At a meeting planned for April 22nd, the Harford County Board of Education will induct former HCPS spokesman Don Morrison into its Educator Hall of Fame. Also on the agenda is a wrap-up of the 2013 Maryland General Assembly session, including state budget and legislative action affecting the school system.
The first order of business Monday evening will be to induct Don Morrison into the HCPS Educator Hall of Fame. Known for years as the public face of Harford County Public Schools, Morrison will be the latest honoree in the program he founded during his 23-year career. Beginning as a teacher, Morrison later became the school system’s sportscaster and was the director of public information until his retirement in 2008.
On the consent agenda, Board members will approve a $9.8 million contract award to Phillips Way, Inc., the lowest qualifying bidder on a systemic HVAC replacement project at Magnolia Middle School. Funding is to come from state and local sources, phased in over the fiscal years 2013 and 2014.
Also on the consent agenda, Board members will approve a contract award to Papco, Inc. of Aston, PA, joining a government purchasing cooperative for gasoline and diesel fuel, offering the best diesel fuel delivery service. The three-year contract will provide fuel for the HCPS fleet of vehicles, and includes an option to renew for three additional one-year terms.
Last but not least, the consent agenda includes recognition of students in the top 5% for academic achievement in the HCPS Class of 2013. Qualifying seniors, listed by high school, can be found at the link below entitled “Resolutions.”
Under new business, Kathy Carmello, HCPS facilitator of governmental relations, will present a report on the 2013 Maryland General Assembly, including budget and legislative action affecting HCPS.
According to the published report, “foundation” funding for HCPS will decline by $2.1 million for fiscal 2014. Other state funding cuts to HCPS include a $237,000 decline for special education. Funding for student transportation will increase slightly.
Capital projects that have been awarded state funding for next year include lighting upgrades at a total of ten schools; renovations to the roof at George Lisby Elementary School; renovations to the HVAC systems at Magnolia Middle, Norrisville Elementary, and North Harford Elementary, and HVAC, lighting and ceiling upgrades for Fallston High.
The legislative report also includes a review of new legislation. Among the laws signed by Gov. Martin O’Malley is HB 560 (Public-Private Partnerships), which according to the report, makes it state policy to “seek out private investors to build roads, bridges, schools, libraries, state office buildings and other big ticket items.”
Among the bills awaiting the governor’s signature is the College Readiness and Completion Act of 2013, which establishes new requirements aimed at increasing college readiness and completion.
Also awaiting signature is Public School Employees – Collective Bargaining – Representation Fees legislation, which, according to the report, “requires public school employers to charge employees who are not members of a union a representation fee for representation in negotiation and grievance matters by the union.”
Task force studies established by the legislature include exploration of a post-Labor Day start date for Maryland public schools.
The report also makes note of a new criminal law: Misuse of Interactive Computer Service, or Grace’s Law, named for a girl who committed suicide after being bullied over the Internet and in school. The legislation “prohibits a person from using an interactive computer service to maliciously engage in a course of conduct that inflicts serious emotional distress on a minor or places a minor in reasonable fear of death or serious bodily injury.” Violators will be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to maximum penalties of one year in prison and/or a $500 fine.
As usual, the meeting will conclude with a report from Superintendent Robert Tomback.
Below is the published agenda for the April 22nd school board meeting, which is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the A.A. Roberty Building in Bel Air. A public comment period is scheduled for 6:50 p.m. Please note that published agendas are subject to change.
Agenda
Monday, April 22, 2013
Board Business Meeting – 6:30 PM – Board Room
*Times are approximate6:30 PM
Call to Order – Mr. Francis F. Grambo, III, President
Quorum Roll Call
Adoption of Agenda
Pledge of Allegiance6:35 PM Recognitions
– Hall of Fame – Mr. Donald R. Morrison
6:50 PM Public Comment
7:00 PM Introductions
7:10 PM Board Committee Reports and CommentsOld Business
Action Item(s):
7:25 PM A. Consent Agenda:1) Monthly Report on Personnel (Goal 3)
2) Non-Retention Report – 2013 (Goal 3)
3) Minutes of Previous Board Meeting: April 8, 2013
4) Decision on Award of Contract Magnolia Middle School HVAC Systemic Replacement Project (Goal 4)
5) Approval of Contract Award for Unleaded Gasoline and Diesel Fuel (Goal 4)
6) Resolutions (Goal 2)
– School Nutrition Employee Appreciation Week
– Home and Hospital Teachers Appreciation Week
– 2013 Merit Scholastic Awards
– National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
– Pupil Personnel Worker Week
– School Nurses Day
– Teacher Appreciation Week
New Business
Presentation(s):7:30 PM B. Maryland General Assembly – Conclusion of 2013 Legislative Session, Ms. Kathy Carmello
7:50 PM C. Superintendent’s Report
Closing8:00 PM Future Meetings Review
Adjournment
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