MARYLAND SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Meeting Minutes
November 17, 20006
Frederick Campus

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Benjamin Bahan, Ph.D.; Cynthia Neese-Bailes, PhD.; David S. Birnbaum; Connie Briscoe-Woodruff; William Bowman; John Ertel, Ph.D.; H. Mitchell Goldberg; Anjali Desai-Margolin;  Ernest Hairston, Ph.D.; Sandra N. Harriman; Edgar Palmer; Barbara Raimondo; Carol Stevens.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Robin Kittleman; Charles Poyer, Jr.; Elliot Rosen; David Severn, Esq.; Laurie Yaffe.

INTERPRETERS: Myra Foley; Brenda Kelly-Frey.

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL: Demetria Titus, Esquire.

President Raimondo called the meeting to order at 9:08 a.m. Roll call was called by passing around the roll call sheet.

President Raimondo shared with the members that Charles Poyer’s wife passed away of cancer recently.

President’s Report: 
President Raimondo explained that the Gallaudet Homecoming football game was held at MSD this past October.  The school was requested to host the game due to concerns at Gallaudet with regards to the protest.  The event was very nice and well attended.

Ms. Raimondo shared that the orientation for the two newest members, Ms. Connie Briscoe-Woodruff and Dr. Ernest Hairston, is now complete.

President Raimondo urged BOT members to consider joining the PTCA for either of the campuses. The support would be greatly appreciated by the school and the members.

Ms. Raimondo explained that a reporter from the Baltimore Sun had called her regarding the issue of hearing students being accepted at MSD.  The reporter was informed that there is no news to be shared on that subject at this time. 

President Raimondo informed the members that the Education Committee is scheduled to tour the Columbia Campus on December 8th in order to get a better understanding of the special needs program.

Vice President Report:
Vice President Bahan explained that the reporter from the Baltimore Sun had recently contacted him as well regarding the admittance of hearing students.  Dr. Bahan has not yet returned the reporter’s call.

It was discussed that there should be an official statement on the subject of hearing students at MSD that all Board members could use if and when they are contacted by the media.  Vice President Bahan cautioned against bringing too much media attention to the topic until it has been fully explored.

Secretary’s Report:
No report

Treasurer’s Report:
Secretary Bowman shared that there is no change in the MTT bank account.

A discussion was held regarding the disclosure of information between the Foundation and the BOT.  It was explained that the Foundation manages the BOT’s money at the Board’s direction and that they are solely responsible for the money that belongs to the Foundation.  Mr. Tucker gave a brief summary on the formation of the Foundation and explained that they Foundation is completely separate from the School and the Board.

Mr. Bowman explained that he is not receiving regular statements from the investment firm used by the Foundation for the Board money therefore; he is unable to report on the money the Board has invested.  Mr. Goldberg will attend the next Foundation meeting and will remind the Foundation Treasurer that Mr. Bowman should receive those statements.

Superintendent’s Report:
Superintendent Tucker explained that the events on the Gallaudet campus did impact MSD.  Employees of our school have children who attend Gallaudet.  We also have staff members who are alumni of the University.  Everyone made an effort not to get pulled into the controversy.  The football game which was held on our football field is the only time MSD got involved with Gallaudet in regards to the protest.

Mr. Tucker shared with the Board members that an MSD student athlete was injured during the football game in Alabama. The parents of the athlete were asked to meet the bus at the school and it was recommended that they take the student to the hospital.  The parents were satisfied with the information provided them and took the student to the hospital for medical attention.   The school investigated the handling of the event by the athletic trainer and found that all proper procedures were followed but the school could improve communication with the parents of students in the future if the Athletic Trainer (AT) were provided with a pager.  The school is currently investigating the purchase of a pager for the AT.   Mr. Tucker explained that several parents of other athletes were concerned with the AT’s handling of the injury and put their complaints in writing.  A letter of explanation was sent to all the families of the athletes.  The letter was composed with input from the parents of the injured athlete.  The Superintendent explained that it is the school’s goal to be sensitive to the community and that input from our constituents is of great importance to the school administration.

The Superintendent discussed the subject of admitting hearing students to MSD.  He explained that the subject was discussed briefly in July during the Governor’s visit but it became a subject of interest for the local media.  The Superintendent has received input from the school’s attorney on how to proceed if the Board chooses to pursue the idea. Positive discussions on the subject have also been held with the Maryland State Department of Education.  While the idea has some community support, Mr. Tucker believes that the subject will need in depth investigation.

Mr. Tucker explained that the Board would be going to the Shockley House at 10:30 a.m. for a tour of the new addition.  Ms. Mary Jane (Shockley) Sanders and her children would be in attendance.  After the tour of the group home, the Board members will be escorted to the Loats Farm property for a quick tour of the site of the future elementary school.  Mr. Tucker reminded the members that a discussion was held at the August meeting regarding the possibility of having a power sub-station on the far end of the property.  This tour will help the Board members visualize the proposals. 

A discussion was held regarding the money needed to repair the Hessian Barracks.  President Raimondo requested that the FM/FM committee be involved in these discussions so they are able to discuss future issues with the Board members.

Superintendent Tucker shared that staff have been working on finding a new name for the Family Education/Early Intervention program.  The most popular choice at this time is Early Childhood and Family Learning Program.  The idea is to drop the word intervention since this seems to reflect a medical model.  The name change will be part of the handbook changes proposal brought to the Education Committee in the spring.

Mr. Tucker reminded everyone that the next legislative session will start in January.  Our budget proposal is ready for this session.  There are many new faces in Annapolis and Superintendent Tucker explained that he would travel to the State Capital to build relationships with the new legislators. 

President Raimondo reminded the Superintendent that the FM/FM committee will need to be more involved with the budget process in the future so they are able to bring the information to the Board.

A MOTION was made to add the approval of the Closed Session minutes from the August, 2006 meeting to the agenda– SECONDED – PASSED.

A MOTION was made to approve the agenda for the meeting as amended– SECONDED – PASSED.

A MOTION was made to approve the Open Session minutes from the August, 2006 meeting – SECONDED – PASSED.

A MOTION was made to approve the Closed Session minutes from the August, 2006 meeting – SECONDED – PASSED.

President Raimondo handed out the minutes to the Executive Committee meeting for committee member review. 

A MOTION was made to approve the Executive Committee meeting minutes – SECONDED – PASSED.

Mr. Chad Baker, Deputy Superintendent at the Maryland School for the Deaf, presented an update on the school’s Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)

Mr. Baker explained that the results of our progress are posted on the MSDE website.  Schools are still in discussion with the Department of Education in regards to the testing of special needs students.  New tests may be available next year which would be fairer enabling our students to pass.

Mr. Baker discussed the school Adequate Yearly Progress, the schools progress in regards to appropriate assessment tests and the Measurement of Quality Assurance (QUAM) used by the Department of Education.

Mr. Baker also shared with the BOT that twenty three (23) seniors graduated last year.  Sixty one (61) percent of the graduates went on to a four year college program.  The majority of them either went to Gallaudet or RIT.

Open Forum: 
No one signed up for Open Forum

Ms. Celinda Rother, Agency grant writer, presented the Board members with an update of the grants the school has been successful in securing to date. 
Ms. Rother shared with the Board members the upcoming goals for the grants writing department in the coming year and gave a brief breakdown of the Foundations which have been supportive of MSD

Executive Committee Report:
No Report

Education Committee Report:
The Education Committee has made arrangements to tour the Columbia Campus in the near future so they can get an understanding of how the program works on that campus.

President Raimondo shared that she had received a request from a parent to change the homework policy as it relates to athletes.  After research and consideration of the issue, the Education Committee has decided to respond to the parent that the policy will not be changed.

Fiscal Matters/Facilities Management Committee:
The Board members were informed that Alleghany Power may request an opportunity to present information to the Board regarding the power substation.  Board members were of the opinion that they would like to hear information on the subject from an independent source. A discussion was held regarding the sale of the property below the power lines and the actual potential use of that property.

 Funding for repairs to the Barrack is of concern to the school.  The administration is currently trying to find sources to assist in the costs of repairing and maintaining the historic building. 

Personnel Committee Report:
A MOTION was made at 1:53 p.m. to go into closed session to discuss a personnel matter – SECONDED – PASSED.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Benjamin Bahan, Ph.D.; Cynthia Neese-Bailes, PhD.; David S. Birnbaum; Connie Briscoe-Woodruff; William Bowman; John Ertel, Ph.D.; H. Mitchell Goldberg; Anjali Desai-Margolin;  Ernest Hairston, Ph.D.; Sandra N. Harriman; Edgar Palmer; Barbara Raimondo; Carol Stevens.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Robin Kittleman; Charles Poyer, Jr.; Elliot Rosen; David Severn, Esq.; Laurie Yaffe.

INTERPRETERS: Myra Foley; Brenda Kelly-Frey.

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL: Demetria Titus, Esquire.

A MOTION was made at 2:00 p.m. to go into open session – SECONDED – PASSED.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Benjamin Bahan, Ph.D.; Cynthia Neese-Bailes, PhD.; David S. Birnbaum; Connie Briscoe-Woodruff; William Bowman; John Ertel, Ph.D.; H. Mitchell Goldberg; Anjali Desai-Margolin;  Ernest Hairston, Ph.D.; Sandra N. Harriman; Edgar Palmer; Barbara Raimondo; Carol Stevens.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Robin Kittleman; Charles Poyer, Jr.; Elliot Rosen; David Severn, Esq.; Laurie Yaffe.

INTERPRETERS: Myra Foley; Brenda Kelly-Frey.

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL: Demetria Titus, Esquire.

Student Life Committee:
The chairperson of this committee will soon be working on a visitation schedule for the dorms on both campuses.

It was discussed that the names of the committee members should be listed on the school’s website.

Trusteeship Committee:
The chairperson of the committee informed the Board members that the New Member Orientation for our two new members is now complete.
Ms. Harriman announced that there is still one vacancy to be filled and that she would welcome any recommendations. 
It was suggested that the Alumni Association be contacted to receive input on potential candidates for the BOT.

Bylaws Committee:
Dr. Ertel distributed the recommendation for bylaw changes which were developed by the committee members. Dr. Ertel asked that the Board members review the recommended changes and be prepared to vote on them at the February Board meeting.

Accreditation Committee:
No report

Old Business –

New Business –
President Raimondo discussed the possibility of having a second Board retreat.  Possible trainers are Dr. Robert Davila, The Gallaudet Leadership Institute and Starr Associates which is currently working with the Unity and Diversity Committee.

It was agreed that a hands on, working retreat would be preferred over a lecture type retreat.  A discussion was held regarding asking the management staff of the school to join in the retreat activities.  It was suggested that the format used for the last retreat, one evening and one full day worked well.  The evening meeting would be for Board members only at which time short and long term goals could be developed. 

The subject of Community communication and a partnership between the Board and the alumni association was discussed.  Student enrollment could also be a topic of discussion for the retreat. 

It was suggested that the Executive Committee should met with Mr. Tucker to establish goals for the retreat, time of year, duration, who should participate and the goals of the retreat.   Mr. Tucker shared that the staff days are January 19th and February 15th. Early spring may be the best time for the retreat.

A MOTION was made to go into closed session at 3:35 p.m. to discuss a Personnel matter – SECONDED – PASSED.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Benjamin Bahan, Ph.D.; Cynthia Neese-Bailes, PhD.; David S. Birnbaum; Connie Briscoe-Woodruff; William Bowman; John Ertel, Ph.D.; H. Mitchell Goldberg; Anjali Desai-Margolin;  Ernest Hairston, Ph.D.; Sandra N. Harriman; Edgar Palmer; Barbara Raimondo; Carol Stevens.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Robin Kittleman; Charles Poyer, Jr.; Elliot Rosen; David Severn, Esq.; Laurie Yaffe.

INTERPRETERS: Myra Foley; Brenda Kelly-Frey.

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL: Demetria Titus, Esquire.

A MOTION was made to go into Open Session at 4:15 p.m. SECONDED – PASSED.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Benjamin Bahan, Ph.D.; Cynthia Neese-Bailes, PhD.; David S. Birnbaum; Connie Briscoe-Woodruff; William Bowman; John Ertel, Ph.D.; H. Mitchell Goldberg; Anjali Desai-Margolin;  Ernest Hairston, Ph.D.; Sandra N. Harriman; Edgar Palmer; Barbara Raimondo; Carol Stevens.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Robin Kittleman; Charles Poyer, Jr.; Elliot Rosen; David Severn, Esq.; Laurie Yaffe.

INTERPRETERS: Myra Foley; Brenda Kelly-Frey.

ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL: Demetria Titus, Esquire.

The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Anjali Desai-Margolin
Secretary