Legislative Update
DCPS and the County Council have sent a joint letter to our legislative representatives concerning unanticipated changes to the State funding formula that has shortchanged Dorchester County and other Eastern Shore Boards of Education relative to the rest of the State.
The Eastern Shore Consortium’s Blended Virtual Education Program has been the subject of debate among legislators opposed to its use of contractors.
Comments from the Public
A DCPS school counselor cited multiple violent incidents in the schools this year and stated that teachers and counselors need training in handling students experiencing severe stress and/or traumatic circumstance. Staff are stretched too thin, resources are lacking, and counselors are not equipped to address the kinds of behavior problems and violence that students are exhibiting.
The parent of a DCPS middle school student stressed her child’s need for permission to take textbooks home so the parent can aid and supervise the child’s work. Her child is being left behind as online tools are not meeting the child’s needs.
The President of Dorchester Educators indicated that teachers are constantly expressing exhaustion and defeat. Children, teachers, and staff are experiencing mental and physical injury. Unacceptable and violent behaviors are not being addressed effectively. Dorchester Educators continues to pledge its cooperation in working to find solutions that work.
A DCPS teacher stressed that options need to be implemented to bring discipline problems and violence under control. Not addressing these problems is hurting everyone, yet referrals are not followed up by administration, there are no consequences for disruptive behavior, and there is no consistency from one incident to the next. Overall, the alternative programs in DCPS are a disaster.
The parent of an autistic child in a DCPS elementary school indicated that her child was jumped, kicked, and stomped on by other students because there was inadequate adult supervision. Her child’s disabilities have not been taken seriously, and the child is not being protected. Her requests for a manifestation meeting have been ignored.
A parent who is proud of the education she received in DCPS expressed serious disappointment that her child is not getting a quality education in DCPS. Teachers and staff here are overworked and are not receiving the support they need, and as a result, children are suffering.
The parent of a DCPS student who experiences seizures reported that her child is being abused by a new student and is now afraid to attend school. The abusive child needs to be dealt with. In addition, her child experienced a seizure in school, but she was not informed of it in a timely fashion.
The parent of a DCPS student stated that her child has been bullied and subjected to racist taunts. The child has been hurt physically and emotionally but the principal has not been able to take effective action because of a lack of support from the system.
The parent of a DCPS student indicated that her child is disciplined at home but has become a follower in school of children who do not receive effective consequences for unacceptable behavior. Something must be done now to curb this increasingly disruptive trend.
A member of the community expressed concerns about (i) strict rules limiting manifestation meetings even when requested by the child’s parent, (ii) DCTC programs being discontinued without transparency to the community, (iii) Boy Scout and Cub Scout recruitment activities being denied by DCPS; and (iv) inadequate data systems that make it difficult for DCPS to respond to requests for information.
Instructional Update – IXL. Ms. Brittney Baker, Supervisor of Mathematics and Computer Science, described usage new mathematics platforms for intervention and enrichment of students at all grade levels. See PowerPoint presentation on the CAN and DCPS Board Docs websites.
Items for Information
MOU established between DCPS and the “Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center” to establish an after-school and summer dance program at Maces Lane Middle School. “Leaders of Tomorrow” is a non-profit organization dedicated to underserved youth.
Appropriations and Expenditures Report. Mr. Brooks noted a variance due to increased student transportation costs stemming from higher wages and fuel costs. He indicated that he is monitoring these expenses closely but anticipates that the increased costs can be covered by savings in other areas.
Capital Projects Report. Mr. Brooks noted the completion of access control system installations previously approved by the Board.
Other Business
Board Comments. All Board Members thanked those members of the public who attended or spoke at the meeting.
Dr. Morgan noted that many of the speakers raised important issues that are of great concern to her and indicated that she and other Board Members are working hard to address them effectively.
Mr. Diaz echoed Dr. Morgan’s comments, noting that parent and teacher concerns are important and that he and other Board Members are working on these problems.
Mr. Hull thanked the student representatives for their participation and the members of the Executive Team for their reports.
Ms. Hubbard stated that she and the other Board Members have heard the concerns expressed by the speakers tonight and that violence in the schools must be addressed.
Ms. Layton indicated that she and the other Board Members are working to alleviate the pressures and stresses being experienced by students, teachers, and parents. She thanked Superintendent Bromwell and Ms. Wilson for their very effective presentation to the County Council on the 2022-2023 DCPS budget and the challenges presented by recent, unanticipated State allocations. She also thanked DCPS Food Services personnel for going “above and beyond” to ensure that food was distributed effectively.
Announcements from the Superintendent.
Superintendent Bromwell noted the importance of recognizing the nuances affecting the concerns expressed during the meeting. He reiterated that he will be working with the County Council to bring the DCPS funding challenges to the Legislature. Mr. Bromwell stressed that he is committed to addressing the problems and distress of teachers and students. He noted that the DCPS student internship program has been very successful this year and that five student interns have been offered jobs with their employers. He highlighted the successful Student Success Conferences convened by Ms. Voncia Molock and urged participation in the upcoming Student Success Conference on Saturday, March 19. Mr. Bromwell congratulated the sports teams on their success. Finally, he highlighted the importance of recent Harriet Tubman events in Cambridge and noted the participation of Governor
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