Board of Trustees - Minutes
July 31, 2009 Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The first day of the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), was held in the Main Instructional Building located at 1100 West 45th Street, Austin, Texas on July 31, 2009.
Call to Order: Deborah Louder, Board President, called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. In addition to Ms. Louder, the following Board members were in attendance: Cynthia Finley, Michelle Goodwin, Bobby Druesedow, Gene Brooks, Joseph Muniz, and Mary K. Alexander. Caroline Daley and Michael Garrett were not in attendance.
Introduction of Audience: Others in attendance at the meeting included William Daugherty, Superintendent of TSBVI; Carol Vaughan, General Counsel; Charlotte Miller, Human Resources Director; Miles Fain, Principal of Comprehensive Programs; Barney Schulz, Director of Business, Operations and Technology; Susan Houghtling, Director of Planning and Evaluation; Kim Nagy, Assistant to the Superintendent; Julie Harker, Governor’s Office; and Jody Wright, Legislative Budget Board.
Public Comments/Open Forum: There were no public comments.
Consideration of Approval of Minutes of the June 3, 2009 Board Meeting: Michelle Goodwin moved that the minutes of the April Board meeting be accepted. Cynthia Finley seconded the motion, and the minutes were unanimously approved. Debbie Louder requested that items 3, 8, 10, 11, and 15 of the Board Directives be moved to the agenda for the September meeting.0
Consideration of Approval of Operating Budget and Personnel Budget for 2009-2010: Barney Schulz explained that there are three different documents comprising the Operating and Personnel budget: the Proposed Operating Budget, the Proposed Personnel Budget Detailed Listing, and the Explanation of Budget Changes. This allows you to view the same budget but at three different levels. Mr. Schulz then asked for questions regarding this year’s budget proposal from the board. Joseph Muniz questioned why the cost of utilities budgeted for remained the same from this year to next year. Mr. Schulz explained that although some utility costs have increased in the last year, such as the price of water, we currently have fewer buildings using water and no natatorium, which was leaking water fairly consistently, we did not need to increase any more than we already had because of rising fuel costs last year. Mary Alexander questioned whether Short-Term Programs residential staff would also benefit from the appropriated funds to residential staff, and Mr. Schulz stated that they would. Mrs. Alexander was pleased to see a salary increase for all residential staff, and added that she hoped it would have a positive impact on the professionalism of the employees. Mrs. Alexander questioned if the increase in the budget for Volunteer and Community Services would increase the outreach to families around the state about our services. Mr. Daugherty explained that those duties are mainly performed by our Outreach Director, Cyral Miller, and our Curriculum staff, Debra Sewell or Jerry Cleveland, and that the director of Volunteer and Community Services worked to establish relationships with entities in the Austin community. Mrs. Alexander was excited to see that funds had been allocated for the Goal Ball and Sports Extravaganza Program, and Mr. Schulz stated that was to ensure it was funded and not dependent on donations. Gene Brooks questioned how the allocated funds for technology and assistive technology were distributed. Miles Fain explained that there are two separate decision-making processes, one for administrative technology and assistive technology for staff, and another for assistive technology for students. Mike Wolszon works with the Management Team to distribute funds for staff technology, and Garner Vogt chairs the Instructional Technology Committee. Mr. Fain stated that no student is ever denied assistive technology that he/she needs. Barney Schulz said that there is a small budget item each year of about $3,000 for making reasonable technology accommodations for any staff member that may need it, which historically has been more than was needed in any given year. However, that is a budget item that could be increased, if the board decides to grant the Superintendent the power to transfer funds between line items.
The board recessed for a break at 10:49 am. Debbie Louder called the meeting back to order at 11:00 am.
Gene Brooks noted that transportation for Weekends Home is a separate line item than the Weekends Home Program. Mr. Schulz explained that the Weekends Home Program line item covers costs for the salaries of escorts and drivers, but not the transportation costs found in the separate line item. He also stated that there is an additional line item for Weekends Home transportation in the Legacy Budget. Fuel costs are captured in the line item just for fuel costs, which includes fuel for local travel and Weekends Home travel. Cindy Finley questioned if we could contract out for fuel, and Barney Schulz stated that it was more cost efficient to buy fuel as needed because of the distance to contract fuel facilities. Gene Brooks questioned what the Workers Compensation line item pays for. Mr. Schulz explained that as a state agency we pay a Workers Comp assessment to the State Office of Risk Management (SORM). SORM then pays the Workers Comp claims. Although our premium has not been officially set yet for this next fiscal year, the amount we have budgeted should be sufficient to cover that cost. Gene Brooks asked that a break down of Workers Comp costs for which SORM pays for our agency be reviewed at the next board meeting. Dr. Brooks questioned how many students were benefiting from after school music instruction, and Mr. Fain estimated that since an additional music teacher was hired this past spring, 20 students were able to take after school music lessons. It was noted that there are many activities to choose from during residential hours, and that more students can take advantage of the opportunity for music lessons if they so choose. Cynthia Finley questioned what the term “capitalized” means in the budget. Mr. Schulz explained that the State of Texas Property Accounting System uses this term if the line item is over $5,000 per unit. If the line item is under $5,000 per unit it is considered a controlled item. Cynthia Finley asked if the furniture expenditure for the new buildings is built into the construction budget, and Mr. Daugherty stated that it was. Since we are receiving this one-time amount from the state, we are trying to establish a functional furniture system that will serve us for many decades, since we probably won’t receive money for furniture again soon. Regarding stimulus money, the board questioned whether the $6,400 being used by Outreach fell within the “new position” guidelines. Mr. Schulz stated the question would need to be answered by Cyral Miller, since an existing part-time employee who is working additional days to accomplish a specific task is using the stimulus money. Mr. Schulz noted that the school’s budget has been a collaborative process that included department heads throughout the agency, so some questions would need to be answered by those decision makers. Mrs. Finley questioned what the job duties were of Region 11, and Ms. Louder said they were the lead agency for blind education for the state, providing specific training, materials, and leadership to the various service centers throughout the state. When they offer training to the state, TSBVI is included in that invitation. Mrs. Finley questioned if we utilized the Hadley School or online education services, and Mr. Fain stated that we mostly used the Hadley School for staff development, since our students utilize McCallum High School for courses. Mrs. Finley requested that Mr. Daugherty suggest the possibility of using the Hadley School for parent education to Cyral Miller. Michelle Goodwin thanked Mr. Schulz for including the classified staff salary schedule in the booklet this year. Debbie Louder questioned why the Theater Arts department had not received a significant increase in budget since they were so successful in the U.I.L. competition this past year. Mr. Schulz stated that it was because the department did not request an increase. Mr. Schulz explained that the board has two options to allocate more funds to the Theater Arts department: they may ask an amendment to the operating budget for the current fiscal year be placed on the agenda for the next board meeting or they may give the Superintendent the ability to increase funds by transferring funds between line items. Joseph Muniz stated that he would like to see a proposal from the Theater Arts Department explaining how extra funds would be utilized before considering an amendment to the budget. Ms. Louder requested that Mr. Daugherty and Mr. Fain ask Robert Pierson, head of the Theater Arts department, if he would like to request an increase to the extra funds allocated to the department and report back to the board at the next board meeting. Mary Alexander questioned if we have funds set aside to provide students who are transitioning back to their home school districts or graduating out of the school system with assistive technology. Mr. Schulz stated that we receive a grant from Region 11 that provides a small amount for our Outreach department to purchase technology and loan it to students in school districts around the state, but it does not provide for students leaving the education system. Mr. Schulz explained that as a state agency we have the constitutional responsibility that no public funds can be spent for a private purpose. The only way that we have been able to provide technology to students who are graduating is through the scholarship fund. Gene Brooks added that the Disabilities Studies program at the University of Texas has a program which loans equipment and assistive technology to young people and adults, and he noted that they have more funds than are currently being used. Bobby Druesedow made a motion to approve the operating and personnel budget for 2009-2010. Michelle Goodwin seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve.
Consideration of Approval of Request to Exceed FTE Cap: Mr. Daugherty stated that the school is requesting with approval from the board to exceed the FTE cap for the upcoming fiscal year by 7.5%. One component contributing to this request is the construction process, which will increase maintenance and custodial demands, as well as our direct care staff needs. More direct care staff is needed to keep students safe while navigating a constantly changing campus. Dr. Brooks questioned if the additional FTE positions were administrators, and it was explained that there were no administrator positions, but there are non-direct care positions included in the extension. Joseph Muniz made a motion to approve the request to exceed the FTE cap. Michelle Goodwin seconded the motion. The motion passed with one dissent.
The board recessed for lunch at 12:15 pm.
Debbie Louder called the meeting back to session at 1:23 p.m.
Consideration of Approval to Transfer Funds between Budget Codes: Joseph Muniz suggested that the board approve the ability of the Superintendent to transfer 12.5% of any given strategy to another strategy within both the general appropriation and the legacy fund, but asked the Program Committee to review the Legacy Fund over the next year in order to more accurately designate a transfer percentage in the future. Carol Vaughan suggested that she review the board policy regarding this matter to see if we might need to amend it, and that we look at approval for the legacy fund at the next board meeting. Mr. Muniz rescinded his initial suggestion and made a motion to approve the Superintendent’s ability to move up to 12.5% of any given strategy of the general appropriation excluding the Legacy Fund. Michelle Goodwin seconded the motion. Bill Daugherty informed the board that it was not necessary to approve this item at this meeting, and that the entire item could be tabled until the September board meeting. Joseph Muniz rescinded his motion and made a second motion to table this item until the September meeting. Mary Alexander seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve.
Consideration of Approval of New Contract Staff: Michelle Goodwin made a motion to approve the new contract staff Richard Lampert, Jennifer Cook, Eric Pearson, Leigha Inskeep, and Leah Perry. Bobby Druesedow seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve.
Discussion of Future Board Meeting Topics: Debbie Louder requested that the board participate in a Team Building session on September 24, 2009. She also requested that Carol Vaughan research the legality of whether the Superintendent may keep locked firearms at his residence on campus before the next board meeting. KC Dignan will report on the Minority Recruitment Conference to the Diversity Work Group at their September meeting. Cyral Miller will find out what is considered a passing grade on the Braille and VI teacher certification tests according to the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC). On the Program Committee agenda, Mary Alexander requested that Lauren Newton report on Short-Term and Summer Program structure (the process for determining which classes will be offered, what is the current time table for VI teachers to refer their students and the process for which this is determined). If it can be prepared by September, Mrs. Alexander would also like a summary report of summer surveys. Gene Brooks would like to know what types of workers comp claims are being paid by SORM (types of injuries and what strategies are being utilized to reduce these injuries). Ms. Louder asked that Carol Vaughan clarify the board policy on staff that are rehired after retiring. Mrs. Finley requested that Mr. Daugherty suggest the possibility of using the Hadley School for parent education to Cyral Miller. Debbie Louder requested an update on the construction process. Ms. Louder requested that Wells Fargo report on investments at both the Finance and Audit Committee meeting and the board meeting. Ms. Louder requested that Mr. Daugherty and Mr. Fain ask Robert Pierson, head of the Theater Arts department, if he would like to request an increase to the extra funds allocated to the department and report back to the board at the next board meeting.
Announcements: Michelle Goodwin noted that she and her son will be in Austin for a Taekwando competition for the physically disabled in December. Debbie Louder complimented Michael Neff and his staff on the wonderful food preparation at every board meeting and training.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
July 30, 2009 Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
The scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), was held in the Superintendent’s Conference Room, Building 500, located at 1100 West 45th Street, Austin, Texas on July 30, 2009.
Call to Order: Deborah Louder, Board President, called the meeting to order at 4:14 p.m. In addition to Ms. Louder, the following Board members were in attendance: Dr. Gene Brooks, Cynthia Finley, Bobby Druesedow, Mary K. Alexander, Michelle Goodwin, Joseph Muniz. Board Members Caroline Daley and Michael Garrett were unable to attend this meeting.
Introduction of Audience: Also in attendance at the meeting were William Daugherty, Superintendent of TSBVI, Miles Fain, Principal, Carol Vaughan, General Counsel, and Joe Thedford from ESC Region XIII.
Legislative Update Training: Joe Thedford provided training to the board on the 81st Legislative Session of 2009 and its impact on Texas Education Code.
The board recessed for a break at 5:35 pm. Debbie Louder called the meeting back to order at 5:46 pm.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
BOARD DIRECTIVES AND FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
- Debbie Louder requested that the board tour the new duplexes at the September meeting.
- The board will participate in a Team Building session on September 24, 2009.
- Debbie Louder requested that Carol Vaughan research the legality of whether the Superintendent may keep locked firearms at his residence on campus before the next board meeting.
- KC Dignan will report on the Minority Recruitment Conference to the Diversity Work Group at their September meeting.
- Cyral Miller will find out what is considered a passing grade on the Braille and VI teacher certification tests according to the State Board of Educator Certification (SBEC).
- On the Program Committee agenda, Mary Alexander requested that Lauren Newton report on Short-Term and Summer Program structure (the process for determining which classes will be offered, what is the current time table for VI teachers to refer their students and the process for which this is determined). If it can be prepared by September, Mrs. Alexander would also like a summary report of summer surveys.
- Gene Brooks would like to know what types of workers comp claims are being paid by SORM (types of injuries and what strategies are being utilized to reduce these injuries).
- Ms. Louder asked that Carol Vaughan clarify the board policy on staff that are rehired after retiring.
- Mrs. Finley requested that Mr. Daugherty suggest the possibility of using the Hadley School for parent education to Cyral Miller.
- Ms. Louder requested an update on the construction process.
- Ms. Louder requested that Wells Fargo report on investments at both the Finance and Audit Committee meeting and the board meeting.
- Ms. Louder requested that Mr. Daugherty and Mr. Fain ask Robert Pierson, head of the Theater Arts department, if he would like to request an increase to the extra funds allocated to the department and report back to the board at the next board meeting.
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Deborah Louder, Board President Date
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Caroline Daley, Board Secretary Date
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Kim Nagy, Recording Secretary Date
