEAN THE PEOPLE CHANGE FOR THE STUDENT.

I MEAN THIS IS PLAN-WAYED ON CURRENT ENROLLMENT.

TOMORROW I COULD HAVE A STUDENT COME IN WITH AN IEP FROM OUT OF STATE THAT HAS ADULT SUBORDINATE.

THAT IS THE BACK-AND-FORTH INTERNALLY FOR US.

DO I HAVE SOMEBODY THAT MOVED OUT AND I HAVE A STAFF MEMBER I CAN ASSIGN? OR DO I NEED TO MAKE A REQUEST FOR A LONG-TERM SUB? OR DO I HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO ASSIGN SOMEBODY. IT IS NOT CHANGING PEOPLE WITH

STUDENTS. >> OKAY.

THE STUDENTS ARE NOT LACKING SUPPORT WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE?

>> NO. I MEAN, WE HAVE OUR NATURAL PEOPLE GET SICK AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS.

THERE MIGHT BE SOME. FOR THE MOST PART, WE KEEP STAFF AND STUDENTS TOGETHER. BECAUSE OF THAT RELATIONSHIP.

>> THANK YOU. >> SURE.

>> ALL RIGHT. ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, CONCERNS? WE NEED A MOTION. NO? 30-DAY REVIEW. THANK YOU.

[7.04 Approval of FY 2024 Budget]

NEXT WE HAVE APPROVAL OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET.

SO THE COMMISSIONERS HAVE PROPOSED THEIR BUDGET.

WE ARE NOW AWARE OF WHAT OUR LOCAL FUNDING WILL BE.

AND MR. JOHNSON IS GOING TO DISCUSS THAT FOR OUR APPROVAL.

>> THANK YOU. THIS EVENING, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND, THE GRANT FUND, AND THE FOOD SERVICE FUND. SUMMARY COPIES OF THE FUNDS ARE INCLUDED THE RECOMMENDATION IS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ADOPT AS PRESENTED THE FISCAL YEAR 2024 GENERAL FUND, GRAND OPPORTUNITY, GRANT FUND AND FOOD SERVICE

FUND. >> LY ENTERTAIN A MOTION.

>> MOVE TO APPROVE. >> IS THERE A SECOND?

>> SECOND. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?

SEEING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR? >> AYE.

>> ANY OPPOSED? MOTION PASSES.

[7.05 Fund Balance Commitment Approval]

>> THANK YOU. 12 YEARS AGO, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ADOPTED A RESOLUTION TO AFFECT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A THEN NEW GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD.

TODAY IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE BOARD APPROVE A RESOLUTION TO UPDATE THIS 12-YEAR-OLD FUND BALANCE RESOLUTION.

THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROPOSED CHANGE IS THE INCLUSION OF TYPES OF FUND BALANCE ASSIGNMENTS BEING APPROVED BY THE BOARD.

[02:35:02]

I'M SORRY COMMITMENT AMOUNTS IN THE 6023 COLUMN. THE RECOMMENDED MOTION IS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE AS PRESENTED, THE FUND BALANCE

RESOLUTION. >> MOVE TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> THERE IS A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? I DON'T SEE ANY COMMENTS FROM MY COLLEAGUES.

I HAVE A QUESTION. SO IT LOOKS LIKE PAGE 3 OF THE PDF DOCUMENT IS WHAT IS ACTUALLY BEING PROPOSEDST AND PAGE 2, YOU ARE JUST SHOWING THE MARK-UP.

IS THAT CORRECT? >> YES.

>> ALL RIGHT. AND THEN PAGE FOUR OF THE DOCUMENT IS SHOWING WHAT WILL ACTUALLY-- IS THAT OUR COMMITMENT? SORRY.

I CAN'T-- READ THAT. >> SORRY IT IS SMALL. IT IS NEAR THE FAR RIGHT COLUMN.

ABOUT MIDWAY DOWN. IT IS A BORDER AROUND THE LIGHT

YELLOW >> RIGHT.

WAS THE FUEL COMMITMENT ADDED? >> YES, IT WAS.

TRANSPORTATION FUEL. WAS ADDED.

TO THIS. GHOT A MILLION DOLLARS PUT

THERE. >> ALL RIGHT.

GREAT. >> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION?

SEEING NONE, THOSE IN FAVOR, >> AYE.

>> ANY OPPOSED? >> MOTION PASSES.

[8.01 Comments by the Board]

WE ARE MOVE INTO BOARD COMMENTS. WE WILL START WITH OUR STUDENT

MEMBER. >> I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS MADE ME FEEL SO WELCOME AS A NEW ADDITION TO THE BOARD TODAY. THIS IS GOING TO REFLECT A LITTLE BIT UPON MY REPORT. ONCE AGAIN, I'M VERY EXCITED TO SEE WHAT THE YEAR HOLDS IN TERMS OF STUDENT VOICE AND ADVOCACY.

AMONGST A DIVERSE GROUP OF STRONG LEADERS THAT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM PRODUCES. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO TOOK THE TIME OUT OF THEIR DAY TO PROVIDE COMMENTS.

I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR MORE OF THEM IN THE FUTURE.

IT IS GREAT HERE HEARING PEOPLE'S OPINIONS ABOUT WHAT'S HAPPENING AND TAKING THEM INTO CONSIDERATION.

WHEN THE BOARD MAKES DECISIONS. ALSO GREAT JOB TO ALL THE MOUNT HARMONY READERS RECENTLY HIGHLIGHTED DURING TODAY'S PUBLIC COMMENTS. THAT IS A GREAT REFLECTION OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. MS. POST?

>> I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME JORDAN TO OUR TEAM HERE.

>> OH. I CALLED MS. POST.

MS. GRENIS WANTS TO SPEAK. WE WILL ALLOW HER TO GO

>> GO RIGHT AHEAD. YOU KNOW WHAT? (LAUGHTER). NO.

YOU GO IT IS ALL RIGHT

>> ALL RIGHT. AGAIN, I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU TO OUR BOARD HERE. I HOPE EVERYONE IS OFF TO A GREAT START FOR THEIR SUMMER VACATION.

AND I SPECIFICALLY WANT TO SEND CONGRATULATIONS OUT TO OUR RETIRED STAFF WHO WE WILL BE JOINING SHORTLY TO CELEBRATE WITH. I LOOK FORWARD TO CELEBRATING WITH YOU. AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE YOUR SERVICE AND DEDICATION AT THE CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MS. GRENIS. MS. POST?

>> I'M SORRY THAT DR. TOWNSEL HAD TO LEAVE.

BECAUSE I WANTED TO SHARE WITH HIM-- I RECEIVED A LOT OF FEEDBACK AND A LOT OF COMMENTS REGARDING THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATIONS AND SPECIFICALLY, HIS SPEECH WHICH MY DAUGHTER WAS IN ATTENDANCE FOR ONE OF THOSE. I WILL JUST TELL YOU A FUNNY STORY. HE WILL HAVE TO GO BACK.

MAINLY CALL HIM TOMORROW. HE CAN LISTEN TO IT AGAIN.

SINCE I HAD TO LISTEN TO HIS SPEECH FOUR TIMES, I FEEL LIKE IT IS FAIR. I WAS HAVING A CONVERSATION WITH ONE OF MY DAUGHTER'S FRIENDS. I SAID "DO YOU USE CHAT GPT TO WRITE YOUR PAPERS?" MY DAUGHTER LEANED OVER AND SAID, "IF YOU DO, YOU ARE ON SAND." SHE SAID "I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN.

I SAID, LISTEN TO DR. TOWNSEL'S SPEECH.

EVERY PARENT THAT HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN TO THAT SPEECH AND EVERY PARENT THAT HAS A TEENAGER, IT SEEMS THAT THEY ARE ALL ON SAND. EVERYBODY I TALKED TO, ALL OF I REALLY WANTED TO SHARE THAT WITH DR. TOWNSEL.

I THOUGHT IT WAS REALLY GREAT ANALOGY.

NOW ALL THE PARENTS ARE TALKING ABOUT THAT I'LL LEAVE IT WITH THAT. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, MS. POST. MR. WHITE?

>> I WILL BE VERY BRIEF. I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO ALL THE TEACHERS, STAFF, BUS DRIVERS AND EVERYTHING FOR AN AMAZING YEAR. I CAN SPEAK FROM THE EXPERIENCE THAT I'M HAVING MANY MY DAUGHTER.

AT CALVERT MIDDLE SCHOOL. EVERYONE IS DOING AN AMAZING JOB. IES TO ALL THE GRADUATES.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS BEEN SENDING COMMENTS.

AND WHO SPOKE TONIGHT. ALSO, WITH THE BUDGET, YOU KNOW, EVERYONE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WE HAD CONVERSATIONS AND I TALKED TO MR. JOHNSON. JUST REALLY TRYING TO MAKE SURE THAT SINCE THE BUDGET IS APPROVED, TO REALLY GO INTO

[02:40:02]

THANK YOU. >> THANK YOU, MR. WHITE.

I WANT TO START BY THANKING OUR EXTRA STAFF THAT CAME TONIGHT TO STAFF OUR BOARD MEETING BECAUSE OF THE STRONG SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY AND PASSION FROM THE COMMUNITY TONIGHT FOR THE MEETING. I WANT TO THANK ALL OF THOSE WHO GAVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND AS WELL AS ALL THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO SENT EMAILS TO US FOR PUBLIC COMMENT ON OUR POLICIES.

IT IS BURDENSOME TO HAVE TO SIT DOWN AND READ EACH OF THE EM EMAILS. IT BRINGS JOY TO MY HEART TO KNOW THAT OUR COMMUNITY CARES WHAT WE ARE DOING AS ELECTED OFFICIALS AS WE SIT UP HERE ON THE DAIS.

I THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS. AND ESPECIALLY THANK THOSE WHO JOINED US TODAY. I ALSO WANT TO THANK MS. ARTHUR FOR WEARING HER SALISBURY UNIVERSITY SHIRT TODAY.

AGAIN, I'M-- GO SEAGULLS. THOSE WHO KNOW ME KNOW WHY.

AND JUST KNOW THAT WE DO MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS UP HERE ON THE DAIS. OUR DECISIONS DON'T NECES NECESSARILY-- THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY SUPPORTED BY EACH INDIVIDUAL. WE DO TRY OUR BEST TO MAKE THE BEST DECISION FOR THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH WE LIVE.

HOWEVER, KNOW THAT AS LONG AS I SIT ON THIS DAIS, AND I REPRESENT CALL VERT COUNTY, I WILL NEVER USE A POLICY THAT IS PROPOSED TO FURTHER MARGINALIZE ANY COMMUNITY WITHIN CALVERT COUNTY. YOU HAVE THAT AS MY COMMITMENT TO YOU ALL. THAT IS IT FOR ME THIS EVENING.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.