Eileen Gardner

The board discussed a six-year transition plan for CTE programs, which includes shifting focus toward facilities management and cybersecurity pathways and adopting a new quarter-based schedule. Additionally, a summary for the fiscal year 2027 budget was reviewed, highlighting adjustments in revenue, salary lapses, bus procurement strategies, and health insurance cost projections. A closed session was held to address personnel matters, litigation updates, and collective bargaining negotiations.

The board meeting included the recognition of student Carson Scholars, updates from the student representative, and the approval of a piggyback contract for auditing services. Discussions focused on switching major food suppliers for the Food Services Department, personnel actions, and administrative appointments including the Chief Academic Officer. The board approved new English Language Arts curriculum resources for grades 6-12, reviewed policies regarding financial oversight, records retention, and crowdfunding, and set the final day of school for the 2025-2026 academic year. Furthermore, the board received reports on the FY27 budget development, financial status, recent legislative updates affecting education, and the status of capital projects.

The Maryland Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated State Plan outlines the state's framework for implementing federal education requirements under the Every Student Succeeds Act. The plan details the submission process for consolidated State plans, includes various Title programs (I-A, I-C, I-D, II-A, III-A, IV-A, IV-B, V-B, VII-B), and specifies requirements for Title I, Part A regarding challenging academic standards, eighth-grade math exceptions, native language assessments, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL). The objective is to simplify application requirements and reduce administrative burden for State Educational Agencies while ensuring adherence to federal mandates for improving educational outcomes for all students.

This Comprehensive Maintenance Plan for Caroline County Public Schools outlines the strategy for maintaining educational facilities to support a safe, healthy, and conducive learning environment, ensuring cost-effectiveness and asset preservation. Key areas include operating facilities at top efficiency, reducing accidents and hazards, ensuring continuous use, protecting public property through preventive and predictive maintenance, and achieving efficient energy management, including the use of building controls, geothermal systems, and solar fields. The plan emphasizes both strategic long-term facility maintenance and a near-term focus on preventive maintenance and smaller capital renewal projects, aiming to prepare all students for college, career, and life readiness through a challenging educational experience.

The meeting included a review of MCAP results from 2022 to 2025, focusing on proficiency data for grades 3-8, ELA 10, and Algebra 1. The team is investigating the root causes of a slight dip in ELA scores for grades 4 and 5. Grade 6 ELA scores saw substantial improvement due to small group instruction, targeted interventions, science of reading training for all teachers, and consistent goal reviews.