St. Mary's County Public Schools public meetings in 2021
24 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education is meeting to vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of a fresh produce contract with Keany Produce Company using a piggyback contract from Loudoun County, expected to exceed $50,000 per year. Other items include approval of meeting minutes, personnel changes (teacher hires and departures), and recognitions of school nurses, student artists, and performing arts teachers. An executive session for personnel and litigation was held before the open meeting.
- Approval of fresh produce contract with Keany Produce Co., expected >$50,000 annually (piggyback on LCPS IFB #18182)
- Personnel actions: approval of new teacher hires and departures for 2021-2022
- Recognition of school nurses with citations from Delegate Brian Crosby
- Superintendent's Art Gallery recognition for 1st marking period student artists from 6 schools
- Performing Arts Teacher Recognition, including special recognition for Leonardtown MS band director participating in Rose Parade
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board will consider approving a $651,608 design contract for limited renovation at Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School and an $83,640 pre-design study for HVAC renovation at Chopticon High School. Also on the agenda: election of board officers, a substitute incentive program offering $200 for 20 assignments, and approval of personnel changes.
- Design award to Smolen EMR Ilkovitch (SEI) Architects for limited renovation at Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School, $651,608 plus $33,000 contingency
- Pre-design study award to Alban Engineering, Inc. for HVAC and building systemic renovation at Chopticon High School, $83,640
- Substitute incentive program: $200 for completing 20 substitute assignments between Dec 6, 2021 and Jan 28, 2022
- Election of board chairman and vice chairman
- Consent agenda includes teacher hires and departures
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education will consider a consent agenda including a $200 incentive for employees who provide COVID-19 vaccination documentation (plus $200 for a booster), and approval of a contract with Southern Maryland Floor Company for on-call flooring, carpet, and tile services using Charles County Public Schools' contract. Also on the agenda: recognition of American Education Week, public comment on masks, and the FY2022 October financial report.
- Wellness Documentation Incentive: $200 for proof of COVID-19 vaccination, additional $200 for booster shot
- Contract for Flooring, Carpet, and Tile Services: piggyback on Charles County contract with Southern Maryland Floor Company, annual spending expected over $50,000
- Personnel changes: new hires and departures for certificated staff
- Public comment by Sharon L. Page on masks
- American Education Week (Nov 15-19) recognition with resolution
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The St. Mary's County Board of Education met on November 3, 2021 for its regular session. Members approved the agenda and the consent agenda items, including the minutes from the October 20, 2021 meeting and personnel actions. The board received an information presentation on the Equity Needs Assessment report prepared by Insight Education Group. An additional information session provided an overview of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future implementation plan.
- Approval of the meeting agenda (motion passed)
- Approval of consent agenda items: minutes of Oct 20, 2021 and personnel certifications
- Information presentation of the Equity Needs Assessment report (Insight Education Group)
- Information session on Blueprint for Maryland's Future implementation plan
- Recognition of School Psychology Awareness Week (Nov 8‑12, 2021)
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education will consider awarding a $4,341,655.09 contract to FieldTurf USA for the installation of synthetic turf fields at each St. Mary's County high school, plus a $371,331.91 contingency. Other business includes approving the purchase of medical-grade face masks costing over $75,000 in FY22, appointing a new Ethics Panel member, and recognizing National School Bus Safety Week.
- $4,341,655.09 contract to FieldTurf USA for synthetic turf fields at all high schools (plus $371,331.91 contingency)
- Purchase of disposable face masks from VastMed, LLC at ~$0.06 per mask; anticipated spending over $75,000 in FY22
- Appointment of a new Ethics Panel member to replace outgoing member Wayne Lockley
- Recognition of National School Bus Safety Week (Oct 18-22) and bus driver/attendant appreciation
- Approval of personnel actions including teacher and administrative/supervisory hires and departures
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education will vote on a $1,888,767 contract to replace water chillers and cooling towers at Chopticon High School, with a $132,213 contingency. It will also consider a FY2022 budget amendment and approve the 2021 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for Educational Facilities. Consent agenda includes personnel changes and updates to school bus contracts.
- Award ITB#SMCPS-2022-M-CHSWCR to Gaghan Mechanical, Inc. for Chopticon High School water chiller/cooling tower replacement ($1,888,767 plus $132,213 contingency)
- FY2022 Budget Amendment to be submitted to St. Mary's County Commissioners
- Approval of 2021 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for Educational Facilities
- Consent: Personnel changes for teachers, administrative/supervisory staff
- Consent: School bus contract updates (transfers, ownership changes, spare buses)
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education will consider approving a consent agenda that includes a FY22 College Board contract for PSAT/NMSQT and SAT assessments, with a maximum cost of $102,608. Action items include a $40,065 categorical budget transfer for a Haas machine and approval of the Local Application for Federal Funds (LAFF) Special Education Staffing Plan for SY22. The meeting also features recognitions of student artists and public comments from nine speakers.
- Consent agenda approval of PSAT/NMSQT and SAT SD contract with College Board, up to $102,608
- Action item: categorical budget transfer of $40,065 for Haas TL lathe machine purchase
- Action item: approval of LAFF Special Education Staffing Plan for SY22
- Consent agenda includes approval of personnel actions (administrative, supervisory, teacher new hires and departures)
- Recognition of 2020-2021 4th Marking Period Superintendent's Art Gallery artists from seven schools
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education will approve consent agenda items including the renewal of Imagine Learning software licenses at a cost of $165,875, contracts for an Orientation and Mobility Specialist ($77,000) and a Speech Language Pathology Assistant ($89,110), and personnel changes. The meeting also includes a recognition of virtual summer school staff and an executive session for personnel and litigation.
- Approve Imagine Learning renewal for $165,875
- Approve contract with Blind Industries and Services of Maryland for $77,000
- Approve contract for Speech Language Pathology Assistant for $89,110
- Approve personnel changes (new hires and departures)
- Recognize virtual summer school staff
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education is meeting to discuss and vote on a consent agenda that includes a $1,142,910 contract with Specialized Education of Maryland for three in-district special education classroom programs and two alternative classrooms at Green Holly Elementary, Margaret Brent Middle, and Chopticon High schools. The board will also hear public comments from 26 speakers and approve personnel actions including new teacher hires and administrative changes. An executive session for personnel and litigation matters precedes the open session.
- Contract with High Road School for $1,142,910 for special education and alternative classrooms at three schools
- Public comment period with 26 registered speakers
- Personnel actions: approval of new teachers and administrative/supervisory staff
- Approval of minutes from August 11, 2021 meeting
- Executive session on personnel and litigation issues
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County approved a consent agenda including a contract to purchase paper and disposable products from FPC Holdings, Inc. using Cecil County's bid, totaling $145,883.30 in FY21. Also approved was the purchase of Raptor Volunteer Management Software for $14,350 initial and $12,600 annual licensing. The board recognized summer school staff and a scientific challenge team that placed second globally. Public comment was heard from five speakers.
- Approved using Cecil County bid #21-02 to buy cafeteria paper/disposables from FPC Holdings, Inc. - $145,883.30 spent in FY21
- Approved Raptor Volunteer Management Software for $14,350 initial, $12,600 annual licensing, saving $8,000 per year over current process
- Recognized summer school staff for extraordinary efforts
- Recognized GMHS and LHS students for second place in Scientific Challenge Global Finals
- Approved minutes of July 21, 2021, and personnel actions for teachers (new hires and departures)
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education approved a consent agenda including purchases of Conscious Discipline materials and training exceeding $50,000, new digital resources for the Family Life and Human Sexuality program, and a contract extension with Johnson Controls for security camera services (FY21 total $130,994.61). Personnel actions and meeting minutes were also approved. One public comment speaker addressed general concerns.
- Approval of Conscious Discipline materials and professional development (over $50,000) funded by restricted funds
- Approval of seven additional digital resources for secondary Family Life and Human Development education
- Approval to extend Johnson Controls security camera contract through June 30, 2022 via Sourcewell piggyback
- Approval of personnel actions including new hires and departures for 2021-2022 school year
- Recognition of Chopticon High School state championship baseball and 4x800 relay teams
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County met on June 30, 2021, and approved a consent agenda that included personnel changes, purchases of reading materials and IT security, and an $80,000 contract with High Road School for summer special education programs. The meeting also featured recognitions of outgoing student board member Naggena Ohri and a donation from the Patuxent Partnership for STEM initiatives. An executive session was held on personnel and real property issues.
- Approved $80,000 contract with Specialized Education of Maryland (High Road School) for three in-district summer classroom programs
- Authorized purchase of American Reading Company materials and professional development expected to exceed $50,000 for Title I schools
- Approved IT security subscription purchase via MEEC contract for network enhancement (details confidential)
- Approved personnel actions including certificated new hires and departures for 2021-2022 school year
- Recognized student board member Naggena Ohri for service and Patuxent Partnership for STEM donation
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education approved the July 2021 Educational Facilities Master Plan for submission to the state, approved a $68,376 budget amendment transferring funds from the Great Mills High School roof project to county reserve, and authorized a uniform rental contract with UniFirst via Sourcewell. The board also recognized safety and security staff and approved a consent agenda including personnel actions and meeting minutes.
- Approval of the 2021 Educational Facilities Master Plan for submission to Maryland Department of Planning
- Transfer of $68,376 from Great Mills High School Partial Roof project to St. Mary's County FIN21 reserve account
- Authorization of Sourcewell contract #040920-UFC with UniFirst Corporation for uniform rental and cleaning services
- Recognition of law enforcement partners and safety/security staff for support to schools
- Consent agenda approval of personnel actions (administrative, teacher departures, new hires) and May 26 meeting minutes
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County approved a contract award to LayerOne Technology Solutions and Corbett Technology Solutions for public address system installations at multiple school locations, with each installation expected to cost over $100,000. The board also approved a $134,033 contract plus $27,000 contingency to Earnshaw Brothers for septic system replacement at Town Creek Elementary School. Consent agenda items including personnel changes and meeting minutes were approved. The meeting included recognitions for 21st Century Community Learning Centers and student art, as well as public comment on mask concerns.
- Contract award to Earnshaw Brothers, LLC for $134,033 plus $27,000 contingency for septic system replacement at Town Creek Elementary School
- Contract award to LayerOne Technology Solutions and Corbett Technology Solutions for PA system installations at multiple schools, valid through May 2022 with renewal options to 2026
- Approval of personnel items including teacher and administrative hires and departures
- Recognition of organizations supporting Summer 2021 21st Century Community Learning Centers
- Public comment speakers on EASMC and mask concerns
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education will consider approving the purchase of Geodes print classroom kits from Great Minds PBC for $384,280. They will also act on a consent agenda including approval of minutes, personnel actions, and a flooring services contract using Charles County's bid with annual expenditures over $50,000. Recognitions for School Nurse Day and Pupil Personnel Worker Day are scheduled.
- Purchase of Geodes print classroom kits from Great Minds PBC for $384,280 (Action Item 11.01)
- Approval of flooring services contract using County Commissioners of Charles County Bid No. 17-02 for on-call floor covering, estimated annual expenditures over $50,000 (Consent Agenda 10.04)
- Approval of minutes from April 28, 2021
- Personnel actions including new teacher hires for 2021-2022 (Consent Agenda 10.02, 10.03)
- FY 2021 April Financial Report presented as information item
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education will consider awarding a $125,000 contract to Amber Enterprises, Inc. for emergency generator replacement at Chopticon High School, with an additional $8,800 contingency. The consent agenda includes approval of meeting minutes, personnel actions (teacher hires and departures), and a contract for playground equipment and installation services. A recognition will honor a Great Mills High School student receiving the 'Yes, I Can Award'.
- Action item: Award contract ITB-SMCPS-2021-M-EGRP for $125,000 to Amber Enterprises for emergency generator replacement at Chopticon High School, plus $8,800 contingency
- Consent agenda: Approval of playground equipment and installation services via cooperative contracts with Playground Specialists, Inc. (totals $505,013.26 in FY19, $77,047.14 in FY20, $76,028.15 YTD FY21)
- Consent agenda: Personnel actions including new teacher hires and departures for 2021-2022 school year
- Recognition: Nicole Hyatt of Great Mills High School receives the 'Yes, I Can Award' for academics from the Council for Exceptional Children
- Executive session scheduled for personnel matters and administrative function items (closed to public)
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County holds a regular meeting with an executive session for personnel, litigation, and real property matters. The open session includes a recognition of April as the Month of the Military Child, a consent agenda approving minutes and personnel items (with no administrative/supervisory changes and teacher new hires/departures), and information items including the FY2021 March financial report and a presentation on School Library Month. The meeting is largely procedural with no major action items.
- Recognition of April as Month of the Military Child, honoring military-connected students
- Consent agenda approval of March 24, 2021 minutes and personnel items (teacher new hires/departures for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022)
- Information item: FY2021 General Fund monthly financial report for March 31, 2021, to be forwarded to county commissioners
- Information item: School Library Month presentation highlighting librarian resources during virtual/hybrid learning
- Executive session held prior to open meeting for personnel, litigation, and real property issues
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The St. Mary's County Board of Education approved the agenda and the consent agenda, including the minutes from March 10, 2021. It reviewed a February 2021 financial report and presented information on Women's History Month and Irish American Heritage Month. The meeting also recognized student artwork in the Superintendent's Art Gallery.
- Approval of the agenda (motion passed)
- Approval of March 10, 2021 minutes (consent agenda)
- Review of FY 2021 February financial report
- Presentation on Women's History Month and Irish American Heritage Month
- Recognition of student artwork in the Superintendent's Art Gallery
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education will vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of $91,080 in additional frozen meals from Synergy Food Group for distribution during spring break and weekends, and award of a contract for school activity buses to K. Neal Truck and Bus at $66,020 each. The board also recognizes School Social Work Week and handles routine personnel items.
- Approval of additional frozen meals from Synergy Food Group for $91,080 to support meal distribution through spring break and weekends
- Award of contract to K. Neal Truck and Bus for multi-function school activity buses at $66,020 each
- Personnel actions including teacher departures and administrative changes (none for admin)
- Approval of minutes from February 24, 2021 meeting
- Recognition of March 8-12, 2021 as School Social Work Week
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education is reviewing a contract for HVAC and roof replacements at Dynard Elementary School. The agenda also includes several consent agenda items regarding personnel, instructional materials, and recognitions.
- Construction award to Paramount Mechanical Corporation for $5,842,000.00 plus a $467,000.00 contingency for Dynard Elementary School HVAC and roof replacement
- Proposed purchase of educational bundles from Goodheart-Willcox Publisher for $47,560.80
- Proposed purchase of instructional materials from Cengage Learning for $67,462.96
- Recognition of the Mask Bandits of St. Mary's County and The Southern Maryland Agile Response Team for PPE donations
- Recognition of National Board Certification for Robert Schou, Tammy Belisario, and Jackie Snyder
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education will vote on approving revisions to the High School Program of Studies for 2021-2022, following a first reading and public hearing. The consent agenda includes approval of meeting minutes, teacher personnel appointments, and the 2021-2022 board meeting schedule. Members will also receive the FY 2021 January financial report as an information item.
- Second reading and vote on High School Program of Studies revisions for 2021-2022
- Approval of consent agenda including personnel actions for teachers (list of new hires attached)
- Approval of the 2021-2022 Board of Education meeting schedule
- Recognition of February 1-5, 2021 as School Counseling Week
- FY 2021 January financial report presented for review
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2021-2022 High School Program of Studies. The Board also will vote on a consent agenda that includes personnel changes and amendments to special education contracts to add a Teacher of the Visually Impaired position, with an annual cost exceeding $100,000. The meeting opened with an executive session on personnel, collective bargaining, and administrative function items.
- Public hearing on 2021-2022 High School Program of Studies
- Consent agenda includes approval of meeting minutes from Jan 6 and Jan 13, 2021
- Approval of teacher personnel departures (certificated personnel)
- Approval of amendments to six special education professional services contracts to add Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) position, cost over $100,000 annually
- Recognition of student artists for Superintendent's Art Gallery, first marking period SY 2020-2021
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
At the Jan 13, 2021 meeting, the St. Mary's County Board of Education entered executive session on personnel matters, approved its agenda and consent items, and voted on several contracts, including a $77,000 special‑education services contract and a $487,710 contract to replace windows and exterior doors at Ridge Elementary School. The board also authorized multiple awards under an indefinite‑quantity job‑order contract for general construction, allowing purchase orders up to $150,000.
- Entered executive session to discuss Personnel and Collective Bargaining (Maryland Local Government Article, Section 9-512(a)(1)(2))
- Approved a $77,000 contract with Blind Industries and Services of Maryland for an Orientation and Mobility Specialist in Special Education
- Authorized multiple awards under an indefinite‑quantity job‑order contract for General Construction, permitting individual purchase orders up to $150,000
- Approved a $487,710 contract plus $50,000 contingency to W.M. Davis, Inc. for window and exterior door replacement at Ridge Elementary School
- Approved the consent agenda, including minutes from Dec. 16, 2020 and other routine items
Public Hearing of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education holds a public hearing to receive testimony on the FY 2022 Superintendent's Recommended Budget. The superintendent will also present a report. Public comments address bus contracts, vaccine plans, and return-to-school issues.
- Public hearing on FY 2022 Superintendent's Recommended Budget presented by Dr. J. Scott Smith and Ms. Tammy McCourt
- Superintendent's Report
- Public comments on bus contracts
- Public comments on vaccine and return-to-school plans
- Next regular board meeting scheduled for January 13, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.