CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Wicomico County Board of Education Educational Facilities Master Plan FY 2024
WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION N. Eugene Malone, Jr., Chairman Allen C. Brown, Sr., Vice Chairman Susan W. Beauchamp Dr. Bonnie H. Ennis Kristin N. Hazel John Palmer David A. Plotts Micah C. Stauffer, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools
BOARD OF EDUCATION OF WICOMICO COUNTY WICOMICO COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS MICAH C. STAUFFER, ED.D. SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS June 14, 2023 P.O. Box 1538 2424 NORTHGATE DRIVE SALISBURY, MD 21802-1538 41O-677-4400 FAX 41O-677-4444 www.wcboe.org N. EUGENE MALONE, JR. CHAIRMAN ALLEN C. BROWN, SR. VICE CHAIRMAN SUSAN W. BEAUCHAMP DR. BONNIE H. ENNIS KRISTIN N. HAZEL JOHN PALMER DAVID A. PLOTTS Mr. Jamie Bridges IAC Planning Manager lnteragency Commission on School Construction 200 West Baltimore Street, Suite 200 Baltimore, MD 21201 Dear Mr. Bridges: Enclosed is the Wicomico County Board of Education's FY2024 Educational Facilities Master Plan. This document is an update and incorporates the latest information on each of our schools, revises our current and projected programs and addresses our facility needs. The EFMP was coordinated with the Wicomico County Planning and Zoning Department utilizing the 2017 Wicomico County Comprehensive Plan. Enrollment projections used in this report were coordinated with the Maryland Department of Planning. At a meeting of the Wicomico County Board of Education on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the Wicomico County Board of Education approved the attached FY2024 Educational Facilities Master Plan as a working document. Should there be any questions or concerns on this matter, please contact me at your earliest convenience. Thank you. cs Micah C. Stauffer, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools T4E WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION PROHIBITS ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION BASED ON RACE, ETHNICITY, COLOR, ANCESTRY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, IMMIGRATION STATUS, SEX, GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY, GENDER EXPRESSION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, FAMILY/PARENTAL STATUS, MARITAL STATUS, AGE, PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY, POVERTY AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, LANGUAGE, OR OTHER LEGALLY OR CONSTITUT IONALLY PROTECTED ATTRIBUTES OR AFFILIATIONS AND PROVIDES EOUAL ACCESS TO THE BOY SCOUTS AND OTHER TITLE 36 DESIGNATED YOUTH GROUPS. DISCRIMINATION UNDERMINES OUR COMMUNITY'S LONG-STANDING EFFORTS TO CREATE, FOSTER AND PROMOTE EQUITY, INCLUSION AND ACCEPTANCE FOR ALL
1 .EFMP Overview.....................................................................................................9-17 1.1 EFMP Introduction............................................................................................11 1.2 EFMP Purpose...................................................................................................13 1.3 School Tracks....................................................................................................15 1.4 Map: Wicomico County Public School Locations...................................17 2 Educational Goals..............................................................................................19-66 2.1 WCBOE Educational Mission & Vision Policy..........................................21 2.2 Superintendent Entry Plan..........................................................................23 2.3 Superintendent State of Schools................................................................31 2.4 Educational Overview..............................................................................51-54 2.5 Educational Programs............................................................................55-66 3 Applicable Policies............................................................................................67-112 3.1 Non-Discrimination Statement..................................................................69 3.2 Special Education............................................................................................71 3.3 School Facility Retirement...........................................................................73 3.4 Staffing Ratios & Organization Patterns..................................................75 3.5 Student Transportation Policy....................................................................77 3.6 Student Transportation Procedure.....................................................79-81 3.7 WCPS Student Attendance Area Guidelines....................................83-84 3.8 Assignment of Students to School............................................................85 3.9 Special Permission Procedures............................................................87-89 3.10 Attendance Boundary Maps (Elem, Middle, High)........................91-93 3.11 Individual School Boundary Maps.....................................................95-112 4 Community Analysis......................................................................................113-129 4.1 Community Analysis Findings.............................................................115-124 4.2 Growth & School Facility Status...............................................................125 4.3 Map: Priority Funding Areas......................................................................127 4.4 Wicomico County Planning Approval Letter.........................................129 CONTENTS 7
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5 Facility Inventory...............................................................................................131-214 5.1 Facility Inventory Analysis......................................................................133-137 5.2 Facility Needs Index: Major Capital Improvement.................................139 5.3 Facility Needs Index: Systemic.....................................................................141 5.4 Scorecard Narrative........................................................................................143 5.41 FQI (scorecards) Maps...................................................................145-146 5.42 Scorecard/Facility Need Report - By School........................147-205 5.5 Facilities Inventory IAC/PSCP Form 101.1.........................................207-211 5.6 Facility Inventory Update Assurance Form 101.4 Superintendent Signed...........................................................................213-214 6 Enrollment & Capacity.....................................................................................215-271 6.1 WCBOE Enrollment and Capacity Analysis.......................................217-221 6.2 Private and Home School Analysis.....................................................223-224 6.3 9/30 Superintendent Verification of Enrollment Form.......................225 6.4 MDP Data for Projected Enrollment..................................................227-236 6.5 WCBOE Agreement with MDP Enrollment Letter.................................237 6.6 WCPS FTE Projected Enrollment.......................................................239-265 6.7 MDP Enrollment Approval Letter.......................................................267-268 6.8 WCBOE Headcount/FTE Spreadsheet.....................................................269 6.9 Non-Public School Sheet...............................................................................271 7 Facility Needs......................................................................................................273-281 7.1 Overview..............................................................................................................275 7.2 General Planning Guidelines.................................................................277-278 7.3 Future Facility Needs.............................................................................279-280 7.4 Facility Needs Summary IAC/PSCP Form 101.3.......................................281 8
EFMP Overview 1 9
10
EFMP INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Wicomico County Board of Education (WCBOE) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Capital Improvement Program consists of two integral components, the FY2024 Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP) and the upcoming FY2025 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The EFMP is part of the comprehensive WCBOE Bridge to Excellence Master Plan which was renamed in 2019 to the Every Student Succeeds Act Consolidated Strategic Plan1 with the fundamental purpose to increase student achievement for all students in all schools. The EFMP more specifically studies the issues affecting our Wicomico County Public School (WCPS) facilities in detail and creates a framework for prioritizing and scheduling major school projects. This process takes place over the course of the entire fiscal year and continually evolves as information is gathered or becomes available. The development of the WCBOE EFMP involves several contributors ranging from community organizations, local employers, surrounding local municipalities, board of education members, various WCPS staff as well as county departments and council representatives. This EFMP contains six (6) main categories (see Figure 1), which cover the eight (8) topics outlined by the Board of Public Works and administered by the Interagency Commission on School Construction. 1 https://www.wcboe.org/Page/573 EFMP COMAR 14.39.02.02 Educational Goals Applicable Policies Community Analysis Facility Inventory Enrollment & Capacity Facility Needs 11
12
WCBOE continues to prioritize its school infrastructure and its associated facility planning in Wicomico County in conjunction with Wicomico County Government. Both groups recognize the critical role schools provide in supporting and maintaining a strong public educational system.Our schools alsoserve theneedsof thesurroundingcommunity inmany different ways. The state and the county continue to support WCBOE efforts inmaintaining these important assets by assisting with either new or renovated school facilities through various funding sources. As in years past, the needs of our schools continue to increase and have grown beyond the funds currently available. Although funding is limited due to fiscal constraints, WCBOE continues to make a concerted effort to improve its school facilities. Two main questions regarding the adequacy of public schools are as follows: • How do schools support the instructional needs of public education and community use requirements? • How do schools meet the minimum standards required to maintain a healthy, safe learning environment for students and staff? These questions represent the overall guiding concepts of what WCBOE addresses regarding our facility plans. WCBOE buildings continue to age and student enrollments are projected to increase while funding for facility improvements remains limited. In spite of these difficulties, WCBOE is committed to developing and maintaining a long-range comprehensive plan that addresses these questions and other issues currently confronting WCPS schools. In order to address how we support instructional needs, address community development in conjunction with various policies it is necessary to clearly identify the issues affecting our school facilities. It is important to understand the current situation and even more critical to understand where things are headed in the next five to ten years. EFMP PURPOSE 1.2 13
14
SCHOOL TRACKS 1.3 Wicomico County Public Schools Track Code Chart ‐ School Attendance Patterns Track PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 011 X X X X ES ES ES Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 061 X X X GA GA GA GA Salisbury MS X X Parkside HS X X X 021 X X X X X X NS Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 022 X X X X X X 011 BR BR BR BR X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 041 FP FP FP FP FI FI FI Bennett MS X X Parkside HS X X X 042 FP FP FP FP FI FI FI Bennett MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 062 CH CH CH X X X X Wicomico MS X X Parkside HS X X X 063 CH CH CH X X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 064 CH CH CH X X X X Bennett MS X X Parkside HS X X X 072 WS WS WS WS X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 073 WS WS WS WS X X X Salisbury MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 081 X X X X X X X Mardela MS X X Mardela HS X X X 091 X X X X X X X Salisbury MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 101 X X X X X X X Bennett MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 102 X X X X X X X Salisbury MS X X Parkside HS X X X 103 X X X X X X X Salisbury MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 111 WL WL WL WL WL X X Pittsville MS X X Parkside HS X X X 131 X X X X X X X Bennett MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 132 X X X X X X X Wicomico MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 133 X X X X X X X Bennett MS X X Parkside HS X X X 134 X X X X X X X Wicomico MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 135 X X X X X X X Wicomico MS X X Parkside HS X X X 071 X X X X NS NS NS Salisbury MS X X Wicomico HS X X X 171 WP WP WP WI WI WI WI Salisbury MS X X James M. Bennett X X X 172 WP WP WP WI WI WI WI Mardela MS X X Mardela HS X X X 111 X X X X X PT PT Pittsville MS X X Parkside HS X X X BR Beaver Run NS North Salisbury CH Chipman PT Pittsville ES East Salisbury WS West Salisbury FI Fruitland Intermediate WI Westside Intermediate FP Fruitland Primary WP Westside Primary GA Glen Avenue WL Willards Prince Street Elementary Northwestern Elementary Pemberton Elementary Pinehurst Elementary Pinehurst Elementary Pinehurst Elementary Pittsville Elem./Middle Prince Street Elementary Prince Street Elementary West Salisbury Elementary Westside Schools Westside Schools Willards Elementary Prince Street Elementary Prince Street Elementary Delmar Middle & High School ‐ Delmar, DE 2 Letter School Abbreviations Updated for Middle School Balancing and Reopening of West Salisbury Effective SY2019 School Beaver Run Elementary Charles H. Chipman Elem. Delmar Elementary Delmar Elementary East Salisbury Elementary Fruitland Schools Fruitland Schools Glen Avenue Elementary Glen Avenue Elementary Glen Avenue Elementary North Salisbury Elementary North Salisbury Elementary 15
16
MAP: WICOMICO COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL LOCATIONS 1.4 08 42 18 17 02 16 49 14 07 09 10 05 04 40 41 43 06 13 03 45 46 01 11 19 Wicomico County Public School Locations Elementary Schools Middle Schools High Schools Elem/Middle School Middle/High School 01 Beaver Run 02 Delmar 03 East Salisbury 04 Fruitland Primary 05 Fruitland Intermediate 06 Glen Avenue 07 North Salisbury 08 Northwestern 09 Pemberton 10 Pinehurst 13 Prince Street 14 Chipman 16 West Salisbury 17 Westside Primary 18 Westside Intermediate 19 Willards 40 Bennett 45 Wicomico 49 Salisbury 41 James M. Bennett 43 Parkside 46 Wicomico 11 Pittsville 42 Mardela Legend 40 17
18
Educat ional Goals 2 19
20
WCBOE EDUCATIONAL MISSION & VISION POLICY 2.1 Wicomico County Board of Education Approval Status Index Code Title: Mission, Vision, Educational Philosophy and Beliefs BOE-GEN-PL-024 First Adopted: 09/09/77 Legal Review: 10/17/19 Approved Revisions: 11/12/19 08/13/13 03/11/97 Effective: 11/13/19 08/14/13 03/12/97 Page 1 of 1 WICOMICO COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION 101 LONG AVE, P.O. BOX 1538, SALISBURY, MD 21802 BOE-GEN-PL-024 Wicomico County Board of Education Mission and Vision Policy I. Mission Statement The mission of the Wicomico County Public School (WCPS) system is to provide all students an educational foundation and a set of skills which will enable them to become responsible and productive citizens in our society. II. Vision Statement Our vision is to educate each student to his or her full potential. III. Educational Philosophy A. Public education in Wicomico County is based on the democratic principle that students have, by right, the opportunity to develop their potential to the fullest. While the pursuit of education is a right, a privilege and a responsibility that is shared by the school, the student, the home, and religious and other community entities, the primary responsibility for this educational development lies with the student and the school. B. WCPS has a responsibility to develop an understanding of and a respect for diverse social, economic, cultural and ethnic groups through the education of students. Equity in education is a guiding principal of WCPS, thus the diversity of each individual must be respected. C. Education in Wicomico County is concerned not only with the intellectual and skill development of the students but also with other aspects of their growth. Since public education is a continuous process, it is the responsibility of the school system to make its instructional program relevant to the present as well as applicable and useful for the future. D. In our school system, education should be a dynamic process subject to evaluation, revision and updating of existing programs, as well as the implementation of new programs, based upon the needs of students, the latest knowledge and current scientific information as to how individuals learn. E. It is acknowledged that individuals vary greatly in their needs and abilities. Consequently, the school system has the obligation to provide diversified and well-balanced programs. The Wicomico County Board of Education directs the Superintendent of Schools to develop, maintain, and implement a strategic plan based upon the mission and vision of the Wicomico County Public School system. 21
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 22
1 Wicomico County Public Schools Superintendent Entry Plan Dr. Micah C. Stauffer July 1, 2022 SUPERINTENDENT ENTRY PLAN 2.2 23
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 2 Int roduc t i on f rom Dr . Mi cah C. Stauf f er , Super int endent I am honored, humbled, and truly grateful to serve as the new Superintendent for Wicomico County Public Schools (WCPS). I look forward to working in partnership and collaboration with students, staff, parents and guardians, Board members, community members, and elected leaders to ensure that we fervently strive together to meet the individual needs of all students by providing them with an outstanding academic program in a safe and welcoming learning environment. It is essential that our schools provide an environment that fosters intellectual, social, emotional, and developmental growth to ensure our students are college and/or career ready upon graduation. I am deeply committed to this responsibility and excited to work collaboratively with each of you to fulfill the district’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. As your superintendent, my main goals include establishing trustworthy and meaningful relationships with each of you, openly communicating all pertinent school system related information, actively involving school community members in the decision-making process, and articulating a shared vision for WCPS to inspire the system toward new heights of success. As we move forward, it is essential that our work as a school system focuses on high-quality instruction, engaging learning experiences, student achievement, community partnerships, and strategic planning. During this transitional time period, it will be crucial for all of us to reflect and assess where we are now as a school system, collaboratively set goals for the future, and strategically plan for how we will accomplish them. I have developed a formal Superintendent Entry Plan which will allow me to gather input from stakeholders, demonstrate my commitment to work in partnership with the school system community, learn as much as possible from each of you, and officially introduce myself as I begin this new journey. I am beyond grateful for all of the support, positive energy, and the welcoming spirit I have received from the community thus far. The information outlined in this document is representative of my commitment to “servant leadership” as we work together for the betterment of our school system. As I begin this new role, please know that I genuinely welcome and seek your input as we strive to accept no limits on the success of WCPS. As follows in this document, please find for your review my principles of leadership, the current WCPS educational philosophy, mission, vision, and strategic priorities, and both phases of the entry plan. This will serve as our foundation and starting point for the work ahead. As we embark on this new journey, please take 24
3 time to review this plan and be prepared to help ensure our current goals and priorities are relevant to the work we are doing now as a system and the work we feel will be important in the future. Leadership Va lues I strongly believe that anyone who has influence on others is a leader. Therefore, we all need to learn how best to lead and influence others to have the largest and most positive impact we can on our school system. While we all have strengths and different roles, we also all have the power to influence the success of our students. As the saying goes, many little drops make a mighty ocean. When all of us lead in some small way, it can make a major difference to our school system and our community. Because of this, I feel it is important to include my beliefs about leadership so that we all have an understanding of the leadership principles that will guide not only the work of this entry plan, but more importantly the work that I hope we each engage in as we begin the 2022-2023 school year. Pr i nc i p l ed Leade r sh i p An effective and impactful education leader must… • Possess Integrity: Great leaders have a strong moral compass and always strive to be a role model for others and do what is in the best interest of all students. • Value Collaboration: Effective teams are built on trusting relationships, high expectations, and accountability in an environment that encourages problemsolving and collaborative effort so that the teamwork that takes place is the best work to move our system forward. • Believe in Communication: Strong communication skills include active listening and clear messaging in a respectful tone that connects with others. • Champion Great Work: Everyone benefits from others who motivate, inspire and challenge us in a way that encourages us to believe in ourselves and the work we do. • Promote Equity: Strong leaders embrace diversity and find equitable solutions that provide the necessary resources and support structures to ensure each and every student has the opportunity to succeed. • Empower Others: Everyone wants to feel like they are contributing to the vision of an organization and when we empower others, it unlocks creativity and allows for innovative ideas . 25
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 4 • Be Engaged: Effective leaders have a visible presence in the school system and the community to ensure that the culture, resources, and work from everyone supports the vision and mission of our organization. • Have High Expectations: Great leaders set high standards for themselves and others. Having high expectations increases achievement, provides strong accountability, and establishes a culture of excellence. • Ensure Everyone Has a Voice: A successful school system has an environment where all stakeholders feel valued, included, and have buy-in to the overall culture we want to create. • Be Empathetic: Leaders who possess empathy display an understanding for the importance of positive relationships and each individual, which results in organizational unity and strength. Current Phi l osophy , Mi ss i on , Vi s i on , & Pr i or i t i es Wi comi co Coun t y Boa rd o f Educa t i on E duca t i ona l Ph i l o s ophy Public education in Wicomico County is based on the democratic principle that students have, by right, the opportunity to develop their potential to the fullest. While the pursuit of education is a right, a privilege and a responsibility that is shared by the school, the student, the home, and religious and other community entities, the primary responsibility for this educational development lies with the student and the school. Wicomico County Public Schools has a responsibility to develop an understanding of and a respect for diverse social, economic, cultural and ethnic groups through the education of students. Equity in education is a guiding principle of WCPS, thus the diversity of each individual must be respected. Education in Wicomico County is concerned not only with the intellectual and skill development of the students, but also with other aspects of their growth. Since public education is a continuous process, it is the responsibility of the school system to make its instructional program relevant to the present, as well as applicable and useful for the future. In our school system, education should be a dynamic process subject to evaluation, revision and updating of existing programs, as well as the implementation of new programs, based upon the needs of students, the latest knowledge and current scientific information as to how individuals learn. It is acknowledged that individuals vary greatly in their needs and abilities. Consequently, the school system has the obligation to provide diversified and wellbalanced programs. Wi comi co Coun t y Boa rd o f Educa t i on Mi s s i on S t a t ement The mission of the Wicomico County Public School system is to provide all students an educational foundation and a set of skills which will enable them to become responsible and productive citizens in our society. 26
5 Wi comi co Coun t y Boa rd o f Educa t i on Vi s i on S t a t emen t Our vision is to educate each student to his or her full potential. Wi comi co Coun t y Pub l i c Scho o l s Vi s i on Po i nt s We aspire to be: ▪ a public school system rooted in a culture of respect, transparency, and collegiality; where trust, the quality of relationships, and empowerment are clearly understood to be the foundation for success. ▪ a public school system committed to safe schools; created through a careful balance of clearly communicated and enforced expectations and an atmosphere where students know that teachers and administrators believe in them. ▪ a public school system dedicated to meeting the needs of each student from the most gifted to the most challenged; focusing on early literacy, student engagement in authentic problem solving, innovative instruction that encourages creativity, and preparing students with 21st century skills necessary to successfully enter college or the world of work. ▪ a public school system our community believes in - where teachers compete for jobs, employers compete for well-prepared graduates, families choose to live, and businesses aspire to relocate because of its reputation built upon the pursuit of excellence in providing an outstanding education for our community’s students. Wi comi co Coun t y Pub l i c Scho o l s St ra t eg i c Pr i o r i t i es ▪ Ensure students are reading on grade level by Grade 3 ▪ Ensure that students graduate college and/or career ready ▪ Ensure a high-performing workforce ▪ Ensure all schools have a safe and positive climate for student learning 27
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 6 Ent ry Pl an Goa l s & Phase s This entry plan focuses on learning as much as possible about our schools and community so that as a system we can build upon our strengths and continue to improve. Through this process, we will be in a position to establish common goals, align our resources, and take strategic actions to enhance and heighten the success of WCPS. Specifically, the phases of this entry plan will provide us with an opportunity to achieve the following goals. 1. Develop collaborative, trusting, and productive relationships with all WCPS board members, staff, parents and guardians, and community members to gain insight into our strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth so we can best serve our students. 2. Learn how WCPS initiatives and priorities are being implemented in our schools by the dedicated leaders and staff of WCPS. 3. Learn about the values, traditions, and expectations of our school community so they can be used to guide the work of WCPS. 4. Gain a better understanding of how the school system’s initiatives and priorities are publicized and understood in our community. 5. Utilize the information gathered during this process to develop a long-range strategic plan that will outline how our school system moves forward in accomplishing the shared vision and goals that are established. En t ry Pl an Pha ses Phase 1 Community Engagement July – October 2022 Phase 2 Strategic Planning and Reporting November 2022 – February 2023 Meet with and seek input from Board of Education members, administrative staff, and bargaining unit associations Continue meeting with individuals and groups to build relationships and strengthen partnerships Meet with and seek input from school administrators, staff, and students Compile and analyze findings from the meetings with stakeholders Meet with and seek input from community members, faith-based partners, and elected officials to learn their perspectives Develop presentation to share related to strengths and opportunities for growth for the Board and community Establish a regular presence in the WCPS community to build trust and strong working relationships Review current mission, vision, and strategic priorities to ensure they remain relevant Deepen understanding of district plans, policies, and initiatives in all areas Establish communication practices that align with community engagement input Begin to develop an overview of the school system’s strengths and the opportunities for growth Utilize the input from community engagement process to complete WCPS shared vision and strategic plan aligned with Maryland Blueprint 28
7 Commun i t y Engag emen t In t e rv i ews and Fo cus Gr oups During the Community Engagement process, individual and focus group interviews will be conducted with various stakeholders to listen and learn more about WCPS from a wide variety of perspectives. The following individuals and groups will be among those engaged during this process. Others will likely be added to this list. • Board Members • Teachers • School Administrators • Students • Parents/Guardians • Central Office and School System Staff • Civic Organizations • Bargaining Units • Higher Education Partners • Local Elected Officials • Community Organizations and Partners • Faith-Based Partners and Organizations • Police and Fire Agencies “Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve the students, families and staff of Wicomico County Public Schools. Together, we will ensure that our schools are safe, welcoming, and engaging places for our students to learn.” Micah C. Stauffer, Ed.D. 29
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 30
SUPERINTENDENT STATE OF THE SCHOOLS 2.3 5/8/2023 1 State of the Schools Dr. Micah C. Stauffer Superintendent of Schools Mission of Our School System The Wi comi co County Board of Education and Wi comi co County Public Schools are commi t ted to providing the best educat ion possible for all students and to establishing the means by which each and every student can learn. The Wi comi co County Board of Educat ion believes that education is the backbone for a successful and well-rounded life, and strives to ensure that students grow intellectually, personally, and socially. 1 2 31
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5/8/2023 2 Board Member s & Senior Leadership Gene Malone Board Chair Allen Brown V ice-Chair Dr. Bonnie Ennis Kristin Hazel Susan Beauchamp David Plotts John Palmer “Earn your leadership every day.” Michael Jordan Kim Miles Assistant Superintendent for Student & Family Services Dr. Ri ck Br iggs Chief Academic Officer Dr. Brian Raygor Chief Finance & Operations Officer About us 5 9 % Poverty 3 7% African-American 11% Engl ish Learners 3 7% White 10% Special Education 14% Hispanic 6 5 % At -Ri sk 8 % Multi-Race Educating 14,961 students 3 4 32
5/8/2023 3 About us 14,431 14,545 14,790 14,889 14,953 14,949 15,203 14,354 14,664 14, 900 14, 200 14, 000 13, 800 14, 400 14, 600 14, 800 15, 000 15, 200 15,400 2013 2014 2015 2016 2019 2 0 2 0 2021 2022 Enrol lment - Head Count 2017 2018 as of Sept ember 3 0 Wi c omi co County Public Schools Enrol lment Growth 2013 vs. 2 0 2 2 About us School s 28 School s & Programs 2 Intermediate School s 3 High School s 12 Elementary School s (PK-5) 3 Middle School s 1 Early Learning Center 1Middle/High School 1 Career & Technology Center 1 Elem/Middle School 1 Alternative Learning Program 1 Evening High School 1 Virtual Learning Program 2 Primary School s $26.8Million in Scholarships Offered in Class 2022 CTE Skills USA State and National Qualifiers in 2023 Best Communities for Music Education Award Performing&Visual Arts Program 5 6 33
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5/8/2023 4 About us Employees 2 , 508 Employees 87% 13% Teacher Demographics Whi te Other 37% 63% Student Demographics Whi te Other 52% 48% Instructional Assistant Demographics Whi te Other 6 3 % Advanced Degrees 1,388 Teachers 21% Male 13% Minority 92. 6% Retention Rate 12% > 25+ Years Wi comi co County Student Data Review 20% 30% 40% 50% 2 0 1 8 - 19 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 2 0 - 21 2 0 2 1 - 2 2 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 41.1% 42.9% 33 .0% 36.6% Students Demonstrating Readiness (%) Kindergarten Readiness by Year 8 6 87 8 8 8 9 9 0 91 9 2 9 3 9 4 2018 2 0 1 9 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 2 92.9% 93% 93.1% 91.7% 89% Attendance Rate (%) Attendance Rate by Year 79 8 0 81 8 2 8 3 8 4 85 8 6 2017 2018 2 0 1 9 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 2 83 .79 8 3 . 2 2 81 .42 8 3 . 9 3 83.11 84 .8 Graduation Rate (%) Cohor t 4 - Year Graduation Rate 9 4 0 9 5 0 9 6 0 9 7 0 9 8 0 9 9 0 1 0 0 0 2018 2 0 1 9 2 0 2 0 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 2 9 8 5 979 9 5 9 973 9 9 4 SAT Average Total Score SAT Total Score by Year Grade 5 Grade 4 Grade 3 Grade 2 Grade 1 Grade K 0.0% 57.6% 57.4% 60 .3% 58.0% 56.7% 56.6% MAP 53.0% 55.8% 54.8% 53.2% 43.3% 53.6% iReady 10.0% 20 .0% 30 .0% 40 .0% 50 .0% 60 .0% 70 .0% Met Fall to Spring Projected Growth (%) MAP and iReady Stud Growth 2021 - 22 2 0 2 1 2 0 2 0 2 0 1 9 2018 0.0% 62.8% 62.7% 58.0% 53.1% CCREng 48.9% 47.2% 31.6% 39.9% CCRMath 10.0% 20 .0% 30 .0% 40 .0% 50 .0% 60 .0% 70 .0% Graduates Meeting CCR (%) CCR Graduates by Original Grad Cohort 7 8 34
5/8/2023 5 Revenue by Funding Source Last 15 Years 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 1 8 0 , 000 , 000 1 6 0 , 0 00 , 00 0 140 , 000 , 000 1 2 0 , 0 00 , 00 0 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 8 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 6 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 4 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 2 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 - Wi comi co County Funding State Government Aid Ot he r Sources of Income County Funding $ 1 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 $ 1 , 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 $ 9 0 0 , 0 0 0 $ 6 0 0 , 0 0 0 $ 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 $ - Fiscal Year County Appropriations Exceeding Maintenance of Ef fort (MOE) 9 10 35
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5/8/2023 6 Considerations Blueprint for Maryland’s Future 11 12 36
5/8/2023 7 Celebrations Jef f rey Hs ia Bennett Middle represented Maryland’s Eastern Shore in the Scr ipps National Spelling Bee Jonathan Lombardo & Andrew K i ng Jr. Sk i l l sUSA students placed in the top 10 in the nation in their skill area in 2022 Merin Thomas appointed by the governor to serve as the 2022- 2023 Student Member of the MD State Board of Education Car son Scho l ars S ix new or renewed Carson Scholars in our schools announced spring 2022 Alexandra J immerson author of a book, Sixteen with a Passport: Egypt, which may be purchased online through Amazon & Barnes & Noble Ro s y Gao Took 13 A P exams - finished with an average score of 4.69, including the highest score of 5 on 10 of the exams she took Uni fied St rength & Conditioning State Invitational Gold Medal Winners James M. Bennett High Team 1; P H S & Ryleigh Crippen MMHS Maryland Marching Band Assoc . State Championships Parkside High Marching Rams Color Guard, Best Color Guard Celebrations Ta r a Martens Wes t Salisbury Elementary) named the 2023 - 2024 Wicomico Teacher of the Year Al l S ta t e Mus icians Kara Lewi s (JMB), All State Senior Band, Ava Baer (MMHS), All State Senior Chorus, Jay Schmuf f (Parkside), All State Senior Chorus, Angelita Vaughan (PHS) soprano, All State Senior Mixed Chorus Patrick Gutierrez (JMB), bass, All State Senior Mixed Chorus Col l ege Board National Recogni tion Pr og r am Ali’i Turner (Parkside), National African Amer ican Recognition Award and National Indigenous Award; Andrew Illa, Jordan Price, Lauren Purnell (JMB), National African American Recognition Award Mel inda Demar is 2022 Braille Institute Teacher of the Year for Excel lence in Braille Instruction But ch Wal ler during the playoffs in 2023 he reached and then passed the 900 - win milestone. 13 14 37
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5/8/2023 8 Student Comment s Challenges Poverty Index 15 16 38
5/8/2023 9 Neighborhood Poverty Index Neighborhood Poverty Index Delaware 17 18 39
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5/8/2023 10 Poverty Rate Index Challenges Poverty Index At Ri sk Population 19 20 40
5/8/2023 11 Bi r th to Exit Bi r th to Exit 21 22 41
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5/8/2023 12 Challenges Poverty Index At Ri sk Population Student Discipl ine Student Discipline 2 0 2 2 - 2 0 2 3 Refer ral s Total Suspens ions S tudent s w/ Referral s Total Referral s Grade 106 1,159 2 , 903 Elementary 1,110 1,169 7 , 906 Middle 740 1,736 10,779 High 1,956 4 , 064 21,588 Al l Grades as of 4/16/2023 6, 488 3, 288 2 , 903 7 , 0 0 0 6 , 5 0 0 6 , 0 0 0 5 , 500 5 , 0 0 0 4 , 500 4 , 0 0 0 3 , 500 3 , 0 0 0 2 , 500 E l eme n t a r y Mi dd l e Hi gh Behav i o r Re lat ed Referral s 23 24 42
5/8/2023 13 Challenges Poverty Index At Ri sk Population Student Discipl ine Communi ty Resources Diminishing 25 26 43
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5/8/2023 14 Challenges Poverty Index At Ri sk Population Student Discipl ine Communi ty Resources Diminishing Local Crime Rate Superintendent Entry Plan Feedback School Safety Positive School Cl imate Consistent & Effective Leadership Expanded Options for Students Mental Health Support Communi ca t ion & Input (have a voice) Forward Focus Student & Staff Morale Build on Our Successes Parent Engagement 27 28 44
5/8/2023 15 Superintendent Entry Plan Feedback “We need to better support schools with students that have challenging behaviors, and families with chal lenging situations.” “Find creative ways to integrate communi ty support for the schools through fai th-based partners and social groups.” “I do believe we should have high expectations and hold students to those standards. Behavior that disrupts learning or endangers others should earn consequences.” “Safety is a big issue for me because I worry about where I am working, as well as where I am sending my kids.” Superintendent Entry Plan Feedback “Give kids mor e opportunities to be engaged outside of the classroom. If they had sports teams or clubs that they were dedicated to, I feel like it would help behavior in school.” “It makes a huge di f ference to work with a positive administration who is supportive.” “Raise the floor for disadvantaged fami lies and non-English speakers. Cont inue to improve the opportunities for our best and brightest and increase the breadth of the CTE program.” “More avenues and frequency of highlights of your schools and the good work that is being done in our community.” 29 30 45
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5/8/2023 16 WCPS Priorities: Th e Path Forward School Cl imate & Safety Student Achievement Additional Opportunities for Student Engagement High-Performing Workforce Parent & Community Involvement School Cl imate and Safety Additional School Resource Off icers Additional Securi ty Measures Additional Campus Patrols Additional Mental Health Resour ces Revi sed Code of Conduct Additional Layers of Support Renewed Focus on Classroom Management 31 32 46
5/8/2023 17 Student Achievement Increase P reK Enrollment Strategies for Reading Suc ces s Increase Graduation Rate Career Coach Coordinators Review Schedul ing Pract ices Continue Profess ional Development Focus Focus on Student Attendance Additional Opportuni ties for Student Engagement Expand Academies 33 34 47
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 5/8/2023 18 High-Per forming Workforce Suppor ts for NB C Credential ing Grow Our Own Initiative Expand Recruitment Ef for ts Focus on Compet i tive Salar ies Mental Health & S taf f Morale Focus on Increased S taf f Retent ion Rate PD Expans ion for Improved Pract i ce Micro-Credential ing for Suppor t S taf f Parent & Communi ty Involvement Parent & Fami ly Engagement Programs Faith-Based & Community-Based Par tnerships Redevelopment of the Wi comi co Mentoring Program Celebration of Cul tures Student Input & Advisor ies Emphas i s on P T A Branding our School Sys t em 35 36 48
5/8/2023 19 Thank you! Wicomico County Publ ic Schools April 25, 2023 37 49
50
EDUCATIONAL OVERVIEW 2.4 INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS The primary focus of WCPS facility services is to support the instructional needs for the students of Wicomico County. We must maintain our school buildings in order to reinforce and enhance the educational programs and instructional initiatives of everyone involved with educating our children. This means that our school spaces must be flexible and be adept at adapting to change. Changes in curriculum, instruction methods, technology innovations, and required instructional initiatives all bring a unique set of requirements that impact our physical assets. The following is a list of educational programs and/or instructional initiatives that are currently a part of WCPS Instruction: • AP, Honors and Standard Class Offerings • ATEX (Applied Technology Exploration) • Athletic Programs • Before and After School Programs • CTE (Career & Technology Education) • CHOICES Academy • Dual Enrollment • Early Childhood Education • ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) • Evening High School • Gateway Project Lead the Way Signature Program • Gear Up • High School Enrollment Alternatives • Horizons • IDEA & Online IEP • Infant and Toddler programs • JROTC • Judy Hoyer Program • Magnet Schools • Musical Theater • Online Learning Lab • Online testing and assessments • PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) • Pre-K and K programs • Pre-K Expansion Program • Special Education • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Initiative • STEAM • Project MOVE / STEP UP • Summer LEAP / SL@M / Summer STARS: LEAP • Summer School, Intervention and Enrichment Programs • Summer Scientists Academy • TAD (Thinking and Doing) • Extended Core Curriculum (EX) • Title 1 and Reading / Math Intervention • VPA (Visual and Performing Arts Program) 51
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 Several of theseprogramsmandatestrict adherence toestablished laws andguidelines. For example, special education laws require that students be educated in the least restrictive environment (reference COMAR 13A.05 Special Instructional Programs). Due to some of the acute needs in this student population and in order to comply with the requirements of LRE, this program is expected to grow over the next several years. The unrestricted budget for this program is proposed at approximately $22 million, representing 8.79% of the entire WCPS proposed General Fund budget for FY 2024. In addition to the programs noted above there are often support personnel who need an office or pull-out space depending on where they are based and how often they provide services in the school. The following is a general list of instructional support programs that are currently a part of WCPS: • C.A.R.E.S. / Conflict Resolution • Community Partnership Services • Student Advisors • Home School Liaisons • Social Workers • Parenting Programs • Professional Development Coaches • New Teacher Coaches • Student and Family Health Programs • Various Grants and Programs • Speech Language Pathologist • OT/PT DIVERSITY WCPS has a diverse student population as shown in Figure 1 and the pie graphs on the next page. With major employers, such as TidalHealth (formerly Peninsula Regional Medical Center), Salisbury University, Perdue Farms and various electronic manufacturing businesses who are often either conducting business or recruiting experienced personnel not only nationally, but internationally; we anticipate that our student population will continue to diversify. We continue to see an increase in the number of students designated as ELL over the course of the past few years. This is important to note, as we continue to expand our technology capabilities to assist in creating a more global learning environment. Currently, 67.83% of our student population is eligible for the Free and Reduced Meal (FARM) program in the 2022-2023 school year (as shown on the next page as well as broken down by individual school in Figure 2). We also have a 11% special education population; this includes any type of student who receives special education services. In addition, 31.2% of our students have some type of chronic health condition, such as ADHD, diabetes, asthma, etc. 52
All of these factors contribute to how our instructional programs are developed or implemented to serve the critical needs of our diverse student population and thus impacts how our facilities can adapt or are designed to accommodate our unique student composition. County* Students Teachers White 61.2% 38.65% 87.90% Black or African American 27.6% 36.12% 10.51% Hispanic 5.8% 13.71% 0.43% Asian 3.2% 2.71% 1.08% American Indian/Alaska Native 0.4% 0.57% 0.07% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0.2% 0.19% 0.00% Two or More Races 3.1% 8.04% 0.00% 2022/2023 WCBOE School Population Profile Percent F&RM Beaver Run Elementary School 100.00% Bennett Middle School 67.81% Charles H. Chipman Elementary 100.00% Delmar Elementary School 52.82% East Salisbury Elementary School 98.63% Fruitland Intermediate School 73.92% Fruitland Primary School 61.10% Glen Avenue Elementary School 100.00% James M. Bennett High School 63.75% Mardela Middle & High School 62.21% North Salisbury Elementary School 54.88% Northwestern Elementary School 81.40% Parkside High School 61.97% Pemberton Elementary School 86.30% Pinehurst Elementary School 89.07% Pittsville Elementary & Middle School 82.12% Prince Street Elementary School 95.16% Salisbury Middle School 72.99% West Salisbury Elementary 88.77% Westside Intermediate School 57.93% Westside Primary School 61.73% Wicomico Choices Academy 100.00% Wicomico High School 82.49% Wicomico Middle School 99.76% Willards Elementary School 84.92% Sub Total 76.83% 2022‐2023 Free and Reduced‐Price Meals Eligibility Figure 2 Figure 1 * US Census Bureau V2021 Wicomico 76.83% 61.2% 27.6% 5.8% 3.2% 0.4% 0.2% 3.1% County White Black or African American Hispanic Asian American Indian/Alaska Native Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Two or More Races 61.2% 27.6% 5.8% 3.2% 0.4% 0.2% 3.1% County W ite Black or Africa American Hispanic Asian American Indian/Alaska Native Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Two or More Races 38.7% 36.1% 13.7% 2.7% 0.6% 0.2% 8.0% Students 53
Wicomico County Public Schools | EFMP FY2024 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY WCPS continues to prioritize the implementation of technology capabilities in our instructional environments, including access to the internet and digital communication technologies. A major trend in education is the immersion of our faculty, staff and students in a technology rich, easily accessible instructional environment. As educators become more adept at using digital instructional technologies and include the internet to expand their educational environment, faster access and connections are required. This creates an increased demand of specialized electrical service and complimentary systems connectivity. WCPS has successfully implemented and maintained a complex high speed telecommunication network which provides fully integrated voice and data access to each classroom, school and administrative office throughout the county. WCPS has a 1 to 1 device practice providing every student with the technology necessary for virtual learning if necessary. Internet access can be provided to students and teachers in need and open communication regarding affordable ways to get online is promoted. FUTURE INSTRUCTIONAL INITIATIVES We also need to be aware of what is being investigated regarding instructional proposals nationally and state-wide in addition to our own local initiatives in an attempt to be prepared for things that may impact our facility plans. See the Facility Inventory section for a list of special initiatives. The increase in distance learning has initiated the deployment of affordable technology to facilitate engaging classroom discourse, asynchronously and synchronously, and provide the much-needed connection between students and teacher regardless of the delivery model. To promote post-secondary education in all of our high schools and target underrepresented student populations, WCPS received grant funding to create four classrooms in each of our four high schools. This model will allow access to content and curriculum at various Institutes of Higher Education virtually, allowing students to take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities. With the assistance of CARES funding, all classrooms at our alternative school location (CHOICES), at Evening High School, and spaces serving our students with emotional disabilities throughout our secondary schools will be updated to a virtual format. 54
CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION Career and technical education is provided in the four area high schools and at the Career & Technical Education Department located at Parkside High School. Business, accounting, marketing programs, computer science, and interactive media are housed in the comprehensive high schools as well. Students from the area high schools may elect to attend as full time or part-time students at Parkside High School in order to participate in the programs offered at the CTE Center. The Career & Technical Education Center is a time-shared facility that offers many of the 24 different programs within the arts, media & communication, business management & finance; consumer services, hospitality & tourism; construction & development; environmental, agricultural & natural resources, health & biosciences, human resources services, information technology clusters and is designed to promote integration and blended instruction between the academic and career and technical programs. Generally, high school students attend the CTE Center for 1-3 periods daily depending on the program chosen. The facility was completed at Parkside High School in September 1997 and is attended daily by approximately 1064 students coming from all county high schools. Programs offered are as follows: • Accounting and Finance • Automotive Technology • Business Administrative Services • Carpentry • Collision Repair • CISCO Networking • Computer Science • Cosmetology • Criminal Justice • Culinary Arts • Early Childhood Education • Electricity • Fire Fighter/EMT • Health Occupations • High Performance Manufacturing • HVAC • Horticulture • Interactive Media • JROTC • Marketing • Masonry • Nursing Assistant • Pre-Engineering (PLTW) • Teacher Academy of Maryland (TAM) • Welding An exploratory program called Applied Technology Exploration (ATEX) is in place that allows 9th and 10th grade students to gain exposure to the technology offering by allowing them to rotate through four programs so as to select the one that best meets their career plan. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS 2.5 55
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI2NzY2OQ==