Board of Trustees - Minutes
June 3, 2009 Minutes
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 June 3, 2009.
Call to Order: Deborah Louder, Board President, called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. In addition to Ms. Louder, the following Board members were in attendance: Gene Brooks, Caroline Daley, Michael Garrett, Cynthia Finley, Michelle Goodwin, Joseph Muniz, and Mary K. Alexander. Bobby Druesedow was not in attendance.
Introduction of Audience: Others in attendance at the meeting included William Daugherty, Superintendent of TSBVI; Carol Vaughan, General Counsel; John Daude, Director of Operations and Construction; Charlotte Miller, Human Resources Director, Cyral Miller, Director of Outreach; Miles Fain, Principal of Comprehensive Programs; Barney Schulz, Director of Business, Operations and Technology; Malcolm Cleveland, Chief Accountant; Lauren Newton, Principal of Special Programs; Susan Houghtling, Director of Planning and Evaluation; Kim Nagy, Assistant to the Superintendent; Mike Wolszon, Director of Information Resources; Robert Pierson, Teacher and Theater Director; Mary Faith Price, Orientation and Mobility Instructor; Laura Hospital, Teacher; Laila Mehrabian, Teaching Assistant; Linda Locke, Assistant Principal; Margot Marshall, Teacher; Karen O’Quinn, Teacher; Pat Stephenson, Assistant Principal; and several students.
Award of Certificates of Appreciation for TSBVI Retirees: Debbie Louder presented Karen O’Quinn, Elementary Teacher and Margot Marshall, Career Education Teacher with certificates of appreciation for their years of service at TSBVI.
Award of Certificate of Appreciation to Student Drama Performers: Debbie Louder awarded Robert Pierson, Director, and the cast of To Burn A Witch with a certificate of appreciation for all of their accomplishments during the U.I.L. One-Act Theater competition.
Comprehensive Programs Principal Miles Fain:
Report on Science Fair Projects: Laura Hospital, Science Teacher, explained the Science Fair projects and how involved and excited the students were about participating in these experiments. Patsy, a student, then presented her project on plants and water levels with the assistance of her interpreter, Laila Mehrabian.
Report on Graduation Activities: The board will host a Graduation Brunch for graduating seniors, their families, and their primary staff on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in Woodward Hall. Board members will need to arrive at 1:45 p.m. on June 4th to participate in the processional for Graduation Ceremony.
Report on Student Ski Trip: Mr. Fain referred the board to Athletics teacher Joe Paschall’s report on the Student Ski Trip in the board packet.
Public Comments/Open Forum: There were no public comments.
At 10:20 a.m., Ms. Louder announced that the board would now go into closed session in conformance with Texas Government Code Section 551.071 – Consultation with Attorney to review Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in its capacity as Trustee for the Bert Broday, Jr. Trust for the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired v. American National Bank in its corporate capacity and as Trustee for the Margaret H. Broday Trust.
Ms. Louder adjourned the closed session at 10:50 a.m.
Ms. Louder called an open session to order at 11:00 a.m.
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association in its capacity as Trustee for the Bert Broday, Jr. Trust for the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired v. American National Bank in its corporate capacity and as Trustee for the Margaret H. Broday Trust: Michael Garrett made a motion to approve the settlement. Michelle Goodwin seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve.
Consideration of Approval of Minutes of the April 3, 2009 Board Meeting: Joseph Muniz stated that Malcolm Cleveland’s name was listed twice as being present. Michelle Goodwin moved that the minutes of the April Board meeting be accepted with the proposed correction. Caroline Daley seconded the motion, and the minutes were unanimously approved.
Report from the Finance and Audit Committee:
Review of Budget Reports: Michelle Goodwin reported on the budget. Debbie Louder requested a copy of the budgets for the Personnel Prep Program and a copy of both Memorandums of Understanding from the universities.
Consideration of approval of Investment Report: Michelle Goodwin reported that even in the economic recession, we are still earning a decent amount of interest. She stated that total investments as of April 30, 2009 were $947,858.81. Since the recommendation for approval came from committee, no second was needed. The board voted unanimously to approve.
Approval of Receipt of Gifts and Donations of Over $500: Mrs. Goodwin reported that we received donations from Delta Gamma Foundation, Point Venture Lions Club, and Professional Contract Services, Inc (PCSI). PCSI requested that its donation be used for student technology. Debbie Louder questioned whether thank you notes had been written by students to PCSI for their previous donation, and Mr. Daugherty said he would find out. Since the recommendation for approval came from committee, no second was needed. The board voted unanimously to approve.
Approval of request for expenditure of gifts and donations: There has not been a request for expenditures of gifts at this time, so no motion was needed.
Consideration of Approval of Appraisers for the Teacher Appraisal Process: Bill Daugherty requested approval for the following individuals to serve as teacher appraisers or reserve appraisers during the 2009-2010 school year: Miles Fain, Lauren Newton, Cyral Miller, Susan Hauser, Linda Locke, and Pat Stephenson. Michelle Goodwin made a motion to accept the appraisers. Mary Alexander seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve.
Consideration of Approval of 2009-2010 Annual Improvement Plan: Mary K. Alexander noted that the document was impressive and very helpful. Debbie Louder noted that Region XIII will not be hosting the Student Leadership Summit (Action Plan #7), so it should no longer be a part of the action plan. Ms. Louder requested that, in Action Plan 11, Lauren Newton include only those activities that occur in the 2009-2010 school year. Joseph Muniz made a motion to approve the Annual Improvement Plan with corrections. Mary Alexander seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve.
Consideration of Approval of Campus Housing Agreement: Bill Daugherty reported that repair work is currently being done on the Superintendent’s Cottage, and asked that the board continue to set aside funds that can be used to restore and maintain this 1916 home in order to be able to use it as a public space in the future. Cindy Finley recommended that we include an inventory of the historic china and silverware in the agreement. The subject of whether the board will allow the superintendent to store historical firearms in a locked gun safe at the Superintendent’s Cottage was discussed. Debbie Louder requested that Carol Vaughan research the legality of the subject before the next board meeting. Mary Alexander moved to approve the agreement. Michelle Goodwin seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve.
Consideration of Approval of Dates for 2009-2010 Board Meetings and Discussion of Summer 2009 Board Meeting: Debbie Louder proposed that the board arrive on Thursday, July 30th for the Texas Education Code update training before the July 31st board meeting. Ms. Louder recommended starting the summer meeting at 9am with no Finance Committee meeting beforehand. She also recommended having a team building session on September 24th before the September 25th board meeting. Ms. Louder noted that the TASB Conference would be in Houston this year, on October 2nd and 3rd. Cindy Finley made a motion to approve the dates and suggestions. Gene Brooks seconded the motion. The board voted unanimously to approve.
The board recessed for lunch at 12:00 p.m. The board reconvened at 1:17 pm.
At 1:19 p.m., Ms. Louder announced that the board would now go into closed session in conformance with Texas Government Code Section 551.001 – Personnel Matters to consider the Superintendent’s Formative Appraisal.
Ms. Louder adjourned the closed session at 2:18 p.m.
Ms. Louder called an open session to order at 2:20 p.m.
Discussion of Accessibility Issues of TSBVI Staff: The Accessibility Assurance Users Group (AAUG) was recently formed by Jim Allan and includes Curriculum staff, teachers with varied visual impairments, residential staff who use assistive technology, Vicky Davidson, Technology Teacher, and anyone else who would like to join. The group focuses on the accessibility of forms used by staff, applications, phones, training, as well as brainstorming the problem of the non-standardization of assistive technology across our campus (styles, software updates, etc.). For all systems built here from the ground up, our Information Resources Department has considered accessibility a priority. PowerSchool and Case-E are the most accessible programs of their kind on the market, but they are not perfect. Jim Allan has been working on addressing the accessibility issues with regard to these two new systems. Mr. Allan has also placed a form on our website where anyone experiencing accessibility issues can voice them and choose to join the AAUG. Mr. Daugherty summarized that we are now approaching these problems of accessibility in a more organized and systematic manner, instead of the ad hoc manner employed previously. Debbie Louder requested that Jim Allan and Mike Wolszon return to report on progress of the Accessibility Usage Group at the November board meeting.
Consideration of Board Committees: Debbie Louder suggested that there be only two committees: the Program Committee and the Finance and Audit Committee. She then asked the members to choose which committee they would like to join. The board decided on the following committees: Program Committee with Cynthia Finley, Caroline Daley, Joseph Muniz and Mary Alexander; Finance and Audit Committee with Michael Garrett, Michelle Goodwin, Gene Brooks and Bobby Druesedow. Ms. Louder suggested that each committee choose a chairperson at their next committee meeting.
The board recessed for a break at 3:20 p.m.
Ms. Louder called the meeting back to order at 3:30 p.m.
Discussion on the Personnel Prep Program: Mr. Daugherty explained that the Personnel Prep Program is a three-pronged program. The two universities, Texas Tech and Stephen F. Austin State, run their respective teacher certification programs and Cyral Miller of our Outreach Department coordinates those students with master teachers across the state in our Mentor Program. We have received an additional $400,000 per year in funds from the legislature for the Personnel Prep program. Debbie Louder noted the way Texas Tech allows its students to choose the number of hours each takes per semester and questioned whether this was more costly than Stephen F. Austin State’s method of requiring a set number of hours per semester for all. Mr. Daugherty stated that he could find out if there is a difference in cost between the two universities, but noted that we are limited in our ability to effect change with either university’s practices. Joseph Muniz questioned how complete the training was, specifically regarding practicum. Ms. Miller stated that both programs include practicum in different ways, with over 200 hours of training before graduation, plus the mentorship program. She also noted that we have more VI teacher/Orientation and Mobility specialist training and more accessible training in Texas than anywhere else in the country. Mary Alexander stated that she would like all VI professionals to be trained in abacus skills. 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).
Report from Diversity Work Group: Bill Daugherty reported that the first meeting of this group occurred on May 12, 2009. It was an open conversation on the issue of staff diversity, looking at minority staff statistics. They identified two initial areas to pursue, the first being an internal search for interest in a teaching career among minority teaching assistants, working to ensure that they are well informed about the Personnel Prep Program. The second focus is to contact universities and encouraged them to advocate for careers in visual impairment education among their minority students. Gene Brooks noted that the group is off to a good start, and felt like the members seemed more comfortable with talking about race and minority issues. Mr. Daugherty stated that they would continue to meet once a month or once every six weeks. KC Dignan will attend a Minority Recruitment Conference in June and will report on that information to the Diversity Work Group at their September meeting. Ms. Dignan has trained volunteers to assist her in recruiting at job fairs, and this year they attended 20 different fairs across the state. Michael Garrett offered to help in the recruitment process in the Houston area.
Status Report on Action Plans in the 2008-2009 Annual Improvement Plan: Ms. Louder was impressed with the report, specifically that each plan indicated its progress. Bill Daugherty noted that the Action Plans are one of the stronger systematic processes here, and that quite a lot of effort goes into producing them.
Report on School Safety and Security Audit: Mr. Daugherty reported on the audit items noting that some audit recommendations were unnecessary and would therefore not be implemented. For example we do not need anti-intruder or motion detector alarms because we have 24-hour security staff and 24-hour direct care staff.
Short-term Programs Principal Lauren Newton:
Report on Short-Term Program Attendance: Lauren Newton noted some corrections in the attendance reports. Dr. Newton noted that Short-Term Programs lost a teacher at the end of the prior school year, which left the program understaffed for the entire 2008-2009 school year. Because of this, Dr. Newton reduced the amount of marketing she did for the programs, which she believes had a significant effect on attendance levels. Hurricane Ike in the fall and the Swine Flu situation this spring also affected attendance levels this year.
Report from the Superintendent: Mr. Daugherty referred the board to his full report in the board packet. The construction process, though extremely complicated, is going well and is mostly staying on schedule. John Daude reported that the new dormitories should be ready by July 15th, which gives them a month-long window between completion and student move-in. Debbie Louder requested that the board be able to tour the new dorms at the July board meeting. The new Outreach headquarters are extremely close to campus, and the IR department has just finished installing communication systems there. The board thanked Mr. Daude for his efforts managing this huge endeavor. Mr. Daugherty noted that visual impairment was a frequent subject on the agenda during this legislative session, and it was a favorable session for TSBVI. TSBVI Prom and the SCASB Track and Field and Fine Arts competition went very well and the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
Report of Consultants' Contracts Approved at the Administrative Level – Contracts Greater than $600 and Equal To or Less Than $10,000: TSBVI has hired a database specialist, Frank Hipchen, to help maintain the Teachers Solution database and migrate it over to PowerSchool; a graphic artist, Ashton Brown, to assist Outreach in branding their products; and Laura Otey to facilitate the Family Leadership Workshop for VI/DB families.
Discussion of Future Board Meeting Topics: The budget for the next biennium will be reviewed at the July board meeting. Training on Texas Education Code Update will occur on July 30,2009. The board will participate in a Team Building session on September 24, 2009. Debbie Louder requested a copy of the budgets for the Personnel Prep Program and a copy of both Memorandums of Understanding from the universities. Debbie Louder questioned whether thank you notes had been written by students to PCSI for their previous donation, and Mr. Daugherty said he would find out. Debbie Louder noted that Region XIII would not be hosting the Student Leadership Summit (Action Plan #7), so it should no longer be a part of the action plan. Ms. Louder requested that, in Action Plan 11, Lauren Newton include only those activities that occur in the 2009-2010 school year. Cindy Finley recommended that we include an inventory of the historic china and silverware in the Superintendent’s housing agreement. 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. Debbie Louder requested that Jim Allan and Mike Wolszon return to report on progress of the Accessibility Usage Group at the November board meeting. Ms. Louder suggested that each committee choose a chairperson at their next committee meeting. Debbie Louder requested that the board be able to tour the new dorms at the July board meeting. KC Dignan will attend a Minority Recruitment Conference in June and will report on that information 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). Mr. Daugherty stated that he could find out if there is a difference in cost between the two universities.
Announcements: Michelle Goodwin thanked everyone for their thoughts and prayers during her recent surgery.
Adjournment: The meeting was recessed at 5:02 p.m.
BOARD DIRECTIVES AND FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
The budget for the next biennium will be reviewed at the July board meeting.
- Training on Texas Education Code Update will occur on July 30,2009.
- The board will participate in a Team Building session on September 24, 2009.
- Debbie Louder requested a copy of the budgets for the Personnel Prep Program and a copy of both Memorandums of Understanding from the universities.
- Debbie Louder noted that Region XIII would not be hosting the Student Leadership Summit (Action Plan #7), so it should no longer be a part of the action plan.
- Ms. Louder requested that, in Action Plan 11, Lauren Newton change the wording to “new teacher starts in August 2009” for clarification.
- Cindy Finley recommended that we include an inventory of the historic china and silverware in the Superintendent’s housing agreement.
- 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.
- Debbie Louder requested that the board be able to tour the new dorms at the July board meeting.
- KC Dignan will attend a Minority Recruitment Conference in June and will report on that information 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).
- Debbie Louder suggested the committees choose their chairperson at the next committee meeting.
- Bill Daugherty will find out if there is a difference in cost between the two universities of the Personnel Prep Program.
- Bill Daugherty will find out if TSBVI students wrote thank you letters to PCSI for its generous donation and support.
- Mr. Tawil will return for the September meeting for his next report.
- A report from the AAUG on accessibility issues for staff will occur at the November 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
