| Home | Site
TOC | Site Search |
Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
March 26, 2002
8:30-10:00 am
Joe Thrash, Robert Seibert from Admin Law Division of Attorney General’s Office and Katie Johnsonius, Liaison for the Admin Law Division of Attorney General’s Office.
Debra Nesbitt, Carol Vaughan, Malcolm Cleveland, Barney Schulz, Cyral Miller, Judy Schauer, Lauren Newton, Ken Miller, Susan Houghtling, Charlotte Duke, Mary Sue Welch, Jesus Bautista, Frankie Swift, Debbie Louder and Phil Hatlen.
At 8:37am, Mary Sue Welch introduced Carol Vaughan to introduce speakers for the training session. All speakers/trainers were welcomed. Robert Seibert began the presentation on the Open Meetings Act. Joe Trash added comments concerning basic information regarding 550.110.2 Government Codes for rules and regulations of all Board Meetings. Various guidelines for reporting requirements, location, utilizing equipment and violations were discussed. The Web site for questions is located: www.oag.state.tx.us .
Training session ended at 10:20am.
Meeting of the Board of Trustees
Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
March 26, 2002
Board President Mary Sue Welch called the meeting to order at 10:32 am in the Superintendent's Conference Room. The following board members were present: Frankie Swift, Deborah Louder, Jesus Bautista, and Zena Pearcy.
Debra Nesbitt, Carol Vaughan, Malcolm Cleveland, Barney Schulz, Cyral Miller, Judy Schauer, Lauren Newton, Ken Miller, Susan Houghtling, Charlotte Duke, and Phil Hatlen.
There were no public comments for this meeting.
The Board President recognized Gloria Bennett for her work with 2001 State Legislature Bond – (Proposition 8 - in obtaining voters’ approval to fund the renovation of the school’s aging facility) by presenting a plaque to honor her.
Mary Sue Welch read and presented a plaque to Gloria Bennet. She graciously accepted the honor and had few comments. Ms. Bennet’s comments included her appreciation to work in an area where her efforts are appreciated.
The Board President advised there were several errors in the previous minutes and they were tabled until after the lunch period. Corrections were as follows: Page 16, Election of Board Officers; the nomination for Secretary was corrected to read: “The Board President requested nominations for Secretary. Debra Louder made a motion to elect Bruce Best as Secretary. Barbara Cherry seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.” Judy Schauer, Auditor stated that on Page 9, to correct should read “the audit was completed and submitted timely, but it was not presented to the Board” – it was presented at this current meeting. Corrections as stated were completed. Zena Pearcy moved the minutes of the January 25, 2002 board meeting be approved. Jesus Bautista seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Frankie Swift requested a correction in the previous minutes whereas Barney Schultz stated that under the gifts/donations section, the minutes stated there was a $7,000.00 donation from an estate unknown to us, he further stated that we know who it came from, we just didn’t know the relationship of the individual to the school. It actually was received from the estate of Thelma Anderson. Debra Louder made a motion to accept recommendation of staff to correct this information. Frankie Swift seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Barbara Cherry was not present; therefore, Debra Louder presented a review of all policies. There was no Policy Committee Meeting. Debra Louder recommended and made the motion to adopt, review, and amend the policies as presented with the exception of Policy DEG. Zena Pearcy seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Debra Nesbit and Carol Vaughan explained Policy DEG. Debra Nesbit furnished a handout to the Board, concerning the revision of DEG regarding retirement. Senate Bill 587 amended the previous restriction regarding rehire of retired employees. The retiring employee can be rehired at the normal salary for the position, without limitation, and may receive the monthly retirement annuity for 12 months of the year. The only limitation on a retiree returning to state employment is that the employee must not be employed by any state agency for a period of one calendar month following the effective date of retirement. Carol Vaughan advised the DEG policy proposed for amendment to reflect the new regulations since it now incorporates all the legislative requirements and complies with the law. Frankie Swift recommended and made the motion to amend the policy as presented by Debra Nesbitt and Carol Vaughan. Debra Louder seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Dr. Phil Hatlen announced his retirement (with the passage of policy DEG), as of May 31, 2002 and will reapply as an external applicant for the position of Superintendent. Questions concerning service credit, remaining sick leave and vacation leave were addressed by Debra Nesbitt and Malcolm Cleveland. Jesus Bautista moved to accept Dr. Phil Hatlen’s retirement request effective May 31, 2002. Frankie Swift seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Debra Nesbitt gave the Board information concerning posting, advertisement, screening, interviewing and appointment and requested their choice. She suggested that the number of day to advertise with the Texas Workforce Commission and to post on TSBVI’s Web site be either 5 or 10 days. Carol Vaughan presented legal boundaries for the hiring process. The minimum requirement addressed was previous experience working at a School for the Blind and other categories. The Board agreed with Frankie Swift to only advertise within the Texas Workforce Commission and the TSBVI Web site-posting link. Carol Vaughan suggested that items to be agreed upon include: motion on TWC posting, motion on Web site posting and motion on whether or not to advertise and, if so, what advertisement. Jesus Bautista recommended that there should be consistency (ie: 10 days on Web site, 10 days posting – or 5 days). Jesus Bautista made a motion to post the position 5 days on the Workforce and Website. Zena Pearcy seconded the motion. Discussion was requested and Debra Louder recommended to change from a 5 day to a 10 day posting. Jesus Bautista withdrew his previous motion and made his motion to reflect a 10 day posting. Zena Pearcy seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Debra Nesbitt requested information concerning advertising of this position. Frankie Swift made a motion to limit advertising to TSBVI’s Web site and the Texas Workforce Commission. Debra Louder seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Debra Nesbitt requested information for minimum qualifications for a new applicant. A review of all qualifications was discussed and reviewed during this meeting. A copy was given to each Board Member to review and continue discussion after lunch. The creation of a committee was discussed as a possible option to interview applicants.
Dr. Hatlen announced the Athletic Department is presenting a program by the wrestling team and the cheerleaders, in the auditorium. All Board Members went to the auditorium for the presentation, then returned to the Superintendent’s Conference Room.
At 12:35pm all Board Members were recessed for lunch break.
At 1:45pm, the Board Meeting was reconvened.
Dr. Hatlen joined all Board Members in front of the school, whereas a van was furnished to transport all members to the new post secondary building to have a site visit.
Debra Nesbitt and Carol Vaughan worked through the lunch break to prepare a chart for the Board to review and supplied them to the Board. The discussion held involved minimum and preferred qualifications for the Superintendent job posting. Debra Nesbitt discussed the educational level for minimum vs preferred requirement. Frankie Swift stated that a doctorate degree should be the minimum requirement, not a preferred. A minimum requirement agreed upon by all Board members was: State Certification or Endorsement in education of teaching children with visual impairment. Experience minimum requirements discussed included: minimum of three years experience, required minimum of 5 years of educational administrative experience of which at least 3 years are VI education, prefer applicant to have prior experience in residential school environment, minimum requirement of the knowledge of laws and rules related to special education and knowledge of and experience with the Legislative process, preparation for LBB Budget experience, and others. Carol Vaughan advised the Board of all other aspects of screening, interview and appointments. The entire screening process was delegated to Debra Nesbitt with the Board completing the final interview process.
Dr. Hatlen announced that Board Member Toby Galindo’s father passed away and condolences were sent. Mary Sue Welch announced that Fidel Manchaca also passed away.
Zena Pearcy stated there were no non-renewals of staff and she made a motion to accept recommendation of staff to renew all contracts. Jesus Bautista seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Ken Miller explained that we are currently eligible to apply for $50,000 in grant monies, with a deadline of May 2002, which occurs between Board Meetings. We have applied for the grant and hold it in obeyance until the Board approval is received. It has four major components: 1. Purchase of additional technology for student use to allow visually impaired learners; 2. Technology to support the educational program of the school; 3. Supply additional needed equipment for the ARD meeting rooms (i.e.: fax machine, copy machine, and speaker telephones); 4. Teacher training (web base instruction). The Board Chairman and Secretary are required to sign the grant application. Signature authority may be used in this situation due to time limits. Jesus Bautista made a motion to accept recommendation of staff to apply for the TIF Grant. Frankie Swift seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous. Debra Louder advised staff concerning a $10 million dollar Health and Human Services grant and gave Ken Miller a directive to proceed with investigating how we can apply for it. Ken Miller stated he would look into it.
Barney Schulz presented an investment report and reviewed it with all Board members.
The investment report was a summary of the investments of the school’s Legacy funds (handouts were distributed). The school currently has a balance of short term investments, as of February 28, 2002 of $369,623.68. All monies are currently invested with the MBIA Service Corp. The average annual yield for the account as of February 28, 2002 is 2.82% and total amount of interest yielded is $5,484.75. Disbursements from the pool of $120,000 deposited to the Legacy account for post secondary-expenses. Frankie Swift made a motion to approve the report. Debra Louder seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Susan Houghtling asked for the Board’s approval for the 2002-03 school calendar that included the regular school year programs and short-term programs. The Instructional Planning Council and the Management Team developed the calendar that displays 187 contract days for educators and 174 instructional days for students. Texas Education Code mandates that calendars must include 180 days of instruction unless the Texas Education Agency waives the number of required instructional days. The proposed calendar would require an approved waiver to hold 6 staff development days in lieu of 6 instructional days. A parent workshop day was included in the proposed calendar. A typographical error was noted on page 68, whereas the Parent Workshop was dated in error and should read February 1st. Zena Pearcy made a motion to accept recommendation of staff to accept the calendar and waiver with corrections. Jesus Bautista seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Diane Nousanen, Chair of the Textbook Committee, requested that the Board accept the recommendation of the Textbook Committee, to select the textbook adopted by the State Board of Education for TSBVI instructional materials. She stated that the School receives samples from publishers and our teachers review them. Frankie Swift made a motion to accept the recommendation of the Textbook Committee to use only State adopted textbooks. Debra Louder seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Susan Houghtling explained that agencies are required to submit proposed changes to their Agency Strategic Plan’s mission, goals, objectives, and outcome projections in March. These components will drive development of the Legislative Appropriations Request that will be submitted in August. Zena Pearcy made a motion that the percentage on the following objective: “70% of students attending short-term programs will demonstrate progress as measured by pre- and post-assessment” be changed to 90%. Frankie Swift seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Dr. Hatlen made a request for approval to the Board; to attend and give a presentation to the International Council for Education of the Visually Impaired (ICEVI) World Conference from July 27 – August 2, in Noordwijkerhout, Netherlands (Holland). Frankie Swift requested guidance from the attorney, since the resignation of the Superintendent was received for May 31st, 2002 and the travel request was for July 27th, 2002. Zena Pearcy made a motion to give approval for the Superintendent to travel abroad as stated. Jesus Bautista seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Dr. Hatlen requested approval for donations of $500.00 or more, which include a donation from Sam’s Club in the amount of $1,000.00. This donation is requested to be utilized by the Tandem Bike Club. Zena Pearcy made a motion to give approval to accept the donation as presented to be used by the Tandem Bike Club. Jesus Bautista seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous. Debra Louder suggested that a donation in memory of Toby Galindo’s deceased father to the Bike Club would be acceptable and appreciated.
Phil Hatlen advised the Board of an employment contract for Chris Strickland for on-site consultations/reports in the area of Occupational Therapy for students with VI including deafblindness and requested approval. Debra Louder made a motion to give approval for the employment contract as stated, up to $5,000. Frankie Swift seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
Judy Schauer presented an audit report on compliance with the Public Funds Investment Act. This is a required report every two years, which goes to the Legislature. Audit findings were not material and management has agreed to recommended corrective actions. Debra Louder made a motion to give approval for the report presented by the auditor. Frankie Swift seconded the motion. The motion to pass was unanimous.
The Board recessed for a break and reconvened at 2:52pm.
Ken Miller informed the Board regarding the DEC Monitoring that the school was involved in. Frankie Swift, Zena Pearcy and Mary Sue Welch were also involved during the monitoring process and commented on their involvement with the DEC staff. Ken stated that the process went very well and a comment from a lady from TEA (which this was her last visit), stated that this process was the highlight of her career. All staff worked long and hard to produce a good visit for the DEC, which they stated they were impressed by our staff and the dedication of our Board. Dr. Hatlen complimented all staff involvement in the DEC Monitoring.
Zena Pearcy met with the Personnel Committee to review this process and presented the recommendations to the Board. Appraisals were received from other schools and reviewed. Another meeting involving other Board members is in the process of being prepared for a special session, to review and receive input from all. Dr. Hatlen suggested a review of the 360 evaluation (i.e.: an evaluation performed by staff above and below current position).
Barney Schulz presented a report to the Board and stated that in the future, a report will be available every six months with an annual report that indicates sales by location and publication. The school sold a total of 2, 342 publications in print, Braille, disc and video, for a total sales revenue of $92,000.00. Dr. Hatlen stated he was impressed with the sales of publications and the Board supported his comments.
February report states there were 152,000+ views and 90,000 visits to our Web site from 20 different countries. China was rated #20 with 347 site visits. Average visits per day to the Web site were 3,205 per day at 4.5 minutes each. Braille download was 570.
The total enrollment for students is 145. There are 34 elementary students, 110 secondary school students, and one in post-secondary.
Dr. Hatlen invited all Board Members to TSBVI Graduation (day after next Board meeting). The Board usually sponsors a brunch. The Board president requested to have a social with the student council. The students, their families and others are very pleased when Board representation is present and Dr. Hatlen encouraged all to attend.
Cyral Miller presented a report on Distance Ed training. TSBVI staff have been providing training in math skills and in technology over distance technology, with very positive feedback from folks across the state. She advised the Board of the new directions her staff is taking with training for teachers and O&M specialists who are newly certified.
Lauren Newton presented a report on the Calendar (which was presented earlier), and information on summer school/short term program. We have received 497 applications for 300 openings.
Ken Miller stated there was no report. He stated that one child was sent home on medical leave due to severe mental health problems.
Dr. Hatlen reviewed the report with the Board. Frankie Swift stated and questioned the fact that a child’s name was listed. Dr. Hatlen stated no names were to be listed due to the privacy act and apologized for the error.
Mary Sue Welch stated that planning for future meetings must be considered.
The Board President acknowledged appreciation to all Board Members for their participation in DEC and Board Meetings.
Frankie Swift requested discussion regarding requirements, if any, for attendance at Board meetings. She indicated that irregular attendance made it difficult for a Board member to keep current on issues and topics, thus limiting the effectiveness of the member. Further, absences cause serious problems for a small Board that needs to maintain a quorum in order to conduct business. This topic will be explored by management and reported back to the Board at its next meeting. The Board has been one member short for a long period of time. Rather than the school administration inquiring about this vacancy and urging the Appointments Office to move ahead, Board members are urged to contact Amy Erban and voice their concerns.
Board President, Mary Sue Welch adjourned the meeting at 3:45pm.
_____________________________________ __________________
Mary Sue Welch Date
Board President
_____________________________________ __________________
Bruce Best Date
Board Secretary
____________________________________ __________________
Charlotte Duke Date
Recording Secretary
![[Top]](http://www.tsbvi.edu/images/top.gif){kind=small}
![[ Home ]](../../../images/gohome.gif){kind=small}
![[ Table of Contents ]](../../../images/tocbuton.gif){kind=small}
![[ Search ]](../../../images/tsbserch.gif){kind=small}
Agency Contact Information | Texas
State Homepage | Texas State Wide Search
Please complete the comment form or send comments and suggestions to: Jim Allan (Webmaster-Jim Allan)
Last Revision: August 15, 2002