The Harford County Board of Education has planned a special business meeting for Thursday, May 31st to discuss the operating budget for the fiscal year 2013. A board vote is also planned on appointments and promotions to be recommended by Superintendent Robert M. Tomback.
Operating funding for Harford County Public Schools has been finalized by state and county fiscal authorities for next year and falls approximately $24 million short of the amount requested by the school board, according to Teri Kranefeld, manager of communications for HCPS. Included in the school board’s total general operating budget request of $444.3 million were funds to provide salary increases for all school employees. Board members will hear a presentation on the funding shortfall for next year and hold a discussion on potential cuts to their requested budget, with final action expected in June.
Also on the special meeting agenda for May 31st, Superintendent Tomback will announce promotions and appointments that will be considered for approval by the school board.
Below is the published May 31st meeting agenda for the Harford County Board of Education. The meeting will begin at 5:15 p.m. in the boardroom at the A.A. Roberty Building in Bel Air. A public comment period is scheduled for 5:20 p.m. Please note that published agendas are subject to change:
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF HARFORD COUNTY
A.A. Roberty Building
102 S. Hickory Avenue, Bel Air, Maryland 21014
Telephone: 410-838-7300 FAX: 410-893-2478
Customer Action Line (24 hours): 410-638-0022
Web Site: http://www.hcps.orgWelcome to the Board Meeting. If you wish to appear before the Board, please complete a request form and place it in the public comment in-box BEFORE THE MEETING BEGINS. Please note the following time restrictions for public comments: Three minutes – Individual. Five minutes – Group Representation.
AGENDA
May 31, 2012Board Open Session – 3:25 P.M. – Board Room
Board Closed Session – 3:30 P.M. – Board Executive Conference Room
Special Board Business Meeting – 5:15 P.M. – Board Room*Times are Approximate
5:15 P.M. Call to Order – Dr. Leonard D. Wheeler, President
Quorum Roll Call
Adoption of Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance5:20 P.M. Public Comment
5:35 P.M. Introductions
5:40 P.M. Board Committee Reports and Comments
Old Business
Action Item(s):6:00 P.M. A. Decision on Appointments and Promotions, Dr. Robert M. Tomback (Goal 3)
Presentation and Discussion:6:10 P.M. B. Board of Education FY13 Operating Budget, Mr. James M. Jewell (Goal 3)
New Business
Presentation:7:00 P.M. C. Superintendent’s Report
Closing
Future Meetings Review
Adjournment
The important issues that face the Board of Education are not being addressed. Shame on you.
Mr. Tomback,
When are you going to stop dancing around the issues and address questions that have been asked directly to you? One of the key questions that was voiced at a recent meeting at John Archer was “How can a newly hired teacher make as much as a tenured 4th year teacher? – does this sound familiar? It was reported that you went all around the subject about 20 minutes and never gave an answer. These are the frustrating points that we as HCPS employees have with your leadership. Obviously, I assume that you were a classroom teacher once, raising a family, and had a contract with your county. Did you not expect the BOE and the superintendent to honor your contract and not reject every request that was addressed? Think back and put yourself once again in all of the county employees shoes and what would you want? As our superintendent we feel that you have let all of your employees down. You have not stood up for any of the HCPS employees and appear to hide and avoid any confrontation. Who do you think pays your salary, car, gas and you do not even live in the county. Maybe you should move up here and be a real Harford County resident where you can actually experience the frustration of the county employees! It would be an eye opening experience for you. The question that most of the HCPS employees want to know-why did you leave Baltimore County since you were so successful? Also, why is it fair for you to bring in your friends from Baltimore County when we have some of the finest administrators and leaders already. Mr. Superintendent, the morale of the teachers and other employees is at its lowest. They are so disillusioned about their value as a vital part of the education of our HCPS students. How can you not back us as our leader? We want someone who support and respect us as an equal! Please do what is right and SUPPORT YOUR HCPS EMPLOYEES!!!
Being a first year teacher in this county, I am so discouraged by the ongoing lack of appreciation teachers face by their superiors. I wanted to be a teacher because I wanted a job I could enjoy and look forward to everyday of the week. I want to go above and beyond what is expected of me because of the benefit this has on my students. I don’t foresee buying a house or a new car. I can barely afford professional clothes, or find the time and money to get my masters degree. Both of these are expected of teachers, however where is the incentive? I made more money valet parking cars in college. How can this county continue to let new teachers sign into contracts that promise yearly pay raises? Not only do I teach my students the required content, I also teach and demonstrate the importance of honesty, integrity, and fairness. How am I suppose to set this example for students when my job as a teacher is so devalued and unimportant?
I suggest Howard County. They value their teachers and their educational system.
Yea.. Howard county is where my mom teaches. Im going to apply in Cecil county this summer too. It’s a shame because Harford County has an amazing group of dedicated teachers who I’ve learned a lot from. The students are pretty awesome, too.
We will be sad to lose you.
Well, the HCEA will be sad to see her go. Another dues paying member gone. Actually the odds are that she will NOT get a job in either place. Depends on her certifications and what grades she can teach and her references. And with no master’s degree she is far toward the back of the line.
Now as for the BOE, if brains were gunpowder they couldn’t blow their collective nose. Who appointed these morons?
Oh, yeah. The governor appointed 5 of them. Thanks, MOM. Thanks for nothing.