[00:00:01]
IT IS TIME TO CALL TO ORDER THE FEBRUARY 7TH, 2024 BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY MEETING.
[1. Regular Meeting - 4:30 p.m.]
[2. Closed Session]
I MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ENTER INTO A CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL MATTERS AND LITIGATION MATTERS AS PURSUANT TO MARYLAND ANNOTATED CODE.GENERAL PROVISIONS ARTICLE 3-305 B18.
OKAY. IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
AYE AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. WE'RE IN CLOSED SESSION.
[3. Open Session - 5:30 p.m.]
MEETING. PLEASE STAND AS MISS RODGERS LEADS US IN THE PLEDGE.I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.
THANK YOU. BOARD REFLECTION MISS RODGERS.
SORRY. THANK YOU, MISS RODGERS.
3.04 THE ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA.
IS THERE A MOTION? I MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ADOPT THE MEETING AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
ALL RIGHT. ANY DISCUSSION? HEARING NONE. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.
[4. Consent Agenda]
THE CONSENT AGENDA.ALL RIGHT. HEARING NONE. IS THERE A MOTION? IS THERE A MOTION.
I MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE.
[5. New Business]
FIRST ITEM UNDER NEW BUSINESS, THE BLACK HISTORY MONTH RESOLUTION, DR.LAWSON. THANK YOU, MISS HAWLEY.
AT THIS TIME, I'D LIKE TO ASK DR.
BOYER. AND I HAVE A RECOMMENDATION.
LAWSON, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, LEADERSHIP TEAM AND GUESTS.
I AM PLEASED TO READ THE RESOLUTION FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
BEFORE I READ THE RESOLUTION, I'D LIKE TO CALL DR.
AFRICAN DESCENT HELPED DEVELOP OUR NATION IN COUNTLESS WAYS.
THOSE RECOGNIZED AND UNRECORDED.
WHEREAS THE MARYLAND STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION WITHIN THE STATE CONTENT STANDARDS AND THE CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS THROUGH CURRICULUM, RECOGNIZE THAT EACH STUDENT NEEDS AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THE COMMON HUMANITY UNDERLYING ALL PEOPLE TO DEVELOP PRIDE IN HIS OR HER OWN IDENTITY AND HERITAGE.
NOW THEREFORE, THEREFORE BE RESOLVED, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY HEREBY RECOGNIZE THAT THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2024 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND ENCOURAGES ALL EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITIES TO COMMEMORATE THIS OCCASION WITH APPROPRIATE AND MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES PRESENTED THIS 7TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024, SIGNED BY DIANA B HAWLEY, BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESIDENT AND JEFFREY LAWSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
THANK YOU. I RECOMMEND THAT THE BOARD I RECOMMEND THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY ADOPT THE RESOLUTION BLACK HISTORY MONTH AS PRESENTED TO BE OBSERVED IN ALL CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
[INAUDIBLE] IS THERE A MOTION? SO MOVED. IS THERE A SECOND? SECOND. ANY DISCUSSION? RIGHT. ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
AYE, AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES. CONGRATULATIONS [APPLAUSE].
[00:05:49]
OKAY. NEXT UP ON THE AGENDA IS THE FBLA WEEK PROCLAMATION.AND BEFORE I TURN IT OVER TO YOU, DR.
LAWSON, I JUST WANT TO SAY THAT, I JUST WANT TO CONGRATULATE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP ONCE AGAIN OF DR.
MCGOWAN. NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL IS A POWERHOUSE FBLA TEAM.
EVERY CHAPTER MEMBER, I THINK 28.
AND I KNOW YOU'LL CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG.
WHO COMPETED IN REGIONALS PLACED IN THE TOP, TOP EIGHT AND 19 STUDENTS GOING TO STATES.
JUST TO ECHO THE COMMENTS, JESSIE MCGOWAN.
DR. MCGOWAN, I MEAN, EVER EVERY YEAR IT'S AN ONGOING THING.
CLEARLY THE QUALITY OF THE PROGRAM IS JUST EXCEPTIONAL.
SO WITH THAT, I'D LIKE TO ASK DR.
DAVID FOYE, WHO'S OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, TO SHARE THE PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11TH AS FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA WEEK. DR. FOYE AND I HAVE A RECOMMENDATION.
GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HAWLEY BOARD OF EDUCATION, DR.
LAWSON LEADERSHIP TEAM AND GUESTS.
AT THIS TIME, I WOULD LIKE THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS TO COME DOWN TO BE RECOGNIZED.
DR. MCGOWAN, WHO IS THE FBLA ADVISOR.
ALSO, SHE HAS SOME FELLOW FBLA STUDENT MEMBERS, GREG KOSINSKI, PRESIDENT.
AND ALSO MR. BROWN, PLEASE COME DOWN AS WELL.
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, NORTHEAST HIGH SCHOOL.
CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS, MARYLAND FBLA, FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA PROCLAMATION.
WHEREAS FUTURE BUSINESS LEADERS OF AMERICA FBLA HELPS STUDENTS DEVELOP SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY FOR CAREER FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER SUCCESS THROUGH CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION, WHICH FOSTERS PRODUCTIVITY IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY.
AND WHEREAS, FBLA INSPIRES AND PREPARES STUDENTS TO BECOME COMMUNITY MINDED BUSINESS LEADERS IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY THROUGH RELEVANT CAREER PREPARATION, LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE, AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES.
AND WHEREAS, FBLA TEACHES STUDENTS BASIC AND ADVANCED BUSINESS, TECHNOLOGY, AND LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES, HELPING BUILD THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF REALITIES OF THE MODERN BUSINESS WORLD AS THEY TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO WORK AND CREATE MORE INTEREST AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE AMERICAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY HEREBY PROCLAIMS THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11TH THROUGH THE 17TH AS FBLA, NATIONAL FBLA PRESENTED NATIONAL FBLA WEEK.
JEFFREY A LAWSON SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
OKAY. YOU'VE HEARD THE SUPERINTENDENTS RECOMMENDATION.
IS THERE A MOTION? SO MOVED. SECOND.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR? AYE, AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.
[00:10:49]
OKAY NEXT UP IS THE NATIONAL CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH PROCLAMATION, DR.LAWSON. DR. FOYE CONTINUES, I WOULD LIKE TO ASK DR.
CTE MONTH NATIONAL CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH, CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS PROCLAMATION.
AND WHEREAS, LEADERS FROM BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY NATIONWIDE REPORT INCREASING CHALLENGES RELATED TO ADDRESSING THE SKILLS GAP AND CONNECTING QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS WITH AVAILABLE CAREERS IN CRITICAL AND GROWING CTE RELATED FIELDS.
AND WHEREAS, CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PREPARES STUDENTS FOR FULFILLING CAREERS BY OFFERING INTEGRATED PROGRAMS OF STUDY AND CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS, ENSURE THAT EMPLOYERS HAVE ACCESS TO A QUALIFIED AND THRIVING WORKFORCE, ENSURING AMERICA IS A STRONG AND COMPETITIVE ECONOMY.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY DOES HEREBY PROCLAIM THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY AS NATIONAL CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH PRESENTED THIS 7TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024, SIGNED DIANA B HAWLEY, BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESIDENT, DR.
JEFFREY LAWSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
I RECOMMEND THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY ADOPT A PROCLAMATION, NATIONAL CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION MONTH AS PRESENTED TO BE OBSERVED IN ALL CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
SECOND. ALL IN FAVOR? AYE, AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.
OUR LAST RESOLUTION READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY RESOLUTION, DR.
I THINK THAT'S MOST EASILY SEEN BY THE FACT THAT WE WERE CHOSEN TO BE A LEARNING LAB SITE, WHICH MEANS TEACHERS FROM ACROSS THE STATE WILL COME TO CECIL COUNTY TO SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR CLASSROOMS FROM A CURRICULUM PERSPECTIVE, WHICH WAS VERY MUCH DEVELOPED BY THESE TWO FOLKS AS WELL AS THE ACTUAL INSTRUCTION.
AND SO WE'RE SUPER PROUD OF THE WORK THEY DO.
AND SO RHONDA AND SHERRY, JUST THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
HAMMER, THANK YOU, PRESIDENT HAWLEY, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, DR.
LAWSON, LEADERSHIP TEAM AND GUESTS.
AND I AM GOING TO ASK THEM TO ACTUALLY COME FORWARD.
I KNOW THEY'RE NOT LIKING THAT, BUT COME ON FORWARD.
I'D ALSO LIKE MISS LORI HRINKO, WHO'S THE PRESIDENT OF THE CECIL COUNTY CLASSROOM TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AND A SCIENCE TEACHER AT NORTHEAST MIDDLE SCHOOL TO PLEASE COME FORWARD. CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY CELEBRATING A NATION OF DIVERSE READERS, WHEREAS NEA'S READ ACROSS AMERICA A NATIONAL CELEBRATION TO GROW A LOVE OF READING PROMOTES READING AND ADULT INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION OF OUR STUDENTS.
AND WHEREAS, THE CECIL COUNTY CLASSROOM TEACHERS ASSOCIATION AND CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS HAVE PROVIDED SIGNIFICANT LEADERSHIP IN THE AREA OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND IN THE EDUCATION OF OUR YOUTH.
[00:15:05]
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY ENTHUSIASTICALLY ENDORSES NEA'S READ ACROSS AMERICA AND CALLS ON THE CITIZENS OF CECIL COUNTY TO ENSURE THAT EVERY CHILD IS IN A SAFE PLACE, READING TOGETHER WITH A CARING ADULT ON THE EVENING OF SO MARK YOUR CALENDARS ON THE EVENING OF MARCH 2ND, 2024 PRESENTED THIS SEVENTH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 BY DIANA B HAWLEY, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, AND JEFFREY LAWSON, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION.
IS THERE A MOTION? SO MOVED SECOND.
ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES [APPLAUSE].
OKAY. AGENDA 5.05 CONSTRUCTION REPORT.
DR. LAWSON. THANK YOU, MISS HAWLEY.
BOYER AND, MR. CHUCK SIMPERS, OUR DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES, HAVE PREPARED A CONSTRUCTION REPORT FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE.
THE FIRST SET OF PICTURES, ARE THE CONOWINGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SAFE AND SECURE ENTRANCES, WHICH WE BELIEVE WILL BE READY FOR OPENING AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
NOW THE PROJECT IS ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET, WHICH IS A GOOD THING.
AND THEN THE PICTURES QUICKLY, SLIDE INTO RISING SUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, WHERE THE SAME THING, WHAT WAS FORMERLY THE MAIN OFFICE IN RISING SUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WILL BE A COUPLE OF NEW CLASSROOMS. WHAT WERE THE FIRST CLASSROOMS ON THE RIGHT WHEN YOU WALKED INTO THE BUILDING WILL NOW BE THE ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLEX TO INCLUDE THE NURSE'S OFFICE, COUNSELORS AS WELL AS THE ADMINISTRATION. SO AGAIN, THANK YOU, MR. SIMPERS. DR. BOYER, MR. ANDERSON AND MR. OLSEN FOR SHEPHERDING THESE PROJECTS.
AND WE'RE CERTAINLY APPRECIATING THAT PARTNERSHIP.
BOYER. NEXT ITEM IS THE FY 25 BUDGET RECOMMENDATION.
JUST JUST FOR THE PUBLIC'S AWARENESS, THE BOARD AND LEADERSHIP TEAM MET YESTERDAY.
WE HAD A WORK SESSION YESTERDAY.
IT WAS FROM 10:00, PROBABLY UNTIL ABOUT 1:30 ISH.
WHO'S COUNTING? I DON'T KNOW, BUT, WE REALLY WE REALLY HAD A PRODUCTIVE MEETING.
I KNOW THAT WAS LIVE STREAMED.
I JUST AGAIN WANTED TO THANK MISS SOPA, BUSINESS SERVICES, THE LEADERSHIP TEAM, ALL THE STAFF FOR REALLY, JUST TAKING THE TIME TO DO SOME PRETTY LABOR INTENSIVE WORK, ON, ON A VERY SHORT TIME FRAME.
SO, AGAIN, WE WERE ABLE TO GO THROUGH LINE BY LINE, ALL OF THE, ALL OF THE BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS OR REQUESTS AND LOOKED AT THE NUMBERS TO SEE IF THERE WERE PLACES WE COULD CUT.
SO WITH THAT SAID, I ALSO WANTED TO THANK THE CREW, THE MAINTENANCE CREW, FOR SETTING UP THE ROOM, TECH CREW FOR BEING AVAILABLE ON SHORT NOTICE AS WELL.
SO AGAIN, WITH ALL OF THAT, I'M GOING TO TURN IT OVER TO DR.
LAWSON. THANK YOU, MISS HAWLEY.
[00:20:06]
IT IS A LINE BY LINE PROCESS.MRS. SOPA, THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, IS IN ON EVERY DECISION.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY'S CLEAR WITH WHAT JANUARY 24TH WAS.
JANUARY 24TH WAS A LIST OF POTENTIAL BUDGET CUTS THAT WOULD OCCUR IN THE EVENT WE DON'T GET MORE THAN THE MINIMAL ALLOWABLE FUNDING FROM THE COUNTY. OKAY.
IF WE DON'T GET MORE THAN THE MINIMUM, THAT'S WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN.
IT'S NOT SPECULATION, IT'S FACT.
UPON HEARING WHAT WE SHOWED THE BOARD ON THE NIGHT OF THE 24TH, WE WERE GIVEN DIRECTION TO BRING THE BOARD BACK A SECOND BUDGET THAT SHOWS WHAT IS NEEDED BY THE SCHOOL SYSTEM TO NOT MAKE ANY CUTS.
OKAY. AND THAT'S WHAT WE WILL SHARE THIS EVENING.
AND SO I WANT TO BE CLEAR FROM A BUDGET PROCESS PERSPECTIVE, THIS IS HOW IT WORKS.
ONCE THE BOARD IS SATISFIED THAT WE HAVE BROUGHT THEM AN ADEQUATE BUDGET, THEY WILL VOTE.
AND THAT VOTE WILL OCCUR ON THE NIGHT OF FEBRUARY 28TH.
AND ONCE THAT VOTE IS COMPLETED, OUR BUDGET THEN GOES TO THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE FOR HER REVIEW AND HER SUBSEQUENT RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WILL OCCUR AT THE END OF MARCH. OKAY, SO JUST SO EVERYBODY'S CLEAR, THAT'S HOW THIS WORKS.
BEFORE I TURN IT OVER TO THE LEADERSHIP TEAM, I'D LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT ONE POINT.
SO WHAT YOU'VE SEEN HERE IS THE CHANGE IN THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT'S FUND BALANCE SURPLUS OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS. AND WE'VE SHOWN THIS SLIDE BEFORE.
AND I'D LIKE TO START FOCUSING ON FY 21 WHEN THEIR FUND BALANCE WAS $75 MILLION.
AND IF YOU TAKE IT OVER TO FY 23, IT JUMPED TO $134 MILLION.
SO THAT'S AN INCREASE OF $65 MILLION.
I WOULD SUGGEST TO YOU THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE FEDERAL COVID RELIEF MONEY THAT CARRIED THE SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR THE LAST THREE AND A HALF FISCAL YEARS, THAT THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT WAS ABLE TO ACCRUE THIS MASSIVE FUND BALANCE.
SO ONE CAN ARGUE THAT IT WAS SOLID FISCAL LEADERSHIP ON THE PART OF THE COUNTY.
THAT IS A DEBATE THAT CAN BE HAD AND GOOD MINDS CAN DIFFER.
AND WHERE WE ARE NOW IS THE FEDERAL COVID MONEY IS GONE.
AND SO THE BUDGET WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER, WE WILL SHARE IN DETAIL.
WE WILL POST THIS INFORMATION ON BOARD DOCS FOR EVERYBODY TO SEE IN FULL TRANSPARENCY.
THESE FOLKS OVER HERE TO MY RIGHT.
THEY THEY JUST FIRST OFF, I'M A LITTLE PUSHY, AND I CAN I CAN [INAUDIBLE].
I'M AN ACQUIRED TASTE IN TERMS OF LIKING ME, OKAY.
IT'S DEMANDING. I WILL DROP STUFF ON THEM AT THE LAST MINUTE.
AND I JUST COULDN'T BE MORE APPRECIATIVE.
AND I CONSIDER MYSELF BLESSED TO WORK WITH THESE FOLKS.
SO THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ALL OF YOU.
AND WITH THAT, I WILL TURN IT OVER TO FIRST UP, MRS. SOPA. GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HAWLEY, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
DR. LAWSON, LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBERS AND GUESTS.
SO WHAT WE HAVE PREPARED TONIGHT AS.
SO WE HAVE SOME OF THE SLIDES FROM THE ORIGINAL PRESENTATION.
SO THAT IS WHAT YOU'LL SEE AS PART OF THIS PRESENTATION TONIGHT.
THESE ARE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION PRIORITIES THAT WERE PART OF THE LAST PRESENTATION.
SO KEEP IN MIND AT THIS TIME, THIS IS THE AMOUNT OF MONEY FROM THE STATE WORKBOOK THAT WE RECEIVED.
IT'S A FIRST DRAFT, SO IT'S NOT FINALIZED.
AND SO THESE ARE THE NUMBERS THAT WE'VE BEEN USING.
WE HAVE TO PRESENT A BALANCED BUDGET, WHICH MEANS OUR EXPENSES MUST EQUAL OUR REVENUE.
[00:25:11]
THIS AGAIN IS A REVIEW FROM THE LAST PRESENTATION JUST EXPLAINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT AND LOCAL SHARE.I KNOW THAT WE'VE DISCUSSED THIS A LOT BEFORE, BUT KNOWING THAT LOCAL SHARE IS A FUNCTION OF HOUSE BILL 1300 WITH THE BLUEPRINT FUNDING AND THAT MOE OR LOCAL SHARE, THE HIGHER OF THE TWO IS WHAT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE.
THAT IS THE MINIMUM FUNDING REQUIRED BY LAW FOR THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.
SO MOVING INTO FY 25, THE LOCAL SHARE IS THE MINIMUM FUNDING REQUIRED BY LAW OR ALLOWED BY LAW.
AND SO $93,550,830 WILL BE THE LOCAL SHARE AT THIS POINT IN TIME FOR FY 25.
THAT WOULD BE OUR LOCAL APPROPRIATION, THE MINIMUM REQUIRED BY LAW.
SO AGAIN, WE SHARED THIS AT THE LAST PRESENTATION.
THIS IS OUR ANTICIPATED REVENUE.
THE FEDERAL REVENUE IS ALL RESTRICTED MONEY.
OUR OTHER COLUMN IS MISCELLANEOUS REVENUE AND INTEREST REVENUE.
YOU CAN SEE IN FY 24, WE USED A LITTLE OVER $2 MILLION OF OUR FUND BALANCE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET.
SO THIS IS SHOWING YOU REVENUE WITHOUT ANY USE OF FUND BALANCE.
AND THEN THE TOTAL YOU CAN SEE THE TOTAL.
FY 24 APPROVED BUDGET, THE ANTICIPATED REVENUE FOR FY 25.
AND YOU CAN SEE THE TOTAL SHORTFALL.
SO IF WE WERE TO TAKE THIS YEAR'S BUDGET WITH NEXT YEAR'S REVENUE, WE WOULD ALREADY BE $8.8 MILLION SHY OF WHAT WE NEED. AND THAT DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE INCREASES THAT WILL HAPPEN FOR FY 25.
WE SHARED THIS IN OUR LAST PRESENTATION AS WELL.
JUST SOME IDEAS OF THINGS THAT ARE INCREASING.
AND THE DECREASE OR SOME THINGS THAT WE WORK TO DECREASE TO BALANCE THE BUDGET.
THE BOARD ASKED AT THE LAST MEETING, WHAT ARE SOME OF THOSE THINGS THAT WHAT ARE THE COSTS THAT ARE INCREASING, THAT ARE OUT OF OUR CONTROL? SO NOT THINGS THAT WE'RE ADDING TO THE BUDGET BUT INCREASES THAT ARE HAPPENING.
YOU CAN SEE UTILITIES AND INCREASE FROM FY 22 TO FY 23.
AND WE'RE COMPARING THESE TWO YEARS BECAUSE WE HAVE ACTUAL NUMBERS.
RIGHT NOW WE'RE IN THE MIDDLE OF FY 24.
YOU CAN SEE THE INCREASE IN UTILITIES.
YOU CAN SEE THE INCREASE IN PROPERTY, AUTO AND LIABILITY INSURANCE NONPUBLIC PLACEMENTS.
THOSE ARE FOR STUDENTS WHOSE IEPS REQUIRE A MORE RESTRICTIVE PLACEMENT.
AND SO YOU CAN SEE THE INCREASE THERE.
OUR CONTRACTED SERVICES AS WE MENTIONED, SPEECH OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS, PHYSICAL THERAPISTS.
WE ARE NOT ABLE TO HIRE THE NUMBER THAT WE NEED.
SO WE MUST CONTRACT WITH OUTSIDE AGENCIES AND PAY THE RATE THAT THEY CHARGE FOR THOSE SERVICES.
YOU CAN SEE THE INCREASE IN DUAL ENROLLMENT AND EARLY COLLEGE.
THIS IS A FUNCTION OF COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS, CCR, AS REQUIRED BY BLUEPRINT.
SO YOU CAN SEE THE INCREASED SPENDING THERE.
CONTRACTED SERVICES FOR ATHLETICS IS ALSO UP.
YOU CAN SEE THE INCREASE IN TRANSPORTATION COSTS, WHICH WAS RELATED TO PURCHASE OF BUSSES.
ACTIVE HEALTH CARE IS THE BIG ISSUE HERE.
THIS BIG INCREASE IN ACTIVE HEALTH CARE.
AND SO THIS IS A RESULT OF SOME HIGH CLAIMANTS.
SO YOU CAN SEE THE ACTUAL INCREASE OVER THAT ONE YEAR TIME PERIOD.
SO YOU CAN JUST SEE YEAR OVER YEAR FROM 22 TO 23, THAT'S A $9 MILLION INCREASE.
AND THAT'S NOT ANYTHING THAT WE ACTIVELY ADDED TO THE BUDGET TO CAUSE THAT INCREASE.
MOVING ON TO EDUCATION SERVICES.
EDUCATION SERVICES BUDGET WILL WE'RE GOING TO REVIEW WHAT WE COVERED PREVIOUSLY.
[00:30:02]
AS YOU CAN SEE ED SERVICES COVERS ALL OF THESE DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS.THE THE ONES IN BLUE ARE THOSE THAT ARE REQUIRED BY OUR BLUEPRINT.
ENGLISH LEARNERS EARLY CHILDHOOD.
SPECIAL EDUCATION AND SERVICE.
THAT INCLUDES FROM THE VERY TOP, WE PUT SOME INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY BACK INTO THE BUDGET.
WE PAY FOR THE COVERS OF OUR DIPLOMAS.
WE ALSO HAVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR DURING THE DAY AND AFTER SCHOOL FOR OUR TEACHERS.
YOU CAN SEE HERE WE ADDED BACK IN AS WELL THE TWILIGHT PROGRAM HERE.
THAT'S FOR TEACHERS AND THE TRANSPORTATION.
YOU CAN SEE THE SUSQUEHANNA WORKFORCE NETWORK.
AT THE LAST CFO MEETING, THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN THE ESCALATOR.
SO THE ORIGINAL PRICE WE SHOWED YOU LAST TIME IS NOW CHANGED.
SO THAT'S A SMALL REDUCTION THERE.
WE HAVE TWO NEW KILNS ADDED TO OUR ART PROGRAM YOU CAN SEE THERE.
ALL COUNTY IS THERE AS WELL FOR OUR ALL COUNTY MUSIC PROGRAM.
FAIR HILL NATURE CENTER, MIDDLE SCHOOL AND JV SPORTS.
OKAY. SO THESE NEXT TWO SLIDES ARE A SUMMARY OF THE EDUCATION SERVICES BUDGET.
WHAT I WANT YOU TO PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THIS IS GOING TO BE OUR REQUEST FOR FY 25.
AND YOU CAN SEE OVER HERE THE DECREASE VERSUS THE INCREASE AND AS WELL AS THE PERCENT OF CHANGE.
SO I'M GOING TO HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE MORE DRASTIC THINGS.
AND WHAT I WANT TO SAY OVERALL IS THAT THIS THIS IS VERY MUCH A BARE BONES BUDGET.
THIS DOES BRING SOME THINGS BACK INTO THE BUDGET, BUT THIS IS VERY, VERY MUCH BARE BONES.
SO JUST UNDERSTAND THAT AS WE'RE TAKING A LOOK AT THIS.
DR. HAMMER, CAN I INTERRUPT YOU? CERTAINLY. IF YOU NOTICE THE THIRD ROW LINE 30300 ASSESSMENT AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
AND IF YOU GO ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE RIGHT, YOU'LL SEE IT LOOKS LIKE AN INCREASE OF $164,000.
HAMMER USES THE PHRASE BRINGING IT BACK IN, WHAT'S SHE'S SAYING IS FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS, THAT ITEM HAS BEEN PAID FOR THROUGH ESSER, THE FEDERAL COVID RELIEF. AND IT WAS OUR BELIEF THAT THAT WE CAN'T DO WITHOUT THOSE PROGRAMS. SO THEY HAVE TO COME BACK INTO OUR GENERAL BUDGET.
AND NOW WE'RE TO THE POINT NOW THOSE REVENUES ARE NO LONGER THERE.
AND SO WHEN YOU HEAR THE PHRASE, IT QUOTE UNQUOTE CAME BACK FROM ESSER, THAT MEANS WE HAD PAID FOR IT IN THE ESSER GRANT FOR THREE PLUS YEARS, AND NOW IT'S COMING BACK INTO OUR OPERATING BUDGET. THANK YOU.
THANK YOU TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH.
SO THAT THERE IS A BIG INCREASE AS INDICATED IN GREEN HERE.
THOSE ARE DOLLARS THAT ARE COMING BACK FROM ESSER.
YOU ALSO SEE THAT HAPPENING DOWN HERE WITH ALT EDUCATION.
SO THOSE ARE OUR NONPUBLIC PLACEMENTS.
SO YOU SEE A 417% INCREASE THERE.
ALSO MEDIA PROGRAMING SO RIGHT DOWN HERE AT THE BOTTOM THERE'S AN INCREASE THERE.
THERE WERE SOFTWARE LICENSES THAT WE USE TO HELP WITH OUR INSTRUCTION.
ANOTHER AREA OF REALLY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE.
YOU'LL SEE RIGHT HERE UNDER STUDENT PERSONNEL SERVICES.
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF BLUEPRINT FUNDING COMING IN THAT IS ABSOLUTELY RESTRICTED.
SO WE HAVE BLUEPRINT MONEY COMING IN FOR CONCENTRATION OF POVERTY.
SO WE WILL BE UP TO NINE SCHOOLS IN CECIL COUNTY THAT ARE CONCENTRATION OF POVERTY SCHOOLS.
AND IS THAT IT, DENISE? AGAIN, ANY QUESTIONS FROM THE BOARD YOU MAY HAVE AS WE'RE GOING ALONG, JUST THROW UP A HAND.
ONE MORE THING TO CLARIFY IS THESE ARE NOT POSITIONS.
[00:35:02]
THESE ARE NOT FTE SALARIES.THESE ARE THE SUPPLIES, THE RESOURCES, THE MATERIALS AND THE SERVICES TO SUPPORT THESE PROGRAMS. SO THAT'S SOMETHING TO REALLY POINT OUT.
NEXT SO THESE ARE MORE OF OUR CONTENT AREAS YOU'LL SEE MATH AND LANGUAGE ARTS.
THE BIG INCREASES YOU'RE GOING TO SEE OVER HERE ARE THE MATH PROGRAMING THAT IS COMING.
YOU'LL ALSO SEE IN LANGUAGE ARTS.
THIS IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF FUNDS THAT ARE BEING SPENT.
THAT IS OUR TSI FUNDING FOR OUR TUTORING.
SO YOU CAN SEE THE NUMBER DOWN HERE ADDS UP TO $1.7 MILLION.
WERE THE NON-INSTRUCTIONAL SIDE OF THE ORGANIZATION.
THERE WERE THREE ITEMS THAT WERE REQUESTED THAT BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION THAT WE PUT BACK IN THE TOP ONE THERE IS THE SAFE SCHOOLS, AND THAT THOSE ARE SEVEN CAMERA SYSTEMS THAT ARE GOING BACK INTO OUR MIDDLE SCHOOLS.
SO THOSE DOLLARS WILL COME BACK INTO OUR BUDGET.
THEY'RE TEN YEARS OR MORE SO THEY'RE AT THE END OF THEIR LIFESPAN.
THE SECOND ONE, THE SECOND ITEM, THERE IS A LIFT PROPANE BUS.
AGAIN, A REMINDER, OUR BUSSES HAVE A LIFESPAN OF 12 YEARS.
THEY CAN BE EXTENDED FOR UP TO THREE YEARS.
SO IF A BUS IS IN GOOD CONDITION, WE CAN MAINTAIN IT FOR 15 YEARS OF SERVICE.
SO IN THE AREA OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES, WE'D LIKE TO DRAW YOUR ATTENTION TO A FEW AREAS.
OUR BUS CONTRACTORS, WE'RE LOOKING TO PURCHASE 14 NEW BUSSES THIS YEAR, AND WE PAY THE EXCISE TAX FOR THAT, AS WELL AS DRIVER AND SALARY AIDE COMPENSATION IS INCLUDED IN THERE SO THAT'S THAT INCREASE THAT YOU SEE THERE.
THE INCREASE DOWN HERE IN GROUNDS AND MAINTENANCE OF $151,000.
THAT INCREASE IS PRIMARILY DUE TO PAVING AND SIDEWALK WORK THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE.
IT'S LIFESPAN AGAIN HAS EXPIRED AND WE NEED TO REPLACE THAT.
THE LAST ITEM, THERE IS A DECREASE OF $700,000.
THAT $700,000 DECREASE IS A REFLECTION OF THE SAFE ENTRANCE PROJECTS AT CONOWINGO AND RISING SUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS, WHERE WE TOOK $700,000 OUT OF OUR FUND BALANCE TO COMPLETE THOSE THOSE PROJECTS.
OKAY. AND WITH THAT, WE'LL MOVE ON TO UNRESTRICTED SALARIES.
SO ADDING THOSE 184.5 POSITIONS BACK INTO THE BUDGET.
THIS SLIDE SHOWS THE TOTAL UNRESTRICTED SALARIES AND FIXED CHARGES FOR THE PROPOSED BUDGET.
SO THIS IS JUST FTE SALARIES, FULL TIME EMPLOYEE SALARIES AND SHOWN BY STATE CATEGORY.
AND THE FIXED CHARGES WHICH IS A STATE CATEGORY SHOWING THE INCREASE FROM FY 24 TO FY 25 KEEPING IN MIND THAT A LOT OF THESE FTES WERE PAID FOR THROUGH ESSER OR LEADS RIGHT NOW IN FY 24.
GOOD QUESTION. THIS IS, STAYING WITH THE SAME STAFF LEVEL WE HAVE TODAY.
CORRECT? SO THIS IS STAYING WITH THE SAME STAFF THAT WE HAVE AT THIS POINT IN TIME.
[00:40:02]
WHICH LEADS US TO THIS SLIDE, WHICH IS.I THOUGHT YESTERDAY WE TALKED ABOUT ADDING IN AT LEAST FIVE MORE TEACHERS AT THE END. OKAY. OKAY.
I DID ADD THAT PROPOSAL AT THE END FOR YOU TO REVIEW.
SO THE BEGINNING OF THAT'S OKAY.
SO THIS IS OUR UNRESTRICTED BUDGET POSITION SUMMARY.
SO THIS IS JUST OUR LOCAL FUNDS.
AND IT SHOWS THE STATE CATEGORIES ACROSS THE TOP.
AND IT SHOWS THE OBJECTS DOWN THE SIDE.
SO IF YOU REMEMBER YESTERDAY WHEN WE REVIEWED OUR LINE ITEM BUDGET AT THE END WHEN WE WERE LOOKING AT ADMINISTRATION, FOR EXAMPLE, 01 AND THEN THE OBJECT 001, THERE WAS A DOLLAR AMOUNT THERE.
THIS TELLS YOU HOW MANY POSITIONS ARE PAID OUT OF THAT DOLLAR AMOUNT.
SO THIS WILL TELL YOU HOW MANY POSITIONS FOR EACH ONE OF THOSE DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THAT LINE ITEM BUDGET. THIS IS OUR TOTAL UNRESTRICTED BUDGET SUMMARY.
SO AGAIN THIS IS THE TOTAL UNRESTRICTED BUDGET BY STATE CATEGORY.
FIXED CHARGES BEING A SEPARATE CATEGORY.
AND YOU CAN SEE THE TOTAL FY 25 REQUEST FOR THE UNRESTRICTED BUDGET.
THAT'S A $21.6 MILLION INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR.
KEEPING IN MIND THAT WITH THE REDUCTION OF THE ESSER AND THE LEADS GRANTS IN OUR RESTRICTED BUDGET, ALL OF THE THINGS THAT WERE BUDGETED THERE IN THAT $16.4 MILLION EITHER HAVE TO BE REDUCED OR PAID FOR IN THE UNRESTRICTED BUDGET FOR FY 25.
THAT'S WHY YOU SEE A LARGE INCREASE.
THIS IS OUR RESTRICTED SALARIES AND FIXED CHARGES.
SO KEEP IN MIND THIS PART OF THE BUDGET IS OUR GRANTS IN OUR RESTRICTED FUNDS.
THIS HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE THE LAST PRESENTATION.
SO AT THIS TIME THIS IS OUR ESTIMATED FTE SALARIES FOR FY 25.
AND IF YOU SEE HERE, IT'S AN $8.5 MILLION REDUCTION FROM FY 24.
THERE WE GO. THIS IS THE SAME CHART, BUT ONLY FOR OUR RESTRICTED BUDGET.
SO AGAIN, THESE ARE POSITIONS THAT ARE FUNDED EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH GRANTS.
AND THIS INCLUDES ALL OF THE POSITIONS THAT WE CURRENTLY HAVE AT THIS POINT IN TIME.
MINUS THE ESSER AND LEADS POSITIONS.
THE STAR TOTAL RESTRICTED BUDGET SUMMARY.
AGAIN, THIS INCLUDES ALL THE FTE SALARIES AND THE FIXED CHARGES.
YOU CAN SEE THE REDUCTION FROM FY 24 TO FY 25.
I KNOW YOU'VE HEARD ME SAY WE'RE LOSING ABOUT $16.4 MILLION IN ESSER AND LEADS, BUT WE ALSO RECEIVED ADDITIONAL JUDY CENTER FUNDING AND SOME TITLE ONE FUNDING AND PRE-K EXPANSION GRANTS.
AND SO THAT'S WHY IT'S NOT A TOTAL $16.4 MILLION REDUCTION.
SO BUT YOU CAN SEE THE REDUCTION IN THE RESTRICTED BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR.
AND AGAIN, AS WE ASKED EARLIER, THIS IS THE SAME NUMBER OF POSITIONS THAT WE HAVE AT THIS POINT IN TIME, PLUS FIVE COMMUNITY SCHOOL ADVISORS AS REQUIRED BY BLUEPRINT CONCENTRATION OF POVERTY. THIS IS A POSITION CHANGE SUMMARY.
SO THIS IS SHOWING WHAT WAS OUR FY 24 APPROVED BUDGET.
THE POSITIONS THAT WERE APPROVED IN THE FY 24 BUDGET.
THE POSITIONS THAT ARE BEING PROPOSED FOR THE FY 25 FY 25 BUDGET.
KEEP IN MIND THAT FIVE OF THOSE ARE THE COMMUNITY SCHOOL ADVISORS.
THE OTHER 25 THAT HAVE BEEN ADDED THIS YEAR ARE ALL PART OF THE RESTRICTED BUDGET.
SO WE RECEIVED TEN JUDY CENTER GRANTS THAT ADDED POSITIONS TO THE RESTRICTED BUDGET.
BUT THOSE ARE BIRTH THROUGH AGE FIVE, SO THEY'RE NOT SERVING STUDENTS IN OUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
THEY ARE PRE-K EXPANSION GRANTS, TITLE ONE GRANTS, CSI, TSI GRANTS.
SO IT'S ALL RESTRICTED FUNDING.
IT'S NOT PART OF OUR OPERATING BUDGET.
MISS SOPA CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHY THERE'S AN INCREASE OF ONE ADMINISTRATIVE POSITION IN LINE 0002, PLEASE? THAT'S PART OF A READINESS FOR PRE-K GRANT.
AND THIS PERSON IS SUPPORTING IN THAT GRANT AND THE JUDY CENTER WORK.
SO IT'S PART OF THAT GRANT FUNDING.
[00:45:01]
THANK YOU. THIS IS A SUMMARY OF THE TOTAL OPERATING BUDGET.SO THIS IS RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED INCLUDING ALL OF THE FTE SALARIES.
AND SO YOU CAN SEE THE CHANGE FROM FY 24 TO FY 25 IS AN $8 MILLION INCREASE.
EXCUSE ME, MISS SOPA, CAN I ASK A QUICK QUESTION, PLEASE? CAN YOU GIVE US A LITTLE MORE BACKGROUND ON HOW WE WENT FROM 4 TO 9, OR WHAT WAS BEHIND THAT? HOW DID WE WHAT WERE THE DETERMINING FACTORS ON WHY WE WENT FROM 4 TO 9 CONCENTRATION OF POVERTY SCHOOLS? AND THAT'S REALLY BASED ON AND I DON'T HAVE MY NOTES IN FRONT OF ME, BUT THERE ARE SLIDING PERCENTAGES, THERE'S A SLIDING SCALE AND THE BLUEPRINT LEGISLATION.
SO DIFFERENT SCHOOLS ARE COMING ON BOARD BECAUSE THEY'RE REDUCING THE LEVEL THE THE PERCENT FARMS THAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY FOR CONCENTRATION OF POVERTY PERCENTAGE OF THE FREE AND REDUCED MEAL POPULATION OF THAT SCHOOL.
THANK YOU. SO THIS HERE IS A SLIDE TO TRY TO WRAP YOUR HEADS AROUND HOW MUCH OF OUR SALARY IS, OR HOW MUCH OF OUR BUDGET IS SALARIES AND FIXED CHARGES, AND WHERE WE ACTUALLY HAVE THE ABILITY IF WE NEED TO CUT THINGS IN THE BUDGET.
THESE ARE THE FIXED CHARGES ASSOCIATED WITH THOSE SALARIES.
A QUESTION THAT MR. DAVIS ASKED YESTERDAY THIS LITTLE GRAY PART OF THE PIE HERE HAPPENS TO BE OUR SPECIAL ED CONTRACTED SERVICES BECAUSE MR. DAVIS MADE A POINT THAT WE'RE PAYING THESE COMPANIES TO PROVIDE SPEECH SERVICES, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PHYSICAL THERAPY.
SO THOSE ARE THINGS THAT REQUIRE ARE REQUIRED FOR STUDENTS IEPS.
YOU CAN SEE THAT THIS PIECE RIGHT HERE IS OUR RESTRICTED BUDGET, WHICH IS ABOUT $17.3 MILLION.
WE CAN'T REDUCE OUR RESTRICTED BUDGET TO BALANCE OUR OPERATING BUDGET.
SO THAT LEAVES YOU WITH THIS RIGHT HERE, ABOUT $42.5 MILLION, WHERE IF YOU NEED TO MAKE CUTS TO THE BUDGET TO BALANCE IT, THAT AREN'T PEOPLE, YOU'RE LEFT WITH THAT AMOUNT. AND IN THAT AMOUNT OF THE BUDGET YOU HAVE THINGS LIKE UTILITIES, INSURANCE, TRANSPORTATION.
SO WHAT THIS SLIDE SHOWS IS IT GOES BACK TO THE FIRST SLIDE.
OUR FEDERAL RESTRICTED REVENUE, OUR OTHER WHICH IS OUR MISCELLANEOUS AND INTEREST REVENUE, WHICH GIVES US A TOTAL REVENUE PROJECTION OF ABOUT $248.7 MILLION.
THEN WHEN YOU TAKE THIS PRESENTATION, OUR UNRESTRICTED REQUEST, PLUS OUR RESTRICTED BUDGET GIVES YOU A $265.8 MILLION OPERATING BUDGET. AND THAT LEAVES US WITH A DEFICIT OF $17.1 MILLION IN FUNDING TO BALANCE THIS BUDGET.
YESTERDAY AS A RESULT OF OUR CONVERSATIONS WHEN WE REVIEWED OUR LINE BY LINE DETAIL BUDGET, THE BOARD SUGGESTED THAT YOU WANTED US TO NOT JUST MAINTAIN THE POSITIONS WE HAVE, BUT YOU WANTED US TO ADD POSITIONS TO THE BUDGET TO ADDRESS CLASS SIZE AND SOME OF THE OTHER NEEDS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WAS A DISCUSSION ABOUT EARLY COLLEGE AND THE DECISION TO NOT FULLY FUND GRADE NINE AND GRADE TEN FOR EARLY COLLEGE BECAUSE OF THE REDUCTION IN CCR REVENUE. AND SO HERE WE HAVE THE POSITIONS THAT WERE REQUESTED IN LAST YEAR'S BUDGET.
WE HAVE THE TUITION FOR EARLY COLLEGE, FOR GRADE NINE AND TEN AND THE FEES ON THE BOOKS, AND WE'VE ADDED THOSE EXPENSES FOR YOU TO SEE THAT IF YOU WISH TO ADD THESE THINGS TO YOUR BUDGET REQUEST, IT WOULD ADD ANOTHER $4.3 MILLION.
SO KEEP IN MIND THIS $4.3 PLUS THE $17.1 WOULD BE $21.4 MILLION REVENUE DEFICIT.
SO, MISS SOPA, CAN I JUST CLARIFY ONE THING? THE $17.0, PARAPROFESSIONAL REGULAR ED THAT WAS FOR KINDERGARTEN, CORRECT? YES. AND IT'S ONE KINDERGARTEN CLASS PER SCHOOL? ONE PARA PER SCHOOL TO SHARE AMONG KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOMS, IT'S NOT ONE PER KINDERGARTEN CLASSROOM.
[00:50:09]
AND THIS IS JUST A REMINDER ABOUT UPCOMING BUDGET MEETINGS ON FEBRUARY 28TH, WE WILL HAVE OUR BUDGET HEARING WHERE THE BOARD WILL APPROVE A BUDGET TO SUBMIT TO COUNTY ON MARCH 1ST, ON OR BEFORE MARCH 1ST OUR REQUEST IS DUE TO THE COUNTY.ON JUNE 12TH YOU WILL APPROVE OUR FINAL BUDGET FOR FY 25 COUNTY GOVERNMENT ACTION.
THAT'S COMING UP ON FEBRUARY 29TH.
OUR COUNTY EXECUTIVE WILL HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR CITIZEN INPUT ON THE FY 25 BUDGET.
ON MARCH 1ST THEY'LL RECEIVE OUR OPERATING BUDGET REQUEST.
BY APRIL 1ST THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE SHOULD SUBMIT HER PROPOSED BUDGET TO COUNCIL.
THEY HAVE ALLOTTED AN HOUR, AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW AT THE COUNTY COUNCIL ROOM.
I WOULD SUGGEST THAT'S PROBABLY NOT A BIG ENOUGH VENUE AND THAT AN HOUR IS NOT ENOUGH TIME.
AND SO WE'VE BEEN ON BOTH ENDS OF THAT, YOU KNOW? SO RESPECTFULLY, I WOULD SAY THAT'S NOT A BIG ENOUGH VENUE AND NOT ENOUGH TIME.
THE BOARD HAVE ANY ANYTHING THEY WOULD LIKE TO ADD QUESTIONS? NO, I JUST WANT TO [INAUDIBLE] WE ASKED A LOT OF QUESTIONS YESTERDAY.
RIGHT? SO IT'S NOT LIKE WE'RE JUST SITTING HERE, LIKE WE'RE TAKING IT ALL IN.
WE ASKED A LOT OF QUESTIONS YESTERDAY.
WELL, AND I THINK YOU CAN SEE BY OUR BUDGET REQUEST ADDITIONS THAT, YOU KNOW, ESPECIALLY THE POSITIONS, AS MR. FERDINANDO MENTIONED EARLIER, THE POSITIONS WITHOUT ANY OF THESE ADDITIONS ARE ARE NOT ARE JUST SUSTAINING WHAT WE HAVE.
AND IT'S OUR OPINION THAT, OUR PEOPLE ARE STRETCHED THIN AND CLASS SIZES ARE TOO BIG AND SUSTAINING WHAT WE HAVE IS NOT GOING TO FIX THAT.
SO HENCE YOU SEE THE TARGETED POSITIONS ADDED IN HERE, IS IT WOULD I HAVE MORE IF I COULD? ABSOLUTELY. BUT I THINK, YOU KNOW, WE WANT TO DO A REAL ASK.
WE WANT SOME REAL EXPECTATIONS.
RIGHT. I THINK THIS IS AS AS DR.
HAMMER MENTIONED, THIS IS BARE BONES.
DOESN'T LOOK BARE BONES ON THE SURFACE WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE NUMBER, BUT THIS IS BARE BONES.
AND WE LOOKED THROUGH EVERYTHING AND THERE'S NOTHING TO CUT.
THERE IS NOTHING ELSE WE CAN CUT.
AND YOU KNOW, I'M OF THE CONCLUSION THAT MORE CUTS AREN'T THE ANSWER.
YOU KNOW, FUNDING IS THE ANSWER.
AND, YOU KNOW, WE ARE NOT A COUNTY IN MONEY CRISIS RIGHT NOW.
SO WITH THAT SAID, I THINK, THAT'S THAT IS I WOULD AGREE WITH ALL OF THESE.
AND I DON'T KNOW IF ANY OF YOU, AFTER SEEING THE NUMBERS, DISAGREE WITH THAT.
DON'T DISAGREE AT FACE VALUE RIGHT NOW, BUT OBVIOUSLY WE HAVE TIME TO LOOK INTO IT MORE.
THE STAPLERS, THE PENS, THE PAPER.
YEAH. BUT BUT I WOULD SAY THIS IT'S COME WE'VE HAD SOME COMMENTS ABOUT WHAT ARE THE EXTRAS.
I MEAN, IF YOU WANT TO REALLY LOOK AT IT, WHAT ARE THE EXTRAS YOU COULD LOOK AT.
RIGHT. YOU COULD SAY MAYBE ARTS ARE MAYBE WHATEVER.
FOR ME, SPORTS HELPED ME STAY IN SCHOOL.
ARTS HELP PEOPLE STAY IN SCHOOL, MUSIC HELP PEOPLE STAY IN SCHOOL.
I ENDED UP GETTING MARRIED TO. RIGHT.
SO I PROBABLY WOULD'VE BEEN THERE BECAUSE SPORTS MADE ME GO TO SCHOOL LIKE I WAS ONE OF THOSE KIDS.
SO I KNOW IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY'RE EXTRAS.
AND YOU LOOK AT IT AND SAY, MAYBE THOSE ARE EXTRAS.
AND THEN THERE'S SOME OTHER THINGS THAT MAY BE EXTRAS, LIKE TECHNOLOGY.
I MEAN, BEFORE COVID WE WERE TECHNOLOGY POOR.
NOW WE HAVE SOME TECHNOLOGY THAT'S NECESSARY.
AND SO SOME THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE TO OPERATE IN THE YEAR THAT WE'RE IN.
[00:55:05]
SO THOSE THINGS I DON'T BELIEVE LOOK LIKE EXTRA EITHER.WE TALKED ABOUT THAT A LOT YESTERDAY.
WE ALL ASKED A LOT OF QUESTIONS LIKE WHAT ABOUT THIS PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY? WHAT ABOUT THAT FIELD TRIP? WHAT ABOUT THIS SPORT? AND WHEN YOU START TALKING ABOUT THAT, IT'S MORE THAN JUST JV SPORTS.
IT'S A KID THAT NEEDED TO HAVE THAT.
SOMEBODY ELSE CAN. AND FOR MUSIC THAT'S NOT ME I WOULD I WAS NEVER GOOD AT ANY OF THAT.
BUT SPORTS KEPT ME GOING TO SCHOOL, AND I SEE A LOT OF HEADS BEING SHAKEN OUT THERE.
AND YOU KNOW WHO THOSE KIDS ARE THAT WOULD FAIL WITHOUT IT.
SAME THING FOR MUSIC WE'VE HEARD PEOPLE TALK IN OPEN SESSION ABOUT THAT AND FOR SO I WOULD WHEN WE'RE LOOKING FOR EXTRAS, I WOULDN'T SAY THAT THOSE ARE EXTRAS AND I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE EXTRAS ARE. WE SPENT A LOT OF TIME YESTERDAY TRYING TO FIND OUT WHAT THAT IS, AND WE'RE TRYING TO FIND $20 MILLION, $17 MILLION OUT OF $40 MILLION, BECAUSE IF NOT, IT'S POSITIONS. AND SO.
AND I KNOW THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD SAY, WELL, $17 MILLION.
HOW CAN YOU REQUEST MORE THAN THAT? BUT WE ALL REALLY FELT LIKE, YOU KNOW AND I KNOW, YOU KNOW, IT'S AN EXTRA $4 MILLION PLUS TO ADD THESE EXTRA POSITIONS, BUT WE SPOKE YESTERDAY.
IT'S GOING TO BE A BIG REQUEST.
AND, OUR TEACHERS NEED THIS HELP AND OUR STUDENTS NEED THIS HELP.
AND I THINK, MR. DAVIS SAID SOMETHING YESTERDAY IS, YOU KNOW, WE DON'T WANT TO BE BOTTOM BARREL.
WE DON'T WANT TO BE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARREL.
AND THESE EXTRA POSITIONS, I THINK WILL REALLY, REALLY HELP OUR TEACHERS AND OUR STUDENTS.
SO THAT'S WHY WE DECIDED TO TO SEE WHAT THIS EXTRA WOULD BE.
THANK YOU. IF I COULD JUST, TAKE A STEP BACK.
IS THAT IN NOVEMBER, MACO, MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES PUBLISHED A LETTER INDICATING THAT A LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY FOR THEM THIS COMING LEGISLATIVE YEAR WAS GOING TO BE INCREASED TRANSPORTATION OR TRANSPARENCY ON THE PART OF SCHOOL SYSTEMS. UPON RECEIVING THAT LETTER, I SENT AN EMAIL TO THE COUNTY COUNCIL AND COUNTY EXECUTIVE SAYING, I ASSUME YOU DON'T FEEL THIS WAY ABOUT US, BUT IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO IMPROVE THE TRANSPARENCY, JUST LET ME KNOW.
TWO WEEKS LATER, I GET A LETTER BACK AND THAT'S WHEN IT BEGAN.
WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT THE LACK OF TRANSPARENCY.
WE'RE CONCERNED ABOUT A LINE BY LINE BUDGET.
WE ARE NOT SUBORDINATE ORGANIZATION TO THE COUNTY.
WE DO NOT REPORT TO THE COUNTY.
THE BUSINESS SERVICES DEPARTMENT CREATED AN ENTIRELY SEPARATE REPORT THAT WE SHOWED YESTERDAY, AND IT WILL BE ON BOARD DOCS TONIGHT SIMPLY FOR COUNCIL'S VIEWING TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO UNDERSTAND.
AND I THINK IT PROBABLY HELPED OUR BOARD TOO.
AND SO TO ME, I START TO QUESTION, IS THAT REALLY THE MOTIVE? THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A REQUEST MADE FROM COUNTY THAT WE HAVEN'T TRIED TO HONOR AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.
AND SO TO ME, I QUESTION, WHAT IS THE REAL MOTIVE HERE? WHAT IS THE REAL MOTIVE? IT CAN'T BE INTENT.
AND US TRYING TO BE HONEST AND DO THE RIGHT THING BECAUSE WE DO EVERY SINGLE DAY.
I'M NOT I'M NOT A NEW GUY IN THIS COUNTY.
I STAND BY MY WORD AND I WILL STAND BY MY WORD TO THE COUNTY LEADERSHIP AS WELL.
LOOK AT THE COMMENTS THAT WERE MADE LAST NIGHT.
LOOK AT THE PEOPLE IN THIS ROOM.
AND THAT IS FROM AN IMMENSE EFFORT TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT FINANCES IN CECIL COUNTY.
AND I'M REALLY PROUD OF THIS GROUP AND THE BOARD FOR WHAT WE'VE ABLE, ABLE TO DO UP TILL NOW.
SO WITH THAT [APPLAUSE]. SO THAT'S IT.
[01:00:12]
I THINK EVERYBODY IN THIS ROOM CAN SAY THAT AND AGREE TO THAT.THERE'S ALWAYS BEEN A TEACHER THAT HAS TOUCHED YOU OR BEEN, LIKE, TOUCHED THE HEART OF YOU TO STAY IN SCHOOL AND STAY ON THAT TRACK OR FOUND SOMETHING YOU LOVED ART, MUSIC, SPORTS.
I JUST BELIEVE THE STUDENTS ARE WORTH MORE THAN A MAINTENANCE OF EFFORT BUDGET.
WE DESERVE TO BE FULLY FUNDED AT THE LEVEL NECESSARY TO ENSURE TO ENSURE THAT CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL LEARNERS ACQUIRE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AND QUALITIES TO BE RESPONSIBLE, ETHICAL CITIZENS.
I JUST BELIEVE IT'S NECESSARY TO HAVE US BE FULLY FUNDED [APPLAUSE].
THANK YOU, MISS RODGERS, FOR THAT.
DOES ANYBODY ELSE WANT TO SAY ANYTHING BEFORE WE MOVE ON? I AGREE WITH ALL THEM.
SO YOU GUYS ALREADY KNOW THAT THOUGH.
SO I'M REAL QUICKLY MISS HAWLEY JUST JUST SO THE BOARD KNOWS THAT WHEN WE COME BACK AND RECONVENE ON FEBRUARY 28TH, WE WILL HAVE THE RECOMMENDED ADDITIONS INTO THE BUDGET THAT YOU JUST SAW IN THAT LAST SLIDE THAT WILL BE FACTORED INTO ALL THE CHARTS, BECAUSE AS IT STANDS RIGHT NOW, THEY ARE NOT, BUT YOU WILL HAVE THE COMPLETE PACKAGE ALONG WITH OUR DEBT SERVICE RECOMMENDATION, AS WELL AS OUR SMALL CAP REQUEST FOR FEBRUARY 28TH THANK YOU, THANK YOU.
WE'RE GOING TO START WITH OUR CECIL COUNTY CLASSROOM TEACHERS ASSOCIATION, MISS HRINKO.
GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HAWLEY.
DR. LAWSON, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD LEADERSHIP TEAM AND GUESTS.
THIS EVENING WE HEARD SEVERAL RESOLUTIONS TO ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO THE CULTURE OF OUR SCHOOLS.
ALTHOUGH THEY'RE ALL CRITICALLY IMPORTANT.
I FOUND A QUOTE FROM BARACK OBAMA.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SHOULDN'T BE TREATED AS THOUGH IT'S SOMEHOW SEPARATE FROM OUR COLLECTIVE AMERICAN HISTORY, OR SOMEHOW JUST BOILED DOWN TO A COMPILATION OF GREATEST HITS FROM THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON.
OR FOR SOME OF OUR SPORTS HEROES, IT'S ABOUT THE LIVED, SHARED EXPERIENCE OF ALL AFRICAN AMERICANS, HIGH AND LOW, FAMOUS AND OBSCURE, AND HOW THOSE EXPERIENCES HAVE SHAPED AND CHALLENGED AND ULTIMATELY STRENGTHENED AMERICA.
IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE BRING THAT PERSPECTIVE TO OUR STUDENTS.
I ENCOURAGE YOU ALL TO COME OUT.
OUR CCCTA AND CCSP EQUITY TEAM WILL HAVE A DISPLAY THERE WITH THE THEME HONORING THE PAST AND INSPIRING THE FUTURE, AND THEY'VE DONE SOME [INAUDIBLE] RESEARCH, IT WILL BE HIGHLIGHTING THREE FAMOUS AFRICAN AMERICANS WHO HELPED SHAPE CECIL COUNTY.
JUMPING AHEAD TO THE MONTH OF MARCH.
READ ACROSS AMERICA IS NEAR AND DEAR TO OUR HEART, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ASK ANYBODY HOW IMPORTANT READING IS, BECAUSE IF YOU CAN'T READ, YOU CAN'T GET AHEAD IN SOCIETY.
NOT ONLY IS IT DIFFICULT FOR JOBS AND LIVING, IT LIMITS YOU.
IT JUST LIMITS YOU. AND IT'S A CHALLENGE.
AND WE HAVE DEAR FRIENDS THAT HAVE THAT STRUGGLE.
AND SO TO KNOW WHAT WE CAN AND GIVE TO OUR STUDENTS AND NOT BE ABLE TO DO THAT IS HORRIFIC.
SO NEEDING THE TUTORS, NEEDING THE INSTRUCTORS, IT'S CRITICAL.
STUDENTS NEED BOOKS THAT PROVIDE WINDOWS AND MIRRORS.
IF WE'RE GOING TO CREATE READERS, WRITERS, AND PEOPLE WHO FEEL INCLUDED AND RECOGNIZED AND WHO UNDERSTAND THAT THE WORLD IS FAR RICHER THAN JUST THEIR EXPERIENCES ALONE, DIVERSE STORIES PROVIDE OUR KIDS WITH DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES AND HELP THEM SEE HOW OTHERS THINK AND FEEL.
AND THIS IS A SKILL ON HOW YOU COME TOGETHER AND REACH COMMON GROUND.
AND WE'RE SEEING THAT PLAY OUT IN OUR COUNTY NOW.
WE NEED THE ABILITY TO REACH COMMON GROUND.
SO NO MATTER THE AGE, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ WITH YOUR CHILDREN, READ WITH THEM, READ BESIDE THEM.
TO QUOTE ONE OF THE SPEAKERS, THIS THIS IS WHAT COMMUNITY LOOKS LIKE.
[01:05:06]
SO, BOARD OF EDUCATION, I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE BOLD STEP TO PUT BACK IN THOSE POSITIONS AND ADD MORE WHEN THERE IS A REAL DANGER THAT THEY WON'T BE FUNDED.IT'S WHAT OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS AND IT'S WHAT WE SHOULD ALL DEMAND.
SO FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES, STUDENTS, PARENTS, COMMUNITY MEMBERS, WE HAVE A CHALLENGE IN FRONT OF US.
WE NEED TO KEEP STANDING UP FOR OUR CHILDREN AND THEIR EDUCATION.
THAT RALLY WAS AMAZING, BUT IT WAS A FIRST STEP.
NEXT UP, THE CECIL COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ADMINISTRATORS AND SUPERVISORS ASSOCIATION.
MR. ERIC BROWN, PRESIDENT, I SAW YOU.
THERE YOU ARE. GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HAWLEY.
MEMBERS OF THE LEADERSHIP TEAM, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
IT WAS YESTERDAY. IT WAS HISTORIC.
BUT I WANT US TO UNDERSTAND THAT WAS JUST THE BEGINNING.
WE'RE WE HAVEN'T ACCOMPLISHED ANYTHING YET.
I'M GOING TO ENCOURAGE THE BOARD TO STAND FIRM 100% ON WHAT OUR CHILDREN DESERVE AND NEED.
I HEAR FROM MY FORMER KIDS, MY FORMER STUDENTS, BUT I CALL THEM MY KIDS.
I HEAR FROM THEM FROM ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
AND EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM SAYS THE SAME THING.
SOMEBODY IN THIS COUNTY TOUCHED MY LIFE.
SOMEBODY IN THIS COUNTY HELPED ME MAKE IT.
I HAD A YOUNG MAN ANNOUNCED THE BIRTH OF HIS SECOND CHILD, AND I REMEMBER HIM BECAUSE MY WIFE AND I ACTUALLY TRIED TO ADOPT HIM BECAUSE HE HAD NOBODY, AND HE WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH FOSTER CARE WITH THE HELP OF PEOPLE THAT WORKED AT CCSP.
I KNOW SO MANY EDUCATORS WHO HAVE HAD KIDS, INCLUDING ME, WHO HAVE HAD KIDS THAT SPEND THEIR LAST 2 OR 3 YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL SLEEPING IN THEIR HOUSE AND THEIR BED BECAUSE THEY KNEW THAT CHILD NEEDED THAT.
THAT'S THE KIND OF EDUCATORS WE HAVE IN THIS COUNTY.
THAT'S THE KIND OF LOVE WE HAVE FOR OUR STUDENTS.
AND IT WOULD BE SO WRONG FOR US TO DEMAND ANYTHING EXCEPT THE BEST.
WHAT WE HAD LAST YEAR WASN'T THE BEST.
OUR TEACHERS ARE STRESSED, OUR TEACHERS ARE STRETCHED TO THE LIMIT.
ADMINISTRATORS ARE TAKING ON EXTRA DUTIES.
I DARE THEM TO COME WALK A WEEK WITH ME.
I WELCOME THAT BECAUSE THEY WILL UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT WE DO EVERY SINGLE DAY.
I APPRECIATE EVERYONE THAT SHOWED UP LAST NIGHT.
OUR ASSOCIATION WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT WE STAND BEHIND YOU 100%.
EVERYBODY REMEMBER THE REAL PROTEST IS IN MAY.
THANK YOU [APPLAUSE]. THANK YOU.
AND NEXT WE HAVE THE CECIL EDUCATION SUPPORT PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION, MR. THOMAS GUNS PRESIDENT.
GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HAWLEY, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD.
I'D LIKE TO BEGIN BY SAYING WHAT A NIGHT WE HAD LAST NIGHT.
OUR FUTURE RALLY FOR EDUCATION WAS SIMPLY AMAZING.
AND I AND CCPS WERE VERY, SO PROUD OF OUR STUDENTS, MADISON AND ALLISON, THAT PUT THIS TOGETHER WITH THE HELP OF CECIL SOLIDARITY, FOR FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP AND TREMENDOUS ADVOCACY EFFORTS, THEIR ABILITY TO CREATE A MOVEMENT, A STUDENT LED MOVEMENT IS ALL INSPIRING, ONE SO IMPACTFUL AND ADVOCATING FOR THE EDUCATION OF OUR STUDENTS NEEDS AND THEY DESERVE AND THE FUNDING LEVELS TO ACHIEVE
[01:10:05]
THIS. YOU ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE EVERY DAY SPEAK THE TRUTH, TELL THE PERSONAL STORIES, STATE THE FACTS, AND WILL NOT BACK DOWN TO THOSE IN OUR COMMUNITY AND OFFICIAL ROLES THAT ATTEMPT TO DISMISS YOUR VOICE.PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU CAN COUNT ON US TO BE THERE FOR YOU THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND CCSP IN THIS HIGH STAKES FIGHT FOR WHAT'S RIGHT, THE FUNDING WE NEED FOR THE PROGRAMS AND PEOPLE NEEDED FOR YOUR INSTRUCTION AND FULL EDUCATION EXPERIENCE.
YOU DO MATTER AND WE SUPPORT YOU, OUR SCHOOLS AND STAFF.
THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER AND OUR EFFORTS CANNOT WANE.
WE, THE COLLECTIVE VOICE IS POWERFUL.
WE MUST CONTINUE TO FIGHT THIS GOOD FIGHT TOGETHER.
NOW, I'D LIKE TO EXTEND MY APPRECIATION TO THE BOARD OF ED MEMBERS FOR REVIEWING OUR ACTION CENTER LETTERS, WHERE OUR EDUCATORS ADVOCATED FOR YOU ALL TO CREATE A BUDGET THAT SUSTAINS CURRENT PROGRAMS AND MAINTAINS OR ENHANCES CURRENT STAFFING LEVELS.
YOU HAVE THE YOU HAVE TO MAKE DIFFICULT DECISIONS AND APPRECIATE CCSP MAINTAINING THE 184 POSITIONS IN TONIGHT'S BUDGET PROPOSAL.
I'D LIKE TO MAKE SOME POINTS IN SUPPORT OF OUR STUDENT SUPPORT TECHNICIANS AND OFFICE ASSISTANTS.
THE FOLKS WHO STAFF OUR STUDENT CENTERS PROVIDE CRITICAL SERVICES TO OUR STUDENTS IN NEED.
THEY HAVE A SPECIALIZED SKILL SET TO ADDRESS STUDENT BEHAVIORS AND HELP THEM DEREGULATE SO THEY ARE READY IN A STATE OF MIND TO LEARN AND BE SUCCESSFUL IN SCHOOL, AND MUCH MORE. STUDENT CENTERS STARTED AS A PILOT PROGRAM TO HELP ADDRESS THE MENTAL HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL NEEDS OF OUR STUDENTS.
THE PILOT WAS SUCCESSFUL AND THE PROGRAM EXPANDED.
IN TIMES LIKE THESE WHERE MORE AND MORE STUDENTS ARE STRUGGLING.
WE NEED TO MAINTAIN THESE CENTERS AND SPECIALIZED STAFF IN OUR SUPPORT OF OFFICE ASSISTANTS.
THESE FOLKS ARE CRITICAL TO THE FRONT OPERATION OF THE SCHOOL.
THEY ARE A LIFELINE AND WE CAN'T AFFORD TO LOSE THEM.
THERE ARE MANY DEMANDS ON THE FRONT OFFICE, AND OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS, OUR OFFICE ASSISTANTS HAVE BEEN CALLED ON TO DEVELOP HIGH LEVEL SKILLS IN ORDER TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THAT FRONT OFFICE.
NO LONGER ARE THESE FOLKS JUST ANSWERING A PHONE AND MAKING COPIES.
THEY ARE AN INTEGRAL TO SCHOOL SAFETY WITH THE NEW SAFE ENTRANCES.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS NEED THEIR OFFICE ASSISTANTS AND CAN'T AFFORD ANY MORE DECREASES.
SO WE ADVOCATE FOR THESE POSITIONS.
THANK YOU FOR RE INCLUDING THEM OR AND THANK YOU FOR MY TIME [APPLAUSE].
OKAY. NEXT UP, WE HAVE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
AS MOST OF YOU KNOW, THIS IS USUALLY AT THE END, VERY END.
BUT WE MOVED IT A LITTLE BIT FORWARD THIS TIME.
I'LL TALK WHILE THEY'RE MOVING THE TABLE.
THERE IT IS. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, MISS OLSEN.
THE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PORTION OF THE MEETING IS DESIGNED TO ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AN OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THE BOARD IN ACCORDANCE WITH REASONABLE, CONTENT NEUTRAL AND VIEWPOINT NEUTRAL PARAMETERS.
THE BOARD WILL TAKE THIS TIME TO LISTEN AND CONSIDER.
THEY WILL NOT RENDER A DECISION ON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ISSUES WHEN THEY ARE PRESENTED.
THE AMOUNT OF TIME ALLOTTED FOR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BY THE BOARD PRESIDENT.
IN GENERAL, A MAXIMUM OF 30 MINUTES WILL BE RESERVED FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS.
[01:15:01]
THREE MINUTES ARE ALLOTTED TO EACH SPEAKER.WHEN THE ALLOTTED TIME EXPIRES, THE SPEAKER WILL BE PERMITTED TO COMPLETE A SENTENCE.
NOTICE WILL BE PROVIDED WHEN 30 SECONDS REMAIN AND YOU WILL HEAR THIS BELL.
PERSONNEL MATTERS, PENDING APPEALS, GRIEVANCES, LITIGATION, EMPLOYEE AND OR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING NEGOTIATIONS, AND SPECIFIC STUDENT DISCIPLINARY MATTERS MAY NOT BE DISCUSSED.
ABUSIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS AND PROFANITIES MAY BE CONSIDERED OUT OF ORDER.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY EXPRESS OPINIONS FAVORABLE AND UNFAVORABLE ON THE PERFORMANCE AND CONDUCT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM AND ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS IN THEIR PUBLIC ROLE ONLY.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING SCHOOL SYSTEM ADMINISTRATORS, TEACHERS, AND OTHER NON-ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED DIRECTLY TO THE SUPERINTENDENT. SPEAKERS MUST STATE THEIR NAMES AND MAY NOT SPEAK ON BEHALF OF AN ANONYMOUS INDIVIDUAL.
THE BOARD ALSO ENCOURAGES SPEAKERS TO SUBMIT A WRITTEN COPY OF THEIR REMARKS.
SO WITH THAT, WE HAVE SIX PEOPLE SIGNED UP THIS EVENING.
WE'D LIKE TO HAVE EVERYONE PREPARED TO MOVE UP ONCE THE OTHER PERSON HAS FINISHED.
AND A BOX IS PLACED ON THE TABLE FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
IT'S NOT GREEN, IT'S BLACK, BUT THE LITTLE GREEN LIGHT COMES ON.
GOOD EVENING, PRESIDENT HAWLEY, BOARD MEMBERS, DR.
LAWSON AND ALL WHO ARE PRESENT.
MY NAME IS RODNEY BREWER, AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE FROM MY HEART.
MAKES ME THINK OF GIDEON IN THE BIBLE.
WITH ONLY 300 MEN HE DEFEATED IN AN ARMY OF 135,000.
GOD CAN TAKE A SMALL AMOUNT AND MAKE BIG THINGS HAPPEN.
YOU SEE, MY FAMILY CAME UP FROM WEST VIRGINIA TO FIND WORK.
MY DAD AND MOM ALREADY HAD THREE CHILDREN BEFORE I WAS EVEN BORN.
MY MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY IS JANUARY 16TH, A DAY AFTER MARTIN LUTHER KING JR'S.
AS I RECALL, OR SHOULD I SAY, AS I WAS TOLD, THEY LIVED ON DOGWOOD ROAD IN A CARDBOARD SHACK AT FIRST AND DOGWOOD ROAD IS JUST OUTSIDE OF ELKTON, JUST ON 213 NOT FAR FROM HERE.
WE CALLED THE PLACE THE HOLLER.
TODAY THE ROAD IS WOODLANDS ROAD, NOT FAR FROM ROUTE 273.
MY FATHER ALSO SAVED THE NAILS STRAIGHTEN THEM OUT AND REUSE THEM.
KIND OF LIKE THE IDEA OF RECYCLING.
TODAY WE JUST GO TO HOME DEPOT AND GET THE NAILS.
HE BUILT A HOUSE FOR MY MOM, THREE SIBLINGS AND ME.
I WAS BORN IN THE HOUSE ON THE 12TH OF JANUARY IN 1952.
JANUARY OF ALL MONTHS IS A COLD AND SNOWY TIME YET DR.
JAMES JOHNSON CAME TO THE HOUSE AND DELIVERED ME TO THIS WORK WORLD.
AND WHAT DOES THIS HAVE TO DO WITH BLACK HISTORY MONTH? YOU SEE, DR.
I STILL HAVE A SCAR TO THIS DAY.
YOU KNOW, YOU CAN SEARCH FOR ANYTHING ON THE INTERNET.
AND SO I WANT TO SHARE WITH YOU A QUOTE FROM AN ARTICLE I FOUND ABOUT DR.
SHE ADDS HE WAS ALWAYS WORKING.
$6. YES, THAT'S WHAT IT COSTS FOR A DR.
VISIT. CLIFFORD JONES RECALLS FOR THAT, HE DISPENSED MEDICINE.
DR. ALWAYS FIXED ME UP AND CURED THE AILS I HAD.
HE WAS A SWEET, WONDERFUL PERSON.
WELL, TIME IS RUNNING OUT, AND DR.
BUCKLEY ALREADY RANG THE BELL.
YOU CAN FIND THIS DIALOG IN CHAPTER THREE OF JOHN.
AND THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND PRESIDENT HAWLEY HERE'S THE ENTIRE ARTICLE.
[01:20:06]
BREWER. YOU'RE WELCOME. NEXT IS SEAN BRIM, FOLLOWED BY LINDSAY BERGMAN [INAUDIBLE].MR. BREWER HAS EARNED MY RESPECT.
I'M SEAN BRIM AND I THINK THE CCSP BOOK REVIEW PROTOCOL IS THE EXAMPLE OTHER COUNTIES SHOULD FOLLOW.
INDEED, YOUR BOOK REVIEW PROCEDURE IS BETTER THAN EVEN YOU YOURSELVES KNOW.
BUT THIS PROCESS IS BEING WEAPONIZED.
LAST MONTH, ANOTHER BOOK COMPLAINT WAS MADE PUBLIC.
SHE ACCUSED THEM OF BEING A PEDOPHILE SYMPATHIZER.
IT IS A BLATANT ATTEMPT TO SILENCE OTHERS OVER A POLICY ISSUE THAT IS NOT A PART OF HER JOB.
IT IS A PART OF A PATTERN TO SLANDER THE SUPERINTENDENT AND HIS TEAM, THEN USE THAT AS AN EXCUSE BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO SINK CCPS SPENDING TO DEAD LAST IN THE STATE. I AM THE VICTIM OF A PEDOPHILE AND I WILL NOT BE SILENCED.
SHOULD I HEAR ANY PUBLIC COMMENTS WITH ANY LANGUAGE LIKE PRESIDENT GREGORY'S I SHALL TAKE IT AS A SLANDER NOT ONLY ON THE SUPERINTENDENT, BUT AS A SLANDER AGAINST ACTUAL PEDOPHILE VICTIMS. I WILL CONSIDER ANY SUCH COMMENTS AS A DIRECT AND PERSONAL ATTACK ON ME.
IF ANY MEMBER OF THE COUNTY COUNCIL MAKES ANY SUCH PUBLIC COMMENTS, OR ANY STANDING MEMBER OF THE REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE OR MOMS FOR LIBERTY, I WILL TAKE SUCH COMMENTS AS A DIRECT, UNPROVOKED POLITICAL ATTACK ON ME AS A STANDING MEMBER OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY LEADERSHIP.
SO WHEN THEY CONTINUED ASKING HIM, HE LIFTED UP HIMSELF AND SAID UNTO THEM.
HE THAT IS WITHOUT SIN AMONG YOU.
LET HIM FIRST CAST A STONE AT HER.
AND THEN HE STOOPED DOWN AND WROTE UPON THE GROUND.
IF ANYBODY WANTS TO KNOW A GOOD MODEL FOR HOW TO RUN A MEETING.
SHE IS MY GO TO EXAMPLE ON HOW TO RUN A MEETING LAST MONTH.
LAST NIGHT'S MEETING WAS A DISGRACE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH [APPLAUSE].
LINDSAY BERGMAN [INAUDIBLE] FOLLOWED BY BRIAN HAMPTON.
ALL RIGHT. LAST NIGHT, OUR COMMUNITY UNITED IN A POWERFUL DISPLAY OF SOLIDARITY TO DEMAND THAT THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE, DANIELLE HORNBERGER, FUND OUR SCHOOLS AFTER A ROUSING SET OF SPEAKERS OUTSIDE OUR COUNTY COUNCIL HEARD HEARTFELT PLEAS FROM STUDENTS WHO WHO CUTS TO ESSENTIAL PROGRAMS ENHANCING THEIR EDUCATION EXPERIENCE ARE WORRIED ABOUT.
OUR COMMUNITY IS ON THE RECORD STATING THAT THEY WANT THEIR TAX DOLLARS TO GO TO CCSP.
SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM? TO THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE I SAY YOU CANNOT SAY STUDENTS FIRST AND THEN PROVIDE ONLY THE LEGAL MINIMUM IN FUNDING.
I AM HERE TODAY TO IMPLORE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO ADVOCATE FOR A BUDGET FOR THE SCHOOL SYSTEM OF OUR WILDEST DREAMS. THE MEETING, JANUARY 24TH, OUTLINED CUTS THAT WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE IF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE ONCE AGAIN PROVIDES THE LEGAL MINIMUM, EMPHASIZING THAT AVOIDING THESE CUTS IS ONLY POSSIBLE WITH FUNDING BEYOND WHAT WE HAVE SEEN DURING HER TENURE.
LET'S IMAGINE A WELL FUNDED SCHOOL SYSTEM, ONE WHERE CLASS SIZES ARE MANAGEABLE.
STUDENTS HAVE THE RESOURCES THEY NEED TO THRIVE, AND DEFERRED MAINTENANCE CAN BE COMPLETED.
ASK FOR WHAT OUR STUDENTS DESERVE.
EVEN IF WE BELIEVE DANIELLE HORNBERGER WILL SCOFF AT SUCH A REQUEST.
FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THERE LAST NIGHT, I WANT TO BRING UP TWO POINTS MADE BY MR. HECKERT AND MR. BROWN.
MR. HECKERT STATED THAT ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES, AND MR. BROWN WARNED US NOT TO FALL FOR THE OKEYDOKE.
WE HAVE WITNESSED THE TRUE COLORS OF INDIVIDUALS ELECTED ON AN ANTI GOVERNMENT PLATFORM, A FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE LOCAL CHAPTER OF THE ANTI GOVERNMENT EXTREMIST GROUP MOMS FOR LIBERTY CURRENTLY HOLDS A POSITION ON OUR COUNTY COUNCIL, WHILE ANOTHER MEMBER SERVES ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
[01:25:04]
A VOCAL MINORITY THAT INCLUDES OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS, IS DISSEMINATING MISINFORMATION.OUR COMMUNITY STANDS UNITED FOR OUR STUDENTS AND OUR SCHOOLS.
LET'S STAY UNITED AT THE POLLS IN MAY AND VOTE THEM OUT.
ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES, AND MESSING WITH OUR COMMUNITY'S KIDS WILL ALSO HAVE CONSEQUENCES.
BRIAN HAMPTON, FOLLOWED BY CHRISTINE GIVENS.
GOOD EVENING, DR. LAWSON, PRESIDENT HAWLEY AND MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.
I LIVE IN PERRYVILLE AND BOTH MY KIDS ATTEND CCPS.
THUS, WITH PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFORMATION, IT IS REASONABLE TO CONCLUDE THERE IS A HIGH LIKELIHOOD THAT CCPS WILL AGAIN RECEIVE THE LEGAL MINIMUM FUNDING FROM THE COUNTY.
WHILE THE FINAL NUMBERS ARE STILL BEING WORKED IT IS CLEAR THAT THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANOTHER YEAR OF MINIMAL FUNDING ARE QUITE SEVERE, WITH THE HIGH LIKELIHOOD OF OCCURRENCE AND SEVERE CONSEQUENCES THE COUNTY FUNDING PRESENTS A HIGH RISK TO CCPS, AND YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THIS RISK. THANK YOU FOR DOING YOUR JOB.
NOW, HAD THE PUBLIC SAID, WHO CARES? WELL, YOU DID YOUR JOB AND LIFE GOES ON.
BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT THE PUBLIC SAID.
UNFORTUNATELY, THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE AND COUNCIL PRESIDENT, WHILE SITTING ON MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS, HAVE EMBARKED ON A CAMPAIGN OF DEFLECTION AND BLAME. BUT IT WAS GOOD TO SEE MANY OF YOU LAST NIGHT.
FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT ABLE TO ATTEND.
A LARGE AND DIVERSE CROWD OF CECIL COUNTIANS GATHERED AT THE COUNTY BUILDING IN SUPPORT OF CCPS, AND MANY SPOKE PASSIONATELY, INCLUDING ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, DURING THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
BUT I ALSO ASK THAT YOU STAND UP AND ADVOCATE FOR THE SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS, AND VOTE FOR A BUDGET WITH ADEQUATE FUNDING, SUCH THAT THIRD GRADERS DON'T HAVE TO STAY UP PAST THEIR BEDTIMES TO SPEAK TO A ROOM FULL OF ADULTS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND THE IMPACT BUDGET CUTS WILL HAVE ON THEIR LIVES.
THANK YOU [APPLAUSE]. THANK YOU, MR. HAMPTON. CHRISTINE GIVENS AND OUR LAST SPEAKER WOULD BE REBECCA ENGLISH.
GOOD AFTERNOON, EVERYONE, AND HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
ODD STORY EARLIER, BUT JUST TO BE CLEAR, PROXIMITY TO BLACK PEOPLE DOES NOT CLEAR YOU OF RACISM.
LAST NIGHT WAS A BIG NIGHT FOR THIS COMMUNITY AND TODAY IS NO DIFFERENT.
YESTERDAY REPRESENTED HOPE AND THE PROMISE THAT IF WE PUT ASIDE OUR EGOS AND TRULY COME TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY AND IN SOLIDARITY, THAT WE CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS, WE CAN MAKE CHANGE AND WE CAN HELP FIGHT FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN.
TODAY I'LL TALK ABOUT COMPETENCE.
A COMPETENT SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER UNDERSTANDS THE IMPORTANCE OF A WELL-ROUNDED EDUCATION.
THEY SUPPORT CURRICULUM ENHANCEMENTS, EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, AND PROGRAMS AIMED AT CLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP, AND WITH THEIR GUIDANCE AND PROPER FUNDING FROM THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OUR STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO FLOURISH ACADEMICALLY AND ARE BETTER PREPARED FOR A HIGHER WORK HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE WORKFORCE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, INCOMPETENCE CAN LEAD TO POOR DECISION MAKING AND NEGLECT OF CRITICAL ISSUES.
[01:30:01]
WHEN IMPORTANT DECISIONS AFFECTING CURRICULUM, HIRING PRACTICES, OR BUDGETING ARE MADE BY THESE LACKING EXPERTISE, THE NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES CAN BE DIRE.ONE OF THOSE BEING NO SUPPORT FOR OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.
LAST YEAR, ONLY ONE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER VOTED AGAINST BETTERING OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM AND OPPOSED THE PROPOSED SCHOOL BUDGET THAT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED THE ADEQUATE SERVICES, SUPPORT AND RESOURCES THAT OUR STUDENTS NEED AND DESERVE.
RENEE DIXON YOUR INCOMPETENCE IS ASTOUNDING AND FRANKLY, AN EMBARRASSMENT TO THIS COMMUNITY.
YOU DON'T DO YOUR HOMEWORK, YOU FALL ASLEEP DURING MEETINGS.
AND BASED ON THE QUESTION THAT YOU ASKED ALONE, IT'S EVIDENT THAT YOU SIMPLY REFUSE TO PUT IN THE TIME OUTSIDE MEETINGS TO LEARN BASIC FACTS ABOUT THE MOST IMPORTANT TOPIC AT HAND, WHICH IS FUNDING.
THERE IS ZERO EVIDENCE OF INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY OR ENGAGEMENT.
YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT TERMS MEAN AND YOU ARE ALWAYS CONFUSED.
SO HOW CAN YOU SHOW UP IN FRONT OF US EACH MONTH KNOWING THAT YOU VOTED NO ON SOMETHING THAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND OR KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT? I'LL END THIS WITH SAYING, TOGETHER WE MUST BE ADVOCATE FOR KNOWLEDGEABLE AND CAPABLE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS WHO WILL PRIORITIZE THE NEEDS OF OUR STUDENTS AND ENSURE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER TO FUND OUR SCHOOLS.
THANK YOU MISS [APPLAUSE]. MISS ENGLISH. I DON'T THINK SHE'S PRESENT.
ALL RIGHT. WE WILL MOVE ON TO CCPS RFP NUMBER 29-09, THE PERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL NEW FIELD HOUSE PROJECT. I'M GOING TO TAKE THIS ONE, IF YOU DON'T MIND.
FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO MAY HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION LAST MONTH, WE POSTPONED THIS UNTIL THIS MONTH.
DUE TO SOME OF OUR BOARD MEMBERS HAD CONCERNS ABOUT THE FACT THAT THERE ARE SOME OTHER PRETTY HIGH PRIORITY NEEDS, IN OUR COUNTY THAT COULD POTENTIALLY BE FUNDED WITH THE MONEY INSTEAD OF USING THAT MONEY ON A, ON A PERRYVILLE FIELD HOUSE.
AND, YOU KNOW, WE WERE ALWAYS TOLD YOU CAN ASK.
SO WE ASKED, WE SENT A LETTER TO THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE.
AND, YOU KNOW, I'M GOING TO PUBLICLY SAY THAT WE REQUESTED THAT THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE REDIRECT THE FUNDS FOR FOR THE OTHER HIGHER PRIORITY NEEDED PROJECTS, AND WE IDENTIFIED EIGHT OF THEM.
SO WE AWAIT A RESPONSE FOR THAT.
THIS RFP DOES EXPIRE ON FEBRUARY 20TH, AT WHICH POINT WE WOULD HAVE TO REBID THAT AGAIN.
SO I PERSONALLY DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE VOTING TO APPROVE THIS TONIGHT WITHOUT THAT ANSWER.
IT'S A $1.327 MILLION PROJECT.
SO, I AM I AM GOING TO MAKE A MOTION TO POSTPONE THIS AGENDA ITEM UNTIL A LATER DATE.
IS THERE A SECOND, SECOND SECOND OKAY.
ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? DO YOU GUYS WANT TO SAY ANYTHING? I'D SAY WE THINK THE FIELDHOUSE IS IMPORTANT.
SO LET'S NOT JUST SAY THAT WE DON'T THINK IT'S IMPORTANT.
I'D LOVE FOR THEM TO HAVE A FIELDHOUSE, BUT I THINK THAT WE HAVE OTHER THINGS.
AND YOU LOOK AT THE LIST, IT'S LIKE A ROOF LEAK.
I MEAN, WHAT'S THE LIST? IT'S THINGS THAT ARE PRESSING, THINGS THAT ARE NEEDED.
AND A FIELDHOUSE IS LESS NEEDED, MORE OF A WANT.
SO THAT'S MY, MY OPINION IS THAT THE MONEY COULD BE USED SOMEWHERE BETTER.
YEAH. I MEAN THEORETICALLY THE MONEY IS THERE TO DO BOTH, BUT THE, THE PROJECTS THAT WE ARE ARE ASKING TO BE SUBSTITUTED INSTEAD OF THIS MONEY.
I'LL JUST GIVE YOU SOME EXAMPLES.
OUR CECILTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOILER CONVERSION TO NATURAL GAS.
ELKTON HIGH SCHOOL HEAT AND HOT WATER SYSTEM.
RISING SUN HIGH SCHOOL BOILER STACK.
SO YOU CAN SEE ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE ARE NECESSARY.
ARE THEY AS GLAMOROUS AGAIN AS A FIELD HOUSE? NO, BUT THEY'RE NECESSARY.
SO AGAIN, WE'RE IN THE DISCUSSION MODE WE HAD A FIRST WE HAVE A SECOND.
[01:35:03]
IS THERE ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? NO OTHER DISCUSSION. OKAY, SO ALL IN FAVOR? AYE. ANY OPPOSED? OKAY. MOTION CARRIES.TURN ON MY MIC. NEXT WE HAVE THE CCPS SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY CHILLER FUNDING REQUEST.
DR. LAWSON. DO YOU WANT TO? YEAH, I'LL KICK THIS ONE OFF.
TOTALLY. FROM FROM THE FIELDHOUSE IN THE SENSE THAT WE'VE KNOWN FOR QUITE SOME TIME WE HAVE A DEFUNCT CHILLER, AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AT THE SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY. FRANKLY, WE KNEW THAT WHEN THE PROPERTY WAS PURCHASED, BACK IN 2014, 2015, IT'S BEEN ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT WE'RE TRYING TO GO ALONG, PATCHWORK, FIXING IT DAY TO DAY.
I'M SENDING OUR MAINTENANCE PEOPLE OVER THERE ROUTINELY THROUGH THE SUMMER MONTHS.
WE YOU KNOW, WE HAVE HEARD OCCASIONALLY, YOU KNOW, WE HEAR REGULARLY THAT WE SHOULDN'T CARRY A FUND BALANCE, THAT IF WE HAVE NEEDS, WE TAKE THEM TO THE COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND THEY WILL HELP US WITH THOSE KINDS OF THINGS.
SO WE WROTE A LETTER REQUESTING SUPPORT IN THIS PROJECT THAT WE HAD OVER A MILLION FROM A GRANT.
AND SHE, THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE, WOULD INCLUDE IT IN HER FY 25 BUDGET.
THE PROBLEM WITH THAT IS, IS THAT IT BUTTS UP AGAINST SOME OTHER NEEDS.
WE A REAL PRIORITY FOR US RIGHT NOW IS THE ROOF AT ELK NECK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
AND IF YOU THAT ARE THERE, YOU KNOW THE ROOF LEAKS LIKE A SIEVE ONTO WHAT IS A FAIRLY NEW GYM FLOOR.
SO IT'S, YOU KNOW, MOPS AND BUCKETS EVERY TIME WE GET A HEAVY RAIN.
AND SO WE HAVE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT COMPETING INTERESTS.
AND SO THE BOARD IS FACED WITH THE DECISION, DO YOU SPEND $900,000 OUT OF OUR FUND BALANCE NOW KNOWING THAT WE MIGHT HAVE A REAL CHALLENGE COMING NEXT YEAR? OR DO WE HOLD IT AND THEN LET THE $1 MILLION FROM THE STATE THAT THEY'RE OFFERING EXPIRE AND GO TO ANOTHER COUNTY? SO THAT'S SO AS YOU CAN SEE, WE'RE KIND OF IN A PICKLE.
YEAH. AND I JUST ALSO WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE ALSO SAID THAT, THAT SHE SHE DID MAKE A COMMITMENT TO SUBMIT THE FUNDS FOR CCPS REIMBURSEMENT AS PART OF OUR SMALL CAP THAT ASSUMES THAT THAT'S OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.
BUT THIS IS, AS YOU EXPLAINED, WE HAVE OVER $1 MILLION ALREADY TO COVER THIS.
SHE ALSO MADE IT CLEAR THAT ANY CHANGE ORDERS OR COST OVERRUNS WOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CCPS.
SO THAT'S AN IMPORTANT THING TO NOTE.
THE BOARD HAS MULLED OVER THIS FOR A WHILE.
SO DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE ANYTHING THEY WANT TO SAY? I WOULD JUST SAY THAT, YOU KNOW, WE HAVE DISCUSSED IT.
WE WERE. WE DEFINITELY WANT NEED TO REPLACE THIS PIECE OF EQUIPMENT.
BUT IT PUTS US IN IN A TIGHT SPOT FOR NEXT YEAR, AND WE'RE ALREADY IN A TIGHT SPOT FOR NEXT YEAR.
BUT WE ALSO DON'T WANT TO LOSE THE STATE MONEY.
SO. SO WE'RE GOING TO VOTE ON THIS AND WE'LL SEE WHERE WE END UP.
MOST TIMES WHEN I CALL FOR A VOTE, I KIND OF KNOW THE OUTCOME, ON THIS ONE.
SO ANY FURTHER DISCUSSION? OKAY, HERE WE GO.
I RECOMMEND THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CECIL COUNTY APPROVE THE CHILLER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM FOR THE CECIL COUNTY SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY FOR THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,993,300, WITH A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $925,005 COMING FROM FUND BALANCE, BASED ON THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE'S COMMITMENT TO SUBMITTING FUNDS FOR CCPS REIMBURSEMENT AS PART OF THE FY 25 SMALL CAPITAL PROJECT ALLOTMENT.
MOUTHFUL. OKAY, THAT WAS A LONG SENTENCE.
YOU'VE HEARD THE LONG RECOMMENDATION.
IS THERE A MOTION? SO MOVED. OKAY.
OKAY, SECOND. ANY OTHER DISCUSSION? MR. FERDINANDO YOU.
OH, I SAW YOU PUSHING YOUR BUTTON.
YEAH, I THINK, NO, I THINK WE CAN DO IT WITHOUT A ROLL CALL.
AYE. ANY OPPOSED? OKAY. MOTION CARRIES.
[01:40:04]
IT'S THAT $1 MILLION THAT'S GRANT MONEY IS THE KICKER.FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET UPDATE DR.
LAWSON BECAUSE WE HAVEN'T HAD ENOUGH OF MRS. SOPA [INAUDIBLE] TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING SO SWITCHING GEARS FROM OUR 25 PROPOSED BUDGET TO OUR CURRENT 24 BUDGET, WHENEVER WE DO A BUDGET AMENDMENT, WHETHER IT'S ADDING REVENUE TO THE BUDGET OR MOVING EXPENSES FROM ONE STATE CATEGORY TO ANOTHER, WE BRING IT TO THE BOARD FOR APPROVAL.
SO THIS SHOWS YOU THE LETTER THAT IS SENT TO THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE THAT SHOWS ANY ADDITIONAL REVENUE THAT WE'VE JUST RECEIVED FOR FY 24. KEEP IN MIND THAT THE EXPENSE COLUMN FOR A BALANCED BUDGET ALWAYS MATCHES THE REVENUE COLUMN.
SO ANY CHANGE IN EXPENSE WILL ALWAYS EQUAL OUR CHANGE IN REVENUE.
SO SOME ADDITIONAL RESTRICTED OTHER REVENUE IN FY 24 WOMEN'S CIVIC LEAGUE OF NORTHEAST.
THERE WERE MANY OF THOSE AWARDED TO THOSE EDUCATORS WHO APPLIED FOR THOSE.
THE CONOWINGO LIONS CLUB DONATION TO CONOWINGO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO SUPPORT CLASSROOM SUPPLIES.
YOU CAN ALSO SEE WE RECEIVED SOME ADDITIONAL RESTRICTED STATE REVENUE.
THE MARYLAND CENTER FOR SCHOOL SAFETY.
AND SOME OF THESE FUNDS WILL ALSO HELP TO PURCHASE A VAPE DETECTION SYSTEM.
AND THE MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION DECARBONIZING PUBLIC SCHOOLS PILOT PROGRAM GRANT TO SUPPORT ENERGY CONSERVATION MEASURES, INCLUDING SOFTWARE, MATERIALS, AND STAFF TRAINING. WHERE WE'VE BEEN LOGGING OUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND GETTING HELP WITH THAT, THAT WILL HELP US WITH REBATES AND COST SAVING MEASURES IN THE FUTURE.
SO THIS ACTUALLY SHOWS YOU THE TRANSFERS IN AND OUT OF DIFFERENT STATE CATEGORIES.
ANYTHING THAT HAS A TOTAL ON THE RIGHT HAND SIDE IS RELATED TO THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE ON THE FRONT.
THE OTHERS ARE CURRENT BUDGETS THAT ARE TRANSFERRING WITHIN BETWEEN STATE CATEGORIES.
SO THIS SHEET SHOWS OUR UNRESTRICTED BUDGET BY REVENUE SOURCE, THEN BY STATE CATEGORY, AND THEN EXPENDITURES BY OBJECT.
SO SHOWING YOU THE SAME DATA IN THREE DIFFERENT WAYS.
KEEPING IN MIND THAT OUR ORIGINAL BUDGET PLUS ANY YEAR TO DATE AMENDMENTS EQUALS OUR CURRENT BUDGET.
THIS IS OUR THREE YEAR TREND WHERE WE JUST LIKE TO KEEP TRACK OF HOW WE'RE TRENDING.
AS FAR AS OUR EXPENSES COMPARED TO PRIOR YEARS.
IT HELPS US TO FLAG THINGS WHERE WE MAY BE TRENDING HIGH OR THINGS WERE TRENDING LOW AND WHY.
SO REMEMBER, BASED ON STUDENTS NEEDS AND IEPS, WE DON'T REALLY HAVE ANY CONTROL OF THE NONPUBLIC COSTS OR WHAT WE NEED TO DO IN THE WAY OF RELATED SERVICE PROVIDERS. IF WE CAN'T FIND THOSE EMPLOYEES AND HAVE TO PAY FOR RELATED SERVICE.
[01:45:02]
WHEN YOU LOOK AT OPERATION OF PLANT AND MAINTENANCE OF PLANT, THEY'RE A LITTLE LOW COMPARED TO THIS TIME OF THE YEAR LAST YEAR, AND IT REALLY COMES TO TIMING OF EXPENDITURES. A LOT OF TIMES THEY'RE VERY FRUGAL WITH THEIR BUDGET UNTIL WE GET LATER IN THE YEAR, BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT EXPENSES YOU MAY HAVE.SO THAT'S REALLY JUST TIMING OF EXPENDITURES.
AND AS YOU CAN SEE HERE UNDER FIXED CHARGES, ACTIVE AND RETIREE HEALTH CARE ARE BOTH UP.
SO YOU CAN SEE WE'RE ABOUT $1.3 MILLION OVER WHERE WE WERE THIS TIME LAST YEAR.
THE LAST PAGE JUST SHOWS BY DEPARTMENT PERCENT OF THE BUDGET USED.
AND NOTHING REALLY LOOKS SIGNIFICANT IN THAT AREA.
AND IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.
DOES THE BOARD HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR MISS SOPA? NOW HEARING ONE KNOW YOU HAVE A RECOMMENDATION.
YOU'VE HEARD THE RECOMMENDATION.
ANY DISCUSSION? ALL IN FAVOR, SAY AYE.
AYE. ANY OPPOSED? MOTION CARRIES.
NEXT WE HAVE THE SUPERINTENDENT BOARD PRESIDENT COMMENTS.
SHOCKER, RIGHT? NO, I HEARD, A BUNCH OF YOU TONIGHT TALK ABOUT THE RALLY THAT HAPPENED LAST NIGHT.
AND I JUST WANT TO TAKE A SECOND TO COMMEND OUR STUDENTS.
HOLD ON. I'M GOING TO MAKE YOU CLAP IN A SECOND, BECAUSE I WILL MAKE YOU CLAP IN A SECOND.
BUT, WE HAD OUR YOUNGEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SPEAKING IN FRONT OF COUNCIL LAST NIGHT, AND THAT TAKES SOME SERIOUS, SERIOUS COURAGE FOR FOR US, LET ALONE THEM.
AND I JUST ALSO WANT TO I WANT OUR I SEE OUR STUDENT LEADERS IN HERE.
I WANT YOU TO STAND UP, PLEASE.
YOU GUYS ARE WORKING SO HARD TO UNITE A COMMUNITY, AND YOU KNOW, YOU CONTINUE TO LEAD WITH GRACE. I TELL YOU THAT ALL THE TIME, MADISON.
THIS IS WHAT ALL OF OUR ADULTS SHOULD BE DOING, RIGHT.
I JUST I HOPE EVERYONE'S WATCHING YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE A SIGHT TO WATCH.
AND, YOU KNOW, YOUR ROLE MODELS, YOU REMAIN FOCUSED.
YOU MEAN YOU REMAIN RESPECTFUL AND FACTUAL, AND THAT'S IMPORTANT.
AND I HAD MISS RODGERS READ THE MISSION TONIGHT.
AND, YOU KNOW, PART OF THIS THAT SHE READ THAT IS HAPPENING RIGHT BEFORE OUR VERY EYES RIGHT NOW.
AND, YOU KNOW, WE NEED TO CONTINUE.
WE NEED TO CONTINUE AS A SCHOOL SYSTEM, AS A COMMUNITY, TO GIVE ALL STUDENTS, ALL STUDENTS, THE TOOLS THAT THEY NEED TO CONTINUE TO BE THE SUCCESSFUL, THE CARING AND THE ETHICAL CITIZENS THAT YOU GUYS HAVE ALREADY PROVEN TO BE.
SO THANK YOU AGAIN [APPLAUSE].
AND THAT'S ALL I'M GOING TO SAY.
MR. FERDINANDO, YOU DON'T WANT TO SAY WHAT SCHOOL THEY'RE FROM.
YOU ALWAYS SAY WHEN THEY'RE FROM NORTHEAST.
BUT I DIDN'T HEAR YOU SAY THAT.
OH, I DIDN'T HEAR YOU SAY THAT.
ALLISON FROM RISING SUN. WELL, WE'VE DONE SOME RISING SUN.
WE HAVE SOME ELKTON SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY.
RIGHT. ARE ARE YOU THE FIRST STUDENT BOARD MEMBER WHO REPRESENTS SCHOOL OF TECH AS WELL? YEAH. AND THAT [APPLAUSE].
YEAH. OKAY WITH THAT I'M GOING TO MOVE ON TO UPCOMING EVENTS.
DR. LAWSON YOU WANT TO TAKE THOSE? YES. AND ONE OF THE MORE CREATIVE USES OF THE SCHOOL CALENDAR, KEEPING IN MIND THAT EVERY STUDENT GOES TO SCHOOL 180 DAYS, EVERY TEN MONTH EMPLOYEE WORKS 189 DAYS, AND EVERY 12 MONTH PERSON WORKS 244.
IT'S JUST A QUESTION OF WHAT DAYS.
HOWEVER, WE HAVE WORKED THE CALENDAR THIS YEAR SO THAT SUPER BOWL MONDAY IS AN OFF DAY [APPLAUSE].
NOW THAT NOW THAT IS CREATIVE THINKING.
[01:50:04]
YEAH, UNFORTUNATELY THE RAVENS AREN'T IN THE SUPER BOWL, BUT SO SO WE HAVE A SO WE HAVE AN OFF DAY FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF ARE COMPLETING PD MODULES ONLINE.THE FOLLOWING MONDAY IS PRESIDENT'S BIRTHDAY I BELIEVE.
SO TWO THREE DAY WEEKENDS COMING WHICH IS ALWAYS NICE.
ON THE 13TH WHICH IS NEXT TUESDAY, WE HAVE THE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MR. FERDINANDO. YOU'RE CERTAINLY WELCOME TO COME OUT AND OBSERVE.
AND OUR NEXT BOARD MEETING IS FEBRUARY 28TH, WHERE WE HOPEFULLY WILL APPROVE A FINAL BUDGET.
AND THAT IS WHAT, TWO WEEKS TONIGHT? NO, THREE WEEKS TONIGHT.
THREE WEEKS TONIGHT. AND THAT'S ALL I HAVE.
OKAY. WE ARE AT THE END OF OUR AGENDA, SO THAT MEANS WE ARE GOING TO ADJOURN.
I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE FOR COMING OUT TONIGHT.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION AND CONTINUE TO ADVOCATE.
THANK YOU [APPLAUSE].
* This transcript was compiled from uncorrected Closed Captioning.