

BoardNotes: November 2022
Highlights from the Caroline Board of Education Meetings

Caroline County Board of Education meetings are livestreamed and may also be viewed after the meeting has concluded. For information about the Board of Education, including agendas and meeting schedules, please visit the Leadership page of our website.
DECEMBER BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
Welcome Mr. Plutschak!
New board member Troy Plutschak was sworn in by Caroline County Clerk of the Court Terry Lord, followed by the election of officers which resulted in Mr. Barton as president and Mr. Jones as vice president. Full details were shared in a News Release.
Pledge of Allegiance
Ridgely Elementary School students from the Fifth Grade Chorus and the Yearbook Club were on hand to lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
RECOGNITIONS
Holiday Card Artwork Winner
The Board recognized the winner of the 2022 Caroline County Public Schools Holiday greeting card, Julianne Hofmann, NCHS student from Mr. Goodger's class. News Release
Simon A McNeely Award
The Board recognized Rebecca Willoughby and Bryan Hall for receiving The Simon A. McNeely Award. which was presented to both teachers at the Shape MD conference in Ocean City in November 2022. News Release
Caroline County Educators Association Logo Contest Winner
The Board and CCEA President Amy Bauman recognized the winner of the CCEA's recent logo design competition. Student Charley Blunt from Colonel Richardson High School submitted the winning design.
REPORTS
Board Member Reports
- Ms. DiGiacomo highlighted the NCHS / LMS Veterans Day program. She expressed her deep gratitude for the honor the students gave to local veterans and congratulated them on a job very well done.
- Mr. Jones highlighted his attendance to the first MABE Legislative Committee meeting where they discussed the upcoming Maryland Legislative Session and their priorities.
- Ms. Wayman also commented on how well done the NCHS / LMS Veterans Day program was as well as the NCHS National Honor Society Induction. She congratulated Student Board Member Leslie Monter Casio on being inducted.
- Mr. Barton highlighted the great work Shore Gourmet does regularly and how much he enjoys the Wednesday night dinners made by our CCTC Culinary students.
Superintendent's Report
Dr. Simmons recognized the outstanding achievement of all the honor roll and merit roll students at each of the secondary schools.
Directors Report
Director of Instruction Lindsey McCormick highlighted AP physics testing the theory of slipping on a banana peel, the status of Maryland Leads vendors, and the Aspiring Leaders cohort and the upcoming Whoville display in Greensboro that CCTC students helped create.
Director of Special Programs and Student Services Elizabeth Anthony highlighted Orton Gillingham & Conscious Discipline professional development, Prek field trip to Adkins Arboretum, & and upcoming Sensory Friendly Holiday Celebration for special education students.
Student Representative Reports
Student Representative Reports
Colonel Richardson High School Student Board Representative Shelbi Briggs highlighted events and information for the schools in the south county, and North Caroline High School Student Board Representative Leslie Monter Casio highlighted events and information for the schools in the north county.
Finance Report
Chief Finance Officer Erin Thornton provided a finance report to the Board for the period ending November 30, 2022.
Personnel
PUBLIC COMMENT
Reverend John R. Allen shared with the Board that he attended the Veterans Day presentation by NCHS and LMS students. He congratulated the students on a job very well done, and encouraged the Board and staff to continue the positive work being done in CCPS.
INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEMS
Policy Retirements for 2022-2023 Review Cycle
The Board voted to retire the following policies and remove them from the manual:
1. Policy II.22.20 – Parental Involvement in Chapter 1 Programs: This policy was adopted by the Board of Education in 1987 to comply with a 1983 law that funded Chapter 1 programs with Federal Funds. The Chapter 1 programs no longer exist. Furthermore, the Board has adopted other policies that render this policy obsolete, namely: XI.110.10 – Parental Involvement Policy XI.110.20 – Complaints Involving Federally Funded Programs
2. Policy III.33.10 – Certificates for Program Achievement
PRESENTATIONS
Next Generations Scholars Update
Next Generation Scholars Update
NGS Coordinators Morgan Cox and Abby Trice reviewed the impact of the program across the state, local business partners, summarized Class of 2022 and a look ahead at the plans for this year's cohort.
FFA National Convention Report
Teacher Jodi Callahan and FFA students presented highlights of their trip to the 2022 FFA National Convention. The students discussed the importance of meeting thousands of other FFA members from across the country, social media influencers, and learning about the different careers at the College & Career Expo. They experienced fun field trips to the Indianapolis Zoo, Downtown Indianapolis block party, Indianapolis 500 Speedway, and FFA leadership transition.
DISCUSSION OF ITEMS FOR FUTURE BOARD ACTION
Draft of Superintendent's FY24 Budget Priorities
DRAFT: Supt. FY24 Budget Priorities
Chief Financial Officer Erin Thornton reviewed the Superintendents priorities for FY24 budget season. She reviewed the timeline revenue and unrestricted operating budget revenue sources, projected increases, and budget requests from departments and schools.
Caroline County Public Schools
#CarolineFamily
Email: pio@ccpsstaff.org
Website: carolineschools.org
Location: Caroline County, Maryland
Phone: 410.479.1460
Facebook: facebook.com/carolineschools.org
Twitter: @CarolineCoPS
Instagram: carolineschoolsmd
Caroline County Public Schools serves over 5,800 students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. We provide a progressive, academically challenging education that prepares students for higher education, careers, and life.