The Board president will call the meeting to order and note Board member attendance.
In partnership with families and community, we prepare all students to achieve college, career, and life readiness through a challenging and progressive educational experience.
Board members report and comment on their activities for the month.
Dr. Simmons will report out on activities / highlights from the last month.
Chief Financial Officer Erin Thornton will review the most recent finance report as of January 31, 2024.
The students report on activities from their respective schools.
446th session of General Assembly will convene January 10 - April 8, 2024.
Supervisor of Human Resources Dr. Rob Willoughby will present the following personnel items to the Board for approval:
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:
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.
In order to ensure safe, efficient, and effective school operations it is essential that the school system fill the position of Assistant Principal of North Caroline High School effective January 2, 2024. Ms. Wright has been serving as Dean of Students since August 2023 as she worked on her finishing her Administrative Internship to achieve her Administrator I endorsement.
Recommended by: Derek Simmons, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Grass mowing services at 13 CCPS locations on a consistent weekly basis from May to November. This contract will begin at the conclusion of Contract #18-006 on April 30, 2024.
The bid process and procedures complied with Board policy and applicable state laws and regulations. Notice of the opportunity was posted on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage, as well as the CCPS Purchasing website. There were four on-time responses received, with the incumbent once again bidding the lowest price. Top Notch Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC has been an excellent partner with CCPS to date.
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Bill Mengel Director of Operations
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Background: Precalculus is currently offered at both high schools as an option for one of the four required math credits to graduate. Precalculus is a math course designed to help students prepare for college and the workforce with higher level math concepts such as algebraically manipulating functions, equations and expressions, translating mathematical information between representations and communicating with precise language as well as providing rationale for conclusions. All of these skills are necessary for careers in mathematics, physics, biology, health sciences, social science and data science.
Blueprint legislation requires each school district to examine the avenues students can take to become College and Career Ready (CCR). Providing students with more opportunities to enroll in Advanced Placement courses can help students on their CCR pathway and give them more the skills and knowledge to prepare for college level math and science courses. Changing our current course offering of Precalculus to AP Precalculus has a one time monetary impact covered with CCR funding to train teachers. The current course materials are aligned to the AP Precalculus course, therefore there is no cost or change in curriculum or materials. The course change does not impact staffing or scheduling.
Explanation/Discussion: The district instructional staff, district college and career planning committee, school administrators, CCPS math teachers, math coaches and parents were involved in the discussion to switch Precalculus to AP Precalculus. With minimal cost, no impact to the schedule and more opportunities for students to become CCR, it is beneficial to CCPS students to offer AP Precalculus.
Staff Member: Dr. Nicole VonDenBosch
Fiscal Impact: $1200 to train math teachers (virtual professional development)
Dollar: $1200
Budgeted: Yes
Budget Source: CCR funds
Background: AP U.S. History has been a 9th grade 2-credit course for Caroline County Public Schools. The course was originally an 11th grade course prior to the re-sequencing of high school history courses in the early 2000s. This is an extremely challenging course which nationwide has a low passing rate, and Caroline County has seen the same low pass rate since it became a 9th grade course. Student achievement would improve if class is offered in 11th grade after students have completed the prerequisite U.S. History in 9th grade to build background knowledge and build the requisite critical reading and writing skills.
Explanation/Discussion: CCPS has been in discussion relative to the appropriate placement of the AP US History course for many years. In January 2024, CCPS held a meeting that consisted of administrators, supervisors, teachers, parents and staff. With continuous concern around students' AP scores for AP US History, rich conversation occurred regarding the right place/ grade for the course. During this meeting it was unanimously agreed that moving AP U.S. History to 11th grade would provide an opportunity for students to be more successful and prepared for the challenges of AP US History. After soliciting feedback from students and parents who were successful and unsuccessful on the AP U.S. History test, parents and teachers felt their student could be more successful if it was taken at a later grade, especially because of the rigorous writing rubrics and necessary study habits for success. Many other counties throughout Maryland offer A.P. US in 10th, 11th, or 12th grade and have seen overall success in their scores. Additionally, moving the course to 11th grade aligns with the Blueprint’s development of an Advanced Placement pathway for students who are designated as CCR.
Staff Member: Jon Marketto
Fiscal Impact: None
Dollar: None
Budgeted: n/a
Budget Source: n/a
The development of the 2024-2025 school calendar was accomplished through the efforts of the School System Improvement Council and Citizens Advisory Council. Two draft calendars were developed for consideration. Those calendar options were shared with the school community and a survey was deployed to solicit feedback to inform the board's decision.
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Tara Downes, Ed.D. Assistant Superintendent of Instruction
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Dr. Rob Willoughby will review the most up-to-date recruitment schedule.
Superintendent Dr. Simmons and Chief Financial Officer will review the current status of FY25 budget development.
The next meeting is a work session on February 20, 2024 with the Caroline County Commissioners.