George Bishop

The Capital Asset Plan for Frederick County Public Schools details a comprehensive program for facilities preventive maintenance and asset replacement, spanning fiscal years 2027 through 2030. This multifaceted plan is designed to maintain and upgrade equipment and major systems across all school locations, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment. Key priorities include extending the life expectancy of equipment, minimizing unscheduled system failures, and facilitating long-range financial planning for facilities. The plan outlines specific projects for various assets such as athletics, HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, IT equipment, and school nutrition assets, with projects prioritized based on safety, legal compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, including an amendment to add consultation with legal counsel to the closed session. The board then entered a closed session to discuss appointments, administrative actions (including leave, suspension, and hires), and consultation with legal counsel regarding appointments. Upon reconvening, the board approved personnel actions as recommended by the superintendent. Subsequent discussions included a moment of silence, the pledge of allegiance, and recognition of several groups and individuals: first place winners at the Skills USA competition, recipients of the FCPS honorary award (including student Camden Wilson and volunteer Anthony Palanco), the finance department for receiving the GFOA distinguished budget presentation award and the ASBO meritorious budget award, Amelia Watson for the Apple Award, and a special recognition segment honoring veterans with a video presentation and personal tributes from board members.

The committee discussed CAP and CIP projects, and a SWAT analysis of operational procedures related to facilities. The SWAT analysis identified strengths such as a skilled team, established systems, a uniform keying system, consistent mechanical systems, and recently approved capital projects. Weaknesses included meeting market demands, replacement planning for aging systems, and athletic facilities updates. Opportunities involve building expansion, mechanical and automation upgrades, and proactive building maintenance. Threats included aging equipment, building automation updates, roof replacements, and added square footage. The committee also reviewed updates on the Jameswood High School booster pump project.

The Frederick County Public Schools' budget for Fiscal Year 2026 includes several key priorities: fostering student growth and success through instructional initiatives, offering competitive compensation packages to attract high-quality staff, and maintaining facilities and transportation with operational funding. The budget allocates resources to support student academic needs, enhance instructional coaching, and improve math instruction. It also focuses on enhancing school safety, providing for school bus replacements, and refreshing technology devices.

The committee discussed updates to the CAP, the fourth high school, elementary expansions, and a facilities preventative maintenance process. They also covered a lease update for the Middletown Fire and Rescue Kitchen, a CIP and transportation update, and a contract award. Discussions included playground and boiler projects, fire alarm systems, cooling towers, parking lots, and rooftop units. They reviewed preventive maintenance plans, water loops, kitchen hoods, and HVAC equipment. The committee also addressed the traffic impact analysis for the fourth high school.