Board meeting, March 25, 2021
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvT3T1m_a74
Did not have executive session because Adams-Stafford, Ahmed, Burroughs, Harris, Murray, and Thomas abstain and Queen votes no.
All are present at regular board
session except for David Murray and Joshua Thomas.
Dr. Miller states that an item from
the Academic Achievement Committee was removed from the agenda because there was
no action as part of that item. However, Miller notes, a message was sent from
the chair of that committee commending the CEO staff on “amazing collaboration
the board and the administration are doing to ensure an excellent education”
despite the COVID pandemic. If there is action, the committee will provide a
report on this item at the next board meeting.
Agenda is adopted.
Board meeting minutes are
approved.
Dr. Miller then introduces two new
board staff: Devan Martin, the new Board Office Chief of Staff and Bandon
Cooper, the new Board Policy Director. They introduce themselves.
PGCPS staff members who have
passed away are remembered.
Dr. Goldson presents the CEO’s
report, noting that spring break is next week, town halls have been held
regarding the return to school, a new stop finder app for bus transportation is
being rolled out, and there are new cameras on the bus stop arms.
Sandra Shepherd has a moment of
personal privilege to thank the “silent heroes” of the school system: the
social workers.
Belinda Queen asks Dr. Goldson
why the BOE was not informed beforehand about the new cameras on the stop arms
and why they are hearing about it at townhalls. Dr. Goldson explains this was a
contract the Board approved. Queen states she has noticed over the last two
years that the Board finds out information at the same time as the public and
she thinks it would be a courtesy to know things “a little bit before.” Goldson
replies that she will go back and provide Queen with the date it was provided
in the weekly update as well as when the contract was signed.
Public comments cover a variety of
topics.
Tonya Wingfield provides
general comments regarding the award of recent contracts, such as the March 1
vote to expand the workforce agreement for capital improvements, which was an
ethical violation because there had been board members who had received
contributions from the entity in the original agreement and the extension. She
also lists her concerns about the language in that contract. She is filing
another appeal with the state to rescind these contracts.
Donna Young also provides
general comments on the recent contracts and violations of purchasing.
Jen Shepherd presents her
concerns about the reversal in less than 24 hours of a decision to move Robert
Goddard Montessori to Meadowbrook so the Goddard building could be used as
swing space for Hyattsville Middle and the alleged political pressure leading
to that reversal. She is concerned about the equity of this decision, as it
will split a Title 1 school between Goddard and Meadowbrook.
Michelle Clark discusses
COVID and return to school and asks for clarification on COVID-related policies.
Teresa Dudley also makes comments on reopening and enumerates concerns about
ventilation, staff not wearing PPE, clarity on what should be done in the
instance of a COVID positive case, and the need for a nurse at every school.
She also expresses concern about third quarter amnesty policy that just came
out.
Consent agenda is next
and covers various proclamations. It passes unanimously.
Budget consent agenda
covers three items: expenditure requirements, 2021 financial review and
categorical changes, and addendum to Local 2250 negotiated agreement. They pass
unanimously.
There was no executive
session so there are no items to vote on. However, they do approve items taken in
March 11 executive session.
Meeting is adjourned.