St. Mary's County Public Schools public meetings in 2023
25 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education held an executive session for personnel and collective bargaining, then reconvened to elect a new chairman (Karin Bailey) and vice chairman (Cathy Allen). The board approved the agenda and a consent agenda including personnel changes, a kitchen refrigeration services contract, and an office supplies contract.
- Election of Karin Bailey as Chairman and Cathy Allen as Vice Chairman
- Approval of consent agenda including personnel new hires and departures
- Award of kitchen refrigeration services contract to Hancock Refrigeration Co. and Hall's HVAC, with potential spending over $100,000 per year
- Piggyback contract with ODP Business Solutions for office and school supplies, replacing prior Office Depot contract
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 November 29, 2023, and voted on several consent agenda items, including a concrete installation and repair contract with Colossal Contractors, Inc., with annual spending over $100,000. The board also approved personnel changes for teachers and administrative staff, and entered executive session to discuss personnel and collective bargaining. A student enrollment update was presented as an information item.
- Approved concrete installation/repair contract with Colossal Contractors, Inc., with option to renew through August 2027 and FY24 spending over $100,000.
- Approved personnel changes including new teacher hires and departures.
- Approved minutes from November 8, 2023 meeting.
- Recognized Superintendent's Art Gallery artists for first marking period SY23-24.
- Heard public comment from Heather Huff regarding Blueprint.
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education held an executive session on personnel and administrative matters, then reconvened for a regular meeting. It approved the consent agenda including personnel actions and recognized Farm to School volunteers and School Psychology Awareness Week. The main action item was awarding a $188,700 contract to Ebenezer Electric, LLC to replace the emergency generator at Leonardtown High School.
- Approved $188,700 contract (plus $13,200 contingency) to Ebenezer Electric, LLC for emergency generator replacement at Leonardtown High School
- Approved consent agenda including certificated personnel new hires and departures
- Recognized 15th anniversary of Farm to School Day in partnership with University of Maryland Extension
- Recognized November 6-10, 2023 as School Psychology Awareness Week
- Received FY 2024 October financial report to be forwarded to county commissioners
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The board is acting on an action item to approve a contract with Modular Genius, Inc. for $342,153 plus $40,000 contingency to demo two relocatable units at George Washington Carver Elementary School, transport a quad unit from Hollywood Elementary School, and install it at Carver. The consent agenda includes approval of a new 60-month lease and maintenance agreement for the Print Shop with Meridian Imaging Solutions at $69,063.96 annually, as well as personnel changes and meeting minutes. The board also recognized three SMCPS students for perfect AP scores.
- Approval of $342,153 contract to Modular Genius, Inc. plus $40,000 contingency for relocating modular classrooms from Hollywood ES to George Washington Carver ES
- Approval of 60-month lease/maintenance contract with Meridian Imaging Solutions for Print Shop equipment at $69,063.96 per year
- Recognition of three Leonardtown High School students for perfect AP exam scores (Lillian Kibler, Margaret Nichols, Ingrid Schaefer)
- Approval of personnel changes for teachers and administrative staff
- Approval of minutes from October 11, 2023 meeting
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board held an executive session for personnel and administrative matters, then reconvened to approve the consent agenda, which included a $19,190 increase for commissioning services at Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School and a $28,517.67 purchase of Phonics for Reading and I-Ready Assessment. A recognition was made for School Bus Safety Week.
- Approved a $19,190 increase (to $94,190 total) for building commissioning services at Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School
- Approved a $28,517.67 purchase of Phonics for Reading and I-Ready Assessment from Curriculum Associates, LLC.
- Approved personnel changes for teachers (new hires and departures)
- Recognized National School Bus Safety Week (October 16-20, 2023)
- Approved minutes of the September 27, 2023 meeting
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education will vote on awarding a contract for an electric vehicle kit for the Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center. The consent agenda includes a contract for air filter purchases, installation, and inspections worth up to $127,869 annually, as well as personnel actions for teachers. The meeting also features recognitions of student artists and public comment.
- Approval of $79,586 contract for Switch EV Kit, Curriculum and Instruction for CTE Engineering program at Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center
- Approval of air filter purchase, installation, and inspections contract with Cosmos Air Purification & Environmental Systems, Inc., estimated $127,869 for FY24, with options to extend through 2028
- Personnel actions: new teacher hires and departures (certificated personnel)
- Recognition of student artwork for Superintendent's Art Gallery (4th marking period)
- Approval of minutes from September 13, 2023
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County voted to approve the FY 2025-2030 State Capital Improvements Program, which includes multi-year funding for renovations at Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary, Piney Point Elementary HVAC, and Chopticon High School. The board also awarded $719,982.83 in furniture contracts for Greenview Knolls and Hollywood Elementary Schools, and amended the 2023-2024 school calendar to align with Blueprint requirements.
- Approved FY 2025-2030 State CIP with projects including Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary limited renovation, Piney Point Elementary HVAC systemic renovation, and Chopticon High School modified limited renovation.
- Awarded $289,816.18 contract to Douron Inc. for furniture at Greenview Knolls Elementary School.
- Awarded $430,166.65 contract to Douron Inc. for furniture at Hollywood Elementary School.
- Approved amendment to the 2023-2024 school calendar to align with Blueprint requirements.
- Approved consent agenda including personnel items for teachers and approval of August 30, 2023 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 consent agenda that includes the purchase of two 2023 Chevy Malibus from Fitzgerald Frederick for $52,642, a fire alarm service contract at Hollywood Elementary School for $29,164, and personnel changes for teachers and administrative staff. The board also held an executive session to discuss personnel, legal, and administrative matters.
- Purchase of two 2023 Chevy Malibus from Fitzgerald Frederick for $52,642
- Fire alarm parts and services at Hollywood Elementary School from Johnson Controls for $29,164
- Personnel actions: new hires and departures for teachers (certificated) and administrative/supervisory staff
- Approval of minutes from August 16, 2023
- Public comment period with registered speakers
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County met on August 16, 2023, and approved a consent agenda that included personnel changes, IT security purchases using existing contracts, and a purchase of Conscious Discipline materials and professional development expected to exceed $50,000. The meeting also included an executive session on personnel and administrative items, a public hearing, and public comment periods.
- Approval of personnel changes including new teacher hires and administrative/supervisory appointments
- IT security purchase using OMNIA Partners Contract 2018011-02 for network security product subscription
- IT security purchase using State of Maryland DoIT Contract 060B2490023 (CATS+) for security product subscription
- Purchase of Conscious Discipline materials and professional development for over $50,000 from Loving Guidance via sole source
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County met on July 19, 2023, and approved an amended school calendar for 2023-2024, adopting Option 2 for virtual instruction days and adjusting for the primary election day, setting the last student day as June 13. The board also approved a consent agenda including personnel actions, a $73,150 special education contract for speech language services, and a $162,000 increase in A/E contingency for the Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary renovation.
- Approved revised 2023-2024 school calendar with Option 2 for virtual instruction and last day June 13
- Approved contract with Ms. Mackenzie VanDevander for SLPA services at $73,150 for 2023-2024
- Increased A/E contingency by $162,000 for Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary renovation, total $195,000
- Recognized spring state champions in outdoor track from Chopticon and Great Mills High Schools
- Approved personnel items including teacher and administrative new hires and departures
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education will hold a public hearing and public comment, then consider a consent agenda that includes personnel actions, purchase of three Ford Transit Cargo Vans for up to $165,907, a contract for interior painting services, and a $832,902.64 contract with Specialized Education of Maryland for in-district special education programs. The board also went into executive session to discuss personnel and administrative functions.
- Contract with Specialized Education of Maryland, Inc. for $832,902.64 for three in-district special education classroom programs
- Purchase of three 2023 Ford Transit Cargo Vans from Waldorf Ford for up to $165,907
- Award of RFP for interior painting services to Earn Contractors, Inc., with annual spending over $50,000, starting July 1, 2023
- Personnel actions: new hires and departures for teachers and administrative/supervisory staff
- Executive session under Maryland law for personnel and administrative function items
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board will decide on approving the 2023 Educational Facilities Master Plan for submission to the Interagency Commission on School Construction. It will also set nonresident student tuition rates for 2023-2024 at $7,999 (in-state/out-of-county) and $16,503 (out-of-state). Consent agenda items include personnel actions and procurement of electrical lighting supplies from St. Mary's Lighting and Electrical Supply. The board previously entered executive session and approved the agenda.
- Approve 2023 Educational Facilities Master Plan for submission to state
- Set nonresident tuition rates: $7,999 in-state/out-of-county, $16,503 out-of-state, special education at 300%
- Procurement of electrical/lighting supplies from St. Mary's Lighting and Electrical Supply (over $50,000, up to $100,000 per year)
- Personnel actions: new hires and departures for teachers and administrative/supervisory staff
- Recognition of school resource officers and safety assistants
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education is meeting for routine business including an executive session on personnel and administrative functions, recognitions, and a consent agenda. The consent agenda includes a $104,513.28 purchase of Demana Calculus textbooks for AP Calculus, approval to buy AngelTrax Vulcan camera systems for school buses via a cooperative purchasing agreement, and personnel changes for teachers and administrative/supervisory staff.
- Purchase of Demana Calculus textbooks for $104,513.28 from Savvas
- Approval to purchase AngelTrax Vulcan school bus camera systems via PEPPM cooperative agreement
- Approval of personnel changes (teachers and administrative/supervisory departures)
- Recognition of student board member Manasa Iswara for the 2022-2023 school year
- Recognition of Superintendent's Art Gallery artists (Dominique Byrne, Kate Dyson, Anna Reese Rothgeb, Olivia Stritzel)
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education voted to enter executive session for personnel and litigation, then reconvened and approved the consent agenda. Notable actions include awarding multiple special education service contracts worth over $2 million annually and piggybacking a Montgomery County HVAC equipment contract. The board also recognized Pupil Personnel Worker Day and School Nurse Day.
- Approval of RFP-SMCPS-2023-SE-CS for special education contract services, with up to $2M annually and contracts through June 30, 2028
- Approval to piggyback Montgomery County Public Schools contract #4035.8 for HVAC parts with Aireco Supply, spending over $50,000
- Approval of personnel actions including new teacher hires and departures
- Recognition of Pupil Personnel Worker Day (May 10) and School Nurse Day
- Entered executive session to discuss personnel, litigation, and administrative function items
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
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 approval of a $138,466 school bus purchase from American Bus Sales and Service using a Sourcewell cooperative contract, and approval of the 2023-2024 meeting schedule. The board also recognized April as Month of the Military Child with a resolution presented to NAS Patuxent River representatives. An executive session on personnel and administrative functions was held before the open meeting.
- Purchase of Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus from American Bus Sales and Service for $138,466
- Approval of 2023-2024 Board of Education meeting schedule
- Month of the Military Child recognition and resolution presented to NAS Patuxent River
- Personnel actions for teachers and administrative/supervisory staff (consent agenda)
- Department of Food Services seeking approval to use HPS cooperative contract for food and nonfood supplies from Gordons Food Service
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County is meeting to consider and approve a consent agenda that includes personnel actions, approval of minutes, and two contracts for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) supplies. The contracts, piggybacking on cooperative agreements with Lowe's Home Centers (estimated annual spending over $50,000) and W.W. Grainger, Inc. (annual spending over $50,000), are presented for approval. The board also held an executive session to discuss personnel and administrative matters.
- Approval of consent agenda including personnel changes for administrative/supervisory and teaching staff
- Lowe's contract for MRO supplies via OMNIA Partners, with annual expenditures exceeding $50,000 (FY21: $55,573.95, FY22: $74,561.43, FY23: $49,202.72)
- W.W. Grainger contract for MRO supplies via Sourcewell, with annual expenditures over $50,000 (FY21: $39,268.30, FY22: $82,039.49, FY23: $45,863.05)
- Executive session held under Maryland law for personnel and administrative function items
- Public comment period scheduled with speakers listed in attachment
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 converting April 21 and May 12, 2023 to virtual instruction days, pending state superintendent approval. They also entered executive session to discuss personnel and administrative items, and received information on the Blueprint for Maryland's Future Pre-K program and spring data from the Maryland Report Card.
- Approved revision to 2022-2023 school calendar converting April 21 and May 12 to virtual instruction days
- Entered executive session for personnel and administrative function items
- Information item on Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Pre-Kindergarten 4 and Head Start grant relinquishment
- Information item on Maryland Report Card and graduation data for Class of 2022
- Recognized student artists for Superintendent's Art Gallery
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board will approve a new five‑year healthcare benefits contract with CareFirst that includes a 12.3% reduction in administration fees, a $171,000 technology credit, a $100,000 wellness credit, and increased prescription drug rebates, totaling about $502,000 in annual value. It will also approve the Department of Maintenance’s boiler repair services contract, which is expected to exceed $50,000 in FY23 purchases. Additional items include entering executive session for personnel matters, approving the consent agenda and minutes, and adopting the meeting agenda with a directive item.
- Approve new CareFirst healthcare benefits contract with fee reductions and credits worth ~$502,000 annually (Item 9.05)
- Approve Department of Maintenance Boiler Repair Services contract #SMCPS-2022-M-BRS, anticipated to exceed $50,000 in FY23 (Item 9.04)
- Enter executive session to discuss personnel and administrative function items (Item 2.01)
- Approve consent agenda items: minutes of Feb 22, 2023 and personnel appointments for teachers and administrators (Items 9.01‑9.03)
- Approve the agenda with addition of Action Item 10.02 Directive – HB 119 (Item 4.01)
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 four-year contract for Superintendent Dr. J. Scott Smith, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027. The board also voted to enter executive session for personnel and litigation matters and approved a consent agenda that included personnel actions and a piggyback contract with BSN Sports for athletic supplies with annual spending expected to exceed $50,000.
- Approved superintendent contract for Dr. J. Scott Smith (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2027)
- Approved piggyback contract with BSN Sports for athletic and PE supplies (anticipated spending over $50,000/year in FY23-FY25)
- Recognized teachers achieving or maintaining National Board Certification
- Approved minutes of February 8, 2023
- Approved personnel changes including new teacher hires and departures
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The board will enter executive session for personnel matters, then reconvene to approve a consent agenda that includes personnel changes and a $50,000+ annual heating fuel contract for Leonardtown Elementary School. A separate action item proposes replacing the district's phone system with a Ring Central cloud system at a one-time cost of $75,247, with estimated annual savings of $40,000.
- Executive session to discuss personnel and administrative items
- Consent agenda approval including personnel new hires and departures
- Leonardtown Elementary School heating fuel delivery contract with Burch Oil Co., Inc., annual value up to $50,000+
- Phone system replacement: $75,247 one-time cost for Ring Central cloud system, $158,396 annual service, estimated $40,000 annual savings
Special Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the FY2024 recommended budget and forward it to the St. Mary's County Commissioners for review and approval. The meeting also included an executive session under Maryland law and a public comment period.
- Approval of FY2024 Board of Education Recommended Budget and forwarding to county commissioners
- Executive session to discuss Administrative Function Items (Maryland General Provisions Article, Section 3-104)
- Public comment period held
- Next regular board meeting scheduled for February 8, 2023
Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 3:00 p.m.
The Board of Education of St. Mary's County held a work session to discuss the proposed FY 2024 budget at 4:00 p.m., followed by a public hearing on the 2023-2024 High School Program of Studies. The board also approved a consent agenda including a refuse removal and recycling services contract with WB Waste Solutions, LLC, and personnel items. An executive session was held earlier for personnel and collective bargaining matters.
- Work session on FY 2024 Proposed Budget
- Public hearing on 2023-2024 High School Program of Studies
- Consent agenda approval of refuse removal and recycling services contract with WB Waste Solutions, LLC (lowest responsive bid)
- Recognition of Superintendent's Art Gallery artists for 1st marking period
- Approval of personnel items including new teacher hires
Special Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 5:00 p.m.
The Board of Education holds a public hearing on the proposed FY 2024 budget. Seven registered speakers are scheduled for public comment. The next regular board meeting is set for January 25, 2023.
- Public hearing on Proposed FY 2024 Budget
- Public comment with seven speakers: Tammy Payne, Kristie Mattingly, Sarah Penrod, Michael Kessler, James Somerville, Lisa Bell, Pat Gronert
- Next regular board meeting on January 25, 2023 (Executive Session at 5:00 p.m., Open Session at 6:00 p.m.)
- Adjournment scheduled around 8:00 p.m.
The Board of Education held a special meeting consisting of a public hearing regarding the proposed FY 2024 budget. No substantive decisions or votes were recorded in the minutes.
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 $915,000 contract (plus $50,000 contingency) to Scheibel Construction for window and door replacement at White Marsh Elementary School, and a $128,500 contract (plus $12,850 contingency) to Servicon Facilities for new rooftop air handling units at Ridge Elementary School. The board also entered executive session for personnel and collective bargaining, and received a first reading of proposed revisions to the High School Program of Studies for 2023-2024.
- Approved $915,000 contract to Scheibel Construction plus $50,000 contingency for window/door replacement at White Marsh Elementary School
- Approved $128,500 contract to Servicon Facilities plus $12,850 contingency for two rooftop air handling units at Ridge Elementary School
- Entered executive session to discuss personnel, collective bargaining, and administrative functions (Maryland Local Government Code)
- Approved consent agenda including personnel actions for teachers and administrative staff, and meeting minutes from December 14, 2022 and January 4, 2023
- Received first reading of proposed revisions to the High School Program of Studies for 2023-2024
Special Meeting of the Board of Education of St. Mary's County - 8:00 a.m.
The Board of Education held a special meeting with an executive session on collective bargaining and administrative functions, then conducted a work session to discuss the proposed FY 2024 budget. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for January 12.
- Executive session on collective bargaining and administrative function items (motion passed unanimously)
- Work session on Proposed FY 2024 Budget (information item)
- Attachments: Superintendent's recommended budget and budget presentation
- Next regular board meeting set for January 12, 2022 (note: date appears to be a typo for 2023)