Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Family And Community Partnerships topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District reports record internships and new procurement portal as part of 'Pillar Two' family and community partnerships update
Summary
At its May 13 meeting the district reported a 43% year-over-year rise in internships (to 483 placements), steady apprenticeship placements (19) and the launch of a public procurement portal to increase transparency and vendor competition as part of its Pillar Two strategic objectives.
Carroll County Public Schools staff told the board May 13 they have expanded internship placements to a record 483 this year and are continuing to cultivate apprenticeship opportunities, while also implementing an online procurement portal to make solicitations more visible to vendors.
"Pillar Two is all about strengthening productive family and community partnerships," Assistant Superintendent Nick Shockney said as he opened a district update on family and community engagement tied to the system strategic plan.
Staff said apprenticeship placements remained steady at 19 while internships increased 43% over last year, driven by partnerships across healthcare, education and industry partners, including placements with local healthcare providers and state agencies. Board members and staff discussed barriers to apprenticeships, including the cost of paid placements for small businesses.
On transparency, staff described a new online procurement portal (PublicPurchase) the district recently implemented to centralize bid documents, addendums and intent-to-award notices. The portal is being used alongside required state postings and regional consortiums to broaden vendor access and increase competition for district contracts.
Miss Gatis, who leads the district's Community Advisory Council, told the board the council achieved 100% participation from schools this year, that principals attended regularly and that parent representatives are chosen through principal/PTA recommendations, which staff said helps the district both surface community questions and dispel rumors.
Board members asked staff to continue outreach to local businesses and workforce development partners to expand apprenticeship capacity and to watch metrics following implementation of the procurement portal. Staff said the procurement changes are expected to speed vendor interest and improve competitive bidding.
The district said it will continue reporting Pillar Two progress at future board meetings and will post related materials online for public review.
