[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6637429,"mediaKeyId","2586553-7dacd58dd16bc25d814fb70cbdce7c0a","parentId",2586553,"title","Board honors students and educators: fine arts month, Allstate selections and state wrestling champions recognized","audioSeconds",144,"startMs",2892000,"endMs",3036000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2586553-7dacd58dd16bc25d814fb70cbdce7c0a&start=2892&end=3036","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2586553-7dacd58dd16bc25d814fb70cbdce7c0a/thumbnail_2892000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6637429/Maryland/Board-honors-students-and-educators-fine-arts-month-Allstate-selections-and-state-wrestling-champions-recognized","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637429-2965e76ef1474ccd0ab247544da195cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170891&Signature=fBXM78ijifLoJr8TlkXZKAtQYvEHems4NvYFeYNJzPI079aRDl5fLXieTF7eLdytswFdSQUyYapKgkhRjrdb82fF3CaGnZlYP-NILhZj8vlwkTtU3Kx5RTFujw71wEIxunpWc5dXCTyae4~-dUZ8y1yIhDygQhO1BDieiu9m1~v81Sej4VJkVseW02c8f9QjaY2LIhB6OzhVdFZVAmJyx46-jzutJgHxgiiv3pUro6imZptmDudrmlljrkOQ5zzKKpBSEcADfXXW8pn9o51PAzBFvcV1KS6VVy-s5bopJxTyBTMaDtkBXSVebSQmnLFtCxmpBY9QJUibUI47O8-6Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cecil County Public Schools","date","2025-03-12T00:00:00Z","article","The Board of Education of Cecil County on March 12 adopted a resolution declaring March 2025 as Fine Arts in Our Schools Month and used the meeting to recognize multiple student achievements in music, theater, art and athletics.

Fine arts resolution: The board endorsed a proclamation recognizing March 2025 as Fine Arts in Our Schools Month. The resolution, presented by district staff, was adopted unanimously.

Student recognitions: The board acknowledged students selected for Allstate ensembles from multiple high schools and middle schools, including named students from Elkton, Northeast and Rising Sun schools. The Cecil County School of Technology student Will Henderson won the poster design showcased for the countywide United Against Bullying poster contest (he was absent due to illness), and countywide poster contest winners were announced by Christy Edelson and John Rausch.

Art and theater: Perryville High School students were recognized for Scholastic Art and Writing Awards entries, and several high-school musicals and plays were mentioned as recent achievements.

Athletics: The board recognized two state wrestling champions from Rising Sun High School: junior Reagan Ramadan (state Class 1A/2A, 55-pound champion) and junior Zach Garvin (state Class 1A/2A, 165-pound champion). The transcript records introductions of coaches and principals and issuance of certificates.

Why it matters: The recognitions highlight district fine-arts programming and athletic accomplishments and coincide with the board’s formal proclamation supporting fine-arts education. Several programs named (Allstate ensembles, Scholastic Awards, unified sports) demonstrate extracurricular opportunities the district supports.

What the record shows: The transcript lists the student names called forward, acknowledges parent and coach presence, and records applause and certificates presentation. The fine-arts resolution was adopted by unanimous vote; the vote tally was recorded as ‘‘Aye’’ responses on the record.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Cecil County Public Schools - Board Meeting - Mar 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The board adopted a Fine Arts in Our Schools Month resolution, recognized county students chosen for Allstate ensembles and Scholastic Art awards, and presented certificates to two state wrestling champions from Rising Sun High School.","taxTitle","Cecil County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",38256,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637435,"Speakers at Cecil County school board meeting voice concern over board conduct and special-education supports",320,5412000,5732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2586553-7dacd58dd16bc25d814fb70cbdce7c0a&start=5412&end=5732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2586553-7dacd58dd16bc25d814fb70cbdce7c0a/thumbnail_5412000.jpg","/articles/6637435/Maryland/Speakers-at-Cecil-County-school-board-meeting-voice-concern-over-board-conduct-and-special-education-supports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637435-a408a17dee4bcbf0dbce284206da68a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170891&Signature=Bn~jE5nwihhWwJz0yRE7IqrozRljqvCcGSiM4GhhYiafUc6Kl7BtW4I4so4lnuN9XcJRxZHlW80ktBqTI8VIyHNurQ8t2IghFEMpENBMDEF-347~~~YgOUaD3uaL2yn376LL6BTblJ9GrK0QQDWpxOZubEKe2AqfqQ3~OzDSL1oWLYA~XG1i3P1mlLBtKgUxFXuo1tgAwYSG9Q3mNxYmV75D970z0N5KuHfIPv-2R5VGrQQs5MZ33gIhx01jTNdUnpUxfurp4ji4Ej6NRFlP7WTFn381iMBrVMD2qphHLsvThZQwa-hM8JurCMkhrSd8ki7R8yD0SzaStxdGrNfaoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Eight members of the public addressed the Board of Education of Cecil County during the March 12 public-participation period, focusing primarily on two topics: criticism of how the board has treated board member Renee Dixon and concerns about services for students with disabilities.

Several commenters defended Renee Dixon and asked the board to stop what they described as harassment. Deb Short urged the board to avoid emotional responses and to investigate carefully before publicizing private remarks; she described Dixon as “caring and loving” and asked the board to apologize. Norma Carey, who described herself as a longtime friend, spoke of Dixon’s nonprofit, Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program, and detailed how the program supports people with disabilities. Sandra Ward and other commenters said they believed Dixon was a parent and community advocate chosen by voters and accused the board majority of silencing dissenting voices.

Other public speakers raised concerns about special-education supports for students. Donna Culberson said the district is “failing our students,” specifically citing students with individualized education programs (IEPs) and students who struggle to read; she described cases where students are promoted without meeting grade-level standards and said parents who request retention are not receiving support. Culberson said she is seeking outside tutoring for her grandson with suspected dyslexia because she concluded the district was not meeting his needs.

A small number of speakers urged civility and cautioned against social-media-driven reactions. Sean Bridal said he understood why a board member might be criticized but observed that last-minute budget asks cannot be resolved instantly and that social media can distort remarks.

What the board record shows and what it does not: The transcript records these public comments verbatim. The board did not take action at the meeting on personnel or disciplinary issues raised in the comments; the closed-session items earlier in the meeting were identified generically as personnel and a pending litigation matter under state statute. The transcript does not show any formal investigation outcomes, disciplinary actions, or staff responses to the specific claims about special-education services within this meeting.

Why it matters: Public comment periods offer parents and community members a direct way to raise concerns about board conduct and student services. Issues raised — board behavior, transparency, and adequacy of special-education services — bear on public trust and on operational priorities for the district.

Speakers quoted: Deb Short, Donna Culberson, Norma Carey, Sandra Ward, Sean Bridal and Chris Valtz (who urged removal of Dixon). Their comments were recorded in the March 12 meeting transcript.","Public commenters at the March 12 board meeting urged the board to stop harassment of board member Renee Dixon and raised concerns that students with disabilities are not receiving adequate support; commenters also praised Dixon’s community service programs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637440,"Northeast Middle–High foundation poured; board approves $1.79M capital amendment to fund small projects",0,3797000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2586553-7dacd58dd16bc25d814fb70cbdce7c0a&start=3797&end=3797","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2586553-7dacd58dd16bc25d814fb70cbdce7c0a/thumbnail_3797000.jpg","/articles/6637440/Maryland/Northeast-MiddleHigh-foundation-poured-board-approves-179M-capital-amendment-to-fund-small-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637440-096f0bf14b7ada52ca69bc3d8d073dff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170891&Signature=C9cUkCwLmEv5uJf5nLRuxUcyfYV06l8mb6f1vXflEplK5VRb4i-YGgpPZMzFOnS~sOWAsbTsCV34T3W-Lz5U-UMmKoIppFCzJqeCWlVsU7qPxV4pwwyXUnD1bkiIW-~Ej4g4fdERGf7lAJWs1YJyPajUIC7VEWkmcZI7uPSl0Xx~ZdyFJuw~-zqBLv0FcLj8RKxw67mXeNEKepxNUellmzu6YeoaCJ2CI-I5quMZSBYpRV2q1~QbJ5Q1wfY8gRmG6nw8entUsnCLamn3SkV~aCifYP3jKD-5V07ua5lucGo2p~LqICkM95uduRb-o-~DIfI1gX1NVZDhFwb7JPq15w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Superintendent Jeffrey A. Lawson and Executive Director Ted Boyer told the Board of Education of Cecil County on March 12 that construction work is progressing on multiple projects and the board approved a FY25 capital budget amendment of $1,787,727 to fund small capital projects.

The construction update: Boyer displayed photographs of the Northeast Middle–High School site and reported that the school’s foundation has been poured and that large amounts of fill dirt will be required to bring the site to grade. He described the facility footprint, noted the building’s three levels and said work is on schedule. He also reported that the School of Technology is receiving a new air-conditioning chiller expected to be operational before warm weather, and that final work is being completed on the Perryville Field House, with the goal of readiness for a large May track meet.

Why it matters: The foundation pour signals a substantive construction milestone for the consolidated Northeast Middle–High School. The capital amendment approved at the meeting adds county-funded resources for several smaller-but-urgent projects across the district that will be executed over the coming months.

Capital amendment details presented: CFO Denise Sopa told the board that Cecil County Council approved $1,787,727 to cover small capital projects. At the meeting Sopa and Dr. Lawson listed example projects moved into the capital budget: parking-lot replacement, sidewalk repairs, Perryville Field House work, a chiller at Rising Sun Middle, Cherry Hill Middle School sidewalk and auditorium repairs, office flooring, waterline overage coverage, and refrigerant monitor changes at several schools. Sopa explained that projects initially budgeted in the operating fund were moved to capital now that the county is covering the costs.

Votes and next steps: The board approved the capital amendment at the March 12 meeting. Facilities staff were instructed to move the projects into the district capital schedule and proceed with procurement and construction activities within the FY25 timeline.

What the record shows and does not: The transcript records the $1,787,727 figure and general project list. It does not provide a line-by-line execution schedule or specific contract awards; those details were not included in the meeting record.

Acknowledgements: Board members thanked county government for supplementing the capital program and discussed timing to complete work over the summer when schools are empty.","Board construction report showed foundation work at the new Northeast Middle–High School and progress on a chiller and the Perryville Field House; the board approved a FY25 capital budget amendment of $1,787,727 to fund small capital projects including sidewalks, parking lots and chillers.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":92,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":94,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6637444,"Board of Education of Cecil County: votes at a glance from March 12 meeting",661,4458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2586553-7dacd58dd16bc25d814fb70cbdce7c0a&start=3797&end=4458","/articles/6637444/Maryland/Board-of-Education-of-Cecil-County-votes-at-a-glance-from-March-12-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6637444-d334fea389699e791afbcab98c8b31ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1771170891&Signature=KSzostsKPdtM6LaZgvI-lL9x1vMxT8vv0O0HALSGoIHpweHzhR-8NtLCzi88sue5YcbJP7ESDIkLD~qKLNULNs2nvqIvb3zLqh0UGFfJIorAtgLalS5T5cU~2adUngJVYBPmAdu3YzV1-NrlWUoYqGsS2wm7DBkccIdpw4V-bMd8515NFzJL7Uz00VkFWMC7Q4opb8MzeCknpfYKgFVEfrx9yfuMIF0ACDgE3G0jjpfGwaeX5AsaQAE8lqOrrWbEwJiOyy3Ab3fgZDaS3rSgwZ9JiWdDvsoZEwBQ-psP9-DnR54H4zzhHvzfT0uJqN2QYhjExQRUDJcQtBFttBxriQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Board of Education of Cecil County on March 12, 2025, approved a set of motions and resolutions, including entering closed session, adopting the meeting agenda and consent agenda, and approving capital and operating budget amendments and three proclamations.

Board members held a roll-call vote to enter closed session to discuss personnel and pending litigation under Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(1) and (8). After reconvening, the board adopted the meeting agenda and consent agenda and then voted on multiple resolutions and budget amendments. Several motions were described on the record and carried without noted dissent.

Why it matters: The votes finalize short-term budget adjustments and recognize systemwide observances; the capital amendment funds small projects and aligns county council funding with CCPS project work. The operating amendment adjusts this year’s budgeted revenues and expenses; both affect near-term maintenance and programming decisions.

Key actions (outcomes listed as recorded at the meeting):
- Motion to enter closed session (personnel and pending litigation) pursuant to Maryland Annotated Code, General Provisions Article §3-305(b)(1) and (8): motion moved and seconded; roll-call recorded as “Aye” and the board entered closed session. (Transcript: opening motion and roll call.)
- Adoption of the meeting agenda as presented: motion carried unanimously. (Transcript: agenda adoption.)
- Adoption of the consent agenda as presented: motion carried unanimously. (Transcript: consent agenda.)
- Resolution: Fine Arts in Our Schools Month (March 2025) — recommended by Dr. Lawson and adopted unanimously. (Transcript: fine arts resolution and unanimous vote.)
- Resolution: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day (April 3, 2025) — recommended and adopted unanimously. (Transcript: paraprofessional resolution and unanimous vote.)
- Resolution: School Library Media Month (April 2025) — recommended and adopted unanimously. (Transcript: library media month resolution and unanimous vote.)
- Capital budget amendment (FY25) to reflect county council funding for small capital projects: $1,787,727 — recommended by CFO Denise Sopa and approved unanimously. (Transcript: CFO presentation and motion to approve capital amendment.)
- Operating budget amendment (FY25) reducing operating budget by $649,239 (net decrease) — recommended by Dr. Lawson and approved unanimously. (Transcript: operating budget amendment presentation and motion to approve.)

What the records show and what they do not: The meeting transcript records motions, recorded ‘‘Aye’’ votes and multiple unanimous outcomes; specific individual roll-call tallies were recorded only for the closed-session vote. For several motions the board responded with group ‘‘Aye’’s rather than named, itemized votes. The transcript does not record any ‘‘no’’ or abstain votes for the items above.

Next steps: The budget amendments and adopted proclamations are effective as directed in the motions; capital projects will move forward under the updated FY25 capital plan and with the county council funding contribution.","The Board of Education of Cecil County on March 12 voted unanimously on a series of routine and policy items, approved a capital budget amendment after a construction update, and adopted several proclamations honoring fine arts, paraprofessionals and school libraries.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board honors students and educators: fine arts month, Allstate selections and state wrestling champions recognized

Speakers at Cecil County school board meeting voice concern over board conduct and special-education supports

Northeast Middle–High foundation poured; board approves $1.79M capital amendment to fund small projects

Board of Education of Cecil County: votes at a glance from March 12 meeting