See the Vendors that have Private Access to Board of Education Members through the Maryland BOE Club

How many of these vendors have contracts with the Montgomery County Board of Education?

How many of those contracts were no bid deals? 

Reminder that the Montgomery County Board of Education pays over $100,000 a year in dues to be part of this private club of Board of Education members from across the state of Maryland. 

The public is not able to access MABE meetings or watch what goes on at these annual conferences, cocktail parties and dinners.  

https://x.com/MABE_News/status/1970850219894898814

Anne Arundel BOE used Pandemic to railroad through approvals for elementary school cell tower without allowing all stakeholders to be heard.

Janet Holbrook: Work begins on Shady Side cell tower under cover of the coronavirus pandemic | COMMENTARY

...Residents and parents from Shady Side allied with an existing community organization, South Arundel Citizens for Responsible Development, to oppose a tower on the grounds of the elementary school.  They were successful in pausing the Board of Education’s consideration of the cell tower in December 2018.

However under-the-cloak of the pandemic, the cell tower was approved at the May 20, BOE meeting.  Public comments for that meeting were allowed via email only and had to be submitted prior to discussion due to the pandemic. It is notable that in the midst of an unprecedented school crisis an issue unrelated to the educational mission of the BOE was prioritized for attention.

To add insult to injury after the BOE also voted to transfer the forest conservation easement for the property to Milestone (the contractor for the tower), Planning and Zoning granted Milestone a modification that allows them to disregard the forest conservation easement. The grading permit was approved early October without a requirement for mitigation of the effects on forested land...

...Shame on the BOE for using the pandemic to railroad through approvals without allowing all stakeholders to be heard. The BOE should halt the project until all appeals have been heard, the citizens who worked so hard on behalf of their community deserve that much respect.

https://www.capitalgazette.com/opinion/columns/ac-ce-column-janet-holbrook-20201207-20201206-gd7ciysoj5c5xiggruzfkvvgk4-story.html?fbclid=IwAR1R2iIOG0rG2bJKGVUYHmSxG05ndG2Wpooc1Uq7riuvH7Nmg-yx0d5qTMM

Roanoke County school board terminates cell tower agreement

The Roanoke County School Board voted Thursday to terminate an agreement with a company that planned to build cell towers at two county schools.

Milestone Communications entered into an agreement with the school board in February 2016, but just this year started on the planning phases of the projects. The company needed the school board’s initial blessing before meeting with Roanoke County planning and zoning staff to apply for a conditional use permit. The school board unanimously voted to allow Milestone to proceed with the project in October...

https://www.roanoke.com/news/education/roanoke-county-school-board-terminates-cell-tower-agreement/article_cff769a0-d0c5-5fbf-9c29-93ebe15bc6ff.html?fbclid=IwAR0876OgDdZZMi_CbaEtmevJyZD3dDY1kddCwR4NAf3SOozAFGcyseIdFB0

Anne Arundel school board halts Shady Side cellphone tower

The Anne Arundel County Board of Education voted 6-3 last week to halt the proposed cellphone tower project at Shady Side Elementary School...

...“What I still fail to understand is why we, Anne Arundel County Public Schools, is in the cell tower business,” Schallheim said. “I don’t understand how it supports our mission to elevate all students, eliminate all gaps. Other jurisdictions have banned cell towers from school grounds.”

District 33 board member Eric Grannon has been sympathetic to cell tower opponents, said Mike Shay, vice president of South Arundel Citizens for Responsible Development. Grannon introduced the Wednesday motion to pause the project that won over the majority of the board...

https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/schools/ac-cn-cell-tower-halted-20181221-story.html?fbclid=IwAR1oVfg08UP7tAI3Zw6Lsh9J06DlClP9lAnilTwUNT88N8MzRuoOTLk8K-Y

https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/schools/ac-cn-cell-tower-halted-20181221-story.html?fbclid=IwAR1oVfg08UP7tAI3Zw6Lsh9J06DlClP9lAnilTwUNT88N8MzRuoOTLk8K-Y

MABE's Newest Vendor that will be Meeting with Board of Education Members Outside of Public View

MABE is the Maryland Association of Boards of Education.  It is a private club that taxpayers fund. Each Board of Education in the State of Maryland belongs to MABE with the notable exception of the Maryland State Board of Education who dropped out of the club in 2012.

In recent years MABE has been "partnering" with companies that have things to "sell" to Boards of Education.

  

Each year MABE holds a conference in Ocean City and on top of the dues above, tax payers fund the OC Party! 

While at the conference MABE "partners" have unrestricted access to Board of Education members. Parents? You aren't there and don't have a voice in these procurement discussions.  

Today, MABE added another vendor to their list.  Take a look at what this vendor sells because there is a possibility that your Board of Education will be bringing this product to your local school system soon.  

Welcome to MABE's newest affiliate member, @PanoramaEd! pic.twitter.com/paromkAhpr

— MD School Boards (@MABE_News) July 18, 2018

MABE's other sponsors:

MABE Partner Milestone Communications has Contract Thrown Out in Virginia

Remember that in Maryland hundreds of thousands of education dollars a year go to pay the dues of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education (MABE).  MABE partners with no bid vendors like Milestone Communications and provides those vendors exclusive access to Board of Education members at meetings and at their annual event in Ocean City, MD. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

...The contract refers to the School Board as “Owner” of the public school property being offered as potential tower sites, as the Board is empowered to enter into contracts involving school land. However, the agreement was signed by Dean Tisdadt, former Chief Operating Officer of the school division who retired in June, instead of by a representative of the School Board. Though Tisdadt often signed contractual documents in the course of county business, in this case he had not been authorized to do so by the School Board in a formal vote, and thus was not a valid signatory on the contract...

...Since the agreement did not go before the School Board for approval, most Board members were not aware of the agreement’s existence even as they deliberated over the proposed cell towers at Albemarle High School and Western Albemarle High School over the last two years. “I certainly did not know of any marketing agreement with Milestone,” said School Board member David Oberg, who represents the White Hall district. As the Board has already approved the proposed WAHS cell tower, that plan will continue on to the Board of Supervisors for consideration this fall...

...In addition, a confidentiality clause in the agreement barring disclosure of its terms and conditions to any third parties meant that local school officials, parents, and owners of neighboring property had little chance of learning about its existence. Indeed, even Charlottesville attorney Lori Schweller, tasked with representing Milestone at the Crozet Community Advisory Committee public meeting about the WAHS tower, was unaware of the agreement.

The proposed WAHS tower site was approved by the School Board last year, though it was not recommended for approval by the Planning Commission at its June 26 meeting, due to zoning ordinance violations and in deference to the county’s Architectural Review Board, which also did not recommend approval. The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing and discussion of requested special use permits related to the project at its meeting September 12.

https://www.crozetgazette.com/2018/07/14/soft-cell-wireless-tower-agreement-dissolves-under-scrutiny/

Majority of Hagerstown City Council members support joining cell tower appeal

A majority of the Hagerstown City Council has decided to join an appeal of a Hagerstown Board of Zoning Appeals Northdecision that allows for a 115-foot "stealth" cellular tower at North Hagerstown High School.

The council previously considered appealing a decision of the controversial tower, which opponents fear could cause possible health hazards and be a blight to the neighborhood.

But council members decided in April that it would be best for anyone opposing the cell tower being planned by Milstone Communications to appeal the zoning board decision.

After that discussion, Matthew Moser, a systems technician with Washington County Public Schools, filed a petition in Washington County Circuit Court seeking a judicial review of the zoning board's decision...

https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/majority-of-hagerstown-city-council-members-support-joining-cell-tower/article_bacd0e1a-691f-11e8-98a6-aff126ad3bbd.html

"We may need a cell tower in the North End of Hagerstown, but I don't think we need it on North Hagerstown High School property," #Milestone @MABE_News

After months of debate, the Washington County Board of Education on Tuesday voted 4-3 to allow a telecommunications tower to be built on the North Hagerstown High School campus.

Board members Wayne Ridenour, Jacqueline Fischer, Michael Guessford and Pieter Bickford voted in favor of a motion to finalize a contract with Milestone Communications, which has proposed a 115-foot cell tower at North Hagerstown High School in what's been described as a traditionally underserved part of the city.

"We have these devices; they're part of our lives," Ridenour said, referring to the need for more cellular service. "We need them. They're important for safety."

But opponents have argued that the potential health risks to nearby students and the surrounding residential neighborhood outweigh the money the school board stands to gain through a ground lease.

"This is a travesty," Marsha Fuller, a city resident who opposes the project, said following the decision.

Board President Melissa Williams, along with Vice President Stan Stouffer and board member Linda Murray, voted against the motion. They sided with four speakers who opposed the project during the BOE's public comment period before the vote.

Williams said it was "regrettable" that the BOE was forced to consider permitting a cell tower on a school campus as a potential revenue generator to support the school system...

https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/boe-votes---to-approve-controversial-cell-tower-at/article_e2a14596-4d9a-11e8-8bad-23113743321b.html

#Breaking: Prince George’s County School’s CEO Kevin Maxwell tells News4 he is preparing to leave the school system at the end of the school year. In our exclusive interview, he calls it a “transition.” Our story at 4, 5 and 6.

#Breaking: Prince George’s County School’s CEO Kevin Maxwell tells News4 he is preparing to leave the school system at the end of the school year. In our exclusive interview, he calls it a “transition.” Our story at 4, 5 and 6. pic.twitter.com/jRLwXuKdh3

— Tracee Wilkins (@TraceeWilkins) May 1, 2018

Anne Arundel Administrator Blocks Parents from PTO Meetings To Talk about Cell Tower Proposal at Elementary School #freespeech #ACLU

From: "Bibeault, Raymond E" <RBIBEAULT@AACPS.org>
Date: October 1, 2017 at 7:40:22 PM EDT
To: Parent
Cc: "Casey, Geoffrey R" <GRCASEY@AACPS.org>
Subject: RE: Cell Tower at Shady Side Elementary School

Dear Ms. M

Both the PTO and the school administration are not in positions to change the course of the proposed cell tower.  The BOE made a decision to allow the company to work with AACO officials in zoning, permits, etc. to weigh in on the construction.  This is where your concerns and those of others on either side can express their opinions.  The school must stay out of this as it is an agent of the BOE and represents the interest of the community; those who want the tower and those who do not.

The PTO meeting is not the avenue to express concerns, it is now with county officials.  Those wishing to come to a PTO meeting to discuss the cell tower from either side of the argument will not be given an audience for this. 

The willingness of community members to volunteer and support the school should not obligate Mr. Casey or the PTO to entertaining the continued distractions of the cell tower debate.  I appreciate the emotionality of this issue but I will continue to support the school’s decision to not enter into this discussion and to remove those from the school who choose to try to change the conversation at PTO or other meetings away from issue controlled by the school.

Thank you for your email and understanding.

Raymond E. Bibeault

Regional Assistant Superintendent

Meade/Southern Clusters

For additional information on this incident:
 http://nocelltoweratpgcpsschools.blogspot.com/2017/10/elementary-school-parent-blocked-from.html

Breaking News: Playgrounds Saved for Students! PGCPS and Milestone Communications End Deal for Future Cell Towers

PGCPS and Milestone Communications End Deal for Future Cell Towers

| Comunicado del director ejecutivo, el Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, con respecto a las torres de telefonía celular en propiedades de PGCPS

Prince George's County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 08/29/2017 04:02 PM EDT

PGCPS AND MILESTONE PGCPS END DEAL TO CONSTRUCT FUTURE CELL PHONE TOWERS

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for students and staff. To this end, we have terminated an agreement with Milestone Communications to place future cell phone towers on school system properties.

We heard your concerns about the potential impact of cell phone towers on student health, questions about the site selection process, opportunities for community engagement and other issues. Therefore, we believe this decision is in the best interest of our schools, students and families.

Milestone Communications, a Virginia-based firm, will continue to manage existing tower locations at seven sites. PGCPS has not made a decision regarding future agreements with telecommunications providers.

We appreciate your continued input and support in ensuring healthy learning environments for all students.

Sincerely,

Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell

Chief Executive Officer

COMUNICADO DEL DIRECTOR EJECUTIVO, EL DR. KEVIN M. MAXWELL, CON RESPECTO A LAS TORRES DE TELEFONIA CELULAR EN PROPIEDADES DE PGCPS

Estimados padres y tutores:

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Prince George (PGCPS) están comprometidas a proporcionar un ambiente de apoyo y seguro para los estudiantes y el personal escolar. Con ese fin, hemos pactado un acuerdo con Milestone Communications para la futura colocación de torres de telefonía celular en propiedades del sistema escolar.

Hemos escuchado sus inquietudes sobre el posible impacto de las torres de telefonía celular en la salud de los estudiantes; las interrogantes sobre el proceso de selección del lugar; las oportunidades para la participación comunitaria y otros temas. Por lo tanto, creemos que esta decisión vela por el beneficio de nuestras escuelas, estudiantes y familias.

Milestone Communications, una firma con sede en Virginia, continuará manejando las torres existentes en siete ubicaciones. PGCPS no ha tomado una decisión en relación a futuros acuerdos con los proveedores de telecomunicaciones.

Apreciamos su apoyo continuo y sus comentarios para garantizar que existan entornos de aprendizaje sanos para todos los estudiantes.

Atentamente,

Dr. Kevin Maxwell

Director ejecutivo

http://content-dc3.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/PGCPS-1b3e0b5

Perhaps the school system should at least consider redoing its deal with Milestone to rule out towers at elementary schools...

Sometimes, even when you have the data on your side, it’s prudent to bow to your neighbors’ concerns, just because they are your neighbors and you need their cooperation for other things.

That’s a point for Anne Arundel County’s school board to ponder as it considers an application by Verizon Wireless and Milestone Communications, a Virginia-based wireless tower developer, to put a 114-foot cellphone tower in the woods behind Shady Side Elementary School.

That plan, as reflected at a hearing last week, has run into heated opposition from the school community, as did Milestone’s ultimately abandoned effort to put a 99-foot tower at Piney Orchard Elementary School four years ago...

http://www.capitalgazette.com/opinion/ac-ce-our-say-20170827-story.html

"Part of the reason we moved here was to get away from the pollution of the big city, including all the cell towers and antennas,"

http://foxbaltimore.com/news/local/anne-arundel-parents-fight-proposed-cell-phone-tower-across-from-elementary-school

Cell Tower President Says Son Had Leukemia in 3rd Grade at School with Cell Tower

Minute 1:00 of this video.  The speaker is Len Forkas, the president of Milestone Communications.  Milestone Communications builds cell towers on public school land.

Health and safety concerns raised at Shady Side cell tower meeting

Capital Gazette: 

At a tense meeting Wednesday night, officials who have proposed placing a cellphone tower on the property of Shady Shade Elementary School were met with opposition from neighboring residents worried about the health and safety of children attending the school.

Verizon Wireless and Milestone Communications want to place a 114-foot monopole in the woods behind the school, which they say is needed to improve cellphone reception in the area. Inside Shady Side Community Center on Wednesday, where the meeting was held at 7 p.m., Verizon had a weak 4G signal.

The placement would be part of an agreement that Milestone made with Anne Arundel County Public Schools in 2012, which it renewed this summer, allowing the company to lease portions of school system properties to build telecommunications monopoles.

In addition to health and safety concerns about the radiofrequency radiation emitted from the tower, people at the meeting raised concerns about the transparency in the process and who would have access to the site...

http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/schools/ph-ac-cn-cell-tower-0810-20170809-story.html

WUSA9: Cell Towers Could Be Built at Dozens of PG County Public Schools

USA9 Reports on the Milestone Communications Cell Tower Deal: Cell towers could be built at dozens of Prince George's Co. schools

GREENBELT, MD (WUSA9) - A cell phone tower developer is backing away from a proposal to put a tower at Greenbelt’s Eleanor Roosevelt High School. The decision comes as scrutiny is mounting over the company’s confidential lease with the Board of Education that allows tower development at 73 of the county’s 208 schools.

Milestone Communications has told Prince George’s County Public School’s CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell that it will withdraw its application to put a tower at Eleanor Roosevelt H.S. Maxwell criticized the company saying it has “not met our desired standards for transparency, communication and community engagement." Maxwell made his comments in a letter to Board of Education member Lupi Quinteros-Grady, who opposed tower development at Roosevelt.

Even so, the school system in 2016 renewed a lease with Milestone that gives the company rights to develop as many as two towers at dozens of county schools. At least six schools are already cell tower sites. 

Watch the full report here http://www.wusa9.com/news/local/greenbelt/cell-towers-could-be-built-at-dozens-of-prince-georges-co-schools/438970099

PGCPS Superintendent Kevin Maxwell Writes Letter About Milestone's "less than desired standards of transparency" #celltower

From Superintendent Kevin Maxwell's letter to Milestone Communications:

"I concur with you that Milestone Communications has not met our desired standards of transparency, communication and community engagement. Your displeasure with their process, which we share with you, has been clearly communicated to Milestone Communications.
In response, we have been notified by Milestone Communications of its decision to withdraw their application for the proposed telecommunication facility (cell tower) at Eleanor Roosevelt High School.
I greatly appreciate your continued advocacy for our students, our schools, and your constituents." 
   

Cell Towers Do Not Belong At My Child's School : PGCPS CEO Dr. Maxwell Writes Letter About Mileston...: Prince George's County CEO  Dr. Maxwell writes letter stating that: " I concur with you that Milestone Communications has not ...

City of Greenbelt Calls for Immediate Reconsideration of Cell Tower Proposal for High School

Cell Towers Do Not Belong At My Child's School : City of Greenbelt's Letter sent to Milestone Commu...: Read the City of Greenbelt's Letter sent to Milestone Communications today.

NBC4 reports on Parents Speaking Out on Cell Tower proposed for High School

Prince George's County parents speaking out at a meeting this week on Rushern Baker's no bid, no public input, no transparency or accountability cell tower deal with Milestone Communications. Milestone Communications is one of the sponsors of all of the Board of Education vacations to Ocean City every year and gave $5,000 to a ballot initiative of Rushern Baker's.

The Ocean City vacations for board members are arranged through MABE the board of education club run by Frances Glendenning. Milestone Communications is a no bid sponsor of the MABE organization and gets to advertise and have meetings with board members out of public view. (Insert music to "It's a Small World").

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Community-Meeting-About-Cell-Phone-Towers-Gets-Heated-In-Prince-George_s-County_Washington-DC-420434853.html

Parents Fight Plans for Cell Tower at Virginia Elementary School