Another in an occasional series of informal reports, analysis and opinion based on a meeting of the Harford County Board of Education.
When middle school students complete advanced math courses – the same courses that are offered in high school – should they get high school credit? For the Harford County Board of Education, the easy answer was ‘yes’ – but the devil was in the details at a recent board business meeting where conflicting philosophies of education, differing views about the role of school board members, and at least one awkward moment, were on display.
The idea of granting high school credit to middle school students was first raised by Superintendent Robert Tomback in October, 2009. To flesh out a plan, he set up a task force spearheaded by his second-in-command, Bill Lawrence. Lawrence first presented the plan to the school board in April, with a vote scheduled for June 13.
The Devil in the Details
Prior to the vote, Lawrence reviewed Tomback’s recommendation: high school credit would be granted, but neither of the courses in question – Algebra I and Geometry – would be included in a student’s high school grade point average, nor would they count toward the four math credits that Harford County requires for graduation. Lawrence explained that if students picked up two high school math credits while in middle school, they would only have to take two more in high school to complete the requirement, leaving a potential two-year math gap between high school and college.
While the math credits earned in middle school wouldn’t satisfy the high school math requirement, Lawrence said, they would contribute to the total credits needed to graduate. Following a question from Board Member Alysson Krchnavy, Lawrence had an awkward moment when he incorrectly asserted that the number of credits required for a Maryland diploma was 24. Dave Volrath, the soon-to-retire head of high school performance, later supplied the board with the correct answer: 26.
Overall, Lawrence explained, the goal of Tomback’s recommendation was to get more students to take AP Calculus and AP Statistics.
Board Members Bob Frisch, Don Osman and Rick Grambo challenged that goal, saying that once a student earned the four high school math credits required, regardless of where they earned it, students and parents should decide what to do next. Frisch, a Baltimore County high school social studies teacher, said that students planning to seek a four-year college degree were already likely to continue their math studies. Osman, a retired HCPS high school English teacher, said that some students might prefer to load up on science or arts courses instead. Board Member Rick Grambo agreed with Osman that the issue was one of choice. And so, the battle lines were drawn.
Defending his recommendation, Tomback said that the intent was to “raise the bar” in light of a Harford County economy that, he said, would be driven by science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Tomback added that his plan represented a “philosophical difference” with some board members. Frisch later countered that parents and students should decide whether or not to pursue high level math, with assistance from the schools. With the superintendent’s plan, Frisch said, “We’re not just assisting, we’re insisting.”
After some wrangling and several unsuccessful attempts by Frisch to amend Tomback’s recommendation, Tomback’s philosophy won out in a 5-2 vote. But along the way, larger philosophical differences among board members were on display.
The Role of School Board Members
During the discussion, Board Vice-President Leonard Wheeler said that he would “rely heavily on staff” in making what he called a “high stakes decision”. It’s a philosophy Wheeler has expressed during prior debates and one that appears to be shared by Board President Mark Wolkow and Board Members Alysson Krchnavy and Tom Evans, all of whom have historically been reliable votes for the superintendent.
On the other side, with Board Member Bob Frisch clearly out in front, has been the view that board members should consider recommendations from the superintendent without being a rubber stamp. Board Member Don Osman, who often votes with independence, appears to be in this camp, as does Rick Grambo; although Grambo votes with the superintendent more often than Frisch and Osman.
Behind the scenes, these differences have resulted in acrimony between some board members, and publicly, have resulted in split votes on important issues such as the superintendent’s proposed budget and recommended personnel changes. Several of the split votes included attempts by Krchnavy to shut down amendments coming from Frisch. In each case, the superintendent’s proposals were ultimately approved.
Changing of the Guard
Both camps will lose adherents at the end of the month when Wolkow, Evans and Osman leave to make way for several new board members. Nancy Reynolds, a retired principal of Bel Air Middle School, and businessman Joe Hau have been appointed by Gov. Martin O’Malley to join the board on July 1. Also beginning terms on that date will be Cassandra Beverley, elected to represent Fallston, and two more appointed members who are as yet unknown. The moves will expand the board from seven to nine members as part of the transition from a fully appointed board to a board composed of both elected and appointed members.
Also on the horizon is the election of the next school board president and vice-president, expected at the July 11 meeting. The likely candidates are Wheeler and Krchnavy, who have served the longest on the board. But the jobs are open to any member and a surprise candidate is not out of the question. Rumors abound that several former HCPS insiders are vying for the upcoming appointments, including a one-time president of the school board.
Where all of this will leave Superintendent Tomback is anyone’s guess. But with three board members leaving, five new board members arriving, and a new president and vice-president on the way, the changing of the guard may be about to change the status quo in Harford County Public Schools.
The public got what it wanted with the election of school board members. The days of the rubber stamp board are gone and rightly so. The public wants and needs school board members that work hard, know the issues, and can think for themselves without relying on the superintendent or his senior staff to tell them what to do. Dr. Wheeler’s intention to “rely heavily on staff” raises concerns that he will continue the rubber stamp format that the citizens of Harford County have rejected and no longer want to see on the board. The other question to be answered is whether Superintendent Tomback can or will change course in his dealings with the board. When the new board is seated he may no longer have a reliable majority of votes to push through his agenda. The changing of the guard on the school board may also portent a changing of the superintendent unless he can adapt to the changing environment.
AMEN!! It is such a good thing for our children that the nearly 10 year run of arrogance, ignorance and gullibility that has characterized our board leadership is finally ending. The outgoing standard bearing board member for this irresponsibility also,coincidentally, lead (quite incompetently, I might add) the fight to preserve the failed and disappearing method of appointing school board members.
It is these types of non-overseers who would gladly rubber stamp a math course policy (mentioned in story) whose only purpose is to inflate the number of math-related AP courses taken in high school; which is, of course a meaningless indicator used by a national news magazine in awarding rankings to high schools. Pathetic.
Lets not forget that Wheeler and Krchnavy took a public position (as appointed and sitting school board members) in opposition to the elected school board legislation. This helps to put their lockstep votes in favor of everything Tomback proposes in perspective. It is questionable if either has the fortitude to campaign or the ability to win an elected seat on the school board. It is very likely that when the next election cycle comes around that unless each is able to secure another appointment by the governor their tenure on the board will come to an end.
Indeed it is the responsibility of the school board to oversee the operations of the school system. You cannot do this if you are not engaged as some current members appear to be. The already seated elected members have clearly demonstrated they do not fit the rubber stamp mold. We can only hope that the new board members follow suit.
“Raising the bar” is a great concept. But if an “advanced math track” student struggles with AP Calculus as their fourth required high school math credit, they could potentially not fulfill the graduation requirement, while others who were working on a “lower math bar” would earn their four credits with less rigorous courses, never having to attempt AP Calculus for their same HCPS diploma.
Definitely time for a strong changing of the guard which is too far overdue. If drastic changes aren’t made quickly, the downward spiral will continue to what seems to be the goal of reaching the lowest among Maryland counties. First get rid of the Superintendent. Second, promote experienced long-tenured teachers (15+ years) to administrative positions. They have proven track records of effective work ethics, exemplary educational skills, and the mentoring of less-experienced teachers. Eliminate the hiring from other counties. The teachers in Harford County have proven to be some of the best in the state and deserve the right to the promotions. We need these individuals in the roles of assistant principals, supervisors etc., instead of the youngster with less than 10 years experience who really don’t have a clue, or let alone experience, to effectively lead. These individuals will not function merely as Central Office pawns, which is what we currently have. Not to mention the true dedication of willingness needed to return the individuals schools and school system back to its well–respected place in the community, the State and the Nation. Next, replace some of the high school principals and assistant principals across the county who spend their professional time pursuing personal vendettas against particular teachers. These administrative individuals are drastically reducing the quality of the education programs at their schools (take note CMW, MMS). Finally use far more effective administrators who have proven more than capable to improve and provide high quality educational programs in their schools such as those leading BAMS, SMS, NHMS, and NHHS. They have been left out of the picture far too long by way of the Central Office cronies who would rather sit in their offices and dictate and manipulate their puppet–administrators around. The time has come most definitely for change to restore HCPS to its well-known prominence in Education in the State of Maryland. Make the most of it now during this perfect time for change. In closing, with the end of the school year upon us, it is sad to say there are some very highly skilled, effective and dedicated teachers retiring simply because of the inept leadership and climate of fear and intimidation pervading HCPS at this time. To note – two highly experiences teacher decided to retire at the last minute. What a loss to their school for what the students and school will no longer have. I hope the administration at one secondary school can now rest peacefully at night knowing what they have done for allowing this to happen. Change is needed if success is to occur.
Furrealz? That’s mrvaleoulsy good to know.
While we are making changes, please eliminate the Instructional Facilitators in this county. What a waste of money. Most just sit with the administration and have lunch. I don’t see much “bang for the buck”.
One thing not mentioned in the high school math program is the requirement for upper level math classes needing to be AP courses. Why can’t a student choose to take a College Prep Calculus class? There is no reason Calculus should HAVE to be an AP class. I was correctly advised by the head of one school’s math dept to not allow my children to take AP Calc. It ended up that we didn’t have a choice because of the 4th math credit requirement. HCPS teaches AP Calc with calculators, however, the MD state universities do not allow calculators to be used. So, a student passes the AP Calc test, using their calculator and goes on to start Calc II as a freshman in college and is in big trouble. One would think HCPS should pay attention to the requirements of the state universities. We really need more math options in HCPS.
My son will be taking honors calc at his private school. My daughter took a year of calc and then a year of AP Calc at her private school. I know of a young man in NEw Jersey who opted to take non-AP calc because he felt as though the AP class focused too much on taking the test and not on the concepts.
I agree that a non-AP options should be available in the public schools.
You’re absolutely right NFH. But unfortunately, as long as a metric as absurd as counting the # of AP tests taken by seniors in HCPS exists (as it does in that ridiculous Washington Post ranking), we will not see a decrease in the pressure by the administration to force students into AP classes. Look at the ridiculous and irresponsible promotional campaign that takes place every year at Patterson Mill. Its all about the rankings and, unfortunately, it has nothing to do with achievement. And this, paradoxically, penalizes students at the lower end of the SES more than anyone.
Thank God we finally have some thinking people with backbones on the school board, and that the worst offenders are leaving or have recently left.
Absolutely amazing to see there are more parents out there who have the same strong opinion concerning the Math issue. So surprised and happy that the credit for math in the middle school is finally revealed. Our children are being subjected to some math teachers who believe nothing else exists in a child’s schedule and day but math. This is especially true in the northern part of the county in one particular school. In their early lives there are many areas a child needs to experience in order to assist them in becoming a well rounded student and prepare them for college. There is enough time in the high school and the college requirements for students to take the advanced math courses. Let’s not burn them out so early to the extent the children loose total interest in pursuing a college education.