Montgomery County Collaboration Board
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 16, 2016
A meeting of the Montgomery County Collaboration Board (MCCB) was hosted by The Universities at Shady Grove on Thursday, June 16, 2016.
In Attendance:
Joe Kessler - / Next-Stage Development GroupErick Lang / Montgomery County Public Schools
Ben OuYang / Montgomery County Public Schools
Steven Boden - / Montgomery County Public Schools
Amy Gumaer - / Montgomery College
Yolanda Pruitt - / MCPS Educational Foundation
Joann Mirgon-Erb - / The Universities at Shady Grove
Nancy Wiltz - / Towson University
Matt Boratenski - / AFI Silver Theater & Cultural Center
Tony Crane - / Efficient Homes LLC
George Payne - / Montgomery College
Roland Ikheloa - / Montgomery County Board of Education
Dean Schleicher - / Montgomery College
John Libby - / Montgomery College
Seth Kamen - / Montgomery College
Richard Cerkovnik - / Montgomery College
Ed Riggs / Montgomery College
Debra Anderson / Montgomery College
Diane Barberesi / Montgomery College
Alla Webb - / Montgomery College
Rhonda Dillard - / Montgomery County Public Schools
DeAngela Hill - / Montgomery County Public Schools
Regina Breiterman / Montgomery County Public Schools
Melvise Powell / Montgomery County Public Schools
Judith Reiff / When and Where Travel
Deborah Grubb / Montgomery College
Khandan Monshi / Montgomery College
Joyce King - / Montgomery County Public Schools
Welcome/Introductions
Joe Kessler called the meeting to order at 8:42 a.m. with a welcome to the end-of-the-year MCCB meeting. This meeting will concentrate on this year’s results as reported by the Program Advisory Committee (PAC) presidents. Joe thanked Joann Mirgon-Erb for hosting the meeting at the Universities at Shady Grove, and asked her to convey gratitude to Julia Rader as well. Joe also welcomed George Payne, the Vice President of the Workforce Development and Continuing Education department at Montgomery College, and thanked him for his role with the MCCB.
Joe reminded everyone that the minutes from the previous meeting had been emailed earlier. He asked for comments, but none were offered. The minutes were passed by general acceptance.
Overview of the MCPS Educational Foundation, Inc.
Yolanda Pruitt reported that the MCPS Educational Foundation was created in 1988 as the charitable arm of Montgomery County Public Schools to collect and disburse funds from benefactors and private grants. She shared their website, which can be found at mcpsfoundation.org. She commented, that although Montgomery County is still affluent, there are more students in need of assistance than ever before. She said that nearly 35% of the population is disadvantaged financially and that the Educational Foundation is bound by contract with MCPS for support. Besides aiding FARM eligible students with expenses, other support includes grants to schools and teachers, resources to the ACES pathway program, and four-year college scholarship support. The MCPS Educational Foundation also administers the disbursement of scholarship dollars granted from business partners, such as Lockheed Martin to students of the Academy of Information Technology, and others.
Steve Boden thanked Yolanda for familiarizing the group with the functions of the MCPS Educational Foundation, which complements the report from the Montgomery College Foundation during the last meeting.
End-of-the-Year Reports from PAC Presidents
Steve Boden called upon each PAC president to summarize their committee’s end-of-the-year reports, which will ultimately be shared with the MCPS Board of Education and the Montgomery College Board of Trustees. A copy of each report is attached to the agenda,
Arts, Media, Humanities, and Communications
Matt Boratenski reported that the AFI Silver Theatre hosted the Montgomery County Youth Media Festival sponsored by Gandhi Brigade Youth Media in April. Students created film projects and visual artwork for competition and general display. Matt also shared that Montgomery County Gaming graduates won first place in the NOAA/White House Game Jam. He reports that multimedia and interactive technologies continue to increase in enrollment of non-traditional students.
Biosciences, Health Sciences, and Medicine
Rhonda Dillard reported that Bioscience programs are highly enrolled. The programs are in need of internships and classroom presentations by industry professionals. The health sciences are very expensive, and are in need of additional funds. Rhonda shared that a proposal was approved by MSDE to expand the Academy of Health Professionals (AOHP) at the soon-to-be-new Thomas Edison High School of Technology to allow four certifications in a two year program. She expressed that students enrolled in the AOHP Certified Nursing Assistant Program of Study usually have a 97% pass rate, and that job openings in this career field continue to grow. Rhonda also reported that a new PAC president is needed for next year; the J. Craig Venter Institute is moving its offices to California.
Business Management and Finance
In the absence of Candace dePass, DeAngela Hill shared some of the highlights of their accomplishments. The Business Management and Finance (BMF) cluster organized the “Raptor Tank” competition for Montgomery College students to present a business plan idea to a panel of judges. The BMF teachers were invited to the MSDE Blackboard Collaboration site with other state-wide teachers. Students participated in the International Business Ethics Competition (IBECC) in Boston where they were tasked with creating a solution to a real-life ethical dilemma. It was also reported that ten scholarships were awarded to BMF graduates.
Construction and Development
Tony Crane reported that the construction cluster meets monthly. The Young American student-designed/built house project teaches organizational skills, teamwork, and planning to students of all the building trades. Tony said the PAC is currently focusing on building advocacy for securing land to continue the program, which may include expanding the program to better include upcounty students. Keeping current with technology and modern trends is also on the forefront, including becoming an Energy Star partner by following set requirements and building codes. The 40th student-designed/built house was completed and celebrated at the Cornerstone Ceremony last month. County Council President Nancy Floreen was the honored guest speaker, and presented the program with a 40th anniversary congratulatory citation. Tony further reported that there is a high demand for skilled labor in the construction field, and the PAC’s objective is to build industry alliances for internships and other student opportunities. Council members Ms. Floreen and Mr. Katz have indicated interest to advocate for the construction programs in Montgomery County.
Education, Training, and Child Studies
Nancy Wiltz reported that the State-mandated Child Development Associate (CDA) licensure is a challenge, but those concerns, requirements, and benefits have been conveyed to staff of MCPS, Montgomery College, Towson University at the Universities at Shady Grove, and child care industry providers for action and advice. She also said that professional development was provided to 13 teachers to attend the Conference for Pre-Kindergarten Teachers in Towson. In addition, transportation was provided to 50 sophomores and juniors from three highs schools to attend an Early Childhood Education Open House at the new Montgomery College Bioscience Education Center. Nancy further reported that an all-day education conference is scheduled for March at the Universities at Shady Grove for as many as 150 juniors in ECD programs to focus on pathways from high school to MC to Towson/USG.
Engineering, Scientific Research, and Manufacturing Technology
Arthur Edge introduced himself as the new PAC president. He explained that his company, Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. of Gaithersburg, performs work on drug therapies and vaccines. He reported that the engineering programs are in need of more authentic engineering experiences for both students and teachers, and that completion rates need improving. He also sees a need for math tutoring for many of the students.
Environmental, Agricultural, and Natural Resources
In the absence of Rick Scaffidi. Rhonda Dillard shared that the horticulture career cluster had its first graduating class this year. She reported that students from all three program schools completed internships at local businesses. She said, however, that industry certifications are difficult to obtain in this field, and that there is a need for mentors.
Human and Consumer Services, Hospitality, and Tourism
Regina Breiterman introduced Judy Adler Reiff, as the co-owner of When & Where Travel in Olney. Judy said she has been an active member of the Hospitality & Tourism PAC for a while, and has now volunteered to serve as the new PAC president. She reported that discussions took place about bringing students together from MCPS, MC, and UMES at USG for an industry-sponsored event for careers in hospitality. Judy also said that middle school students visited a high school to see the Academy of Hospitality & Tourism and the Hospitality Management programs in action. Hospitality Management and Professional Restaurant Management students earned industry certifications, although the cost of certifications is a barrier. There is also a need for more college scholarships. Judy proudly reported that some of the AOHT graduates now own their own businesses. The PAC’s goals include expanding the PAC membership list, especially among hoteliers, and to advocate for teacher externship opportunities. As an interesting side note, Judy said she was an MCPS teacher for 36 years, primarily in literacy and journalism. Her former students wrote the press releases for the Young American house #1, and she offers her resources and contacts now if needed.
Information Technologies / Computer Sciences
Joe Kessler reported that the Computer Science Program of Study is growing from 13 schools now to 23 schools in the coming year. There is a constant focus to keep the programs relevant and updated. The current CompTIA A+ 800 series of certification tests is expiring in June, and is to be replaced by the 900 series. This transition requires teachers to be updated with the new information and training. He also added that arrangements were made with the Pearson Test Center to come onsite to Springbrook HS in June, which was a great convenience to the students.
Steve Boden extended appreciation to Richard Cerkovnik and Amy Gumaer of Montgomery College for their work on a pathway for dual enrollment.
Law, Government, Public Safety, and Administration
Deborah Grubb introduced herself as the new Law & Government PAC president, following two years as an active PAC member. She is an Assistant Professor in Criminal Justice at Montgomery College. She commented that teaching students critical thinking and theory is important in this career field. One of the PAC’s accomplishments was its Career Day & Tour for both MCPS and MC students at the Montgomery County Public Safety Headquarters, and included representatives from both county and local police departments, division of parole, and department of correction. It involved over 100 students, allowed time for collaboration and panel discussions, and resulted in very positive feedback. Deborah also reported that the Criminal Justice courses have been expanded at all MC/USG campuses, and that there is a clear pathway for an AAS degree to be applied for a four-year degree at UMD
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
In lieu of Harold Redden, Steve Boden reported that all four program locations have maintained their NATEF certification. Highlights of the year include dealership visitations, a Career & Awards Day for over 300 automotive students, and a two-day job shadowing program in a live work environment. Steve said that a pending initiative includes the purchase of virtual trainers for both painting and welding at two locations, which would both enhance the skill level of the students and eliminate materials waste. Automotive collision estimation software is also a pending initiative, and would help expand the curriculum and fulfill job market needs. Steve extended appreciation to Debra Anderson, PAC Co-Convener and Automotive Technology Program Director, for arranging a Montgomery College two-year scholarship for MCPS’s outstanding automotive student.
Montgomery College Updates
Dr. Amy Gumaer shared a PowerPoint presentation entitled Update on the Perkins Grant, Spring MCCB Meeting. As the Local Plan Coordinator for the Perkins Grant at Montgomery College, she reported:
· MC and MSDE co-hosted a state-wide meeting in March at the Bioscience Education Center for Perkins postsecondary local plan coordinators. Presenters included representatives from Anne Arundel Community College and Queen Anne’s County Public Schools. The meeting concluded with a tour of the new center.
· MC held its annual internal Perkins Grant development process in April and May, resulting in eight programs requesting funds in FY17 totaling $399,642 – a 10.5% increase over last year. The eight CTE programs requesting funding are
o Broadcast Journalism Certificate
o Criminal Justice AAS Degree
o Computer Programming Certificate Java Developer Certificate
o Combined IT (Computer Applications, Web, and Gaming)
o Diagnostic Medical Sonography
o American Sign Language Certificate Program
o Biotechnology
· Information Technology was the fastest growing cluster in 2015, increasing 15.5% over 2014
· 21% students enrolled in CTE programs in 2015 – no change from 2014.
· Career programs remain a popular choice
· The combined IT proposal includes multiple programs across the three clusters of Information Technology, Manufacturing Engineering & Technology (MET), and Arts Media & Communications (AMC). An academic restructuring resulted in the merger of the Web and Gaming programs under the mantle of Communication Arts Technology with the intent to promote synergy and collaboration among the program coordinators.
· Exemplary CTE programs demonstrate
o Strong secondary and postsecondary collaborations
o Relevant instruction and preparation for careers
o Key industry support & partnerships
o Scholarship opportunities
o Established 2+2+2 articulation agreements
Amy recognized that many of the Montgomery College agreements lead to the Universities at Shady Grove. She expressed appreciation to Julia Rader and Joann Mirgon-Erb for hosting the meeting at USG, and for their important roles in CTE.
Universities at Shady Grove Updates
Joann Mirgon-Erb is the Director of the CEO (Career Experience & Opportunities) program at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). She explained that the CEO is a career-readiness program that follows a five year progression for students who start out with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), continue to Montgomery College (MC), and then advance to the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). The CEO is a pilot program of 100 students from the 1200 ACES students. The first cohort graduated this year, with 75 of them continuing on to MC. At least 30% of them have an interest in the STEM field. After two years at MC, their next step is USG, which is the “career launcher” by providing them direction. Joann thanked the MCCB for the support it provides.