[0:01] Good afternoon. We are holding uh this part of our uh meeting today and exe

[0:06] we'll be going into executive session shortly at the Denn Road Educational

[0:10] Complex. Uh we will be returning at approximately 6 pm for public comment

[0:15] and public agenda under section 3-305B of the general provisions article mary

[0:22] Maryland annodated code. There are two reasons the board will go into close

[0:25] session this evening to discuss the appointment employment assignment

[0:28] promotion discipline demotion compensation removal resignation or

[0:31] performance evaluation of employees employees or officials over whom this

[0:35] public body has jurisdiction any other personnel matter affects one or more

[0:38] specific individuals to consult with council to obtain legal advice on a

[0:42] legal matter. Specifically, the topics tonight will be 3-305B1

[0:46] topics which include professional leave request, certificate of staffing

[0:50] recommendation and update 3-305B7 topic including office of the inspector

[0:55] general for education o update. The reasons these topics be

[1:02] discussed in close session instead of open sessions follows personnel topics

[1:06] pursuant to 3-305B1 disclosed above will be considered in

[1:10] close session rather than open session because they include a discussion of

[1:14] specific employees which is confidential employment pattern. The legal topic

[1:18] pursuant to 3-305B7 disclosed above will be considered in uh close session rather

[1:23] than open session because the board will be

[1:27] receiving legal advice from council which is protected by attorney client

[1:31] privilege privilege. Uh hearing all of that, are there any objections to going

[1:36] into board going into executive session? Hearing none. Is there a motion as such?

[1:41] » I make a motion going into executive session. Motion by Sadi, seconded by

[1:46] Rodney. Discussion. All those in favor of going into executive session signifi

[1:52] I. >> Oppose. Nate. And we are in executive

[1:54] session.

[1:59] Welcome to the uh September 8th, 2026 regularly scheduled board of education

[2:05] meeting here to Road Educational Complex. Uh first order of business

[2:09] would be I'd like for you to stand for the uh pledge of allegiance. Uh first we

[2:13] will have a moment of of silent reflection led by our more board uh

[2:18] student board member Jackson

[2:28] to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it

[2:33] stands one nation under God indivisibley for all.

[2:41] Thank you, Ellen. I'll take a motion to approve the public

[2:45] agenda. So, move by Don. >> Seconded by Jane. Discussion. All those

[2:50] in favor of the uh public agenda as presented 65 saying I.

[2:54] » I. >> Opposed? Nay. And it is approved. Take a

[2:58] motion to approve the consent agenda. >> So moved by Sadi, seconded by Don. All

[3:04] those in favor of the consent agenda as presented. Six by saying I. I.

[3:08] » Oppose. Nay. and it is approved. Once again, remind you the close session

[3:13] summaries, announcements, etc. And our new uh hub that we have for information

[3:19] at the start of school is on our website. We certainly encourage you if

[3:23] you have an interested in finding out things that are happening for the school

[3:26] system to to go there immediately. The uh first order of business is the uh

[3:31] policies and procedures uh EAEB DB guidelines for school bus stops

[3:37] implementation and appeal procedures policy and procedure. This is a

[3:42] revision. Mr. Bray will make that presentation.

[3:58] Good evening. Um,

[4:02] looking at the reservations for the policy and procedures. Um, we looked at

[4:05] the old policy and really a policy and procedures was really on one document.

[4:10] So, we took the document and split it into two and actually formed actual

[4:13] policy and procedure. Um, the document kept all the information in it. um with

[4:19] a couple corrections, it just streamlined a little bit, made it a lot

[4:23] clearer and matched up the other documents that matches the other

[4:26] policies and procedures that we have moving forward. Um some of the points

[4:30] that we changed, um we took the director of transportation out and changed the

[4:34] supervisor and also under the appeal process, we um added an extra step in

[4:39] there. So they appeal the supervisor's position, then they appeal it to the

[4:44] director of system operations before it goes to the superintendent. Um, another

[4:48] big point that we changed was the forms on the documentation where now a parent

[4:53] can go in or a bus driver can go in and actually fill out the form online and

[4:58] actually comes directly to a transportation email that gets checked

[5:01] frequently throughout the day and then makes us respond back at least keeps a

[5:05] paper trail and documentation of everything.

[5:10] questions, comments, concerns about u guidelines for school bus stops and

[5:16] appeal processes. No, >> I'm I'm just glad that uh we have the

[5:20] appeal process in there for the parents if they don't like the initial decision

[5:25] as they sometimes know the roads better than we do.

[5:31] » Anything else? Anybody? It is a first read. Take it up again in October. Uh

[5:36] but thank you for all your work for >> updating this and getting the appeal

[5:42] process in.

[5:47] We're going to we're going to skip one here. Let's go down to C which is IKF

[5:53] Maryland Garrett County graduation requirements. Uh it's a policy and

[5:57] procedure. It's a revision and some new information information by Mr. Edwards.

[6:16] How's that? All right. Never met a microphone I didn't like.

[6:22] [laughter]

[6:24] Uh what you guys see in the policies and procedures, much like uh what you just

[6:29] saw with transportation, this was all under one document. We split them uh

[6:33] into policy and procedure. That's why everything in the procedure is in red

[6:38] just because it's it's new, but it's all the old information from the previous

[6:42] policy. What we did and the reason for the revision uh for IKF is we needed to

[6:49] update the policy to reflect our actual practice which is uh basically

[6:55] um we needed to update in the chart which you'll see now in the procedure uh

[7:02] what our credit counts are uh as you know the state of Maryland mandated one

[7:07] full credit of health instead of a half a credit so that has been updated and we

[7:11] clearly identified the need for financial literacy credit. Uh that law's

[7:18] always been there. There's a couple different ways you can check the box for

[7:21] financial literacy. The way we've done it in Garrett County for the last

[7:24] several years is to actually make them take a course. Uh we have a whole series

[7:28] of courses that they can take to meet that credit. So we uh just clearly

[7:33] identified that. And the only other change in that is with the upcoming

[7:37] switch in some of the CTE courses. There are no longer any three credit CTE

[7:42] completer courses. They're all four credits. So we just reflected that in

[7:45] the count as well. Nothing of substance changes. Uh we just updated it to meet

[7:51] the law and what we have been doing.

[7:56] » Okay. Um it did go before the policies procedures committee. Uh it is a first

[8:02] read. Are there any questions concerns about graduation?

[8:09] Okay, >> thank you again.

[8:11] » You want to do it? >> Okay. The IPA acceptable and responsible

[8:17] use of artificial intelligence. Uh superintendent is going to make that uh

[8:21] presentation. >> All right. Good evening. Uh this is a

[8:25] brand new policy and procedure and is a result of a house bill that passed in

[8:31] the last uh legislative session and it basically is requiring school systems to

[8:37] have a policy and procedure. We were already moving in this direction. Um but

[8:42] the with the legislation change uh it pushed

[8:47] the state of Maryland to give us a whole lot of guidance around this particular

[8:52] topic. And so we use that guidance uh to establish what you now have in front of

[8:58] you as the policy which really is authorizing

[9:03] us to use AI technologies for educational operational purposes but

[9:07] within certain guidelines that protect personally identifiable information and

[9:12] confidential data. Certainly, we want to comply with federal and state law,

[9:16] maintain appropriate human oversight, which is very important, and uh we want

[9:20] to support academic integrity and responsible student learning uh and

[9:24] align with our district technology and cyber security standards. Uh part of

[9:29] this um bill requires us to have a AI

[9:36] implementation coordinator and so this policy also um supports that and that

[9:43] that that uh designation will be made by uh by the superintendent. Um the

[9:51] procedure is much more lengthy and is aligned with state guidance. they did

[9:57] give us a model policy to look at. Uh and we did use that to support what we

[10:02] already had in place. Um what I will say is that this this is a framework that

[10:08] will be the starting point of how we proceed. The implementation is going to

[10:14] be a much longer process and um will involve professional learning and we're

[10:22] going to be taking slow steps here. Um but we we need to have a framework to

[10:27] protect our employees and our students around the use of artificial

[10:31] intelligence and so this is a starting point for that.

[10:35] » Okay. First read again uh discussion any questions comments about policy or

[10:42] procedures anyone?

[10:50] Well, staff will um be trained on acceptable uses of AI and they have

[10:59] authority in their classroom to establish

[11:03] uh the learning that is occurring in their classroom. So, uh if they choose

[11:08] to use an acceptable AI method in their learning, they can. Uh and certainly if

[11:16] they choose not to they can also do that. Um so we'll have to communicate

[11:20] that as we do uh through our ANS um meetings with our administrators and of

[11:27] course building level administrators will work with their teachers at the

[11:29] building level. Uh but I envision a good bit of professional learning to have to

[11:33] take place around this and again teachers will be involved in that and

[11:37] we're going to need to take some baby steps as we embark on this adventure.

[11:51] Not at this time.

[11:56] We will probably evaluate that before we go in that direction. um based on the

[12:03] initial inquiries that I've made uh those are not very accurate uh and don't

[12:08] always reflect um

[12:13] a student's use. There's false positives, false negatives. Um and in

[12:17] collaboration with the colleges, I'm not even sure they're really um using those

[12:24] strongly anymore. uh a lot of times they're talking to their staff about how

[12:29] they structure the assignment and to structure the assignment in a way to

[12:37] I don't know if you can fully eliminate it but mitigate the use of AI.

[12:45] » Other questions anyone? >> Okay, thank you.

[12:51] » Thank you.

[12:54] Uh under continuing business uh social emotional instructional materials

[12:59] wayfinder uh program be presented by Mr. Lewis, director of student services.

[13:04] This is an action item. So after his presentation, I'll ask for a

[13:08] recommendation from superintendent.

[13:23] Good evening everyone. It's nice to see everybody again and uh thank you for

[13:27] this opportunity. Uh we did put wayfinder out for two weeks for the

[13:32] public to begin to review. One in Grantsville and the other uh at Ruth

[13:37] Enllo in Oakland. We had one response and it was positive. If uh anyone would

[13:42] like to read it, it's a interesting uh comment. Um but uh with that then as we

[13:48] to look at that. We've been talking to our counselors, our 14 counselors, our

[13:53] community school specialists now who are number six, our social workers, five

[13:58] social workers, and then also uh some of our uh health teachers to be able to

[14:04] roll this out uh in an informed and using a professional development model

[14:10] where they then can then trace some of the others on their staff, which I think

[14:14] is really important rather than somebody else from uh coming in to be able for

[14:18] others to share. So, for example, if I were a social studies teacher, and

[14:22] that's what I was, I would be able to use and chunk little pieces of wayfinder

[14:26] about decision- making, for example, uh to be able to include that in some of

[14:31] the history lessons that I taught because history's replete with sometimes

[14:36] good decisions, sometimes bad decisions. So it's an opportunity then not only to

[14:40] to reinforce a classroom in the classroom but also to pick up where

[14:45] Panorama is leading off. Panorama's behavioral health survey that we rolled

[14:50] out last year for three administrations provided some great information for us.

[14:55] And then with Wayfinder you'd be able to then use some targeted approaches not

[14:59] only just to individuals but then to small groups to be able to support them

[15:04] and what they're looking uh to grow in. So when we start looking at this and

[15:10] start looking at social emotional learning many people are like well how

[15:14] does that affect schools? How does that uh affect me in my classroom? How does

[15:18] that affect my students? Well we know that we have a lot of new research and I

[15:22] say new maybe the last three to five years where it's coming out that

[15:29] social emotional learning actually increases our math and literacy scores

[15:33] by 11 to 13%. That's done by Castle, which is our nationally accredited uh

[15:39] go-to for social emotional learning. It also increases then graduation rates by

[15:44] 6%. So, as we begin to look at that and start start making sense of that and how

[15:50] we look at students and they begin to better self-regulate, better ex exhibit

[15:55] agency in their life in the schools, getting along with one another. I think

[16:00] it fits in really well even with our own home instruction conversations that

[16:04] we've been having uh moving with that and to be able to provide that social

[16:08] emotional learning to be able to grow in the classroom and perform in the

[16:14] classroom as well. So, so we're really excited about the opportunity in front

[16:19] of us. >> Superintendent, your recommendation.

[16:26] So, my recommendation is to approve Wayfinder, the recommended social,

[16:30] emotional, learning, instructional materials for K through 12th grades. As

[16:34] mentioned earlier, the $159,491 cost for the full three-year adoption is

[16:40] 100% funded by the opioid abatement grant approved through the Garrett

[16:45] County Health Department and Garrett County Commissioners.

[16:48] » Okay. Okay. The superintendent uh request that the board approve the

[16:51] social emotional learning instructional materials provided by way finder. Uh is

[16:57] there a motion as such? >> So move

[17:00] » by >> Jane second by Satie. Okay. We now have

[17:04] discussion questions. >> Yes sure.

[17:07] » It's very promising to see that the parents like the resources that they can

[17:12] use at home that align to so I don't know if you want to talk about that or

[17:16] » Sure.

[17:24] Thank you. So, uh, but yes, so it's a way in which an opportunity for for

[17:30] parents then to be able to do that and what we've been beginning to really move

[17:34] toward providing more training opportunities for our parents as well.

[17:38] So, thank you for bringing that out because that's one of the pieces that we

[17:42] like to be able to do for Title One family engagement nights, be able to

[17:46] have a showcase piece about how they can use this at home to be able to support

[17:51] their kids in self-regulation. Um, feeling like there's conflict in the

[17:56] with their uh son or daughter in the classroom, maybe providing some tools in

[18:00] their toolbox to be able to then support them in the class. So, so yeah, it is a

[18:05] great opportunity uh and one in which and they can manage themselves uh as

[18:10] parents. They can pick and choose uh about what they would like to do, how

[18:15] they would like to perform, you know, go forward with that in their home.

[18:21] » I would utilize that as a parent myself and now grandparent

[18:25] waiting on the fourth. So, uh I would use that uh for example and

[18:31] what we want to share with our parents is that we want to give them an idea

[18:34] about how to use that. So, we want to have these ide [clears throat] topics,

[18:38] these scenarios so that when their son or daughter come home and talk about uh

[18:43] for example being so uh disregulated, so angry for example about maybe not being

[18:48] picked for a particular team at school. It's very common.

[18:54] So, so to be able to then give them some tools about how to manage that and have

[18:58] that conversation with them. They have short three to five minute little video

[19:03] clippets. uh they're very age appropriate that they could then show uh

[19:07] to their uh child if they'd like and to be able to carry on that conversation,

[19:11] but it's just a start. And I really like it uh that aspect of it because it

[19:16] provides a parent a start who might not know how to start that conversation.

[19:22] » Oh, log in. Yeah, parent. Yeah. >> Yes.

[19:27] » Long way around to that, sorry. But yes, uh parents would have

[19:31] that opportunity to be able to log in and then uh also then monitor, you know,

[19:36] see where the program is, see how the program works. Everybody had that uh and

[19:41] there were a lot of people, it might not have been a lot of comments, but I sent

[19:44] the uh demo uh around to many people in our school system to take a look at to

[19:50] show, you know, for them to take a look see what it is all over student

[19:53] services. So that uh you know, I don't want any surprises. I want that that

[20:00] would uh be a detract from the great things that could be as we move forward

[20:06] with social emotional learning and u so as we begin to see that and work toward

[20:12] that I think it's our common goal to create a better situation for our

[20:17] students and for our students in to grow and become more self-regulated uh better

[20:23] problem solvers critical thinkers and uh being able to do that and how to manage

[20:28] stress in their life because far too often now we're seeing kids beginning to

[20:33] when they first bump into stress and there there's all kinds of stress and

[20:37] conflict whether it's conflict but I'm just going to say stress. So when they

[20:41] bump into stress far too many of our students just want to quit or back out

[20:46] and uh we want to be able to have opportunities so they have uh be able to

[20:50] learn how to manage that better and that's a lifelong pursuit. These studies

[20:55] follow these students into young adulthood and find that they're better

[21:00] employees, find that their life u satisfaction survey is better. So as we

[21:05] begin to see that and it's not looking at any one particular thing that they're

[21:10] trying to drive home, they just want us all to become thinkers uh about our own

[21:15] uh health. >> And I think that's helpful.

[21:19] » Savings. >> Yes. I took this I really took a long

[21:23] hard look at all of this curriculum and I was pretty impressed. I like the

[21:28] online version, but I also like the little workbook for them too. Now, is

[21:32] that something that they can take home and show their parents as well?

[21:35] » That's why we chose Dr. Miller and I talked about this and that's why we

[21:38] chose to have workbooks. We wanted something to go back and forth.

[21:43] I'm a paper person myself and I'm sure that parents will will like that as well

[21:48] and especially if it's grandparents raising their kids, they might be more

[21:52] apt to look in that workbook then than get online. But I really liked it. I

[21:57] like the conflict resolution. Um I think it's going to help with you're going to

[22:02] have some students and the same way with adults. Some people know how to handle

[22:08] conflict and others shy away from that. And it shows them gives them the tools

[22:13] and shows them how they they can resolve things. So I like the curriculum.

[22:19] » Uh yeah, but is there anybody actually teaching this course?

[22:24] » Yes. >> Okay.

[22:25] » Yes. No, this isn't just an online platform.

[22:28] » It's an online platform. So that somebody has to log in and they want to

[22:33] look at it. >> Correct.

[22:34] » So >> and uh except for K through five. K

[22:37] through five. We have workbooks that go along with the online platform. So

[22:42] teachers though are administering those lessons.

[22:46] » Okay. So they do they do administer the lessons.

[22:48] » Uhhuh. Yeah. Yeah. So it's going to be Yeah. It's not uh here's here's

[22:52] something on your own. Now parents can choose to do something.

[22:55] » Yeah. Okay. That's where I was confused. >> Yeah. No, that's okay. I'm sorry I

[22:59] didn't explain that. >> Is there an estimation as the amount of

[23:02] time? How many times a week? How much time during class period?

[23:06] I mean, what's the the time that goes away from what normally would be done to

[23:11] be doing this? >> That's that's a good question. And uh

[23:14] there are always balances between this and and so when we were looking at this,

[23:20] one of our first primary piece was one, we wanted a solid researchbacked

[23:26] social emotional learning uh curriculum. And so we the second thing was user

[23:31] friendly because we know that oftentimes we pay for for programs that then are

[23:36] not so user friendly and demand time. And so then all of a sudden you're

[23:40] spending more time trying to plan to be able to move that. All of us and there

[23:44] were seven of us on the committee began then doing um looking at that chunking

[23:50] things. So you could design a lesson from five minutes to 60 uh depending on

[23:54] your need in the classroom. >> So that's entirely up to the teacher.

[23:59] entirely up to the teacher >> they want to devote

[24:01] » exactly >> and how many times a week how many times

[24:03] whatever >> exactly

[24:04] » yes sir >> Tom from what I saw with that the

[24:08] teachers could implement it say they had a problem in the classroom

[24:12] » um they could go to that and do that lesson with the students to try and help

[24:18] resolve the problem that was in the classroom it

[24:21] » will you will you uh words am I looking for will you be able to follow how many

[24:26] times teachers access lessons Or in other words, this teacher may use

[24:31] lessons every other day. This teacher may use lessons the last day of the

[24:36] year. >> Yes, sir.

[24:37] » Is there a way to >> on my administrative dashboard and I

[24:40] think when Mr. Rubin has it and uh anyone we want to add to it? Uh like for

[24:45] example, I'm going to add all the principles so that they can then watch

[24:51] and monitor it in their school building and see

[24:53] » see where it be an interesting statistic at the end of the school year as to how

[24:57] it's used. where it's used particular particular programs

[25:01] » versus not in other programs. >> Exactly. I think it's a good point.

[25:05] » Other questions anyone? >> Okay, we have a motion on the floor.

[25:10] It's been seconded that the board adopt uh the use of social emotional learning

[25:16] instructional materials which is better known as wayfinder uh for the next three

[25:21] years with a grant paying the entire cost of purchasing the program. All

[25:26] those in favor signify by saying I. >> I.

[25:28] » Those opposed? Nay. >> And it is a three to one vote.

[25:34] » Thank you. >> Thank you.

[25:36] » Thank you. >> Okay. Under new business, we've got the

[25:41] 2027 capital improvement plans draft. Uh Mr. Wit's going to make that uh

[25:46] presentation to us.

[25:57] Good evening. Um on the CIP, um you'll see all new

[26:03] items are shown in red or changes from last year.

[26:07] Um just a few notes I want to make. Uh the Friendsville Chiller project was

[26:12] moved to this year due to the availability of funds from MEA.

[26:18] Um the amount of the Friendsville playground, we we reduced that by 50,000

[26:25] from what we had in for last year. And that was basically to hit the sweet spot

[26:30] of the grant. Um you know, they they try to be right around that $200,000 mark in

[26:37] order to um move forward. Um,

[26:43] for FY28, the uh SHS visitor bleachers were added.

[26:50] Um, >> could I take you back one second?

[26:52] » Yes. >> So I don't forget back to FY27. C can

[26:56] you update us where we are with the Northern High Fieldhouse?

[27:00] » So, uh, as of right now, um, the the group that's pulling their share of the

[27:07] funds together are still in fundraising mode right now. So there's no

[27:11] anticipation of doing anything till spring perhaps.

[27:14] » I that's the way it's looking at this point.

[27:18] Um one one other thing on um FY27 to mention um the Broadford amounts um I

[27:27] revised those amounts to reflect the actual state's amounts. Um what was in

[27:31] here previously was um based upon the construction estimate, but these numbers

[27:38] are based on the actual bid received. Um so there were some minor changes in

[27:42] those amounts. Um we're we're still well within budget and those items. Um

[27:51] back to the Southern High visitor bleachers. Um,

[27:55] you know, this price is for a 300 seat bleacher set for visitor bleachers.

[28:01] Um, we are approaching the IA to assist with

[28:06] funding of the Northern High Culinary Arts Lab due to the contractor estimates

[28:12] coming in higher than what we had originally anticipated.

[28:17] And um

[28:21] you'll also see that some of the estimated cost of projects have been

[28:25] updated this year and those were updated based on the IA calculators

[28:31] um when we're applying for funding.

[28:41] » Any other questions? Anyone so far?

[28:52] The plan is right now to utilize an old electronics classroom space

[28:59] at Northern High.

[29:04] » They are not going to the college to my knowledge. They're using the existing

[29:07] space which has been upgraded. And then Mr. Edwards is working on a plan for use

[29:13] of commercial kitchen. um potentially at Northern High or at Hickory to keep them

[29:19] on the same campus. I can follow up with the board though on that to verify where

[29:23] we're at.

[29:28] Any questions thus far? Okay.

[29:34] Any questions for FY29 by anyone or all the way down?

[29:42] Anything

[29:49] else? >> No, that's everything I have.

[29:50] » Is that all you got? Okay. Okay. Nothing. Everybody's okay. All right.

[29:55] Thank you. Uh let's go on then to the comprehensive maintenance plan. Also a

[29:59] draft uh presented once again by Mr. Web.

[30:05] Again, with this document, all changes are shown in red text for this year. Um

[30:10] just just a few things I'd like to point out. Um on page three, it it talks about

[30:16] custodial staffing. Um in previous years, we we had the head custodians and

[30:23] the um regular custodians all lumped together. We felt that better to

[30:28] separate that out. Um so those those are why you'll see different numbers there

[30:33] if if you reference last year's report to this year's report.

[30:38] Um,

[30:42] under the facility assessment section on page 11, you will notice that the site

[30:47] evaluation results seem lower than expected. Um, this is not much different

[30:52] than previous years. Um, just something I wanted to point out. Um,

[30:58] the the state doesn't like our our work

[31:03] order management system. Um, that's an automatic deduct of 10 to 15 points

[31:08] depending on the facility. Um, but the cost of a a software such as

[31:16] work dude or something like that, it's it's very pricey. Um, it would be a

[31:22] large percentage of my yearly maintenance budget. Um,

[31:27] so in comparison, when MAB comes to do our inspections, um, they can't sing our

[31:33] praises loud enough, um, for how our how our facilities are maintained compared

[31:39] to other areas of the state.

[31:44] » When you're looking at these scores, Broford obviously hasn't been evaluated

[31:47] yet, right? >> No, it it hasn't been evaluated. I'd

[31:50] expect it to come in superior. I would think that it'll probably be very good

[31:55] because of our work order management system.

[31:59] » Superior.

[32:03] » If it wasn't for our work order system, it would be superior. Um it's because of

[32:09] that deduction, it bounces it out of that range.

[32:12] » Okay. So,

[32:18] » um, and and related to the assessment of our facilities, I just wanted to take a

[32:23] an opportunity to thank like all of our maintenance staff and custodians because

[32:27] they do a tremendous job for us.

[32:34] That's that's my presentation on that. >> Yeah. Uh, again, it's for Shere for us.

[32:38] Um, if you have any questions, certainly it' be advantageous if you you got

[32:44] specific questions uh for Bobby. You might want to email those specific

[32:48] questions before the October board meeting so that you be ready to address

[32:52] them or address them via email. I doubt that there are many specific questions

[32:56] that anyone has, but in case that sort of speed up, it's a rather lengthy

[33:00] document. It could take a long time going through if we uh didn't do that.

[33:05] So, but again, thank you for uh updating. Thank you for putting a red

[33:10] new things so that we're not trying to cross reference everything. It's very

[33:15] helpful. Uh, okay, that's it for you.

[33:19] » All right. Thank you. >> We now have a budget transfer action

[33:22] item. Scott Pelty will make that request to us.

[33:42] Hi. Um I am here tonight to present um the fiscal 26 budget transfer. In total,

[33:49] the transfer is $812,500.

[33:54] It is for activity an overage and activity 111 administration for $3,500.

[34:02] Activity 350 special education $495,000. Activity 501 transportation

[34:11] 122,000 activity 600 operations 130,000. Activity 901 fixed charges

[34:20] 62,000. Um it is recommended that because of those overages there will be

[34:26] a decrease in activity 229 regular programs for 485,500

[34:32] activity 232 academic intervention for 200,000 and in maintenance for 127,000.

[34:42] Um the overages for 111 were due to an increase in the single audit services.

[34:49] We don't always know until the audit season how many single audits we're

[34:53] going to have and last year we ended up having two instead of one. Um for

[34:57] special education there was an increase in non-public

[35:01] um our cost significantly increased and also in speech therapy consulting

[35:07] services um due to being down in one SL or multiple SLPs.

[35:14] For transportation, there was an increase in fuel cost, which increased

[35:18] bus contractors and field trips. And under 600 operations, there was an

[35:23] increase in electricity cost. And then for the fixed charges, there was an

[35:28] overage in the retirement cost.

[35:35] » Okay. Superintendent, you have a recommendation so we can ask questions.

[35:39] » I recommend the budget transfer to be um considered by the board as presented.

[35:46] » Okay. Superintendent's asking the board to consider a budget transfer request of

[35:50] $812,500. Is there a motion?

[35:54] » So moved by Don. >> Second.

[35:57] » Seconded by Rodney. >> And we can now have discussion. Just a

[36:02] couple of discussion things for me. Okay. Um when when we say the bus

[36:07] contractor fuel cost, electricity costs, are those based on present day expense?

[36:12] present day costs or is there an inflation rate you put into that to move

[36:16] that much money? >> Yeah, so this is for fiscal 26. So there

[36:22] we ended the year with an excess in electricity cost. So we ended we

[36:28] budgeted a certain amount but as everyone knows the utility rates

[36:33] themselves are increasing and we didn't project that at a high enough rate.

[36:38] » So what do you think about this year's budget? Well, we're hoping that with the

[36:42] closure of the old Broadford that our electricity cost will hopefully um we

[36:47] have one less facility. So, we're hoping that we will not have to do a transfer

[36:52] in the area of operations again. >> What about transportation? You think

[36:56] we've budgeted enough for that? >> Um hopefully, yes. I mean, we're hoping

[37:02] all everyone's hoping that fuel costs come down at some point this year. I

[37:05] mean, if they do not come down, it's a potential that I may have to bring

[37:09] another transfer for fiscal 27. >> One other question. Um, you're taking

[37:14] from 232 academic intervention. >> Yes.

[37:17] » $200,000. >> Yes.

[37:19] » Explain how that works because that that doesn't set good initially with academic

[37:24] intervention. Pretty important, >> right? Um, that's where we ended the

[37:29] year. There was an overage in academic intervention. Um typically it would

[37:33] depend on um how how much intervention is needed within a given year. So maybe

[37:42] there were less supplies or less you know salary stipens spent um in that

[37:47] line. >> I mean I can look into it further like

[37:51] me. >> Wasn't used.

[37:54] » I know but my question be would be why wasn't it used? That would be my next

[37:59] question. I mean, it isn't like we're, you know, scoring 90% on all our

[38:03] everything we do. I'm not I'm not a I mean, I'm asking a hypothetical

[38:07] question. Yeah. It would seem to me that if we had that money available, there

[38:10] would be there would be needs in the schools for that money.

[38:14] » Yeah. I mean, I can I can look into it further. Um, that's where we ended the

[38:19] year, so I'm not sure. Maybe >> school given an a lotment. Each school

[38:22] given a lot. That be interesting to see how the school spent their a lotments.

[38:26] » I would be interested in seeing that. Okay.

[38:29] Yeah, I can pull that for you. >> Other questions?

[38:35] » No one. Okay. Uh there is a uh motion and a second on the floor that we uh

[38:41] budget approve the budget transfer for $812,500

[38:45] as presented to us tonight. Those in favor signify by saying I. I.

[38:49] » Oppos? Nay. And it is approved. Thank you.

[38:51] » Thank you. >> Okay. Uh public comment. We have none.

[38:56] I'm sure I don't see anybody. So, it's here to talk. So, let's do the

[39:00] student member report. Ellie.

[39:05] » All right. So, starting out with GCASC or the student council report. Uh, we

[39:10] successfully hosted the first GCAC pickle ball tournament on August 22nd.

[39:15] I'm not sure of the exact total that we raised as of right now, but I will

[39:19] update you guys next month hopefully on that. but it was a successful turnout

[39:23] and we had a good bit of people show up. Um, we also have planned our next

[39:28] executive board meeting for September 15th. This is when we're going to talk

[39:32] about our first general assembly with all of the student councils on both ends

[39:36] of the county and we're also going to talk about our fall hickory retreat and

[39:40] we're going to get those plans um set in place. As far as the SMAB initiatives

[39:47] and agendas go, um I'm still working with the state student member of the

[39:51] board to plan her school visits. We had a phone call just a couple weeks ago,

[39:55] and she's going to keep me updated on some of the free times that she has, but

[39:59] hopefully she's planning on doing a school visit sometime in the fall

[40:04] semester. And then I've also been accepted into the state student member

[40:10] of the board advisory council. So, I will get to represent Garrett County to

[40:15] the state board of education. So, um I'll just get to advise the state smob

[40:20] on things that go on in our county so we can kind of have bit of a bit of a

[40:23] further reach for the entire state. And then as far as uh miscellaneous student

[40:28] things go, students began their first day of school on August 31st. Um, fall

[40:34] sports have also kicked off for both high schools with a home football game

[40:39] for Northern last Friday as well as an away football game for Southern on last

[40:44] Friday as well. And also this upcoming Friday, Northern High School students

[40:49] will have the opportunity to participate in a 5K walk or run on September 11th in

[40:56] remembrance of 911. And we'll also be hosting a memorial ceremony in the

[41:01] morning as well before the 5K.

[41:10] » Yeah. >> Just a question. How how's things going

[41:14] with the cell phone implementation? >> Good question. [laughter]

[41:19] » A student feedback on that would be helpful.

[41:23] » Um I thought it's been going pretty good so far. We definitely had a couple at

[41:27] least at the Northern End High School, we had a couple of different meetings or

[41:32] I guess assemblies at the beginning of the year just to clarify with everyone

[41:35] and a lot of the teachers or actually all of my teachers at least I can say

[41:39] for my classes have enforced it and also have like the different posters hanging

[41:45] around with the no electronic policy on it as well as on the first couple days

[41:50] of school they made sure to remind students of that so it doesn't have to

[41:53] be as much as a conversation later so students already know um what's

[41:57] happening and I have not heard of any incidents so far in my school at least

[42:02] but um so I think everything's going pretty well so far students are

[42:06] definitely following it for the most part and teachers are definitely

[42:09] enforcing it and making sure that students know the policy so um students

[42:13] can't be like oh I didn't know that was a thing you know we definitely have um

[42:18] the awareness of that policy so students are able to be present and um pay

[42:24] attention in classes without the distractions of the phone and teachers

[42:27] are definitely enforcing it this year. >> Okay, great. Thanks for that update.

[42:33] » You brought the 911 thing that you're doing. Mr. Green's working on I think

[42:37] getting to the board a list of all the things that are happening throughout the

[42:41] county on 911 terms of our school system in case any of you want to go visit a

[42:45] school or two to kind of watch kind of reflections that we do. Very

[42:51] important day. Thank you, Ellie. Uh, board member updates. Um, I'll I'll

[42:59] I'll save one for last, but anybody else have one? Anybody have an update?

[43:05] » I know it's hard to believe, but uh, Mr. Global and I will start on the MAB

[43:09] legislative committee 2027 legislative priorities. So, good for us, right?

[43:16] » Yeah, we we already started a preliminary meeting the other day,

[43:19] » huh? >> We started a preliminary meeting the

[43:21] other day. Yeah, >> me and u

[43:26] Jennifer and uh the people at May that are in charge

[43:30] of that. >> Yeah,

[43:33] good to see what happens. >> Yeah, it be interesting. It's going to

[43:37] be an interesting year legislatively, I think, because of budget.

[43:40] » Yeah. >> And certainly thank both of you for

[43:43] doing that. That's a very major undertaking with a lot of time. People

[43:47] don't realize much time you put into >> It's good to have our voice.

[43:50] » It is. It's great to have our voice there.

[43:52] » We have a lot of meetings every year. >> Yeah, I know you do. You guys attend a

[43:55] lot of meetings. >> I think our first big meeting is going

[43:59] to be at the conference on Sunday. That's I think 4 o'clock.

[44:07] » Okay. Uh Sadie,

[44:12] there it is. Okay. Um, I will be resigning on September 29th due to

[44:19] Maryland State Retirement 45day separation requirements. This is not

[44:24] going to impact my name being on the ballot in November.

[44:31] » Well, we realize it's something that you have

[44:35] to do by by law. Uh, we certainly hate it that you won't be with us for three

[44:39] months, but hopefully good things will happen after that. hopefully

[44:42] » and u we'll uh we'll move on and try to take care of business as best we can.

[44:48] » Thank you, Satie. >> Okay, superintendent, you have some

[44:51] updates. >> All right, we'll start with a few

[44:54] reminders. September 23rd is a staff development day with students dismissed

[44:58] three hours early. On September 28th, there will be a special board meeting at

[45:03] 4 PM for the auditors and Miss Glattfelty to present the fiscal 26

[45:08] financial statements. The meeting will be held at Dennet Road Educational

[45:12] Complex in this community room. On October 1st, believe it or not, the

[45:18] progress reports for the first grading period will be released uh which is

[45:21] right around the corner. And Friday, October 9th is a holiday for uh Gary

[45:27] County Public Schools and schools and offices will be closed for autumn glory.

[45:32] Um I'll take an opportunity just to recognize the countywide back by

[45:36] community event was a tremendous success serving approximately 400 individuals.

[45:42] Would like to thank uh Mr. Lewis and the community school specialists for

[45:46] spearheading that. Uh families connected with 31 community uh vendors and had

[45:51] access to school supplies, haircuts, a hot dinner, fresh fruits and vegetables

[45:55] to take home, and a variety of activities for children including a

[45:59] learning beyond the classroom bus. It was a wonderful evening that showcased

[46:03] the strength of our community partnerships and our shared commitment

[46:05] to supporting students and our families. And I will end with that the beginning

[46:11] of the school year has been fantastic. Our schools are off to a strong start

[46:16] and it has been exciting to see the energy, enthusiasm and commitment across

[46:20] the district as I have visited every school in the last two weeks. uh from

[46:24] welcoming students back to establishing strong routines and creating engaging

[46:28] learning environments, our staff is doing an outstanding job.

[46:33] Certainly, it does not go go unnoticed that getting the launch of the school

[46:38] year started is a huge feat and I appreciate the preparation and

[46:43] intentionality that went into making the first week of school successful. Most

[46:47] importantly, it has been wonderful to see our students back in our schools

[46:51] learning, connecting. >> You just missed it.

[46:54] » I missed a really good picture. >> You missed the Would you hold that

[46:57] there, please? [laughter]

[47:01] » I knew you were looking out of the corner of your eye. [laughter]

[47:06] » They are definitely settling into this great into the school year um and doing

[47:10] a remarkable job. And my son keeps telling me that he's having stupendous

[47:13] days. So, [laughter] it's it's wonderful.

[47:18] Thank you very much and certainly thank all of you and all of you for getting

[47:23] all us off to a great start. I know it's always uh somewhat of a stressful time.

[47:28] I I kind of vaguely remember that but I I think it did happen. Uh but uh thank

[47:33] you. We appreciate it. I'll take a motion to adjourn.

[47:36] » So move it on. >> Second by Satie. All those in favor of

[47:38] adjourning public session signify by saying I. I opposed. Nay. And we are

[47:43] ajourned.

Board of Education Meeting - Sep 08 2026

Transcript