Board members report and comment on their activities for the month.

The students report on activities from their respective schools.

1. Zack O'Brien: North Caroline High School
2. Zahid Ashraf: Colonel Richardson High School

Ms. Erin Thornton, Comptroller, will present the most recent finance report and highlight any important information. 

Ms. Debbie Siachos will present the following items for Board approval:

• 1 Leave of Absence 
• 1 Resignation
• 1 Retirement 
• 2 Retirement Through the Voluntary Incentive Plan
• 1 Teacher Appointment to Provisional Contract

Addendum added January 11, 2022:

• 2 Retirements 
• 1 Retirement Through the Voluntary Incentive Plan
• 1 Teacher Appointment to Regular Contract

Ms. Lindsey McCormick will recognize Ms. Jodi Callahan of the Caroline Career and Technology Center. Ms. Callahan was awarded the 2020 Maryland Agriculture Teachers Association Outstanding Teacher Award from Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation and the Maryland Agriculture Teachers Association. 

This is an award presented by MATA to recognize an individual for their outstanding contributions to agriculture education. 

Ms. Lindsey McCormick will recognize Dr. Robert Willoughby for receiving a Doctorate of Public Administration from West Chester University in West Chester, PA.

Dr. Willoughby's dissertation was called:  "From Networks of Necessity to the New Normal: How Collaboration and Networks Can Provide Efficient and Equitable Service Delivery in Rural Maryland Counties."  

He looked at how Caroline County collaborates with outside agencies, citizens, and other groups in order to tackle complex problems and provide service in specific areas of public policy.  

Ms. Tearesa French will recognize Heather Harding for completing the Maryland Early Childhood Leadership Program. Acceptance into the program was competitive. Heather completed a year of training and a culminating project and presentation earning her 3 credits toward a Masters Degree.

Her presentation was on "Theory of Change: Increasing Participation in Parenting Education Through Community Partnerships."  

The members of the Caroline County Board of Education desire to hear the views and have the advice of interested citizens. The public comment session is held at each Board meeting for that purpose.
 
The following procedures are to be followed during this time:

• In lieu of signing in, citizens are advised to email their remark to publiccomment@ccpsstaff.org
• There is a 5 minute time limit for each email.
• Specific and personal references to students, employees or others associated with the Board of Education will not be permitted. Should someone wish to bring something to the attention of the Superintendent or the Board about a specific person or student, they may do so in writing to the Superintendent or the Board.
• Rude, slanderous, or threatening remarks are not permitted.
• The Board of Education does not engage in a discussion of the matter being brought to it during public comment. If appropriate, the Board may direct the superintendent to provide a response following the meeting.

Dr. Derek Simmons will give an update on the current Legislative Session. 

Important Dates of Interest:

• January 12: General Assembly convenes
• January 19: Final date for Governor to introduce budget bill and capital budget bill
• March 7: 55th Day- Final date for introduction of bills without suspension of Rules
• April 4: 83rd Day- Budget bill to be passed by both Chambers
• April 11: 90th Day- Adjournment "Sine Die" 

Ms. Sara Visintainer, Blueprint Implementation Coordinator, will give the Board an update on the current planning for Blueprint implementation. 

Comptroller Ms. Erin Thornton will discuss updates to the FY23 Budget Summary.

January 17: 9:00 a.m. Martin Luther King Unity Day March at Lockerman Middle School

January 18: 6:00 p.m. Work Session w/ County Commissioners 

January 20: 1pm - Board Budget Workshop (This is a general training on the budget. No public business will be discussed and no action will be taken).