2026 March BoardNotes

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The Board opened the meeting by leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board approved the agenda.

At the start of each meeting, 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."

The Board recognized Annabelle Robuck, a North Caroline High School (NCHS) student, for being selected for All State Choir.

Annabelle is currently a Freshman at NCHS and actively involved in the Rhythm of the Ridge and the Drama Club, as well as community theater. This was her third year participating in All Shore Choir, and her first time auditioning for All State.

The Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) All State Choir is a premier statewide ensemble program for public and private school students in grades 7-12, featuring rigorous auditions to select top vocal talent. Led by renowned conductors, these choirs (Junior, Senior Mixed, and Senior Treble) perform advanced, diverse repertoire after preparing under the guidance of music directors.

(News Post)

Reese Bisesi, senior at NCHS and lacrosse player, spoke regarding the athletic program at her school. She expressed her concerns about inadequate support and recognition, insufficient safety precautions, and the overall condition of the athletic facilities. She also noted the absence of an athletic trainer, the team’s inability to use the stadium field, and the condition of the lacrosse practice field.

Amber Baiers, senior at NCHS and lacrosse player, shared her concerns regarding the athletic program at her school. She stated she felt that female athletes are not valued, recognized or celebrated for their commitments in the same manner as male athletes. She also felt there is a difference between male and female locker rooms, and referenced Title IV requirements.

Sheri Bisesi, parent of a NCHS student athlete, shared her concerns regarding the condition of the athletic facilities, specifically the current playing field. She stated she had not heard much about improving the field and feels there is a lack of transparency in what she has been told. She is requesting that an outside official regularly check the field, and that an athletic trainer be hired.

Joe Anderson, CEO of Combined Technology Solutions, shared the long‑standing success of the AMP program offered at CCTC. He reviewed the program’s history and the many benefits it provides to students. He acknowledged that upcoming changes from the Maryland State Department of Education will affect the program and expressed his hope that its emphasis on soft skills, such as teamwork and leadership, will be preserved, as these skills are essential for students’ future careers.

Jeffrey Lin from Colonel Richardson High School was unable to attend. North Caroline High School Representative Kadeen Belle reported on activities from North Caroline High School and the feeder schools.

Student Board Report

In the Consent Agenda, the Board approved:

• Personnel items as presented by Dr. Robert Willoughby, Director of Administrative Services
• The minutes from the most recent board of education meetings

At the March Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Dr. Derek L. Simmons announced a leadership reorganization designed to strengthen the school system’s academic focus and ensure continued stability moving forward.

• Chief Academic Officer (realigned from Assistant Superintendent of Instruction) will remain focused on instruction and academic alignment, particularly in support of Blueprint initiatives. The role will sharpen its concentration specifically on academic leadership and outcomes.

• Deputy Superintendent (realigned from Director of Administrative Services) serves as a designated second-in-command with a comprehensive understanding of system operations, prepared to ensure uninterrupted leadership and continuity when needed.

The reorganization does not create any new positions; rather, it realigns the existing organizational chart to better meet the evolving needs of the school system.

In explaining the reorganization, Dr. Simmons announced that Dr. Tara Downes, current Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, has accepted a position with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), effective May 1. He praised Dr. Downes for her work with CCPS, and said she had contributed greatly to the district’s progress and ongoing implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future. He added that given the changes to instruction over the past few years, a steady intentional focus on the area of instruction was required, which necessitated the change in position.

Dr. Simmons also announced that Dr. Robert Willoughby, current Director of Administrative Services, was his recommendation for Deputy Superintendent. He stated, “Dr. Willoughby’s leadership, steady presence, and commitment to this system make him the clear choice for this position.”

“The foundational work we have accomplished over the past several years would not have been possible without his knowledge, skill, and deep understanding of our system,” Dr. Simmons added. “He has an exceptional ability to remain flexible and navigate the complexities of administration and human resources, while also maintaining a strong grasp of instruction and the major initiatives we are advancing. There is hardly a project or partnership at the state level that Rob does not have some connection to or understanding of.”

The Board voted unanimously to approve the organizational changes and Dr. Willoughby’s appointment.

News Release

At their March meeting, the Board of Education voted to:

• change April 1 from a half day to a full day for students and
• change April 2 to a half day for students.

These adjustments were made in an effort to avoid extending the school year following recent inclement weather days on February 23 and February 24.

Additionally, a waiver will be requested from the Maryland State Board of Education to waive the 180-day requirement and forgive the February 24 closure. The Board will approve the last day of school at a future meeting, pending approval of the waiver.

In total, schools were closed for seven (7) days for inclement weather days on December 5, 2025 and January 26, 27, 28, 29, and February 23 and 24. Three (3) days were included in the original school year calendar for inclement weather; therefore, four (4) make-up days were required.

(News Post)

The Board voted to approve policy IV.40.30 (Teacher Professional Development System) be continued with a title change (Teacher Evaluation System), and policy IV.40.50 (Renewal of the Advanced Professional Certificate through Professional Growth Activities) be continued as written.

Dr. Willoughby reported that these policies remain consistent with current practice and up to date. The TPGS policy continues to govern what is now referred to as the Teacher Evaluation System, so the non-substantive revision would be to replace all references to the TPGS with TES, including the policy title. Policy IV.40.50 needs to remain in place until 2029 for teachers holding Advanced Professional Certificates, but will retire in 2029 as the last of those APCs are renewed for new Advanced Professional Licenses.

Policy IV.40.30 Teacher Professional Growth System

Policy IV.40.50 Renewal of the Advanced Professional Certificate Through Professional Growth Activities

The Board voted to retire policy IV.40.51 (Professional Growth Plans) and remove it from the Policy Manual.

Dr. Willougby reported this policy was last revised in 1995, but is now redundant under the changes to Teacher Licensure effective 4/1/2023. Teachers no longer utilize Professional Development Plans to renew certificates, instead COMAR now requires an Individual Development Plan (IPDP) and outlines its use, form, duration, and specifics. As this is detailed in the regulation, no CCPS Policy is needed to govern the IPDP, and the old PDP is no longer utilized for renewal.

Policy IV.40.51 Professional Growth Plans

The Y membership program for CCPS employees is now part of the operating budget rather than grant‑funded, following the Board’s vote to transition it. As this represents an ongoing investment in staff wellness, the Board requested an update on its impact.

Robby Gill, representing the YMCA, attended with several staff members and provided a packet to Board members. He expressed appreciation for the partnership and emphasized the shared focus on connection, community, and supporting employees’ mental, physical, and emotional health. He noted that constructing a Y facility in Caroline is on their long‑term project list for the next few years.

Wendi Palmer, Director of Health Intervention, highlighted several programs available to CCPS employees and the broader community, including the Live Strong cancer‑survivor program, senior wellness offerings, an upcoming blood pressure self‑monitoring initiative, and a Parkinson’s exercise program.

Mr. Gill also shared information about Camp Lazy Days, a summer program for children with special needs, along with other services supporting students with disabilities. He added that the Y is serving the same children CCPS serves, and the more both organizations can do together, the greater the impact on families. He noted that Caroline is used as a model for other communities across the Eastern Shore, pointing to the strong benefits CCPS provides to staff and the district’s visible commitment to wellness. He shared that many other divisions wish they had this level of partnership and offered kudos to the Board and CCPS leadership for making it possible.

Dr. Simmons thanked the Y team for their continued partnership, noting their shared commitment to meeting community needs and finding creative ways to make meaningful programs possible.

Presentation

Dr. Simmons provided an update on bills impacting education in the current legislative session. He specifically noted House Bill 1028, which proposes an increase in Caroline County Board of Education member compensation. The bill was introduced by Delegate Ghrist and the Caroline delegation. The Superintendent submitted a letter of support on behalf of the district.

Mr. Plutschak referenced the convenience of the legislative tracker to follow bills. He noted a bill related to public school system contracts and said he would continue monitoring its progress.

Dr. Simmons reminded the Board that March 23 is crossover day, when bills must move from the House to the Senate to remain viable for the session. Additional clarity on which bills will advance is expected after that date.

Chief Financial Officer Jill Hignutt will review the most recent finance report as of February 28, 2026.

Dr. Simmons highlighted a recent event held in honor of Dr. James T. Orr, who recently relocated from Caroline after 52 in the county. In keeping with Dr. Orr’s wishes, the gathering was informal and held at Eden Town Brewery. The turnout was exceptional, with more than 130 attendees, including CCPS retirees and current employees. He explained that the idea for the event stemmed from a desire to recognize Dr. Orr’s extraordinary contributions as a CCPS volunteer since his retirement in the early 2000s. Despite no longer being an employee, Dr. Orr continued to show up daily to support students and staff across the school system.

At the event, Dr. Simmons introduced the James T. Orr Award, an idea given to him by former superintendent Dr. Edward Shirley. The award will be given annually at the Welcome Back event to honor individuals who embody Dr. Orr’s spirit of service.

Dr. Simmons stated the event sparked a broader conversation about the value of bringing retirees and current staff together. Attendees described it as feeling like a family reunion, with phenomenal conversations and a strong sense of connection. He noted interest in making this type of gathering an annual tradition, given the strong attendance and overwhelmingly positive response.

Ms. Wayman added that it was an outstanding event and would continue to draw strong participation if held in future years.

Superintendent's Report

Mr. Jones shared that there was a open appointed position on the Board of Education currently, and community members should consider putting in an application.

Mr. Plutschak agreed that the event for Dr. Orr was a highlight for the month, and it was a pleasure to see former teachers in the crowd.

Ms. Johnson enjoyed visiting CCTC to watch the AMP project presentations. She particularly enjoyed one student's Bat Box project.

Ms. Bartz also enjoyed Dr. Orr's event, noting it was great to have everyone together. She also shared that as the parent of a senior, she's looking forward to upcoming activities, and appreciated the hard work of staff preparing for graduation at both schools.

Ms. Wayman enjoyed reading at Easton Elementary, and also noted the impressive turnout for Dr. Orr's event. She also mentioned watching the NCHS Black History Month video, and felt it was an impressive production.

Supervisors or Instruction for English Language Arts Katey Allis-Fisher and Renee Hesson and Lockerman Middle School Specialist John Austin provided the Board with current Middle Year English Language Arts and Math data.

Presentation

Email: communications@ccpsstaff.org

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Location: Caroline County, Maryland
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