Montgomery News

Montgomery County Board of Education Evening Business met May 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

The Board of Education of Montgomery County held a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 21, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. at the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland. The following were present:

Michael A. Durso, Shebra L. Evans, Jeanette E. Dixon, Judith Docca, Patricia O’Neill, Jill Ortman-Fouse, Matthew Post, Rebecca Smondrowski, and Jack R. Smith (secretary/treasurer).

The video/audio recordings of the Board of Education meetings are the official record of the meetings and can be viewed at http://mcpsmd.swagit.com/play/05212018-1890.

The following is a summary of the motions made and the votes taken at the meeting and are for informational purposes only. If there is any discrepancy between the video and this summary, the video, which constitutes the minutes of the meeting, shall control. Other matters addressed by or discussed with the Board are available in the video/audio recordings.

Resolution No. 261-18: Resolution for Today’s Closed Session

Action: On motion of Ms. Ortman-Fouse, seconded by Mrs. O’Neill, the Board of Education unanimously approved, among those present, the following resolution: (Dr. Docca and Mrs. Smondrowski were not present for the vote but were present for the closed session meeting.)

Whereas, The Board of Education of Montgomery County is authorized by the Education Article, Section 4-107(d), and General Provisions Article, Section 3-305(b) et seq., of the Annotated Code of Maryland to conduct certain meetings or portions of its meetings in closed sessions; now therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education conduct a closed session on May 21, 2018, in Room 120 of the Carver Education Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland, from 5:00 p.m. to approximately 6:00 p.m., and as a personnel matter arising under Section 6-202 of the Education Article is to be discussed, that the Board of Education invite the Student Board Member to attend as provided by the Education Article in Section 3-901(e)(5), in order to discuss and consider:

Various quasi-judicial matters outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act, which shall be summarized in the Report of Previous Closed Session;

Various administrative matters outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act, which shall be summarized in the Report of Previous Closed Session;

Personnel matters, including the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, compensation, resignation and/or performance evaluation of possible future appointees or current employees, and any matters related to and stemming from the discussion that is likewise permissible under General Provisions Article, Section 3-305(b)(1), which must take place in closed session to allow Board Members to discuss the qualifications of the candidates in a candid manner, protect the privacy of the confidential, personal information of the individuals discussed, and/or to prevent any harm to the reputation of any individuals discussed; and be it further

Resolved, That the meeting continue in closed session until the completion of the business described above.

Call to Order

The Board of Education met in closed session from 5:01 p.m. to 5:59 p.m. and convened in open session at 6:08 p.m. in Room 114 of the Carver Educational Services Center.

Acknowledgement of Quorum

Pledge of Allegiance

Resolution No. 262-18: Approval of the Agenda

Action: On motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education unanimously voted to approve the agenda for the May 21, 2018, meeting.

Human Resources and Development - Appointments

Resolution No. 263-18: Human Resources and Development Appointment

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Dr. Docca, the Board of Education voted unanimously, to appoint Dr. Robert W. Dodd, current lead consulting principal, Administrator Training and Support, Department of Professional Growth Systems, Office of Human Resources and Development, as the new principal, Walt Whitman High School.

Resolution No. 264-18: Human Resources and Development Appointment

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Dr. Docca, the Board of Education voted unanimously, to appoint Mrs. Brandice C. Heckert, current assistant principal, Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School, as the new principal, Winston Churchill High School.

Resolution No. 265-18: Human Resources and Development Appointment

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education voted unanimously, to appoint Dr. Eric L. Minus, current director of school support and improvement of middle schools, Office of School Support and Improvement, as the new principal, Sherwood High School.

Resolution No. 266-18: Human Resources and Development Appointment

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education voted unanimously, to appoint Mrs. Megan H. Murphy, current assistant principal, William B. Gibbs, Jr., Elementary School, as the new principal, Seven Locks Elementary School.

Resolution No. 267-18: Human Resources and Development Appointment

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education voted unanimously, to appoint Mrs. Loretta A. Woods, current principal intern, Wayside Elementary School, as the new principal, Whetstone Elementary School.

Human Resources and Development - Retirement of Montgomery County Public Schools Personnel

Resolution No. 269-18: Retirement of Montgomery County Public Schools Personnel

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of

Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Dr. Docca, the resolution regarding the retirement of MCPS personnel was unanimously adopted. (The Board made a motion to adopt this resolution, but the vote was not taken until after consideration of the resolution to recognize June 2018 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month.)

Read the memorandum.

Recognitions

Resolution No. 268-18: Recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month—June 2018

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the resolution recognizing June 2018 as Recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month.

Resolution No. 270-18: Recognition of Montgomery County Public Schools Higher Education Partnerships

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the resolution recognizing the Montgomery County Public Schools Higher Education Partnerships.

Resolution No. 271-18: Recognition of Montgomery County Public Schools Counselor of the Year Award Winners

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the resolution recognizing the Montgomery County Public Schools Counselor of the Year Award Winners.

Public Comments

The following individuals made comments during the meeting:

Paul Li

Evelyn Shue

Benjamin Lee

Marissa Krantz

Lily Qi

Eliana Wang

Benjamin Wu

Grace Chen

Kaylen Chang

Isabella Yang

Elina Lee

Natalie Thomas

Arthur L. Williams

Christopher S. Barclay

Ruby A. Rubens

Board/Superintendent Comments

Board of Education members and the superintendent offered remarks concerning various issues and notable events.

Board Committee Updates

Board members provided updates concerning the Fiscal Management, Policy Management, and Strategic Planning committees.

Consent Items

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the following consent items were approved unanimously:

Resolution No. 272-18: Contract Approval for Bid No. DB1026322, Local Telecommunications Services - Extension

Resolution No. 273-18: Contract Approval for Bid No. 9111.6, Pizza, Baked-Frozen - Extension

Resolution No. 274-18: Contract Approval for Bid No. 4407.1, Instructional Data Management Platform

Resolution No. 275-18: Award of Contract - Sargent Shriver Elementary School Improved Access to Schools Project

Resolution No. 276-18: Award of Contracts - Tilden Middle School and Rock Terrace School Revitalization/Expansion Project (Site Package)

Resolution No. 277-18: Maryvale Elementary School and Carl Sandburg Learning Center Revitalization/Expansion Project - Forest Conservation Easement and Maintenance Agreement

Resolution No. 278-18: Tilden Middle School and Rock Terrace School Revitalization/Expansion Project - Forest Conservation Easement

Resolution No. 279-18: Fiscal Year 2018 Supplemental Appropriation Request for Technology Modernization

Additional Consent Item

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the following consent item was unanimously approved:

Resolution No. 280-18: Procurement Contracts of $25,000 or More

Food and Nutrition Services Update

The Board received an update from the superintendent of schools and staff regarding the school system’s food and nutrition services, and engaged in a robust discussion.

Read the memorandum and the PowerPoint.

(Dr. Judith Docca left the meeting at 9:24 p.m.)

Board of Education Items

Resolution No. 281-18: Future Closed Session Resolution

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, and seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education unanimously voted, among those present, to adopt the Future Closed Session Resolution.

Resolution No. 282-18: Report of Previous Closed Session

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools, and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, and seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education unanimously approved, among those present, the following revised Report of Previous Closed Session:

On May 8, 2018, the Board of Education voted unanimously, among those present, to conduct a closed session, as permitted under the Education Article Section 4-107(d) and the General Provisions Article Section 3-305(b) et seq., of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

The Board of Education of Montgomery County met in closed session on May 8, 2018, from 8:32 a.m. to 9:56 a.m. and from 1:26 p.m. to 2:01 p.m. in Room 120 of the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland, and:

Approved the Decision and Order concerning a student transfer, in Board Appeal T-2018-4, as permitted in its quasi-judicial capacity outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act. (Mr. Post did not participate in this matter.)

Considered appeals regarding student transfers, a personnel matter, and a Complaint from the Public, in its quasi-judicial capacity outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act. The Board of Education decided the matters as follows:

Board Appeal No. T-2018-8: On motion of Mrs. O’Neill and seconded by Dr. Docca, the Board of Education voted to affirm the decision of the superintendent’s designee to deny the transfer with Mr. Durso, Mrs. Evans, Dr. Docca, Mrs. O’Neill, and Mr. Post voting to deny the transfer and with Ms. Dixon, Ms. Ortman-Fouse, and Mrs. Smondrowski voting not to deny the transfer.

Board Appeal No. T-2018-9: On motion of Mrs. O’Neill and seconded by Dr. Docca, the Board of Education unanimously voted to affirm the decision of the superintendent’s designee to deny the transfer.

Board Matter No. T-2018-11: On motion of Mrs. O’Neill and seconded by Ms. Dixon, the Board of Education unanimously voted to dismiss the appeal as untimely.

Board Matter No. 2018-7: On motion of Mrs. O’Neill and seconded by Ms. Dixon, the Board of Education voted unanimously, among those voting, to adjudicate this matter on the written record and to adopt the superintendent’s recommendation to suspend the employee without pay for five duty days for misconduct in office. Mr. Post did not participate in the adjudication of this matter.

Board Appeal No. 2018-9: On motion of Mrs. O’Neill and seconded by Ms. Dixon, the Board of Education voted to adjudicate Board Appeal No. 2018-9 on the written record with Mr. Durso, Mrs. Evans, Ms. Dixon, Dr. Docca, Mrs. O’Neill, Mrs. Ortman-Fouse, and Mr. Post voting to adjudicate on the written record, and with Mrs. Smondrowski voting not to adjudicate on the written record.

On motion of Mrs. O’Neill and seconded by Ms. Dixon, the Board of Education unanimously voted to affirm the decision of the superintendent’s designee to deny the Complaint from the Public.

Board Appeal No. 2018-11: By consensus, this matter was deferred until the next Board meeting.

Discussed the employment and evaluation of a certain staff member, as permitted under Section 3-305(b)(1) of the General Provisions Article.

Received a briefing from the superintendent of schools on the Monthly Human Resources and Development Report, with a subsequent vote in open session, which is an administrative function outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act, and to the extent any individual employee was discussed, as permitted under Section 3-305(b)(1) of the General Provisions Article.

Received a briefing by the superintendent of schools on the following Human Resources and Development appointments, as permitted under Section 3-305(b)(1) of the General Provisions Article: principal, Quince Orchard High School; and principal, Twinbrook Elementary School.

Received from the superintendent of schools the Equal Employment Opportunity Report, which is an administrative function and outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act, and to the extent any individual employee was discussed, as permitted under Section 3-305(b)(1) of the General Provisions Article.

Received from the superintendent of schools the Sexual Harassment Quarterly Report, which is an administrative function and outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act, and to the extent any individual employee was discussed, as permitted under Section 3-305(b)(1) of the General Provisions Article.

Received legal advice regarding the pending U.S. Supreme Court case Janus v. American Federation, State, County, and Municipal Employees, Council 31, et al.; how the implementation of the Supreme Court’s ruling could legally affect the school system’s operations and legal liability; and legal issues pertaining to a potential joint letter from MCPS and the associations, which the Board members supported. The information was shared in closed session to preserve attorney-client privilege and as permissible pursuant to General Provisions Article, Sections 3-305(b)(7).

Received from the superintendent of schools information about the administration of the school system, including an update regarding ongoing discussions with the Cloverly Elementary School community; a report regarding the funding for a fire safety career program; a report regarding additional funds received regarding summer programming; a report regarding community town hall budget meetings; a report on the status of the school system’s finances; an update regarding an ongoing staffing study; an update regarding the impact of a recently passed state law on the 2018-2019 school calendar; and an update regarding the capacity of Bethesda-Chevy Chase Elementary School, which are administrative functions outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act.

In attendance at the closed session were Michael A. Durso, Shebra L. Evans, Jeanette E. Dixon, Judith Docca, Patricia B. O’Neill, Jill Ortman-Fouse, Matthew Post, Rebecca K. Smondrowski, Ikhide Roland Ikheloa, Suzann M. King, Heather L. Mitchell, and Victoria Van Dyke (recorder). At 8:57 a.m., Heather Mitchell, Ikhide Roland Ikheloa, Suzann M. King and Victoria Van Dyke (recorder) left the meeting. At 9:12 a.m., the following staff joined the meeting: Suzann M. King, Victoria Van Dyke (recorder), Jack R. Smith, Andrew M. Zuckerman, Kimberly A. Statham, Maria V. Navarro, Nicola Diamond, Henry R. Johnson, Derek G. Turner, Darlene M. Harris, Joshua I. Civin and Linda Ferrell. At 9:14 a.m., Ikhide Roland Ikheloa joined the meeting. Closed session recessed at 9:56 a.m.

The continuation of closed session was called to order at 1:26 p.m. In attendance at the afternoon closed session were: Michael Durso, Shebra L. Evans, Jeanette E. Dixon, Judith Docca, Patricia O’Neill, Jill Ortman-Fouse, Matthew Post, Rebecca Smondrowski, Victoria Van Dyke (recorder), Jack R. Smith, Andrew M. Zuckerman, Kimberly A. Statham, Maria V. Navarro, Henry R. Johnson, Joshua I. Civin, Darlene M. Harris, and Derek G. Turner. At 1:28 p.m., Suzann M. King joined the meeting. Closed session adjourned at 2:01 p.m.

New Business

There was no new business.

Informational Summary

The informational summary for the May 8, 2018, meeting was provided to the Board of Education for informational purposes.

Adjournment

Resolution No. 283-18: Adjournment

Action: On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. O’Neill, seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the following resolution was unanimously approved among those present:

Resolved, That the Board of Education adjourn its meeting of May 21, 2018, at 9:35 p.m.

https://www.boarddocs.com/mabe/mcpsmd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=ATZKLC50E18C