Office of the Superintendent of Schools MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Rockville, Maryland

November 15, 2017

MEMORANDUM

To:

From:

Subject:

Members of the Board of Education

Jack R. Smith, Superintendent o~ls

Follow-up Questions from Board ~uc tion Work Session, November 2, 2017, and Public Hearings on November 6 and , 2017

The purpose of this memorandum is to provide responses to the questions raised by members of the Board of Education during the Boundaries and Facilities Work Session on November 2, 2017, and the Public Hearings on November 6, 2017, and November 8, 2017.

Question from November 2, 2017, Work Session

Question 1

Mrs. Smondrowski requested information about the designation for a Title 1 school, staffing ratios, and clarification on what qualifies for each level of service. Mrs. Smondrowski suggested that public outreach be conducted to educate the community about this topic (Title 1 services).

Response

Staff will gather the information and provide an update to the Board.

Questions from November 6, 2017, CIP Hearing

Question 1

Mrs. O'Neill wanted to know if DFNS can go out to see if alternative services can be put into place to assist with the overcrowding during lunchtime at Northwood HS. (Use of carts to help alleviate the long lines.)

Response

Staff in the Division of Food and Nutritional Services (DFNS) will work with the school to review locations where carts that provide a full reimbursable meal could be placed.

Members of the Board of Education 2 November 15, 2017

Question 2

Dr. Docca wanted to know if facilities can send someone out to address the broken windows issues at Northwood HS.

Response

All broken windows at Northwood High School have been repaired.

Question 3

Mrs. Evans asked that someone be sent out to Northwood HS to address the plumbing issues (overflowing toilets).

Response

There have been 116 plumbing work orders for various issues at Northwood High School in the past year, which is typical for a school of this age. Currently, six plumbing work orders are in progress. Several parts are on order and work will be completed when these parts are received. A major repair is scheduled to be completed during the upcoming winter break that will address the problems with the sewer line near the instructional media center.

Question 4

Board members Ms. Dixon and Mrs. Smondrowski wanted to know if there is a work order in place for the repair of the fencing at Northwood HS, and, if not, that one be done as soon as possible.

Response

Repairs to the retaining wall near the field at Northwood High School are under way. After those repairs are completed, the fence will be repaired.

Question 5

Ms. Ortman-Fouse asked for information about the parking situation at Wheaton HS.

Response

Staff ·in the Department of Facilities Management (DFM) is working with school community stakeholders to develop short-term and long-term solutions to alleviate parking disruptions and concerns associated with both construction and student enrollment growth at Wheaton High School.

Members of the Board of Education 3 November 15, 2017

Question 6

Mrs. Smondrowski asked if work orders for correcting the lunch line overcrowding issue at Northwood HS have been submitted.

Response

Staff will gather the information and provide an update to the Board.

Question 7

Mrs. O'Neill asked about the addition of cameras to the back of Sligo MS.

Response

Staff in the Department of School Safety and Security (DSSS) will evaluate the needs for additional cameras on the lower level of the school as a part of the security review under way for middle and elementary schools.

Question 8

Mrs. O'Neill wanted to know what the status is of looking at the expansion of the cafeteria at Blair HS.

Response

DFM and DFNS staff will evaluate the conditions and explore ways to increase the seating capacity of the cafeteria space at Montgomery Blair High School within the current facility as well as any longer term possibilities.

Question 9

Mrs. O'Neill wanted to know what steps were being taken to address the indoor air quality issues at Montgomery Knolls ES.

Response

In September 2017, mold was removed from three classroom bathroom ceilings, and surfaces were cleaned and sanitized at Montgomery Knolls Elementary School. Exhaust fans were also cleaned as a precautionary measure. In October 2017, mold found under the sink in one classroom was removed, and the sink cabinet was cleaned, sanitized, and repainted with a mold-resistant paint.

Question 10

Mrs. O'Neill wanted to know what are the security measures being employed at New Hampshire Estates (improved fencing?).

Members of the Board of Education 4 November 15, 2017

Response

To limit access to the roof, a section of fence used to access the roof at New Hampshire Estates Elementary School was removed in May 2017. A small section of fencing around the playground has been replaced. While there are some constraints on fencing related to access to gas lines, DFM staff is evaluating the remaining fence for replacement options.

Questions 11 and 12

Board members asked about the steps being taken to repair the fields at Kennedy HS. Ms. Ortman-Fouse wanted to know what steps have been taken to explore the possibility of a partnership with the county parks department to repair/replace the fields at Kennedy HS.

Response

DFM staff confirmed that the storm drains along the field are working properly to keep the fields in dry conditions; however, the school covers the storm drains during activities for safety reasons. An addition project is included in the Superintendent's Recommended FY 2019 Capital Budget and the FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Program. An artificial turf field will be installed in the stadium field as a part of the addition project, pending approval of the capital budget. In the interim, staff will meet with the principal, athletic director, and Parent Teacher Association at John F. Kennedy High School to discuss field management.

Question 13

Mrs. Smondrowski wanted to know the status of putting MCPS work orders online in order to improve transparency of process.

Response

DFM staff has been working on a solution to post work orders online. Because staff in the Division of Maintenance (DOM) complete approximately 70,000 work orders per year, data gathering and the process to enter the work orders require significant staff hours. Updates will be provided to the Board as the project progresses.

Question 14

Mr. Post asked about the rough cost estimate for building a full auditorium at Loiederman MS instead of the Blackbox theater which is currently slated for installation.

Response

The estimate for a space equivalent to a high school auditorium is anticipated to cost approximately $12 million dollars. This is a preliminary estimate, and a feasibility study would be needed to understand the challenges associated with the site conditions. Staff will meet with representatives from A. Mario Loiederman Middle School to discuss a range of options for creating a performance space, taking into consideration the specific site issues as well as the needs

Members of the Board of Education 5 November 15, 2017

and interests of the school community. Staff will consult appropriate subject matter experts during this process. Following these preliminary design conversations, staff will bring options for consideration to the Board for follow-up in early spring 2018.

Question 15

Mr. Post asked about the aging HV AC infrastructure, and what procedures are in place to fix them. Mr. Post also asked about the cost estimate would be to fix the system's HVAC problems.

Response

There is approximately a $190 million backlog in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HV AC) replacement program. This amount is specific to the HV AC infrastructure replacement, and is part of an estimated $800 million backlog of overall systemic replacement needs. Repair work orders are triaged according to the magnitude of the problem, i.e. whole school, wing, classroom. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Operating Budget, the Board authorized six additional HV AC mechanic positions, and we are actively working on recruiting and filling these positions to improve the work order response times. An additional Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Building Maintenance Plan team also was added in the FY 2018 budget that will provide HV AC preventive maintenance services to schools. All but two of these vacancies have been filled.

Question 16

Ms. Dixon asked if someone would look into the sewage smells at Highland ES.

Response

An exhaust fan was installed at Highland Elementary School in May 2017 to remove odors in the crawl space under the gymnasium hallway. Staff will follow up at the school to see if additional efforts are needed.

Question 17

Mrs. Evans asked what the seating capacity would be for the Blackbox buildout at Loiederman MS.

Response

The superintendent's recommendation for the Blackbox theatre at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School can accommodate approximately 100 to 150 seating capacity.

Question 18

Mrs. Evans requested information about the possibility of doing a partnership, with matching funds, to build a full auditorium at Loiederman versus a Blackbox theater.

Members of the Board of Education 6 November 15, 2017

Response

DFM staff will work collaboratively with staff and parents/guardians at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School to explore opportunities to partner with private donors on an expanded auditorium scope of work.

Question 19

Mrs. O'Neill asked that an evaluation of the seats in the gym at Magruder HS be conducted, since reports are that many are broken.

Response

The gymnasium bleachers at Col. Zadok Magruder High School were repaired in August 2017. Staff will follow up to confirm there are no outstanding issues.

Question 20

Mrs. O'Neill asked that an evaluation of the ceiling tiles be conducted at Magruder HS, since reports are that many are stained and in varying states of disrepair.

Response

The school-based building service staff will continually replace the broken ceiling tiles on an ongoing basis.

Question 21

Dr. Docca asked who would be involved in the process to get repairs made to Magruder HS.

Response

DOM staff will assess the building conditions and outstanding work orders and work with the school to complete the necessary repairs.

Question 22

Dr. Docca asked that Laytonsville ES be provided with much needed washers and dryers.

Response

Based on follow-up conversations with the school principal, the request is to install a new dishwasher. DFM staff will coordinate with the principal on installation of a new dishwasher.

Members of the Board of Education 7 November 15, 2017

Questions 23 and 30

Dr. Docca asked that the elevators at Damascus HS be repaired. Mrs. Evans requested more information about repair updates for the elevators and lighting at Damascus HS.

Response

Necessary parts to repair the elevator at Damascus High School are on order and the elevator is expected to be operational by mid-November. DFM staff will assess the lighting conditions and take appropriate actions to ensure that adequate lighting levels are provided.

Question 24

Dr. Docca asked that that the air quality and insect problems at Damascus HS be taken care of.

Response

The work related to pest management at Damascus High School currently is under way. To address odors in the chorus area, the ductwork and vents have been cleaned, the ceiling has been painted, and surfaces in the chorus room have been cleaned and sanitized. DOM staff will continually monitor the conditions and take appropriate action to ensure good indoor air quality.

Question 25

Ms. Ortman-Fouse asked that the safety concerns at Pyle MS be addressed.

Response

DFM staff will investigate safety concerns and assess the concerns as part of the elementary and middle school security review process.

Question 26

Ms. Ortman-Fouse asked that the water issues for drinking fountains be made public on the main website.

Response

Under Maryland House Bill 270, drinking water will be tested in all schools in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 and the results will be posted online. In the interim, current data on water testing will be made available online.

Question 27

Mrs. Smondrowski requested information about how the holding facilities get evaluated. Where do they fall on the schedule? Mrs. Smondrowski would like more information about the Radnor location, i.e. usage of the facility, security issues, condition, etc.

Members of the Board of Education 8 November 15, 2017

Response

All holding facilities will be included during the Key Facility Indicator Assessment Process. The results of this evaluation will be provided to the Board. Currently, building improvements are made as needed prior to occupancy as a holding facility.

Question 28

Mrs. Smondrowski requested an estimate on fixing up the athletic lockers and athletic facilities at Quince Orchard HS.

Response

Staff will assess the locker conditions and athletic facilities and provide estimates.

Question 29

Mrs. Smondrowski requested an update on the progress of repamng the entrance way at Thurgood Marshall ES.

Response

An issue with the Access Control System at Thurgood Marshall ES has been addressed. Staff will follow up to ensure there are no subsequent issues remaining.

Question 31

Mr. Post requested information about the number of water fountains that are currently in use in all schools that have higher lead content than recommended by the EPA.

Response

Under Maryland House Bill 270, drinking water will be tested in all schools in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 and the results will be posted online. In the interim, current data on water testing will be made available online.

Question 32

Mrs. O'Neill requested information about putting in turf fields at Pyle MS, and information about putting in a new track.

Response

DFM staff will review the possibility of bidding on the installation of artificial turf and a new track as a part of the addition project.

Members of the Board of Education 9 November 15, 2017

Question 33

Mrs. O'Neill asked for status of a major overhaul of the HVAC system at Whitman HS.

Response

The replacement of the HVAC system at Walt Whitman High School currently is scheduled to begin in summer 2019.

Question 34

Ms. Ortman-Fouse asked if a less expensive option can be explored for removing the dirt mound at Highland View ES.

Response

Based on staff investigation, a large rock formation exists below the building foundation and cannot easily be removed at this time. Staff will evaluate what steps may be feasible to address concerns regarding this space.

Question 35

Ms. Ortman-Fouse suggested working with consultants to continue the monitoring of the enrollment numbers at Lake Seneca ES to ensure more accurate estimates of the population growth.

Response

DFM staff, along with a consultant, currently are evaluating Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) student enrollment forecasting methodology to identify best practices that can be incorporated going forward. The student enrollment projections at Lake Seneca Elementary School will be reviewed to determine if any anomalies exist.

Question 36

Mrs. Smondrowski and Mrs. Evans requested information about the repairs to the corroding pipes and sewage systems at Highland View ES.

Response

Based on staff investigations, some of the plumbing clogging problems and other pipe problems at Highland Elementary School were caused by disposal of inappropriate items in the bathrooms. DFM staff will work to address these type of plumbing problems, as well as other concerns.

Question 37

Ms. Dixon requested information about the plans to handle the dirt room issues at Highland View ES.

Members of the Board of Education 10 November 15, 2017

Response

Based on staff investigation, a large rock formation exists below the building foundation and cannot easily be removed at this time. Staff will evaluate what steps may be feasible to address concerns regarding this space.

Question 38

Mrs. O'Neill requested information about any ADA-compliance issues at Burnt Mill ES.

Response

DFM staff will investigate and take appropriate actions to address the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues at Burnt Mill Elementary School.

Question 39

Mrs. O'Neill requested information about installing security ID cameras at Burnt Mill ES.

Response

DSSS staff will evaluate the existing conditions to determine the needs for security cameras at Burnt Mill Elementary School as a part of the middle and elementary school security review process.

Questions 40 and 41

Dr. Docca requested information about improving the lunch lines at Burtonsville ES. Dr. Docca requested information about hard surface play area(s) at Burtonsville ES.

Response

DFM staff will coordinate with staff in DFNS regarding lunch lines. Staff also will review the play area.

Question 42

Dr. Docca requested information about solution options for overcrowded cafeteria at all county elementary schools, not just Burtonsville ES.

Response

The size of the cafeteria in relation to the student population at schools will be evaluated as a part of the Key Facility Indicator Facility Assessment process.

Question 43

Mrs. Smondrowski requested a list of schools that aren't ADA compliant. Mrs. Smondrowski also asked for information about how these non-compliance issues are being addressed.

Members of the Board of Education 11 November 15, 2017

Response

DFM staff currently is working with a consultant to evaluate all MCPS school facilities in an effort to identify ADA-compliance issues. Upon completion of the assessment, an implementation plan will be developed to prioritize compliance to meet the current requirements or to provide equivalent access to the maximum extent possible.

Question 44

Ms. Ortman-Fouse requested updated information about the installation of security cameras at elementary schools.

Response

JoAnn Leleck Elementary School at Broad Acres and Bradley Hills elementary schools are the only two elementary schools with security cameras. The Superintendent's Recommended FY 2019 Capital Budget and the FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Program includes funding to install additional security cameras at elementary schools. This also is an area that will continue to be examined as part of the review of the middle and elementary school security review process.

Question 45

Mrs. Smondrowski requested information about how numbers are generated for determining program capacities. Based on the use of portables?

Response

The relocatable classrooms are not included in the calculation of the program capacity of a school. The program capacity of a school is based on the number of classrooms and the use of those classrooms. For example, at an elementary school, the capacity of a kindergarten classroom is different from the capacity of a Grades 1-5 classroom. Special education classrooms also are calculated at different capacities based on the type of program. At secondary schools, most classrooms are calculated at the same capacity, but special education classrooms and some other specialty spaces may be calculated different ratio. In addition, the school program capacities are adjusted to 85 percent at middle schools and 90 percent at high schools to allow flexibility in scheduling classes. The school program capacities for elementary schools are calculated at 100 percent.

Question 46

Mrs. Evans asked that the clicking sounds coming from the HV AC systems in the portables at Seneca Valley HS be investigated.

Response

A work order to address the HV AC noise at Seneca Valley High School was completed in August 2017. Staff will follow up on current noise issues.

Members of the Board of Education 12 November 15, 2017

Questions from November 8, 2017, CIP Hearing

Question 1

Mrs. Smondrowski requested updated information about the Northwest boundary discussion and requested that Kingsview ES is included in the submission.

Response

The superintendent of schools did not include Kingsview Middle School as part of the boundary study to explore the reassignment of Clarksburg and Northwest high school students to Seneca Valley High School. An amendment to the superintendent of schools would have to be adopted by the Board of Education to include Kingsview Middle School in the boundary study process.

Question 2

Mrs. Smondrowski requested information about the status of fixing the failing bathroom facilities for all schools.

Response

The Superintendent's Recommended FY 2019 Capital Budget and the FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Program includes funding to continue the restroom renovation program. DFM staff are working to evaluate and prioritize restroom renovations according to concerns of age and condition as well as accessibility concerns.

Question 3

Mrs. Smondrowski requested information about the overall status of bathroom facilities in all schools, especially those renovation projects not included in the CIP.

Response

The Superintendent's Recommended FY 2019 Capital Budget and the FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Program includes funding to continue the restroom renovation program. DFM staff are working to evaluate and prioritize restroom renovations according to concerns of age and condition as well as accessibility concerns.

Question 4

Mrs. Smondrowski requested that someone be sent out to Poolesville HS to address the issue regarding the faulty fire exits.

Members of the Board of Education 13 November 15, 2017

Response

DFM staff will investigate and take appropriate actions to address any issues that may exist with fire exits.

Question 5

Mrs. O'Neill requested information about the report of inoperable hand dryers at Watkins Mill ES, including if any work orders are pending and why the new ones sitting in boxes haven't yet been installed.

Response

DFM staff is obtaining bids to install electrical hand dryers at Watkins Mill Elementary School.

Question 6

Ms. Ortman-Fouse requested information about the report that students have to go through other classrooms to exit into the halls at Poolesville HS. What steps are being taken to address this matter?

Response

DFM staff will investigate and explore options to provide independent access to hallways from classrooms where possible.

Question 7

Ms. Ortman-Fouse requested information about the Wootton bus loop issue and its impact on the safety of students and staff.

Response

DFM staff will collaborate with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to investigate the traffic conditions and explore options to improve both vehicular and pedestrian accesses.

Question 8

Ms. Ortman-Fouse requested information about the report that computer lab space in the RM Cluster has been lost to classroom conversion, and can this be addressed to return some of those spaces back to workable computer labs for the students' needs.

Response

As wireless technology has been added to the schools, computer labs have been converted to regular classrooms to address student enrollment growth. If computer labs are to be restored, additional relocatable classrooms would be needed in order to provide additional teaching stations.

Members of the Board of Education 14 November 15, 2017

Question 9

Mrs. Evans requested updated information regarding the report of a lack of a sprinkler system at Poolesville HS.

Response

There are areas of Poolesville High School that are not covered by a sprinkler system; however, they do have additional egress and life safety measures in place to account for this condition. While full building sprinkler coverage is preferred, the current condition does meet the fire and life safety code.

Question 10

Mrs. Evans and Ms. Dixon requested information about the lack of secured entranceways at some elementary schools, particularly at Fallsmead ES.

Response

Fallsmead Elementary School has an interior administration suite that is separated from the main entrance by a primary corridor. There are several schools with this feature and DFM staff are actively investigating creative and alternative solutions for a more controlled security entrance within each school's configuration. The Superintendent's Recommended FY 2019 Capital Budget and the FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Program includes funding to begin to address some of these security entrance configurations.

Question 11

Mr. Post requested information regarding broken bathroom facilities: Who should students report problems to?

Response

Items needing repair are reported to the school's building service manager, who places a computerized work order for repair by DOM staff. In the case of a broken or clogged toilet, the building service manager covers the fixture until it is repaired. For sewage backups, the building service manager also calls the supporting DOM depot to request emergency repairs.

Question 12

Ms. Dixon requested that someone be sent out to Fallsmead ES to evaluate and correct the unsecured front entranceway issue as soon as possible.

Response

Fallsmead Elementary School has an interior administration suite that is separated from the main entrance by a primary corridor. There are several schools with this feature and DFM staff are actively investigating creative and alternative solutions for a more controlled security entrance within each school's configuration. The Superintendent's Recommended FY 2019 Capital Budget

Members of the Board of Education 15 November 15, 2017

and the FY 2019-2024 Capital Improvements Program includes funding to begin to address some of these security entrance configurations.

Question 13

Ms. Dixon requested that someone be sent out to Burtonsville ES to evaluate the lack of useable sidewalk space for student drop offs and make the area safer for pedestrians.

Response

Staff in DFM will collaborate with staff in DOT to review the drop off space for improvements.

Question 14

Board members requested that someone be sent to examine and make recommendations about correcting the issues with the parent drop off area at Burtonsville ES.

Response

Staff in DFM will collaborate with staff in DOT to review the drop off space for improvements.

Question 15

Mrs. O'Neill requested that someone take a hard look at developing safe routes to school for Barnsley ES and Wood MS.

Response

DFM staff will work with the County Department of Transportation to evaluate potential improvements to pedestrian safety in the neighborhoods surrounding Lucy V. Barnsley Elementary School and Earle B. Wood Middle School.

Question 16

Mrs. O'Neill requested an update on the warranty status on the artificial turf at Richard Montgomery HS and the plans to repair or replace it.

Response

The current plan is to replace the skin and infill mix for artificial turf at Richard Montgomery High School during summer 2018.

Question 17

Mrs. O'Neill requested that someone go to Rocky Hill MS to examine the cracks in the tennis courts and suggest whether they can be repaired or need to be replaced.

Members of the Board of Education 16 November 15, 2017

Response

The tennis courts at Rocky Hill Middle School are scheduled to be resurfaced during summer 2019. Until then, DOM staff will make the necessary repairs to correct safety deficiencies.

Question 18

Board members requested that someone go to JoAnn Leleck ES at Broad Acres to evaluate the reports of mold issues and provide the Board with updated information.

Response

An independent consultant investigated the mold concerns at JoAnn Leleck Elementary School at Broad Acres and concluded that all indoor air quality parameters measured fell within established or recommended guidelines for occupancy. IAQ staff will continue to monitor conditions at the school and respond promptly when concerns are expressed.

Question 19

Board members requested that someone go to Springbrook HS to examine the raw sewage leak problem in the boys' locker room and take steps to correct the problem.

Response

DFM staff investigated the sewage backup problem and determined the cause was the result of improper disposal of inappropriate material in the toilets. DOM staff are working with school staff to identify more permanent solutions to prevent future backups.

Question 20

Board members requested an update on the installation of secured entries at all ES and MS.

Response

There currently are 38 schools that do not have a security vestibule constructed due to the configuration of the existing school. During the recent security initiative, 77 schools with building configurations that would allow for a vestibule to be constructed were completed. The remaining schools currently are being evaluated for alternative solutions to create a more controlled security entrance.

Question 21

Board members requested an update on overall technology needs, especially with the higher FARMS schools.

Members of the Board of Education 17 November 15, 2017

Response

OCTO staff will investigate and provide an update to the Board.

Question 22

Ms. Ortman-Fouse requested more information about the "Public Park Swap" option presented to the Board.

Response

DFM staff will continually explore options to interagencies to maximize school properties. it will be presented to the Board for approval.

Question 23

exchange properties between governmental When the right options are developed,

Ms. Ortman-Fouse requested updated information about the efforts being taken in certain clusters to rebalance school populations.

Response

During a boundary study process, one of the factors that is considered when evaluating changes to school boundaries is the demographic characteristics of the student population. However, this evaluation is usually done when either a new school is scheduled to open or an addition has been constructed at one school to alleviate overutilization at another school and reassignment is necessary. In order to evaluate and rebalance school populations, either in certain clusters or countywide, the superintendent of schools would have to recommend, or the Board of Education would have to request, staff to conduct a boundary study to evaluate the rebalancing of school populations.

Question 24

Ms. Ortman-Fouse requested information about what percentage of schools have teachers on carts.

Response

This information is not readily available; however, staff will evaluate and provide a response in the future.

Question 25

Mrs. Evans requested information about the need for motion lights in the playground area(s) at Springbrook HS.

Members of the Board of Education 18 November 15, 2017

Response

DFM staff will work with the school to review the exterior lights and develop solutions as needed.

Question 26

Ms. Dixon requested information about the need for additional Promethean boards in the Sherwood cluster.

Response

Staff in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) will investigate and provide an update to the Board.

Question 27

Mrs. Smondrowski requested information the number of schools that still do not have Promethean boards installed in all classrooms.

Response

OCTO staff will evaluate and provide a response.

Question 28

Mrs. Smondrowski requested information about the steps to remediate mold problems at all schools impacted by this issue.

Response

The DOM-IAQ team investigates approximately 200 indoor air quality-related concerns in a year. Reported mold concerns are investigated immediately and addressed following Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols.

Question 29

Mrs. Smondrowski requested information about options to address the overcrowded cafeteria at Burtonsville ES, i.e. adding an additional service line.

Response

DFM staff will coordinate with staff in DFNS regarding lunch lines.

Members of the Board of Education 19 November 15, 2017

Question 30

Mrs. Smondrowski requested information about the cost of installing steps leading up to the back field of Rachel Carson ES.

Response

DFM staff will investigate and provide cost estimates to construct steps leading up the play field.

Question 31

Ms. Ortman-Fouse requested information about the long-term planning for adding an additional school in the DCC to address the overcrowding/overutilization in the existing schools in the area.

Response

DFM staff is currently engaged in a site selection process for a possible new elementary school as part of the DCC elementary capacity study. In addition, DFM staff is working with an external consultant to develop a long-term growth management plan for each cluster. When the report is completed for the Downcounty Consortium, it will be presented to the Board.

Question 32

Mrs. O'Neill requested updated information about the ADA compliance at Poolesville HS.

Response

DFM staff will investigate the conditions and take appropriate actions to ensure compliance with ADA requirements.

Question 33

Ms. Dixon requested updated information on the facilities issues mentioned for McNair ES.

Response

In the past 12 months, 168 work orders were completed at Ronald McNair Elementary School and 18 work orders are in progress. A capital project to waterproof exterior walls is planned for summer 2018. DOM staff will meet with the principal to review outstanding maintenance issues.

Question 34

Mrs. Smondrowski requested that staff solicit outside estimates on the cost of constructing a Blackbox theater from companies that partner with professional theatrical groups, as proffered

Members of the Board of Education 20 November 15, 2017

by Mr. Andrew Ross in his testimony, and provide the Board with updated numbers on building a new theater space at Loiederman MS.

Response

Staff will meet with representatives at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School to discuss options for creating a performance space, and will consult appropriate subject matter experts during this process.

Question 35

Mrs. O'Neill suggested that staff speak directly with Mr. Ross about the companies and figures noted in his testimony.

Response

Staff will contact Mr. Ross regarding his testimony.

Question 36

Ms. Ortman-Fouse requested a copy of the feasibility study conducted for Highland View ES' 19-room addition for her reference.

Response

You may access the feasibility study conducted for the classroom addition at Highland View Elementary School on the web site.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Andrew M. Zuckerman, chief operating officer, at 301-279-3627 or Mr. James Song, director, Department of Facilities Management, at 240-314-1064.

JRS:AMZ:JS:lmt

Copy to: Executive Staff Ms. Karamihas Mr. Song Mr. Ikheloa