1. Opening Items
Subject
1.01 Call to Order/Members Present
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Action,Procedural

The Board president will call the meeting to order and note Board member attendance.

Motion & Voting
CCBOE called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.

Motion by A Michele Wayman, second by Donna DiGiacomo.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, P Troy Plutschak
Not Present at Vote: Mark Jones
Subject
1.02 Closed Session: 5:30 p.m.
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Action
Recommended Action
The regular Board meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. only for the purpose of voting to close its meeting pursuant to the State Government article (Section 3-305 (1,7)) (1) to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; to discuss the various personnel agenda items on the consent agenda and (7) to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation
The public portion of the meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. when the Board reconvenes in public session.
Motion & Voting
CCBOE went into closed session at 5:32 p.m. pursuant to the State Government article (Section 3-305 (1,7)) (1) to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of appointees, employees, or officials over whom this public body has jurisdiction; any other personnel matter that affects one or more specific individuals; to discuss the various personnel agenda items on the consent agenda and (7) to consult with staff, consultants, or other individuals about pending or potential litigation

Motion by P Troy Plutschak, second by A Michele Wayman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, P Troy Plutschak
Not Present at Vote: Mark Jones
CCBOE approved closed session minutes from September 5, 2023.

Motion by P Troy Plutschak, second by Donna DiGiacomo.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, P Troy Plutschak
Not Present at Vote: Mark Jones
CCBOE adjourned closed session at 5:56 p.m.

Motion by A Michele Wayman, second by P Troy Plutschak.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
Subject
1.03 Reconvene in Open Session - 6:00 p.m.
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Action
Motion & Voting
CCBOE reconvened in open session at 6:00 p.m.

Motion by Donna DiGiacomo, second by A Michele Wayman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
Subject
1.04 Pledge of Allegiance - Denton Elementary School
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Procedural
Subject
1.05 Approval of Agenda / Mission Statement
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
1. Opening Items
Type
Action

In partnership with families and community, we prepare all students  to achieve college, career, and life readiness through a challenging and progressive educational experience.

Motion & Voting
CCBOE approved the agenda as presented.

Motion by A Michele Wayman, second by P Troy Plutschak.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
2. Recognitions
Subject
2.01 Doctorate Degree Recipient - Rebecca Wivell
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
2. Recognitions
Type
Discussion

Dr. Rebecca Wivell completed her doctoral degree in Contemporary Curriculum Theory and Instruction with a focus in literacy from Salisbury University. Her dissertation titled, Social Media in Middle School Literacy Instruction focused on a social media platform, Twiducate, in middle school writing. Students wrote for nine weeks focusing on argumentative, informative, and narrative writing working with teams to learn how to effectively give feedback their peers could use to improve their writing. She found giving students a choice of topic, giving them time to write, and teaching them how to collaborate with their peers were powerful factors that engaged students and built confidence in their writing. 
 
Link to Dissertation 
3. Reports
Subject
3.01 Board Members' Report
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
3. Reports
Type
Report

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

Subject
3.02 Superintendent's Report
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
3. Reports
Type
Information, Report

Dr. Simmons will report out on activities / highlights from the last month. 

Subject
3.03 Student Representative Reports
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
3. Reports
Type
Information,Report

The students report on activities from their respective schools.

  1. Leslie Monter-Casio: North Caroline High School
  2. Levi Divjak: Colonel Richardson High School
4. Consent Agenda
Subject
4.01 Personnel
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
4. Consent Agenda
Type
Action (Consent)

Supervisor of Human Resources Dr. Rob Willoughby will present the following personnel items to the Board for approval:

Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert's Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all Board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member.
Motion & Voting
CCBOE approved the consent agenda as presented.

Motion by Mark Jones, second by P Troy Plutschak.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
Subject
4.02 Approval of Minutes - September 5, 2023
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
4. Consent Agenda
Type
Action (Consent)
Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert's Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all Board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member.
Motion & Voting
CCBOE approved the consent agenda as presented.

Motion by Mark Jones, second by P Troy Plutschak.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
Subject
4.03 Approval of Minutes - September 19, 2023
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
4. Consent Agenda
Type
Action (Consent)
Our adopted rules of Parliamentary Procedure, Robert's Rules, provide for a consent agenda listing several items for approval of the Board by a single motion. Most of the items listed under the consent agenda have gone through Board subcommittee review and recommendation. Documentation concerning these items has been provided to all Board members and the public in advance to assure an extensive and thorough review. Items may be removed from the consent agenda at the request of any board member.
Motion & Voting
CCBOE approved the consent agenda as presented.

Motion by Mark Jones, second by P Troy Plutschak.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
5. Citizens/Public Comments
Subject
5.01 Comments
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
5. Citizens/Public Comments
Type
Information

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.

In-Person Public Comment - The time allotted for the Public Comment portion of the agenda is no more than 30 minutes total. The Board of Education does not engage in a discussion of the matter being brought to it but will, if appropriate, direct the Superintendent to respond at a later time.

Individuals interested in participating during the Public Comment portion may sign up in advance by emailing publiccomment@ccpsstaff.org or by signing in at the podium prior to the beginning of the meeting. Individuals will be called to the podium in the order in which they registered by email or sign-in.

Individuals will be advised that:

  • Each person addressing the Board will have a five-minute time limit. Once the time limit has been reached, the speaker will be asked to finish their comments.
  • Employees who have concerns that are not work related and wish to appear before the Board of Education for public comment as parent and/or citizens may do so according to the procedures outlined in the policy.
  • 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 or other behavior that is disruptive or interferes with the order of the meeting is not permitted.
  • Individuals may not give their time to others on the list of speakers.

Written Public Comment emailed to publiccomment@ccpsstaff.org – Emails must be received no later than noon one day prior to the Board meeting, and must clearly state in the subject line or body of the email 'For Public Comment.' Emails will be provided to Board members prior to the start of the meeting and attached to the agenda. Written comments will not be read aloud during the meeting.

6. Individual Action Items
Subject
6.01 Revisions to Policy II.20.10 – Family Life and Human Development Programs
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
6. Individual Action Items
Type
Action
Recommended Action
That Revised Policy II.20.10 – Comprehensive Health Education be introduced for First Reading and published for community comment.

Policy II.20.10 – Family Life and Human Development was last revised on 1/2/1990 and requires revision due to changes in COMAR over the last 30 years. This policy, with a new title (Comprehensive Health Education) outlines the standards the make up the Health curriculum (as outlined in COMAR) and reinforces the Board’s commitment to parental notification of Human Growth and Development lessons and their choice to opt-out to the greatest extent of the law.

 

While this is a policy revision that could be approved in one reading, it is recommended that the following be the course of action due to the volume of changes as well as public attention to the topic.

 

 

PROPOSED BY: Rob Willoughby, DPA 
Supervisor of Human Resources            
RECOMMENDED BY:

Derek L. Simmons, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Motion & Voting
After a brief discussion, a motion was made to to delay the approval of this revised policy to allow for public comment. This will be brought for a vote at the November 7, 2023 Regular Board meeting.

Motion by Donna DiGiacomo, second by A Michele Wayman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
Subject
6.02 Policies Suggested for Retirement
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
6. Individual Action Items
Type
Action
Recommended Action
That the CCPS Policies listed below be retired and therefore removed from the CCPS Policy Book.

Each year, CCPS Policies are reviewed on a rotating basis to determine the need for revisions or potential retirement.  As this is a relatively new process, there are many active policies that have not been reviewed for a number of years.  Because of this, some policies may no longer be relevant and therefore should be retired.  The policies appearing on the list below are recommended for retirement at this time.

 

           

Policy Title (Date)

Reference Number

Reasoning

The School Day (1989)

I.12.50

Grants to the Superintendent and the Board of Education the ability to set the school day and school hours, and defines the number of days that teachers work.  This is redundant as the authority is already granted via COMAR and the teacher (and staff) work day is defined through Negotiated Agreements.

Inclement Weather Work Conditions (1989)

I.12.40

This policy broadly governs working conditions during periods of inclement weather.  In Maryland, all matters defined as working conditions shall be negotiated, making this policy redundant.  Workdays and work-years are also defined by employee group and classification.

Student Safety (2004)

III.34.90

This policy is a single line that states that all students have access to safe and appropriate educational environments that are free from discrimination.  This is expanded upon in a more recent policy (I.12.80 – Educational Equity) which was adopted in 2019, and is therefore redundant.  Overall student safety is defined in Policy V.51.20 (Safety) which is being revised this cycle.

Civil Defense (No Date)

V.51.10

Outlines what to do in case of air or missile strike, and is out of compliance with our current policies and practices involving emergency situations.  Is incorporated into V.51.20 (Safety) which is up for revision this year. 

Loan of School Audio-Visual Equipment (1989)

VII.70.1

Sets regulations for how community organizations can borrow school-owned audio-visual equipment.  This is not a current practice given how technology has advanced.

Elementary Placement and Promotion (1987)

III.32.20

Is a single-line policy which discusses appropriate grade placement, but policy III.32.10 (Advanced Grade Placement of Elementary Students) covers this process in more depth with procedures, making it redundant. 

Caroline Inclusion Program for Three-Year-Olds Enrollment (2010)

III.32.61R

This is a regulation but is numbered as a policy, but the Caroline Inclusion Program for Three-Year-Olds is now under the Pre-Kindergarten program, and therefore is governed under III.32.70 (Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment).

 

 

 

PROPOSED BY: Rob Willoughby, DPA 
Supervisor of Human Resources            
RECOMMENDED BY:

Derek L. Simmons, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Motion & Voting
That the CCPS Policies listed be retired and therefore removed from the CCPS Policy Book.

Motion by P Troy Plutschak, second by A Michele Wayman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
Subject
6.03 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for FY24
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
6. Individual Action Items
Type
Action
Recommended Action
The Superintendent recommends that the Caroline County Board of Education approve the FY24 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) as required prior to its submittal to the Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC).

The IAC requires an annual update of the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan. This plan represents one of several activities enabling the IAC to monitor and evaluate how well Maryland’s school systems are systematically and comprehensively protecting the state’s capital investment. Caroline County’s specific objectives for its CMP are to:


1. Provide the most effective environment possible for teaching and learning.
2. Minimize potential disruptions to the educational program.
3. Preserve and protect the asset value of school property and facilities.
4. Maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of facility functions and systems.
5. Provide the foundation for effective risk management and preventative maintenance programs.

 

 

PROPOSED BY: William Mengel
Director of Operations            
RECOMMENDED BY:

Derek L. Simmons, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

 

Motion & Voting
CCBOE approved the FY24 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) as required prior to its submittal to the Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC).

Motion by A Michele Wayman, second by Mark Jones.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
Subject
6.04 Citizens Advisory Committee
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
6. Individual Action Items
Type
Action
Recommended Action
That the Caroline County Board of Education approve the following nominees for a two-year term to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee:

Each year, members of the Board of Education and school principals alternate the responsibility of making nominations to the Citizens Advisory Committee. This year the school principals have submitted the below names for consideration.  If approved, these individuals will serve for two years (2023-2024 and 2024-2025).

 

 

NOMINEE: NOMINATED BY: 
Stefanie Johnson (DES) Ms. Sarah Crebs
Edith Ramirez (GES) Ms. Mary Jo Kerr
Lisa Cody (PES) Mr. A.J. Angeloni
Jennifer Mayer (RES) Mr. Lee Sutton
Alouse Jean (FES) Ms. Stephanie Brohawn
Richard Petroske (CRMS) Dr. Yolanda Holloway
George Raburn (LMS) Ms. Jeannine Necessary
Carrie Cooper (CRHS) Mr. Jared Sherman
Lisa Thomas (CCTC) Ms. Courtney Handte
Stacey Gardner (NCHS) Mr. Matt Spiker 

 


 

Motion & Voting
CCBOE approved the listed nominees for a two-year term to serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee:

Motion by Mark Jones, second by Donna DiGiacomo.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak
7. Reports and Presentations
Subject
7.01 September Enrollment Update
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
7. Reports and Presentations
Type
Information,Report

 

Ms. Nicole Fisher, Supervisor of Student Services, will update the Board on September enrollment figures.

Subject
7.02 Class Size Report
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
7. Reports and Presentations
Type
Information, Report

Dr. Tara Downes, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction will give an update on class sizes for the 2023-2024 school year. 

Subject
7.03 Budget Calendar
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
7. Reports and Presentations
Type
Information

The Caroline County Board of Education encourages your input in the process of developing the school system’s budget for the 2024-2025 school year. The following is a schedule of budget discussions that will take place at upcoming Board Meetings as well as with the County Commissioners and CCPS stakeholder groups.

 

DATE ACTIVITY
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Budget development discussion – Board Meeting - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, January 9, 2024  Budget development discussion – Board Meeting - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 

Board Work Session with County Commissioners – 6 p.m.

Tuesday, January 23, 2023 School System Improvement Council and Citizens Advisory Council – Board of Education - 6 p.m.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 Preliminary Budget Approval – Board Meeting – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Submit approved proposed budget to Caroline County Commissioners
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 Budget discussion – Board Meeting – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 Budget discussion – Board Meeting – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024   Budget discussion – Board Meeting – 6 p.m.
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 Final Budget Approval – Board Meeting - 6 p.m.

         
                    
                   

8. Discussion of Items for Future Board Action
Subject
8.01 New Policy XI.110.40 – Distribution of Materials In Schools and On School Property
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
8. Discussion of Items for Future Board Action
Type
Action,Discussion

The Board of Education of Caroline County does not currently have a policy in place that governs how materials are distributed from outside agencies to our students and families. This policy seeks to implement standard procedures governing this practice throughout CCPS.

 

As this is a new policy, the recommended course of action shall be:

9. Unfinished Business
10. Upcoming Meetings and Events
Subject
10.01 Upcoming Meetings and Events
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
10. Upcoming Meetings and Events
Type
Information

Date / Time Event / Where
October 9 - 13 RES Fall Book Fair
October 11 6:00 p.m. RES PJ Story Night - Family Engagement Activity
October 24 at 6:00 p.m. PES Title I Academic Night
October 26 at 7:00 p.m. County Spelling Bee at Denton Elementary
October 26 at 10:00 a.m. AMP Project Initial Presentation - Dart Board Cabinets
October 31 Elementary Book Character Parades
November 10 at 2:00 p.m. PES Veterans Day Assembly
November 17 at 9:30 - 11 & 1:30 - 3 DES Parent Day
November 20 at 5:30 p.m. DES Fall Academic Night
November 20 at Board Workshop
November 21 Rotary Youth Career Fair at The Frettard Center
December 14 at 10:00 a.m. AMP Project Final Presentation - Dart Board Cabinets
March 22 PES Parent Day
April 27 PES Springfest at Preston Firehouse

 

Subject
10.02 Next Board Meeting
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
10. Upcoming Meetings and Events
Type
Information

The next meeting is a work session on October 17, 2023.

11. Adjournment
Subject
11.01 Meeting Adjourned
Meeting
Oct 10, 2023 - Regular Board Meeting: Closed Session: 5:30 p.m. Open Session: 6:00 p.m.
Category
11. Adjournment
Type
Action
Motion & Voting
CCBOE adjourned the meeting at 7:59 p.m.

Motion by Donna DiGiacomo, second by P Troy Plutschak.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Donna DiGiacomo, Richard Barton, A Michele Wayman, Mark Jones, P Troy Plutschak