You are on page 1of 27

Board of Education Business Meeting

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

The Board of Education of Montgomery County held a business meeting at the Carver Educational Services Center, Rockville,
Maryland, on September 9, 2014, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

# or ( ) indicates student vote does not count. Four votes needed for adoption.

Acknowledgement of a Quorum
Present: Philip Kauffman, Patricia ONeill, Christopher Barclay, Shirley Brandman, Judith Docca, Michael Durso, Dahlia Huh,
Rebecca Smondrowski, Joshua Starr (secretary/treasurer)

RESOLUTION NO. 372-14: Resolution for Todays Closed Session


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Ms. Brandman and seconded by Mrs. ONeill, the
following resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, The Board of Education of Montgomery County is authorized by the Education Article and State Government
Article 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 of Montgomery County conduct a closed session on September 9, 2014, in Room
120 of the Carver Educational Services Center,
850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland, from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 10:00 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. to approximately
1:45 p.m.; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board receive legal advice as the Board adjudicates appeals, which is a quasi-judicial function outside the
purview of the Open Meetings Act and as permitted under Section 10-508(a)(7) of the State Government Article; and be it further

Resolved, That the superintendent of schools brief the Board on the Human Resources Monthly Report and Appointments 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 is discussed, as permitted under Section 10-508(a)(1) of the State Government Article;
and be it further

Resolved, That the Board receive legal advice and consult with staff concerning litigation relating to an unsuccessful bid, as
permitted under Section 10-508(a)(7) and Section 10-508(a)(8) of the State Government Article; and be it further

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

The Board of Education met in closed session from 9:00 to 9:40 a.m. After a short break, the Board of Education reconvened in
open session at 10:04 a.m.

To view specific sections or the entire meeting, please watch at:


http://mcpsmd.swagit.com/play/09092014-891

Pledge of Allegiance

RESOLUTION NO. 373-14: Approval of Agenda


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill and seconded by Ms. Brandman, the
following resolution was adopted unanimously:

Resolved, That the Board of Education approve its agenda for September 9, 2014, including removing Item 9.3 (Contract Award,
Dental Plan AdministrationExtension).

RESOLUTION NO. 374-14: Hispanic Heritage Month-September 15 to October 15, 2014


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill and seconded by Mr. Barclay, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, September 15 was selected as the beginning date for the celebration of Hispanic Heritage month because it is the
anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua; all
declared independence in 1821; and

WHEREAS, The Hispanic American and Latino communities valueslove of family, a deep and abiding faith, and a strong work
ethicbring together the rich traditions of communities with centuries-old roots in America and the energy and drive of recent
immigrants, many who have taken great risks to begin a new life in the hope of achieving a better future for themselves and their
families; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans and Latinos have played a vital role in the moments and movements that have shaped our
country, enriching our culture, bringing creativity and innovation to education, the sciences, the arts, and sports; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans and Latinos have served with honor and distinction in every conflict since the Revolutionary
War and have made invaluable contributions through their service to our country; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic Americans and Latinos lead corporations, non-profits, social movements, and places of learning and serve
in government at every level from school boards to state houses, and from city councils to Congress; and

WHEREAS, For the first time in our nations history, a Latina, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, is seated among the nine Justices of the
Supreme Court of the United States; now therefore be it

Resolved, That on behalf of the Board of Education, the superintendent of schools and the staff members, students, and families of
Montgomery County Public Schools, hereby declare September 15 to October 15, 2014, to be observed as Hispanic Heritage
Month.

RESOLUTION NO. 375-14: Monthly Report


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill and seconded by Ms. Huh, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, The educators and others who are employed by Montgomery County Public Schools are key partners in the important
work and achievements of the school system; now therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education approves the monthly Human Resources and Development Report with its listings
identifying new employees, employee resignations, and other employee status updates; and be it further

Resolved, That the members of the Board of Education and the superintendent of schools express their condolences to families of
deceased employees; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be made a part of the minutes of this meeting.

RESOLUTION NO. 375-14-01: Death of Mrs. Andrea Q. Virga, Teacher, Special Education Resource Room, Diamond
Elementary School
On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill and seconded by Ms. Huh, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, The death on July 23, 2014, of Mrs. Andrea Q. Virga, special education resource room teacher at Diamond
Elementary School, has deeply saddened the staff, students, and the members of the Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, During the 28 years that Mrs. Virga worked for Montgomery County Public Schools, she was a dedicated educator
who cared very much for her students; and she worked in partnership with the special education team to create a positive and
caring environment for the students she served; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Virga successfully built relationships with her students that enabled them to take risks and to feel supported;
now therefore be it

Resolved, That the members of the Board of Education and the superintendent of schools express their sorrow at the death of Mrs.
Virga and extend deepest sympathy to her family; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be made a part of the minutes of this meeting and a copy be forwarded to Mrs. Virgas family.

RESOLUTION NO. 375-14-02: Death of Mrs. Angela L. Johnson, Classroom Teacher, Gaithersburg High School
On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill and seconded by Ms. Huh, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, The death on August 15, 2014, of Mrs. Angela L. Johnson, classroom teacher at Gaithersburg High School, has
deeply saddened the staff, students, and the members of the Board of Education; and

WHEREAS, In the 14 years that Mrs. Johnson taught for Montgomery County Public Schools, she consistently demonstrated her
dedication to the students who participated in the cosmetology program; and

WHEREAS, Mrs. Johnson was a leader by example, well respected by staff members, and an asset to the community; now
therefore be it

Resolved, That the members of the Board of Education and the superintendent of schools express their sorrow at the death of Mrs.
Johnson and extend deepest sympathy to her family; and be it further

Resolved, That this resolution be made a part of the minutes of this meeting and a copy be forwarded to Mrs. Johnsons family.

RESOLUTION NO. 376-14: Human Resources Appointment


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill and seconded by Mr. Barclay, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

Resolved, That the following appointment be approved effective September 10, 2014:

Jeanette Y. Lee as assistant general counsel for the Office of the Superintendent of Schools.

Public Comments

1.

Michelle Joseph - Cultural Competency and Proficiency

2.

Saqib Ali - School Calendar

Board/Superintendent Comments

Mrs. Smondrowski provided an update and summary of the August 11, 2014, Special Populations Committee Meeting, reporting
that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the expectations for the Request for Proposal (RFP) for External Review of Specific
MCPS Special Education Processes. She stated that the RFP (Bid/RFP Number: 4356.1) has been released and is posted on the
MCPS website. Efforts are being made to keep this audit on track so it will be completed this year.

Ms. Huh stated that the Back to School Fair was a great success, despite the rain that fell throughout the day. She reported that
there were nearly 7,000 people who attended the event to which many services were provided.

Dr. Docca relayed information about a series airing on PBS. She asserted that it is a quality program, which presents beneficial
information concerning Latino history.

Mr. Durso gave a brief review of a recently released docudrama entitled, Enemy of the Reich featured in an article published in
the previous weeks issue of the Gazette. He remarked that the film, which documents the true account of a Muslim who is
imprisoned in a German concentration camp, may serve as a catalyst for productive Jewish/Muslim dialogue. Mr. Durso reported
that the Fiscal Management Committee met on September 8, 2014, and that some of the items discussed at the Committee meeting
would be included on the agenda for the September 22, 2014, Board meeting. The Committee discussed with staff, the governance
matters related to the 403(b) and 457(b) contribution plans and pension plan amendments. They also heard from internal auditors
and reviewed the Independent Activity Funds Report. He mentioned that the issues pertaining to MSI would be discussed at some
point during the present Board meeting.

Ms. Brandman stated that the Strategic Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on the morning of September 24, 2014, to
discuss possible ways to change the annual Call to Action report, having worked through adopted targets for the Strategic Planning
Framework and milestones. She also noted that there has recently been tremendous attention on public education. She raised
concerns regarding the adoption of new standardized testing and the use of the PARCC assessments, remarking that while we do
need to move forward, we need to be careful that we transition to the new tests deliberately and slowly, offering adequate support
and service to both students and teachers.

Mrs. ONeill reviewed the topics on the agenda for the Policy Management Committee meeting, scheduled for September 16,
2014, at 2:30 p.m. Topics of discussion and review will include the discussion of public comments for Policy DNA, (Disposition
of Board of Education Property); a report on Policy CNE (Facility Improvements That Are Not Funded With Montgomery County
Revenues), and an update of curricular fees as it pertains to Policy JNA (Curricular Expenses for Students). Concerning MABEs

request that the Board contact legislators before a law is drafted and introduced concerning the start of the school year, Mrs.
ONeill asked the Board to send a letter to all Montgomery County legislators concerning the start of school year beginning after
Labor Day and allowing the decision-making authority to remain with the local school boards.

She further remarked that both the Back-to-School Fair and the backpack giveaway were both successful. She reported that the
fair attracted more than 6,000 attendees, and she voiced her appreciation for the multiple organizations that gave their support as
partners. Mrs. ONeill offered thanks to all who worked so hard to make this event a success. Concerning the backpack giveaway,
she stated that over $180,000 was raised. She remarked that this was an increase over last year, and the need for this type of
assistance is ever increasing.

Mrs. ONeill also highlighted MCPS successes, such as the nomination of Jane Lindsay, one of seven finalists, for the 2014-2015
Teacher of the Year Award. The winner will be announced at the October 10, 2014, Teacher of the Year gala. She wished Ms.
Lindsay luck as she competes. She also mentioned that Newsweek has reported, that of the top 500 schools, 7 MCPS schools were
listed. Additionally, Montgomery Blair High School received the Beating the Odds 2014 designation in Newsweek, being
named among the top schools for low-income students. She further relayed that MCPS is partnering with Health and Human
Services to provide clinics which offer this years seventh graders the newly required immunizations.

Oral Update on the Opening of Schools


Dr. Starr provided an oral update on the Opening of Schools. He began by voicing his belief that every year is a new beginning
and an opportunity to demonstrate what we do best at MCPS. We are shaping the future of children and ought to challenge
ourselves and be clear about where we do well and what we can do to improve and be committed to ensuring that all students are
valued and achieve the highest academic level possible. Dr. Starr presented a video in which students shared their perspective
concerning the first day of school.

Staff reminded all that our efforts to refine processes to ensure that we have a smooth school opening have produced results that
we see not only at the beginning of school, but also throughout the year. Remarks also focused on the new technology that has
been introduced into the schools and the benefits of those tools. It was noted that schools dont open themselves, and that the
hard work of many is required to achieve the successes we have experienced. Discussion also focused on the hiring and training
of new teachers and the introduction of the Personalized Learning Plan (PLP).

DISCUSSION

The discussion following the presentation focused on questions and concerns regarding the introduction of Chrome Books,
training teachers to use the new technology, equity issues concerning students access to new tools and the internet at home, and
potential security concerns that may result from the introduction of Chrome Books into the classroom. Also mentioned was the
concern that we ensure an appropriate rate of change as we introduce new technology and the caution we must exercise to
maintain learning as our first value. The Board voiced their thanks and appreciation for all of the hard work involved in the
opening of schools.

Additionally, staff briefly reviewed the three year plan for alternative education and reported that satellite programs have been
successfully consolidated and integrated into Blair G. Ewing Center (Ewing Center). They believe that, in the future, the name of
the alternative education can be altered so that the perception will change and, as a result, more students will opt in. Staff voiced

their goal for Ewing Center to become a national model where the achievement gap is diminished and where students come to find
a unique educational experience.

In response, Ms. Huh expressed an interest in seeing the campus and meeting students, and she requested a tour of the Ewing
Center.

Mr. Barclay left the meeting and was not present for the discussion and subsequent vote concerning Fiscal Year 2016 Board
Operating Budget Interests.

RESOLUTION NO. 377-14-01: An Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2016 Board Operating Budget Interests
On motion of Ms. Brandman and seconded by Mrs. ONeill, the following resolution was adopted unanimously among those
present:

Resolved, That the twelfth budget interest be revised to the following: Focus attention to improve teaching and learning in
secondary schools, in particular middle schools, with special emphasis on mathematics and to facilitate implementation of the
Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards.

RESOLUTION NO. 377-14: Fiscal Year 2016 Board Operating Budget Interests
On recommendation of the superintendent and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following resolution, as
amended, was adopted unanimously among those present:

WHEREAS, At its work session on July 15, 2014, the Members of the Board of Education discussed the Board of Educations
interests for the Fiscal Year 2016 Operating Budget; and

WHEREAS, Based on the discussion by the Board of Education, revisions to the list of interests were prepared; now therefore be
it

Resolved, That the following are the Board of Educations Fiscal Year 2016 Operating Budget interests:

Provide multiple pathways enabling graduates to be globally competitive and college and career-ready.

Meet the needs of each individual child, including their health and social and emotional well-being, ensuring no child
falls through the cracks.

Provide a strong start for all students before kindergarten and provide support for students who enroll in MCPS after

kindergarten and are not performing on grade level to help them catch up.

Continue to reduce variability of performance/address student performance issues, and differentiate the allocation of
resources based on the needs of schools and students.

Recruit and retain staff who are reflective of our student population, and support them to create the conditions that
support schools and students.

Expand and support community engagement in our schools. Expand and deepen work to ensure that communities and
families know what they need to do to support their children.

Maintain and improve our programs and processes for special education students and English language learners.

Promote instructional strategies and curriculum that engage students through innovative teaching practices and 21st
century physical spaces.

Focus on all students and ensure all students have equity of access to appropriate and higher level courses so that
outcomes are not predictable by race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status and all gaps in achievement are eliminated.

Ensure the budget is aligned and responsive to the Strategic Planning Framework and the five milestones.

Organize and optimize resources, including the implementation of the Strategic Technology Plan and the Environmental
Sustainability Plan, while providing the highest quality business operations and support services that are essential to the
educational success of all students.

Focus attention to improve teaching and learning in secondary schools, in particular middle schools, with special
emphasis on mathematics and to facilitate implementation of the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards; and be
it further

Resolved, That these 12 budget interests will guide the superintendent of schools in the development of his Fiscal Year 2016
Operating Budget recommendations.

Mr. Barclay returned to the meeting.

DISCUSSION
Concerning recruitment and retaining staff, Mr. Barclay asked for data concerning the race and gender breakdown of the new
teachers this year, which Dr. Starr said he would provide for the Board in memo form.

RESOLUTION NO. 378-14: Contracts of $25,000 or More


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, Funds have been budgeted for the purchase of equipment, supplies, and contractual services; and

WHEREAS, Funds have been budgeted for the purchase and financing of custom bookcases awarded through Bid No. 4588.1 in
the amount of $56,400; and

WHEREAS, The acquisition of custom bookcases through financing agreements under the Master Lease/Purchase Agreement has
been reviewed by legal counsel; now therefore be it

Resolved, That custom bookcases, in the amount of $56,400, be purchased and financed for a six-year term under the Master
Lease/Purchase Agreement with Banc of America Public Capital Corporation; and be it further

Resolved, That the proceeds from the aforementioned financing be used to reimburse
Montgomery County Public Schools accounts to the extent that such furniture has been or will be acquired before closing; and be
it further

Resolved, That the president of the Board of Education and the superintendent of schools be authorized to execute the documents
necessary for these transactions; and be it further

Resolved, That having been duly advertised, the following contracts will be awarded to the low bidders meeting specifications as
follows:

1006439

Repair and Maintenance of Aboveground Stormwater Management FacilitiesExtension

Awardee

Environmental Quality Resources LLC

1009714

$ 175,000

Inspection, Repair, Maintenance, and Installation of Electronic Security SystemsExtension

Awardee

EAI Security Systems, Inc.

1035056

$ 75,000

Cooperative Purchase of Road Deicing Salt

Awardee

Montgomery County, Maryland

140317.1

$ 250,000

Roasted Chickpeas

Awardee

Good Source Solutions, Inc.

$ 115,440

4400000714

Environmental Hazard Abatement, Underground Storage Tanks, Spills, and DrumsExtension

Awardee

Apex Companies LLC

9803106.1

$ 125,000

Pizza Cheese Crunchers

Awardee

Rich Products Corporation

B32-164

$ 320,000

Agricultural and Groundskeeping ServicesExtension

Awardee

Empire Landscape LLC*

JMI-741-13

$ 200,000

Boiler/Pressure/Hot Water Generator Install, Repairs, Inspection and Preventive Maintenance


Extension

Awardee

East Coast Welding and Construction Company, Inc.

$ 75,000

Heating OilExtension
PCR-247-12

Awardee

Space Petroleum & Chemical Company, Inc.

PLTW-20142015

$ 175,000

Biomedical Sciences and Technology Education Programs

Awardee

Project Lead The Way

1083.5

Professional Services and Temporary Personnel for Systems Engineering and Information Technology
Consulting Services

Awardees (See note on page 6)

A-1 Technology, Inc.


ICATT, Inc.
Microsoft Corporation
Sogeti USA LLC
RK Payroll Solutions, Inc.

$ 350,000

Total

4042.6

$ 75,000

Boiler Supplies and Associated MaterialsExtension

Awardees

Best Plumbing Specialties, Inc.


Capp, Inc.

12,500

H. M. Sweeney Company

24,000

M&M Controls

7,500

MDM Products LLC

4,000

Noland Company

88,500

R. E. Michael Company, Inc.

46,000

Southern Utilities Company, Inc.

59,500

Total

4087.10

$ 34,500

$ 276,500

Office and School Supplies

Awardee

Commercial Art Supply

Lamps
4095.6

$ 25,000

Awardees

Capital Lighting and Supply LLC


Commerce Codeworks, Inc.

1,689

Competitive Edge LLC

2,400

C. N. Robinson Lighting Supply Company, Inc.

48,325

Ideal Electrical Supply Corporation*

1,000

Rexel, Inc.

1,300

Vantage Lighting

1,000

Total

4111.5

$ 10,402

$ 66,116

Overhead Door Installation and RepairsExtension

Awardee

Rolling Doors of Maryland

4178.2

$ 25,000

Dental PlansExtension

Awardee

Aetna Dental, Inc.

$ 443,000

4194.2

FSA/COBRA and Direct BillExtension

Awardees

Benefit Strategies
ADP Benefit Services KY, Inc.
Total

4260.2

$ 34,000
180,000
$ 214,000

Social Work Services for Students in Alternative ProgramsExtension

Awardee

Delta T Group Maryland, Inc.

4296.1

$ 200,000

Vision ProgramsExtension

Awardee

National Vision Administrators LLC

4357.1 Family Market Days

Awardee

$ 133,000

Capital Area Food Bank $ 32,000

4588.1 Custom Bookcases

Awardee

Leisure Craft, Inc.*

$ 56,400

5937.1 Management and Purchase of UniformsExtension

Awardee

Unitec Distribution Systems, Inc.

$ 256,873

7111.4 Automotive Body Shop Paints and SuppliesExtension

Awardees

LKQ Corporation, Inc.


National Coating & Suppliers, Inc.
Total

7228.1 Research Services

$ 10,000
25,000
$ 35,000

Awardee

The Hanover Research Council LLC

$ 35,000

9013.9 Industrial and Technology Education Hand ToolsExtension

Awardees

Fastenal Company

$ 4,500

Liberty Lumber and Supply Company

1,800

Metco Supply, Inc.

2,600

Paxton/Patterson LLC

3,600

Republic Drill/APT Corporation

21,700

Snap-On Incorporation

10,000

W & S Supply Company, Inc.

107,400

Total

$ 151,600

Ceiling Board and Grid System MaterialsExtension


9015.6

Awardees

B&B Concepts, Inc.*

$ 49,000

Capitol Building Supply, Inc.

8,596

Liberty Lumber and Supply


Total

17,031
$ 74,627

9028.4 Tree Removal ServicesExtension

Awardees (See note on page 6)

Mead Tree & Turf Care, Inc.


Takoma Tree Experts
The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company
Total

$ 200,000

9397.4 Fire Alarm, Sprinkler Systems Inspections**

Awardee

VSC Fire and Security, Inc.

$ 300,000

9434.1 Pump, Clean, and Inspection of Grease InterceptorsExtension

Awardee

Apex Companies LLC

$ 500,000

9435.1 Indoor Air Quality Equipment and SuppliesExtension

Awardees

American Environmental Enterprises

7,000

Smart Supply Company

33,000

W. W. Grainger, Inc.

30,000

Total

TOTAL PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS OVER $25,000

70,000

$5,029,556

* Denotes Minority-, Female-, or Disabled-owned Business


**Planned Life-cycle Asset Replacement (PLAR)

Note: Contract amounts will be based on individual requirements.

RESOLUTION NO. 379-14: Contract Award, Life Insurance Plan Administration


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, The Board of Education, by Resolution 563-58, established in 1958 an employee benefit plan to provide life and
health insurance to eligible employees; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Education expanded the Employee Benefit Plan by Resolutions 448-72, 457-72, and 43-76 to include
dental coverage, vision coverage, a prescription drug plan, and dependent life insurance; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Education has periodically bid elements of the Employee Benefit Plan for the benefit of employees and
to reduce administrative costs; and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County Public Schools has joined with the Montgomery County Government and the
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission to solicit proposals to administer their life insurance plans effective January 1, 2015;
and

WHEREAS, Having been duly advertised under Request for Proposal No. 4193.3, Basic Life, Basic Accidental Death &
Dismemberment, Supplemental Life, and Dependent Life, life insurance firms were asked to submit proposals for consideration;
and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Government, and the Washington Suburban Sanitary
Commission engaged the services of a benefit consultant, Aon Consulting, to assist them in the evaluation of proposal responses;
and

WHEREAS, The evaluation has identified that Voya Financial best meets the needs of Montgomery County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County Public Schools and its employees will continue to have a high-quality life insurance plan and
will achieve an estimated $950,000 in annual savings from this award; now therefore be it

Resolved, That a contract for administering the Montgomery County Public Schools life insurance plan be awarded to Voya
Financial; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Education president and superintendent of schools be authorized to execute the documents necessary
for this transaction.

RESOLUTION NO. 380-14: Contract Award, Vision Plan AdministrationExtension


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, The Board of Education, by Resolution 563-58, established in 1958 an employee benefit plan to provide life and
health insurance to eligible employees; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Education expanded the Employee Benefit Plan by Resolutions 448-72, 457-72, and 43-76 to include
dental coverage, vision coverage, a prescription drug plan, and dependent life insurance; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Education has periodically bid elements of the Employee Benefit Plan for the benefit of employees and
to reduce administrative costs; and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County Public Schools has joined with the Montgomery County Government and the
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission to solicit proposals to administer their vision plans effective January 1, 2016; and

WHEREAS, Having been duly advertised under Request for Proposal No. 4296.2, Vision Plans, vision benefit firms were asked to
submit proposals for consideration; and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Government, and the Washington Suburban Sanitary
Commission engaged the services of a benefit consultant, Aon Consulting, to assist them in the evaluation of proposal responses;
and

WHEREAS, The evaluation has identified that the vision plan proposed by CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield best meets the needs
of Montgomery County Public Schools; and

WHEREAS, Montgomery County Public Schools and its employees will continue to have a high-quality vision benefit at current
costs; and

WHEREAS, The transition to a new vision plan will be facilitated and ensured by extending the current vision plan with National
Vision Administrators, LLC until December 31, 2015, and beginning the new contract with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield on
January 1, 2016; now therefore be it

Resolved, That the current vision contract with National Vision Administrators, LLC be extended one year until December 31,
2015, on the same terms and conditions; and be it further

Resolved, That a contract for administering the Montgomery County Public Schools vision plan be awarded to CareFirst
BlueCross BlueShield commencing January 1, 2016; and be it further

Resolved, That the president of the Board of Education and the superintendent of schools be authorized to execute the documents
necessary for this transaction.

RESOLUTION NO. 381-14: Approval of Easements and AgreementsWilliam H. Farquhar Middle School
Revitalization/Expansion Project
On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, On July 29, 2013, the Board of Education adopted Resolution No. 404-13, which authorized initiation of
condemnation proceedings to acquire Pulte Home Corporations interest in a parcel of land adjacent to the current William H.
Farquhar Middle School site because the land was needed for the revitalization/expansion of the middle school and Montgomery
County Public Schools had been unable to reach agreement with the corporation to convey its interest in the property; and

WHEREAS, The Board of Education, through Resolution No. 404-13, directed the Department of Facilities Management staff to
pursue a joint use agreement with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission that gives primary use of the
current school site to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, allows imposition of a permanent use
easement on that property, and gives primary use of the adjacent parcelwhere William H. Farquhar Middle School will be sited
to Montgomery County Public Schools in exchange for release of the rural open-space easement on the adjacent parcel, an
agreement for continued use of the existing school building as a holding school until the new middle school is completed, and
demolition of the existing building and restoration of the site as agreed by the parties; and

WHEREAS, The condemnation proceedings were initiated as authorized by Resolution


No. 404-13 and an Agreed Inquisition in favor of the Board of Education was filed on May 13, 2014; and

WHEREAS, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission has approved procedures for release of rural openspace easements under certain conditions; and

WHEREAS, Department of Facilities Management staff and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission staff
have agreed to pursue appropriate opportunities for joint use of sites for the benefit of the public and work cooperatively with the
Planning Commission on a Joint Use Agreement and a Perpetual Use Easement to accomplish the purposes set forth in Resolution
No. 404-13; now therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education approves the Perpetual Use Easement and the Rural Open-Space Easement encumbering
the current William H. Farquhar Middle School property and the Joint Use Agreement establishing the terms and conditions of
joint operations of shared facilities for the new school and park sites submitted by the superintendent of schools; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Education authorizes the president of the Board of Education and the superintendent of schools to
execute the Joint Use Agreement, the Perpetual Use Easement, and the Rural Open-Space Easement; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Education authorizes the superintendent of schools to execute on its behalf non-substantive changes
to the Joint Use Agreement that may be needed or desired in the future to carry out the intent of the Joint Use Agreement and to
efficiently and effectively implement the substantive provisions of the Joint Use Agreement.

RESOLUTION NO. 382-14: Lease Renewals for Relocatable Classrooms


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, The original leases for 129 relocatable classrooms owned by Modular Space Corporation and 297 relocatable
classrooms owned by Mobile Modular Management Corporation expired as of June 30, 2014; and

WHEREAS, There is a continuing need for all 426 units for the next school year to accommodate the student enrollments at
various schools; and

WHEREAS, Staff in the Department of Facilities Management has negotiated a one-year renewal lease cost for the 426 relocatable
classrooms at an annual cost of $2,463,088, or an average cost of $5,781.90, which is an increase of $53.66 per unit; and

WHEREAS, The funds for the lease renewal cost are programmed in the Fiscal Year 2015 Operating Budget; now therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education authorizes the superintendent of schools to execute renewal leases with Modular Space
Corporation and Mobile Modular Management Corporation for a total one-year cost of $2,463,088.

RESOLUTION NO. 383-14: Acceptance of Gaithersburg High School Revitalization/ExpansionBuilding and Stadium
Field
On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, On behalf of the Board of Education, Board Member Rebecca Smondrowski inspected the Gaithersburg High School
revitalization/expansion project (building and stadium field) on Wednesday, August 20, 2014; and

WHEREAS, The balance of the site work will be inspected at a later date when the project is completed; now therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education accepts the Gaithersburg High School revitalization/expansion project (building and
stadium field) and that the official date of completion is that date when formal notice is received from the architect that this project
has been completed in accordance with the drawings and specifications, and all contract requirements have been met.

Lunch and Closed Session


The Board of Education recessed from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. for closed session and lunch.

Open Session resumed at 1:50 p.m. All Board Members were present.

Cultural Competency and Proficiency (Oral Presentation)


Staff gave an oral presentation concerning cultural competency and proficiency with a specific focus on what Montgomery County
Public Schools staff has been doing around cultural proficiency and how this work is aligned with our ongoing equity initiatives.

The discussion also included an explanation of the term cultural proficiency, in order to ensure all share a common
understanding of how the term is being used and that the work being done is based upon the Boards core value of equity and
aligns with the strategy of eliminating the racial achievement gap.

DISCUSSION
Following the presentation, the Board spoke of the remarkable response from experts and school leaders concerning the Equity
and Excellence in Education 15-credit graduate certificate offered through a partnership with MCEA and McDaniel College. Even
those who believed they had a comprehensive understanding of the subject, found that they had learned a great deal through this
program. The discussion also focused on our obligation and responsibility as school leaders to provide leadership for teachers in
order to meet the needs of students of all races and that the school system needs to be accountable for its work. Accountability
begins in the Central Office where continuing improvements to the process can be made by analyzing and evaluating data and
making sure that rigorous Student Learning Objectives are in place and targeting students who are not achieving. It was asserted
that it is important for those within Central Office to visit and understand what is happening in schools. This effort will contribute
to the ongoing assessment and measurement of success in our schools. It was also pointed out that MCPS employees need to
engage in learning about equity in education through the professional growth system and that every effort should be made to
reduce the gap in achievement by setting gap-reduction targets for milestones.

The Board also discussed the concern that minorities believe employment with MCPS is out of their reach. Possible solutions to
changing this perception were discussed and included working with local historically black colleges and universities. Also
discussed were methods used for recruiting minorities and the need to analyze what we are doing that makes MCPS appear offlimits, and ensuring that this is addressed during the interview and selection process. Also mentioned, was the concern that the
number of male teachers within our school system is limited.

Those present agreed that we need to be intentional, and while we cannot force MCPS employees to change their beliefs or take
equity courses, change is more likely to occur when we keep the issue of equity at the forefront of the conversation and maintain
intentional and collaborative efforts to facilitate change throughout the school system.

RESOLUTION NO. 384-14: Future Closed Session Resolution


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, The Board of Education of Montgomery County is authorized by the Education Article and State Government
Article 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 of Montgomery County conduct a closed session on
September 22, 2014, from 5:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m. in Room 120 of the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive,
Rockville, Maryland; and be it further

Resolved, That the Board of Education anticipates that the closed session will include a discussion of personnel matters, as
permitted under Section 10-508(a)(1) of the State Government Article and Section 4-107(d) of the Education Article; the review

and adjudication of appeals in its quasi-judicial capacity; consultation with counsel to obtain legal advice on those appeals, as
permitted under Section 10-508(a)(7) of the State Government Article; a discussion of matters constituting an administrative
function outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act (Section 10-502(b) of the State Government Article); and the Board will
publish more detailed Resolutions for Closed Session when particular topics for discussion are identified; and be it further

Resolved, That this meeting shall continue in closed session until the completion of business.

RESOLUTION NO. 385-14: Report of Previous Closed Session


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

On August 21, 2014, 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 State Government Article Section 10-508(a), et seq., of the Annotated Code of
Maryland.

The Board of Education of Montgomery County met in closed session on August 21, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:51 a.m. in Room
120 of the Carver Educational Services Center, 850 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, Maryland, and:
1. Received legal advice and considered the following Decisions and Orders involving student placements, student
transfers, and admission into a magnet program: NEC-2014-37, T-2014-49, T-2014-52, T-2014-53, T-2014-54, DCC-2014-55, T2014-56, T-2014-57, 2014-14 as permitted under Section 10-508(a)(7) of the State Government Article and in its quasi-judicial
capacity outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act.
2. Received legal advice and considered the following appeals involving student placements, student transfers, admission into a
highly gifted center, admissions into magnet programs, student discipline matters, early entrance into kindergarten, a personnel
matter and a promotion/retention matter: DCC-2014-58, T-2014-59, T-2014-61, T-2014-62, T-2014-63, T-2014-64, T-2014-65, T2014-66, T-2014-67, 2013-21, 2014-9, 2014-10, 2014-12, 2014-13, 2014-15, 2014-16, 2014-18, 2014-19, 2014-20, 2014-21,
2014-22, 2014-23, 2014-24, 2014-25, 2014-26, 2014-27, 2014-28, 2014-30, as permitted under Section 10-508(a)(7) of the State
Government Article and in its quasi-judicial capacity outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act.
3. Received briefing by the superintendent of schools on the Human Resources Monthly 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 is discussed, as permitted under Section 10-508(a)(1) of the State Government Article.
4. Received a briefing by the superintendent of schools on the appointment of assistant director Division of Maintenance, 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 10-508(a)(1) of the State Government Article.
5. Discussed appointments to the Maryland Association of Boards of Education committees, which is an administrative function
outside the purview of the Open Meetings Act and, to the extent any individual is discussed, as permitted under Section 10-508(a)
(1) of theState Government Article.
6. Received legal advice concerning the opinion of the Open Meetings Compliance Board and related matters as permitted
under Section 10-508(a)(7) of the State Government.
In attendance at the 8:30 a.m. closed session were Christopher Barclay, Shirley Brandman, Michael Durso, Dahlia Huh, Philip
Kauffman, Patricia ONeill, Rebecca Smondrowski, Ikhide Roland Ikheloa, Suzann King, Joanne Causey, and Patrick Clancy. At
10:40 a.m., Mr. Clancy left the meeting and the following staff joined the meeting: Larry Bowers, Joshua Civin, Kimberly
Statham, Joshua Starr, Karalee Turner-Little, Andrew Zuckerman, Dana Tofig and Brian Edwards.

RESOLUTION NO. 386-14: Appeals


On recommendation of the superintendent of schools and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Ms. Brandman, the following
resolution was adopted unanimously:

WHEREAS, The Board of Education has met in closed session and deliberated on appeals brought before its members acting in its
quasi-judicial capacity under Section 10-508(a) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland; now
therefore be it

Resolved, That the Board of Education hereby decides the following appeals reflective of the Board members votes in closed
session, the dispositions of which will be recorded in the minutes of todays meeting:

APPEAL T-2014-69
On motion of Mrs. ONeill and seconded by Dr. Docca, the Board of Education voted unanimously among those present to affirm
T-2014-69.

APPEAL T-2014-72
On motion of Mrs. ONeill and seconded by Dr. Docca, the Board of Education voted unanimously among those present to affirm
T-2014-72.

APPEAL T-2014-74
On motion of Mrs. Smondrowski and seconded by Mrs. ONeill, the Board of Education voted unanimously among those present
to affirm T-2014-74.

APPEAL DCC-2014-77
On motion of Mrs. ONeill and seconded by Mrs. Smondrowski, the Board of Education voted unanimously among those present
to affirm T-2014-77.

APPEAL DCC-2014-80
On motion of Mr. Barclay and seconded by Mrs. ONeill, the Board of Education voted to dismiss DCC-2014-80 for untimeliness
with Mr. Kauffman, Mr. Barclay, Ms. Brandman, Dr. Docca, Mr. Durso, and Mrs. ONeill voting for dismissal; and Ms. Huh and
Mrs. Smondrowski voting against dismissal.

New Business
There was no new business.

Items of Information
1.

Legal Fees Report

2.

Construction Progress Report

RESOLUTION NO. 387-14: Adjournment


On recommendation of the superintendent and on motion of Mrs. ONeill seconded by Dr. Docca, the following resolution was
adopted unanimously by members present:

Resolved, That the Board of Education adjourn its meeting of September 9, 2014, at 3:50 p.m.

JPS:jlc

You might also like