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Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
January 24th, 2002
Board President Mary Sue Welch called the meeting to order at 10:05 am in the Superintendent's Conference Room. The following board members were present: Frankie Swift, Bruce Best, Barbara Cherry, Deborah Louder, Jesus Bautista, and Otilio Galindo. Zena Pearcy was absent.
The Board President acknowledged Dr. Hatlens return from his recent surgery and the Board was pleased to see him return to work.
Phil Hatlen, Debra Nesbitt, Cyral Miller, Judy Schauer, Lauren Newton, Barney Schulz, Susan Houghtling, and Charlotte Duke.
There were no public comments for this meeting.
The Board President stated recognition of Gloria Bennett for her work with 2001 State Legislature Bond – Proposition 8 by approving a resolution to honor her. Frankie Swift made a motion to accept the resolution, Jesus Bautista second the motion. It was unamious. Ms. Bennet was absent attending a workshop in Dallas. Ken Miller accepted the resolution in her absence. The resolution was in scroll form, tied with a red, white and blue ribbon with a metal showing a lantern of learning setting on two books. In addition, she will receive a plaque at the next meeting. In lieu of Ms. Bennetts absence, Dr. Phil Hatlen requests that she be present at the next Board Meeting in order to be introduced to Board Members that do not know her.
Ken Miller introduced Regina Remsperger, an intern from Germany. She is learning (from CSC) administrative procedures of the School (TSBVI). The Board welcomed her.
The Board President advised there was a problem with the dictating equipment not working properly (some notes did not transmit at all), from this meeting. Frankie Swift moved the minutes of the September 21, 2001 board meeting be approved. Barbara Cherry seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Barbara Cherry reviewed all policies and suggested one change. Policy BDA was revised to read that the paragraph “Organization” be left in the policy and not struck out. The “Selection Of Officers” paragraph is to be struck. There was no quorum on the Policy committee present, therefore the Full Board made the motion and decisions on the policies as described here within. Barbara Cherry recommended and made the motion to adopt, review, and amend the policies as presented. Jesus Bautista seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Dr. Hatlen informed the Board of two different format prints for the policies. Pages 19-77 of the Board agenda packet displays the standard format (heading on left margin, text on right); beginning on page 78 is a word format that is left hand justified (which simplified the production on the web/net page). Dr. Hatlen asked about the Board members preference for formatting. The Board president stated all material was sent via Internet and she had no difficulty with it. Jesus Bautista agreed. School attorney, Carol Vaughan, stated that she had a strong preference to maintain the same format that TASB has, but will respect the Boards decision. She stated that she knew how to convert to a one-column format and would like the opportunity to present the technology. Dr. Hatlen advised the Board that more information on the format would be presented at the next meeting.
Dr. Hatlen requested this item be omitted and postponed until the next meeting due to Debra Sewells involvement in the revision of the book.
The Board President requested that this topic be postponed until the full Board has had the opportunity to review resources, later today.
Debra Nesbitt, Human Resource Director stated that the appraisal form and information on performance measures was being sent to the Board to enable them to complete the Superintendent's performance appraisal. She further explained that Dr. Hatlen would complete the same form as a self-appraisal, and that she would compile the input from all Board members into a single summative document to be presented and discussed in executive session at the November meeting.
Jesus Bautista stated there were discrepancies and suggested the Finance & Audit Committee be responsible for the appraisal of the Internal Auditor. The Board President agreed and requested suggestions from other Board. Frankie Swift and Bruce Best agreed to review with other Board Members, so it can be presented at the next meeting in March.
Frankie Swift, Chairman of the Finance/Audit Committee, introduced Barney Schulz, Business Manager, to present the report to all members.
He explained the use of contingency funds (which had no report).
The investment report is a summary of the investments of the schools legacy funds (handouts were distributed). The school currently has a balance as of December 31, 2001 of $128,343 invested, earned interest income of $4,204, all monies are currently invested with the MBIA Service Corp. The average annual yield for the account as of December 31st is 3.13%. No action required as this is a report to the Board.
Barney Schulz stated that the policy CDA requires that the investment officer attend training sessions not less than once in a two year period that must be reported as part of the Board Meeting, not later that 180 days after the after the last day of the working session of the Legislature. This should have been done last July 2001 Board Meeting. He stated the total training hours received since September 1997 through February 2000.
Frankie Swift stated that the auditor reported she was aware of the deficiency of timeliness for training as required.
Handouts were given to each Board Member regarding the sale of each book during September 1 through November 27th. Videos were also listed. Year-to-date sales at November 27th were 1,232 publications for a total of $4,297. Dr. Hatlen pointed out that the one item that has brought in the most money rather than sold the most copies was the new book named, Elementary Concepts Complete Steps. It is selling very well at 79 for over $8,000 and is rising in popularity. Some Board members requested a copy and samples were furnished to them. The book on Braille reading has the first 16 modules sold. Frankie Swift proposed to review the sales report of costs and where the books were sold on an annual basis or every meeting. Frankie Swift suggested November to review an annual report. The Board President agreed.
Handouts were distributed. Barney Schulz reported that the bonds did pass and this school did receive almost $25m to be spread over three biennium. It will be used as follows: 1st biennium using $5m, 2nd biennium using $14m to renovate and build new dormitories, replace independent living homes and various improvements, and the 3rd biennium using approx. $5m. Currently, we have almost decided to go forward with replacing dormitories on campus vs. continuing with the renovation patterns we had on the East side of the campus. We renovated three major dormitories in the past. We are not suggesting tearing down those buildings but instead, building new dormitories in other locations. This provides the opportunity to utilize those buildings for other uses. We are still in the planning stages of this project. Dr. Hatlen stated that building 502 is Dorm B and building 503 is Dorm C. If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. The Board President inquired about the usage of one building requesting if it can be used for other purposes. Barney Schulz gave an example of Dorm B, which is currently being utilized for Administrative offices. The Business Office is located upstairs, Center for School Resource (Ken Miller), central records, etc., is downstairs. That building is in desperate need of major renovations. The carpet needs replaced, floor has holes and needs replaced, it has a wood based floor that has become spongy over time where you fall into holes and needs replaced. We may be able to be creatively come up with some ideas and use these buildings (after renovation) for non-residential type purposes. Jesus Bautista asked if the buildings have been condemned and Barney Schulz answered, “No”.
We provided the Legislative proposals on how we would utilize funds that included the renovation of building 500 (School Administration Building), and provide money for building 515 (Recreation Building). A cornerstone of this project would be the continuation of replacing eight independent living homes (modular type housing located here approx 20 years). We will replace these with more permanent type structures, similar to those we are using now with the post-secondary building. Frankie Swift asked if we received money for the repairs. Dr. Hatlen stated, “No, we did not”. Barney Schulz stated that the post-secondary building is rapidly approaching completion hopefully in late March or early April. All Board members were invited to inspect the new building, if weather permits and time allows. The Board President requested a tour for all the Board during the March 26, 2002 meeting. The building should be completed by that time and is located on the North side of the campus on the North East corner next to the Community Gardens area, (next to the Department of Health). Access to this building is on a side street called Grover Street. The Board President wanted to know if the Board would be made aware of the plans and construction of the new dorms. Barney Schulz assured the Board they would be made aware of all new construction plans. Jesus Bautista asked if it cost more to demolish it or remodel? Barney Schulz stated that what was found during the remodeling the dorms, is that we could have built a new building for about the same price excluding the demolition costs. Right now we are able to break even, by being able to build a new building in a location other than its current location. The main Administration building is now being discuss as to what we are going to do with the building, does it have other uses, etc., and where will we locate the new Administration Building. One decision made, reflected the elementary building. It was felt that the current location was suitable for its needs and would not be relocated. The Board President suggested building an office type building instead of a school building. She does not like the idea that the students are separated from the Administrative offices and feel they need to be together. The Board President stated that the Superintendents office and Principals office, etc., needed to be where the kids are. Barney Schulz stated that there has been discussion to relocate the Human Resource Office and possibly the LRC. There are many choices. Dr. Hatlen stated the funds appropriated for 2002-2003 must be encumbered by one year from August, therefore we do not have a lot of time to prepare for this. Some considerations for this building will be replacement of the boiler at $80,000, lighting at $40,000, other improvements at $35,000, etc.. The question is whether we should invest the money for renovation and then a few years later rebuild. Mary Sue Welch liked the idea of having the LRC at a different location because it makes it special fun to go to the library. Barney Schulz stated that idea would certainly free up space in this building for classrooms. He further explained funding and usage of funds as received (ie: requirements, bonded, Historically Underutilized Businesses.).
An Audit Report was distributed. Judy Schauer, Internal Auditor provided the Board with a copy of the Audit Report with November information which was the FY 2001 Internal Audit Annual Report which is required by and provided to the State Auditors Office, LBB and Governors Office of Budgeting and Planning. The two audits performed last year gave her the opportunity to provide staff on implementation of recommendations. The Facilities Maintenance Audit resulted in recommendations that focused on improving management of the maintenance function through the use of software that the department had already purchased. There were delays in getting the automated system installed and the Manager advised the system is expected to be running by the end of May 2002. After the end of May, Ms. Schauer will follow up and report the status of this recommendation. Performance measures were discussed. The Attendance Recording Audit was also completed. Miles Fain has completed most of the recommendations as the audit was in process. Additional automation of the recording process is set for completion at the end of May. An audit of FY Audit Compliant with Public Funds Investment Act was not completed in a timely fashion and no report is prepared. A meeting of Tech Services and Dr. Hatlen for informational technology compliance and structure will take place next week and a report will be prepared. Three University grad students assisted with payroll and timekeeping procedures by documenting procedures, creating a flow chart, identifying control points and weaknesses. Malcolm Cleveland and Ms. Schauer will use the results to make improvements.
The Board recessed for lunch from 11:20am – 12:30pm. The Board reconvened and immediately went into closed session at 12:30pm.
The Board reconvened in open session at 1:30pm. The Superintendents Appraisal process was discussed during the closed session meeting. Redesigning the process was discussed and if changes are needed it will be an equitable evaluation for the position. Dr. Hatlen stated he agreed the present appraisal form makes it very difficult for new Board Members to respond. He added that he was very pleased with his appraisal and was conscience there are areas of the appraisal that the Board knows very little and it needs to be an instrument with which the Board is very comfortable.
Barney Schulz announced the weekend was going to be used for planning. We will get directions from the Legislative Budget Board requesting our appropriations request. The Board will be informed of various stages and decisions made with the final approval of the Board being requested in July. As the process begins, we request the Boards direction/suggestion to the school for the development of the budget. Where do you want us to focus our direction? Without direction, we ask staff for ideas on new programs for development, and then ask for funding for those exceptional items. It would be helpful to draft a request from the Board for instruction. Frankie Swift is requesting that short-term programs and secondary would need additional funding. The Board President stated that the school should move forward as was done in the past, determining exceptional items. Frankie Swift requests an overlay, side by side that reveals what needs to be approved vs. bond issues were both could be viewed. Phil Hatlen stated that this would be a significant item in the March agenda.
Barney Schulz reviewed a proposed resolution for the Board that states that review of the Schools investment policies and strategies has been done as required by the Public Funds Investment Act. Debra Louder made a motion to pass the resolution. The motion to pass was unanimous. The resolution is required to be signed by the Board Chairman and Board Secretary.
Susan Houghtling explained to the Board that the School receives an annual report from TASB that states the hours of continuing education that each Board Member has received. TASBs most recent report covers the months of January 2001 through November 2001 and states that no Board members received any training even though se4veral Board members attended the September TASB conference. Otilio Galindo, Jesus Bautista and Frankie Swift attended the conference and agreed the training was useful, interesting and very informative. Additional needed training was discussed. The Board President suggested a two-day meeting that included team building and other training that would take place at the meeting in August. There was additional discussion by Frankie Swift and Phil Hatlen, that if the entire Board was not present for the team building training, credit would not be given to all members that attend.
Dr. Hatlen asked Debra Sewell to review the new curriculum in print (calendar and binders). The Elementary Concepts Curriculum was explained (language arts, math, cooking, story time, art), and she advised that students were currently in the process of shrink-wrapping them for sale. A copy of the calendar book was displayed and it was stated that it is available on disk and printed copy. The cost of the total kit of fourteen units is $105.00. Each unit is $7.50. Complete sets were prepared for those Board Members that requested to take a copy with them. Other Board Members will be mailed copies and sent disks.
Dr. Lauren Newton reviewed the application process. In past years, applications were mailed out, but now they are on our Web site for convenience. We will send an application to anyone who requests one, (also available are Spanish versions). The Spanish version is not on the Web. The goal is to have everything on the Web, but it has not quite been accomplished. The deadline for receipt of applications is February 15, 2002. In the first week after applications were placed on the Web, there had 650 down loads for the information.
Dr. Newton next provided a brief inservice on the SWEAT (Summer Work Experience in Austin, Texas) Program to the Board.
October 2001, American Printing House for the Blind for Trustees
Council of School for the Blind
American Foundation for the Blind in New York in October 2001
November 18th, 2001, 70th Year Anniversary of TCB, & Criss Cole Rehab on
November 15, 2001, National Association of State Agencies for the Blind in San Antonio
November 16th, 2001 – Austin Heart Hospital for surgery
2001 Yearly report states there were 1,372,387 views to our Web site. 796,946 visits during the year of 2001 clearly show what an effective Web site can do. Average visits per day to the Web site, was 2,000 at 7 minutes each. Braille download was 8,126.
The total enrollment for students is 144. There are 26 elementary students, 32 middle school students and 86 high school students.
Gifts or donations of $500.00 or more include a donation from Lillian Slemp for $2,000.00, and a $7,000 donation from an estate unknown to us.
Austin Black Hawks use the weight room and track.
Dr. Hatlen had two announcements:
Dr Hatlen stated that notice was served on Magic Years Day Care Center to vacate the property they currently house on campus, by the end of May 2002.
DEC Monitoring: Ken Miller advised the monitoring team will be here March 18th, 2002, to monitor for our effectiveness and how well we do our planning and involve staff and administration, community, family, etc., the whole planning process. They will review our compliance to make sure we are doing everything that is required under the current Federal laws that govern special education and other special programs. That week we are negotiating with them to do their “round table” and issue invitations to our Board for their attendance. During the exit interview (summary of findings) on Friday, they ask that administrative staff and a Board Member be present. Since the DEC Monitoring and the March Board Meeting dates conflict, a proposal for the next Board Meeting to be held on March 26th, 2002 was requested. The Board President requested volunteers for attendance on the 18th & 19th of March for the DEC Monitoring. Frankie Swift and Mary Sue Welch volunteered to attend these meetings.
Debra Louder made a motion to accept the gifts of $2,000 and $7,000 as described above. Frankie Swift seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous. Dr. Hatlen reviewed suggestions and requested permission to use funds. Barney Schulz advised that the following amounts were received for a memorial, $50.00, $101.00, $75.00, $2,000 and $7,000. Dr. Hatlen stated that furniture is a priority for our classrooms and dorm rooms, as is funding for the parent weekend. Miles Fain advised the parent weekend consisted of costs for travel, food, and lodging. There is $2,800 budgeted for the parent weekend expenses, and an additional $2,000 is needed for costs. Dr. Hatlen requested Board permission to use these funds for costs incurred as stated. Jesus Bautista made a motion to give permission to Dr. Hatlen per his request. Frankie Swift seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Miles Fain stated there were two 11th grade students who took the exit TAAS and neither passed, two 12th grade students who took the math TAAS and neither passed, and three 12th grade student who took the reading portion and two passed. We will continue to work with those students to assist them to accomplish their goals. Jesus Bautista asked if the 12th graders would become exempt before graduation and Miles Fain stated, “Yes, that is still to be determined by their ARD committees”. Miles Fain added that at the 11th grade level, there was one braille student and one large print, and at the 12th grade level there was one braille student and one large print. Dr. Hatlen stated (just as a reminder), the math portion of the test is definitely the most difficult for blind and visually impaired students. The braille portion of the test has format issues and typographic issues that make it almost impossible for a blind student to pass it
Guy Groomer furnished a report showing a cumulative report of student injuries of 2000-2001 including the summer term. There were 172 students and in the summer term there were 281 students. The charts are divided by month, regular term and summer term in order to compare the figures. The grand total is located at the bottom. Term 97-98, there were 276 student injuries, 98-99 there were 242 student injuries, 99-2000 there were 252 student injuries and the this past year there were 305 student injuries. The summer term in 97-98 there were 74 student injuries, in 99-99 there were 56 student injuries, in 99-2000 there were 71 student injuries and this past year there were 68 student injuries. The grand total for those years are; 97-98 was 350, 98-99 was 298, 99-2000 was 317, and this past year it was 373. The injury numbers are up. Guy Groomer supplied graphs to indicate the locations of the injuries, cause of the injury and the nature of the injury. Dr. Hatlen explained that if a student is sent to the Health Center, it is reported on an injury report. Guy Groomer stated that according to his survey, most injuries happen in the Dorm areas and biting each other was the most reported incident. Bruce Best asked if any injuries have resulted in hospitalization. Ken Miller stated yes, there has been cases of EMS transport kids for sprains and one fell and hurt their jaw. Toby Galindo ask if the falls were a result of lack of supports, railings, buildings, objects in their way, lack of ramps, or guardrails? Guy Groomer said that unleveled grounds have been repaired. There were two students that had an abnormal amount of injuries that accounted for 79% of all injuries. Guy Groomer stated that the “nature” and “other” category should be changed to be more specific and additional training on completing the reports should be accomplished. Guy received appreciation comments for the work that he has accomplished, from Ken Miller, Susan Houghtling and Phil Hatlen. Dr. Hatlen requested information about the injury and time of day the injury occurred. He thought that may be relational and may tell us something about that particular student difficulties. Secondly, I would like to see the “collisions with stationary objects” and take it to O&M instructors and have them to analyze them in order to see what they may not be teaching the students.
Dr. Hatlen reported that he just received a note from Lori that indicated that all Fire Alarm Panels have been cleared of their troubles and the entire system is up and running at normal. Guy Groomer stated that he heard that information about 20 minutes prior and was very happy.
Miles Fain spoke about the DEC Monitoring focus and preparing the campus for their visit. In addition, we are preparing for our “Parent Weekend” events. An open invitation was extended to all to enjoy all events and activities. Miles Fain further explained the school had students who are not yet in a job as yet, but are in a career of readiness class learning about different possibilities for their future. We have students at the Texas State Library talking books program, interns with Teresa Wiggins at the Switchboard here at TSBVI, an organization in town called “Tree Folks” that store trees and plants near the vocational building and have students that work with them learning about tree care and landscaping, we have one student at Melodys Snacks and More, which is a BEP stand (one that has gone through the TCB program and started their own business), at the Department of Health mail room, Texas General Land Office, Seaton Hospital, Hobby Lobby, Fresh Class Grocery Story, LaQuinta Inns, TSBVI Tech Services, students active with the shrink wrap of the curriculum books, Austin Public Library Warehouse, Upper Crust Bakery, Toms Tabuli, Capitol Area Food Bank, TSBVI Braille Productions, Rosedale School, Krump Plumbing Supply Company and on campus job training. TSBVI wrestlers, cheerleaders and fine arts students with coaches will leave today for a tournament with the South Central Association of Schools for the Blind conference event in New Mexico. They will participate with students from Louisiana, Alabama, New Mexico, Mississippis, and Oklahoma.
Dr. Hatlen suggested that the students that went to New Mexico be recognized and honored for their accomplishments by the Board. Miles Fain also reminded the Board about the annual student council luncheon in March.
Cyral Miller stated the Outreach Program received the personnel prep program funding through the Legislature, TEA and to then to us. We are flowing the money to Stephen F. Austin University and Texas Tech. We proposed to provide training to those recently certified VI and O&M Specialists. She spoke about some of the specialty trainers they are currently using. We will be able to pay transportation for our certified VI Teachers and O&M Specialists to Houston– they will be there for training by a woman from Canada who will be speaking about social skills. Then in June, we will have training by Texas Focus. The mentor program has 160 mentors working around the state, 4 state-wide mentors, 23 people on this campus who are participating in the mentor centers and we have 5 of those this year. We have 7 people in Austin ISD that come to the school and help participate in the mentor centers and help when people come to our school. We have a mentor training once a year with approx. 15-16 persons involved. The VI registration is done through contract by Region 11 from TEA. We are looking at alternate means to do training. We have an average of 5 sites that hook up to the Web for training. This way we can reach people all over. We will offer 1-2 hours training or select a videotape for the training. The See Hear Newsletter has 3,480 printed English copies, 126 printed Spanish copies, 52 large printed copies, 18 audiotapes, 14 Braille copies and 8 English discs and one Spanish disc copies and then of course it is on the Web. We sent 97 people notice that the new version is up on the Web, but that is a very low figure. The next edition goes to the printer tomorrow. Texas Focus is about independence and access to the curriculum on June 13 & 14 at the Renaissance Hotel in Houston.
Lauren Newton provided information on the short term and one week programs where students come for one week of intensive training. The addition that we made for next year is called individual IEP classes where 8 (by age groups) – students come. There are several choices but the most popular is technology. We have JAWS next week with 16 secondary kids enrolled. We want to add two functional academic classes and three enrichment weekends (one elementary, one secondary and one middle school).
Miles Fain stated there were no student expulsions and suspensions to report to the Board.
The Board President announced tonight from 5-7pm there would be a Happy Hour at the NorthPark Suite Hotel. At 7pm a video will be shown. TSBVI staff made an amateur video for Dr. Hatlen while he was recovering from heart surgery. Lunch on Friday will be at the Olive Garden on Burnett Road.
Dr. Hatlen reported there were two consultants contracts employed to deliver the workshop on tactical graphic.
Mary Sue Welch stated that she and Carol Vaughan spoke about Board training in the areas of Board etiquette and legal matters. Carol Vaughan suggested that the Board may want to train under the “Open Records Act”. She suggested training should be given by the Attorney Generals office in lieu of in-house training. Carol Vaughan will assist in the training, but feel one of their representatives would be favored. Training should be 1-1/2 hours maximum and should be before or after the normal meeting time.
The March meeting time was changed from the 22nd to the 26th and will be a one-day Board Meeting. Request for training to be scheduled on the 26th of March at 8:30am to 10am. Ken Miller and Carol Vaughan will set up the training agenda. There will also be a luncheon with the student council and a tour of the post secondary building. Committee meetings are to be performed on the evening of March 25th.
Dr. Hatlen announced that there would be a 20-minute video presentation for all new Board Members. It will be presented in the NorthPark Suite Hotel Presidential Room at 8:30am tomorrow. The subject is the Public Funds Investment Act. The May Board meeting will be held on the 29th, with graduation on the 30th of May.
The Board Officers now in place are: Mary Sue Welch, Board President; Frankie Swift, Vice-President, and Bruce Best, Board Secretary. The Board President gave the table to the Vice-President. The Vice-President then requested nominations for the position of Board President. Barbara Cherry made a motion to elect Mary Sue Welch as Board President. Bruce Best seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous. Mary Sue Welch accepted the position of Board President. The Board President requested nominations for Vice-President. Barbara Cherry made a motion to elect Frankie Swift as Vice-President. Debra Louder seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
The Board President requested nominations for Secretary. Debra Louder made a motion to elect Frankie Swift as Vice-President. Barbara Cherry seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
The Board President announced that Frankie Swift, Bruce Best and Toby Galindo are members of the Finance & Audit Committee; Barbara Cherry and Debra Louder are members of the Policy Committee; and Mary Sue Welch, Zena Pearcy, and Jesus Bautista are members of the Personnel Committee.
Jesus Bautista requested for the next Board Meeting, a discussion of the overall athletic and physical education program. Dr. Hatlen stated that if other Board Members were interested too, it would be feasible to have a report on mentoring or PE and Athletics. The Board President suggested to do the mentoring report in May and have the student athletes be recognized by the Board in March.
The Board President acknowledged appreciation to Charlotte Duke, for all her work in preparing the November Board Meeting and social activities (since canceled due to inclement weather).
The Board President complimented Dr. Hatlen for his return to work after his recent illness and added that he left very competent staff to perform in his absence and it did not go unnoticed. All was very appreciated. Dr. Hatlen agreed with her statement and he stated that he felt proud of the people who stepped forward to help. He expressed deep appreciation for the board and staff of TSBVI.
Board President, Mary Sue Welch adjourned the meeting at 4:27pm.
Mary Sue Welch
Board President
Bruce Best
Board Secretary
Charlotte Duke
Recording Secretary
Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
NorthPark Suite Hotel Presidents Conference Room
January 25th, 2002
Board President Mary Sue Welch called the meeting to order at 9:02 am in the President's Conference Room at the NorthPark Suite Hotel. The following board members were present: Mary Sue Welch, Frankie Swift, Bruce Best, Barbara Cherry, Deborah Louder, Jesus Bautista, and Otilio Galindo. Zena Pearcy was in attendance but was late due to transportation problems.
Ken Miller, Phil Hatlen, Cyral Miller, Judy Schauer, Lauren Newton, Barney Schulz, Susan Houghtling, Charlotte Duke, Jeri Cleveland, Teresa Cashmeri (parent), Miles Fain, Debra Sewell, Ramona Jones, Randy Stephenson and Jeri Cleveland. Cyral Miller arrived later in the meeting.
Board members and others in attendance reviewed the performance measure charts prepared by Susan Houghtling that included outcome measures from the Agency Strategic Plan and measures from this years School Improvement Plan.
TSBVI board members, administrators, and members of the Instructional Planning Council reviewed a list of critical issues facing TSBVI that were generated during a board retreat in November 1999. The board retreat participants then broke into three planning groups to identify those issues deemed critical in 1999 that were still critical in 2002.
1. Preparation for adult life
2. Matching student needs/services
3. High quality, diverse programs
4. Qualified personnel in service delivery options (TSBVI, LEAs, ESCs)
5. Data collection and analysis
1. Lack of leadership to pull all interested agencies together to assure the appropriate services for the student
- communication
- rapport/ease
1. Transition to adult life
2. Facilities
3. Consumer involvement
4. Efficient school-wide system
5. Family involvement
6. Personnel
- qualified
- quality
- blind & visually impaired
7. Training: pre-service & inservice
Board retreat participants reviewed a list of potential critical issues developed by Ken Miller and the Management Team. The group then developed additional critical issues facing the School in future years:
1. Resources for increasing demands for services (expansion of special programs, post-secondary, enrollment)
- Federal funds
- Private foundations
- Grants
2. Student data regarding learning
3. Quality/specific data
4. Expand short programs
5. Increasingly complicated student population
6. Family training
7. System for getting family input
8. Transition
- present and future of rehabilitation system – how to prepare parents and students
9. Staff development
- awareness of services
- having high expectations
- learn to be career development specialists (using knowledge and skills of blind/visually-impaired adults to guide this process.
10. More trust building with regular and special educators
- start with board member hometowns
- working with TEA
11. Post-Secondary
- staffing – immediate need
- expanding
12. Facilities
- consider alternative ways to deliver services
- planning facilities to meet future needs
- satellite special programs (multi-agency, collaborative)
13. Technology
- infrastructure
- expanding distance learning
Debra Louder made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Frankie Swift second. The motion to pass was unanimous and the meeting adorned at 3:25pm.
Mary Sue Welch
Board President
Bruce Best
Board Secretary
Charlotte Duke
Recording Secretary
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