2025 October Board Notes

Caroline County Board of Education meetings are livestreamed and may also be viewed after the meeting has concluded. For information about the Board of Education, including agendas and meeting schedules, please visit the Leadership page of our website.

FES Falcons 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.

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.

Director of Operations Bill Mengel presented the FY26 Comprehensive Maintenance Plan, which is required by the Interagency Committee on School Construction (IAC). He explained that the plan is one of the several activities used by the IAC to monitor and evaluate how well Maryland's school systems are systemically and comprehensively protecting the state's capital investment. CCPS's specific objectives for its CMP are to:

1. Provide the most effective environment possible for teaching and learning.
2. Minimize potential disruptions to the educational program.
3. Preserve and protect the asset value of school property and facilities.
4. Maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of facility functions and systems.
5. Provide the foundation for effective risk management and preventative maintenance programs.

The Board approved the FY26 CMP.

FY26CMP FY26CMP Presentation

Director of Administrative Services Rob Willoughby presented the policy and explained it was last revised in 1985. The spirit and intent of the policy is unchanged; however, policy was updated for formatting and to ensure consistency with current operating procedures. The Board approved the policy as presented.

Operation of School Nutrition Programs

Director of Administrative Services Rob Willoughby presented the policy and 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. The Board discussed various aspects of the policy, such as what constitutes a service animal and how the policy would be applied. The draft regulation was also shared with the Board for the purpose of understanding how the policy would be implemented. Dr. Willoughby shared that the policy would be put out for public comment and feedback provided to the Board by the next meeting.

Service Animals Policy Service Animals Regulation

The Board approved new members of the Citizens Advisory Committee. Each year, members of the Board of Education and school principals alternate the responsibility of making nominations to the Citizens Advisory Committee. This year the principals have submitted names for consideration. Individuals will serve for two years (2025- 2026 and 2026-2027).

Dr. Simmons presented the calendar for the development of the 2026-27 school year. The following is a schedule of budget discussions that will take place at upcoming Board Meetings as well as with the County Commissioners and CCPS stakeholder groups.

• Tuesday, December 2, 2025: Budget development discussion – Board Meeting - 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 6, 2026: Budget development discussion – Board Meeting - 6 p.m.
• Thursday, January 22, 2026: School System Improvement Council and Citizens Advisory Council – Board of Education - 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026: Board Work Session with County Commissioners – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, February 3, 2026: Budget discussion – Board Meeting – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 3, 2026: Budget discussion – Board Meeting – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 7, 2026: Budget discussion – Board Meeting – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 5, 2026: Preliminary Budget Approval – Board Meeting – 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 6, 2026: Submit approved proposed budget to Caroline County Commissioners
• Tuesday, June 2, 2026: Final Budget Approval – Board Meeting - 6 p.m.

Director of Student Services Kirk Howie presented a report on September enrollment data. Mr. Howie stressed that the current number of 5608 was for the purpose of MSDE's Sept. 30 reporting, but it remains unofficial as Student Services is in the process of identifying students who may have relocated or need some type of intervention to return to school. Mr. Howie reviewed trend data for the past 10 years, overall and by both school and grade level. He also reviewed data for students under home instruction.

Enrollment Update Presentation

Dr. Simmons discussed the closing of the five-year Project Aware grant. He reviewed the extensive and substantial work conducted by the staff involved with the grant to provide students and families with mental health resources.

Presentation

Ms. Johnson reported that she attended the NCHS Homecoming parade and enjoyed being on the judging panel for the floats. She commended the staff and students for the hard work involved in turning out amazing floats.

Mr. Jones attended the Caroline Ag Day, saying it was a very good event that shows students where their food comes from and exposes them to a wide range of careers in agriculture. He noted there was great community support and involvement, and thanked the staff for the work involved in the event.

Ms. Bartz attended the event to commemorate the end of the Project Aware grant, and stated that CCPS should be incredibly proud of the work surrounding social-emotional learning. She noted that the work done in Caroline is becoming best practice in other districts because the support for families is real. Ms. Bartz also attended the NCHS Homecoming festivities, and also, with Mr. Jones, attended their 30th high school reunion at NCHS. She thanked Mr. Spiker for allowing the attendees to set up a tent at the Homecoming game.

Mr. Plutschak sharing that he attended several sporting events, and his daughter’s first homecoming was coming up the following weekend. He also noted that MABE's Legislative Committee was scheduled to meet soon.

Ms. Wayman shared that she enjoyed her visit to CRHS with Dr. Simmons. She commended students for being polite and welcoming, and noted that lunch in the cafeteria was fantastic. Ms. Wayman also attended NCHS pep rally which she said was a lot of fun.

Cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances

Email: superintendent@ccpsstaff.org

Website: carolineschools.org
Location: Caroline County, Maryland
District Office: 410.479.1460

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