2008-09 Annual Report - Harford County Public Schools

Harford County Public Schools
Annual Report
2008-09
www.hcps.org
102 S. Hickory Avenue
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-838-7300
1-866-588-4963
Published by the Harford County Public Schools in partnership with Homestead Publishing Marketing Department and
HAR-CO Maryland Federal Credit Union.

2 BOE | DECEMBER 2009
Board of Ed
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Board of Education of Harford County
Mark M. Wolkow, President • Leonard D. Wheeler, Ed.D., Vice President
Ruth R. Rich • John L. Smilko • Alysson L. Krchnavy • Donald R. Osman • Thomas P. Evans
Kate E. Kidwell, Student Representative • Robert M. Tomback, Ph.D., Secretary-Treasurer & Superintendent of Schools
From the Superintendent’s Pen...
Throughout the school year,
each of our more than 5,000
employees of the Harford
County Public Schools (HCPS)
takes on the challenge of
working towards our common
goal of connecting with
our students and preparing
them for success. As your
superintendent, I will work
to accomplish our goals as
effectively and efficiently as
possible. We are all committed
Robert M. Tomback, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
to inspiring each of our 39,000 students to become life-long
learners and responsible citizens.
Educators in Harford County have the opportunity to impact
the future of thousands of students every year; after all,
school-age children spend almost as much time in school or
in school-related activities as they do at home. Our faculty
and staff are involved in every aspect of a child’s academic
life. Our dedicated professionals write curricula, provide
high quality classroom instruction, serve as advisors for
extracurricular activities, mentor students, and provide
additional tutoring - indeed, HCPS personnel support
student achievement in and out of the classroom during
and beyond the school day. Everyone in HCPS shares a
common mission - working together to provide the best
education possible to all students in Harford County.
Mission
The mission of the Harford County Public Schools is
to foster a quality educational system that challenges
students to develop knowledge and skills, and to
inspire them to become life-long learners and good
citizens.
Vision
Harford County is a community of learners where
educating everyone takes everyone. We empower all
students to contribute to a diverse, democratic, and
change-oriented society. Our public schools, parents,
public officials, businesses, community organizations,
and citizens actively commit to educate all students to
become caring, respectful, and responsible citizens.
In addition, HCPS employees and students continue to
work diligently to meet rigorous federal and state education
requirements, resulting in many successes over the past
year. The information in this annual report will show you
some examples of our successes, as well as our challenges.
I am committed to ensuring that every child, in each of our
53 schools, is afforded the best educational opportunities
possible. I encourage you to join all of us in the Harford
County Public Schools as we provide all students with the
knowledge and means to succeed in a diverse society.
Sincerely,
Robert M. Tomback, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Teresa D. Kranefeld, Editor
Amanda R. Warfi eld, Publication Design
Inside...
Recruitment and Retention 4
Financial Information 6
Assessment Data 10
Capital Improvements 14
2008-09 Highlights 16
Hall of Fame Members 18
Contact Us...........................................23
DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 3

Harford nets top new hires, retains top educators
Retaining a highly qualified workforce to educate each of
the students in the Harford County Public Schools (HCPS)
is among the most important priorities for the school
system every year. Leading up to the 2008-2009 school
year, the school system hired 197 teachers to replenish the
3,213 person teaching force and hired 154 support staff to
fill new positions and positions vacated by retirement or
natural attrition.
In order to maintain such a quality faculty and staff, HCPS had
representation at 41 various job fairs and college/university
visits in nine states. Nearly six percent of teachers hired
were minority teachers, while approximately 78 percent of
new teachers hired were female, down eight percent from
last year. Eighty-seven percent of recruits were female
at the elementary level, perpetuating the domination of
female teachers at the elementary level for HCPS. More
than 57 percent of those employed were under 27 years
of age, a 15 percent increase from the previous year, and
more than 40 percent had at least a master’s degree when
they were hired.
Recruitment efforts continue to focus in Maryland, but with
the highly competitive need for teachers who meet the
federal definition of “highly qualified” under the Federal
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, it is necessary for the
local effort to extend beyond the borders of its home state.
NCLB requires that teachers must be fully certified in the
grade level or subject area in which they teach including
having a bachelor’s degree, a valid teaching certificate and
other specific teaching level requirements.
Almost half of the newly hired teachers graduated from
non-Maryland colleges and universities. System-wide and
school initiatives continue to support new teachers in the
local schools. For the 12-month period ending September
30, 2009, 4,029 teacher applications were posted to
the HCPS online application system, School Recruiter.
According to the HCPS Human Resources Office, the online
application process has contributed to a ten percent
increase from last year in the number of applications
received.
94%
Retention Rate
More than
91 percent
of classes
in HCPS are
taught by
instructors deemed “highly qualified,” increasing about
five percent from the previous school year.
Joan Ryder
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4 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

‘Highly qualified’ rate continues to rise
During the past year, 211 teachers, counselors and other
specialists left employment with HCPS, more than onethird
due to retirement. However, the school system
continues to improve its retention rate, increasing to 94
percent for this year.
New Teacher Education Characteristics
Fulfilling vacancies in “critical areas” of mathematics,
special education, family and consumer science, technology
education, and certain areas of science continues to be a
challenge and remains the primary focus of recruitment
for HCPS. Our school system, home to more than 38,000
students, is privileged to employ and maintain one of the
most qualified, motivated and successful teaching forces
in the country, focusing each day on connecting with
every one of its
students.
197
Teachers
Hired
Source: HCPS Human Resources/Communications Office
The 2009-10 HCPS Teacher of the Year finalists pose for a photo
outside of the Bayou restaurant before the HCPS Teacher of the Year
banquet in April 2009.
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DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 5

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HCPS Operating Statement
Financial Data Year Ended June 30, 2009
General
Food Capital
Fund
Services Projects
Fund Fund
TOTAL
Governmental
Funds
REVENUES
Local Sources 206,978,734 - 92,470,793 299,449,527
State Sources 229,764,453 283,470 11,830,181 241,878,104
Special State and
Federal Programs
24,356,568 - - 24,356,568
Federal Sources 278,693 5,628,811 - 5,907,504
Earnings on
Investments
225,730 8,995 - 234,725
Charges for Services - 8,058,809 - 8,058,809
Miscellaneous
Revenues
4,307,518 327 569,871 4,877,716
TOTAL REVENUES 465,911,696 13,980,412 104,870,845 584,762,953
EXPENDITURES
Current
Administrative
Services
11,044,007 - - 11,044,007
Mid-level
Administration 25,556,452 - - 25,556,452
Services
Instructional Salaries 168,953,130 - - 168,953,130
Instructional
Textbooks & Supplies
8,404,840 - - 8,404,840
Other Instructional
Costs
3,405,640 - - 3,405,640
Special Education 38,054,045 - - 38,054,045
Student Personnel
Services
1,628,891 - - 1,628,891
Health Services 3,400,241 - - 3,400,241
Pupil Transportation
Services
27,320,853 - - 27,320,853
Operation of Plant 29,063,042 - - 29,063,042
Maintenance of Plant
and Equipment
10,700,958 - - 10,700,958
Fixed Charges 107,605,434 - - 107,605,434
Community Services 428,816 - - 428,816
Special State and
Federal Programs
24,356,568 - - 24,356,568
Cost of Operation
- Food Services
- 14,434,841 - 14,434,841
Capital Outlay 319,546 - 111,524,256 111,843,802
TOTAL
EXPENDITURES
460,242,463 14,434,841 111,524,256 586,201,560
Excess (deficit) of
Revenues Over
Expenditures
5,669,233 (454,429) (6,653,411) (1,438,607)
Other Financing Sources
(uses)
Capital Lease (4,384,000) - 4,384,000 -
Operating Transfers - - - -
Net Change in Fund
Balances
1,285,233 (454,429) (2,269,411) (1,438,607)
Fund Balance -
Beginning July 2008
Decrease in Reserve for
Inventory - U.S.D.A.
Fund Balances at
June 30, 2009
19,088,983 2,456,281 8,071,754 29,617,018
- 64,365 - 64,365
20,374,216 2,066,217 5,802,343 28,242,776
Note 1: General Fund Balance of $20.4 million at June 30, 2009 is comprised of:
Amount allocated to fund FY 2010 Budget - $4.6 million
Amount allocated for health insurance & energy costs - $2.2 million
Amount allocated for unpaid bills at year end - $2.2 million
Amount held in reserve for health insurance & insurance pools - $6.7 million
Undesignated Fund Balance - available for future use - $4.6 million
SOURCE: HCPS Budget Offi ce/Communications Offi ce
6 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

FY 2010 HCPS Capital Improvement Program
Project Description
State
Approved
Local
Approved
Other
Sources
NOTE 1
Total
Capital
Funding
Relocatable Classrooms $0 $0 $735,000 $735,000
Bel Air High Replacement $14,600,000 $12,765,000 -$14,600,000 $12,765,000
Deerfield Elem.
Replacement
$800,000 4,200,000 $0 $5,000,000
Edgewood High
Replacement
$0 $35,540,528 $1,692,587 $37,233.115
Red Pump Elem. $0 $6,380,000 $1,250,000 $7,630,000
Southampton Middle
Roof Replacement
$853,000 $0 $643,250 $1,496,250
Southampton Middle HVAC $0 $0 $1,144,000 $1,144,000
Havre de Grace High
School HVAC
$0 $0 $0 $0
Bel Air Elem. Site
Improvement
$0 $0 $650,000 $650,000
Campus Hills Elem. $0 $0 $0 $0
Youth’s Benefit Elem.
Modernization
$0 $0 $0 $0
John Archer School at
Bel Air Middle
$0 $0 $0 $0
WP/OPR Elem.
Modernization
$0 $0 $0 $0
Homestead/Wakefield
Elem. Modernization
$0 $0 $0 $0
Joppatowne High
Addition/Renovation
$0 $0 $0 $0
ADA Improvements
and Survey
$0 $0 $100,000 $100,000
Athletic Fields Repair/
Renovations
$0 $0 $0 $0
Backflow Prevention $0 $0 $100,000 $100,000
Bleacher Replacement $0 $0 $100,000 $100,000
Building Envelope
Improvements
$0 $0 $0 $0
Career & Tech. Ed.
Equipment
$0 $0 $100,000 $100,000
Environmental Compliance $0 $0 $100,000 $100,000
Equipment & Furniture
Replacement
$0 $0 $100,000 $100,000
Fire Alarm & ER
Communications
$0 $0 $75,000 $75,000
Floor Covering
Replacement
$0 $0 $0 $0
Locker Replacement
- Magnolia Middle
$0 $0 $110,000 $110,000
Major HVAC Repairs $0 $0 $850,000 $850,000
Music Refresh Program $0 $0 $50,000 $50,000
Outdoor Track Recond. $0 $0 $0 $0
Paving - New Parking $0 $0 $0 $0
Paving - Overlay &
Maintenance
$0 $0 $100,000 $100,000
Playground Equipment $0 $0 $350,000 $350,000
Replacement Buses $0 $1,045,000 $0 $1,045,000
Replacement Vehicles $0 $0 $262,638 $262,638
Security Cameras $0 $0 $200,000 $200,000
Septic Pre-Treatment
Facility Code Upgrades
$0 $0 $1,325,413 $1,325,413
Special Ed. Facilities
Improvements
$0 $0 $0 $0
Swimming Pool Ren. $0 $0 $100,000 $100,000
Storm Water Mngt. $0 $0 $50,000 $50,000
Tech. Ed. Lab Refresh $0 $0 $0 $0
Tech. Infrastructure $0 $0 $2,612,112 $2,612,112
Textbook/Supplemental
Materials Refresh
$0 $0 $1,800,000 $1,800,000
TOTAL CAPITAL
FUND - FY 2010
$16,253,000 $59,930,528 $0 $76,183,528
NOTE 1: The state reimbursed HCPS $14,600,000 for the Bel Air HIgh School Replacement
project. This amount was reallocated to fund other capital projects.
SOURCE: HCPS Budget Office/Communications Office
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DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 7

HARFORD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Fiscal Year 2009 Financial Information
Maryland school systems are revenue dependent upon
the state and local governments. State funding is primarily
established during the annual legislative session of the
Maryland General Assembly during January through
April of each year. State funds are administered through
the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
The superintendent submits the recommended budget
to the Board of Education during the second school
board meeting in December. The board holds public
hearings for stakeholders and work sessions during
January to consider modifying the budget prior to
submittal of the board’s proposed budget to the county
executive by January 31st. The county executive has until
April 1st to establish funding levels for the next fiscal
year. Once the board receives the funding level from the
county executive, the operating budget is modified for
submittal to the County Council in line with the projected
state and county funding levels. The County Council
receives the county budget on April 1st and holds public
hearings and work sessions during April and
May. The council may add to the
county executive’s funding
level only by reducing
the funds for other
functions of the county
government, or having
the county treasurer
revise projected revenues
upward indicating that
additional funds will be
available for the next fiscal year.
The Board of Education submits the revised proposed
budget to the County Council in mid-April and the County
Council has until May 31st to determine final funding
levels for the county allocation. The County Council
adopts the county budget by May 31st. At that point
FY 2009 Actual Revenues
the county government funding is fixed for the School
System. Once this allocation is approved, the Board of
Education will revise the budgeted expenditures to equal
the total approved revenues. The board approves the
final budget
by the end of
June, prior to
the start of
the next fiscal
year, July 1st.
The board
approved
budget then
goes back to
the county for final approval certification, required by
state law, which often occurs in July. This completes the
budget development and approval process.
Throughout the budgetary process, expenditures
are aligned by Benefit Adjustments, FY09-10 Cost
Reductions, Cost of Doing Business Expenses, Special
Education Requests, and Operating Impact of New
Construction Projects. Proposed new expenditures are
categorized by a Board of Education goal.
Budget Calendar
Each year, a budget calendar is prepared and presented
to the senior staff and budget managers as a suggested
schedule to follow in order to produce the final budget
document. The calendar is driven by the board review,
County Government review, County Council review, and
state and local funding and reporting requirements.
JULY 2008
•
•
Final budget approval and certification by the county
and distribution of FY 2009 Budget.
Based on the closeout of the previous fiscal year
(FY 2008), identify any special needs area of critical
•
•
The HCPS
Budget Offi ce received the
Government Finance Offi cers
Association (GFOA) FY08
Distinguished Budget Presentation
Award for the sixth consecutive
year.
future funding.
Budgetary discussions begin between
school principals and their respective
directors.
OCTOBER 2008
Initiate per pupil staffing budgets in
conjunction with the executive directors
of elementary and secondary education
along with the director of special
education so baseline cost of doing
business estimates can be prepared
for FY 2010. This is contingent upon
the availability of the September 30th
enrollment data.
8 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

• October 2 - Budget Office distributes FY 2010 budget
packages to budget managers.
• October 19 - Based on the Board of Education’s
goals, budget managers will submit baseline budget
requests and cost of doing business adjustments.
• October 26 - Program budget narratives, including
detailed program goals and objectives are due from
budget managers. In addition, new budget requests
for FY 2010 and performance measures from budget
managers are due.
NOVEMBER 2008
• The Budget Office will assess the current year
salary and employee benefit budgets with year-end
projections. Turnover factors will be analyzed.
• The county executive advised the president of the
board and superintendent of schools of budget
constraints for FY 2010 due to economic realities.
• The superintendent will complete a final review
to meet Board of Education deadline for budget
submission. The superintendent will determine what
enhancements are to be included in the budget.
The Budget Office prepares the superintendent’s
recommended FY 2010 operating budget.
DECEMBER 2008
• Superintendent revises budget parameters and
adjusts budget request downward.
• December 15 - Superintendent’s recommended FY
2010 budget is presented to the Board of Education.
• Preliminary state funding estimates for FY 2010 will
be made available by Maryland State Department of
Legislative Services.
JANUARY 2009
• January 6, 12, and 17 - The Board of Education, during
several budget workshops and meetings, accepts
public comment on the FY 2010 budget, reviews the
superintendent’s recommended budget.
• January 17 – Final Board
of Education Budget Work
Session.
• January 20 - Board proposed
FY 2010 budget is approved.
FEBRUARY – MARCH 2009
• February 3 - Board of
Education will present the
proposed FY 2010 budget to
the County Executive.
• The Budget Office provides
on-going support to the
county administration during
their review of the budget.
• The Budget Office will
continue on-going account
analysis to look for additional
realignments.
• March 31 - Meet
with county
The HCPS Finance Offi ce
executive to
receive the received the FY 2008
proposed local GFOA Certifi cate of
funding level Excellence in Financial
for FY 2010. Reporting Award for the
APRIL 2009 fi fth consecutive year!
• April 2 - Board
budget work
session and meeting to review and approve revised
proposed FY 2010 Board of Education Operating
Budget.
• April 23 - Board’s revised budget is presented to the
County Council.
MAY 2009
•
•
•
The Budget Office provides on-going support to the
County Council during their review of the budget.
Revised FY 2010 state funding estimates will be
provided by MSDE.
By May 31 - County Council approval of final funding
and adoption of Appropriations Bill.
JUNE 2009
•
•
Early June - Budget Office reviews and prepares funding
alternatives for the superintendent and the board.
June 22 - The Board of Education approves a balanced
budget using the approved county funding levels and
the Final FY 2010 MSDE funding levels. Complete
budget certification and provide funding levels to all
budget managers.
JULY 2009
•
July 14 - Receive FY 2010 budget approval certification
from the county executive. Final FY 2010 Budget
Hearing and approval certification by County Council.
FY 2009 Actual Expenditures
DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 9

Harford ‘Teacher of the Year’ named state finalist
Kimberly A. Schmidt, social studies teacher at Havre de
Grace High School, was selected as one of seven finalists
in the state who competed for the 2010 Maryland
Teacher of the Year title by State Superintendent of
Schools, Nancy S. Grasmick.
The finalists were selected by a panel of judges from
various Maryland educational organizations representing
principals, teachers, boards of education, teacher unions,
students, parents and higher education. Finalists were
measured against a rigorous set of national criteria that
includes teaching philosophy, community involvement,
knowledge of general education issues and suggestions
for professional and instructional improvement. Each of
the seven finalists, including Mrs. Schmidt, participated
in oral interviews with the Maryland State Department
of Education (MSDE) on September 12th.
Mrs. Schmidt is a committed educator, having been in
the field for more than 18 years, graduating from the
University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts in History
Education in 1991. She began her teaching career as a
middle school social studies teacher at Old Court Middle
School in West Baltimore. In 1993, she started teaching
at Havre de Grace Middle School and in 1997, Kimberly
accepted the position of department chairperson at
Fallston Middle School where she taught eighth grade
U.S. History.
“Kim Schmidt is dedicated to enriching the lives of
every student that walks through her classroom doors
and is passionate about providing a positive learning
experience,” said HCPS Superintendent Robert M.
Tomback. “We are so proud of her accomplishment as
she represents the talent and commitment of all of our
teachers in Harford County.”
current role at Havre de Grace High School teaching
government and U.S. History where she has been since
2005.
Additionally, Mrs. Schmidt has worked on countywide
curriculum development and assessment projects,
served on the Citizen Advisory Committee and the
Mentor Teacher Network through MSDE. She has served
on the HCPS Central Instructional Leadership Team
(CILT) and the Middle School Reform Committee. She
also earned her Master’s degree from the University
of Maryland, Baltimore County, which she completed
in 1995 in Historical Studies and has started work on
her doctoral degree in Innovation and Leadership at
Wilmington College.
RIGHT - Mrs. Schmidt
was honored as a
finalist during the
state Teacher of the
Year Gala reception
and dinner at Martin’s
West on October 2,
2009. Escorted by
HCPS Superintendent
of Schools Robert M.
Tomback, Ph.D., Mrs.
Schmidt waits to walk
on stage to receive
her official certificate
at the state gala.
From 1998-2005, she served in a variety of central office
leadership positions for Harford County Public Schools
(HCPS) before moving back to the classroom in her
LEFT - Left to right, Jerrel Pounds, senior at Havre de Grace
High School, Patricia Walling, principal of Havre de Grace
High School and Kimberly Schmidt, HCPS Teacher of the Year,
pose for a photo at the Maryland State Board of Education
luncheon on May 28, 2009, honoring all the local teachers of
the year. ABOVE - Kimberly Schmidt makes her way to the
stage after she was announced as the 2009-10 HCPS Teacher
of the Year at the annual Harford Teacher of the Year banquet
at the Bayou in Havre de Grace on April 23, 2009.
10 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

Harford class of ‘09 achieves 100 percent success
Seniors earn HSA proficiency; ready to graduate
Harford County Public School
(HCPS) twelfth grade students
achieved the highest rate of
proficiency on the Maryland High
School Assessments (HSA) in four
subject areas: English, Algebra,
Government and Biology. All
seniors in the class of 2009 passed
the HSA requirements and were
prepared for graduation.
95
93
91
89
87
85
2009 HSA Results
The class of 2009 was the first
graduating class required to pass
the HSAs in all four subject areas
or to earn a composite score of
1602 scale score points in order
to receive a Maryland diploma.
83
81
79
77
75
High school students in Harford
County outpaced state averages
English Biology Government Algebra
in every grade level and subject area for 2009, the
highest gap being in grade 11, exceeding the state
average by more than five percent at nearly 95
percent proficiency. Out of those students who have
taken all four tests and have met the requirement,
students in grade 10 continue to achieve high
passing rates at 90.7 percent for this year with two
years left in their high school careers.
Maryland
Harford
Multiple mechanisms for meeting the HSA
requirement have been put in place including
the Bridge Plan for Academic Validation and
the Combined-Score option. Students become
eligible for the Bridge Plan after failing to pass
an HSA on two attempts and having participated
in locally-administered interventions, passing the HSArelated
course, and making satisfactory progress toward
graduation. For the class of 2009, 45 students met the
HSA requirements through the Bridge Plan option.
All seniors in the class
of 2009 passed the
HSA requirements and
were prepared for
graduation.
“
”
Graduation rates
Harford County Public Schools earned a graduation rate
of 86.95 percent for the Class of 2009. Harford exceeded
the Annual Measurable Objective, or AMO, of 85.5
percetn for 2009 graduation rate, achieving Adequate
Yearly Progress (AYP) as a system in that academic area.
Harford County’s drop-out rate for 2009 was 2.32
percent, which represents a decline of 0.60 percent
compared to 2008 and the lowest rate reported since
1993. Statewide, the drop-out rate reported for 2009
was 2.6 percent.
DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 11

Harford County national test scores remain steady
Harford County students scored above the state and
national averages on the Critical Reading and Mathematics
sections of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) Reasoning
Test for 2009.
SAT Results
Compared to 2008, Harford County test-takers’ overall
performance improved in Critical Reading (two points),
remained steady in Mathematics, and dropped by two
points in Writing. Harford County mean scores exceed
the state in Critical Reading (507 versus 500) and in
Mathematics (521 versus 502) while dropping below the
state in Writing (488 versus 495).
The number of test-takers in Harford County decreased in
2009 with 1,350 graduates participating; approximately
26 percent of these were minority students. Compared
to the state, African-American students in Harford County
scored higher than their Maryland counterparts in both
Critical Reading and Mathematics, but averaged slightly
lower in writing.
Meanwhile, Harford County participation in Advanced
Placement (AP) assessments increased slightly from 1,230
students in 2008 to 1,253 students in 2009, at the same
time total high school enrollment in the county dropped
by approximately 240 students.
“ Harford County Public Schools mean scores
exceed state averages in
Critical Reading and Mathematics for 2009. ”
12 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

Harford middle school students closing achievement gap
Harford students show solid gains, continued success on MSA test
Harford County Public School students performed well
on the Maryland School Assessment (MSA) tests taken
by third through eighth graders in reading and math this
past March. According to the Maryland State Department
of Education (MSDE) data for the 2009 MSAs, nearly 88
percent of elementary and 67 percent of middle schools in
Harford County made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). An
improvement in middle school performance was clearly
evident. In 2008, only three of the nine middle schools
achieved AYP, and in 2009, six out of nine middle schools
achieved AYP.
In order for a school to meet AYP, all students in the
school and each sub-group of students, as defined by the
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, must meet the annual
measurable objectives (AMOs) for reading and math. In
addition, elementary and middle schools must meet the
AMO for attendance rates and high schools must meet the
AMO for graduation rates. The student sub-groups include
students with disabilities, students who are Limited English
Proficient, students in poverty, and students categorized
by race/ethnicity. The percent required to make AYP, called
a performance target, is established by MSDE each year.
Each year, the performance target for AYP increases so that
by 2014, 100 percent of students are expected to achieve
proficiency. For 2009, nearly 75 percent of elementary
school students needed to achieve proficiency in both
reading and mathematics in order for a school to achieve
AYP. For middle schools, the performance target was 76
percent for reading and 64 percent for mathematics.
Between 2005 and 2009, the percent
of HCPS third, fourth and fifth
graders meeting or exceeding
the state reading and mathematics
performance standards remained
above the state AMO for that year
and continued to increase. By the
end of the 2009 school year, about
nine out of every 10 elementary
school students in Harford County
demonstrated proficiency in reading
and in mathematics on the MSA.
The rate of increase in student
proficiency was even higher in HCPS
middle schools. The rate of reading
proficiency increased by almost 10
percent over the past five years, and
proficiency in mathematics increased
by more than 15 percent.
Edgewood Middle School, now in
its fifth year on the state’s School
Improvement list, demonstrated improvement in
proficiency for previously failing sub-groups sufficient to
enter Safe Harbor and achieve AYP for the 2009 school
year.
This year, of the four middle schools previously classified
as Schools in Improvement, two achieved AYP. The two
remaining schools, Havre de Grace Middle School and
North Harford Middle School, will enter Year 2 School
Improvement and will continue to focus on improving
the achievement of underperforming sub-groups. Three
elementary schools that did not achieve AYP in 2008
including Bakerfield, Joppatowne, and Riverside,
achieved AYP for
all subgroups and
for students in
the aggregate for
2009.
Entering the
Local Attention
List this year for
the first time
are Deerfield,
Edgewood,
Magnolia and William Paca/Old Post Road
elementary schools, failing to meet AMOs in one or more
subgroup areas but in most cases achieving proficiency for
all students. Fallston Middle School remains on the Local
Attention List this year for failing to reach the AMO in
reading for a small Limited English Proficient population.
2009 MSA Results
DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 13

Capital
JOPPATOWNE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
BEL AIR HIGH SCHOOL
The new Bel Air High School building and the remodernization of Joppatowne Elementary School were both
completed at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year. The total area for the $66.3 million Bel Air High
School project is approximately 262,000 square feet and the total area for the $17.1 million Joppatowne
Elementary School project is approximately 90,000 square feet.
RED PUMP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The Board of Education of Harford
County approved contracts for the
construction of the new Rep Pump
Elementary School at its September
29, 2009 business meeting.
Construction of the new 100,600
square-foot school facility began in
October 2009 and is budgeted for
$28.9 million. The project will include
facilities for the Department of Parks
and Recreation and is anticipated
to be completed in June of 2011.
The entrance to the school and park
complex will be off Red Pump Road
and the school’s mailing address will
be 600 Red Pump Road. The image to
the left is a rendering of how the new
elementary school will look.
14 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

Improvements
The image to the left features a rendering
of the new Edgewood High School.
Construction, pictured below, for the
project began in 2008. The replacement
Edgewood High is a four story structure
that is being constructed behind the
existing school. This approximately
268,000 square foot building will have
current technology, a triple gymnasium,
auditorium, and designated space for
the International Baccalaureate Diploma
Programme. The complex provides for
EDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
a new stadium with an artificial
turf field. The new high school is
scheduled to open in the fall of
2010, and the existing high school
is scheduled to be demolished. The
site will be restored with additional
parking and practice fields with final
completion in 2011.
DEERFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The image to the right features
a rendering of the new Deerfield
Elementary School. The construction
site of the new school is pictured below.
The replacement Deerfield Elementary
is a two story structure that is also being
constructed behind the existing school.
This approximately 102,000 square foot
building will have current technology,
an enlarged gymnasium, and a stage
that is between both the cafeteria and
the gymnasium.
The new school will have its own music rooms, art
room, and computer lab. The school will also feature
space that is designated as a day care for non-school
age children. The enlarged gymnasium is made possible
through a partnership with Parks and Recreation,
who have added $600,000 to this project. The new
elementary school is scheduled to open in the fall of
2010, and the existing elementary is scheduled to be
demolished. The site will be restored with additional
parking and a bus loop with final completion in 2011.
DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 15

2008-09
Looking back on the 2008-09
Under the leadership of Mary Murray and Jim Pritchard,
student-groups involved with the local Maryland
Summer Center investigated a number of invasive
plants, animals, and man-made changes at the Harford
Glen Environmental Center during a two-week study in
July 2008. Students involved included, from left, top,
Reagan Harper, Thomas Ogden, William Corey, Dan
Gorski, Adam Lanphear, Andrey Privado, and Morgan
Gardner; center, Drew Vinyard, Colleen Patton, Ben
Hendricks, Cole Merryman, Jillianne Carter, Bridget
Newell, and Natalie Brosh; and, bottom, Ben Barsam,
Bram Swarr, Brett Boileau, and Joe Nichols.
Harford’s Hickory Elementary School was selected as a
2008 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department
of Education for students achieving at very high levels. The
announcement made by Education Secretary Margaret
Spellings, cited only six Maryland schools and 320 schools
nationally to receive the distinguished honor. Each year,
the U.S. Department of Education conducts a nationwide
search for ‘Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence.’ In order
to facilitate that process, they first look to the state
level where State Departments of Education nominate
schools whose students demonstrated excellence in ‘No
Child Left Behind’ (NCLB) sanctioned standardized tests.
Additionally, the school must fall in the top 10 percent of
all schools in the state on test scores in both reading and
math for the past three years.
The 2009 General Assembly student pages were, from
left front, David John “D.J.” Sigworth, Nick Temple, Viona
Miller, Gerard Neely, Greg Waterworth (alternate), and
William Richardson. Elected officials in attendance
were, from left, Senators Andrew Harris and Barry
Glassman, Delegation Chair Susan McComas, Delegates
Daniel Riley, Mary-Dulany James and Donna Stifler. The
student pages spent two weeks in Annapolis – those
weeks are non-consecutive to allow them to experience
the beginning of the process, to see things all the
way through by following certain issues that interest
them, and returning later in the session to witness the
conclusion.
16 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

Rewind
HCPS School Year
Students, faculty and staff at Edgewood Middle School
(EMS) boosted their confidence by holding an energizing
pep rally featuring Dr. Ron Kelley of Konfident Enterprises
on February 10, 2009. Dr. K, as he is known, travels the
nation giving presentations to students and teachers
on innovative ways to achieve academic success. In an
effort to pump up the student body and make students
feel motivated, excited and prepared for the Maryland
School Assessments (MSA), EMS held two pep rallies
- one for the sixth grade and one for the seventh and
eighth grades. Coordinated by EMS Principal Dr. Lawrence
Rudolph and Instructional Facilitator Ms. Patrice Brown,
this event is the first of many events being established
to bolster student self-confidence and put the test front
and center in school culture at EMS.
The Milken Family Foundation, which for two decades has sponsored one
of the nation’s premier education conferences, again joined with the 9th
Annual National Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) Conference to
examine successful reforms in education. The conference also featured
the presentation of unrestricted $25,000 Milken Educator Awards (MEA)
to 70 of America’s most outstanding elementary educators at a gala
celebration including Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School Vocal Music
Teacher Christian Slattery. Mr. Slattery meshes the music curriculum with
other subjects, from creating rap songs to teach multiplication tables to
changing the lyrics of a familiar pop song to strengthen understanding
of a history unit. Pictured right, Mr. Slattery poses for a photo with Mr.
Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of Milken Educator Awards, at
the conference.
The Edgewood High School’s (EHS) Global Studies Program/
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme recently
received its official authorization as an International
Baccalaureate World School. A celebration event was held
at the media center of EHS on April 22, 2009. The two-year
application process, which included a site visit, ended when
the school was granted authorization on December 11, 2008.
The celebration event for the International Baccalaureate
(IB) Programme included guest speakers, former Interim
Superintendent of Schools, Patricia Skebeck; Board of
Education Member, Mark Wolkow; Councilman Richard
Slutzky; EHS Principal, Larissa Santos; and EHS IB Coordinator,
Amy Woolf.
DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 17

HCPS Educator
class of 2008-09
ONE MORE
TIME
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TOWN OF
BEL AIR
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September
Judith L. Famous
26 Years of Service
Vocal/Instrumental
Music Teacher
Norrisville Elementary
School, North Harford
Middle School, Forest
Hill Elementary School,
Forest Lakes Elementary
School, Prospect Mill
Elementary School, Bel
Air Elementary School
October
Rose Bernice
Famous Amoss
43 Years of Service
Teacher
Youth’s Benefit Elementary
School, former
Wilna School, Bel Air
Elementary School,
Emmorton Elementary
School, Youth’s Benefit
Elementary School
November
Lawrence ‘Larry”
Mills
30 Years of Service
Teacher/Administrator
Joppatowne Elementary
School, Riverside
Elementary School,
Edgewood Elementary
School, Deerfield
Elementary School,
Abingdon Elementary
School, Youth’s Benefit Elementary School
18 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

Hall of Fame
December
Florence Stansbury
36 Years of Service
Teacher
Former Havre de Grace
Consolidated School,
Aberdeen Junior High
School, Aberdeen
Middle School
January
Leslie D. Goodwin,
Ph.D.
35 Years of Service
Teacher/Administrator
Aberdeen High School,
Slate Ridge Elementary
School, Bakerfield
Elementary School,
Central Office
MC DONALDS
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February
James C.
Haas
36 Years of
Service
Teacher
John Archer
School,
Southampton
Middle School
March
S. Yvonne Blevins
31 Years of Service
Teacher/Administrator
Aberdeen Junior High
School, Aberdeen Middle
School, Havre de Grace
Middle School, Havre
de Grace High School,
Fallston High School,
Central Office
VISON ASSOC
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DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 19

April
Richard “Dick”
Gottwald
33 Years of Service
Teacher
Havre de Grace High
School, Havre de Grace
Middle School
June
Vicki C. Panos
22 Years of Service
Teacher
Fallston High School
May
Margaret “Beckie”
Hall Cook
37 Years of Service
Teacher/Administrator
Old Post Road Elementary
School, Baldwin Manor
Elementary School,
Aberdeen Elementary
School, Hickory Elementary
School, Jarrettsville
Elementary School
HUNTINGTON
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Hall
of Fame
To honor those who have given their professional
lives building a school system which consistently
ranks in the top 25 percent in student
achievement among Maryland school districts,
Harford County Public Schools, in cooperation
with the Harford County Retired School Personnel
Association (HCRSPA), began the HCPS Educator
Hall of Fame in October 2000. The retired
educators are chosen by HCRSPA in recognition
of their outstanding contributions to the system
to be enshrined in the “Hall of Fame.” The men
and women chosen also receive a plaque noting
his/her accomplishments. Several criteria have
been established to guide the HCRSPA in its
selection process: the educator may be living or
deceased, but must be retired as an educator;
the educator should have devoted the majority
of his/her career to teaching and/or being a
school or central office administrator in the
Harford County Public Schools; the nominee
must have been an educator in the HCPS system
for at least 20 years; and, the educator does not
have to be a member of the HCRSPA. Visit our
website at www.hcps.org to read more about
our “Hall of Fame” members!
20 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

Visit www.hcps.org for up-to-date
information!
Transportation (2008-2009):
• 33,386 students transported
• 486 buses
• 41,864 miles traveled daily
• 7,535,602 miles traveled annually
• 2,931 hours of daily driver time
• 473,509 hours of annual driver time
Student Population: 38,639 (9/30/09)
Personnel: 5,349.85
Certificated - 3,461.10
Support - 1,888.75
Food Services (2008-2009):
• 390 staff members
• 340 custodians
• 906,156 breakfasts served per year (students)
• 3,532,117 lunches served per year (students)
• $14 million per year business
• $3,471,564 in a la carte sales (includes adult purchases)
How does HCPS compare to the other 23 Maryland school systems in
terms of funding?
• FY07 Cost Per Pupil - $9,791.16 - ranked 15 out of 24
Facts:
•
•
•
•
•
HCPS at a Glance
HCPS at a Glance
The School System:
• 32 Elementary Schools
• 9 Middle Schools
• 9 High Schools
• 1 Special
• 1 Vocational/Technical High School
• 1 Alternative Education Center
TOTAL: 53 Schools
Facilities (2009):
• 77.57 acres of parking lots
• 24.6 miles of driveway
• 944,122 sq. ft. of carpeting
• 6,080,566 sq. ft. - total building footage
• School buildings - 5,794,477 sq. ft.
• Other buildings - 211,785 sq. ft.
• Relocatables (86) - 74,304 sq. ft.
• 2,370 classrooms
• 182 buildings (including relocatables)
• 32 wells
• 121 main boilers
• 1,654 acres of land
• Property Value (as of 10/1/08)
• $909,849,000
Approx. 60% of the teaching staff has completed advanced degrees, i.e. five or
more years of college work
More than 90% of the teaching staff have achieved ‘highly qualified’ status as
defined by the No Child Left Behind Act
Approx. 90% of students have never been suspended from school
The school system has more than 600 business and community collaborating
partners
Approx. 85% of students plan to recieve post-secondary education
DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 21

2006 - 2011 Strategic Plan
Goal #1: Every student graduates ready to succeed.
• Promote opportunities for skilled trades and advanced career choices.
• Use business partnerships to identify and respond to emerging market
trends.
• Enable students to live in and contribute to a contemporary world.
Goal #2: Every student achieves personal and academic growth.
• Find and build on every student’s motivation.
• Develop and deliver high quality instruction that elevates each
student.
• Support the emotional, social and physical growth of every student.
Goal #3: Every student connects with great employees.
• Recruit and retain a high quality, diverse workforce.
• Direct utilization of resources responsively to meet individual student
needs.
• Encourage employee knowledge and creativity to advance learning.
Goal #4: Every student benefits from accountable adults.
• Obtain and optimize use of adequate resources.
• Improve operational and instructional efficiency and effectiveness.
• Earn credibility with education stakeholders and respect of colleagues.
• Define parent involvement; reach out to parents to explain
involvement opportunities.
Goal #5: Every student feels comfortable going to school.
•
•
Maintain safe, secure, comfortable schools that meet student needs.
Expect personal responsibility and respect in positive learning
environments.
Explore use of uniforms to promote social equality and focus on learning.
•
On the Cover
Top Left - Graduates stand on stage during
the annual Rainbow Graduation at the Center
for Educational Opportunity in August 2009.
Center Left - Two students at Joppatowne
Elementary School, Jonathan Ash and
Nicholas Schweitzer, pose during the
school’s ‘Wax Museum’ Social Studies event
in October 2009.
Center Right - Edgewood High School
senior, Elissa Dzambasow, poses during
the celebration event for receiving its
official authorization as an International
Baccalaureate World School in April 2009.
Lower Left - First Graders Morgan Moore,
Ly’Quel Trafton and Kaylie Upson hold up
their completed Chinese drums during
Deerfield Elementary School’s celebration of
the Chinese New Year on January 23, 2009.
Lower Right - Members of the Bel Air High
School Counterpoints perform during the
school’s Rededication Ceremony in October
2009.
OFFICE OF DRUG CONTROL
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22 BOE | DECEMBER 2009

Employment opportunities
Office of Certificated Personnel 410-588-5238
Office of Supporting Services
410-588-5238
Personnel (clerical, custodial,
technical, etc.)
Substitute Teaching
www.hcps.org
410-809-6341
General information, assistance, complaints,
material distribution
Partnerships (material distribution) 410-588-5331
Communications Office 410-588-5203
TTY 7-1-1
Website/Emergency Notification www.hcps.org
HCPS Central Office Switchboard
Local Number 410-838-7300
Toll Free 1-866-588-4963
Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline 1-800-422-0009
Psychological Services, Student Services
Office of Student Services 410-588-5334
Aberdeen Office 410-273-5514
Contact Us
Visit www.alertnowmessage.com
to replay your automated phone
notifi cation messages!
Bel Air Office 410-638-4143
Edgewood Office 410-612-1521
Fallston Office 410-638-4124
Havre de Grace Office 410-939-6612
Magnolia Office 410-612-1531
North Harford Office 410-638-3662
Patterson Mill Office 410-638-4215
Southampton Office 410-638-4153
Hickory Elementary (Child Find) 410-638-4386
Office of Curriculum 410-588-5298
Office of Elementary Education 410-588-5207
Office of Secondary Education 410-588-5228
Equity & Cultural Diversity Office 410-809-6064
Office of Special Education 410-588-5246
Office of Transportation 410-638-4092
Customer Action Line 410-638-0022
Use of School Facilities - Principal The school concerned
Volunteer Work
Your local school
Schafer & Sons
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DECEMBER 2009 | BOE 23

24 BOE | DECEMBER 2009
SAIC
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