The Board met in executive session on December 17, 2003 from 6:00 PM to 7:05 PM in the Caucus Room of the Administration Building.  The purpose of the meeting was to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice, to discuss personnel matters and matters related to negotiations.  The meeting was closed pursuant to Section 10-508(a)(1), (7) and (9) of the Open Meetings Act.  The vote to close the meeting was 7-0.  Mr. Wayson arrived at 7:15 P.M. Others in attendance were Dr. Eric Smith, Ms. Synthia Shilling, Mr. Tyson Bennett and Ms. Molly Connolly.

Mr. Rudolph announced that item number 5.03 Arundel on the Bay/Hillsmere Elementary School Easement will be removed from the agenda to be considered at a later date.

Mr. Peterson made a motion to add to the agenda item number 4.05, Resolution Designating the Month of May Physical Fitness Month in Anne Arundel County Public Schools  Ms. Heidemann seconded the motion. 

Ms. Anelle Tumminello coordinator of English, presented.  Annapolis, North County and South River High Schools were recognized for achievement awards.  Erin Dowd from Annapolis High School, April Penn from North County High School, and Erin Frey from South River High School each were awarded the “2003 NCTE Achievement Award in Writing.”  Their respective teachers, Leslie Gershon, Hope Hutton, and Barbara Brown, played instrumental roles in the application process.

Matthew Eireman, 2^nd Vice President presented to the Board. He detailed the activities of the CRASC General Assembly, with the focus on legislative issues. Several pieces of legislation were passed by the CRASC membership.  As of now, CRASC has a candidate for the State Student Member of the Board (SMOB), Ms. Caitlin Robinson from Severna Park High School.  In the month of January the office team will evaluate what CRASC has done this year and plan for the second half of the year for Anne Arundel County SMOB election, CRASC officer elections, Meet the Board Night, and various other events.  CRASC will be sending students to the “Fund Maryland’s Future” rally in Annapolis on January 26^th.

Chris Leitch, Hillsmere PTA spoke to the Board requesting a security camera for the school.  She asked the Board for a quick resolution on this matter.  This is important security measure much needed in the school. 

Mr. Rudolph asked Dr. Smith to please supply him with the cost of a security camera. 

Mr. Peterson said that PTAs should not be spending money on items for safety and security.  PTA’s should be spending money on items to enhance the overall educational program.  He hopes that principals are not pressuring PTAs to augment funding because the system is in a tight funding situation.  This is not appropriate. 

Dr. Smith agrees with Mr. Peterson and said that he will communicate that to the appropriate people. 

Ms. Johnson echoed Mr. Peterson’s remarks.  A security camera does not cost a lot of money and time is of the essence.  She asked Dr. Smith to get back to the Board of this matter. 

Dr. Smith said that there has been some follow-up on both the sidewalk and the security camera and that he will revisit the issue and advise the Board on the progress. 

Mr. Wayson wants to make sure that when the Board comes back with any recommendations on this particular issue, that it is understood what the parameters are in which the Board works to install security cameras and sidewalks and requests of that nature.  It is good for the Board to hear the problems that go on in the county, but the Board cannot set up a precedent that if citizens come before the Board and complain, that they get what they want. Mr. Wayson is not saying that this is the case on the issue at hand, but he would like to get a recommendation of why cases have been denied, and what parameters have been set as a school system on requests of this nature.  The Board needs to look at this issue as a body, in relation to a school system policy for implementing such actions like installing security cameras and installing or repairing sidewalks. 

Ms. Lynne Tucker, Gifted and Talented Association of Anne Arundel County shared information with the Board on high school students in advanced level classes who have IEPs.   GTA is offering a workshop on January 20 and January 23 for students who are in advanced classes who have 504 plans and IEP’s. The workshop, “How To Get The Mot Out Of Your Advanced Level Classes,” will provide students with tips on how to use the Individual Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan to help navigate their advanced classes.  The workshops will help students develop skills to let them be in better control of their learning.  The workshops will be held from 7 – 9 PM at the Board of Education Building at 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis in Center III, second floor.  All are welcome to attend.  Please bring your plan with you.  To pre-register or for more information, contact Ms. Tucker at ltucker@gtaaaco.org or by phone: 410/974-0516. 

In addition, as a member of the GTLD subcommittee, Ms. Tucker informed the Board of the current activities of the Special Education Integration Team.  She then detailed to the Board the Gifted and Talented Association’s “Visions of Achievement,” expounding on areas such as guidance and special education in relation to budget matters. 

Christine Harle spoke to the Board about the process of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) in schools.  As a volunteer parent advocate, she believes that parents have no preconception of the formulation of the IEP and have no input in the implementation of the plan.  She asked if the Board could get notice out to the schools and the IEP teams that parents should partake more in the process. 

Dr. Smith recommended the appointment of Jonathan Brice from Superintendent’s Intern, Harvard Program to Director of Program Planning for the Anne Arundel County school system. 

Mr. Peterson motioned to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation.  Mr. Carey seconded the motion 

Mr. McNelly prefaced his remarks with the notion that this has nothing to do with the person who is being recommended, but that he is addressing the matter of process only and he hopes Mr. Brice understands that.  While the Superintendent has advised the Board that there have been two unsuccessful formal interview processes with regard to the position, Mr. Brice was involved in the process as part of the interview team.  To the best of his knowledge, after two unsuccessful interview processes, the position was not re-advertised.  While the appointment of Mr. Brice may not violate any law, nor does it violate any school board policy, as an equal opportunity employer, Mr. McNelly has a serious problem with the appointment because of the process, not because of the person.  Because of that, Mr. McNelly will vote “no” in reference to this motion. 

Mr. Wayson asked Dr. Smith if Mr. Brice has been in this position. 

Dr. Smith said confirmed that Mr. Brice has been acting in this capacity for the last several months, coordinating the testing assessment program. 

Mr. Peterson applauded the Superintendent for his recommendation.  He believes that diversification of AACPS is an important activity and he believes that whenever the Board has a chance to obtain a candidate who is imminently qualified and meets many of the needs of the district that the Board would be remiss if they did not turn over every stone to do what needs to be done to make this kind of thing happen.  Clearly, this appointment meets both the letter and the spirit of affirmative employment and would advantage the school district.  Mr. Peterson is confident that the appointment would withstand any legal or moral challenge in the community.  He therefore supports the appointment. 

Mrs. Johnson asked the Superintendent if this position is in the “need to fill” category as far as the hiring freeze is concerned. 

Dr. Smith confirmed and said that is why is has been so aggressive in advertising and interviewing for this position since it became vacant last summer prior to the recent freeze.  It is one of the most critical positions in the system in terms of accountability and reporting.  The system has had very capable service by Tim Dangel and when Jonathan Brice arrived as the Superintendent’s intern he began to serve in a very significant role in coordinating these activities.  The duties are essential as the system moves with increasing demands on accountability and program evaluation. 

Ms. Johnson asked for confirmation that the salary for the position is already in the budget as a line item. 

Dr. Smith confirmed that this is not a new position and not part of reorganization and he is very pleased to bring this person to the Board for consideration for this position. 

Mr. Carey asked Dr. Smith for clarification that two rounds of interviews were conducted and that a candidate was not found who met the criteria for the position and that the Superintendent did interview Mr. Brice for the position.  Dr. Smith confirmed both of Mr. Carey’s points..

Mr. McNelly said that if Mr. Brice was acting in this position, he would like to know two things:  how long Mr. Brice served in the position and was he paid an acting salary? 

Dr. Smith said that Mr. Brice has served on an intern basis and has filled the capacity of oversight for him in a lot of these areas. 

Mr. McNelly said, so he was not acting in the position – we had nobody acting in the position.  It was vacant for six months, right? 

Dr. Smith said that is correct. 

Mr. McNelly said that he knows that he is in a minority on this issue. 

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted (6-1), Mr. McNelly opposed, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation to appoint Mr. Jonathan Brice as Director of Program Planning for Anne Arundel County Public Schools.  The motion carries. 

Dr. Smith recommended the appointment of Patricia Jones from Assistant Principal, Assistant Principal Point Pleasant Elementary School to Principal, Severna Park Elementary School. 

Mr. Wayson motioned to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation.  Mr. Carey seconded the motion. 

Ms. Johnson asked if the Principal at Severna Park Elementary School retired.  Dr. Smith confirmed. 

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted (7-0) to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation. 

The Superintendent recommended the appointment of Ms. Antionette (Toni) Carr from Special Education Resource Teacher to Assistant Principal, Point Pleasant Elementary School. 

Mr. Wayson motioned to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation.  Mr. Carey seconded. 

The Superintendent recommends approval of the personnel actions as presented. 

Mr. Rudolph mentioned that Ms. Patricia Price, former Principal of Severna Park Elementary School is on the list of retirees having served 29.9 years with the system. 

Ms. Heidemann motioned to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation.  Mr. McNelly seconded the motion.

Dr. William Wise, Assistant Superintendent, presented to the Board.  He said that the bid before them is one of eleven general projects.  There is only 1% difference between the bids.  There is a 9% difference between the lowest bid and the highest bid, and when looking at the four lowest bids there is only a 3% difference between number one and number four.  Therefore he believes that the Board ought to be pleased with the competitiveness of those bids.  This demonstrates clarity in the documents that were advertised.  The recommendation before the Board was prepared and presented on the agenda showing Option #1 (a larger gymnasium) was not included because at that time Dr. Wise did not believe there was sufficient funding.  However, since the agenda was prepared Dr. Wise has revisited and reanalyzed the budget and has determined that there is $603,000 that was encumbered that should not have been.  It is now unencumbered, allowing the utilization of sufficient funds to award a contract to include option #1 for $456,000 for the gymnasium.  Dr. Wise asked the Board to consider an amended recommendation to include option #1 in the award of contract. 

Dr. Smith said that it his recommendation to the Board – the inclusion of Option #1. 

Mr. McNelly motioned to move the item from information to action

Mr. Carey seconded the motion. 

Mr. Carey said that not only is Mayo going to get the larger gym but that it is coming in at less than the engineer’s estimate.  It will be done for approximately $800,000 less. 

Mr. Wayson asked if the construction of Mayo Elementary School will be built like the prototypes built in the past, and how was a $9.5M cost estimated arrived at? 

Dr. Wise said that was based upon the estimates of the architect and the engineer after the design was complete.  The bids speak for themselves. 

Mr. Wayson said that since the system has gone the route of a general contractor, as opposed to a construction manager and they “hard bid” the project to find out what the exact costs would be, he is sure that the purchasing department has performed a thorough check on R. R. Gregory Corporation who will do the work.  Mr. Wayson said that he would like assurance that the system is doing due diligence that the system has qualified, quantified and triple-checked on the firms so that this will be a pleasant construction experience for all involved. 

Mr. Peterson referenced the hard wood floor to be constructed at the new school.  He said that given the system’s relationship with the Department of Parks and Recreation, sometimes the facilities are over-used in terms of competition-type activities.  He would like to encourage the community to look at multiple uses for the facility. 

Mr. Johnson has always pushed for larger gyms because there is a shortage of them.  She has also sat on the other side of the dais with check in hand for the wood floor at Davidson Elementary School.  At that time, a wood floor was not in the plan or the prototype and the Davidsonville community had to contribute the money for it themselves.  She is therefore very pleased that Mayo will get a wood floor.  She noted that the cost has come down.  The cost is only $4,600 more to add wood flooring to the full-extended gym, as opposed to several years ago when the estimate was $75,000.  Now the cost has become more reasonable.  Ms. Johnson’s prediction years ago on the other side of the dais is that it would come to this, where the wood gymnasium floor would become part of the prototype.  She is happy that Davidsonville was able to “blaze the trail” for this to happen.  She noted for the record that a lot of the money the Davidsonville community put forth for their floor was rebated.  She asked for confirmation that Alternate #1 does include the wood floor.

Dr. Wise confirmed. 

Mr. McNelly said that he and Mr. Wayson have been concerned about the construction management process.  He said that this particular contractor has a good reputation in the Washington area.  The process for the community has been agonizing to get this project off the ground.  To be able to give Mayo a gymnasium in a community that is starving for recreation facilities makes him overjoyed.  He hopes to take it to action today and get the project started because Mayo has waited long enough. 

Mr. Wayson asked if the Board accepts Alternate #1, does 10-B have to be included as well?  Dr. Wise confirmed. 

Ms. Johnson referred to the prototype of Davidsonville Elementary and asked Dr. Wise if adjustments are being made to areas during construction that proved to be problems down the road.  She cited a problem at Davidsonville Elementary where a water main that had been placed above the computer lab during construction, leaked, causing damage to the equipment in the lab.  She hopes that matters such as this are being addressed. 

Dr. Wise said that error will not be repeated and these areas will be adjusted. 

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted (7-0) to move the item from information to action. 

Mr. Rudolph asked for a motion to amend the Superintendent’s recommendation to add alternate #1, to delete alternate #10A and substitute alternate #10B. 

Mr. McNelly made a motion to amend the recommendation.  Ms. Johnson seconded. 

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted (7-0) to amend the recommendation as stated. 

The Superintendent recommends that the Board of Education award contract #04CN-51, Mayo Elementary School – New Construction by General Contractor, R.R. Gregory Corporation, including alternates #2, #3, #4, #7, #11, and alternates #1 and #10B for the value of $8,722,150.00 

Mr. McNelly motioned to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation.  Ms. Johnson seconded. 

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted (7-0) to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation. 

The Superintendent and Board recommended a boundary clarification for the following streets within the community of Shipley’s Choice:  Scarlet Glen Court, Sourwood Court, Buckeye Court, Rock Elm Court, and Minstrel Court.  These streets are within the community of Shipley’s Choice and are across Governor Stone Parkway from Shipley’s Choice Elementary School, but were not reflected in the attendance map of the original creation of the Shipley’s Choice Elementary School boundary.  Students living on these streets have attended Shipley’s Choice Elementary from the date of its opening. 

Mr. McNelly motioned to approve the boundary clarification recommendation of Shipley’s Elementary School.  Ms. Heidemann seconded. 

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted (7-0) to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation. 

Mr. Rudolph clarified that the recommendations from the Board are recommendations to take the matters to public hearing.  The hearing will be established sometime in February.  This is not a vote to establish particular redistricting measures, but only to take it to public hearing. 

Mr. Rudolph asked for any Board recommendations for redistricting. 

Ms. Heidemann moved that the Board take the Gingerville community’s request for the redistricting of their elementary school children into the South River feeder system. 

Mr. Peterson said that in light of the history of this matter he would like to know the ramifications of doing this kind of piecemeal redistricting. 

Dr. Smith said that the Gingerville community has been in a longstanding discussion with the Board on this issue.  It is now not one that is driven by enrollment considerations.  If it is to be considered, it is better to be considered by the Board itself. 

Mr. Peterson clarified that it has nothing to do with enrollment or with capacity that is why school boards normally redistrict. 

Mr. Rudolph said that for the sake of clarification and not for discussion, when Gingerville was initially redistricted into the South River feeder system, the middle school and high school students were moved, but the elementary school students were not moved because at that time Edgewater did not have space.  In the meantime, the space has evened out in Edgewater and it had been the intent of the Board back then was that once that happened the elementary school students would also be redistricted so that the community would be completely in that feeder system. 

Mr. McNelly said that as a Board member when this action originally occurred, he reinforces what the President has said about the intent of the Board then to redistrict the elementary school children of Gingerville once space opened up in Edgewater and the over-capacity matter corrected itself.  It is time for the Board to do what they told the community they would do. 

Mr. Peterson said that he wants to get a clear picture of what is being proposed.  He asked if it is a hardship for the Gingerville students to get to their assigned school of Mills Parole Elementary School.  He also asked questions about the composition of the student body at Mills Parole racially and ethnically. 

Mr. Yocum, program planning said that he does not have those figures with him but that he will provide it to Mr. Peterson and the Board. 

Ms. Shilling, assistant Superintendent, told Mr. Peterson that this type of data is what will be presented at the public hearing if the matter does in fact go to public hearing. 

Mr. Rudolph said that he has a motion on the floor to take to public hearing the movement of the Gingerville community and some neighboring areas into the South River feeder system. 

On a motion duly made, the Board voted (6-1), Mr. Peterson opposed, to take the matter to public hearing.  The motion carries. 

The hearing will be scheduled in the near future. 

No other recommendations from the Board for redistricting. 

Public Participation:  Ms. Michelle Bennett from the Gingerville Community thanked the Board for taking this action. 

Mr. Rudolph encouraged Ms. Bennett to attend the public hearing. 

Public Participation:  Ms. Laura Carr, Edgewater Elementary School PTA said that is no resistance from her school and that Edgewater would welcome the Gingerville community into the school.

Mr. Peterson proposed by resolution that Anne Arundel County Public Schools designate the month of May as Physical Fitness Month.  The resolution is as follows: 

Resolution Designating May Physical Fitness And Sports Month in Anne Arundel Public Schools 

Whereas, Moderate daily physical activity can substantially reduce the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and certain cancers; and 

Whereas, Daily physical activity helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, helps prevent or retard osteoporosis, and helps reduce obesity, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and symptoms of arthritis; and 

Whereas, The Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health (1996) concluded that significant health benefits can be obtained by including a moderate amount of physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes of brisk walking or raking leaves, 15 minutes of running, 45 minutes of playing volleyball), and it is well know that additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity; and 

Whereas, Cardiovascular disease (heart attacks, strokes) is the number one killer of men and women in the United States, and physically inactive people are twice as likely to develop coronary heart disease as regularly active people, and the health risk posed by physical inactivity is almost as high as risk factors such as cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol; and 

Whereas, Childhood and adolescence are pivotal times for preventing sedentary behavior among adults by maintaining the habit of physical activity throughout the school years; and 

Whereas, In high school, enrollment in daily physical education classes dropped from 42 percent in 1991 to 25 percent in 1995, with only 19 percent of all high school students being physically active for 20 minutes or more in physical education classes every day during the school week; and 

Whereas, Since President Reagan proclaimed the first National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in 1983, "May Month" has spurred Americans to get moving in May - individuals, families, employees in the workplace, communities, and public/private sector organizations; therefore be it 

Resolved, That the Anne Arundel County Board of Education  (BOE) directs the Superintendent of Schools to designate the Month of May Physical Fitness and Sports Month in Anne Arundel County Public Schools; and be it further 

Resolved, That the BOE urges the Superintendent to work with staff to develop programs and plans that will encourage children and families in Anne Arundel County to do physical activities together during “May Month”; and be it further 

Resolved, That the BOE urges the Superintendent to meet with the heads of the County’s Departments of Health and Parks and Recreation to discuss activities that can be done jointly between the County and the School District that will encourage county residents to participate in healthy activities during the month of May and throughout the year.

Ms. Heidemann seconded the motion.

Mr. Wayson asked if there is a cost associated to the school system if this resolution is adopted.

Dr. Smith said that it will be cost neutral and would not entail a great expenditure of funds.

Mr. Wayson clarified that the Board, in designating May as Physical Fitness Month would work with the Department of Parks and Recreation to promote health for all the youngsters. 

Mr. Carey said that this will coincide with the President’s physical fitness month and that is what Governor Schwarzenegger first did for the President.  Therefore, this will complement that. 

Mr. Nichols, Director of Middle Schools distributed a revised version of the exhibit proposing a Crofton Middle School field trip to Quebec City and Montreal Canada, May 4 – 9, 2004 for their eighth grade French students. He reviewed the details of the trip with the Board, including dates, costs and number of participants. 

Ms. Johnson asked if there is an escape clause in the field trip documents and there will be a refund if the trip is cancelled. 

Mr. Nichols said the clause is in the documentation four different times 

Mr. Rudolph asked is the verbiage from AACPS legal department is included in the contract. 

Ms. Shilling and Mr. Nichols confirmed. 

Ms. Johnson motioned to take the item from information.  Ms. Heidemann seconded the motion. 

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted (5-0), Messrs. McNelly and Wayson away, to move the item from information to action. 

The Superintendent recommends approval of the field trip. 

Ms. Heidemann moved to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation.  Mr. Peterson seconded the motion. 

Mr. Wayson expressed concerned about students missing 3 days of school for the field trip.  He believes it is more important for the students to be in school than to take three days off to go on the trip. 

Mr. Carey asked about student activities after the students return from the trip. 

Mr. Nichols introduced Ms. Alberta Baker, sponsoring teacher who addressed Mr. Carey’s question.  The students keep a daily journal that they record the events of each day in French.  In addition, upon return from the trip, the students meet with the 7^th grade French students to discuss the trip. 

Mr. Peterson asked about interaction with students during the trip and why there is not more opportunity for that.  He would also like to know if the trip is conducted in French. This is important to him because if the trip is conducted in French then he sees more value to the trip.  If not, some of the concerns expressed by Mr. Wayson would become of concern to him as well. 

Ms. Baker said that the best students are going on the trip.  There are no students going on the trip who are failing a particular subject and whose grades would be greatly endangered.  In addition, all makeup work for the three days missed will be required to complete.  Because of the A-Day, B-Day schedule the students will only be missing 1 or 2 of their classes in language arts.  No French classes will be missed.  In their other classes, only 1 will be missed – the A-Day, B-Day, C-Day.  These are good students and some of them actually complete their makeup work ahead of time or on the bus en route to the destination. 

The tour is conducted in French as much as possible.  The tour guide is bilingual and students will visit some places where people do not speak English.  Therefore the students must listen in French and perform in the language.  In addition, the students have French-Canadian pen pals who they will meet on the trip. 

Ms. Johnson asked for confirmation that if a student gets in trouble grade-wise before the trip, the run the risk of not being able to attend.  Ms. Baker said that has been made perfectly clear. 

Mr. Carey asked for confirmation that other field trips that have been approved involved only 1 or 2 days of missed school.  He would also like to know who sets the date of the trip and how flexible can it be. 

Mr. Nichols said that there have been other trips where students miss less than three school days and as far as the date is concerned, the tour company and the school itself set the dates.  They often try to couple it with a school holiday.  For this particular trip, the trip is being sandwiched between the MSAs and the HSAs and this provides the students an opportunity to participate in a field trip without hindering their ability to participate in the tests. 

Mr. Wayson said that he does not see in the materials that the best students are going on the trip or that students with certain grade point averages will be attending.  Is he overlooking that? 

Ms. Baker said that she thought that had been included in the materials as it has in past years.  However, prior to the students making their deposits for the trip she made it very clear to them and to their parents what her qualifications are.  Students who do not live up to her expectation has not been allowed to participate in the trip. 

Mr. Rudolph told Mr. Nichols that in the future it would be valuable for the Board to have that particular information included in the packet for any international trips. 

The Superintendent recommends approval of the eighth grade French student field trip to Quebec City and Montreal, Canada, May 4-9, 2004. 

Mr. McNelly motioned to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation.  Ms. Heidemann seconded the motion 

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted (6-1), Mr. Wayson opposed, to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation.

The motion carries. 

The Superintendent recommends that the Board of Education award Contract #00-9-11, Professional Engineering Design Services for Relocatable Classrooms, to Select Energy Services, Inc. in the amount of $77,027,00. 

Mr. McNelly motioned to move the item from information to action.

Mr. Carey seconded the motion. 

On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted (7-0) to take the item from information to action. 

The Facilities, Planning and Construction Division requires professional engineering design services to support the school system’s architect during the design, bidding, and construction administration phase for the year 2004 for seventeen (17) relocatable classrooms at $4,531.00 per unit. 

The Board has the Superintendent’s recommendation. 

Mr. McNelly motioned to approve the Superintendent’s recommendation.  Ms. Heidemann seconded the motion. 

In accordance with Board Policy Code 405, five contracts were presented to the Board for review. 

Ms. Johnson asked about the girl’s lacrosse protective eyewear.  She understands that this is a new state requirement.  She would like to know which kind of eyewear is being purchased, specifically if it has protective lenses or is it just the grid-type? 

Mr. Wayson clarified that Ms. Johnson has been involved with youth sports and she has seen the options that are available.  He knows that there are certain protective devices that students will wear and those that students won’t wear.  He knows that Mrs. Johnson wants to make sure that the type that the students will wear is what is being purchased. 

Mrs. Johnson said that this is in the process of change.  It is a new area because women were never required to wear protective eyewear before.  The problem with the plastic goggle is that it fogs up and will not allow peripheral vision.  This impedes the girls’ game. 

Debbie Groat, supervisor of purchasing said that the grid-type without the glass is what is being purchased. 

Ms. Johnson asked Ms. Groat to check to see if the type being purchased has a line down the front because that can cause motion sickness.  She wants to see the system purchase the type without the line. 

Ms. Groat said that she will certainly check that. 

Ms. Heidemann said that the school system should buy the most up to date equipment available.  Due to the expense of this contract, she does not want to see the system have to re-purchase the equipment because it did not hold up. 

Mr. Heidemann motioned that the Board meet in closed session to discuss personnel matters, obtain legal advice and discuss negotiations as authorized by sections 10-508 (a) (1), (7) and (9) of the Open Meetings Act. 

Mr. Peterson seconded the motion. 

Ms. Lynelle Bowen, Executive Director of Maryland Hall, presented.  Ms. Hall graduated from Annapolis High School and is a former teacher of Annapolis High School.  Maryland Hall is housed in the former Annapolis High School.  The adaptive re-use of the 1932 building evolved from a partnership formed by community arts advocates and the Anne Arundel County Board of Education owned by Anne Arundel County Public Schools and is celebrating its 25^th anniversary.  The Board of Maryland Hall consists of forty people, including Mr. Rudolph, Mr. Spencer, Dr. Jose Torres, assistant superintendent and Mr. Bob Leib, Director of Business and Government Services. This year is Maryland Hall’s twenty-fifth anniversary as an art center.  The growth is phenomenal.  Sometime this year Ms. Bowen would like to honor Dr. Edward Anderson, who had the vision, along with Mayor Ellen Moyer and others to establish with wonderful institution. 

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts was created in 1979 to provide a broad range of creative experiences through quality arts education and culturally diverse programs in the performing and visual arts.  The vision of Maryland Hall is to become the leading creative arts center in the region. 

Ms. Bowen reviewed with the Board the contents of the packet she distributed, including their membership card, entitling them to many things.  She invited the Board to attend the January 24^th Battle of the Bands started by Leadership Anne Arundel.  The money that is raised goes to the high school bands of the winning school.  The times are 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. 

She also invited the Board to the United States Navy Band concert on May 14, conducted by Ralph Gambone, a captain in the Navy, who acquired his musical experience and band training in Anne Arundel County Public Schools. 

Ms. Bowen also detailed the many camps and activities that are sponsored by Maryland Hall, including classes that have tuition waivers. 

She also invited the Board to attend the 25^th Anniversary Party on June 5^th at which time Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Dennis Unger (SP?) who were instrumental in founding Maryland Hall.  The focus will be on the success of the students of the county who have succeeded in the arts. 

Ms. Linda Blackman, Director of Human Resources presented to the Board illustrating her presentation by use of power point. 

One of the requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act is that by the end of 2005-2006 school year, all teachers teaching in a core academic subject area must be highly qualified in the core academic areas they teach.  Core academic areas include:  elementary education, early childhood education, arts, civics and government, economics, English, foreign language, geography, history, math, reading or language arts, and science.  Ms. Blackman reported on other requirements of NCLB, the definition of the term highly qualified adopted by the Maryland State Department of Education, and the steps being taken by AACPS to enable teachers and teaching assistants to become highly qualified. 

Mr. McNelly asked if some of the teachers in the system have to take sabbaticals to return to college to get caught up on courses.  He also asked if leaves of absence would be granted for such a purpose. 

Ms. Blackman said that she has not experienced a request for a leave of absence, but if that were the case it would be granted, following the regular leave of absence procedure.  Teachers take classes at night, on weekends and in the summer. 

Mr. Peterson asked about Title I teacher assistants and the requirements they face. 

Ms. Blackman said that she has met with the Title I teacher assistants totally 137.  Very few – approximately 15 – have decided to take the cohort option.  Most of them are more interested in taking the ParaPro test.  The results of the test are being monitored.  Only about 20 have taken the test so far and everyone so far has passed. 

Ms. Heidemann asked Ms. Blackman the difference between APC and SPC. 

Ms. Blackman said that the APC is an Advanced Professional Certificate for someone with a master’s degree or a master’s equivalent and three years teaching experience.  The SPC is a Standard Professional Certificate is for someone with less experience and no masters or master’s equivalency.  A teacher may hold an SPC for a maximum of ten years before he or she must earn an APC. 

Ms. Heidemann asked what is being done for teachers who are acquiring the APCs.  Ms. Blackman said the AACPS offers a number of courses within the county.  Also there are several cohorts of teachers involved in masters degree programs and partnerships with state universities at reduced tuitions.  They are also offered within the county and at county school sites to make it convenient for teachers to attend. 

Ms. Johnson asked about the 1350 teachers who remain to be examined.  She asked Ms. Blackman for her instinct on the futures of these teachers. 

Ms. Blackman’s instinct is that about 65% of them will be fine.  She has to look at each person and look at what tests the teachers took when they went in to teaching and what majors in coursework they have had. 

Mr. Rudolph asked Mr. Heidemann to take the chair. 

Mr. Rudolph asked if the total number of teachers, 5060 total, include teachers of music and physical education.  Ms. Blackman confirmed.  She also told Mr. Rudolph that 1350 teachers who have not been examined are teachers from all areas. 

Ms. Debbie Groat, supervisor of purchasing reported to the Board.  Ms. Groat offered clarification to the Board that the report does not include any recommendations that are being made by the Superintendent’s task force on the minority program intended to be heard on February 4, 2004. 

Ms. Groat highlighted the key elements of the report, stating that this year’s report achieved an overall percentage of 16.44% which includes all commodities, services, construction and the like.  The capital program achieved a 25.28 percentage, which is the subcontractor program.   Among the items Ms. Groat presented to the Board were the race and gender reports, program objectives, fiscal year ’02 results, fiscal year ’03 initiatives and goal results, and goals and objectives for fiscal year ’04.  She also directed the Board’s attention to the capital programs minority business enterprise subcontractor report and the minority and local business detail and summary reports. 

Mr. McNelly noted that the largest and fastest growing minority population in the country is the Hispanic community, and that they are very involved in the construction industry.  He asked if any follow-up has been done with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. 

Ms. Groat said that they would be involved in the hearing phase by invitation, which will occur this Saturday. 

Mr. McNelly noted that the report before the Board is not the final Task Force report and that it will come to the Board on February 4^th.  However, he cited an article from today’s “Baltimore Sun,” stating that a draft of the report was released yesterday, but yet the Board did not see it until today.  He expressed concerned over the fact that the Board received the report subsequent to it being released to the press. Board members could have received phone calls about the report prior to it being released to them.  Mr. McNelly also stated that if AACPS is going to advertise he would like the system to take advantage of the many Hispanic periodicals that exist and that the advertisements be in Spanish.  Mr. Nourse said he would do that outreach.  

Mr. Carey asked if Ms. Groat has initiated contacts with MDOT regarding hotlinks.  Ms. Groat said that conversations have been initiated with Mr. Lang of the State Board of Education. 

Mr. Peterson asked about the $6M contract that was awarded to an Asian American company.  Is that for one contract or for several contracts?  

Ms. Groat said that the company was awarded the computer refresh contract, which included a large chunk of that amount. 

Mr. Peterson thanked Mr. Nourse and Ms. Groat for the great work.  He said that what the Board would then be charge with doing is to review the final report and then deal with the recommendations.  He appreciates references to the task force in the report because the material the Board will review will become part of the task force report next year. 

Mr. Wayson asked about the goal of number 11 in the report.  Ms. Groat said that there sometimes is a perception in the minority community that one cannot be successful in a given environment such as AACPS. Therefore, the objective is to demonstrate success. 

Mr. Wayson said that this is not exclusively a concern with the minority community.  He believes that all firms, not just minority firms should receive this type of letter.  The goal of AACPS is to obtain more qualified bidders to work on construction projects.

Mr. Wayson asked what about the goal of number 12 in the report.  Ms. Groat said there is a concern of the possibility of fraud.  AACPS does not have the resources to go out and ensure that every person is on the job who is supposed to be on the job.  Therefore, it is a least expensive, least resource intensive way of notifying the subcontractor that they were identified as the awardee based upon mandatory requirements of the contract.  Mr. Wayson said that is a good check and balance. 

Mr. Rudolph asked Ms. Groat about how certain businesses can qualify to bid on AACPS jobs.  Ms. Groat said that is up the Department of Transportation to determine the company’s eligibility.  The Department has an excellent reputation for certification. 

The Facilities Planning and Construction Division continues to administer major projects with a value of $203,993.000.  Maintenance Division continues to administer maintenance and building systemic projects with a value of $15,078,000.  The status of each of these projects are set forth in this report. 

Ms. Johnson asked about the subdivision review section. She referred to the Klug Land project that would send 19 students to Freetown Elementary School.  The recommendation was denied but the project is in final.  Is it moving forward?  Mr. Moran said that he would get back to Ms. Johnson on the matter because Mr. Yocum was not present at the Board meeting.

Mr. McNelly made a motion to adjourned.  Mr. Peterson seconded. 

_____________________
Eric J. Smith
Secretary-Treasurer