[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6214201,"mediaKeyId","3671219-d2a3223ea464edba566a90b26f9c5419","parentId",3671219,"title","Superintendent praises graduation week, streaming reach; district to review venues for 2026","audioSeconds",135,"startMs",63000,"endMs",198000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671219-d2a3223ea464edba566a90b26f9c5419&start=63&end=198","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671219-d2a3223ea464edba566a90b26f9c5419/thumbnail_63000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6214201/Maryland/Superintendent-praises-graduation-week-streaming-reach-district-to-review-venues-for-2026","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214201-33793f8c7c9060abd89063c99328fc22/orig.mp4?Expires=1773180282&Signature=mTk0ImwExO4Txf~0fZripmjwiAtDd2JBAEqAU8fGUIaqCTFAqta2Wc01QUKnUBzsfqjP364LMiUBS22cPOW0PNgSp1Y-3N0Uvign0a4DYCPO6AO2SmAs9l1WogXPvID~Yf8kdPK78Bl43QjYB3vqzDiBp5StvW0i7iqD5p6LoDqfLDZlDerTzD2aj5UYPr8oLlP~l24CDuQtgTrk5sd7sF~Ic0mS0wgOyiVwLic-avypDqLMubLnvVIiUg15aOZYARcRWs8q9-bKFANAJiT9n9VLTyl7A3pM9pIiMC3wY82FK0cG1~iSPS~VZT~CuNnpw~L6V6apMviQXoYPtLA2tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-05T01:46:19Z","article","Superintendent [name withheld in transcript] told the St. Mary's County Board of Education June 4 that the district held a busy graduation week and other end-of-year recognitions.

The superintendent said the district graduated more than 1,300 students and streamed ceremonies live; as of a recent screen capture, view counts included roughly 5,500 views for Chopticon High School, over 8,000 views for Leonardtown High School, and about 8,000 views for Great Mills High School. The superintendent said graduation videos are archived on the district website and that the district has broadcasts available going back 11 years.

At Leonardtown High School a rain event prompted last-minute changes; the superintendent described a student petition and a decision with the principal to keep the class together for a final in-person ceremony. The superintendent thanked Principal Kopsi, parents, staff and the 2,300 district employees who supported the events.

The superintendent also highlighted extracurricular successes: back-to-back 4A girls softball state championships (Leonardtown and Chopticon), and track-and-field champions across district schools. Talita Butler, a science teacher at Esperanza Middle School, was recognized as the district teacher of the year and advanced for consideration at the state level. The district held a length-of-service ceremony recognizing staff milestones and retirees; one long-serving employee, Terry Fenwick in the Department of Operations, began work in 1974 and was singled out.

Operational notes and calendar: the superintendent reminded the board that pre-kindergarten's last day is Tuesday, June 10; Wednesday is a half day for students and June 13 is the teachers’ last day. The district will be closed Thursday, June 19, for Juneteenth.

The superintendent said the district will explore larger venues for 2026 commencements, including the Prince George’s Equestrian Center and a reengagement with St. Mary's College to examine current parking and staging constraints, and that staff will report back as options are evaluated.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","St. Mary's County Public Schools Board of Education Meeting - 06/04/25","oneSentenceSummary","The superintendent recapped commencements and recognitions, saying the district streamed more than 1,300 graduates' ceremonies with thousands of views, described a rain-related change at Leonardtown High School, promoted state athletic championships and teacher recognition, and outlined next steps for future commencement venues.","taxTitle","St. Mary's County Public Schools, School Boards, Maryland","taxId",14203,"location","Maryland","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6214206,"Board reviews revised redistricting policy draft; first reading moves to public comment",175,2161000,2336000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671219-d2a3223ea464edba566a90b26f9c5419&start=2161&end=2336","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671219-d2a3223ea464edba566a90b26f9c5419/thumbnail_2161000.jpg","/articles/6214206/Maryland/Board-reviews-revised-redistricting-policy-draft-first-reading-moves-to-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214206-bb9a723ea057ef1f61e44ec1463daed3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773180282&Signature=n5IzrKPKloNWYZhhFoVIe5VNxkEefhu1XkjqvmCEzNzHWYGZcbPCqYmjLPWNlU7blljFI7o3GXPoUIv7rG342cH1c7-kV90XxZqoImvIFXwpX-71f7aErKsWXNPKFKh4nZmkX8qRSIXBnME-QxJ42gPa~JgjMWHRUwLPEls0rjQiY5coca6YxPOfAYwytUq6D0-MD-GhLCUqA4mw9TeNOht7npSjwUvwCe8hNm-xz0d9bDHHV426fYGx6rcoOwOSY5Hzss0Ea79W3K1Hhk3GOP6BAdrkQjhXQFSdo~WTKWUYHY5Fdp8wup5UmeSqToZ7e5dnH2F-qLMUCcjWUrTNUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Mary's County Board of Education reviewed a revised first-reading draft June 4 of policy JCAA, which governs school district boundary realignment.

Staff presented edits requested at the May meeting, including clarifying language that realignment may result from new school construction, increased capacity or overcrowding at existing schools, budgetary constraints, efficiencies, emergencies, or school closures. The draft also replaces the prior wording in two places so the board \"shall ensure\" (rather than \"a shore\") the actions described in the policy.

The draft references the board’s authority under Section 4-109C of the Education Article, Maryland Annotated Code, and directs the superintendent to develop procedures for continuous evaluation of facilities and to \"implement and ensure communication to the community\" a redistricting timeline. The timeline in the draft requires notification to students affected by boundary changes \"no later than April 30 of the school year prior to redistricting taking place.\" The policy also retains an advisory-committee process for community involvement.

Board members praised the edits and asked for next steps. Staff said the revised policy will be posted for public comment at the board’s next meeting; the board expects to consider final approval in July after reviewing public comments.

Because this was a first reading, no board vote to adopt the policy occurred; the board provided direction to post the draft for public comment and return with any revisions and a final recommendation.","The board held a first reading of a revised JCAA policy on school boundary realignment that adds language on 'increased capacity or overcrowding' and sets an April 30 notification timeline for affected students; the policy will go to public comment at the next meeting and return in July for approval.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_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":56,"_74":56},6214211,"Board awards $1.14M and $854K contracts to replace chillers at tech center and Margaret Brent Middle",532,1544000,2076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671219-d2a3223ea464edba566a90b26f9c5419&start=1544&end=2076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671219-d2a3223ea464edba566a90b26f9c5419/thumbnail_1544000.jpg","/articles/6214211/Maryland/Board-awards-114M-and-854K-contracts-to-replace-chillers-at-tech-center-and-Margaret-Brent-Middle","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214211-62a2fb7dd79efa5d66fb61b33b508017/orig.mp4?Expires=1773180282&Signature=A3m5lBDgZ-3zrU-fVIsYeS77fIQ8QC-ltaB3Z6bKRA9NsBsjQpWojSTbtEcsg0CYwNtIz3Jq4vnPKpkrH5c8Ry2wgU547~kWmb-gZDFAdzC6eH17RY1l4rRv4bbffodDj2b6h1H4fmCatzFk6FrmgCmiTAn3y8M24W9diZW09cXWpnHxYjK-XoJYu3Jp-es4dcO~DKd8WuDbdZLFVIvkzk~TnJxH1VDFvYdvwb3CtkCLyYYwhE-HcViKqdB09Q0EQC~yjux74oveZcMScG-cd4LvAns~eRTTy2zdvho2dj2eG11y8Vpdzij-J2GO8-hD4zW-rHIER39br3dNT4nvKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Mary's County Board of Education approved two construction awards June 4 to replace aging chillers in district facilities.

The board approved a $1,138,000 construction contract to W. L. Gary Incorporated with a $60,000 contingency for replacement of two chillers and a cooling tower at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center. The district said the existing chilled-water system has exceeded typical life expectancy, requires phased-out refrigerant replacements, and needs equipment procurement to be scheduled ahead of the next cooling season.

The board also approved a $854,484 contract to Gegan Mechanical Incorporated with a $50,000 contingency to replace an air-cooled chiller at Margaret Brent Middle School. The presenter said the school’s units, installed in February 2004, have shorter life expectancy (15–20 years for air-cooled units) and that one chiller had required extensive repairs and was not working reliably.

Staff described the district’s procurement approach: prequalification of bidders based on technical and financial qualifications, posting on the district marketplace, and a multi-step solicitation that reduced the bidder pool to qualified firms. The presenter said multiple local firms responded and the recommended contractors have previously performed chiller and HVAC work for the district.

Funding: presenters said both projects are funded through the district’s Capital Improvement Project (CIP) local funds; the Forrest Center work was supplemented with a portion of the district’s critical funds to cover the newer-technology replacement scope. W. L. Gary and Gegan Mechanical were recommended as lowest responsible bidders from prequalified respondents.

Board members expressed appreciation for staff procurement work and noted the district’s strategy of publishing clear, complete specifications to attract qualified contractors. Both motions were approved by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will issue construction notices and coordinate scheduling to allow replacement work to proceed out of season where possible so buildings are ready for the next cooling cycle.","St. Mary's County Board of Education approved construction awards for chiller and cooling-tower work at the Dr. James A. Forrest Career and Technology Center and a chiller replacement at Margaret Brent Middle School, citing phased-out refrigerants and exceeded equipment life expectancy.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6214215,"Board approves $147,859 playground purchase for Lady Marshall Dent Elementary",648,891000,1539000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3671219-d2a3223ea464edba566a90b26f9c5419&start=891&end=1539","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3671219-d2a3223ea464edba566a90b26f9c5419/thumbnail_891000.jpg","/articles/6214215/Maryland/Board-approves-147859-playground-purchase-for-Lady-Marshall-Dent-Elementary","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214215-db6c8c76bb3008798f1428b824ffc225/orig.mp4?Expires=1773180282&Signature=FkLdfOjopzQyktQRDEtF1P8cmPh2n5lhjWhWcdAtRHnHLhyGmDorlpu2wveGMyz8-80Rlt9O3l1TrpMVqlp-H9bwk~nItr9n3CEE7-YQFexuoq2anAX-doTAR9wTJ-8akPGaVYAddQJn808l0ZtYssczYPOLgQlyxE8a9zsVN7WAN6f6gHwyws692FBiUBc8SnaAxX-da9-O~6bx6LcPwuEoMYzJo5uzxZTNPPnsP0t1X7JYUbAQQ5Hzf~Uz0~6sQ8C7m2mEMycTRRa~BYmylkafCTfIi2VjoMEFpbnBTkAJQqWDY3AVTohmNo1gvQND7ZrF6e8QvLNOGnOuyYt8SQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The St. Mary's County Board of Education approved a contract June 4 to replace an aging playground at Lady Marshall Dent Elementary School.

The board voted to purchase playground equipment and installation from Playground Specialists Incorporated using Houston-Galveston Area Council contract PR11-20 for $147,859.10, with a $15,000 contingency for removal of the old equipment and installation. The purchase will be funded from the district's limited renovation local funds, the presenter said.

The superintendent’s maintenance presenter told the board the middle playground on the school's campus is past its life expectancy and that the project will restore the district standard of having separate play areas for ages 2–5 and 5–12. The proposed installation includes inclusive features: accessible panels sized for wheelchair access, communication boards, sensory and musical elements, slides and climbing components, and surfacing designed to meet ADA considerations. The presenter said the vendor offers a turnkey design-and-install approach and that PlayWorld, the manufacturer represented under the HGAC contract, was offering a manufacturer discount before July price increases.

Board members noted the playground also serves families using adjacent district sports fields and that routine maintenance inspections (performed twice yearly) inform the district’s replacement schedule. The presenter said fabrication and installation typically take several weeks after a purchase order is issued and that crews have worked during school-year schedules in prior years to minimize disruption.

The board approved the recommendation by voice vote. The presenter said the district will issue a purchase order immediately if the motion passed so fabrication can begin.

Funding and implementation details: the project will use the district’s local limited renovation funds. The presenter recommended the PO be issued promptly to lock current pricing; final installation timing will depend on production and contractor scheduling.","The St. Mary's County Board of Education approved a contract to replace aging playground equipment at Lady Marshall Dent Elementary using an HGAC contract, funded from the district's local renovation budget with a $15,000 contingency.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Superintendent praises graduation week, streaming reach; district to review venues for 2026

Board reviews revised redistricting policy draft; first reading moves to public comment

Board awards $1.14M and $854K contracts to replace chillers at tech center and Margaret Brent Middle

Board approves $147,859 playground purchase for Lady Marshall Dent Elementary