The Calvert County Board of Education and Superintendent Jack Smith announced today that Dr. Smith will be leaving his position in August of this year. Dr. Smith has chosen to exercise a clause in his contract that allows him to leave his position upon providing advance notice to the Board.
An interim superintendent will be named and the Board will commence with a search for a permanent replacement for Smith who has served in the role for seven years. Prior to becoming Superintendent, Dr. Smith served as Deputy Superintendent for three years. He also served as a curriculum director and principal in Calvert County. The first 20 years of his career were spent in Washington State and Tokyo, Japan. Upon hearing the news, Board Member Tracy McGuire stated, “It has been my privilege to serve with and learn from Dr. Smith. Dr. Smith has consistently done good work for the Calvert County Public Schools community. I use the word good to describe not just his efforts and outcomes but good in the full sense of the word, good intent, good reason and good purposes.”
Much of the past three years, Smith has been involved in working to improve the components of the Third Wave of Educational Reform in Maryland ushered in by Race to the Top. His work along with colleagues from other counties and statisticians was instrumental in bringing about improvements in the complex and contentious state model for teacher and principal evaluation. “Dr. Smith has taken a lead role in the development of the teacher evaluation system which is tied to student performance and is a large component of the national educational reform movement known as "Race to the Top." stated Dr. Eugene Karol, President of the Board.
During Dr. Smith’s time as Superintendent, the Calvert County Public School System has profoundly increased the number of students in Advanced Placement and other highly rigorous programs. The school system has enhanced and modernized many of our Career and
Technology Education programs so they meet the needs of students who are graduating in this century, not the last one. He has also led the planning and implementation of significant middle and high school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs. In addition, his leadership in this area has resulted in revisions to curricula that integrate STEM units at the elementary and middle school levels. Dr. Smith’s leadership exemplifies the belief that a rigorous program of study combined with engaging, meaningful classrooms is the best way to help students become college and career ready.
“I thank Dr. Smith for his years of service and dedication to Calvert County Public Schools. He is leaving a legacy of high academic achievement. I wish Dr. Smith the best in his future endeavors.” commented Board Member Joe Chenelly. He went on to say, “Finding a new, highly-capable superintendent who will lead our system moving forward in these trying times is a crucial and daunting task we are now taking on with urgency.”
The school system has accomplished a great deal under Dr. Smith’s leadership. Calvert’s position as one of the top-rated public school systems in Maryland is due in large part to Dr. Smith’s visionary leadership.
During one of the most challenging times in the history of public education, Dr. Smith has gracefully and purposefully led the school system to success. He has balanced fiscal challenges with system needs and helped to move Calvert County Public Schools forward. Board Member Dawn Balinski, said, “Calvert County has been lucky to have one of the most highly regarded superintendents in Maryland leading our school system for the last 7 years. Under Jack Smith’s leadership, our schools have been given the resources and set on the path to graduate excellent students ready to compete in the 21st century – all of this despite challenging financial constraints. I am thankful for his tireless dedication to Calvert County’s schools and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Leaving one of the highest performing school systems in the state, and arguably the nation, will not be easy according to Smith. In a letter to staff, Dr. Smith said that he feels a mixture of sadness and excitement about the change—sad to leave such a great organization and so many fine people, but excited to pursue other intriguing opportunities. Smith also indicated a need for more time in his life as he and his wife, Gayle, recently welcomed their first grandchild, Henry, into the family on May 13 of this year. In his letter to the staff, Smith also indicated that he does not regret one hour he spent serving Calvert County Schools. He said, “I have loved this work. My very best to every staff member, every student and to all the families who depend on our schools to teach their children and to the Board of Education as they guide the school system on behalf of the community.”
Kelly McConkey Board Vice President summed it up this way, “I would like to thank Dr. Smith for his many years of hard work and dedication to CCPS. I have only had the opportunity to work with him for 6 months. I have seen how demanding the role of the superintendent is. It is not an easy job, and some would say it is a thankless job. I wish Dr. Smith good luck in any future endeavors.”

The following is a sample of recent events investigated by the Charles County Sheriff's Office. For information about other events which are not included in this report, visit www.CrimeReports.com and search by county, city, zip code or street address.

BURGLARY: Between June 15 – June 17, unknown suspect(s) broke into a house under renovation in the 9200 block of Gallagher Lane in Faulkner and stole copper pipes. Officer R. Snyder is investigating.

THEFT OF HEAT PUMPS: Between June 1 – June 14, unknown suspect(s) stole two heat pumps from a vacant home in the 8300 block of Warren Drive in Pomfret. Cpl. C. Long is investigating.

THEFT OF WHEELS: Between June 12 – June 13, unknown suspect(s) stole four 2005 chrome C6 wheels from a Corvette parked in the 2200 block of Woodberry Drive in Bryans Road. Pfc T. Smith is investigating.

THEFT FROM AUTOS: Between June 9 –June 10, unknown suspect(s) stole two iPod Nano’s from an unlocked car in the 9000 block of Basswood Run in Bel Alton. Pfc. W. Halt is investigating.

Charles County Crime Solvers offers rewards of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in Charles County that leads to an arrest or indictment. Anyone with information about a crime may contact Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or Text CHARLES your tip to CRIMES or visit www.ccso.us to submit a web tip. All callers remain anonymous.

Disorderly Conduct

On June 14, 2013, Deputies responded to Plaza Azteca Lexington Park, Maryland for the report of a patron being disruptive and disorderly.  Deputy L. Phillips made contact with Arthur Edward Lyall, 40, of Great Mills, Maryland.  Investigation revealed Lyall was belligerent and became involved in an argument with another patron. After Deputies arrived, Lyall continued to be belligerent and verbally uncooperative.  Lyall was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

Trespass: Private Property and Fail to Obey Lawful Order

On June 15, 2013, Deputies responded to a residence on Sue Dr., Lexington Park, Maryland for an unwanted guest.  Investigation revealed Thomas Oakley Burch 3rd, 49, no fixed address became involved in a dispute with the victim, while visiting her residence.  Burch was told to leave by the victim and he refused.  Upon Deputies arrival, the victim advised Deputies she wanted Burch to leave and not return to the property.  Burch was told to leave the residence and advised by Deputy Gaskill not to return. Burch initially complied with Deputy Gaskill however, later in the evening Deputies responded back to the residence after victim called to report Burch was back at the residence causing a disturbance.  Deputy Gaskill made contact with Burch in the driveway of the victims’ residence and was arrested.  Burch was charged with Trespass: Private Property and Fail to Obey a Lawful Order.

Theft

On June 15, 2013, Deputy B. Gaskill responded to the Wal-Mart in California, Maryland for a report of a shoplifter in custody.  Victoria Jenise Woodland, 23, of California, Maryland entered the Wal-Mart, removed various items from store shelves, walked past all points of purchase and attempted to exit the store without paying for the items.  Woodland was stopped by Wal-Mart Loss Prevention and detained.  Woodland was arrested and charged with theft.

2nd Degree Assault

On June 15, 2013, Deputy P. Lance responded to a residence on Liberty St., Lexington Park, Maryland for the report of an assault.  Investigation revealed Joseph Cephus Harrod 2nd, 27, of Lexington Park, Maryland engaged in a dispute with the victim.  The dispute escalated into a physical assault when Harrod attempted to strangle the victim, leaving visible injury to the victim.  Harrod was arrested and charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Assault. 

Theft

On June 15, 2013, Deputy J. Lloyd responded to the Wal-Mart in California, Maryland for a report of a shoplifter in custody.  Joseph Warren Pilkerton, 67, of Lexington Park, Maryland entered the Wal-Mart, removed various items from store shelves, walked past all points of purchase and attempted to exit the store without paying for the items.  Pilkerton was stopped by Wal-Mart Loss Prevention and detained.  Pilkerton was arrested and charged with theft.

Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance

On June 16, 2013, Deputy P. Lance conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Great Mills Rd and Chancellors Run Rd, Lexington Park, Maryland. Deputy Lance made contact with the driver Alehandro J. Brown, 40, of Atlanta, Georgia and observed a white powdery substance around Browns mouth and nose.  Additionally, Deputy Lance observed in plain view a small plastic bag containing suspected powder cocaine. Brown was arrested and charged with CDS Possession - Not Marijuana and CDS Possession - Paraphernalia.

The Charles County Commissioners are pleased to announce that three major New York City bond rating agencies affirmed high ratings for the county's general obligation bonds based on ongoing economic development projects, low debt with a manageable capital improvement plan and historically strong finances.  Fitch Ratings in New York assigned Charles County's general obligation bonds an "AAA" rating, the highest rating issued by the agency. Moody's Investors Service assigned an "Aa1" rating, and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed Charles County with an "AA " rating.

"I am pleased with the ratings the county received. I am confident that our overall long-range planning, especially plans to revitalize Charles County's urban corridor and other key initiatives, will help us maintain our fiscal stability," said Commissioner President Candice Quinn Kelly.  "I am optimistic about our future."

During the week of May 27, county officials met with bond rating experts who reviewed the health and stability of the county based on budget management, external audits, financial management, and economic development.

Commissioner Debra M. Davis (District 2), who helped present the comprehensive summary of the county's economic profile, said, "After participating in the three rigorous presentations with top financial analysts, it is gratifying to receive such high ratings, which show that we continue to move in the right direction and display the confidence that Wall Street has in Charles County."

In a report dated June 11, Fitch Ratings identified the county's healthy debt profile and its narrow, stable, and wealthy economy as key rating drivers. According to the report, "Charles County's prudent debt policies support a modest tax-supported debt burden even as the county has met capital needs related to its strong population growth over the past decade."

"It is clear that the budgets passed by the commissioners have once again drawn the positive attention of the ratings agencies. In addition, the good news conveyed by the agencies could not have been accomplished without the hard work, expertise, and advice we receive throughout the year from the Department of Fiscal and Administrative Services," said Commissioner Ken Robinson (District 1).

Moody's Investors Service's June 7 report stated, "The Aa1 rating reflects the county's satisfactory financial position, characterized by comprehensive fiscal policies and planning ¾ and an affordable debt position. The rating also factors in the ongoing expansion of the county's economic and employment base, prospects for continued growth in the science and technology sector, and above-average socioeconomic factors."

A Standard & Poor's Ratings Services report issued on June 14 said, "The stable outlook reflects Standard & Poor's opinion that the county's deep and diverse economy will likely continue to experience good development and growth. The stable outlook also reflects our opinion of management's strong financial performance, bolstered by strong formal practices and policies."                            

Bond proceeds will be used to fund various capital projects for the Board of Education, water and sewer system, stormwater system, and road maintenance.

A man was killed when the car he was driving collided with a paramedic unit Monday afternoon.

A Calvert County paramedic unit was dispatched from Prince Frederick to a call in Lusby about 4:30 p.m. While traveling southbound on Route 4, a car crossed its path along Sixes Road.

The man in the car died.

The woman driving the parmedic unit was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries. As of 9 p.m. Monday, she was listed in stable condition.

On June 17, 2013 at 2:48 A.M. police units responded to a residence in Hollywood, Maryland for the report of disturbance with a subject inside the residence armed with a handgun and in possession of Marijuana.  Upon arrival of police units three subjects were observed attempting to barricade the garage door to prevent entry to the residence.  Three persons fled the residence through another door and were detained.  A fourth subject remained inside armed with a handgun and refused multiple orders to exit the residence by arriving police units. A perimeter was quickly established and nearby residents notified.

St. Mary’s County Emergency Services Team and Critical Incident Negotiations Team were notified and responded to the scene.  Numerous attempts to contact the suspect were initiated with negative results.  The suspect could be seen moving about inside the residence but refused all communication attempts. The Emergency Services Team deployed a non lethal chemical agent into the residence which had no effect on the suspect.

Emergency Services Team members made entry to the residence and arrested Andrew R. Maier, age 19, of California, Maryland. Maier was transported to the St. Mary’s County Detention Center, charged with  Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Possession of Unregistered Firearm by person under 21 years of age, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Marijuana), Three (3) counts Possession of CDS Paraphernalia and Malicious Destruction of Property under $500.00.  Maier is currently awaiting an appearance before the District Court Commissioner.

St. Mary’s City, MD) June 17, 2013—The Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a public liberal arts college, named Dr. Ian Newbould as interim president for the 2013-14 academic year.

Newbould, who will take office August 1, most recently served as interim provost at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA.  In a career spanning more than three decades in higher education, Newbould has served as president of Richmond, the American International University in London; North Carolina Wesleyan College, Rocky Mount, North Carolina; and Mount Allison University, New Brunswick, Canada.  He will succeed Dr. Joseph Urgo, who served as president from 2010 to 2013.

“We are extremely pleased to have a distinguished academic leader and scholar on board to provide leadership during such an important period in our College’s history,” commented Gail Harmon, Board of Trustees chair and partner in the Washington, D.C. law firm Harmon, Curran, Spielberg & Eisenberg, LLP.  “Dr. Newbould has a clear appreciation of and commitment to St. Mary’s special mission as a public liberal arts college; he is proud to serve the designated honors college of the State of Maryland.”

“I am honored to have been selected as interim president of St. Mary’s College and look forward to joining this extraordinary institution,” commented Newbould.   A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, Newbould received his M.A. from the University of Guelph in Canada and Ph.D. in History from the University of Manchester in England. He has won numerous honors and awards, including a visiting fellowship at Wolfson College Oxford.

During the period between Urgo’s departure at the end of June and Newbould’s arrival in August, Charles “Chip” Jackson, vice president for business and finance, will serve as acting president. Jackson, who has been on the St. Mary’s staff for 27 years, has played a leadership role in such campus initiatives such as master planning, sustainability, and student housing expansion.

To assist homeowners with recovery from the impacts of the June 13, 2013 weather event, the St. Andrews Landfill will accept residential yard waste free of charge on Friday June 14, Saturday, June 15 and Monday, June 17, 2013 from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The St. Andrews Landfill is closed on Sundays. Yard waste includes: logs, limbs, stumps, brush and leaves. Residents are asked to NOT place debris in the State or County road right-of-ways during clean-up efforts as curbside collection is not being provided at this time.

The areas of the County most impacted by fallen debris appear to be localized around the Town Creek, Esperanza Farms, St. Johns Road, Brown Road, Kingston Creek, and Wildewood areas. Residents are reminded to check with their insurance provider regarding any damage to their homes, garages structures, and/or properties.

The St. Andrews Landfill normal hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM for the disposal of furniture, appliances, textiles, food waste, carpet, padding, insulation, sheet rock, etc. The Convenience Centers are open to residents from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays & Sundays and from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Monday thru Friday for recycling and the collection of household trash.   

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will replace a wind sensor on the center span of the Governor Thomas Johnson Bridge this Saturday, June 15, beginning at 7 a.m. 

This work should only take about one hour to complete.  A single lane closure and flagging operation will be in place to guide motorists around the work zone.

As always drivers who plan on using the bridge at that time should allow extra time for their travel across the span.

The Board of Education and its two employee groups – the Education Association of Charles County (EACC) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – signed contracts Tuesday for the 2013-14 school year. 

The contracts include a one-step increase for eligible employees, but do not include a cost-of-living adjustment. Costs for health care insurance will not increase, but will be re-examined in January when the benefit period renews itself for the January through December calendar year. Any recommended changes will begin in January 2014.

Highlights from the EACC contract include:

·         All eligible employees will receive one step, and includes teachers, and administrative and supervisory staff.

·         Any employee not eligible for a step or is at the top of their pay scale will receive up to a $1,000 one-time payment by mid-November. Employees can also choose to put the one-time payment in a tax-deferred account.

·         Compression of the teacher salary scale will continue.

·         Rates on the extra duty pay scale increase by 2 percent.

·         A committee is planned to study administrative and supervisory scales in comparison to other counties and the current pay scale structure. Results will be forwarded to the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools.

Highlights from the AFSCME contract include:

·         All eligible employees will receive a one-step and grade increase.

·         Any employee who is at a step 16 and above will receive a one-time payment of up to $300 by mid-November. Only employees hired as of June 30, 2013 are eligible for the one-time payment. No support staff hired on or after July 1, 2013 is eligible.

·         A committee is planned to study certifications support employees can obtain to enhance their work skills above the requirements for their position, and will examine possible salary enhancements associated with the certification, if funding is available.

Keith Hettel, assistant superintendent of human resources, said the negotiations with both groups went smoothly. “Both negotiating teams were very fair and understood the constraints the Board of Education is under because of minimal funding. It was the Board’s objective not to fall further behind with employee steps and to make sure everyone received compensation, either one-time or permanent,” Hettel said.

The cost of a step increase is $4.4 million and covers both the EACC and AFSCME contracts. Also included is the two percent increase for extra-duty pay and scale compression for the EACC contract and the one-time payment for both employee groups.

Charles County Public Schools provides 26,700 students in grades prekindergarten through 12 with an academically challenging education. Located in Southern Maryland, Charles County Public Schools has 35 caring community schools that offer a technologically advanced, progressive and high quality education that builds character, equips for leadership and prepares students for life, careers and higher education.