Notes from the Board of Education meetings held on Aug. 9, July 12 and June 28.
Board Notes August 2011
The Wicomico County Board of Education at its monthly meeting on Aug. 9:
Public Comment
Heard public comments from:
Mary Ashanti, President of the Wicomico County NAACP, who shared an article from the April issue of Ebony Magazine regarding zero tolerance discipline policy. Mrs. Ashanti spoke about the success of the NAACP Back-to-School Rally held at Salisbury Middle School on August 4 that over 386 students attended. She thanked Dr. Fredericksen, Mrs. Kim Finger, Mrs. Amy Eskridge and their staff for overall support with the event.
A parent who spoke about concerns regarding Title I services being eliminated from her childâs school.
A student from James M. Bennett High spoke regarding concerns with the transfers in the physical education department. The student was in support of a transferred PE teacher from JMB not being transferred.
Superintendentâs Report
Heard from Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen that:
Most employees have been hired to begin the new school year; we are still in the process of adjusting data in payroll regarding the actual number of employees hired and their specific pay levels.
In response to the public comment made at last monthâs meeting regarding a concern with the administration at one of the schools, several meetings had been held with that commenter and additional meetings have been planned.
The Title I School Choice Option at Prince Street Elementary had 82 students request to be moved to a different school. Title I services have been eliminated from four schools due to the need to reallocate resources to meet instructional needs, resulting in staffing adjustments. Stated that it is disappointing to have had to reduce programs due to the lack of adequate funds.
Changes in school start and end times were made to eliminate school bus runs. School buses are testing routes to determine if any adjustments need to be made.
A meeting was held with the city Aug. 8 regarding the use of Onley Road to access James M. Bennett High to allow for a reduction in traffic and congestion on College Avenue.
The preliminary results have been received for the T.E.L.L. (Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning) Survey completed by educators. Results can be found at tellmaryland.org.
A book study group has begun on the book, Leading for Equity: The Pursuit of Excellence in Montgomery County Public Schools. There may be additional groups forming within our system.
The school system has been working on a gang policy and is in the process of rolling it out at the beginning of the school year.
There have been a number of construction projects during this summer in our schools. They are all going well and on track to begin the school year.
The athletic teams and marching bands are busy preparing to begin the year. You may have noticed or heard them outside practicing at our high schools.
We have a received a grant from the Governorâs Office of Crime Control and Prevention entitled âDisproportionate Minority Contact Reductionâ in the amount of $73,250. This grant, which is 100% fully funded, will allow for support staff to develop a steering committee to assist in this area in collaboration with the Department of Juvenile Services.
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski sent a letter applauding the school system and Judy Center for showcasing early childhood education services at the 2011 School Readiness Fair held on July 15.
Reports
Approved the monthly personnel matters report for certificated employees and received for information the monthly personnel matters report for classified employees.
GASB #45 Trustee
Approved Pandora Broadwater as the trustee for Aetna Retirement and the GASB #45 Investment Trust.
Grant Approval
Approved the $73,250 Disproportionate Minority Contact Reduction Grant to support efforts to reduce the over-representation of minorities in the juvenile justice system.
Comcast Internet Program for FARM Families
Supported the Comcast Internet Essential Program for FARM Families (those qualifying for participation in the Free and Reduced Meals Program. The school system will create awareness of Comcastâs initiative to provide eligible families with high-speed internet service for $9.95 a month, a $150 laptop for home use, and free internet training.
Tuition Rate 2011-12
Approved the Tuition Rates for Non-resident Students and Parkside CTE Students for FY 2011-2012.
Budget Calendar FY2012-13
Approved the Proposed Budget Calendar for FY2012-2013. Work on next yearâs budget has already begun, due to a projected need for nearly $9 million more in cuts to the school systemâs budget. Staff and Board discussions are occurring now and public information sessions will be held starting this fall.
Westside Primary Project
Approved Westside Primary School Vehicular Access Improvement Project Contract Modifications for contracting firm George and Lynch, Inc.
Professional Service Contract Awards
Approved Professional Service Contract Awards for Architectural and Engineering Firms for Miscellaneous Small Scale Contracts fees under $100,000.
Bid Awards
Approved the Bid for Lease Purchase Agreement for Equipment to Bank of America, as low responsive, responsible bidder.
Approved the Bid for Telecommunications Maintenance Contract Agreement to Baltimore Sound, Inc., as low responsive, responsible bidder
Approved the Bid for Technology Systems Integration âJob Order Contract Agreement to Baltimore Sounds, Inc. as low responsive, responsible bidder
Board Member Reports
Heard from Board Member Wright, the chairperson of the Charles W. Willis Award Committee that recognizes outstanding board member achievement. This yearâs recipient of the award will receive it at the annual Maryland Association of Boards of Education conference in October.
Heard from Board Member Wright and President Willey that they were thankful for the meeting held with the city regarding the use of Onley Road. Wright stated that she has concerns for safety and for those who live in that area. Willey stated that we cannot go another year with all of the traffic be directed onto College Avenue; a decision will need to be made soon.
Heard from President Willey that Board Member Don Fitzgerald was not here today due to a medical appointment. He asked that Mr. Fitzgerald be kept in our thoughts.
July Notes from the Wicomico County Board of Education
The Wicomico County Board of Education at its July monthly meeting:
Reorganization of Board
With Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen presiding, the Board reorganized and elected officers for the 2011-12 year, as required each July. Ron Willey was elected President and Dr. Tyrone A. Chase was elected Vice President, both unanimously. "This is not a position I sought, but it's one I will accept in these very trying days, as we try to meet all of the challenges of providing an education for our students," Willey said. The Board thanked former President L. Michelle Wright for her service as president.
Board Member Appointments
Welcomed newly appointed Board member Dr. Carolyn J. Elmore, and reappointed Board member L. Michelle Wright, whose Board appointments were made by the governor. Each will serve a five-year term. "I'm excited to be here," Dr. Elmore said. "I hope I can be of service to the county school system and to the community."
Moment of Silence
Observed a moment of silence in memory of Mary Ann Hayman, a former food service worker.
Public Comments
A parent expressed concerns about the administration of an elementary school, and said she expects to have an appointment soon with the superintendent to discuss those concerns.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Fredericksen informed the Board that:
An economic work session that included Dr. Memo Diriker, director of BEACON (Business, Economic, and Community Outreach Network), yielded a sobering look at future finances, and many more meetings and focus groups will take place in the coming months as the school system strives to meet ever increasing educational demands with declining resources. Next year's budget planning is already under way, with a 2% inflation rate used for planning purposes.
The Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP will hold its annual Back-To-School Rally at Salisbury Middle School, 607 Morris St. in Salisbury, from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4. The NAACP is expecting approximately 300 children from the public school system (prekindergarten through middle school) and their families to attend this rally, where they will hear motivational speakers and receive free school supplies. This event encourages each child to begin the school year ready to work and learn.
The school system now has a Back to School page on its website (www.wcboe.org). Click on "Back to School" above the photo gallery for information that will help families prepare for the 2011-12 school year, including information on the new school start and end times. Schools will mail out student assignment letters on Aug. 17. Wright suggested a ParentLink call to inform parents of bus route changes, once that information becomes available in early August. Dr. Fredericksen said the school system will consider providing computers for parent use at several places around the county so parents have a place to check bus information. Information will be shared with bus contractors as soon as possible after Aug. 1, so contractors have a chance to take practice runs and make adjustments.
Special Education recently completed a comprehensive audit which met or exceeded requirements in every single area.
He received a letter from the City of Salisbury requesting a friendly meeting to find common ground on the long-delayed Onley/Bateman/South Division intersection project. Dr. Fredericksen said he's looking forward to working with the city to explore options for improving traffic flow and safety for students, families and the community.
With additional Title I resources being committed to Prince Street Elementary School, due to it being a Title I school in improvement, four other schools (North Salisbury Elementary, Pemberton Elementary, Willards Elementary and Northwestern Elementary) will not have Title I services this year, due to limited resources for the program. The four schools were selected because while their percentage of economically disadvantaged students is high, it is below the school system average for elementary schools. In Wicomico County, more than 53% of students qualify for Free and Reduced Meals, and every elementary school but one exceeds the threshold for school-wide Title I services.
School climate is a concern, with more than half of students coming to school from homes with limited financial resources, and with employees now entering a third year without raises and with reduced funding for materials and supplies. The school system will be working to ensure that employees realize they are appreciated.
Wicomico County Public Schools will participate in a massive community visioning process on Aug. 3, and Board members are invited to participate.
Monthly Reports
Received for information the monthly summary of competitive grant proposals, which in the past month included $1,050,480 in approved grants. Another $509,529 in grant proposals have been submitted in the past month. The Board also received for information the personnel matters report on classified employees. The Board approved the July budget transfers and the personnel matters report for certificated employees. Wright noted that five of eight certificated staff members who left Wicomico Schools did so because of other jobs, mostly in neighboring county school systems, part of a trend that is cause for concern as Wicomico works to attract and retain a high quality workforce.
Board Member Reports
Wright said the Board made many difficult decisions to arrive at a final budget for Fiscal Year 2011-12, and the process needs to begin now of getting the word out and getting people, including the Wicomico County Council of PTAs, involved in crafting the FY 2012-13 budget. Dr. Fredericksen said that process will begin in August, and will continue throughout the year in the school system and in the community.
Willey said the Board is keeping Board member Donald Fitzgerald in its thoughts and prayers as he recovers from health issues.
Wright said she and others who attended the recent Eastern Shore superintendents' retreat learned a great deal from speakers such as the Del. Norman Conway, Maryland interim superintendent and the president of University of Maryland Baltimore County. Boards of education serve as a bridge between school system staff, county government, students, families and the community, and tips were given on how to stay focused and get the job done.
Marvin L. J. Blye said he recently participated in a review of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) FY 2012-13 budget, as part of MABE's budget and planning committee. There will likely be some small increase in the amount school systems pay for MABE services, due to rising costs.
June 28 Notes from the Wicomico County Board of Education
The Wicomico County Board of Education at a year-end special meeting on June 28:
Monthly Reports
Received for information the personnel matters report on classified employees. The Board approved budget transfers and the personnel matters report for certificated employees.
Health Insurance Plan
Approved the Health Insurance Plan for Fiscal Year 2011-12. The Board received a 3.5% premium increase after the Wicomico County Public Entities Consortium agreed to increasing the year-end call from 5% to 7%. Using a premium reduction plan, employees and retirees will not be impacted by the increased annual premium cost, though costs for medical care and prescriptions will increase by approximately 3.67%. Dental and vision premiums will remain the same.
Budget Approved
Unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Consolidated Current Expense Budget for the budget year beginning July 1. The Consolidated Current Expense Budget of almost $168.6 million, a total that is nearly $4.9 million less than the previous yearâs budget due to funding reductions from the county and federal governments. Funding for public education in Wicomico County has dropped by $15.8 million over the past two years. The Board said the budget represents the best efforts of the Wicomico County Public Schools to carry out its mission of educating all Wicomico County students in a time of declining funding for public education. The Board warned that while the budget process has been difficult for the past two years, it will be even more painful for Fiscal Year 2012-13, when the Superintendent and his staff are projecting budget shortfalls between $7 million to $10 million.
Family Involvement Policy
Approved an update of the Family Involvement Policy, which outlines a uniform, county-wide standard for creating partnerships between schools, families, and community for helping schools and families work together to support student success.
Textbook Adoptions
Approved the textbook "The Maryland Adventure" for use in all fourth-grade Social Studies classes. Approved the textbook "Myers' Psychology for AP" for AP (Advanced Placement) Psychology classes. Approved the textbook "Culinary Essentials" for use by students in the Culinary Arts program at Parkside High School CTE.
Wicomico County Athletic Handbook
Approved an updated version of the Wicomico County Athletic Handbook. The document outlines responsibilities of personnel, extracurricular activities eligibility, event planning, athletic rules and regulations, and contains health forms for student athletes. The entire handbook will be posted on the school system website. The health forms have been posted on the Back to School page at www.wcboe.org.
Bid and Contract Awards
Awarded reserved alternates 1, 4 and 5 on the Westside Primary vehicle access improvement project to contractor George & Lynch. These alternates include staff parking (lot 2), and site lighting in lots 1 and 2. The project already included the visitor parking lot (lot 1) and bus loop. The total contract value is $763,400. The improvements have been long needed for the safety of students, families, staff and bus drivers.
Awarded unit price contract for custodial equipment to several vendors who were the low responsive and responsible bidders on those items. In FY 2009-10, the school system spent about $55,000 on these items.
Authorized the use of a State of Maryland contract with Xerox Corp., care of Delmarva Documents Solutions, for the 60-month lease of a copier for the Central Office of Enrollment in Annex 4.
Awarded the contract for the removal and proper disposal of refuse and âco-mingledâ recyclable materials from all WCPS sites to Waste Management of MD Inc. as the evaluated low responsive and responsible bidder.
Awarded the contract for HVAC replacement at Fruitland Intermediate School to Wilfre Co. as the low responsive and responsible bidder at $281,000.
Awarded the contract for back-up power in the Facilities Building to Carter Electrical Services Inc. as the evaluated low responsive and responsible bidder at $69,000. The school system will replace the outdated back-up system that provides back-up power for the data center housed in Facilities.
Board Notes August 2011
The Wicomico County Board of Education at its monthly meeting on Aug. 9:
Public Comment
Heard public comments from:
Mary Ashanti, President of the Wicomico County NAACP, who shared an article from the April issue of Ebony Magazine regarding zero tolerance discipline policy. Mrs. Ashanti spoke about the success of the NAACP Back-to-School Rally held at Salisbury Middle School on August 4 that over 386 students attended. She thanked Dr. Fredericksen, Mrs. Kim Finger, Mrs. Amy Eskridge and their staff for overall support with the event.
A parent who spoke about concerns regarding Title I services being eliminated from her childâs school.
A student from James M. Bennett High spoke regarding concerns with the transfers in the physical education department. The student was in support of a transferred PE teacher from JMB not being transferred.
Superintendentâs Report
Heard from Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen that:
Most employees have been hired to begin the new school year; we are still in the process of adjusting data in payroll regarding the actual number of employees hired and their specific pay levels.
In response to the public comment made at last monthâs meeting regarding a concern with the administration at one of the schools, several meetings had been held with that commenter and additional meetings have been planned.
The Title I School Choice Option at Prince Street Elementary had 82 students request to be moved to a different school. Title I services have been eliminated from four schools due to the need to reallocate resources to meet instructional needs, resulting in staffing adjustments. Stated that it is disappointing to have had to reduce programs due to the lack of adequate funds.
Changes in school start and end times were made to eliminate school bus runs. School buses are testing routes to determine if any adjustments need to be made.
A meeting was held with the city Aug. 8 regarding the use of Onley Road to access James M. Bennett High to allow for a reduction in traffic and congestion on College Avenue.
The preliminary results have been received for the T.E.L.L. (Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning) Survey completed by educators. Results can be found at tellmaryland.org.
A book study group has begun on the book, Leading for Equity: The Pursuit of Excellence in Montgomery County Public Schools. There may be additional groups forming within our system.
The school system has been working on a gang policy and is in the process of rolling it out at the beginning of the school year.
There have been a number of construction projects during this summer in our schools. They are all going well and on track to begin the school year.
The athletic teams and marching bands are busy preparing to begin the year. You may have noticed or heard them outside practicing at our high schools.
We have a received a grant from the Governorâs Office of Crime Control and Prevention entitled âDisproportionate Minority Contact Reductionâ in the amount of $73,250. This grant, which is 100% fully funded, will allow for support staff to develop a steering committee to assist in this area in collaboration with the Department of Juvenile Services.
U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski sent a letter applauding the school system and Judy Center for showcasing early childhood education services at the 2011 School Readiness Fair held on July 15.
Reports
Approved the monthly personnel matters report for certificated employees and received for information the monthly personnel matters report for classified employees.
GASB #45 Trustee
Approved Pandora Broadwater as the trustee for Aetna Retirement and the GASB #45 Investment Trust.
Grant Approval
Approved the $73,250 Disproportionate Minority Contact Reduction Grant to support efforts to reduce the over-representation of minorities in the juvenile justice system.
Comcast Internet Program for FARM Families
Supported the Comcast Internet Essential Program for FARM Families (those qualifying for participation in the Free and Reduced Meals Program. The school system will create awareness of Comcastâs initiative to provide eligible families with high-speed internet service for $9.95 a month, a $150 laptop for home use, and free internet training.
Tuition Rate 2011-12
Approved the Tuition Rates for Non-resident Students and Parkside CTE Students for FY 2011-2012.
Budget Calendar FY2012-13
Approved the Proposed Budget Calendar for FY2012-2013. Work on next yearâs budget has already begun, due to a projected need for nearly $9 million more in cuts to the school systemâs budget. Staff and Board discussions are occurring now and public information sessions will be held starting this fall.
Westside Primary Project
Approved Westside Primary School Vehicular Access Improvement Project Contract Modifications for contracting firm George and Lynch, Inc.
Professional Service Contract Awards
Approved Professional Service Contract Awards for Architectural and Engineering Firms for Miscellaneous Small Scale Contracts fees under $100,000.
Bid Awards
Approved the Bid for Lease Purchase Agreement for Equipment to Bank of America, as low responsive, responsible bidder.
Approved the Bid for Telecommunications Maintenance Contract Agreement to Baltimore Sound, Inc., as low responsive, responsible bidder
Approved the Bid for Technology Systems Integration âJob Order Contract Agreement to Baltimore Sounds, Inc. as low responsive, responsible bidder
Board Member Reports
Heard from Board Member Wright, the chairperson of the Charles W. Willis Award Committee that recognizes outstanding board member achievement. This yearâs recipient of the award will receive it at the annual Maryland Association of Boards of Education conference in October.
Heard from Board Member Wright and President Willey that they were thankful for the meeting held with the city regarding the use of Onley Road. Wright stated that she has concerns for safety and for those who live in that area. Willey stated that we cannot go another year with all of the traffic be directed onto College Avenue; a decision will need to be made soon.
Heard from President Willey that Board Member Don Fitzgerald was not here today due to a medical appointment. He asked that Mr. Fitzgerald be kept in our thoughts.
July Notes from the Wicomico County Board of Education
The Wicomico County Board of Education at its July monthly meeting:
Reorganization of Board
With Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen presiding, the Board reorganized and elected officers for the 2011-12 year, as required each July. Ron Willey was elected President and Dr. Tyrone A. Chase was elected Vice President, both unanimously. "This is not a position I sought, but it's one I will accept in these very trying days, as we try to meet all of the challenges of providing an education for our students," Willey said. The Board thanked former President L. Michelle Wright for her service as president.
Board Member Appointments
Welcomed newly appointed Board member Dr. Carolyn J. Elmore, and reappointed Board member L. Michelle Wright, whose Board appointments were made by the governor. Each will serve a five-year term. "I'm excited to be here," Dr. Elmore said. "I hope I can be of service to the county school system and to the community."
Moment of Silence
Observed a moment of silence in memory of Mary Ann Hayman, a former food service worker.
Public Comments
A parent expressed concerns about the administration of an elementary school, and said she expects to have an appointment soon with the superintendent to discuss those concerns.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Fredericksen informed the Board that:
An economic work session that included Dr. Memo Diriker, director of BEACON (Business, Economic, and Community Outreach Network), yielded a sobering look at future finances, and many more meetings and focus groups will take place in the coming months as the school system strives to meet ever increasing educational demands with declining resources. Next year's budget planning is already under way, with a 2% inflation rate used for planning purposes.
The Wicomico County Branch of the NAACP will hold its annual Back-To-School Rally at Salisbury Middle School, 607 Morris St. in Salisbury, from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4. The NAACP is expecting approximately 300 children from the public school system (prekindergarten through middle school) and their families to attend this rally, where they will hear motivational speakers and receive free school supplies. This event encourages each child to begin the school year ready to work and learn.
The school system now has a Back to School page on its website (www.wcboe.org). Click on "Back to School" above the photo gallery for information that will help families prepare for the 2011-12 school year, including information on the new school start and end times. Schools will mail out student assignment letters on Aug. 17. Wright suggested a ParentLink call to inform parents of bus route changes, once that information becomes available in early August. Dr. Fredericksen said the school system will consider providing computers for parent use at several places around the county so parents have a place to check bus information. Information will be shared with bus contractors as soon as possible after Aug. 1, so contractors have a chance to take practice runs and make adjustments.
Special Education recently completed a comprehensive audit which met or exceeded requirements in every single area.
He received a letter from the City of Salisbury requesting a friendly meeting to find common ground on the long-delayed Onley/Bateman/South Division intersection project. Dr. Fredericksen said he's looking forward to working with the city to explore options for improving traffic flow and safety for students, families and the community.
With additional Title I resources being committed to Prince Street Elementary School, due to it being a Title I school in improvement, four other schools (North Salisbury Elementary, Pemberton Elementary, Willards Elementary and Northwestern Elementary) will not have Title I services this year, due to limited resources for the program. The four schools were selected because while their percentage of economically disadvantaged students is high, it is below the school system average for elementary schools. In Wicomico County, more than 53% of students qualify for Free and Reduced Meals, and every elementary school but one exceeds the threshold for school-wide Title I services.
School climate is a concern, with more than half of students coming to school from homes with limited financial resources, and with employees now entering a third year without raises and with reduced funding for materials and supplies. The school system will be working to ensure that employees realize they are appreciated.
Wicomico County Public Schools will participate in a massive community visioning process on Aug. 3, and Board members are invited to participate.
Monthly Reports
Received for information the monthly summary of competitive grant proposals, which in the past month included $1,050,480 in approved grants. Another $509,529 in grant proposals have been submitted in the past month. The Board also received for information the personnel matters report on classified employees. The Board approved the July budget transfers and the personnel matters report for certificated employees. Wright noted that five of eight certificated staff members who left Wicomico Schools did so because of other jobs, mostly in neighboring county school systems, part of a trend that is cause for concern as Wicomico works to attract and retain a high quality workforce.
Board Member Reports
Wright said the Board made many difficult decisions to arrive at a final budget for Fiscal Year 2011-12, and the process needs to begin now of getting the word out and getting people, including the Wicomico County Council of PTAs, involved in crafting the FY 2012-13 budget. Dr. Fredericksen said that process will begin in August, and will continue throughout the year in the school system and in the community.
Willey said the Board is keeping Board member Donald Fitzgerald in its thoughts and prayers as he recovers from health issues.
Wright said she and others who attended the recent Eastern Shore superintendents' retreat learned a great deal from speakers such as the Del. Norman Conway, Maryland interim superintendent and the president of University of Maryland Baltimore County. Boards of education serve as a bridge between school system staff, county government, students, families and the community, and tips were given on how to stay focused and get the job done.
Marvin L. J. Blye said he recently participated in a review of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) FY 2012-13 budget, as part of MABE's budget and planning committee. There will likely be some small increase in the amount school systems pay for MABE services, due to rising costs.
June 28 Notes from the Wicomico County Board of Education
The Wicomico County Board of Education at a year-end special meeting on June 28:
Monthly Reports
Received for information the personnel matters report on classified employees. The Board approved budget transfers and the personnel matters report for certificated employees.
Health Insurance Plan
Approved the Health Insurance Plan for Fiscal Year 2011-12. The Board received a 3.5% premium increase after the Wicomico County Public Entities Consortium agreed to increasing the year-end call from 5% to 7%. Using a premium reduction plan, employees and retirees will not be impacted by the increased annual premium cost, though costs for medical care and prescriptions will increase by approximately 3.67%. Dental and vision premiums will remain the same.
Budget Approved
Unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Consolidated Current Expense Budget for the budget year beginning July 1. The Consolidated Current Expense Budget of almost $168.6 million, a total that is nearly $4.9 million less than the previous yearâs budget due to funding reductions from the county and federal governments. Funding for public education in Wicomico County has dropped by $15.8 million over the past two years. The Board said the budget represents the best efforts of the Wicomico County Public Schools to carry out its mission of educating all Wicomico County students in a time of declining funding for public education. The Board warned that while the budget process has been difficult for the past two years, it will be even more painful for Fiscal Year 2012-13, when the Superintendent and his staff are projecting budget shortfalls between $7 million to $10 million.
Family Involvement Policy
Approved an update of the Family Involvement Policy, which outlines a uniform, county-wide standard for creating partnerships between schools, families, and community for helping schools and families work together to support student success.
Textbook Adoptions
Approved the textbook "The Maryland Adventure" for use in all fourth-grade Social Studies classes. Approved the textbook "Myers' Psychology for AP" for AP (Advanced Placement) Psychology classes. Approved the textbook "Culinary Essentials" for use by students in the Culinary Arts program at Parkside High School CTE.
Wicomico County Athletic Handbook
Approved an updated version of the Wicomico County Athletic Handbook. The document outlines responsibilities of personnel, extracurricular activities eligibility, event planning, athletic rules and regulations, and contains health forms for student athletes. The entire handbook will be posted on the school system website. The health forms have been posted on the Back to School page at www.wcboe.org.
Bid and Contract Awards
Awarded reserved alternates 1, 4 and 5 on the Westside Primary vehicle access improvement project to contractor George & Lynch. These alternates include staff parking (lot 2), and site lighting in lots 1 and 2. The project already included the visitor parking lot (lot 1) and bus loop. The total contract value is $763,400. The improvements have been long needed for the safety of students, families, staff and bus drivers.
Awarded unit price contract for custodial equipment to several vendors who were the low responsive and responsible bidders on those items. In FY 2009-10, the school system spent about $55,000 on these items.
Authorized the use of a State of Maryland contract with Xerox Corp., care of Delmarva Documents Solutions, for the 60-month lease of a copier for the Central Office of Enrollment in Annex 4.
Awarded the contract for the removal and proper disposal of refuse and âco-mingledâ recyclable materials from all WCPS sites to Waste Management of MD Inc. as the evaluated low responsive and responsible bidder.
Awarded the contract for HVAC replacement at Fruitland Intermediate School to Wilfre Co. as the low responsive and responsible bidder at $281,000.
Awarded the contract for back-up power in the Facilities Building to Carter Electrical Services Inc. as the evaluated low responsive and responsible bidder at $69,000. The school system will replace the outdated back-up system that provides back-up power for the data center housed in Facilities.