2025 November Board Notes

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Denton Elementary School students opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Following that, the board of education president reads the Mission Statement, "In partnership with families and community, we prepare all students to achieve college, career, and life readiness through a challenging and progressive educational experience," and the board approved the agenda.

Kali Tiley, school nurse at Federalsburg Elementary School, was recognized at the November Board of Education meeting for earning her National Board Certification for school nursing. Supervisor of Health Services Jennifer Yost introduced Ms. Tiley and explained the rigors of earning this certification.

Complete details are available in the news post that followed the meeting.

The Board welcomed Jeffrey Lin from Colonel Richardson High School who reported on events Colonel Richardson High School and the feeder schools. Kadeen Belle was unable to attend.

Student Representative Report

The Board approved personnel items as presented by Dr. Robert Willoughby, Director of Administrative Services. They also approved the minutes from the most recent board of education meetings.

The Board approved the Budget Adjustments and Audits Reports as presented.

Ms. Audrey McHenrick from UHY reviewed and explained the annual audit report. She confirmed the audit was clean and unmodified, the highest level of assurance to receive. She briefly reviewed the internal control and compliance section noting no concerns. She continued to review the various financial statements highlighting the very healthy balance of the fund balance. She praised the work of the Finance office and confirmed CCPS is in good financial standing in all areas with no concerns to be aware of.

CFO Ms. Jill Hignutt explained revenues from the State of Maryland were lower than budgeted due to changes in Private Pre-K funding. Revenues from other sources were higher than budgeted due to high interest rates. The budgeted amount for restricted revenue must be decreased so that it balances with the actual expenditures for restricted programs.

Total expenditures in the areas of operation of plant, maintenance of plant, fixed charges and capital outlay exceeded the amount that was budgeted.

The reasons for the overages in these categories are as follows:

• Operation of Plant – Costs associated with building utilities were greater than what was budgeted.
• Maintenance of Plant – Costs associated with repairs to buildings and grounds were greater than what was budgeted.
• Fixed Charges – Costs associated with contribution to OPEB fund.
• Capital Outlay – Costs associated with consulting services for the Lockerman Middle School project and year end purchases including the Support Services Center lease payoff.

The areas of administration, school management and support, instructional salaries, instructional supplies, other instructional costs, special education, pupil services, health services, operation of plant, maintenance of plant and fixed charges will be decreased to offset the overages in the above categories.

FY25 Budget Adjustments

Final Financial Statement CCBOE

Final Audit Communications CCBOE

The Board approved the purchase of a new chiller for Denton Elementary School.

Director of Operations Bill Mengel explained this project was approved by the Board of Education in September, 2024 during the FY26 Capital Improvement Program presentation. Following submission to the IAC a month later, the FY26 CIP later passed through final approval in May, 2025.

Originally, this CIP project request was for $400,000. The IAC later recommended that the request be $500,000 based on other similar requests they were receiving. The lowest bid came in $39,980 higher than the approved FY26 CIP. The overage would be paid from the CCPS Operating Budget. We are still enjoying a robust and budget-friendly, 94/6 percent shared cost split with the IAC. This bid was conducted as a competitive and formalized bid procedure, meeting all procedures complied with Board policy and applicable state laws and regulations.

Four bids were received from qualified, mechanical/HVAC companies:

• Adrian L. Merton, Inc.
• Modern Controls, Inc
• Tate
• Wilfre Co.

Within this proposal, Adrian L. Merton would remove the existing water-cooled chiller and cooling tower, replacing it with an updated air-cooled chiller with a new cooling tower. This vendor can begin this project at any time. This project is expected to take approximately one month to complete.

The Board approved the named Exempt Administrators and the proposed Negotiating Teams.

Annually, the Board of Education must designate employees involved in negotiations as “exempt administrators” and make appointments to Negotiations Teams representing the Board. It is therefore recommended that the Caroline County Board of Education designate the following as Exempt Administrators for FY25:

• Dr. Tara A. Downes, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction
• Mrs. Lindsey M. McCormick, Director of College and Career Readiness
• Mr. J. Kirk Howie, Director of Student Services
• Mr. William J. Mengel, Director of Operations
• Ms. Jill A. Hignutt, CPA, Chief Financial Officer
• Dr. Robert W. Willoughby, Director of Administrative Services
• Mrs. Deborah E. Siachos, Coordinator of Human Resources
• Mr. Charles E. Ackerson, Data Systems Manager
• Dr. Nicole M. Vondenbosch, Supervisor of Instruction
• Mr. Antonio J. Angeloni, Princpal, Preston Elementary School

It is also recommended that the following persons compose the Negotiating Team to conduct negotiations with the Caroline County Educators’ Association (Teachers):

• Dr. Robert W. Willoughby, Chief Negotiator
• Mrs. Deborah E. Siachos
• Ms. Jill A. Hignutt
• Mr. Charles E. Ackerson
• Dr. Nicole M. Vondenbosch
• Mr. Antonio J. Angeloni

Furthermore, it is recommended that the following persons compose the Negotiating Team to conduct negotiations with the Caroline County Educators’ Association (ESP):

• Dr. Robert W. Willoughby, Chief Negotiator
• Ms. Jill A. Hignutt
• Mrs. Deborah E. Siachos
• Mr. Charles E. Ackerson
• Mr. William J. Mengel

Director of Administrative Services Rob Willoughby presented this policy for second reading, and once again explained that CCPS does not currently have a policy governing the use of service animals by students, employees, or visitors. This proposed policy establishes guidelines and procedures consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008.

Dr. Willoughby reported that the policy was distributed to the public for feedback, and two comments were received, one favorable and one unfavorable because they felt it was creating a difficult situation in the schools. Dr. Willoughby said staff would contact that person to explain that service animals were already allowed by law, making this policy necessary.

The Board discussed animals in non-service situations on school property, and agreed if addressed, it would have to be in a separate policy.

The Board approved the policy.

Service Animals Policy

Service Animals Regulation

Director of Administrative Services Rob Willoughby presented this policy for first reading. Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvement Act of 2001, school systems are required to enact policies and procedures that eliminate barriers to enrollment, placement, instruction, and equative access for students experiencing homelessness. Caroline County Public Schools (CCPS) has traditionally accomplished this through various Board of Education policies and several Student Services Division internal procedures. Updated guidance from the Maryland State Department of Education suggests that these efforts be part of a comprehensive stand-alone policy to ensure compliance in all areas.

The Board requested that the policy be distributed for public comment prior to next month's meeting.

Elimination of Barriers for Students Experiencing Homelessness

Elimination of Barriers for Students Experiencing Homelessness Regulation

Chief Financial Officer Jill Hignutt will review the most recent finance report as of October 31, 2025.

October 2025 Finance Report

Dr. Simmons reported that he very much enjoyed his all-day visits to North Caroline High School and Caroline Career and Technology Center this past month. He mentioned several classes such as Mr. Buffenmyer who was teaching a lesson on WWII , Ms. Winkleblech's Algebra II class which helped him to understand imaginary numbers, and Ms. Breeding's Art class, which had impressive work going on. At CCTC, he enjoyed Mr. Hall's class with mobile work benches being built. and Mr. Butler and Mr. Cahall's classes learning about suspension and fixing brake lines. He reported that while he did not get a pedicure, he did enjoy watching Cosmetology students prepare for Halloween special effects.

Ms. Bartz enjoyed a visit to NCHS where she joined Dr. Simmons and students for lunch in the cafeteria. She also appreciated the LMS/YMCA Boys and Girls Soccer team season, sharing that staff, students, and fans showed a lot of school spirit. Lastly, she loved being at GES on Halloween.

Mr. Plutschak enjoyed CRHS Fall Fest and football game. He also attended the MABE Conference and appreciated the variety of workshops.

Mr. Jones also attended the MABE conference.

Ms. Johnson attended the recent Denton parade and appreciated the participation of the LMS Band.

Ms. Wayman also attended the MABE Conference, and enjoyed visiting schools with Dr. Simmons.

Director of Administrative Services Dr. Rob Willoughby provided the Board with an update on the Grow Your Own program.

Presentation

Supervisor of Community Schools Nicole Fisher provided the Board with an update on the Community Schools.

Presentation