2026 January BoardNotes

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.

Federalsburg Elementary School students opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Following that, the board of education president read 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 recognized NCHS student Shari Macario-De Leon as a Maryland Emerging Scholar through the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education.

The Board recognized CCPS teacher who recently earned their National Board Certification.

The Board recognized Dr. Benjamin Bradner for completing his doctorate degree.

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

Student Representative 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

Director of Administrative Services Dr. Willoughby explained this policy is consistent with statutory requirements as well as current CCPS practice and therefore does not require revision. It will be marked as reviewed in 2026 and set to be reviewed again in 2030 as part of the regular review rotation.

Policy III.32.50

Director of Administrative Services Dr. Willoughby explained this policy was last revised in 1998, but is now redundant. Student records (contents, inspection, destruction, etc.) are governed under the Maryland Student Records Manual as well as COMAR 13A.08.02. CCPS is bound to keep and handle student records by statute, making a stand-alone policy redundant.

Policy III.34.80 Student Records

Executive Director of TRIO Upward Bound Executive Director Christle Forster and Academic Coordinator Terry Perkins-Black presented the Board a program update. They reviewed the program's background and objectives, and provided data on the students served. They also highlighted past and present Upward Bound students who are achieving success through the program.

TRIO Upward Bound Presentation

Executive Director Sharon Markley Schreiber presented the Board with an overview of the program. Ms. Forster explained that MBRT recently updated their Strategic Plan and refocused their efforts to more reflect their current mission. She applauded the fact that MBRT for Education as been in Caroline County Schools for nine years, with a focus on assisting our students with qualifying for and receiving state aid, as well as other scholarship opportunities. Ms. Forster explained the current core programs - Next Gen Scholars, Speaker's Bureau, Student Ambassadors, and Way To Be, which is a magazine providing students with college and career readiness information.

Caroline County Next Gen Scholars (NGS) Program Specialist Abby Wittman presented highlights from the 2024-25 School Year which included:

• 728 students served
• $2,084,458 financial aid awarded to seniors
• career tours and college visits
• college bootcamp
• Next Gen Next Level event
• Youth Congress Day
• Way to Be magazine moving to Spanish translation in the same publication as English

Ms. Wittman also provided 2025-26 updates which included:

• Industry Day
• MD Post-Secondary Success Campaign: College Focus Week which resulted in 646 completed college applications submitted from both high schools
• UMES College Fair
• Salisbury University On-Site Admissions - 33 accepted students
• Financial Aid Nights

Next Gen Scholars Presentation

Director of College and Career Readiness Lindsey McCormick provided the Board with an update on Career Technical Education (CTE). Ms. McCormick's presentation included CTE's goal as it pertains to the Maryland Blueprint, an overview of the current program, a detailed preview of the potential changes coming from MSDE for the 2027-2028 school year, and a roster of the workgroup that will be convened in support of the work needed.

Dr. Simmons provided the Board a summary of the annual employee engagement survey.

2026 Employee Engagement Survey Presentation

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

2025 Dec. Finance Report

Dr. Simmons shared photos from school holiday concerts. He applauded all music teachers and students groups for the successful concerts, and gave a special shout-out to Ridgely Elementary School for their performance and audience participation.

Superintendent's Report

Due to the lateness of the hour, President Wayman requested Board members share one item with the public.

• Ms. Bartz, speaking via video from home due to illness, good-naturedly stressed the importance of thorough handwashing during cold and flu season.
• Mr. Plutschak enjoyed the Federalsburg Elementary holiday concert which he reported was standing room only.
• Ms. Johnson shared her excitement about the first student career intern at her place of employment, His Hope Ministries.
• Mr. Jones said he and many others in the Caroline family truly enjoyed a two week Winter Break.
• Ms. Wayman enjoyed participating in the North Caroline High School Community Singalong.

Board President Michele Wayman called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was said and the Board approved the agenda.

Dr. Simmons advised that Board compensation is established by law.

The Board discussed the significant time commitment required for local and statewide meetings, school visits, and attendance at school and community events. Members noted that these responsibilities often require taking time away from work. Members also acknowledged that serving on the Board represents a lifestyle change and involves holding a highly visible public position.

It was noted that the Board is among the lower-paid Boards in the state and that compensation has not been updated since 2009. The Board discussed that increasing compensation could help attract new candidates.

Following discussion, the Board voted to submit a request for a local bill during the 2026 Maryland General Legislative Session to increase the annual Caroline County Board of Education Member compensation from $4,000 for Board President and $3,500 for Board Members to $6,000 for Board President and $5,500 for Board Members annually during the 2026 Legislative Session.

Email: communications@ccpsstaff.org

Website: carolineschools.org
Location: Caroline County, Maryland
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