Mayor Steve Rideout opened the meeting at 6:05 pm with all Council members present.  After approval of the agenda, the Mayor introduced Goldie Cooper, Director of New Beginnings.

Ms. Cooper made a short presentation on New Beginnings and asked for City support for the summer school program.  The Mayor asked the City Manager to look into funding some of the program and to report back at the next City Council Meeting.

The Council then had a lengthy discussion on Ordinance 1233 which was to correct a number of zoning errors, mainly changing the zoning categories from General Commercial/Residential to Downtown Waterfront Development District for the four lots at High and Washington Streets.  This Ordinance was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Committee; however, the Council had a lot of questions and after a long discussion turned down the Ordinance 3 to 2. 

Tyasia Johnson, assistant to the City Manager, had an attachment to the agenda which updated the vacancies on various Boards and Committees. The vacancies include 2 full time members of the Board of Appeals and one alternate for 3-year terms; one full time member and one alternate on the Ethics Commission for 4-year terms; and one full time member from Ward 3 to the Police Advisory Board.  People interested in these positions should contact their City Commissioner.  In addition, there was a short paragraph on changing the City’s methods and procedures on selecting members of City Commissions and the City Council decided to have a work session on the topic on April 22, 2024, at 5 pm.

George Hyde, the project engineer, submitted a written report on the West End Area Sewer Replacement, Phase 1.  At the present time, work should start April 29 on Choptank and Hambrooks intersection and proceed westerly (towards Pink’s Pond).  Road closures should be expected. It is expected to take 9 months to complete Phase 1.  This phase is expected to cost $3.8 million. 

Tom Carroll, the City Manager, made a short presentation on planned City Street paving scheduled for the next 3 months.  Almost a dozen streets are targeted and are listed in the attachments to the Council agenda.

Ida Holden, Director of Administrative Services, made a presentation on behalf of the Portia Johnson-Ennels Youth Internship Program.  This program funded by the City at $75,000 (ARPA funds) provides for a ten-week job opportunity for youths, ages 16 to 23, to work in various City government departments.  This is the second year of this program which was very successful last year. 

The Mayor then led a discussion on the replacement process for the City Manager position.  David Deutsch, a retired City Manager, has agreed to step in as acting City Manager.  The City agreed to pay him not to exceed $6,000 a month in salary plus $1,000 for travel expenses.  The Mercer Group was hired for $26,500 to conduct the search.  The Mercer Group recommended extending the salary range.

The City Manager also wrote in an attachment to the agenda that the City has extended the contract for legal services with the MacLeod group which includes Patrick Thomas and Rebecca Guay.  He also wrote that the City was completed a review of the distribution on all American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds and all organizations have complete their requirements.  Mr. Carroll noted however that the $200,000 pledged to the CWDI project for this year is on hold.  The City has given $300,000 of ARPA funds to CWDI already this year. 

There was no public comment.

Lejan Cephas made two announcements at her Commissioner Comment section.  First, she noted that she supported the CWDI project but there needed to be some changes in the overall plan.  Second, she has organized a meeting on Sunday, April 21 from 4 to 7 at Danny’s Soul Food Restaurant for people interested in purchasing a home.  She has gathered several people with real estate backgrounds to assist people in understanding the process.

The Council went into a closed meeting at 7:35 pm.

The Board went into closed Executive Session at 4:30 pm to discuss personnel, negotiations, legal matters, and administrative functions. Board Vice President Susan Morgan opened the Public Meeting at 6:05 pm with Board Members  Sheri Hubbard, and Chris Wheedleton present. Board President Mike Diaz attended virtually.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance and Board modifications to the agenda, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jymil Thompson reviewed the Board Calendar (see below).

President Diaz thanked everyone for the well-wishes conveyed to himself and his family. He disclosed that he underwent a liver transplant at University Hospital in Baltimore and that his recovery is going very well. He indicated that hopes to return home this weekend and intends to continue to work on Board business from home throughout his recovery period. Mr. Diaz then left the meeting.

The three Student Board Representatives presented highlights of recent activities at North Dorchester (ND) HS, Cambridge-South Dorchester (CSD) HS, and the Dorchester Career & Technical Center (DCTC). Their presentations can be found on the DCPS Board Docs website at https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/dcps/Board.nsf/Public.

Board Member Sheri Hubbard provided a brief Legislative Update and indicated that the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE) is currently tracking over 300 pieces of legislation, which are listed on the MABE website at https://www.mabe.org/advocacy/2024-legislative-session/.

Mr. Milton Nagel, Executive Director of MABE and Mr. William Middleton, MABE’s Lead Search Consultant, presented information about MABE Superintendent Search Services. The goals of conducting such a search are to plan and execute a search process that is thoughtful, responsive, and fair; minimizes the possibility of legal challenges as a result of procedural flaws; and identifies the best leader for the school system for the next four years. The phases of the process include planning the search, advertising and recruiting, screening and selecting candidates, and appointing the new superintendent. Mr. Middleton stressed that stakeholder and consultant involvement informs the Board’s deliberations but ultimately the Board is responsible for all decisions. Confidentiality is crucial to ensure a smooth transition and a successful start for a new superintendent. MABE reviews all applicants and passes all applicants to the Board for consideration. The search timeline at this point is tight but possible, if Board Members are willing to dedicate the time required.

Mr. Jerome Stover, Principal of Cambridge-South Dorchester High School (SCD HS), presented an update on CSD’s goals as follows: On the Maryland School Report Card, CSD will score (1) 45% in Academic Achievement; (2) CSD 78% on the “Graduation Rate” measure; (3) 25% on the “Progress in Achieving English Language Proficiency” measure; 50% on the “Readiness for Post-Secondary Success” measure; and (5) 40% on the “School Quality and Student Success” measure. Mr. Stover described a number of initiatives to foster student engagement and success in achieving these goals, including providing access to mental health programs, Ron Clark Academy Houses and activities,  professional development opportunities, professional learning communities, Advancement Via Individual Development (AVID )courses, after school tutoring, new teacher mentoring and “Buddy Teacher” programs.

Dr. Jodi Colman, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessments, reviewed Maryland’s New Post College and Career Readiness (CCR) requirements and explained that there will be two options for meeting CCR requirements in SY2024-25. Option 1 requires that a student in Grades 10-12 achieve an unweighted GPA of 3.0 and receive a grade of A, B, or C in Algebra I), while Option 2 requires that a student in Grade 9 achieve Level 3 or 4 proficiency on the Algebra I and English 10 Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) tests. Students are to meet these standards by the end of 10th grade. Students not demonstrating that they are on track must be provided support pathways to get on track.

Once the CCR standards are met, students enter one of three Post-CCR pathway options. The Maryland Blueprint defines Post-CCR pathways as access to (1) an International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placement diploma,   (2) Dual Enrollment programs, or (3) Career and Technical (CT) Program completion. Dr .Colman indicated that for the Advanced Placement pathway, the new course catalog outlines opportunities for STEM and Humanities Advanced Placement courses with access to the AP Capstone Diploma. For the Dual Enrollment pathway, DCPS is working with Chesapeake College to explore parameters to support students working towards an Associate Degree. She noted that DCPS covers the cost of course fees and materials for these credit-bearing courses. For the Career & Technology (CT) pathway, DCTC provides 19 CT program options, including CASE/Agriscience, which will return during the 2024-2025school year.  Schools will be hosting information events for families to better understand the Blueprint requirements. Counselors will have on hand data sets to help families select required courses to stay on track towards graduation. Students will experience more accountability in their academic endeavors to be on track towards completing a pathway.

Dr. Colman also summarized recent DCPS instructional data, showing that i-Ready math scores are improving slightly, but that 54% of elementary students still score one grade level below their current grade, and 27% score two or more levels below their grade. Among Middle School students, 27% score one grade level below their current grade, and 54% score 2 or more grade levels below their grade. In Reading, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) scores show that only 41% of elementary students score at or above grade level.

The Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, consisting of the minutes of January 18 Board Meeting and the January 11 and February 1 Board Work Sessions; an amended update to the FY2025 Capital Improvement Plan; and the Second Reading of Board of Education Policies on General Powers of the Board and the Relation of Board Members to the Board, and on Personnel Policies on Employment, Medical Procedures, introductory Employment Period, Calendar, Workday, Work Week, Rejections, Termination, Suspension, and Promotion.

The Board unanimously approved Dr. Jymil Thompson as Interim Superintendent; Mr. Dave Bromwell’s amended contract; the Interim Superintendent’s contract; the personnel actions discussed in Executive session; proposed School Calendar #1 for SY 2024-25 for public comment (see below); expand flexibility of Calendar Committee in proposing school year start dates going forward; replacement of the gymnasium floor at Warwick ES ($82,500); acceptance of two MABE grants totaling $22,000 to support school safety and maintenance.

The Board also unanimously approved the First Reading of Board of Education Policies on the immunity of Board Members, maintenance of the school system, setting policy, appointment of legal counsel and auditing firm, and on procedures regarding termination of employment and performance appraisals.

Ms. Sandy Green, Chief Financial Officer, presented informational reports on appropriations, expenditures and capital projects.  Ms. Green will be working on reconciling revenues and expenditures prior to the end of the fiscal year.

The following Public Comments were presented at the meeting:

• Speaker #1 commented that DCPS needs to do a better job adhering to  Individual Education Programs (IEPs ) because IEPs are being violated across DCOS with administrators ignoring the IEP team.
• Speaker #2 thanked the Board members for their service on behalf her sister, Dr. Theresa Stafford, and indicated that she will comment at future meetings as a certified Special Education advocate.
• Speaker #3 expressed concern that the new Blueprint pathways may prove to be devastating for minority students and urged that DCPS be proactive in helping these students.

In their closing remarks, Board Members thanked Mr. Bromwell for his many years of service to DCPS, congratulated Dr. Thompson on his appointment as Interim Superintendent, and wished Board President Mike Diaz a speedy recovery. Board Members and the Interim Superintendent thanked the Student Board Representatives for their contributions; Mr. Stover, Dr. Colman, and everyone who delivered a presentation at the meeting; the Executive Team/Directors and Ms. Dayton who keep things going in DCPS every day; parents and members of the community for their commitment to our children and their schools and for participating in the meeting tonight; and DCPS administrators, teachers, and staff for their efforts to engage students in a wide variety of academic and nonacademic activities, including career coaching, professional teacher development, community collaborations. Board Members expressed the hope that the new curriculum pathways and the renewed agricultural program will be beneficial. Dr. Morgan noted that change can be good, but can also be difficult, and remined everyone that positive change depends on all of us. (Dr. Morgan’s closing statement may be found at https://susanmorganschoolboard.com.)

Dr. Thompson stated that he is humbled, honored, and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Interim Superintendent. He noted that he will need help from the entire DCPS community and that he will only be as good as the people around him. Dr. Thompson declared that DCPS is a “diamond in the rough” with great potential but with the need for a great deal of work.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 pm.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

The meeting began at 6:00 pm with the Mayor speaking about the upcoming State Legislative process. After an amendment adjustment, the Mayor introduced Susan Ahlstrom, Regional Navigator of “For All Seasons” – an organization that deals with human trafficking in Maryland.  Ms. Ahlstrom made a 20-minute presentation on the dangers and personal tragedies associated with human trafficking and the need for the City to help her organization deal with the problem. The City Council approved a proclamation opposing human trafficking and promised to do what they can to support her organization.

The Mayor next moved to the Consent Agenda which was approved 5/0. The Consent Agenda included approval of meeting minutes, a Cambridge Police Easter Egg hunt on March 23, the Cubmobile Derby on April 7th, the Six Pillars Century Bike Ride on May, 4th, the Cambridge Crab Run on May 12th Community Day on September 14th, and finally, approval on the Water Tower repair.

The Mayor opened up the meeting to Public Comment and 7 citizens spoke on the new fence installed at Long Wharf which blocks access to the Lighthouse. All seven were against the fence which they described as ugly and blocking access to the Lighthouse, which is a publicly-funded and publicly-maintained facility. They also expressed concern that the fence sends the wrong message to visitors who may want to see the Lighthouse up close. There was strong support of the speakers from Commissioner Roche who said he would help take down the fence.  The City Manager took responsibility for the fence and said he would report back to the Council at the next meeting.

There was one citizen who asked about the Planning and Zoning Director, who resigned after an article about him surfaced on local networks.

Police Chief, Justin Todd, stated that the 2023 Annual Police Report will be out by January 24th.  It can be found on the City’s website.

The City Manager provided a number of Agenda Reports as attachments to the agenda, including the following:

1. Neighborhood Code Enforcement Scheduling, January/February Reviews:  Academy St, Somerset Ave, Rosemont Ave, Robbins St., Black Duck Court, Brant Way, Old Squaw Court, Ruddy Duck Court, Stone Boundary Rd., Gay St., Bethel St., Cross St., School House Lane, Belvedere Ave., Ames Court, Bradley Ave, Aurora St., Bayle Ave., Virginia Ave., Aurora St., Bayly Av., Virginia Ave., Lincoln Terrace, Allen St., Lincoln Terrace, Allen St., Beech St., Clifton Woods Dr., Bayberry Way, Camelia St., and Weaver Ave.

1. Grant Award of $1.8 million from FEMA for Shoreline Resiliency design efforts. The City had already put aside $900,000 for this project.  The total cost of this effort will be approximately $18 million.

1. Traffic Signal removal will begin in mid-February, weather permitting.

1. Draft legislative priorities for 2024, including:

1. 1. Housing and Pine St. Redevelopment, which involves a number of programs to improve the housing stock in Cambridge.

1. 1. Historic Cambridge City Hall. The City has budgeted $700,000 for 2024 for this project.  The first efforts involve remediation of the environmental hazards in the building.  The total cost of this project is estimated at $10 million.

1. 1. Water and Sewer Infrastructure Project, which is estimated at $20 million, of which $8.2 million will be spent in 2024.

1. 1. Juvenile Justice and Programming. The City is requesting systematic and sustained changes to the State’s Juvenile Services program that affects the children of Cambridge.

The four Agenda Reports listed above not were discussed by the City Council in open session.  The meeting ended at 7:16.

President Michael Diaz convened the public meeting at 6:00 pm with Board Members Susan Morgan and Sheri Hubbard present.

The Superintendent reviewed the Board Calendar (see below) and acknowledged Maryland School Board Recognition Month.

Mr. Gaven Parker, Principal of Choptank Elementary School (ES), delivered his Mid-Year Presentation, reporting that the school is making big changes to improve outcomes and behaviors. The Reading goal for this year is to reduce the number of students below grade level by 21% (from 71% in school year (SY) 2022-23). Choptank ES is regrouping students and using reading intervention coaches to help address reading issues. The Math goal is to reduce the number of students performing two levels below grade level by 30% (from 44% in SY2022-23). Other goals include decreasing out of school suspension hours by 25% compared to 5670 hours in SY2022-23, and increasing daily attendance from 84.5% to 90%. A number of after school activities are being offered to strengthen student engagement. Individual and group counseling, case coordination, and agency referrals are being offered to address students’ mental health needs. Mr. Diaz noted that he and Dr. Morgan visited Choptank ES recently and were impressed by the improvement in atmosphere compared to previous years.

Dr. Jodi Colman, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessments, presented an Instructional Update Data Review. Dr Colman reported that overall Kindergarten readiness has improved with 39% of students demonstrating readiness in Fall of SY2023-2024 (versus 32% in SY2022-2023 and 29% in SY2021-2022), with 42.4% of students who had been enrolled in pre-kindergarten demonstrating readiness. Dr. Colman noted

concerns across the District about chronic absenteeism, and that some high school students are not taking the courses needed to complete their program tracks.

The Board approved the consent agenda, consisting of the minutes of the December 4, 2023, Regular Board of Education Meeting

The Board approved the personnel actions discussed in Executive Session. The Board also approved an amendment to the FY2024 General Operating Budget to reflect funds received from the State for a Blueprint Coordinator ($101,702); receipt of grants from the Maryland State Department of Education to support school safety (radios, $25,000, assessment/evaluation, $47,500, and cell boosters, $200,000); and $238,486 in bus contracts to replace services from a vendor who is resigning from selected routes. The Board deferred purchase of approximately 230 Dell Latitude Laptops for teachers and staff (approximately $270,000), pending receipt of a specific purchase price from the vendor.

The Board approved the First Reading of the following revisions to its policies on Board of Education Powers and Duties; Relation of Board Members to the Board; Personnel Medical Procedures; Introductory Employment Period; Employee Calendar, Workday, Work Week; and Rejections, Termination, Suspension, and Promotion. The Board deferred consideration of revisions to the policy on School Board Member Attendance at Meetings Via Electronic Communication.

Ms. Sandy Green, Chief Financial Officer, presented informational reports on Fiscal Year 2023 Compliance, Appropriations & Expenditures, Capital Projects and Technology, and Quarterly Grants. She reported that the compliance report received a clean audit, and that the most significant variance involves greater than anticipated charges for legal services.

There were no oral or written Public Comments presented at the meeting.

Mr. Diaz described the process for filling the District 2 Board vacancy, which involves an application to the County Council. Interested persons should contact the Council directly for additional information. Mr. Diaz noted that two recent incidents in the schools have required strong disciplinary actions that the Board fully supports.

Board Members and the Superintendent delivered closing remarks, noting the recent death of District 2 Board Member, Dr. Theresa Stafford, and thanking all those who participated in the meeting. Dr. Morgan remembered Dr. Stafford as a force for good in the schools and in the community, whose thoughts were always for the children.  Superintendent Bromwell remarked that he had known Dr. Stafford for over 40 years and that she pushed him and everyone for success for all students, and especially for minority children.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:21 pm.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Note: Supporting documents may be found on the DCPS Board Docs website at https://go.boarddocs.com/mabe/dcps/Board.nsf/Public.

Dr. Morgan’s closing statement may be found at https://susanmorganschoolboard.com.