WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Minutes from Board of Trustees Meeting

November 14-15, 2003

Olympia, Washington

Board Members Participating: Terry Robertson, Jerry Farley, Denise Mackenstadt, Joe Fram, Cindy Roney, Kay Adamson, Denise Colley, and Chuck Nelson.

Ex-Officio Members Participating: Kathleen Brown (Parent Representative), Theresa Tate (WSSB Teachers Association), Cheri DeLyria (Washington Federation of State Employees Local #1225), and Lynette Romero (Washington Council of the Blind).

WSSB Staff Members Participating: Dr. Dean Stenehjem (Superintendent), Dee Amundsen (Director of Outreach), Cherie Willhide (Human Resources Manager), Renee Corso (Director of Residential Services), Craig Meador (Principal), and Janet Merz (recording secretary).

November 14, 2003 - 7:00 p.m. – 8:40 p.m.

An executive session was called to order and adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

November 15, 2003 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:57 p.m.

Parent Meeting

Terry called the meeting to order at 9:19 a.m. There were no parents in attendance.

Business Meeting

New Business

Terry stated that the Board goes to various parts of the state to be available to the parents. Terry feels the Board should look at locating all future meetings at Vancouver for financial reasons.

Department of Services for the Blind Update

· Alan Garrells, Department of Services for the Blind (DSB), stated that DSB has had a number of events occurring recently. Last weekend, DSB, in conjunction with the Washington Council of the Blind (WCB) and the Washington State School of the Blind (WSSB), held an Orientation and Mobility conference for high school students. Several mobility options were available for the 11 students who participated. Kathleen commented that her son Vaughn had a great time. Alan said that one of the high-points of the conference was that 4-5 agencies and organizations came together to make this a great opportunity for all involved and resulted in a collaborative effort.

· Alan reported that DSB hosted a pre-school conference in Fife with 150 participants including 35 families, TVI’s, public health officials, etc. Two workshops will be sponsored for blind youth (January-February) for high school students to review grants and scholarship opportunities. As part of the YES program, DSB put together a packet of information for college and scholarship opportunities (available on CD). In the spring, DSB will offer 2-3 parent workshops focusing on Daily Living Skills. Denise asked if there was an issue with the sorority house usage. Alan stated this summer the house will not be available, however Alan has another location secured.

· Terry asked how the six students were chosen from WSSB to attend the Orientation and Mobility conference. Cheri reported that several criteria were used: students must be 16-years or older, on an academic track, etc. Dr. Stenehjem asked Cheri what they thought about the Voice Note/Braille Note and GPS system. Cheri said that the units that were brought from WSSB were not compatible with the system. Cheri said that the students could hear the benefits of the information that was provided. Craig said that discussion is in the works regarding offering a Distance Learning class on VoiceNote and BrailleNote with GPS. Craig said we are looking at whether or not the school can afford to purchase GPS systems ($1100 for three). Jerry asked how many we would need. Craig said ideally we could start with 3 to use for training students.

· Denise asked many participants are involved in the DSB Bridge programs. Alan said there were 14.

· Dr. Stenehjem said that partnerships are imperative to success. YES I, YES II, and Bridge are just a few examples of the success of partnerships. Dee said that another collaborative effort occurring is the reactivation of the coop between the DSB (Alan Garrells), WSSB (Dee and Craig), and WSDS (Gary Snyder). The group will be meeting on a regular basis.

Dr. Stenehjem said he does not want to give up on the parent meetings across the state. Dr. Stenehjem felt that one possibility would be to hold an end of the school year parent retreat at WSSB. Kathleen stated that we should do a survey of parents to see what they need and want from WSSB. Dee reported that she and Alan did a state tour last year and said they had a good turnout for parents at the ESD 105. Dee said that she felt it was successful due to the fact that there was a specific agenda. Kathleen suggested bringing in an expert regarding vision, or possibly partner with the National Association for Parents of the Visually Impaired, to do a survey. Denise C. felt that a personal invitation is important. Kathleen suggested possibly focusing on technology, mobility or another individual format. Terry suggested that if there are parent meetings around the state that the trustee in that area attend. Another idea was to have board members or other staff attend conferences around the state and have a table set up for information. Dee would like to pair up a board member with an itinerant vision instructor to meet for lunch or have the board member spend a day on the job with the teacher.

Distance Learning

Theresa Tate reported that through WSSB’s Distance Learning program, there are eleven locations across the state that are participating in a 10-hour Braille refresher class, taught by WSSB instructor Joann Gatley. Dr. Stenehjem reported that WSSB purchased three special devices through Capital Project funds ($500 each) that are sent to districts on a loan basis, for those who need the special equipment to have access to these classes. These class offerings are part of the Digital Learning Commons. Currently, WSSB has 7 students participating in Distance Learning classes. Two classes are being introduced online; Joann Gatley Braille mini-refresher course, and Judi Sorter will be teaching a full Braille course. In January, Jennifer Hervey will be teaching a music Braille class, in February an IntelliTools class will be offered, and JAWS/Duxbury will be taught later in the year. Jerry asked if board members could get schedules for the classes. Dr. Stenehjem said yes. Dr. Stenehjem stated that we will be adding two additional T1 lines to improve our technology. Dr. Stenehjem stated that the Digital Learning Commons goal is to be able to have any student take any class that is offered anywhere. Craig said there have been 8 inquiries on the Braille Music class and it has not been publicized yet. Dee said that districts have requested material adaptations class. Dr. Stenehjem stated that the Digital Learning Commons has to report to several grantors on how the Digital Learning Commons program is working and we may be able to help in the parent arena. Dr. Stenehjem stated that for every class we offer taught by a WSSB instructor that opens 20 slots for our students to take classes.

OSPI Audit

Craig commented that the OSPI Special Education audit went well. The auditors were extremely impressed with the staff and the level of competency of our students.

Board of Trustee Training Session

Joe stated that if the board has not attended the governor’s ethics/training meeting, it is worthwhile to attend. Joe stated that the Governor took the time to meet all board members in attendance.

Old Business:

Joe moved to approve the minutes of September 19-20, 2003; Jerry seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.

Superintendent’s Report

· Full report is attached to the minutes. Dr. Stenehjem reviewed his report.

· Dr. Stenehjem reported that a nurse forwarded an e-mail from a parent stating their concerns regarding budget reductions. Dr. Stenehjem sent a letter to the parent explaining the budget situation and capital project expenditures.

· Dr. Stenehjem will be meeting with Todd Reeves, Superintendent at the Washington School for the Deaf, to discuss the Doran Decision and Special Education implications. They will also be looking at the LEA vs. state agency aspect.

WASA/WSSDA Legislative Conference

The Legislative Conference will be held on February 8-9, 2004 this year. Dr. Stenehjem would like to have 3-4 members attend. Dr. Stenehjem stated it is a good chance to meet Representatives and Senators. Dee felt it was a great experience and the personal contact is very important. Dr. Stenehjem said to let us know ASAP if anyone is interested in attending. Lynette asked if both consumer organizations can attend. Dr. Stenehjem said yes, but it will depend on how many people are interested in attending. Terry reported that no more than 4 people can fit in the legislators offices.

Dr. Stenehjem commented on Mary’s fine work in the Business Office. Our first audit will take place during the first of December.

Dr. Stenehjem stated we have some vacancies on the board and thanked those board members who’s terms have expired but are willing to continue to participate on the board. Dr. Stenehjem said that the congressional districts change as census data is submitted and then updated.

Ex-Officio Reports

Full report is attached to the minutes.

· Kathleen feels we need to pursue additional ways of getting information to parents. Kathleen would like to set a goal of reaching 5 parents per week. Alan Garrells stated that he and Dr. Stenehjem are working on a statewide mailing list of families who have blind children. WSSB and DSB needs to have a signature line for parents for a release of information.

· Lynette reported that she spoke to Gary this week. Gary is at home now. Gary is now accepting phone calls and is recovering, healing, and taking care of himself. Gary hopes to be back up to par in about six months. Lynette appreciates being the representative. Lynette said that the last convention was the highest ever attended. The theme this year was being proactive, being positive, and staying healthy mentally. Lynette stated they held elections this year; Berl stepped down and Cindy Burchett is now the President, and Denise Colley is the Vice President. Sue Ammeter is one of the board members. Lynette said that 10 scholarships were given in the amount of $37,000 and two were given to Ashley Canen and Elizabeth Rainey. Denise is chair of the scholarship committee. November 11-13, 2004 is the date for the next convention.

· Cheri reported on behalf of Bonda. Cheri read the report.

· Theresa read her report that was submitted. In addition Theresa reported that the teaching staff is looking into developing a new program called Critical Friends group. This focuses on developing peer relationships. The teachers are still trying to find the way through the Civil Service Reform. The teachers would still like to be a part of the VEA but this is not possible due to the numbers. The teachers are not entirely thrilled with joining the Federation. The teachers would like to be able to work with their own administration. The teachers have enlisted the help of Representative Deb Wallace to help them.

Dee reported that she and Mike Freeman are working together to suggest changes in the WAC’s regarding Braille. The original committee will be reconvened. One of the issues is that the same two tests are still used. Dee will propose that a new test be created every 5 years. The other aspect is that there are many teachers and teaching assistants who have not taken the test so there needs to be some consequence for not having employees pass the test. Cheri asked what consequences would be. Dee said that the committee will be addressing this issue.

Department/Supervisor Reports

Full report is attached to the minutes.

Miscellaneous

Joe moved to adjourn the meeting; Chuck seconded the motion. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:57 p.m.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held via a conference call on January 13, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.

Terry Robertson, Chair Dean O. Stenehjem, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Board Reports

November 2003

National Federation of the Blind of Washington

The NFBW held a very successful convention October 17-19, 2003, at the Ramada Inn Governor House in Olympia. Upwards of a hundred people attended parts of the convention and over seventy attended the banquet. People enjoyed the technology exhibits on October 17 and the showing of NFB videos.

The National Representative from NFB HQ was Fred Schroeder, former Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration. He gave an outstanding report and banquet address.

Conventioneers enjoyed the very informative reports on accessible voting from Secretary of State Dan Reed and Suzanne Sinclair, President of the Washington County Auditors' Association. Conventioneers also heard from Sandra Romero and Sam Hunt, the representatives of the state legislature from District 22 (Olympia and environs).

There were many other fine presentations including a fine speech by WSSB's Craig Meador who spoke with a terrible cold (he wasn't the only person attending the convention who had that bug!). Noel Nightingale also spoke of her new job and RSA initiatives.

We also discussed some discrimination incidents NFBW is working on including one in which the Office of Child Care Policy under DSHS appears to be interpreting its regulations governing which employees of child-care agencies can be counted as staff in such a way that blind persons are excluded from being employed as child-care agency staff. This situation has not yet been resolved but be assured that NFBW will not let such discrimination continue and will take whatever steps are necessary (including changing regulations or the law) to see that such discriminatory interpretations and practices cease!

Two scholarships were awarded: one to Kaye Kipp and the other to Than Bates. Awards were given to Noel Nightingale for outstanding service to NFB and the blind of Washington and to Jan Ames for outstanding accomplishments during her tenure as Director of the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL).

Ben Prows (Kirkland) was elected First Vice-president to fill the vacancy (one-year term) which resulted from my accession to the presidency of NFBW. Kris Lawrence (Seattle) was elected to the NFBW Board of Directors to fill the one-year term which resulted from Ben prows' election to First Vice-president.

The location of the spring, 2004 "mini-convention" of NFBW has not yet been set but the fall convention will again be at the Ramada Inn Governor House in Olympia and will take place October 15-17, 2004.

Federation of State Employees

Cheri will be reporting on Bonda’s behalf as she will be in Seattle. Bonda is one of 104 delegates in the Collective Bargaining Assembly. The Assembly will actually go before the governor’s representative’s next July or August. It has been a very interesting learning experience for Bonda! The Federation held the annual elections of officers at a special meeting on Saturday, November 1^st. The Treasurer is Shelley McCloud; Secretary is Jim Eccles; Vice-President is Dana Pride and President is Bonda Albers. Thus, Bonda will remain the union’s representative to the board!

Parent Representative

The WSSB 2003-2004 Student Directory was completed and mailed to students' homes.  Students and parents received copies in braille and large print. My thanks to Janet Merz for her work on this project.

Teachers

· Open House (October 20)

· Space Camp – two students attended a Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama

· Goalball trip to Florida was successful for WSSB students.

· Powerlifting Season about to begin

· Development of the Distance Learning Center:

o Students taking classes online

o Classes being offered through WSSB

· Teachers are still trying to find our place regarding Civil Service Reform to be put into effect in 2005.

Human Resources

New Employees

A custodian, Bill Newman retired at the end of September. We hired Danny Clark, an intermittent custodian with the school, to fill the position vacated by Bill.

Civil Service Reform

The Department of Personnel is quickly moving forward on Civil Service reform. Currently they are working on draft rules in the areas of Classification, Recruitment and Selection and Performance Management. DOP has been very good in giving agencies the opportunity to provide input on these changes and, as a result, I have been spending an average of two days per week in Olympia.

The Labor Relations Office, who will be negotiating the statewide “Master Agreements” for all the employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement (which is most of our employees) plan to begin negotiations in January.

As I stated at the last meeting, it is very important that WSSB be vigilant in making our needs and concerns known as much as possible as the state moves through the Civil Service Reform process. As a small agency, we run the risk of having large agencies make decisions that could be detrimental to the mission of WSSB.

Internal Quality Consultant

I have been working with Dean on our agency performance agreement and the update for the Governors office. This agreement is submitted to the Governor’s office each July and reflects those areas on which WSSB plans to focus for the coming year. Each quarter, we submit an update which outlines how we are progressing in meeting those goals. Through the hard work and dedication of the WSSB staff we have already met and/or exceeded our goals for the year in several areas, including distance learning, developing collaborative partnerships and staff safety training.

Education

We have returned to the Irwin building and school is in full swing. Here are a few of the main points of interest:

· Student enrollment is down; we currently have 53 students on campus.

· The fifth year program, entitled LIFTT will begin in February as a pilot.

· We have completed our special education audit with OSPI.

· Accreditation is underway. Overall data is very supportive of WSSB programs and future directions. All staff felt that the mission, philosophy and values of the school are relevant and are followed. The on-site review is scheduled for March.

· On-line programs are growing faster than expected.

· The school will be presenting at the IDEAs conference in Spokane this January.

Distance Learning

We began the year with four goals to be completed for the 2003-2004 school year:

· Goal one: Identify on-line classes for students

· Goal two: