Patricia Skebeck Named Interim Harford Superintendent During 6-Month Nationwide Search
The Board of Education of Harford County named the current Executive Director of Elementary Education Patricia L. Skebeck as interim superintendent today, January 5, 2009, to fill the void left by the sudden passing of Dr. Jacqueline C. Haas. Mrs. Skebeck will serve as interim superintendent until July 1, 2009.
Mrs. Skebeck is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She received her Master of Education in Elementary Education from Towson State University and went on for postgraduate work at Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland.
Her career in the field of education began in 1964 as a fi rst grade teacher at Mars Estates Elementary School in the Baltimore County Public School system. In 1979, she made the move to the Harford County Public School System touching the lives of third grade students at Hillsdale Elementary School before accepting a position as a Teaching Assistant Principal at Meadowvale Elementary School in 1987. She moved on to a non-teaching Assistant Principal placement at Youth’s Benefit Elementary School in 1989. As the principal of Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School from 1990 until 1996 and then at William Paca/Old Post Road Elementary School, Mrs. Skebeck implemented many academic and outreach programs for the students and surrounding communities until becoming the Executive Director of Elementary Education in 1997.
Mrs. Skebeck has served as the Chairperson of the Elementary Grading and Reporting Committee for Harford County Public Schools, as well as serving on the Statewide Task Force on Norm-Referenced Testing and as part of the Statewide Educator Talent Pool, serving in an advisory capacity for the Maryland State Department of Education. In 1994, Mrs. Skebeck was recognized for her outstanding contributions to the education field when she was presented with the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.
“Mrs. Skebeck has nearly 30 years of experience with Harford County Public Schools having been a teacher, administrator, and an executive director,” Board of Education President Patrick L. Hess commented. “In this difficult time, the Board needed to select someone who could help us continue the work initiated by Dr. Haas until a permanent Superintendent is found. We felt that Mrs. Skebeck was the right person for the job.”
The Board will work in conjunction with the Maryland Association of Boards of Education to begin a nationwide superintendent search that will begin immediately in order to allow a permanent superintendent to be appointed by July 2009.
“I have known Jackie Haas my entire career with Harford County Public Schools having taught along side of her,” stated HCPS Interim Superintendent Patricia Skebeck. “There is no way to replace Jackie, I am honored that I have the opportunity to carry on her legacy by moving Harford County Public Schools forward through this devastating time in order to fulfi ll our mission.”
December 31, 2008 at 7:26 amJacqueline Haas, Harford County Superintendent, Passes Away Tuesday At 59
Harford County Public Schools Superintendent Jacqueline Haas died Tuesday, apparently after suffering an asthma attack and then going into cardiac arrest in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
The Board of Education is expected to meet today and Harford County Executive David Craig has already sent a message to Board President Patrick Hess offering to support and meet with the Board and Administrative staff and do whatever he can to provide comfort to students, staff, and citizens and ensure a smooth transition.
Continue reading Jacqueline Haas, Harford County Superintendent, Passes Away Tuesday At 59
Board of Ed Member Smilko Blasts County Council - Council To Investigate Board Decision on Red Pump Elementary
Given the current economic meltdown, it’s not surprising that the Board of Education is scaling back plans to build two new elementary schools, opting to build just one new school instead. But the events surrounding the decision to build Campus Hills Elementary School instead of Red Pump Elementary are becoming surreal.
First came the surprise announcement on December 8th by County Executive David Craig, Board of Education President Pat Hess and Superintendent Jacqueline Haas that priorities had suddenly flipped.
Continue reading Board of Ed Member Smilko Blasts County Council - Council To Investigate Board Decision on Red Pump Elementary
Havre de Grace Teacher Team Takes On World-Famous Harlem Wizards
Havre de Grace Middle School PTSA has coordinated a city-wide basketball game against the world famous Harlem Wizards. Staff members from all four of our city schools will band together to form the Mighty Warriors and battle the Wizards on Friday, December 12th at 7:00 pm. The game will be held at the High School, and Mayor Wayne Doughtery will officiate.
Warrior team members include Gary Wasielewski, Liz Nemeth, Tara Phillips, Rick Hauf, Blaine Hawley, Doug Heeter, Heather Crawford, Donna Hott, Roz Milore, Bob Young, Justin Mangold, Chris Yancone, Thomas Dennison, and many more!
Tickets are $8.00 in advance for students and senior citizens, $10 for general admission, and $10 and $12 at the gate. Refreshments and souvenirs will be available. Tickets are available at each City school or by calling Amanda at 410.942.0639.
For more information about the Harlem Wizards, you may visit their website - www.harlemwizards.com, and for more information about the game, you can may call or email Amanda Shaffer at 410.942.0639 or AmandaShaffer@hdgmsptsa.org.
December 8, 2008 at 6:50 pmReadying For Redistricting?: Red Pump Elementary Put On Back Burner For Schucks Road School
In a surprise reversal of priorities for new school construction, Harford County Executive David Craig and Board of Education President Patrick Hess are expected to announce tonight that the new Red Pump Elementary School on Vale Road will be delayed due to funding, but plans for the new Schucks Road Elementary School will move ahead.
Prior to the planned announcement, Red Pump Elementary was the school system’s top priority for new elementary school construction.
Continue reading Readying For Redistricting?: Red Pump Elementary Put On Back Burner For Schucks Road School
School Beautification Grants Awarded To Riverside and Homestead-Wakefield Elementary Schools
(Bel Air, MD – November 25, 2008) - - Harford County Executive David R. Craig has announced two School Beautification Grant Program awards. Riverside Elementary School in Joppatowne and Homestead – Wakefield Elementary School in Bel Air, each received an award from the grant program administered by the Department of Community Services.
Riverside Elementary PTA received a $10,000 grant towards the upgrade and refurbishment of the primary playground. The projected cost of improvements for the school playground is estimated at $70,000. To date, the PTA and school community have received more than $65,000 to support this project. New ADA compliant playground equipment should be installed at the school by the summer of 2009.
Homestead –Wakefield Elementary School PTA received two grants totally $9,990. One award is $5,000 towards improvements for the lobby of the school, including painting, painting of a mural and furniture assembly to replace existing furniture. The second grant totally $4,990, is for the school courtyard landscaping project.
“The School Beautification Grant Program is an excellent example of an effective government initiative that brings schools, the parent community and businesses together,” stated County Executive Craig. “We commend the PTA of Riverside and Homestead – Wakefield Elementary Schools for their hard work and commitment to our children,” Craig remarked.
School Beautification Grants are available to all schools within the Harford County Public School system, generally limited to $5,000 per project. Organizations may apply for more than one grant within the fiscal year. Grant funding provides assistance for materials or equipment only. No grant funds may be used for labor and related expenses.
The School Beautification Grant Program is designed to foster partnerships between schools, parents, local businesses and industry and the community. Funds may be awarded to support projects such as landscaping, playground improvement, painting, wildlife habitat and water quality improvements.
For more information regarding the School Beautification Grant Program, or to receive an application, visit the Harford County Government website at www.harfordcountymd.gov or contact the Department of Community Services at 410-638-3389, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
November 24, 2008 at 8:49 amSchool Board Elections Come To Harford County…Sort Of
The Harford County Board of Education has spent the last two years shooting down school board elections, but now the Board is considering changes to its internal procedures so that board leadership will be determined by - you guessed it - elections.
The proposed change in board policy is on the agenda for tonight’s meeting. If it’s approved, the Board will abandon the current practice of rotating the board presidency and vice-presidency based on seniority, and elect their leaders instead.
Continue reading School Board Elections Come To Harford County…Sort Of
Halls Cross Roads Elementary School Music Teacher Wins $25,000 Teaching Award
Harford County Educator Receives $25,000 Milken Educator Award
Milken Family Foundation Bestows National Award to 80 of America’s Elementary Educators
When Christian Slattery attended a morning assembly at Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School this morning, he had no idea that he was the guest of honor and that he would walk away with a $25,000 award. Surprised, in front of students, faculty, and staff, the vocal music teacher at the Harford County public school, graciously accepted the Milken Award from Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards and Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick, during a surprise school assembly. Slattery, an educator for six years, is free to use the no-strings attached cash prize in any manner he chooses. He will receive the actual monetary award this spring at the Milken National Education Conference in Los Angeles.
“It is wonderful that an elementary vocal music teacher is one of only 80 teachers across the country to receive a Milken Educator Award,” said Dr. Grasmick. “I am impressed by Christian Slattery’s amazing ability to integrate the music curriculum with other content areas. He truly demonstrates his creatively and commitment to education through his work with individual classroom teachers to build and enhance instruction in all subject areas.”
“Christian loves what he does,” said Gwendolyn Benjamin-Jones, Principal of Hall’s Cross Roads Elementary School. “He has a very special connection to the school community and loves the students. They perform at a higher level because of his ability to zero in on what’s needed, whether it’s a song that helps students memorize math facts or grammar concepts – Christian has such a unique ability to bring out the best in all the students.”
Hailed as “the Oscars of Teaching” by Teacher Magazine, the Milken Educator Awards were conceived by Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder, to recognize the importance of outstanding educators and encourage talented young people to enter teaching. Unlike most teaching awards, the Milken Educator Awards have no formal nomination or application process. Each year exceptional teachers and principals can be recommended without their knowledge. The Milken Foundation makes a final decision on its Award recipients.
“Nothing in America’s k-12 schools has more influence on student learning than the quality of the classroom teacher,” said Mr. Milken. “Highly effective teachers are the bedrock in constructing a world-class education system that meets our challenges and opportunities in this 21st century. It is a national imperative that we attract, retain and motivate people of talent to the profession. America’s prosperity depends on it.”
This year’s honorees will propel the ranks of recipients to more than 2,300 with financial prizes topping $60 million. Established in 1985, the Award alternates yearly between elementary and secondary educators. The 2008 recipients will actually receive their $25,000 checks during the Milken National Education Conference held April 17-19 in Los Angeles. They will also join the Milken Educator Network, a group of distinguished educators, whose expertise serves as a valuable resource to fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others shaping the future of education.
Candidates for the Milken Educator Awards are selected on the basis of the following criteria:
Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by effective instructional practices and student learning results in the classroom and school;
Exemplary educational accomplishments beyond the classroom that provide models of excellence for the profession;
Strong long-range potential for professional and policy leadership; and
Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues and the community.
To date, 53 Maryland educators have been honored by the Milken Family Foundation with more than $1.1 million since the state began participating 15 years ago.
November 18, 2008 at 6:55 pmRigged?: Del. Mary-Dulany James’ Curiously-Worded Constituent Survey on School Board Elections
Why won’t Delegate Mary-Dulany James just admit she opposes school board elections? If it’s because the Delegate from District 34A shares school board member Mark Wolkow’s dim view of democracy, she’s wise to keep her opinions to herself.
Clearly, Wolkow is working with someone in the State Legislature to craft an alternative to elections. Most likely it’s James – they’ve worked together on this issue in the past. But if Wolkow and James are planning a battle against the tide of public support for elections, they’ll need new ammunition.
Continue reading Rigged?: Del. Mary-Dulany James’ Curiously-Worded Constituent Survey on School Board Elections
Wolkow Tells Edgewood - Harford Voters Would Not Elect Diverse Board of Education
School board member Mark Wolkow has led the charge to ensure Harford County Board of Education members are appointed by the Governor, rather than elected by the voters. Now we know why.
In the following letter to The Dagger, Edgewood Community Council President Jansen Robinson shares an e-mail Wolkow sent to leaders in the Edgewood community, warning them of the dangers of elections and drumming up support for a dressed-up version of the broken-down Permanent Nominating Caucus.
Along the way, Wolkow makes plenty of strange and erroneous arguments. But one in particular stands out.
Continue reading Wolkow Tells Edgewood - Harford Voters Would Not Elect Diverse Board of Education
