JOINT MEETING OF THE CAROLINE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Date: January 18, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Location: Board of Education Building, Franklin Street, Denton, Maryland

Attending: Jefferson L. Ghrist, Commission President

Larry L. Porter, Commission Vice President

Wilbur Levengood, Jr., Member

Richard Barton, County Administrator

Sandra Barry, President

Tina Brown, Vice President

Victoria Goldsborough, Board member

James Newcomb, Board member

Felix “Fil” Morrison, Board member

George Abner, Board member

Dr. Edward Shirley, Superintendent

Milton Nagel, Chief Operating Officer

The meeting convened at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and informal conversation.

The business portion of the meeting of the Caroline County Commissioners and the Board of Education began at 6:25 p.m.

Mr. Nagel distributed the Timeline for Public School Construction Projects, recently updated to indicate a targeted occupancy date for the new intermediate school of August 2017. He stated that the date was pushed back two years due to slower than estimated enrollment figures. President Ghrist stated that the County would be in a better position financially in two years, with respect to debt affordability and bond funding. Mr. Nagel reviewed the anticipated annual operational costs associated with new construction, estimated at $1,538,778. He stated that a site-selection committee visited various locations across the County, providing feedback on possible locations for the new school; although the list had not yet been formally presented to the Board of Education. He stated that State guidelines now call for new construction to be situated within smart growth areas, and the Commissioners would receive an update once a top location was chosen.

With the new school occupancy date change, Preston Elementary School becomes the top priority for renovation, including adding a gymnasium and a four-classroom wing. The County’s share of the renovations costs were estimated at $2,848,000. The State-local cost share percentages were reviewed, and Ms. Barry stated that the Governor’s Office has announced that the State’s share of the costs would be decreasing from 89% to 86% then 78% between now and FY 2015; however, in FY 2002, the State’s contribution was only 75%.

Discussion took place regarding the Proposed Superintendent’s Budget, and Mr. Nagel stated that the Board had taken every step imaginable to reduce its overall budget in the past few years. He cited examples such as: a transportation audit; occupational sensors; solar hot water heaters; air infiltration devices and updated, high efficiency boilers in some locations. Mr. Nagel stated that even given all the efforts to reduce costs, the State’s ongoing budget issues will call for continued, painful cuts.

Ms. Barry stated that a search firm had recently been selected by the Board to begin identifying candidates for Dr. Shirley’s replacement. Likewise, President Ghrist stated that staff was beginning to identify members willing to serve on a selection committee for Mr. Barton’s replacement.

Mr. Barton stated that the County is awaiting 2010 census figures, before beginning the districting process for the Elected School Board. President Ghrist stated the County would also reach out to the GIS Cooperative at Salisbury University for assistance. The process would need to be completed by the summer of 2011.

The Commissioners thanked the Board of Education for their hospitality, and agreed to host the next joint meeting, which would be scheduled in the next few months.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

Preparation of minutes by:

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Amy L. Kreiner

Caroline County Office of the Commissioners