Sep 19, 2024 Board of Education

[00:00:10]

>>> I CALL THE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING TO ORDER .

[2.01 Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silence]

MENTION A MOMENT OF SILENCE. BUT A LOT OF YOU HAVE BEEN HERE

[2.02 SkillsUSA Recognition]

MISS GRACE MINAKOWSKI . >> SKILLSUSA IS A TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION WHOSE MISSION IS TO EMPOWER MEMBERS TO BECOME WORLD-CLASS WORKERS, LEADERS AND RESPONSIBLE AMERICAN CITIZENS; AND WHEREAS, SKILLSUSA REPRESENTS A PARTNERSHIP OF STUDENTS, TEACHERS AND INDUSTRY WORKING TOGETHER TO ENSURE AMERICA HAS A SKILLED WORKFORCE BY PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS, EVENTS, LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND COMPETITIONS THAT SUPPORT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN THE NATION'S CLASSROOMS; AND WHEREAS, SEVEN STUDENTS REPRESENTED THE CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY, CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE STATE OF MARYLAND AT THE 2024 SKILLSUSA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SKILLS CONFERENCE, NLSC HELD IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA IN JUNE 2024; AND WHEREAS, THESE SEVEN STUDENTS EARNED SIX TOP-TEN PLACEMENTS IN THE COUNTRY ACROSS SEVEN CONTESTS; AND WHEREAS, THE CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY'S SKILLSUSA CHAPTER WAS RECOGNIZED A GOLD CHAPTER OF DISTINCTION FOR 2024 AND RECOGNIZED AS FIFTH OVERALL IN THE NATION; AND WHEREAS, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RECOGNIZES THE HARD WORK AND DEDICATION OF THE SKILLSUSA LEAD ADVISORS, MS. SARAH JONES, MRS. MICHELLE MILLER, AND MRS. KADESHA PLEGER, ALONG WITH OTHER FACULTY ADVISORS, MS. ROBIN BURNS, MR. BENJAMIN LANE, MR. RAY TRIGGER, MR. MARQUIS SMITH AND MR. DAVE BARCENES OF THE MARYLAND FIRE AND RESCUE INSTITUTE TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR COMPETITION; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CALVERT COUNTY COMMEND THE MEMBERS, ADVISORS, AND SUPPORTERS OF SKILLSUSA FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT THE SUPERINTENDENT AND BOARD MEMBERS WISH THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND IN PROFESSIONAL PURSUITS IN THEIR CHOSEN CAREER FIELDS.

CONGRATULATIONS. % >>

>> >> IT HAS BEEN PROPERLY MOVED

AND SECONDED. ALL IN FAVOR? >> AYE.

>> THE MOTION PASSES, 5-0 . CONGRATULATIONS.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I AM CARY AIKINS AND I OVERSEE CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR CALVERT COUNTY SCHOOLS. THIS AFTERNOON WE ARE RECOGNIZING TWO CAREER TECHNICAL ORGANIZATIONS. I WANT TO GIVE EVERYBODY A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT A CTSO IS. IT IS A CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY THAT IS INTERTWINED AND CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM OUR CTE. THE BEST COMPARISON I CAN GIVE IS IT IS THEIR FIRST PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION THAT THEY ARE MEMBERS OF SO WE ARE THANKFUL TO PROVIDE THOSE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR STUDENTS. NOW I WANTED TO TURN IT OVER TO MISS ALYSSA LANE WHO IS OUR ONE STUDENT FROM NATIONALS THAT DID NOT GRADUATE THIS YEAR . SHE WILL GRADUATE NEXT YEAR SO SHE WILL SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP.

>> HELLO. MY NAME IS ALYSSA LANE AND I AM IS SENIOR AT THE CTA . I WANT TO TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHAT SKILLSUSA MEANS TO ME AND WHAT NATIONALS MEANS TO ME. I WAS A PART OF SKILLSUSA LAST YEAR . I WAS NOT OUTGOING AND DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT TRADE OR WHAT THE SKILL WOULD BRING TO ME BUT

[00:05:02]

SKILLSUSA IS NOT A CLUB. IT IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT PUTS STUDENTS FIRST SO THEY CAN LEARN HOW TO BE THE MOST SUCCESSFUL AND HOW THEY CAN STRIVE TO BE THEIR BEST. THANK

YOU. >>

[2.03 FBLA Recognition]

>> NEXT WE WILL HAVE RECOGNITION FOR FBLA.

>> FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA IS A NONPROFIT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION REPRESENTING THE LARGEST BUSINESS CAREER STUDENT ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD WITH A QUARTER MILLION STUDENTS PREPARING FOR CAREERS IN BUSINESS AND BUSINESS-RELATED FIELDS; AND WHEREAS, FBLA-PBL FUNCTIONS AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE BUSINESS EDUCATION CURRICULUM IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, HELPING STUDENTS DEVELOP THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER SUCCESS THROUGH CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND FOSTERING PRODUCTIVITY IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY, WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO OUR LEADERSHIP IN THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MARKETPLACE; AND WHEREAS, TWENTY STUDENTS FROM NORTHERN HIGH AND NORTHERN MIDDLE SCHOOLS REPRESENTED THE STATE OF MARYLAND AT THE 2024 NATIONAL FBLA-PBL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA IN JULY 2024; AND WHEREAS, NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT OLIVIA HERRIN HAS BEEN NAMED AS THE FIRST EVER NATIONAL OFFICER FROM CALVERT COUNTY TO REPRESENT OUR DISTRICT AND STATE AS PART OF THE FBLA NATIONAL STUDENT OFFICER TEAM; AND WHEREAS, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ACKNOWLEDGES THE WORK AND DEDICATION OF THE FACULTY ADVISORS: MRS. NANCY TASSA, MRS. WENDI RING, AND MS. ATHENA LEWIS; AND WHEREAS, THE STUDENT MEMBERS REPRESENTED THEIR SCHOOLS AND CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS WITH THE UTMOST PROFESSIONALISM AND LEADERSHIP; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CALVERT COUNTY COMMEND THE MEMBERS, ADVISORS, AND SUPPORTERS OF THE NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL AND NORTHERN MIDDLE SCHOOL CHAPTERS OF FBLA FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, THAT THE SUPERINTENDENT AND SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS WISH THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS EDUCATION AND THROUGHOUT THEIR PROFESSIONAL CAREERS. CONGRATULATIONS.

>> MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> AYE. >> THE MOTION PASSES.

[00:10:03]

>> IT IS A PLEASURE TO ANNOUNCE THE NATIONAL FBLA SECRETARY TO

SHARE REMARKS. >> HELLO EVERYONE. MY NAME IS OLIVIA HERRING AND I AM EXCITED TO BE HERE TODAY. I AM ENTERING MY SEVENTH YEAR IN FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA. WE LEARN BUSINESS SKILLS THROUGH COMPETITION AND NETWORKING. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THIS.

WHAT REALLY MAKES THE ORGANIZATION SPECIAL IS WHAT WE ARE DOING ON A LOCAL LEVEL. OUR CHAPTER IS SO LUCKY TO LEARN BUSINESS SKILLS AND NETWORK WITH BUSINESS PROFESSIONALS ACROSS THE COUNTY. WE HAVE DRIVEN ACROSS THE COUNTY TALKING WITH BUSINESS OWNERS. OVER 20 YEARS WE HAVE LED SO MANY COMMUNITY PROJECTS. THIS YEAR I AM SO EXCITED FOR FOSTERING HOPE, OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CALVERT COUNTY FOSTER PARENT ASSOCIATION. I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR ALL --.

>>

>> GREAT JOB STUDENTS. I SHAKE A LOT OF HANDS AND THEY HAVE

[2.04 Foundation Grant Awards]

NEXT WE HAVE FOUNDATION GRANT AWARDS, MISS DONA OSTENSO .

>>

>> NEXT WE WILL HAVE FOUNDATION GRANT AWARDS, MISS DONA OSTENSO .

[00:15:07]

>> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS DONA OSTENSO AND I AM A RETIRED EDUCATOR AND A MEMBER OF THE CALVERT COUNTY SCHOOL FOUNDATION. IT IS A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING IN THE FORM OF GRANTS TO CALVERT COUNTY TEACHERS AND STAFF AS THEY WORK TO BRING INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE PROGRAMS NOT FUNDED BY TAXPAYER DOLLARS TO THE STUDENTS OF CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. FOUNDED IN 2017 THE FOUNDATION IS LED BY A VOLUNTEER BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHO REPRESENT A DIVERSE COMMUNITY. I WILL NOW TAKE A MOMENT TO INTRODUCE OUR BOARD MEMBERS. OUR PRESIDENT IS MELISSA CARNES FROM PUBLIC HEALTH. OUR VICE PRESIDENT IS AT DOMINIC POWELL FROM EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION. JANNA JACKSON REPRESENTS CONSTELLATION. CATHY PAGE IS A RETIRED EDUCATOR AND GUFFRIE SMITH IS A RETIRED EDUCATOR. NEW TO THE BOARD IS MARGO GROSS, THE CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SUPERVISOR OF EQUITY ON OUR BOARD. THE FOUNDATION IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE WE ARE AWARDING OVER $23,000 IN GRANTS FOR THE 2023-2025 SCHOOL YEAR. THE FOUNDATION GRANT RECIPIENTS ARE, AND I WILL INTRODUCE EACH ONE AND WHEN I DO IF HE OR SHE CAN COME UP FRONT WE WILL PRESENT THEM WITH A CHECK AND IT WILL BE A CHANCE FOR A VOTE.

WE WILL BEGIN WITH , KAREN, CAN YOU GO BACK ONE SLIDE PLEASE? OKAY, GO FORWARD. ONE MORE. THANK YOU. THAT IS THE ORDER OF HOW I HAVE IT TO PRESENT AND I HAVE ALREADY PRACTICED IT THAT WAY.

LOHR, MS. GARNER, AND MISS MASLOW. THEY ARE BEING AWARDED FUNDING TO GO TO -- THE CALVERT COACHING COHORT TO PRESENT BEST PRACTICES, DEVELOP COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS, AND INCREASE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT. THE POPULATIONS TO BE SERVED ARE THE STUDENTS AND STAFF OF HONEY TOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, P.A.C. AND SOUTHERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

CONGRATULATIONS.

>> ANNETTE MULLINS AND MISS DENISE HARBAUGH. THEY ARE BEING AWARDED A GRANT FOR ANNETTE MULLINS TO TO CREATE A SENSORY ROOM AT DOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO SUPPORT THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS AND STAFF. IT CAN BE USED AS A TOOL TO HELP STUDENTS MANAGE SENSORY NEEDS AND IMPROVE FOCUS AND ENGAGEMENT IN THE CLASSROOM. THE CREATION OF THE SENSORY ROOM WILL PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO THRIVE ACADEMICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. CONGRATULATIONS.

>>

[00:20:12]

>> OUR NEXT AWARD, MS. PHILLIPS AND MS. MULLINS FOR . MS. PHILLIPS IS BEING AWARDED $3000 TO HOLD A CALVERT COUNTY FINANCE FAIR. IT WILL ALLOW MS. PHILLIPS, WITH THE SUPPORT OF MS. AKINS AND COMMUNITY BUSINESS OWNERS TO GIVE MIDDLE SCHOOLERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD ON TOOLS THEY HAVE LEARNED IN THEIR FAX CLASSES AND APPLY THEM AT A FINANCE FAIR THAT MIMICS A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ADULT. THE GOAL IS TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH AN EXPERIENCE THAT APPLIES TO TRUE TO LIFE SITUATIONS AND DECISION-MAKING SKILLS WITH FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. CONGRATULATIONS.

>> SHOEMAKER . MS. SHOEMAKER IS BEING AWARDED A GRANT FOR $2,999.80 TO IMPLEMENT A WATER SAFETY PROGRAM AT PLUM POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOR THE FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS. THIS PROGRAM IS BASED OFF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS WHALE. WATER HABITS ARE LEARNED EARLY. IT TEACHES STUDENTS HOW TO REMAIN SAFE IN, ON, AND AROUND WATER. THIS GRANT WILL ALLOWS STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE AND REINFORCE WATER SAFETY KNOWLEDGE IN A PRACTICAL SETTING WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EVERETT T . WATER CENTER . CONGRATULATIONS.

>>

>> OUR NEXT AWARD IS FOR -- MS. BOWEN BUT SHE IS NOT HERE. MS. BOWEN WILL BE USING IXL MATH SUPPORT AS A SUPPLEMENTAL SOURCE IN MATH CLASSES FOR THE 2024-2026 SCHOOL YEAR. CALVERT MIDDLE SCHOOL PILOTED THE USE OF IXL AND SAW AN INCREASE IN THEIR MATH SCORES. IXL SUPPORTS THE INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL LEARNING IN A STRUCTURED FORMAT THAT SUPPORTS LEARNING OUTCOMES AND MAKES LEARNING OF MATH ENJOYABLE. THE USE OF IXL WILL SUPPORT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTINUOUS WORK TO CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP OF SUBGROUPS WHILE MAKING LEARNING FUN. IT IS THE GOAL OF MS. BOWEN THAT THE WHOLE SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT IN MATH WILL INCREASE THIS SCHOOL YEAR. CONGRATULATIONS.

>> PRACTICED YOUR NAME AND JUST MESSED IT UP. MS. CASTIGILONE.

I WAS DISTURBED AND -- DETERMINED. I BROKE IT DOWN PHONETICALLY AND EVERYTHING. MS. CASTIGILONE IS BEING AWARDED A GRANT FOR $1,561.25 TO SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF FINE MOTOR SKILLS IN HER PRE-K CLASSROOM AT DOWELL ELEMENTARY.

FINE MOTOR SKILLS ARE THE FOUNDATION FOR MANY ESSENTIAL TASKS AND 70S STUDENTS WILL ENCOUNTER IN FUTURE GRADE. FINE MOTOR SKILLS DEVELOP OVER TIME WITH PRACTICE AND REPETITION.

MANY CHILDREN ARRIVE IN KINDERGARTEN LACKING FINE MOTOR SKILLS NEEDED TO HOLD A PENCIL AND WRITE . THIS WILL ALLOW HER

[00:25:02]

>>

>> MS. COUGHLIN. MS. COUGHLIN IS BEING AWARDED A GRANT FOR $3000 TO PURCHASE A BOOK OF VENDING MACHINE FOR THE STUDENTS AT WINDY HILL ELEMENTARY. HER BLAST OFF WITH A BOOK! PROJECT WILL SERVE THE ENTIRE WINDY HILL ELEMENTARY POPULATION OF MORE THAN 625 STUDENTS. IT WILL PROVIDE THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WITH A UNIQUE AND INNOVATIVE WAY TO ACQUIRE NEW BOOKS TO BUILD THEIR PERSONAL FAMILY LIBRARIES.

PROMOTING LITERACY ENGAGEMENT IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL . STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO PURCHASE A NEW BOOK FROM THE VENDING MACHINE BY EARNING VENDING MACHINE TOKENS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

THROUGH ADDITIONAL GRANTS AND SPONSORSHIPS OF BOOKS WILL BE PURCHASED TO SUSTAIN THE VENDING MACHINE FOR YEARS TO

COME. CONGRATULATIONS. >>

>> MS. GLADFELTER. MS. GLADFELTER AND MS. SAUL ARE BEING AWARDED A GRANT FOR $3000 TO PROVIDE THE STUDENTS OF WINDY HILL MIDDLE TO INCREASE STUDENT UNDERSTANDING OF CONTENT TO IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING AS DEMONSTRATED THROUGH SPEAKING AND WRITING. TEACHERS WILL BE PROVIDED TOOLS TO MAKE THE WALLS THERE COAT TEACHER. THIS WILL IMPACT THE ENTIRE POPULATION AT WINDY HILL MIDDLE , ALL GENERAL EDUCATION STUDENTS, SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS, ALL MIKE MULTILINGUAL LEARNERS. IT IS THE GOAL THAT STUDENTS WILL BE MORE CONFIDENT TO SPEAK IN THE CLASSROOM USING ACADEMIC LANGUAGE AND CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT STUDENTS FEEL COMFORTABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN STRUCTURED CONVERSATIONS SINCE THEY WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK BEFORE THEY ANSWER WRITTEN QUESTIONS, IT IS THE GOAL THAT THEY WILL HAVE A LOT MORE TO WRITE.

CONGRATULATIONS. >>

>> UNFORTUNATELY, OUR LAST RECIPIENT, MS. LEE IS NOT ABLE TO BE HERE BUT HER PRINCIPAL, MISS SCHMIDT WILL ACCEPT THE AWARD ON BEHALF OF MS. LEE. MS. LEE IS BEING AWARDED A GRANT FOR $1,999.30 TO PURCHASE THE SECOND GRADE TEAM AT WINDY HILL ELEMENTARY HORSE SUE DRY ERASE TABLES FOR EACH OF THE FIVE CLASSROOMS. THE UTILIZATION OF THESE TABLES WILL INCREASE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT , PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH AN ALTERNATIVE MODE OF DEMONSTRATING KNOWLEDGE AND PROVIDING FEEDBACK TO THE TEACHERS. THIS WILL SERVE FUTURE SECOND GRADE STUDENTS.

CONGRATULATIONS. >>

>> IN CLOSING I WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE CONSTELLATION ENERGY AND EDUCATION SYSTEMS CREDIT UNION FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT IN ENHANCING EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENTS ACROSS ALL GRADES AND LEVELS OF ACHIEVEMENT. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO GIVE A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO DON STIFFLER . SHE WAS ABLE TO COLLECT $5000 IN DONATIONS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES THROUGH FOOD AND DRINK SPECIALS

[00:30:07]

DAWN IS ALSO A TEACHER AT TAO AS WELL. YOU CAN SEE THE AWARDS THAT WERE GIVEN TODAY, THEY ARE IN ALL REALMS OF THE SPECTRUM.

GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PROJECTS THIS YEAR . WE AT THE FOUNDATION ARE EXCITED TO GET YOUR GRANTS AND FOR EVERYBODY LISTENING OUT THERE, IN THE SPRING, THE NEXT APPLICATION ROUND WILL COME OUT AND YOU CAN PRETTY MUCH SUBMIT FOR JUST ABOUT ANY CREATIVE IDEAS SO PLEASE DO THAT. THANK YOU.

>> SCHOOL FOUNDATION AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RECIPIENTS. IT IS NICE TO SEE THE AND THE OVATION -- INNOVATION THAT YOU ARE PUTTING FORWARD TO CONSTANTLY CHANGE

[3. Consent Agenda]

CONSENT AGENDA. >> MOVED TO APPROVE.

>> SECOND. >> THERE HAS BEEN A PROPER MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR .

>> AYE . >> THE MOTION PASSES, 50. --

[4.01 Public Comment]

5-0. >> NEXT WE WILL MOVE TO PUBLIC

COMMENT. >> THE BOARD ALLOWS THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK ON AREAS OF CONCERN. WHEN YOU ARE CALLED TO SPEAK SHARE YOUR NAME FOR THE RECORD AND LIMIT COMMENTS TO THREE MINUTES. YOU MAY NOT CONVEY, TRANSFER OR RELINQUISH YOUR SPEAKING TIME TO ANOTHER GROUP. IF YOU HAVE HANDOUTS OR WRITTEN TESTIMONY PLEASE GIVE THEM TO KAREN MAXEY TO BE GIVEN TO BOARD MEMBERS. TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY DO NOT MENTION SPECIFIC STUDENTS OR STAFF MEMBERS IN YOUR REMARKS. ANYONE NOT FOLLOWING GUIDELINES WILL BE ASKED TO STOP SPEAKING AND MAY FORFEIT THEIR RIGHT TO SPEAK AT FUTURE MEETINGS. WHILE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION VALUES YOUR COMMENTS AND CONCERNS THIS IS A BUSINESS MEETING AND WE CANNOT ANSWER QUESTIONS OR ENTER INTO DISCUSSION WITH YOU DURING THE MEETING. WE WILL RESPOND AFTER THE MEETING . FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE BOARD. THIS AFTERNOON WE HAVE FOUR SPEAKERS. THE FIRST IS DWIGHT FISHER JUNIOR.

>> I AM HERE TO TALK ABOUT MY HBCU. I WENT TO AN HBCU BEFORE THEY WERE MADE FAMOUS. I REMEMBER A SPEAKER WHO SAID THAT RACISM -- URGENCY TO PAY SCHOOL BUS CONTRACTORS PROPERLY. 70% ARE BLACK AND MANY OF THOSE THAT HAVE SPOKEN WITH ME HAVE SPOKEN TO THE FACT THAT THEY FEEL THERE IS NO SENSE OF URGENCY BECAUSE THEY ARE BLACK. NO SENSE OF URGENCY. THE FINANCIAL ANALYST IN CHARGE OF PAYING US RESIGNED JULY 1 AND THE POSITION WAS NOT FILLED UNTIL 11 WEEKS LATER. NO SENSE OF URGENCY. PAYMENTS WERE INCORRECT AND THEY WERE RECTIFIED FIVE DAYS LATER. NO SENSE OF URGENCY. NO SENSE OF

[00:35:02]

NO SENSE OF URGENCY. THEY JUST TOOK A CHECK AND WERE LIKE SHUT UP ABOUT IT. AND YOU BETTER HAVE THE SCHOOL BUSES ON TIME.

THAT IS FIGURATIVELY. OUR PAYCHECKS COME IN AS DIRECT DEPOSIT. PAYMENT ON SEPTEMBER 15, PAYMENTS AND CHECKS ARE STILL NOT CORRECT. PAPERWORK DID COME IN THIS TIME BUT PEOPLE ARE STILL TRYING TO SEE IF THE PAYMENTS WERE CORRECT.

NO SENSE OF URGENCY. I AM NOT SURPRISED THEY ARE NOT ON TIME.

THEY COME FROM THE TABLETS ON THE BUSES. THE CONTRACT FOR THE GPS TABLET WAS NOT FINALIZED BY DAY ONE SO THERE IS NO SERVICE.

AGAIN, NO SENSE OF URGENCY TO PAY ON TIME AS A UNIT. THEY DO

HAVE A SENSE OF URGENCY. >> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. WE WILL HELP YOU GET YOUR CHECK.

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS MERYL MAHONEY.

>> THANK YOU. I AM PAT MAHONEY, THE MAYOR OF CHESAPEAKE BEACH AND I AM HERE TODAY BECAUSE I AM MAD OVER HOW THE BOARD OF EDUCATION IS TREATING THE CITIZENS OF CHESAPEAKE BEACH.

WE HAVE -- THAT ENJOY TENNIS. IN 2017 I WAS INVITED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND JOINED -- EDUCATION COMMITTEE. MY JOB IS TO ENSURE COMMUNITY BUY-IN DURING THE STRESSFUL AND NOISY CONSTRUCTION PHASE AND I DELIVER . AS MAYOR I WASN'T SURE THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TENNIS COURTS WOULD REMAIN AVAILABLE TO OUR CITIZENRY. THE TENNIS COURTS ARE THE CONDITIONAL OF THE APPROVAL OF THE SITE GRANTED BY THE TOWN OF CHESAPEAKE BEACH. APPROVAL NEEDED TO CONSTRUCT THE NEW SCHOOL . THE BOE AGREED TO THIS. WE HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL OBLIGING PARTNERS. IN THE DARK OF NIGHT, THEY BOARDED UP THE TENNIS COURTS WITHOUT INFORMING THE TOWN AND WITHOUT OWNING UP TO IT UNTIL WE SPENT WEEKS OF PROBING. THE BOARD HAS NOT BEEN GOOD PARTNERS. YOU GOT WHAT YOU WANTED AND IT IS TIME FOR THE BOARD TO STEP UP AND DELIVER ON YOUR PROMISES. AS THE MAYOR OF CLOSE TO 7000 RESIDENTS IN CHESAPEAKE BEACH , I INSIST THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RETURNED THE BEACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TENNIS COURTS BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. I INSIST THAT THE BOARD TAKE ACTION TO REPAIR THE COURTS AND UNBLOCK ACCESS TO IT. IF THE BOARD IS NOT IN THE POSITION TO DO THIS AND THEN I INSIST THAT THE BOARD DEEP THE LAND TO THE COUNTY OR THE TOWN SO THAT THE REPAIRS CAN BE MADE AND TENNIS COURTS CAN BE RETURNED TO THE PUBLIC. AS YOU ARE AWARE THE COURTS ARE OWNED BY AND THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. THE COURTS CANNOT BE BOARDED UP OR DISREGARDED. PRESIDENT WHITE, YOU ARE RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE TENNIS COURTS THAT YOU BOARDED UP. AS I STATED, THE COURTS ARE A CONDITION OF THE

[00:40:02]

APPROVED SITE PLAN. >> PLEASE FINISH YOUR LAST

SENTENCE. >> AN APPROVAL THAT YOU NEEDED TO BUILD THE NEW SCHOOL. THEREFORE THE COURTS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE PUBLIC AS OPEN RECREATION AND APPROVED SITE PLAN DOES DICTATE . THE TOWN HAS OFFERED SUPPORT OF THE COURTS FOR SEVERAL YEARS ATTEMPTING TO AID IN REPAIR. ON THE OTHER HAND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND

THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS >> PLEASE FINISH YOUR LAST

SENTENCE. >> YOU HAVE SHOWN NO COMMITMENT TO A WORKABLE SOLUTION AND YOU HAVE USED HARDBALL TECH FIX THAT IS HARMING TAXPAYERS. IN SUMMARY, PLEASE MAKE REPAIRS AND RETURN THE COURTS TO THE PUBLIC AS YOURS SITE PLAN APPROVAL INDICATES. OR DEED THAT LAND TO THE TOWN AND THE COUNTY SO THE COURTS CAN BE RETURNED. IF YOU WANT TO KEEP SCHOOL GROUNDS SAVE BRING BACK THE MOM'S AND THE GRAND MOMS WITH TENNIS RACKETS IN THEIR HANDS. THANK YOU FOR THE EXTRA TIME AND I REQUEST A MEETING WITH THE BOARD AND THE TOWN OF CHESAPEAKE BEACH . THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE EXTRA TIME. I

APPRECIATE IT. >> THANK YOU.

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS JONESY SANTANA WOULD YOU CLARIFY YOUR NAME WHEN YOU COME UP?

>> I AM JONESY SANTANA

KIDS IN -- SCHOOLS. >> WE YOU PLEASE PULL THE

MICROPHONE CLOSER? >> I AM HERE TO SUPPORT HIRING DIVERSE STAFF THAT REPRESENTS OUR STUDENT BODY. EVERY STAFF MEMBER AND STUDENT SHOULD FEEL INCLUDED AND WELCOME. WITH THAT IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HIRE QUALIFIED CANDIDATES BECAUSE OUR STUDENTS DESERVE THE BEST AND MOST TALENTED TEACHERS AND STAFF. -- IN THE LEGAL RISK OF LAWSUITS.

ACCORDING TO AN REUTERS ARTICLE, DI, IS IT DEAD? IT STATES MOST EMPLOYERS ARE NOT COMMITTED TO FAVOR CERTAIN RACES OR GENDERS WHEN THEY MAKE DECISIONS. DE I PROGRAMS THAT SEEK TO PREFER ONE RACE OR GENDER OVER ANOTHER SUCH AS PROVIDING BONUSES TO LEADERS FOR MEETING CERTAIN RACE AND GENDER BASED METRICS ARE UNLAWFUL. DEI PROGRAMS MUST BE EVALUATED TO DETERMINE IF THEY ENSURE INCLUSIVE CULTURE THAT VALUES EMPLOYEES WITH BACKGROUND AND IDENTIFY -- IDENTITY AND PROVIDES A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD. WITH THAT BEING SAID I THINK THE MOST UNDERREPRESENTED GENDER ARE MALE TEACHERS. NATIONWIDE MALES MAKEUP 23%. I SUPPORT HIRING MORE QUALIFIED MALE TEACHERS. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR BOYS TO BE AROUND A MALE INFLUENCE. THEY FALL BEHIND GIRLS ACADEMICALLY IN ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL. GIRLS OUTPERFORM BOYS IN READING AND MATH. THEY ARE LESS LIKELY TO GRADUATE ON TIME THAN GIRLS. WHY IS THIS? DO THEY NEED A DIFFERENT TEACHING STYLE? DO THEY NEED TO BE MORE MALE FRIENDLY ? THANK

YOU. >> THANK YOU.

>> OUR NEXT SPEAKER IS DONNA AND I AM NOT ABLE TO READ YOUR WRITING. ONCE YOU GET TO THE MICROPHONE WILL YOU SAY THAT.

>> MY NAME IS DONNA SUPANIK . I AM GOING TO TALK ABOUT A TEACHER THAT IS RETIRED. NOTHING NEGATIVE. I'M NOT SURE IF I AM ALLOWED TO SAY HER NAME. SHE IS NOT A STAFF MEMBER

ANY LONGER. >> I WOULD RATHER YOU NOT MENTION HER NAME JUST IN CASE.

[00:45:01]

>> OKAY. >> I AM HERE TODAY BECAUSE I HEARD THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE HIRING PEOPLE ON THE BASIS OF SKIN COLOR AND NOT ON MERIT AND I FEEL THAT TEACHERS SHOULD BE

HIRED BASED ON MERIT. >> CAN YOU BRING THE MICROPHONE A LITTLE CLOSER TO YOU PLEASE?

>> HIRING TEACHERS ON MERIT. OUR CHILDREN NEED THE BEST TEACHERS THEY CAN GET , NOT BASED ON SKIN COLOR. THE TEACHER I WAS GOING TO TALK ABOUT IS A TEACHER OF COLOR THAT MY CHILD HAD 35 YEARS AGO. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL TEACHER AND ALL OF THE STUDENTS OF COLOR WENT TO HER CLASSROOM BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT PARENTS WANTED. SHE LOVED TO ALL CHILDREN. SHE DID NOT CARE WHAT COLOR THEY WERE AND SHE WAS JUST A WONDERFUL TEACHER. IT DID NOT MATTER WHAT COLOR THEIR SKIN WAS. SHE LOVED THEM ALL. SHE WAS SO GOOD I REQUESTED HER FOR MY OTHER TWO CHILDREN TO BE TAUGHT BY HER. IT DOES NOT MATTER THE COLOR OF THE TEACHER IF THEY ARE GOOD TEACHERS AND THAT IS WHAT WE SHOULD BE FOCUSING ON. THANK YOU FOR YOUR

TIME. >> THANK YOU.

>> THAT CONCLUDES OUR SPEAKERS FOR TODAY.

[5.01 Grace Minakowski]

>> NEXT WE HAVE OUR STUDENT MEMBER OF THE BOARD, MISS GRACE

MINAKOWSKI . >> GOOD AFTERNOON. I HOPE EVERYONE HAD AN AMAZING FIRST MONTH OF THE SCHOOL. SOME OF MY EVIDENCE INCLUDED SEPTEMBER SUNRISE AND GETTING INTO CALCULUS TWO. ALTHOUGH SCHOOL JUST STARTED I HAVE BEEN PREPARED GETTING READY. I HAD THE HONOR OF PRESENTING AT THE MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY WITH THE SUPPORT OF MR. --. I GOT TO PRESENT ON MY EXPERIENCE WITH OPEN AND FREED DISCOURSE IN CLASSROOM. AND STRATEGIES TO FOSTER BETTER EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES THROUGH EXPRESSION IN CONTROLLED SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTS.

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH MANY TEACHERS AND PROVIDE FEEDBACK AS A YOUNG PERSON INTO HOW THEY CAN FIND COMMON GROUND FOR STUDENTS WITHIN DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS.

I WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH MR. MCCOMB TO IMPROVE DISCOURSE IN OUR SCHOOLS. I GOT TO MEET WITH MS. LEWIS, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES TO DISCUSS HOW WE CAN INFORM STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS A LEARNER AND MEMBER OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY AS WELL IS ENGAGE THEM IN ONGOING -- SO THAT WE ARE MAINTAINING A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE AND WORKING WITH HER TO ESTABLISH STUDENT FEEDBACK AS WELL AS CREATE A STUDENT WORKGROUP TO ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS. IN EARLY AUGUST I HAD THE PLEASURE OF ATTENDING THE MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF BOARDS OF EDUCATION STUDENT MEMBER ORIENTATION WHERE I MET WITH STUDENTS ACROSS THE STATE AND LEARNED MORE ABOUT MY ROLE AS A BOARD MEMBER. I WALKED AWAY WITH INSIGHTS INTO HOW I CAN UPHOLD THE SEE CPS. I WAS INVITED TO SERVE AS ONE OF THE STUDENT PANELISTS SO I AM VERY EXCITED TO REPRESENT CALVERT ON THE PANEL. I CREATED A TESTIMONY GUIDELINE THAT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE CCPS WEBSITE.

THE POINT OF THE PROJECT WAS TO MAKE SHARING STUDENT VOICES WITH STAFF MORE ACCESSIBLE . I HAVE BEEN MORE INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY. I AM WORKING WITH MR. MCCOMB IN -- AND I ATTENDED THE SUICIDE AWARENESS WALK LAST SATURDAY AND I WILL BE AT THE NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE INFORMATION EVENT. I WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THAT BY SHARING SOME FEEDBACK I GOT FROM A RECENT STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS. SOME OF THE MOST PRESSING CONCERNS ARE RELATED TO SCHOOL VANDALISM AND VAPING.

AMONG HIGH SCHOOLERS THEY SAID BATHROOMS ARE FLOODED WITH PEOPLE TO WHERE THEY COULD NOT USE THE BATHROOM AND STUDENTS WOULD HAVE TO USE THE BATHROOM DURING CLASS TIME BUT THEN THEY WERE CLOSED. I ALSO HEARD ABOUT A TREND OF STUDENTS DROPPING

[00:50:01]

[6.01 Dr. Andrae Townsel]

THE WEEK. >> THANK YOU, VERY MUCH, GRACE.

DR. TOWNSEL . >> THANK YOU, PRESIDENT DWIGHT.

WE WELCOMED ALL STUDENTS BACK ON AUGUST --

>> TEST . >> WE WELCOME STUDENTS BACK ON AUGUST 27 AND 28. MYSELF ALONG WITH DOCTOR JOHNSON AND MS. JACOBS WERE ABLE TO VISIT ALL OF THE SCHOOLS IN THE FIRST WEEK AND WE GOT TO SHARE THE EXCITEMENT OF THE START OF ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR. WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT SERVICES AND INTRODUCED TO EVERY SCHOOL A CODE OF CONDUCT. WE HAVE AN ELECTRONICS POLICY, CELL PHONE POLICY AND DIED PERSONALLY PRESENTED AND I AM EXCITED TO HEAR ABOUT THE CHANGES TO THE CLIMATE AND CULTURE AND I DO APPRECIATE THE FEEDBACK FROM THE STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL.

BEFORE I MOVE FORWARD IF YOU LOOK AT THE PODIUM THERE IS A PIECE OF ART . WE RECEIVED A STUNNING ARTS PIECE OF OUR LOGO. IF YOU GET A MOMENT TAKE A MOMENT TO APPRECIATE THE INTRICATE DETAILS AND THE TIME THAT MISS SHIELDS INVESTED IN THE ARTWORK. SHE SERVED AS THE OFFICE SECRETARY AT -- SCHOOL FROM 2004 THROUGH 2011 . SINCE 2019 SHE HAS BEEN A SUBSTITUTE TO CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS SO I WANT TO THANK HER FOR HER DEDICATION AND LONG HOURS TO GIVE US THAT PIECE OF ART. SHERIFF COX AND I ARE CONTINUING OUR SAFETY WALKS.

TODAY WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WALK ACROSS NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL AND WE WANTED TO HIT EVERY HIGH SCHOOL EACH MOTH .

WE WILL APPEAR AT EDDIE SCHOOL AND DO A WALK-THROUGH TO ENSURE SAFETY AND SECURITY AND TO ADD VALUE TO WHAT WE ALREADY DO LIKE THE K-9 SEARCHES. WE ARE BEING PRESENT AND VIGILANT WITH STUDENTS. WE HAD ALL OF THE CALVERT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE PRESENT TO SPEAK ABOUT CAREERS. THIS YEAR CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS WAS PRESENTED WITH A DONATION FROM -- HOME CENTER.

THEY HAVE A FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND THE DONATION GOES TO OFF SENT THE STUDENT LUNCH COST FOR ALL OF OUR STUDENTS IN NEED. I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY GRATITUDE TO THE PARISHIONERS OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH AND AS VERY UNITED METHODIST AS I DELIVERED THEIR BACK-TO-SCHOOL MESSAGE. I GOT TO MEET WITH THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN. I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH THOSE FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS AND I DO WELCOME THAT. FUNDING CHALLENGES IMPACT ALL PROJECTS WITH NO EXCEPTIONS. THE MARYLAND GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECOGNIZES THE CHALLENGE SO THEY PASSED LEGISLATION REQUIRING CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO STUDY THE PHYSICAL AND OPERATIONAL VIABILITY OF A PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP KNOWN AS A P3. THIS ALTERNATIVE FINANCING METHOD IS

[00:55:02]

DO NOT MISS USE DAY. WE HOPE EVERYONE HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY THOSE FESTIVITIES. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO AFFIRM THIS ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENT.

DOCTOR MARCY GROOVER FROM SUPERVISOR OF ELEMENTARY READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS TO BLUEPRINT -- SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY COORDINATOR. DOCTOR MARCY GROOVER HAS BEEN TEACHING READING AND LANGUAGE ARTS SINCE 2021 AND BEFORE JOINING THE DEPARTMENT OF INSTRUCTION SHE WAS A SUPERVISOR AND DEAN AT BARSTOW AND -- ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. SHE BEGAN TEACHING IN 2003 IN THE HARBOR SCHOOL AT ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND WHERE SHE WORKED UNTIL 2007. SHE BECAME A SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER AT SUNDERLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. SHE EARNED HER BACHELOR OF ARTS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND IN 2023 AND MASTERS DEGREE IN LEADERSHIP IN TEACHING FROM NOTRE DAME AND A DOCTORATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND COLLEGE PARK IN 2022. I REQUEST YOUR APPROVAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF DOCTOR GROOVER FOR BLUEPRINT -- AND COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR.

>> MOTION TO APPROVE. >> SECOND.

>> THERE HAS BEEN A PROPER MOTION AND SECOND. DISCUSSION?

>> I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS AN APPROPRIATE SESSION TO HAVE HERE. THIS WAS VERY DIFFERENT THAN ANY OF THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE TALKED ABOUT AND SINCE THE ORIGINAL CONVERSATION WE HAVE HAD NO DISCUSSION ABOUT THE

APPOINTMENT. >> I WOULD ASK YOU TO HOLD YOUR CONVERSATIONS BECAUSE IT IS REGARDING PERSONNEL. THIS SHOULD BE MOVED INTO CLOSED SESSION.

>> CAN YOU READ THE STATEMENT?

>> YES. >> I MAKE A MOTION FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CALVERT COUNTY TO MOVE INTO CLOSED SESSION AS PERMITTED BY THE MARYLAND OPEN MEETINGS ACT, SECTION 3-305(B)(1), (7) AND (9) OF THE GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND AND SECTION 3-103 OF THE GENERAL PROVISION ARTICLES OF THE ANNOTATED CODE

OF MARYLAND. >> SECOND.

>> THERE HAS BEEN A PROPER MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR

>> AYE. THE MOTION PASSES. 5-0. EXCUSE US. WE WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> I CALLED THE CALVERT COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION BACK TO

ORDER. >> I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE MISS GROOVER AS AMENDED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT.

>> THERE HAS BEEN A PROPER MOTION AND SECOND. ANY

DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR . >> AYE .

>> THE MOTION PASSES, 5-0. CONGRATULATIONS.

>> THANK YOU, DR. TOWNSEL AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD. I AM

[01:00:01]

>> JUST A REMINDER, SCHOOLSARE CLOSED FOR STUDENTS ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AND MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27. THERE IS A TWO

[7.01 Policies for Discussion]

HOUR LATE ARRIVAL FOR STUDENTS. >> NEXT WE MOVE TO ACTION ITEMS. POLICY ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION. THE FIRST ONE IS

1015 , EQUITY . MISS GRENIS. >> GOOD AFTERNOON. PRESIDENT WHITE, DR. TOWNSEL AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. I AM HERE TO DISCUSS EQUITY POLICY 1015 AND TWO ANSWER QUESTIONS.

THERE IS NO PUBLIC COMMENT AT THIS TIME.

>> ANY DISCUSSION? >> THANK YOU, PRESIDENT WHITE.

THIS POLICY IS A REQUIREMENT FOR THE STATE AND I AM HAPPY TO SEE IT UP FOR DISCUSSION. I AM NOTING YOUR CHANGES MISS GROSS AND I THINK THAT THEY DO IMPROVE THE POLICY WHERE NEEDED AND I LIKE THE ADDITION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICY AS I FEEL THOSE ARE NEEDED. I WOULD LIKE TO REMIND OUR COMMUNITY THAT THIS POLICY DOES NOT STATE THAT WE WILL HIRE ANYONE TO WORK AT CCPS BASED ON RACE OR THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN. IT IS A POLICY DESIGNED TO CREATE A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR GROUPS WHO ARE DETERMINED TO BE BEHIND. IT LEVELS THE PLAYING FIELD AND REQUIRES THE SCHOOL TO BE SURE THAT RESOURCES ARE PRESENT, THAT STAFF IS PROFESSIONALLY

[01:05:02]

BECAUSE, THAT IS WHAT WE DO HERE. THANK YOU.

>> I HAVE A QUESTION. YOU HAVE REMOVED THE WORD SUB RATHER THAN SUBGROUPS. IS THAT THE LATEST IN EDUCATIONAL THINKING? THAT WE DON'T CALL THEM SUBGROUP?

>> IT IS THE LATEST. SUB REPRESENTS UNDER AND THERE IS NO GROUP OF STUDENTS THAT IS OVER OR UNDER AND IT GIVES CREDENCE TO THE FACT THAT ALL STUDENTS CAN BENEFIT FROM EQUITY SO IT REMOVES SUBGROUPS AND MAKES IT GROUPS.

>> IT DID MAKE ME THINK THAT. THEY ARE JUST DIFFERENT GROUPS.

ONE IS NOT ANY LOWER THAN THE OTHER. BUT THERE MIGHT ALSO BE MAJORITY GROUPS, HOWEVER, THIS POLICY IS TO INVOLVE ALL OF

THEM. THANK YOU. >> CAN I ASK A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS? AND, BEAR WITH ME. READING THE POLICY , MY EYES START TO CROSS SO YOU MIGHT HAVE TO HELP ME OUT. I NOTICED THAT THERE ARE FIVE DEFINITIONS AND TWO OF WHICH INCLUDE THE EDUCATIONAL EQUITY AND -- LENS THAT WE HAVE IN OUR POLICIES SO, SO, THOSE TWO ARE IN THIS POLICY. -- HAS FIVE DEFINITIONS BUT WE HAVE 11 HERE AND THE ONLY THING THAT WE SITE FOR INFORMATION IS KOMAR. CAN YOU FIND OUT WHERE THESE OTHER DEFINITIONS CAME FROM AND CITE THIS AT THE BOTTOM AS WELL SO

WE KNOW WHERE THIS CAME FROM. >> I CAN LOOK AT WHERE THE IT ADDITIONAL -- ORIGINAL DEFINITIONSCOME FROM AND I

WILL CITE THEM. >> THANK YOU.

>> I JUST HAVE A FEW QUESTIONS. THE PURPOSE SAYS WE WANT TO ENSURE THE EQUITY LENS IS USED IN STAFF RECRUITING, HIRING, PROMOTING PROCESSES. THIS SOUNDS GREAT BUT HOW DOES IT TRANSLATE INTO A GOAL? WHAT METRICS ARE WE USING TO KNOW IF

WE ARE ACHIEVING THIS GOAL? >> IT IS DEFINED WITHIN THE POLICY UNDER DEFINITIONS BUT EQUITY LENS IS DESCRIBED AS EXCELLENCE IN EQUITY AND THERE ARE SEVERAL DEPICTIONS OF WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE. WE HAVE COVERED THE POLICY BY TALKING ABOUT THINGS LIKE DISPROPORTIONALITY AND LOOKING AT WHO HAS ACCESS AND WHO DOESN'T. THE EQUITY LENS IS DEFINED IN POLICY AND IN THE GUIDANCE DOCUMENT PROVIDED BY

MDS EAT. >> WHAT IS THE PERCENTAGE OF DIVERSE STAFF THAT WE NEED TO ACHIEVE TO REACH OUR GOAL.

>> THIS IS NOT A HIRING POLICY. IT IS EQUITY. IT DOES NOT SPEAK

TO THE HIRING POLICY. >> BUT TO ACHIEVE IT WE WOULD

HAVE TO HIRE? >> YES AND THAT WOULD BE HOUSED IN THE HIRING POLICY THROUGH HR. THIS IS EQUITY. IF YOU ARE ASKING FOR GOALS IN TERMS OF HIRING I WOULD NEED TO DEFER TO

A CHART. >> -- HR.

>> I GUESS I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE NUMBER OF BLACK, HISPANIC,

AND SO ONE. >> THE STAFF MATCHES OUR

STUDENTS. >> SO IF WE HAVE 20% ASIAN AND

WE WANT 20% ASIAN TEACHERS? >> YES.

>> IS THAT SPELLED OUT ANYWHERE IN POLICY?

>> I AM NOT SURE. WE WOULD HAVE TO SPEAK WITH MS. GROSS OR

[01:10:02]

>> I THINK IT IS INCUMBENT UPON THE BOARD TO IDENTIFY GOALS THEY WANT TO REACH SO THEY CAN SET A GOAL AND SAY BY SUCH AND SUCH YEAR WE WOULD LIKE TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN HIRING BY 5% TO REACH THE POPULATION SO THAT CAN BE THE GOAL TO

IMPLEMENT. >> IT IS ALSO PART OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN AND THAT IS WHERE WE HAVE SET PARAMETERS BECAUSE WE GET REPORTED ON BY THE HR DEPARTMENT THAT TELL US IF WE HAVE MET THE GOALS OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN THAT IS SET AND DIVERSITY IN HIRING IS ONE OF THEM.

>> I AM NOT ARGUING DIVERSITY. I THINK DIVERSITY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING. I AM JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND HOW WE HAVE IN THE POLICY TO ENSURE AN EQUITY LENS BE USED IN ALL STAFF HIRING, WHICH IS ONE OF THE CATEGORIES IN HERE. I GUESS

I AM CONFUSED. >> WITH THAT DEPARTMENT, AND I DON'T KNOW IF I SHOULD ANSWER, WE COLLABORATE. SO THE OFFICE OF EQUITY WORKS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES.

SO THIS DRILLS DOWN TO THE SPECIFICS OF THE COLLABORATION AND WHAT COMES OUT OF IT. IF YOU ARE ASKING FOR SPECIFICS AND THE GOALS OF HIRING YOU WOULD HAVE TO CONSULT WITH HR.

>> WE HAVE THE POLICIES 6030 REGARDING HIRING AND I THINK THAT IS FOR US TO REVIEW SO I THINK THAT, WE COULD REVIEW THIS AND WE COULD ASK THAT THIS POLICY IS CONSISTENT WITH THE EQUITY POLICY AND THAT THEY BOTH SAY THE SAME THINGS AND THEN BASED ON THE POLICY, THE PROCEDURE OF HOW THAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN IS UP TO DR. TOWNSEL TO CARRY OUT.

>> KEEP IN MIND THERE IS A PUBLISHED EQUITY LENS DOCUMENT THAT HAS A SERIES OF QUESTIONS PUBLISHED ON THAT LENS THAT IS A REMINDER FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS AS WE PUT FORTH AND REVIEW POLICY, THAT HELPS US TO ENSURE THAT POLICIES ARE EQUITABLE. THERE ARE QUESTIONS LIKE HAVE WE CONSIDERED HOW THE POLICY IMPACTS GROUPS THAT DON'T FALL UNDER THE POLICY? DOES IT HINDER A PARTICULAR GROUP? DOES IT MAKE ONE GROUP SUPERIOR TO ANOTHER GROUP SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THAT WHEN LOOKING AT IT FROM AN EQUITABLE

STANDPOINT. >> I WILL BE SURE TO GET YOU A

COPY OF THE EQUITY LENS. >> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE THAT. LET ME TRY TO EXPLAIN MY THINKING. IF WE ARE HEAVILY SHORT ON HISPANIC TEACHERS AND WE GO OUT AND WE RECRUIT HISPANIC TEACHERS, I THINK THAT IS FABULOUS BUT WHEN IT COMES TO HIRING WE CAN'T SAY WE ARE GOING TO HIRE THIS HISPANIC TEACHER OVER ANOTHER PERSON REGARDLESS OF RACE, RELIGION, OR CREED UNLESS THAT PERSON IS THE MOST HIGHLY QUALIFIED PERSON AND I CANNOT FIND ANY POLICY THAT REQUIRESUS TO HIGHER THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON .

>> I THINK THAT IS THE GOAL IN HIRING. TO HIRE THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING STATING THAT WE ARE SPECIFICALLY GOING TO HIRE A HISPANIC OR BLACK TEACHER.

ARE THERE GUIDELINES WE ARE GOING BY WITH THIS POLICY?

>> COMAR SPELLS IT OUT . WE USE THE EXACT SAME VERBIAGE AS THEY HAVE. AND THIS IS NOT A HIRING POLICY. WHEN MS. MS. SMITH-POST MENTIONED LOOKING AT THE HIRING POLICY, I DON'T THINK ANYBODY WANTS TO BE HIRED SOLELY BECAUSE OF THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN. I DO NOT KNOW ANYBODY THAT IS NOT ADEQUATELY SKILLED, TRAINED AND ABLE TO HOLD THE POSITION THAT THEY HAVE. WHEN WE LOOK SOLELY AT EQUITY IT SENDS THE MESSAGE THAT THE ONLY

[01:15:05]

COVERS ALL STAFF. >> I GUESS I SEE IT AS WE HAVE NO PROBLEM HIRING DIVERSE STAFF. WE JUST NEED TO GO TO THE LOCATIONS AND COLLEGES THAT PRODUCE THEM. WE CAN GET THEM.

WHETHER THEY WANT TO COME OR NOT, WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THAT. WE HAVE DIFFICULTY GETTING TEACHERS OF ANY BACKGROUND SOMETIMES. SO, I GUESS I WILL DO WHAT MS. POST SAID AND TRY TO COMPARE THE TWO.

>> THANK YOU, VERY MUCH. I KNOW WHEN WE THINK ABOUT HIRING, PEOPLE LOOK AT THESE MEETINGS AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE KNOW THAT WE WANT THEM TO COME HERE SO WE CANNOT SAY THINGS OR DO THINGS THAT WILL MAKE THEM FEEL LIKE THEY DON'T WANT TO COME TO CALVERT COUNTY.

>> THIS IS ALSO ABOUT RETENTION. WE HAVE SOME THAT ARE QUALIFIED AND SOME THAT ARE OVERQUALIFIED. WE NEED TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT STATEMENTS LIKE THAT BECAUSE NONE OF US WANT TO BE VIEWED AS BEING A DEI HIGHER .

>> I THINK WE MIGHT HAVE TOUCHED ON THIS LAST TIME ON SECTION D -- E , I KNOW WE MENTIONED SOMETHING ABOUT CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES AT BUT I WAS NOT SURE IF THAT WAS

COVERED IN ORIENTATION. >> WE DID DECIDE TO ADD THAT AFTER RECEIVING FEEDBACK LAST WEEK.

>> THANK YOU. >> ONE MORE QUESTION. DO WEIGHT RACK WHAT THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES ARE? INCLUDING MEN? ARE WE TRACKING THE DIVERSE POPULATION ?

>> I AM PRETTY SURE THEY TRACK IT IN HUMAN RESOURCES.

>> DO WE KNOW WHAT THOSE NUMBERS ARE?

>> WE NEED THE DIRECTOR OF HR FOR THAT . SHE IS A DIRECTOR OF

EQUITY. >> I APPRECIATE THAT. YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB OF ANSWERING.

>> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? >> NOT FROM ME. AS A FOLLOW-UP, I KNOW THAT THIS WAS DISCUSSED PREVIOUSLY?

>> YES. >> SO THE UP DATES, WHAT WE TALKED ABOUT TODAY AND WHAT GRACE MENTIONED THOSE ARE EDITS THAT WILL BE MADE AND THEN WE WILL COME BACK IN 30 DAYS?

>> MOTION FOR THE CHANGES SINCE IT IS FOR DISCUSSION AND NOT

REVIEW? >> THANK YOU, MS. GROSS.

>> THANK YOU. HAVE A GREAT DAY.

>> NEXT WE HAVE POLICY 1118 . POLICY ON DISCRIMINATION. MRS.

LEWIS. >> GOOD AFTERNOON PRESIDENT WHITE, DR. TOWNSEL , AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. I AM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES AND I AM HERE TO FACILITATE DISCUSSION AND ADDRESS QUESTIONS REGARDING POLICY 1118 REGARDING DISCRIMINATION IN CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS. SINCE WE LAST MET THERE WERE UPDATES PER YOUR REQUEST. WE DID CONSULT WITH COUNSEL AND GET FEEDBACK WITH REGARDS TO THE DEFINITION OF DISCRIMINATION. THUS, THE UPDATED VERSION INCLUDES THOSE FEEDBACK POINTS. THE DEFINITION HAS NOW BEEN AMENDED TO SAY THAT DISCRIMINATION IS CONDUCT PROHIBITED BY FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAW THAT RESULTS IN UNFAVORABLE TREATMENT BASED ON ANY INDIVIDUALS STATUS OR

[01:20:04]

SECTION D RELATES TO DISCIPLINE. THESE ADDITIONS CAME DIRECTLY FROM, IF YOU GO TO THE CITATION, THERE WERE ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS OF STATE REGULATIONS AND STATE LAW THAT WERE ADDED WHERE THE ADDITIONAL COMPONENTS, C AND D CAME FROM.

SO THAT IS CODE 4-108 , 26-704 , AND COMAR 13 A .01.07.01 .

>> THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? MISS

GRENIS. >> IN REGARD TO THE DISCRIMINATION POLICY. DOES THIS ALLOW BIOLOGICAL MALES WHO IDENTIFY AS FEMALE TO PARTICIPATE IN TRADITIONALLY

FEMALE SPORTS? >> THAT WOULD BE RELATED TO TITLE IX AND ATHLETIC EXCEPTIONS BUT, YOUR QUESTION IS, DO WE AS CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ?

>> TITLE IX IS MENTIONED IN THIS, I BELIEVE.

>> WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE BASED ON GENDER IDENTITY.

>> SO THEY CAN PARTICIPATE IN A FEMALE SPORT?

>> ONLY IF THERE IS NOT A COMPARABLE SPORT AVAILABLE . SO TITLE IX MEANS THAT YOU ARE ALLOWING A STUDENT BASED ON THEIR GENDER TO PARTICIPATE IN A SPORT IF THERE IS NOT A COMPARABLE SPORT AVAILABLE SO IF THEY IDENTIFY AS A MALE OR FEMALE, IT WOULD BE IN CONSULT WITH THE -- TEAM ON REVIEWING THE GUIDELINES. CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DOES NOT HAVE A SPECIFIC PROCEDURE. WE FOLLOW THE TRANSGENDER AND NONCONFORMING YOUTH POLICY WHICH SAYS THAT THEY CAN BUT WE HAVE YET TO -- TO MY KNOWLEDGE -- RUN INTO A SITUATION WHERE THAT WOULD NEED TO BE ASSESSED BUT WE WOULD NOT DISCRIMINATE BASED ON AN INDIVIDUAL -- I AM TRYING TO CONNECT IT TO -- IT IS NOT DISCRIMINATING AGAINST THE INDIVIDUAL BECAUSE OF HOW THEY ARE IDENTIFYING AS LONG AS AN AVAILABLE SPORT IS THERE FOR

THAT INDIVIDUAL. >> SO FOR EXAMPLE, BASKETBALL .

WE HAVE A BOYS TEAM AND A GIRLS TEAM. SO THEY COULD NOT PLAY ON THE GIRLS TEAM. THEY WOULD HAVE TO PLAY ON THE VOICE BASKETBALL TEAM -- BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM? AS OPPOSED TO --

>> LIKE FIELD HOCKEY OR VOLLEYBALL?

>> IT IS DIRECTLY ABOUT A TRANSGENDER MALE STUDENT WHO WOULD WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN A FEMALE SPORT SO WE ARE TALKING TITLE IX AND GENDER SO IF THERE IS A SPORT FOR A FEMALE STUDENT AND A FEMALE SPORT WANTS TO PARTICIPATE AND SHE WOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE FEMALE PROGRAM AND THE MALE WOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE MALE PROGRAM. WHEN WE TALK ABOUT TRANSGENDER USE , SOMEONE THAT IS BIOLOGICALLY MALE AND YOU ARE ASKING IF THEY CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE FEMALE

[01:25:02]

>> WOULD THAT BE A YES OR A NO?

>> THAT IS A YES. >> WOULD THIS APPLY TO BIOLOGICAL MALES WHO IDENTIFY AS MALE WITH REGARD TO LOCKER

ROOMS? >> THAT IS CORRECT. THAT IS THE SAME GUIDANCE THAT MSDE HAS PROVIDED. THAT ACCESS IS TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY STUDENT WHO IDENTIFIES AND THEY WORK CLOSELY WITH THE STUDENT AND THE FAMILY TO MAKE SURE

THAT THEY ARE ACCOMMODATED. >> I HEARD YOU USE THE WORD GUIDANCE. GUIDANCE IS NOT LAW. SO, WE ARE IMPLEMENTING GUIDANCE IN OUR POLICY AS OPPOSED TO WHAT IS REQUIRED?

>> SO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION DO NOT HAVE A POLICY OUTLINING TRANSGENDER OR NONCONFORMING YOUTH. WE HAVE NOT ESTABLISHED

THAT POLICY. >> I'M SORRY, MSDE IS GUIDANCE? IS THERE SOMETHING SPECIFIC IN COMAR ? I FEEL LIKE IT IS A RABBIT HOLE WE COULD GO DOWN. I DON'T KNOW.

>> WE ARE JUST TRYING TO UNDERSTAND. LET ME INTERJECT.

>> I'M SORRY. I DID NOT MEAN TO INTERRUPT.

>> MISS LEWIS. >> INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE DICTATE WHAT THE LOCAL BOARD OF EDUCATION CAN DO. YOU WILL GOVERN POLICY ON WHETHER OR NOT YOU WOULD LIKE A POLICY ON MSDE REGULATIONS OR GUIDANCE. WE DON'T HAVE POLICIES FOR EVERY PIECE OF GUIDANCE THAT COMES OUT. WHAT MSDE DOES IS THEY PROVIDE A MODEL POLICY WHENEVER THEY ESTABLISH GUIDANCE. TODAY, CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS NOT ESTABLISHED A POLICY ON TRANSGENDER OR NONCONFORMING YOUTH VESTS, WE HAVE TO FOLLOW THE GUIDANCE FROM MSDE.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE CLARIFICATION. THAT HELPS ME.

>> LAST MONTH THE SUPREME COURT DENIED BIDEN TO ENFORCE PROTECTIONS FROM DISCRIMINATION FOR TRANSGENDER STUDENTS UNDER TITLE IX WHILE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS CONTINUE. THIS WOULD THEM WOULD BLOCK THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FROM ENFORCING THIS ACROSS STATES AND THAT WAS REPORTED BY CBS

NEWS ON AUGUST 17 THIS YEAR. >> YES, I AM AWARE.

>> WE CITED TITLE IX IN THIS POLICY. WHAT IMPACT WILL THAT

HAVE ON OUR SCHOOLS? >> IF YOU SOUGHT IT AND FOLLOWED UP WITH READING THE INFORMATION REGARDING THAT, THEY IDENTIFIED THE SPECIFIC STATES ON HOLD AND MARYLAND HAS FULLY ADOPTED THE TITLE IX REGULATIONS. WE ARE NOT IN ANY HOLD SO THAT ORGANIZATION AND NEWS OUT LATE -- OUTLET WAS HIGHLIGHTING, IT DID NOT INCLUDE US.

>> SO, WE AS A BOARD, COULD CREATE A POLICY TO ADDRESS

THIS? >> YOU AS A BOARD DO HAVE A RIGHT. YOU GOVERN POLICY SO YOU WOULD HAVE TO ESTABLISH A POLICY TO GOVERN THIS AND IT HAS TO BE IN ALIGNMENT WITH MSDE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THAT DOCUMENT SO IT CANNOT GO

OUTSIDE OF MSDE GUIDANCE. >> THANK YOU, VERY MUCH.

>> I KNOW I HAVE BEEN IN SCHOOLS AND AS FAR AS THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PARENTS AND THE SCHOOLS THEY HAVE OPPORTUNITIES LIKE USING ONE BATHROOM, A STAFF RESTROOM AND MAKING THAT UTILIZED FOR THAT STUDENT. I KNOW THIS IS NOT NEW BUT SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE PARENTS AND THE STUDENTS WHO MAKE THAT HAPPEN. THAT IS WHAT I HAVE SEEN SO FAR. GRACE, WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANYTHING?

[01:30:01]

>> I CANNOT SPEAK FOR THE ENTIRE TRANSGENDER OR NONCONFORMING STUDENTS BUT OUR ADMINISTRATION HAS DONE A TREMENDOUS JOB HELPING STUDENTS WHO IDENTIFY AS TRANSGENDER FINDING ACCOMMODATIONS TO USE RESTROOMS. TO THE POINT OF SPORTS, AND IN THE CASE OF RESTROOMS, I, AS A STUDENT HAVE NOT HEARD FROM TRANSGENDER STUDENTS ABOUT ANY ATHLETIC COMPLAINTS AND I THINK THIS IS MORE OF A FRINGE THING THAT HAS BEEN COMING UP. I UNDERSTAND THE DISCUSSION BUT ON THE STUDENT AND I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING PERSONALLY ABOUT HAVING SPECIFIC ISSUES WITH TRANSGENDER STUDENTS IN

BATHROOMS. >> THANK YOU, GRACE, FOR THAT PERSPECTIVE. I THINK IT IS AN OBLIGATION AND I KNOW WE NEED TO KEEP EACH AND EVERY STUDENT SAFE. IN DOING SO SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO HAVE UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS MAKING SURE THAT WE KEEP A TRANSGENDER STUDENT SAFE IS AS IMPORTANT THAT WE MAKE SURE WE KEEP A FEMALE OR A MALE STUDENT SAFE. THIS IS JUST A CATALYST FOR ADDITIONAL CONVERSATION TO ENSURE THAT WE KNOW HOW EVERYBODY IN OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM IS PREPARED TO NOT ONLY HELP A STUDENT BUT ALSO PREPARED TO TALK WITH A PARENT. THOSE OF US THAT ARE PARENTS KNOW THAT AT ONE TIME OR ANOTHER WE ARE THE BEAR AND OUR KIDS CAN DO NO WRONG BUT WE ARE DEALING WITH SENSITIVE THINGS AND IF YOU HAVE A SENSITIVE ISSUE ON TOP OF THAT IT CAN EXACERBATE THINGS. THANK

YOU FOR YOUR INPUT, GRACE. >> I WOULD PROFESSIONALLY CAUTION ANYONE SPEAKING ABOUT GENDER IDENTITY OR TRANSGENDER AND CORRELATING THAT TO SAFETY BECAUSE THERE IS NOT A DIRECT CORRELATION SO WE WANT TO BE CAREFUL THAT IF YOU ARE IMPLEMENTING POLICY OR MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WE ARE NOT MAKING THAT -- BECAUSE SOMEBODY IDENTIFIES AS A PARTICULAR GENDER THAT THEY ARE UNSAFE OR COULD POTENTIALLY BE UNSAFE.

>> I AM 100% WITH YOU. I TRY TO AVOID THE NEWS AT ALL COSTS AND THERE HAVE BEEN, NOT IN THIS STATE OR CERTAINLY NOT IN THIS COUNTY, THERE WAS AN OPPORTUNITY WHERE MAYBE SOMEBODY DID NOT HAVE THE PUREST OF INTENTIONS AND I WANT TO BE SURE THAT , THINGS CAN HAPPEN REGARDLESS. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERY SINGLE PERSON IS SAFE.

>> ALWAYS. >> THANK YOU FOR THAT.

>> THANK YOU FOR THOSE COMMENTS. I ALSO THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PARENTS AND STUDENTS KNOW WHAT OUR EXPECTATION IS. JUST BECAUSE WE'RE NOT CURRENTLY IN THAT SITUATION TO DEAL WITH DOES NOT MEAN WE WON'T BE TOMORROW. WE NEED TO CREATE A POLICY. DO I NEED TO MAKE A MOTION FOR A

POLICY? >> IT IS YOUR ELECTED DUTY TO DRAFT AND PUT FORTH A POLICY THAT YOU FEEL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY YOUR FELLOW COLLEAGUES.

>> OKAY. >> WHEN WE ARE UP HERE AND SPEAKING WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL OF THE WORDS THAT WE USE AND HOW WE USE THEM. WE SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW. IF SOMEONE MAKES A STATEMENT, TRUE OR FALSE, AND THE DAMAGE IT CAN DO TO THE COMMUNITIES. WE DON'T WANT TO ISOLATE ANYONE OR MAKE ANYONE FEEL UNSAFE BECAUSE IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO LOOK OUT FOR EACH AND EVERY STUDENT SO WE CANNOT PICK ONE GROUP THAT WE WILL DISCUSS AND USE THE WORD UNSAFE BECAUSE THINGS HAPPEN. WE DON'T WANT TO USE A CERTAIN GROUP AND TALK ABOUT SAFETY BECAUSE WE ARE PUTTING THAT GROUP AT RISK. I JUST WANT TO BE CAREFUL BECAUSE THE AUDIENCE AND EVERYONE AT HOME IS WATCHING WHAT WE ARE SAYING AND

[01:35:01]

AND CONTEXT IN THE RIGHT WAY. >> WE ALSO NEED TO BE -- WE NEED TO CONSIDER ALL POINTS OF VIEW ON THIS ISSUE AND MAKE SURE THAT WOMEN'S SPORTS ARE FAIR AND SAFE. ALL OF IT NEEDS TO BE A PART OF THE CONVERSATION.

>> THANK YOU. I APPRECIATE IT.

>> THINKING ABOUT POLICY OR ISSUE IT IS IMPORTANT TO HEAR FROM TRANSGENDER STUDENTS AS WELL AS ANY STUDENT WHO MAY HAVE A SITUATION RELATED TO THIS ISSUE BECAUSE , WE CAN SPEAK AS ADULTS NOT IN THE SCHOOL BUILDING AND I CANNOT SPEAK FOR ANY COMMUNITIES SO I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT IF WE CONTINUE THIS CONVERSATION THAT WE ARE ASKING STUDENTS HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT IT AND HOW IT LOOKS IN SCHOOLS?

>> I AM GLAD WE ARE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION. I THINK IT WAS A GOOD DISCUSSION. THANK YOU. DO WE HAVE ANYTHING ELSE WITH THE

DISCRIMINATION POLICY? >> THANK YOU. YES.

>> DISCUSSION? IF NOT I WILL ENTERTAIN A MOTION.

>> I MOVE POLICY 1118 OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION REGARDING DISCRIMINATION TO BE APPROVED AS EDITED WITH REVISIONS SHOWN

ON THE SCREEN. >> SECOND.

>> THERE HAS BEEN A PROPER MOTION AND SECOND. IS THERE ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, ALL IN FAVOR?

>> AYE. >> CLOSED. THE MOTION PASSES, 5-0. THANK YOU, MS. LEWIS. NEXT WE MOVE ON TO POLICIES FOR

[7.02 Policies for Review]

REVIEW. POLICY 1740, ETHICS. >> GOOD AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS HIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER AND I AM HERE TO PRESENT POLICY 1740 REGARDING ETHICS. THIS HAS BEEN REVIEWED BY STAFF AND LEGAL COUNSEL AND OUR COUNSEL ENSURED THIS WAS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION SO THIS HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THE POLICY AND CORRESPONDING PROCEDURES WERE REVIEWED BY THE STATE ETHICS COMMISSION. AT THIS TIME WE DO NOT HAVE ANY

CHANGES TO THIS POLICY. >>

>> I HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS.

>> WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME THAT THE ETHICS PANEL WAS SELECTED?

>>

>>

AND TWO? >>

>> OKAY. >>

>> SO, HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE WE REQUIRED TO HAVE ?

>> JUST THREE . >> HOW WOULD SOMEONE KNOW TO FIND THOSE PEOPLE? WHEN I WAS LOOKING AT THIS POLICY I LIKE TO LOOK AT OUR NEIGHBORING COUNTIES TO SEE WHAT THERE'S LOOK LIKE AND IT LOOKS LIKE A COUPLE OF OTHERS, THEY HAVE THERE ETHICS COMMITTEE ON THEIR WEBSITE AND THEN THE PROCESS BY WHICH SOMEONE WOULD, IF THERE WAS A NEED TO SUBMIT A

COMPLAINT -- >>

>> BUT IF I WAS JUST A PERSON IN THE COMMUNITY AND I WANTED TO SUBMIT AN ETHICS COMPLETE -- COMPLAINT , HOW WOULD I DO

[01:40:04]

THAT? >>

>> I WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK TO THAT.

>> WOULD ASK THAT THAT BE MORE CLEAR AND EASY TO GET TO FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS. WE MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER MAKING THAT A BIT EASIER. IT SEEMS A BIT BURIED.

>>

SPEAK INTO THE MICROPHONE? >> SHE SAYS PEOPLE ARE SCARED

OF HER. OH WAIT, I SAID THAT. >> IN ADDITION TO HAVING PROCEDURES, YOU ARE ASKING TO PLACE IT ON THE WEBSITE FOR THE

GREATER COMMUNITY? >> YES THANK YOU.

>> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? SO IT WILL BE POSTED FOR 30 DAYS.

THANK YOU. NEXT WE HAVE PAYMENT FOR ACCRUED ANNUAL LEAVE. MR.

--. >> GOOD EVENING PRESIDENT WHITE, DR. TOWNSEL AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD. I AM HERE TO REVIEW POLICY STATEMENT NUMBER 6090, PAYMENT FOR ACCRUED ANNUAL LEAVE. BEGINNING WITH POLICY 6090, PAYMENT OF ACCRUED LEAVE AT TERMINATION. I WOULD LIKE TO REPLACE TERMINATION WITH SEPARATION OF EMPLOYMENT. THE WORD TERMINATION COULD CARRY A NEGATIVE CONNOTATION AND COULD BE INTERPRETED AS ONLY EMPLOYEES FORCED FROM EMPLOYMENT. IT IS INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE BENEFIT THAT EMPLOYEES HAVE TO RECEIVE PAY FOR ACCRUED LEAVE. THIS ENTITLEMENT OCCURS ANY TIME AN EMPLOYEE ENDS EMPLOYMENT WITH CCPS INCLUDING RETIREMENT , RESIGNATION, OR BEING FORCED FROM EMPLOYMENT. I RECOMMEND THAT THE TERM IS CHANGED AND THE TITLE OF THE POLICY SO IT WOULD READ POLICY STATEMENT 6090 OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION REGARDING PAYMENT FOR ACCRUED ANNUAL LEAVE AT SEPARATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND IT WOULD READ THAT THE BOARD A BAG EDUCATION RECOGNIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPENSATING EMPLOYEES FOR ACCRUED ANNUAL LEAVE WHEN THEIR EMPLOYMENT WITH CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ENDS. I WOULD ALSO RECOMMEND USING THE WORD CORRESPONDING. THERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENCES AND ALLOWANCES WITH THE BENEFIT. CONTINUE WITH THE POLICY STATEMENT , IT WOULD READ , "SUCH EMPLOYEES ARE ENTITLED TO EARN PER DIEM RATE OF PAY FOR ACCRUED ANNUAL LEAVE NOT TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DAYS SPECIFIED BY THE CORRESPONDING NEGOTIATED

AGREEMENT." >> ANY DISCUSSION?

>> I DO HAVE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO GO BACK AND LOOK AT ALL OF THE HR POLICIES. I DO UNDERSTAND THIS IS ABOUT ANNUAL LEAVE . THEY ALSO EARN SICK LEAVE. ARE THEIR PERSONAL DAYS AS WELL?

>> CORRECT. >> WITH THE OTHER TYPES OF LEAVE BE A DIFFERENT POLICY? SO, FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU'RE SICK LEAVE IS FORFEITED OR IT GOES AWAY. OR CAN IT BE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER SCHOOL SYSTEM IN MARYLAND? I DON'T

KNOW. >> THE MAJORITY OF THE BENEFITS , INCLUDING SICK LEAVE AND PERSONAL LEAVE ARE DRIVEN BY NEGOTIATED AGREEMENTS SO THERE IS LANGUAGE IN THE NEGOTIATED AGREEMENTS AS WE DO THAT WITH THE BARGAINING UNITS. THIS PARTICULAR POLICY IS ONLY RELATED TO ANNUAL LEAVE AND IT IS ONLY EMPLOYEES THAT ARE TWELVE-MONTH EMPLOYEES WHO ARE

ELIGIBLE TO EARN LEAVE. >> BUT WE DON'T HAVE A POLICY

THAT TALKS ABOUT -- >> WE DO HAVE A POLICY ABOUT

[01:45:07]

>> I WILL TAKE A LOOK. I WAS JUST CURIOUS ABOUT THAT. THERE CAN BE A LOT OF DIFFERENT THINGS ABOUT PERSONAL LEAVE AND HOW THAT TRANSFERS . IF THAT IS VIABLE OR DOABLE OR IF IT GOES AWAY. I AM ASSUMING EVERY EMPLOYEE KNOWS THAT. EMPLOYEES CAN TRANSFERS THICKLY FROM ONE COUNTY TO THE NEXT BUT IT IS UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL COUNTY IF THAT IS ALLOWED.

>> THANK YOU. >> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? IT

WILL BE POSTED FOR 30 DAYS. >> FOR POLICIES 6215 REGARDING SABBATICAL LEAVE I AM RECOMMENDING ONE CHANGE TO REFLECT TERMINOLOGY USED BY MSDE REGARDING CERTIFICATION.

ON APRIL 1, 2024 NEW REGULATIONS WERE ADOPTED FOR TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND CHANGED IT TO LICENSURE. SO I SUGGEST WE CHANGE THE DEFINITION OF PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE. SO PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES ARE EMPLOYEES WHO HOLD POSITIONS THAT REQUIRE LICENSURE FROM THE MARYLAND STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OR MARYLAND PROFESSIONAL LICENSE IN HIS EACH LANGUAGE BUT THAT'LL SHE, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PHYSICAL THERAPY, OR AUDIOLOGY.

>> ANY DISCUSSION? SEEING NONE, IT WILL BE POSTED FOR 30 DAYS.

[7.03 Bid Approvals]

>> I AM THE SUPERVISOR OF PURCHASING AND I HAVE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPROVAL. -- TO USE THE -- THE USE OF THE CURRENT PROVIDES THE DISTRICT WITH THE BEST PRICING FOR THE SENSORS AND EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS INTEGRATION AND MANAGEMENT WITHIN THE SOFTWARE SYSTEM . FUNDING WOULD BE THROUGH THE -- GRANT AND WE RECOMMEND THE USE OF THE EXISTING -- FOR THE PURCHASE OF HALO SMART SENSORS FOR $299,000.

>> SO MOVED. >> SECOND .

>> THERE HAS BEEN A PROPER MOTION AND SECOND. ANY

DISCUSSION? >> THE $100,000 QUESTION IS, WE DID A PILOT, RIGHT? WILL SOMEONE TALK WITH US ABOUT THE

SUCCESS OR NON-SUCCESS ? >> I CANNOT SPEAK TO THAT.

>> SO, IT WAS A YEAR AND A HALF AGO THAT WE PUT A VAPE SENSOR AT THE CALVERT HIGH SCHOOL RESTROOM AND IT WAS SET UP AND IT WAS RESPONSIVE. EMAILS GO TO STAFF THAT ARE DESIGNATED AND WHEN THE HALO SENSOR GOES OFF THE CAMERA OUTSIDE THE RESTROOM ACTIVATES AND YOU CAN SEE WHO IS COMING IN AND OUT OF THE RESTROOM AT THAT TIME. WHEN THAT WAS COMPLETED THERE WAS CONVERSATION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ABOUT THE VAPE SYSTEMS BEING BETTER SERVED AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL FOR PREVENTATIVE MEASURES VERSUS REACTIVE MEASURES TO GET KIDS IN THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND TO NOT ENGAGE IN VAPING ACT 70S SO THE

[01:50:01]

AT THAT TIME. >> SO THEY WILL BE AT ALL SIX

MIDDLE SCHOOLS TO START? >> THAT IS WHERE THEY ARE

DESIGNATED. >> HAVE WE HAD ISSUES WITH THESE DEVICES BEING TAMPERED WITH?

>> DURING THE TIME AT CALVERT HIGH SCHOOL THERE WERE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO JUMP AND HIT THEM. THEY HANG DOWN FROM THE RESTROOM CEILING SO THEY ARE VERY VISIBLE AND THEY HANG DOWN AND THEY RECOGNIZE OTHER BEHAVIORS, NOT JUST SPECIFICALLY VAPING. IF THERE IS A BIG DISRUPTION , THEY WILL ACTIVATE TO NOTIFY STAFF OF SOMETHING THAT MIGHT

BE GOING ON IN THE RESTROOM. >> I WANT TO GO BACK TO SOMETHING THAT WE TALKED ABOUT DURING THE CODE OF CONDUCT. IS THERE ANY REASON WE CANNOT PROHIBIT VAPE DEVICES IN SCHOOL

BUILDINGS? >> I WOULD SAY THAT WE DO.

>> I WAS TOLD DURING THE CODE OF CONDUCT CONVERSATION IF IT DID NOT HAVE NICOTINE IN IT IT IS NOT ILLEGAL TO HAVE IT ON

YOU? >> YOU ARE NOT BREAKING THE LAW BUT IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WE ALLOW STUDENTS TO BRING TO

SCHOOL. >> SO IF A TEACHER SEES SOMEBODY WITH A VAPE MACHINE IN THEIR POCKET THEY SHOULD

CONFISCATE IT ? >> I WOULD HAVE THEM TURN IT IN

RATHER THAN CONFISCATE IT. >> HOW IS THE VAPE DEVICE

RETRIEVED? >> SPECIFICALLY IF A TEACHER OR STAFF MEMBER NOTIFIES SOMEONE THEY FELT SOMEONE HAD A VAPE ON THEM THAT STUDENT WOULD BE PULLED AND THERE WOULD BE DISCUSSION AND IF NECESSARY THERE COULD BE A SEARCH AND

THEN IT WOULD BE RETRIEVED. >> ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT

RETRIEVED BY THE PARENT? >> MY RECOMMENDATION IS IT IS

RETRIEVED BY THE PARENT. >> THAT IS EVEN BETTER.

>> I WILL BE VERY CLEAR THAT SOMETIMES THEY ARE VERY WELL HIDDEN . SOMETIMES THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO FIND THEM NECESSARILY BUT WHEN THEY ARE TAKEN THEY CALL THE PARENTS AND LET THEM KNOW . THEY ARE EITHER NOT GIVEN BACK OR GIVEN TO THE POLICE IF THEY CONTAIN SOMETHING THAT IS NOT LEGAL OR THEY ARE RETURNED TO THE PARENTS.

>> IS THERE SOMETHING IN THE CODE OF CONDUCT THAT SAYS VAPE DEVICES ARE NOT PERMITTED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.

>> I BELIEVE SO. I WOULD HAVE TO LOOK THOUGH.

>> I BELIEVE IT IS THERE. >> I BELIEVE IT IS UNDER NICOTINE DEVICES BUT I WOULD HAVE TO GO TO THE CODE OF

CONDUCT. >> IT IS IN THERE.

>> WE ASKED FOR IT TO BE ADDED TO THE BUS LANGUAGE AS WELL.

>> GREATLY APPRECIATED. >> WE PRESENTED THIS AT EVERY GRADE LEVEL ABOUT THE VAPE POLICY AND IT IS NOT ALLOWED.

THAT IS AT EVERY GRADE LEVEL AT EVERY SCHOOL.

>> APPARENTLY IT IS STILL HAPPENING THOUGH. AS MANY COMMENTS AS I HAVE GOTTEN ABOUT CELL PHONES BEING TAKEN AWAY I AM STILL GETTING A LOT OF CONVERSATION ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH VAPING SO WE NEED TO COME UP WITH A STRATEGY TO DEAL WITH

IT. >> IF THIS IS THAT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL, THERE IS A LOAD TOLERANCE FOR THESE. HELP ME UNDERSTAND , IF THE DETECTION GOES OFF, SOMEBODY HAS TO BE ABLE TO RESPOND WITHIN THAT TIME OR IS THEY ARE -- THERE A CAMERA THEY GO BACK TO LOOK AT?

>> AS I UNDERSTAND IT, WHEN THE H.A.L.O. IS ALERTING THERE IS AN EMAIL SIGNAL THAT GOES TO YOU AND IT SAYS IN THIS RESTROOM AND IT GOES TO THE DESIGNATED PEOPLE THAT YOU IDENTIFY. SO, AT THE CALVERT SCHOOL PILOT THEY IDENTIFIED SAFETY ADVOCATES AND THE SCHOOL SECRETARIES BECAUSE THEY ARE MORE THAN LIKELY AT THEIR DESK DURING THE TIME THIS MIGHT GO

[01:55:04]

OUT. >> THAT IS GREAT NEWS.

>> THANK YOU, DOCTOR JOHNSON. I WOULD LIKE US TO STAY ON TRACK WITH THAT. THERE HAS BEEN A MOTION AND A SECOND. ANY OTHER

DISCUSSION? >> IF I COULD JUST ADD ON THE STUDENT AND , THIS IS SO IMPORTANT. ALMOST EVERY STUDENT I TALKED TO SAYS THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT VAPING WEED. IT IS A WEIRD EXPERIENCE TO WALK INTO THE BATHROOM AND SMELL WEED AND DISCUSS VAPING AND WEED. IT IS SHOCKING TO HEAR AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ALREADY GETTING INTO SUBSTANCES, VAPING, WEED, AND OTHER DEVICES. THIS IS OF

UTMOST IMPORTANCE. >> I AGREE. IT IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE. I JUST WANT TO HEAR THAT THE PROCESS WORKS. FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL I COULD SEE THIS WOULD BE A BIG DETERRENT. BUT YOU SAID WE MOVED IT OUT OF CALVERT HIGH SCHOOL AND INTO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL? WAS IT BECAUSE IT WAS NOT EFFECTIVE IN

CALVERT HIGH SCHOOL? >> I WOULD NOT SAY THAT IT WAS NOT EFFECTIVE. I THINK THE CONVERSATION SHIFTED FROM REACTION TO PREVENTION AND WE ONLY HAVE A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY DESIGNATED THROUGH THE ESSER III FUNDS. WE WANTED TO PUT IT WHERE IT COULD BE MANAGED WELL, DETERMINE FUTURE BEHAVIOR , AND WE COULD GET STUDENTS ON THE RIGHT TRACK BY NOT CHOOSING NOT TO GET ENGAGED RATHER THAN BEING REACTIVE. IF WE CAN GET THESE IN AND MOVE FORWARD, THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MIGHT SAY WE WOULD LIKE TO MOVE IT OUT TO THE HIGH SCHOOLS AS

WELL. >> THANK YOU. ONCE AGAIN, THERE HAS BEEN A PROPER MOTION AND SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR?

>> AYE . >> THE MOTION PASSES, 5-0.

>> NEXT UP, PURSUANT TO CCPS POLICY 5510, " MUST BE RECEIVED FROM THREE VENDORS FOR -- EXPENSES. THIS IS PRIOR TO A REQUISITION . WHEN A VENDOR % THAT IS NOT THE LOWEST BIDDER HAS BEEN CHOSEN, -- A WRITTEN JUSTIFICATION IS PROVIDED THROUGH PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD. WE ASK THAT THE BOARD APPROVE WHAT IS IN THE MEMO AND APPROVAL OF THE SUPPORTED

DOCUMENTATION. >> I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE.

I'M SORRY, WHAT ARE WE APPROVING?

>> SECOND. >> THERE HAS BEEN A PROPER MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?

>> WHAT IS THIS ONE FOR? >> I CAN SPEAK TO THAT. IN JUNE WE APPROVED A NEW POLICY THAT BETWEEN $25,000 AND $50,000 WE NEEDED TO HAVE THREE QUOTES FOR APPROVAL AND BEFORE IT WAS $25,000, YOU HAD TO GO OUT TO BID. BECAUSE WE ARE JUST ASKING FOR QUOTES WE ASK THAT THE BOARD APPROVED THE FOUR VENDORS

FOR THE AMOUNTS OUTLINED. >> THE CHORAL RISERS?

>> I CAN READ THEM OFF. >> NO, I CAN READ THEM. I DO JUST HAVE ONE QUESTION. THE CALM.COM. $45,000 , HEALTH AND WELLNESS SUPPORT FOR STAFF. IS THAT JUST A CERTAIN NUMBER OF STAFF? OR ALL STAFF? AND ALSO, WHERE DOES THAT $45,000 COME

[02:00:03]

FROM? >> I BELIEVE THAT COMES FROM

THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GRANT. >> I CAN SPEAK TO THAT. DURING THE PANDEMIC THE SCHOOL SYSTEM RECEIVED BEHAVIOR AND TRAUMA GRANT MONEY AND DURING THAT TIME IT WAS DESIGNATED TO PROVIDE WELLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORTS FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF SO , THIS IS THE LAST PIECE OF THAT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH GRANT. IT IS UNDER ADMINISTRATION BUT IT HAS BEEN SUPPORTED BY STUDENT SERVICES AND BY HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION SO THE IDEA BEHIND THIS PIECE OF IT IS NOT ONLY TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AND WELLNESS SESSIONS FOR STAFF OF BUT ALSO TO BE USED DURING SOME OF THE HEALTH CURRICULUM AT THE HIGH SCHOOL TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AND TO UNDERSTANDING HOW TO BE MENTALLY WELL AND HEALTHY AND MAKING CHOICES OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY. THERE ARE A SERIES OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF OFFERED TO EVERYONE. BUT I WILL ADD, NOT ALL AT THE SAME

TIME. >> IF I MAY. I DON'T MEAN TO BE DIFFICULT BUT I AM. WHEN WE HAVE THINGS LISTED OUT HERE LIKE THIS, IT WOULD BE HELPFUL IF IN THE BODY, AND I DO SUPPORT THIS , BUT IF IT IS A GRANT PAYING FOR IT AND WHAT BRENT IS PAYING FOR IT OR WHERE THE FUNDING IS COMING FROM, IT WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO SEE THAT UPFRONT. ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF ALL OF THE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES THAT WE HAVE AND ARE HAVING TO PRIORITIZE. IT WOULD BE GOOD TO KNOW AND I THINK IT WOULD BE GOOD FOR THE PUBLIC TO KNOW WHERE THAT MONEY IS COMING

FROM. >> I CAN MAKE THOSE CHANGES.

>> ESPECIALLY THIS. I AM GLAD TO HEAR IT IS FROM GRANT. --

GRANTS. IS THIS A ONE TIME? >> WE HAVE USED IT PRIOR FOR STAFF IN THE PAST TWO YEARS SO THIS IS JUST THE FINAL LEG OF THE GRANT. IT HAS MORE SESSIONS IN IT THAN WHAT WE HAVE DONE IN THE PAST BECAUSE WE INCLUDED THE STUDENTS.

>> SO THIS WILL NOT ROLL INTO OPERATING?

>> IT WILL NOT. ALONG WITH WHAT MISS BALINSKI IS ASKING , IF THAT IS WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SURVEY FROM STAFF, STUDENTS. HOW EFFECTIVE, HOW MANY PEOPLE GOT TO USE IT? THAT IS A HEFTY AMOUNT OF MONEY. THIS IS A GRANT I RECOGNIZE BUT THEN WE SHOULD BE DOING DUE DILIGENCE AS FAR AS ANY OTHER OPTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL GRANTS TO SUPPORT

THAT EFFORT. THANK YOU. >> A LOT OF PEOPLE SIGN UP FOR A GYM MEMBERSHIP AND THEN THEY DON'T USE IT. IT'S KIND OF THE SAME THING. THANK YOU. DOES ANYBODY HAVE OF THEIR -- OTHER

QUESTIONS? >> MS. BALINSKI.

>> THE COLLEGE PLAN . THAT USED TO BE --?

>> I WILL HAVE STUDENT SERVICES HERE TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION.

>> THAT WAS SOUTHERN MARYLAND C.A.N.. THEY HAVE BEEN A PARTNER WITH US OVER 10 YEARS SO NOW WE ARE GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS OF REVIEWING OTHER OPTIONS. THIS IS A SPECIFIC ITEM THAT IS APPROVED IN STUDENT SERVICES IN ORDER TO MEET THE FAFSA PLAN SO THIS IS A REQUIREMENT AND WHO WAY IT -- WE IDENTIFY AS A SUPPORT , MOSTLY UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENTS OBTAINING THE COLLEGE PROCESS IS THROUGH THIS

CONSULTING SERVICE. >> SO, WE JUST RENEWED OUR CONTRACT AND NOW WE ARE SAYING WE NEED TO STEP OUT? I THOUGHT IT USED TO ONLY COST IS $25,000 THAT MAYBE THAT WAS JUST HALF

[02:05:02]

OF THE YEAR. >> THAT IS EXACTLY CORRECT.

THERE IS A SPLIT COST. THE CHARGES THROUGH THE FALL THROUGH THE SERVICES THAT THEY PROVIDE. SO THERE IS A SET SPLIT SO THAT MIGHT BE WHY YOU HAVE SEEN THAT JUST UNDER

$25,000 PREVIOUSLY. >> SO, WHAT YOU ARE SAYING IS YOU HAVE OTHER -- AND SOME ARE VERY LARGE BUT WE ARE STILL, IS

THIS THE LOWEST --? >> IT IS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THE LOWEST. THE SERVICES THEY PROVIDE IS OVER A LONGER PERIOD OF TIME AND IT COMES OUT TO A LOWER MONTHLY RATE WITH ADDITIONAL SERVICES. THE LOWEST QUOTE CAME FROM A CONSULTANT IN DELAWARE AND THEY ONLY WOULD PROVIDE THE SERVICES FOR EIGHT

MONTHS. >> I HAVE BEEN IN THE ROOM FOR FAFSA NIGHT AND THERE WERE OVER 100 PEOPLE AT JUST ONE HIGH SCHOOL. I KNOW IT IS HIGHLY, ESPECIALLY WITH THE COST OF COLLEGE, IT IS AN NECESSITY. IT IS SUCH A GRAND SERVICE THEY

PROVIDE. >> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN

FAVOR? >> AYE

>> OPPOSED? THE MOTION PASSES, 5-0.

>> GOING FORWARD ARE YOU ALL OKAY WITH THIS PLATFORM BETWEEN

25,000 AND $50,000? >> I THINK AS FAR AS MS. POST SAID, WANTING DETAILS ABOUT WHERE THE MONEY IS COMING FROM.

>> I WILL PUT THAT ON THE FORM.

>> ESPECIALLY RIGHT HERE. THE THINGS THAT ARE REALLY IMPORTANT THAT YOU THINK WE NEED TO KNOW AND THE SUPPORTING

DOCUMENTATION. >> ESPECIALLY WHERE THE MONEY

IS COMING FROM. >> AT SOME POINT IF THAT COULD MAYBE JUMP ONTO THE CONSENT AGENDA IF YOU DON'T HAVE QUESTIONS AND IF YOU DON'T WE CAN PULL OFF THE PURCHASE?

>> THIS IS MY OWN OPINION, ITEMS THAT I THINK WOULD BE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA AND OBVIOUSLY THIS IS UP FOR BOARD DISCUSSION , IF WE ARE EXECUTING A SECOND OR A THIRD YEAR OF A CONTRACT I DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE AN OBJECTION TO IT BEING ON A CONSENT AGENDA. IF IT IS NEW OR THE PRICE IS CHANGING, I WOULD NEVER WANT TO SEE IT ON A CONSENT AGENDA. I WOULD WANT IT TO BE FOR DISCUSSION.

>> OKAY. >> I WOULD RATHER NOT SEE THOSE ITEMS ON A CONSENT AGENDA. FOR ME, HAVING THEM DOWN BELOW ALLOWS US TO ADHERE TO OUR POLICY AND FOR STAFF TO ADHERE TO POLICY AND IT BRINGS THINGS TO OUR ATTENTION SO I THINK I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM WHERE THEY ARE.

>> THANK YOU. ONE MORE THING. THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY KIDS.

WOULD YOU MIND IF WE CHANGED THE NAME FOR THE ACTION ITEM

FROM BIDS TO SOMETHING ELSE? >> I WOULD LOVE THAT . SAY WHAT IT REALLY IS. THAT WOULD BE AWESOME. IT MIGHT CUT DOWN ON

CONFUSION. >> YOU SHOULD WORK WITH MISS MAXEY ON WHAT THAT SHOULD LOOK LIKE.

[7.04 Change Order Approval]

>> OKAY. THANK YOU. >> NEXT WE HAVE CHANGE ORDER APPROVAL .

>> GOOD AFTERNOON MEMBERS OF THE BOARD. I AM THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION AND I AM HERE TO ASK FOR APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NUMBER TWO FOR THE HEALTH SUITE RENOVATIONS PHASE TWO AND THREE. I WILL RECAP THE CHANGE ORDERS. THERE ARE TWO ITEMS. THEY ARE PCO'S THAT TOTAL OF $6710. WHEN A IS THE INSTALLATION OF A TWO-WAY CONTROL VALVE AT DOWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO GO FROM HEATING TO SCHOOL. THE WORK INCLUDES INSTALLATIONS, INTEGRATION, AND PROGRAMMING

[02:10:04]

>> I MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CHANGE ORDER REQUESTS.

>> SECOND. >> THERE HAS BEEN A PROPER MOTION AND SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION?

>> GO AHEAD. I WILL GO AFTER YOU, HIM. -- DOM .

>> MY ONLY QUESTION IS, IS THE CONTROL VALVE ASSOCIATED WITH HOUSE THREE? I HAVE A FEELING THAT THE SLC LOOP AT PATUXENT DOES NOT TIE INTO WHAT -- WAS CONTRACTED TO DO BUT IT SEEMS LIKE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. WHO PROPOSED

THAT ? >> THE SMOKE DAMPER IS REQUIRED AND IT IS TIED TO THE PROJECT. THE CORE DOOR ACTS AS A SMOKE PARTITION AND YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NOT TRANSFER OF SMOKE ACROSS THAT PARTITION SO THERE IS A REQUIREMENT TO CHANGE THE DAMPER AND IT NEEDS TO BE TIED TO THE PANEL. SO IT IS TIED TO THE PROJECT AND IT IS PART OF THE LIFE SAFETY SYSTEM AND IT IS A REQUIREMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT.

>> WHEN WE HAVE THESE PROJECTS AND THEY ARE BID, AT WHAT POINT -- THIS IS A HEFTY INCREASE . MAYBE NOT COMPARED TO SOME OF THE OTHERS THAT WE HAVE SEEN BUT WE SEEM TO SOMETIMES HAVE A NUMBER OF CHANGE ORDERS SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON THIS BOARD. AT WHAT POINT DO WE GO BACK AND SAY THIS IS WHAT YOU NEGOTIATED AND IT WAS YOUR PROBLEM THAT YOU DID NOT CALCULATE THE RIGHT WAY AND YOU SHOULD HONOR THE PRICE THAT WE HAVE INSTEAD OF HAVING A CHANGE ORDER AND GIVING THEM MORE MONEY?

>> SO, MS. POST, IT IS NOT A NEGOTIATION. THEY BID TO THE CONTENT OF THE SPECIFICATIONS. SO , THEY HAVE A PERIOD OF TIME WHETHER IT BE 30 DAYS AND A LOT OR MOST OF THE TIME, IF THERE IS A CONCEALED CONDITION, FOR EXAMPLE, IT IS NOT FAIR OR LEGALLY BINDING TO REQUIRE THAT CONTRACTOR TO SWALLOW THE COST.

THOSE ARE THE TYPES OF THINGS THAT WE LOOK FOR. IF IT IS WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE CONTRACT AND SPECIFICATIONS AND WITHIN THOSE DOCUMENTS, THAT CONTRACTOR NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO

PAY FOR THEMSELF. >> SO IT WAS IN THE BID TO BEGIN WITH? AND WE PUT THE BID TOGETHER?

>> OUR DESIGN ENGINEER BASICALLY HAD THE INFORMATION RELATED TO THE FIRE ALARM PANELS AND IT WAS DISCOVERED LATER ON, AND IT OFTEN TIMES IT HAPPENS, THINGS GET DATED AS TIME GOES ON BY THE TIME YOU DO A PROJECT. A DAMPER MAY NOT BE

ABLE TO BE INTEGRATED. >> THANK YOU. I JUST WANTED TO

CLARIFY. >> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? ALL IN

[7.05 Review CIP]

FAVOR? >> AYE.

>> THE MOTION PASSES, 5-0. >> WE WILL MOVE ON TO THE CIP NOW.

[02:15:11]

>> THANK YOU, VERY MUCH. GOOD AFTERNOON. DR. TOWNSEL, PRESIDENT WHITE AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD I AM HERE TO PRESENT THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. THE CIP IS DEVELOPED ANNUALLY . PROJECTS ARE FUNDED EITHER JOINTLY BY STATE AND COUNTY GOVERNMENTS OR IN ENTIRELY BY -- ENTIRELY. THE CIP FOR FISCAL YEAR 20262031 IS SIMILAR TO THE LAST ONE IT INCLUDES NEW AC, UNITS, ROOFS, WINDOWS. BUT DUE TO BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS, SOME OF OUR CIP PROJECTS WERE PUSHED FROM FISCAL YEAR 2025 OUT TO FISCAL YEAR 2027 AND THESE ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE CHANGES SO THEY ARE REFLECTED IN THE CIP

THIS YEAR. >> WHAT IS IAC?

>> IT IS THE INTER-AGENCY -- ON CONSTRUCTION. THEY MANAGE THE CONSTRUCTION SO LIKE MSDE WOULD BE TO THE INSTRUCTIONS SIDE AS IAC IS TO THE CONSTRUCTION SIDE OF THINGS.

>> I DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS WORKING? MAYBE I SHUT IT OFF? SORRY ABOUT THAT. THAT WAS PROBABLY OPERATOR ERROR. CIP IS DIVIDED INTO FIVE SECTIONS. WE WILL TAKE A LOOK AT HOW PROJECTS BECOME ELIGIBLE TO BE A PART OF THE CIP AND THEN WE WILL LOOK AT SOME OF THE NOTABLE PROJECTS. SO, HOW DID THEY BECOME ELIGIBLE? IT HAPPENS THROUGH A NUMBER OF ASSESSMENTS. WE ALSO LOOK AT WORK ORDER HISTORY, WE LOOK AT THE ENERGY COST SO BENCHMARKING AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION DATA. WE CONFER WITH STAKEHOLDER GROUPS AND WE ALWAYS WANT TO ACCOUNT FOR IMPENDING FAILURES SO WE TALK CLOSELY WITH MAINTENANCE ABOUT THAT. EXTERNALLY WE RELY ON DATA FROM THE STATE. THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN QUITE VALUABLE. THEY DO A FACILITY CONDITION ASSESSMENT AND THEY HAVE DATA ON ALL OF OUR SCHOOLS AND THEY ASSESS 25% OF OUR INVENTORY SO EVERY FOUR YEARS WE HAVE REFRESHED DATA FOR EVERY FACILITY. WE LOOK AT THE CONDITION OF OUR BUILDINGS AND THE REMAINING USEFUL LIFE .

LASTLY, THE STATE EDUCATIONAL SUFFICIENCY STANDARDS SPEAK TO WHAT IS REALLY REQUIRED TO DELIVER INSTRUCTION EFFECTIVELY SO ACOUSTIC REQUIREMENTS. -- WITH SCHOOLS LIKE THAT SO THOSE ARE SOME OF THE FACTORS. OUR CIP IS COMPRISED OF PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR STATE FUNDING AND THOSE THAT REQUIRE 100% LOCAL FUNDING. THE FUNDING FORMULA THIS YEAR IS CONSTANT FROM LAST YEAR AND THE YEAR BEFORE. IT IS A 66% STATE SPLITS AND $.44 LOCAL . IN ADDITION , AT A RATE CALCULATED AT A MAXIMUM AT 10% OF THE CONSTRUCTION BUDGET SO THEY ROLL THAT INTO THE BUDGET OF THE PROJECT. ALSO, FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND MAJOR

[02:20:02]

>> SAY WE WANTED TO LOOK AT

[02:28:16]

>> MISS TRAN36. >> YOU SAID THIS IS NOT GOING TO BE A SURPRISE . YOU HAVE MOOD PROJECT OUT FOR THEIR OWN

INDIVIDUAL CIP? >> I WAS CONTACTED BY THE COUNTY LAST YEAR LETTING ME KNOW THEY WERE PLANNING ON CARRYING OUT THESE PROJECTS AND I VERIFIED JUST TO MAKE SURE WHICH PROJECTS WERE MOVED OUT. AND WE ARE CONSISTENT WITH WHAT THEY MOVED OUT. THAT IS CORRECT.

>> SO DOES MOVING THESE PROJECTS OUT OF OUR CCS AND CES, THEY DID THE SAME THING BEFORE. WE HAD TO SPEND IF I REMEMBER CORRECT SOMETHING LIKE $500,000 JUST TO UPGRADE EQUIPMENT OR WHATEVER THE PROBLEM WAS.

>> JUST TO BE FAIR, THEY ARE LOCATED -- ALLOCATED SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CASE WE NEEDED IT. THEY DID NOT NEED IT SO WE WILL GET INTO THE NORTHERN CONSTRUCTION

[02:30:05]

ALLOCATION. >> I REMEMBER BEING FLAGGED AS JUST IN CASE. SO IT NEVER HAPPENED?

>> CORRECT. >> SUPER. SO, NOW I WAS GOING TO FACE THE SAME THING WITH CES AND CALVERT?

>> THEY DID KEEP THE CONSTRUCTION FUNDING WHERE WE HAD THE CIP SO IT IS ONLY THE FEASIBILITY STUDY THAT HAS BEEN MOVED IN THE CASE OF THIS MARQUEE PROJECT. I DID VERIFY THE CITY OF THE DESIGN WAS ALWAYS SHOWN IN FY 28 AND CONSTRUCTION STARTING IN FY 29 . SO, THE FEASIBILITY STUDY WOULD COST US A LITTLE BIT MORE AND THERE ARE THOSE ATHLETIC PROJECTS THAT THEY MOVED OUT. FOR EXAMPLE, THE TEXANS FIELD HOUSE. WHEN YOU MOVE A PROJECT OUT TWO YEARS INFLATION WILL CAUSE THAT PROJECT TO COST MORE. I HAVE ACCOUNTED FOR THAT

IN OUR CIP. >> OKAY, SO THERE IS NOT THAT BIG OF A DIFFERENCE FROM WHAT WE HAD PLANNED EARLIER?

>> NOT IN THE NEW BUILDINGS, CORRECT.

>> MY LAST QUESTION IS, IT IS WONDERFUL ABOUT THE MEA DECARBONIZATION GRANTS. WAS THAT SOMETHING YOUR DEPARTMENT

IDENTIFIED? >> WE KNEW THE STATE HAD THESE DECARBONIZATION GRANTS THEY ROLLED OUT. WE HAVE THE BOILERS OF THE ORIGINAL BUILDING ARE FIELD THROUGH FIELD OIL THROUGH A UNDERGROUND TANK AND THAT IS GETTING HARDER AND HARDER TO ENSURE AT THIS TIME. WE KNEW WE HAD TO DO SOMETHING HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO ALSO SECURE THIS GRANT AND JUST GO WITHIN AN ELECTRIC OPTION. WE SAVE ON INSURANCE PREMIUMS . WE TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE AND WE ARE ALSO GETTING A GRANT. WE KNOW THIS PROJECT WAS COMING UP SO WE DECIDED TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY AND JUST BRAINSTORMED AND CAME THE PLAN.

>> SO THIS SUNDERLAND IS THAT THE BEG DISTRICT?

>> NO I BELIEVE WINDY HILL IS BEG BUT THAT IS SMECCO.

>> THEY GET INVOLVED IN THE DECISION OF WHATEVER IT TAKES?

>> THAT IS WHY THE GRANT IS THAT MUCH BECAUSE IT WILL REQUIRE AN ELECTRICAL UPGRADE OF THE SERVICE.

>> OKAY. SUPER, THANK YOU. THIS IS ONE OF THE LOWER, I THINK IT IS ONE OF THE LOWER FIVE YEAR PLANS THAT WE HAVE DONE.

>> I THINK WE HAVE AVERAGED ABOUT THAT MUCH. IF YOU -- I THINK THAT THEY KIND OF MORE OR LESS HAVE BEEN AROUND THE SAME.

145, 155 RANGE. >> OKAY, THANK YOU.

>> EARLIER TODAY WE HAD SOMEONE ON PUBLIC COMMENTS TALKING ABOUT TENNIS COURTS IS THERE A WAY YOU CAN TOUCH ON THAT?

>> SURE. FOR BACKGROUND. THE TENNIS COURTS THAT WERE PART OF THE APPROVED SITE PLAN THROUGH THE TOWN PLANNING COMMISSION THEY WERE ONE OF THE ITEMS THAT THE COMMISSION REQUESTED DAY.

THEY WERE SHOWN AS EXISTING . AT THE TIME THAT WE WERE GOING BEFORE THE TOWN TO GET APPROVAL OF THE SITE PLAN OUR INTENTION WAS AS IN YEARS PAST, TO SECURE FUNDS THROUGH THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO GET REPAIRS DONE TO THE TENNIS COURTS. TO BE PAID FOR THAT WAY AT LEAST TWO OTHER TIMES BEFORE . HOWEVER, THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT WAS NOT REALLY INTERESTED IN PAYING FOR REPAIRS BECAUSE THEY HAVE OTHER FACILITIES IN THE AREA AT THIS POINT. SO, I DID REACH OUT TO THE TOWN , TO SEE IF THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED IN A MOU AND THAT MOU WAS DRAFTED IN CONSULTATION

[02:35:05]

SO, CERTAINLY IN TERMS OF MONEY TO BE ABLE TO REPAIR THESE COURTS, YOU CAN CBR OBVIOUSLY IN A FISCAL CRUNCH. SO PERHAPS THE BEST OPTION IS FOR US TO CONSIDER, MAYBE CARVING OUT THAT LAND. BUT WE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK TO SEE, AND POTENTIALLY THE STATE GOVERNMENT WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME OF THE FUNDS BACK THAT THEY HAVE PUT TOWARDS THE PROJECT. I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THAT. THEY PUT IN THESE FUNDS FROM EACH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. THERE WERE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS SO WE MAY HAVE TO

GIVE SOME STATE MONEY BACK. >> IS THERE A REASON THAT THE COURTS ARE BOARDED UP? I'M HEARING THINGS THAT THEY ARE IN DISREPAIR. WE MAY NEED UPDATES BUT WE ALSO NEED TO MAKE UPDATES TO EVERYTHING AROUND THE TENNIS COURT.

>> THAT IS CORRECT, YES. OUR INTENTION ALWAYS WAS THAT IT WOULD NOT INCLUDE ANY REPAIR WORK. OUR INTENTION WAS TO GO BACK TO THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT FOR THOSE REPAIRS AS HAVE BEEN DONE IN THE PAST. SO, WE DID EVERYTHING AROUND THE COURTS, BUT INSIDE THE COURTS, THE PROJECT DID NOT INCLUDE REPAIRS

INSIDE THE COURTS. >> TO BE HAVE INFORMATION TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE SAFE FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE USING THEM. ARE WE PLAGUING THEM FOR MAINTENANCE AND GOING BACK AND PERIODICALLY MAKING THESE REPAIRS? OR DID WE JUST KIND OF NEGLECT THOSE THINGS AND LET THEM FALL BY THE WAYSIDE?

>> THE COURTS HAVE BEEN GETTING REFURBISHMENT I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE CYCLE WAS, BUT THROUGH THE COUNTY BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN PO'S DIRECTLY PROVIDED FROM THE COUNTY TO VENDORS TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THOSE REPAIRS. SO, A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, THE COURTS DID START GETTING TO FALL INTO MORE OF A DISREPAIR AND THE LONGER THEY GO , THE WORSE IT GETS OF COURSE. SO, AS A SAFETY MEASURE, BECAUSE OF LIABILITY, THAT IS WHY -- THEY REALLY ARE NOT SAFE AT THIS POINT. SO WE WANTED TO MAKE

[02:40:03]

BOARDED UP RIGHT NOW. >> SO HOW ARE WE GOING TO MOVE FORWARD ON MAKING A DECISION ON THIS? IS THERE A TIMELINE , A

PLAN, ANYTHING? >> I CAN TELL YOU THAT THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR HAS BEEN AT THE COURT TO MEET WITH A -- ALONG WITH A VENDOR FOR QUOTES ON REPAIRS. SO, THAT DID HAPPEN.

HOWEVER, I AM NOT SURE WHAT THE PRICING OPTIONS ARE. I THINK BASICALLY THE OPTIONS ARE WE KEEP THAT PROPERTY AND WE HAVE A PARTNER TO HELP US WITH THOSE REPAIRS. HOWEVER THERE IS A MOU WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE IT IS FAIR TO ALL PARTIES. THE OTHER OPTION IS WE BEGAN CONVERSATIONS FOR A PROPERTY TRANSFER. I WOULD TAKE AT LEAST SIX MONTHS BECAUSE IT HAS TO BE APPROVED BY THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT. AND ANY FUNDS THE STATE ANTICIPATED AND THEY WOULD WANT THOSE BACK SO THERE WILL HAVE TO BE A REFUND IN THE PROCESS TO ESSENTIALLY, WHATEVER THE COUNTY WANTS TO DO TO TRY AND FOR POOR -- REPAIR

THE COURTS. >> THE TOWN APPROVED SITE PLAN SHOWS THAT THE TENNIS COURTS AS EXISTING. IT SHOWS EXISTING COURTS. THAT IS WHAT WAS APPROVED. HE WOULD HAVE TO GO BACK BEFORE THE TOWN PLANNING COMMISSION TO GET THAT CHANGED.

>> I'M CONFUSED , YOU SAID WE MAY HAVE TO OWE THE STATE -- THERE MIGHT BE KICKBACKS FOR THOSE FUNDS? ?

>> THE PLANNING COMMISSION WANTS US TO PUT IN A LOT OF

GROUNDWORK. >> IF YOU DID THAT WHY WOULD WE

HAVE TO SEND THE MONEY BACK? >> BECAUSE THE STATE PARTICIPATES IN 56% OF SITE AND BUILDING CONSTRUCTION . SO 56% OF WHATEVER THE COST WOULD BE FOR ANY OF THAT. SIDEWALKS -- I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE ARE GIVING JUST THE BOUNDARY AROUND THE FENCING TO THE TOWN. HOW THAT BOUNDARY WOULD BE PERHAPS -- PERHAPS THE SIDEWALKS COULD REMAIN HOURS. I DON'T KNOW.

THIS WOULD BE SOMETHING WE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK INTO A LITTLE BIT MORE. THERE IS A PARKING SITUATION TOO.

>> MY THOUGHT IS, THE GOAL IS TO IDENTIFY RUNS TO BE WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE TOWN. THINK THE ISSUE IS WORKING COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE COUNTY TO SECURE THOSE FUNDS .

OTHERWISE, THE REPAIR FUNDS COME OUT OF OUR GENERAL FUNDS.

SO IT IS IDENTIFYING THE POSSIBILITY OF COLLABORATING OR -- IT IS NOT JUST A DO THIS TYPE OF SITUATION. HOW DO WE FIND THE FUNDS TO REPAIR THE COURTS? THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU, PRESIDENT WHITE HOW WE SEARCHED FOR ANY GRANT

FUNDS TO REPAIR THESE COURTS? >> I DON'T THINK SO. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT USTA GIVES GRANT MONEY FOR COURT

RENOVATION. >> I WILL LOOK INTO IT, THANK

YOU. >> IF WHAT THE MAYOR SAID IS TRUE THIS IS ONE OF OUR FEW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS AND SO, WE WANT PEOPLE TO BE AROUND THE SCHOOLS. THE GRANDMOTHERS, THE FAMILIES, AND STUFF. SO I WAS OF US TO FIND A RELATIVELY SPEEDY -- INSTEAD OF JUST LETTING IT SIT THERE AND NOBODY MAKING A DECISION EITHER AT THE COUNTY LEVEL OR THE LONG PROCESS IT WOULD TAKE TO GET THE LAND TURNED OVER IS DIFFICULT. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE IF WE COULD GET SOMETHING DONE

SOON. >> I THINK IT IS ALSO UPON US , SINCE THE MAYOR ASKED FOR A MEETING THAT PRESIDENT WHITE ALONG WITH THE SUPERINTENDENT FIND SOME TIME TO MEET WITH THE

[02:45:05]

HOWEVER I THINK THAT MAYBE THE ROAD WOULD BE DIFFERENT IF THE BOARD WAS AWARE OF ALL THINGS, WHICH WE ALL KNOW THE ELECTED BOARD IS NOT EVER AWARE OF ALL THINGS. SO I'M JUST ASKING FOR THAT CONVERSATION TO BE HAD WITH THE MAYOR SO HE IS AWARE OF WHAT IS GOING ON . HE IS UPDATED ON WHAT ACTIONS THE SUPERINTENDENT PLANS TO TAKE . OR THE SCHOOL SYSTEM PLAN TO TAKE IN REGARDS TO THE COURTS. AND JUST TO ASSURE HIM THAT WE DO WANT TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY . WE DO WANT IT TO REMAIN A COMMUNITY RESOURCE AND IT WAS NEVER OUR INTENT FOR THAT NO

TO HAPPEN. >> I JUST HAD ONE FINAL THING.

YOU MENTIONED THERE WAS A MOU CURRENTLY AND THERE WERE THINGS ABOUT USE . AS PART OF THIS PROCESS, WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE THAT MAYBE WE HAVE A RISK ASSESSMENT OR SOURCE OF INPUT AS TO WHY OR WHY NOT . MAYBE THAT COULD BE RE-EVALUATED.

UNLESS IT HAS ALREADY BEEN EVALUATED BASED ON WHERE THE LOCATION OF WHERE THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IS NOW AS COMPARED TO WHERE THE SCHOOLS ARE MUCH FURTHER AWAY FROM THE TENNIS COURTS. AND IT WAS FROM THE OLD SCHOOL. I AM JUST CURIOUS TO KNOW IF MAYBE WE PROVIDED SOME ADDITIONAL CONTEXT AS TO WHY WE WOULD CHOOSE NOT TO ALLOW ANYBODY TO BE THERE IN THE DAYTIME. THAT WOULD HELP AS WELL.

>> I WOULD SAY WITH SOME BACKGROUND , WHATEVER A VISITOR COMES TO THE SCHOOL PROPERTY THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO CHECK IN.

I CAN RELATE THIS TO A DIFFERENT CONVERSATION A LOT OF COUNTIES, A LOT OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS ARE HAVING. FOR EXAMPLE, WITH UTILITY PROVIDERS THAT WORK EV CHARGING STATIONS.

ON SCHOOL PROPERTY. AND THE MOU'S HAVE BEEN VERY DIFFICULT TO AGREE TO BECAUSE IT WOULD ALLOW A STRANGER TO COME IN AND BASICALLY CHARGE THEIR CAR. IT IS NOT REALLY ANY DIFFERENT IN THAT REGARD. BECAUSE IT IS INVITING SOMEBODY THAT IS THOROUGHLY CHECKING INTO SCHOOL ON OUR PROPERTY. A CLEANER VERSION OF THIS WOULD BE BUT --

>> I THINK THE OFFERING UP OF THIS TO SOMEONE WHO DOESN'T HAVE FAILED ATTENTION THERE MAY BE A REASON WHY THEY ARE PUTTING UP SUCH AN ARGUMENT. I AM NOT OPPOSED TO SAY THAT ADULTS WHO ARE -- OR I MEAN IF WE DO OUR DUE DILIGENCE AND EXPLAIN WHY WE ARE NOT WILLING TO CHANGE THAT . NOT NECESSARILY FOR YOU TO SAY THAT, BUT AS A WAY TO BE COMPREHENSIVE ABOUT WHAT YOU MAKE THE DECISIONS THAT WE DO.

>> I DID COMMUNICATE TO THE ADMINISTRATOR AS TO WHY.

>> THANK YOU, I APPRECIATE THAT.

>> SO, IF I UNDERSTAND CORRECTLY THERE ARE ACTUALLY THREE OPTIONS, CORRECT? OR ARE THERE TOO? I MEAN, WE CAN REPAIR THE COURTS, THAT IS OBVIOUSLY ONE. THE SECOND IS TO RETURN THE LAND TO THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT. WHAT ABOUT FINDING A WAY TO DEED THAT PORTION OF THE LAND?

>> PER EDUCATION CODE 4-115, WE ARE NOT ALLWOED TO DO THAT PER

[02:50:02]

THAT. >> THANK YOU.

>> IN THE PAST, THE DECLARATION OF THE TENNIS COURTS, THE PUBLIC WAS USING THOSE DURING SCHOOL HOURS, CORRECT?

>> I DON'T KNOW IF THEY WERE USING THEM DURING SCHOOL HOURS OR WAITING UNTIL AFTER SCHOOL WAS OVER. THERE WAS A BLACK TOP FOURSQUARE AREA WERE KIDS WOULD BE SOMETIMES. IF THE PLAYGROUND

WAS WET. >> SO, SOMETIMES HE WOULD USE

THE COURTS CORRECT? >> CORRECT.

>> I JUST THAT THEY WERE AWAY FROM US WILL NOT REALLY BEING USED SPECIFICALLY BY THE STUDENTS.

>> IF SOME TYPE OF FENCE WERE PUT UP, WITH THAT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO USE THE COURTS?

>> THERE IS FENCING AROUND THE COURTS ALREADY. AN OPENING FROM

THE SIDEWALK TO TRAVEL . >> THAT'S WHAT I WAS

WONDERING. >> BEYOND JUST THE AREA JUST OUTSIDE THE TWO COURTS. THAT WOULD BE MORE MONEY.

] >> ALL YOU NEED IS MORE MONEY.

>> ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? THANK YOU MS. WARNER. NEXT WE HAVE --

[7.06 Budget Transfers]

>> BUDGET TRANSFER. >> BUDGET TRANSFERS. THANK YOU.

>> GOOD AFTERNOON, PRESIDENT WHITE AND COUNCILMEMBERS. MY NAME IS SCOTT JOHNSON I AM A DISTRICT CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER WITH THE CALVERT COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS APPROVAL IS REQUESTED FOR THE SET A BUDGET TRANSFERS LISTED ON THIS BILL.

A PROPOSED BUDGET INCREASE . SOME OF THE PROPOSED CHANGES ARE UNDER OUR DIRECTORS REQUEST . THE PROPOSED BUDGET TRANSFERS

ALL AT THE CATEGORY LEVEL. >> MOTION TO APPROVE THE

CATEGORY BUDGET TRANSFERS? >> DO WE HAVE A SECOND? THERE HAS BEEN A MOTION AND A SECOND. IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION? ?

>> THIS IS , THIS YEAR'S BUDGET?

>> YES. >> I SEE THAT THINGS ARE BROKEN DOWN , STILL JUST TRYING TO GET THIS YEAR'S BUDGET . IS THAT

WHAT A LOT OF THOSE ARE? >> THEY WERE BY SCHOOL BUT HOWEVER MANY OF THE TRANSFERS ARE TO BE REBALANCED BASED ON UPDATED INFORMATION BASED ON STAFFING.

>> OKAY. I WAS WONDERING. I THOUGHT YOU HAD DONE SO MUCH WORK WITH 2024 BUDGET I THOUGHT MAYBE THE BUDGET FOR THIS YEAR WAS BUILT AS WAY AS WELL. YOU'RE JUST TRYING TO GET A

TIGHTER ? >> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> AND TO BE CLEAR, FOR THE COMMUNITY, DOES THIS BUDGET

NEED COMMISSIONER APPROVAL? >> IT REQUIRES COMMISSIONERS NOTABLES -- NOTICE BUT NOT APPROVAL.

>> THANK YOU. DO WE HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? SEEING THEM,

THOSE IN FAVOR ? >> AYE. THOSE OPPOSED ?

[7.07 CAC Appointments]

>> IT PASSES. NEXT HE WILL HAVE CAC APPOINTMENTS, ACCORDING TO THIS LETTER LOOKS LIKE DR. JOHNSON IS COMING TO DISCUSS.

>> CORRECTION THE MEMO IS FROM SUSAN JOHNSON.

>> I SUSAN JOHNSON, CHIEF EPIDEMIC -- ACADEMIC OFFICER.

WE PUT ADDITIONAL NOTICE OUT FOR CAC MEMBERSHIP AND THAT HAS CLOSED SO WE ARE RECOMMENDING THE ADDITIONAL CITIZENS BE APPOINTED TO CAC FOR THIS YEAR.

>> MOVED TO APPROVE THE INITIAL CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

[02:55:01]

. ALL IN FAVOR? >> AYE.

[8.01 Comments by the Board]

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

>> MISS TRAN36? >> FIRST I WANT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE STUDENTS ARE MAKING IT THROUGH THEIR FIRST BUMP . I KNOW IT CAN BE A LITTLE DAUNTING TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL. I WOULD REALLY ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO CONTINUE . IT IS NOT AN APPLICATION IT IS JUST A FORM TO FILL OUT SO I CAN SEND YOU THE LINK. I REALLY WANT TO HEAR FROM A DIVERSITY OF'S AND. I REALLY EXCITED TO HEAR FROM MORE OF YOU. I WANT TO GIVE A SHOUT OUT TO WHAT IT MEANT WITH THE STUDENT BODY. A REMINDER FOR SENIORS OUT THERE, WHO HAVE THOSE, NUTS GOING. THE NEXT DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 15 SO IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT.

I AM IN AWE OF EVERYTHING YOU DO. I KNOW SHE IS AN AMAZING LEADER AND I KNOW THEY ARE DOING AMAZING THINGS , SO CONGRATULATIONS AND HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

>> THANK YOU. NEXT I WILL GO TO --

>> WELCOME BACK EVERYONE. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PARENTS AND TEACHERS WHO HAVE REACHED OUT TO ME REGARDING THE NEW CELL PHONE POLICY. I RECEIVED A POSITIVE COMMENT. THIS TEACHER SUMMED IT UP BEST, " MY STUDENTS ARE LISTENING, ENGAGING WITH THEIR TEACHERS AND PEERS. LOOKING AT EACH OTHER WHEN COMMUNICATING AND LEARNING. " I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS TIME TO THANK DR. TOWNSEND WAS LAUNCHING THIS NEW POLICY AND I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO RECOGNIZE ON POINT ELEMENTARY, NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL AND BEACH ELEMENTARY FOR WORKING TO ACHIEVE THE PURPLE STAR STATUS THIS YEAR. A BIG THANK YOU GOES TO BRANDON TEMPLE, REBECCA RICHARD AND JOSEPH CORMIER FOR HELPING ME SCHOOLS ACHIEVE THIS IMPORTANT GOAL. LASTLY, A QUICK UPDATE. THE SAFETY AND WELL-BEING ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED. WE LOOK FORWARD TO PARTNERING WITH EVERYBODY TO MAKE OUR SCHOOLS THE BEST AND SAFEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE POSSIBLE. THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU. >> I ECHO THE WELCOME BACK TO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR. I ALSO ECHO THE SENTIMENTS OF DR.

TOWNSEND AND CODE OF CONDUCT AND NO CELL PHONE POLICY. I THINK IT WAS , ALONG WITH THE COMMUNICATION THAT WENT OUT TO THE COMMUNITY I THINK IT IS VERY , VERY HELPFUL. I WILL ALSO SAY THAT I PURPOSELY DID NOT TELL MY KIDS ABOUT THE POLICY BECAUSE I JUST KNEW IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN AND THEY CAME HOME AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AND BLAMED IT ALL ON MISS GRACE. I DID TELL THEM IT WAS HER FAULT AND I'M STICKING WITH THAT. SO IF YOU EVER SEE THEM, I APOLOGIZE. IN ALL SERIOUSNESS, THEY ARE SURVIVING AND I HAVE FOUR JUST LIKE ALL THE REST OF THEM AND I THINK IT IS BETTER FOR OUR ENTIRE STUDENT BODY WITHOUT THOSE DEVICES. THEY ARE A HUGE DISTRACTION. I AM ALL FOR IT AT MY HOUSE. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE REST OF THE SCHOOL YEAR AND HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

>> THANK YOU MISS POST. MISS BALINSKI?

>> I LIKE TO THINK SOME OTHERS TOO. SUCH GRAND EXPERIENCES THAT CTA CAN OFFER ON THESE NATIONAL COMPETITIONS.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM. WE HAVE THE PUBLIC COMMENT ABOUT BUS CONTRACTORS NOT GETTING PAID ON TIME AND IT HITS ME BECAUSE I AM A TREASURER. I HAVE LOTS OF INVOICES OUT AND

[03:00:04]

>> THANK YOU MISS BALINSKI. LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR. JUST TO PIGGYBACK ON THE PUBLIC COMMENT ABOUT THE BUS CONTRACTORS. DR. TOWNSEND I WOULD LIKE YOU TO ENSURE THAT THERE REMAINS A CONCENTRATED EFFORT ON MAINTAINING THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION , POSITIVE LINES OF COMMUNICATION WITH OUR BUS CONTRACTORS. IN ASSURING THAT THAT RELATIONSHIP REMAIN IN GOOD STANDING. I WOULD APPRECIATE DR. JOHNSON'S EFFORTS ON ENSURING THAT REMAINS A GOOD THING. I KNOW IN THE PAST WE'VE HAD ISSUES AND THERE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE TENSION , BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE MAINTAIN A COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR BUS CONTRACTORS AS A BRING OUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION TO OUR BUILDINGS EVERY DAY FOR LEARNING. SO I WOULD APPRECIATE SOME CONCENTRATED EFFORT IN THAT AREA. ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK ON ANOTHER ISSUE. WE DID CHANGE THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND REMOVE CELL PHONES FROM SCHOOLS. THE DEVICES ARE ALSO NOT ALLOWED IN SCHOOLS. BUT I WOULD ASK THAT OUR PARENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY WORK WITH US JUST AS THEY HAVE DONE WITH THE CELL PHONE POLICY TO ASSURE THAT THERE CHILD IS NOT BRINGING THOSE DEVICES INTO THE SCHOOL BUILDING. THEY DO HINDER THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR OTHER STUDENTS WHO ARE IN THE BUILDING WHO MAY NOT USE THOSE DEVICES. SO I AM ASKING THE PARENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE SURE THEY TALK TO OUR CHILDREN , THE STUDENTS, THEIR CHILDREN , TO ENSURE THOSE DEVICES ARE NOT BEING BROUGHT TO SCHOOL. THERE SHOULD BE JUST AS MUCH EFFORT IN THOSE DEVICES AS WE ARE PUTTING INTO CELL PHONES. SO, THAT IS IT FOR ME.

WELCOME BACK, EVERYONE

* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.