MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND OPEN SESSION

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1 TENTATIVE, SUBJECT TO CHANGE Revised 10/10/01 MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND OPEN SESSION Thursday, October 11, :00 P.M.-Closed Session, 7:30 P.M.-Open Session Educational Support Services Building I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE II. III. SILENT MEDITATION IN REMEMBRANCE AGENDA Consideration of the agenda for October 11, 2001 IV. SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT V. OLD BUSINESS Consideration of the Proposed Fiscal Year 2003 State Capital Budget Request Exhibit A VI. REPORTS A. Report on September 30 th Enrollment (Ms. Flynn) Exhibit B VII. B. Report on Special Revenue Fund Grant Expenditures (Ms. Burnopp) (Mr. Boone) Exhibit C NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration of consent to the following personnel matters: (Mr. Grimsley) 1. Retirements Exhibit D 2. Resignations Exhibit E 3. Leaves of Absence Exhibit F 4. Appointments Exhibit G B. Consideration of consent to the following contract awards: (Ms. Burnopp) (Mr. Gay) 1. Audio-Visual Equipment Repairs Exhibit H 2. Networking Closet Electronics 3. Paper: Dual Purpose 4. Supply Contract: Various Belts for HVAC and Mechanical

2 Board of Education October 11, 2001 Open Session Agenda Page 2 VII. NEW BUSINESS (Cont.) 5. Contracted Services: Kitchen Installation and Post-Construction Clean-Up (Emergency Work) C. Consideration of consent to the following Building (Building Committee) Committee recommendations: 1. Boiler Replacement Overlea High School Exhibit I 2. Reconditioning of Tennis and Multi-Use Courts Battle Grove Exhibit J Elementary School, Battle Monument School, Charlesmont Elementary School, and Orems Elementary School 3. Fee Acceptance Consultant Design Services for Renovations Exhibit K to Behavioral Management Resource Rooms Various Schools 4. Consultant Design Services for Recreation ADA Modifications - Exhibit L Various Elementary Schools D. Consideration of School Resource Officer Agreement (Dr. Mohler) Exhibit M E. Consideration of Proposal to Cancel Bid Request for Special Education (Mr. Boone) Exhibit N VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Constituent Groups B. Proposed Changes to Policy 1230 Area Educational Advisory Councils C. Proposed Revisions to Policy Boundary Change Practices D. General Comments Next Board Meeting October 23, :30 P.M. Greenwood

3 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Date : October 11, 2001 TO : Board of Education FROM : Dr. J. Hairston, Superintendent SUBJECT: Fiscal Year 2003 State Capital Budget Request ORIGINATOR : J. Robert Haines, Deputy Superintendent ofbusiness Services RESOURCE PERSON(S) Barbara Burnopp, Executive Director offiscal Services Don Krempel, Executive Director offacilities RECOMMENDATION That the State Capital Budget Request for Fiscal year 2003 Appendix I for $ 26,911,632 be approved. The $3,406,033 for Roof Replacement will complete a 15-year replacement cycle. The 15-year roof replacement cycle will begin again in FY2004. The Perks Reuter Assessment Program, completed in 1998, was used as a basis to fund a five-year renovation plan for every BCPS school. The FY03 capital budget request of $16,659,251 for Major Maintenance projects reflects funding to renovate the next eight middle schools in chronological order. $3,882,548 for Science Room Renovations will provide the State matching funds for the next eight science rooms on the system-wide priority list. The $1,762,500 for boilers will provide funds to update these major systems based on age, condition, and the lack of replacement parts. Finally, State funds of $1,201,380 will be used to fund window replacements at 13 elementary schools. JRHlmjg Appendix I State Capital Budget Request for Fiscal year 2003

4 Appendix I State Capital Budget Request Board Recommendation FY2003 Roof Replacements Roof Age (Years) State County Total Cost Hereford MS , ,225 1,162,310 Overlea HS , ,493 1,287,568 Arbutus , , ,682 Gen. Sticker ,378 1,035,378 1,788,756 Lansdowne MS , ,260 1,384,760 Perry Hall ES , ,461 1,527,562 Subtotal $ 3,406,033 $ 4,686,605 $ 8,092,638 Major Maintenance Renovations Original Const. Date State County Total Cost Franklin MS ,800,945 3,836,337 5,637,282 Golden Ring MS ,313,448 3,338,472 4,651,920 Dundalk MS ,134,020 3,777,385 5,911,405 Stemmers Run MS ,235 2,391,191 2,857,426 Parkville Cntr of Tech ,448,764 5,241,493 7,690,257 Dumbarton MS ,119,348 4,228,443 6,347,791 Sparrows Point HS/MS ,693,334 7,407,952 11,101,286 Sudbrook Magnet MS ,663,157 5,943,007 8,626,164 Subtotal $ 16,659,251 $ 36,164,280 $ 52,823,531 Note : Baltimore County has appropriated $19,225,000 in FY2003 for Major Maintenance projects. Science Room Renovations # Class # Prep Rms. Rooms /Storage State County Total Cost Chesapeake HS , , ,757 Eastern Tech HS , , ,950 Woodlawn HS ,773 80, ,700 Pikesville HS , ,438 1,557,053 Loch Raven HS , ,376 1,609,606 Perry Hail HS ,052,870 1,263,444 2,316,314 Randallstown HS , ,718 1,698,983 Lansdowne HS , , ,064 Subtotal $3,882,468 $ 4,718,959 $ 8,601,427 Note : The estimate for Chesapeake HS has been reduced by $233,376. This change is the result of construction currently being completed at the school which impacts the Science Room Renovations project. Boilers Installation Date State County Total Cost Dulaney HS , , ,000 Lansdowne HS , , ,000 Old Court MS , , ,000 Patapsco HS , , ,000 Perry Hall MS , , ,000 Southwest Academy , , ,000 Woodlawn HS , , ,000 Randallstown HS , , ,000 Subtotal $1,762,500 $ 1,762,500 $ 3,525,000

5 Appendix I Window Replacements State County Total Cost Cedarmere 54,168 6,168 60,336 Red House Run 55,200 51, ,400 Sandy Plains 64,200-64,200 Warren 50,000-50,000 Winfield 87,000 65, ,000 Cromwell 117,600 53, ,400 Winand 52,224 48, ,448 Hernwood 50,000 10,000 60,000 Gunpowder 96,912 60, ,824 Halethorpe 114,900 71, ,800 Jacksonville 176, , ,000 Joppa View 144, , ,000 Seven Oaks 139, , ,352 Subtotal $1,201,380 $ 785,380 " $ 1,986,760 Total $26,911,632 $ 48,117,724 $ 75,029,356 Note : The County has provided $416,000 in PY2002 funding for these window replacement projects.

6 Date : October 11, 2001 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TO: BOARD OF EDUCATION FROM : Dr..T. Hairston, Superintendent SUBJECT : ORIGINATOR : RESOURCE PERSON(S) : September 30 enrollment Christine Johns, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Donna Flynn, Executive Director of Assessment and Student Data INFORMATION Staff will report the September 30 enrollment which will be submitted to MSDE on October 12. Please note that MSDE will cross reference our enrollment with that of other school systems to verify that there are no duplications, and they will announce in December an official enrollment which will serve as the basis for state funding. That number may be slightly different from the number that will be reported on October 11, 2001.

7 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DATE : October 11, 2001 TO : BOARD OF EDUCATION FROM : Dr. J. Hairston, Superintendent SUBJECT : Special Revenue Fund Grant Expenditures ORIGINATOR: J. Robert Haines, Deputy Superintendent of Business Services RESOURCE PERSON(S) : Barbara Bumopp, Executive Director of Fiscal Services Ron Boone, Executive Director of Federal and State Programs INFORMATION That the attached exhibits be reviewed by the Board of Education. In response to a question from the Board of Education Work Session of August 15, 2001, the follow exhibits are provided to demonstrate the schools' effective use of special revenue fund grant expenditures. The purpose of Attachment I, "Special Revenue Fund Grant Expenditures" is to provide accurate information on grant funding for FY 1999 and FY2000 related to expenditures and unspent funds. The MGT study, released in April, had inaccurate figures related to lost revenues. Attachment II, "Flow Chart : Sample BCPS Grant" depicts the sequence of events from the award of the grant through the assessment of its effectiveness. As these attachments demonstrate, Baltimore County Public Schools effectively monitors and manages the utilization of grant funds for the purpose of meeting the Student Achievement Indicators in the Blueprint for Progress. BSBltcg Attachments : Attachment l - Special Revenue Fund Grant Expenditures Attachment II - Flow Chart : Sample BCPS Grant

8 Attachment 1 Special Revenue Fund Grants Expenditures During fiscal year 1999 BCPS spent Special Revenue grant funds totaling $50 million on more than 250 different grant awards. During FY 2000, BCPS spent $54 million on more than 300 grant awards. Some of these grant awards are distributed to many different schools, resulting in more than 400 grant accounts existing at a time. During these two years, Special Revenue Fund grants accounted for 7% of the total expenditures of the Board's Governmental Funds. Special Revenue Fund 7% FY 2000 Expenditures Capital Projects Fund 8% neral fund 85% The MGT report stated that "..BCPS returned almost $1.5 million in the past two years, funds that were available and could have been used for supplies, computers, curriculum materials, and many other needed resources to support, the grants. " We have analyzed the fiscal year 1999 and 2000 data that MGT used to support their findin g. Our analysis disclosed that _actual funds unspent and/or returned to the grantor, that could have been used by the school system for other items allowable under the grant provisions, totaled $186,398 (0.4%) and $130,044(0.2%), for fiscalyear.1,999 and, 2000 respectively. These funds range from a low of $.03 to a high of $36,110, for an average of$3,596 from 88 grants during the two-year period. FY 1999 Special Revenue Fund Grants Budget Spent 99.6%

9 Attachment 2 The Life Cycle of a Grant in Baltimore County Public Schools From Application to Assessment 10. Program office works with schools, offices to analyze data, investigate current research, and assess grant impact on achievement ; plan refinements for next grant application 1. Program office (ex. Title I) prepares grant application aligned with BOPS Blueprint for Progress ; Grant Acct'g Office reviews and gives fiscal approval to budget 9. Schools and program office monitor impact of grant funded program on planned outcome (ex. Review student achievement data from multiple sources includin g MSPAP) 2. The Superintendent reviews and signs the grant application which is then submitted to granting agency (ex. MSDE) This illustration addresses a grant cycle for a large, non-competitive grant that involves payroll expenditures; grants without payroll costs may have less complex cycles. 3. BCPS receives the grant award notice and approved budget ; grant manager prepares budget aliment 4. Grant Acct'g Office sets up the accounts and enters approved budget on the system ; informs program office 8a. Incorrect charges documented and sent to Accounting to be corrected (ex. Wrong budget code used for a salary charge) 7a. Schools generate expenditures that are charged to the grant (ex.timesheets, and purchase orders) 7b. Schools request budget revisions if needed (ex. Planned material not in stock) 8. Program office works with schools to monitor expenditures, payroll charges, and financial reports from the system to ensure all expenses are charged correctly and grant guidelines are followed consis tently < 3 7. Schools follow the approved grant budget alignments to guide planned expenditures (ex. Salaries, benefits, instructional materials) 8b. Program and Grant Acct'g Offices work to calculate carryover (if applicable), prepare grant amendment requestsif needed, and complete required financial reports. 6. Program office and school work together to begin implementing grant funded program 5a. Grant Acct'g Office establishes accounting and payroll codes for grant funded positions 5b. Budget and Reporting Office enters position information from program office on system 5c. Personnel Dept, works with program office, Exec. Directors of Schools, Principals to hire and fill positions 5. Program office confirms information about any grant funded positions with Deputy Superintendent, Chief of Staff; communicates with offices, schools

10 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Division ofbusiness Services (410) G Greenspring Drive Department offiscal Services FAX (410) Timonium, MD Office ofpurchasing To : Dr. Joe A. Hairston Superintendent From : Patrick M. Fannon, Controller And Richard L. Gay, Purchasing Manager Office ofpurchasing Jack S. Nichols, Purchasing Agent Office ofpurchasing Date : September 14, 2001 Re : Recommendations for Award of Contracts Board Exhibit - October 11, 2001 The following contract recommendations are presented for consideration by the Board of Education of Baltimore County. 1. Audio-Visual Equipment Repairs Estimated Award Value $135,000 Contract # (over 3 years) Kunz, Inc. A multi-year bid to select a vendor to provide services on various brands and types of audio-visual equipment (Low Tech : Projection Equipment, Projection Related Equipment and High Tech : LCD/Data Video Projectors) for all schools/offices was issued on August 2, 2001 to 20 vendors. Proposals were received from one vendor. Three vendors submitted no-bid proposals and the remaining 16 vendors were reluctant to submit proposals to repair AV equipment that they had not sold. This three-year contact will operate under a "time and materials" format. The specifications are designed to have the award bidder pick up the equipment at the school/office site, repair the equipment at the vendor location, and return the repaired equipment to the school/office site. Bidders were requested to provide pricing based on the following : an hourly rate for repairs, percentage mark-up for materials for High Tech and Low Tech Equipment as designated in the bid, and an hourly rate for diagnostic evaluation. The rate for diagnostic evaluation will be used to reimburse the award bidder for any evaluation of a unit that cannot be repaired or where repair is not cost effective.

11 Bidder Kunz, Inc., Baltimore, MD Rates $32.50 /Hour for Low Tech Equipment /Hour for High Tech Equipment /Hour for Diagnosis 30% - Percent ofmark Up for Parts & Materials, Low Tech 30% - Percent ofmark Up for Parts & Materials, High Tech The estimated award value of the contract is $135,000 for three years. An award of contract is recommended to the bidder meeting all specifications, Kunz. Inc., Baltimore, MD. Funding will be provided by the operating budgets of the individual schools and offices. 2. Networking Closet Electronics Estimated Award Value : $5,000,000 Baltimore City Contract # BP (over 3 years) Plexus Installations, Inc. Approval is requested to utilize the City of Baltimore Contract ABP to purchase and install networking closet electronics. The three-year contract was approved by the Baltimore City Council. The purchase of this equipment will support the IT initiatives ofbaltimore County Public Schools by replacing all existing closet electronics in previously networked schools as well as the installation ofcloset electronics in additional schools as they are networked. This will allow each school and office to fully and effectively access educational support technology. The Office ofpurchasing is recommending approval of this contract to Plexus Installations, Inc. The contract with Plexus Installations, Inc. offers an 8% mark-up over contractor's cost for equipment and materials as well as additional services. Funding will be provided by the operating budget of the Office of Information Technology and Capital Budget. 3. Paper: Dual Purpose Contract # Estimated Award Value: $915,135 RIS Paper Company A bid for the annual price agreement for the purchase of dual-purpose paper for use in copiers, laser printers and duplicating equipment for all schools and offices was issued on August 16, 2001 to 14 vendors. Proposals were received from six vendors. RIS Paper Company, Capital Heights, MD $915, XPEDX, Hanover, MD $915, Savin Corporation, Uniontown, OH $933, Lindenmeyr Munroe, Jessup, MD $947, Xerox Corporation, Towson, MD $961, Frank Parsons, Inc., Baltimore, MD $988, The bid supports the purchase of six types of 8 1/2 x 11 paper: 32,794 cartons, white ; 7689 cartons, white, 3-hole drilled; 1347 cartons, blue ; 1864 cartons, canary ; 1293 cartons, green ; 1386 cartons, pink and 90 cartons of white, legal size (8 1/2 x 14) for delivery to the BCPS Distribution Services on an as needed basis. Schools and offices may then requisition the paper as needed. An award of contract is recommended to the lowest bidder meeting all specifications, RIS Paper Company, Capital Heights, MD in the estimated award value of $915, Funding will be provided by the operating budget of the Office ofdistribution Services and individual school operating budgets.

12 4. Supply Contract : Various Belts for HVAC Estimated Award Value : $50,000 & Mechanical Grainger Industrial Supply Contract # A bid to provide a firm fixed price for various HVAC belts was issued on August 16, 2001 to five vendors. Proposals were received from three vendors. Award is being made for the most favorable aggregate price for the most commonly used belts specified in the bid. However, BCPS reserves the right to purchase any other non-standard types of belts that would be required during the term of contract from the award vendor. Grainger Industrial Supply's pricing was 45% less than Power Transmission Systems, Baltimore, MD and 51% less than Baltimore Beltway Co., Inc., Baltimore, MD. Recommendation ofaward is being made to Grainger Industrial Supply, Timonium, MD as the most responsive and responsible bidder offering the most favorable aggregate price. The bid is renewable for a period up to 12 months. Funding will be provided through the Office of Maintenance operating budget. 5. Contracted Services : Kitchen Installation & Award Value: $220,565 Post Construction Clean-up Peake Contracting, Inc. Emergency Work In order to open several of the schools where Aging School Construction work was in progress, Peake Contracting, Inc., Reisterstown, MD was hired to expedite and complete the work of installing kitchens. Also, Peake Contracting, Inc. was employed to complete the post construction cleaning of several schools so that these schools were ready for occupancy on the first day of school. These services were deemed an "emergency" by the Office ofconstruction and were utilized at the following sites : Bear Creek Elementary Kitchen Equipment set-up $12, Carroll Manor Elementary Kitchen Equipment set-up $14, Fifth District Elementary Kitchen Equipment set-up $14, Battle Grove Elementary Kitchen Equipment set-up $14, Hebbville Elementary Kitchen Equipment setup $9, Middleborough Elementary Kitchen Equipment set-up $12, Hampton Elementary Kitchen Equipment set-up $14, Rodgers Forge Elementary Kitchen Equipment set-up $7, Featherbed Elementary Kitchen Equipment set-up $14, Featherbed Elementary Architectural Changes I Kitchen Equipment set-up $14, Fifth District Elementary Post Renovation Cleaning $14, Rodgers Forge Elementary Post Renovation Cleaning $7, Carroll Manor Elementary Post Renovation Cleaning $6, Hawthorne Elementary Post Renovation Cleaning $10, Perry Hall Elementary Post Renovation Cleaning $10, Dundalk Elementary Post Renovation Cleaning $10, Norwood Elementary Post Renovation Cleaning $12, Woodmoor Elementary Post Renovation Cleaning $10, Total amount for services rendered is $220, Building" accounts. These invoices will be paid out ofthe "Aging Revised 10/3101

13 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent Towson, Maryland BOARD EXHIBIT October 11, 2001 TO: FROM: RE: Dr. Joe A. Hairston Department of Physical Facilities Award of Contract Boiler Replacement Overlea High School On October 9, 2001, five (5) bids were received for the replacement of the boilers at Overlea High School - Bid # This project consists of the removal of three existing boilers and the installation of two gas/oil fired boilers. A summary of the bids received is attached. Based on the bids received, the Department of Physical Facilities recommends an award of contract to Denver-Elek, Incorporated, the lowest responsive bidder, in the amount of $319, for the Base Bid plus Alternate One. Alternate One is for the insulation of all new heating piping and heating valves. At this time, we also request approval of a 10% Change Order Allocation in the amount of $31, to cover any unforeseen conditions and minor changes to the contract, to be authorized and approved by the Building Committee in accordance with Board Policy. Maintenance. Funding for this project is available in Capital Budget Project #665 Major APPROVED: Donald F. Krempel, Ph.D. Executive Director

14 Baltimore County Public Schools Boiler Replacement Overlea High School Bid Number: October 9, 2001 Bidder s Name Denver-Elek, Inc. Phillips Way, Inc. M&M Welding, Inc. TA Gorman, Inc. Complete Xtra Hand, Inc. Base Bid Price: $309, $343, $364, $501, $498, Alternate #1: Exclude the insulation of all new heating $9, $9, $11, $8, $25, water pipes and heating water valves. Base Bid Plus Alternate #1: $319, $353, $375, $509, $523,638.82

15 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent Towson, Maryland BOARD EXHIBIT October 11, 2001 TO : Dr. Joe A. Hairston FROM : RE : Department of Physical Facilities Award of Contract - Reconditioning ofmulti-use Courts Battle Grove Elementary School, Battle Monument School, Charlesmont Elementary School, and Orems Elementary School On September 25, 2001, three (3) bids were received for reconditioning the multi-use courts at Battle Grove Elementary School, Battle Monument School, Charlesmont Elementary School, and Orems Elementary School, Bid # This project consists of resurfacing the courts with an approved acrylic overlay product, new line marking, and surface painting. A summary of the bids received is attached. Based on the bids received, the Department of Physical Facilities recommends an award of contract to American Asphalt Paving Company, Inc., the lowest responsive bidder, in the amount of $ 157, At this time, we also are requesting approval of a 10% Change Order Allocation in the amount of $ 15, to cover any unforeseen conditions and minor changes to the contract, which will require authorization and approval by the Building Committee. Funding for this project is available from Capital Budget Project #672 - Site Improvements. APPROVED :?L' Donald F. Krempel, Ph.D. Executive Director

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17 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent Towson, Maryland BOARD EXHIBIT October 11, 2001 TO : Dr. Joe A. Hairston FROM : RE : Department of Physical Facilities Fee Acceptance - Consultant Design Services for the Renovation ofbehavior Management Resource Rooms - Various Schools On June 13, 2000, the Board of Education granted approval for the Department of Physical Facilities to enter into negotiation with KCI Technologies to provide mechanical/electrical design services on an "on-call" basis. At this time, the Department of Physical Facilities requests approval to utilize the services ofkci Technologies to prepare design documents and construction plans for the mechanical and electrical portions of the planned renovation to the behavior management resource rooms at nine schools. These renovations will include modifications to walls, ceiling, and doors as well as the electrical, heating, and ventilation systems. The Department of Physical Facilities has negotiated a fee of $24, to provide the necessary mechanical and electrical design services. At this time, we request approval ofthe negotiated fee with KCI Technologies in the amount of $24, to provide mechanical/electrical design services associated with the renovations of the behavior management resource rooms at nine schools. Funding for these services is available from Capital Budget Project #666 - Alterations/Code Updates/Restorations Donald F. Krempel, Executive Director

18 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent Towson, Maryland TO : Dr. Joe A. Hairston BOARD EXHIBIT October 11, 2001 FROM : RE : Department ofphysical Facilities Change Order - Consultant Design for Recreation ADA Modifications Various Elementary Schools On January 9, 2001, the Board ofeducation approved a negotiated fee contract with Sanders Design to perform design services for removing architectural barriers associated with recreation additions to provide access for disabled individuals. At the time ofthe original contract acceptance, the extent demolition was not fully defined. Now that this project is currently in the schematic design phase, the Department of Physical Facilities has requested that the consultant provide a proposal for performing environmental testing of all building materials to be disturbed to determine if any materials contain a hazardous component. The Department of Physical Facilities has received a proposal from the consultant in the amount of $9, to complete the additional scope ofwork. This cost has been reviewed and was found reasonable. Based upon this review, we recommend approval of a Change Order in the amount of $9, with Sanders Designs to provide environmental testing services. Funding for this Change Order will be made available through the Department of Recreation and Parks. APPROVED : V, Donald F. Krempel, Ph.D. Executive Director

19 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Date : October 11, 2001 To : BOARD OF EDUCATION From : Dr. Joe A. Hairston, Superintendent Subject : Approval of School Resource Officer Agreement Originator : Ms. Christine M. Johns, Deputy Superintendent Resource : Dr. Donald Mohler, Executive Director for Student Support Services Personls Mrs. Patsy Holmes, Coordinator for Safe and Drug Free Schools Recommendation We are seeking approval from the Board of Education for the continuation ofthe School Resource Officer Agreement with the Baltimore County Police Department. History of the Issue : The Resource Officer's Agreement with the Baltimore County Police Department must be approved on an annual basis. The program began as a prepilot during the school year with officers assigned to Milford Mill Academy and Pikesville High School. The program continued as a pilot effort at those two schools during the school year. During the school year the program was extended to ten high schools, and finally every high school received a resource officer during the school year. Pending grant approval, it is our hope to extend this effort to selected Baltimore County Middle Schools during the school year.

20 BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Date : October 11, 2001 To : BOARD OF EDUCATION From: Dr. J. Hairston, Superintendent Subject : Originator : Resource Staff: Cancellation of Bids for Special Education Focus Groups Christine Johns, Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Ron Boone, Executive Director of Federal and State Programs ISSUE OR INITIATIVE Recommendation That the Board of Education approved special education focus group bid requests be cancelled in place of parent involvement programs in special education. Last year, members of the Special Education Citizen's Advisory (SECA) proposed to the Board ofeducation that constituent focus groups be budgeted to examine the operations of the Office of Special Education. This proposal was accepted, and a request for bids was issued. Two bids have been received, one for $150, and one for $225, This summer, the leadership of the SECA proposed that focus groups during the first year of operation of a new organization would be a waste of resources. They proposed an alternate use for at least some ofthe funds ($250,000.00) that had been earmarked in the special education budget for the focus groups. Recently, OSE staff met with the advisory group to finalize the proposal. It calls for : " Five work groups to pursue five of the ten key initiatives for the OSE. Parents will be co-chairmen of each work group and will have members in each group. The five initiatives are the IEP process, improved parent involvement, special education related data, special education curriculum, and inclusion programs. " Each work group will research its area and will offer parent involvement and information sessions. To facilitate maximum parent involvement, expenses will be incurred to provide for experts/consultants in the field, to provide for day care for parents, to provide materials, to provide refreshments, to provide for transportation for families, to provide stipends for teachers included on the work groups, and to provide for full communication of all endeavors. Funds previously set aside for the focus groups would be used to cover these expenses. RPBIcf