November 10, 2009 Meeting Of The Wicomico County Board Of Education

The Wicomico County Board of Education at its monthly meeting Tuesday, Nov 10:

Modified the contract for land acquisition for building the new Bennett Middle School.

Approved the Revised Targets for Redistricting. The targets approved on October 13 did not reflect the changes made as a result of Board of Education Work Sessions.

Approved Budget Transfer.
Approved the monthly personnel report for certificated employees and budget transfers for November; received for information the monthly personnel report for classified.

Received for information a list of the members of the Wicomico County Education Association’s 2009-10 Negotiation Team.

Accepted the Financial Report and Audit Communications for School Activity Funds for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2009.

During Tuesday’s meeting, the Board also received:

Superintendent’s Report
Heard from Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Fredericksen:

Summary of Competitive Proposals with a receipt of nearly $1.9 million in grant funding in the 2009-2010 school year.

Enrollment numbers are in the process of being finalized; rather than increases in enrollment, there may be a reduction of enrollment by 12 student and numbers for students eligible for FARM (Free and Reduced Meals) are down.

A concern that there is a cancer cluster at Bennett Middle School was investigated by the Facilities Staff. All environmental tests were normal.

Family Portal will roll out during American Education Week, anticipating that 20,000 new users will be accessing our computer system to monitor students’ grades, attendance and homework. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to come to their students’ schools during American Education Week.

Recommendation for GPA (grade point average) for student participation in extracurricular activities is 1.85 for 2010 and 2.00 for 2011.

School system is collaborating with Parks and Recreation Department in the use of facilities to enable them to keep their programs going.

Redistricting Committee will have its first meeting on Monday November 16. The targets were met for adequate participation by staff, parents, and community members. Persons not on the committee are urged to visit the website and submit comments or give feedback via telephone message line (410) 677-5251.
Display at the Art Institute & Galleryfeatures the electronic design of the new James M. Bennett High School.
School Climate Survey to be conducted the end of November.

Memorandum of Understanding with Excel is being finalized to work with persistently violent and disruptive students.

Appreciation to the Dental Society for offering the Street Drugs Symposium November 13 – 14.
First Awards & Recognition Night will be held at Willards Elementary School on Tuesday November 17.
Recognized the approval of the maintenance of effort plan by the Maryland Attorney General and noted that a check for $2 million was given to the County Executive on Friday November 6.

Board of Education employees were encouraged to attend the County Council Budget Hearing on November 10, 2009.
Shared a Budget Conservation Plan to conserve cash, reduce future financial pressure, and increase year to year stability.

Board Member Reports
Board members applauded WCCPTA’s efforts, noting the standing room only attendance at their October meeting and the attendance of 120 persons at its 2nd Legislative Night.

Other Matters

Observed a moment of silence in recognition of the passing of Coach Barbara McCool and instructional assistant Chris Bosies as well as in observance of Veterans Day.

Made donations to James M. Bennett and Parkside Bands to assist with expenses incurred as they competed in the Atlantic Coast Band Tournament Championship.