BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes from Board
of Trustees Meeting
March 14-15, 2008
Board Members Participating: Denise Colley, Sherry Perry, Jim Kemp, Steve
Rainey, Kay Adamson, Chuck Nelson, Annabelle Fitts, and Eric Wiseman.
Board Members Absent: John Driscoll.
Ex-Officio Members Participating: Jean Curtis (Parent Representative), Michael Freeman (National Federation of the
Blind of
Ex-Officio Members Absent:
March 14 – 7:00–9:00 pm
Denise
called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Department Updates (attached to the minutes):
Outreach (
- Potential
Outreach Expansion: North Mason,
- Supervision:
As programs continue to expand,
- Recruitment
of TBVI: One goal is to list all
teacher of the visually impaired (TVI) position openings on WSSB’s website
(this would not only be for WSSB, but also for local school districts; may
be a better way for people throughout our country to find out about
potential openings).
- Discussion
was held regarding the WSDS study and funding.
On-Campus (
- Preschool: Correction to the Department Reports.
The Preschool team will be doing a four-hour presentation at the state
conference in May.
- Short
Course: WSSB hosted a short course session
for two students in February. Feedback
from parents, district, etc. was very positive. A proposed schedule for Short Courses
for the 2008-2009 school year is listed below.
- WASL: WSSB students have finished the WASL and
the reader/scribe method was allowed this year for the first time. Dr. Stenehjem
stated that Michele Wollert was one of the Association for the Education
and Rehabilitation of Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) Conference
presenters regarding WASL. Dr. Stenehjem felt the information presented
was great and the information should be shared with all teachers in the
state. Craig reported in 2010 the
WASL will be totally different (one week vs. three weeks). Craig met with an Alternative Test
Coordinator who works at the
- Reading
Across America event: Mayor Royce
Pollard attended our event at WSSB. The
Mayor read “Green Eggs and Ham” and also described each photo to the students.
Regional Program
Coordinator-Eastside (Catherine Golding):
- Office
is housed in
- Catherine’s
major focus is getting people together so they can network, child find and
establish a strong teacher base to improve service delivery and
sustainability.
- Catherine
is working with Larry Bush, Special Education Director, ESD 123. Catherine would like to get Larry to
commit to four hours of training per month.
- Braille
Training: Catherine is providing Braille certification classes in
- Braille
Comp. Exam: In preparation for BLUE
exam, Catherine taught four classes and one workshop with an emphasis on
tactile graphics. Also, Denise Robinson (TVI–Yakima area) conducted a workshop
on JAWS, teaching teachers without a mouse or monitor.
- Child
Find and Migrant Population; Catherine
feels that referrals are going to be coming from the
migrant population. She visited
three migrant families in one day and will be presenting a workshop in
March to Preschool teachers who work with the migrant population.
- Child
Find Partnerships: Catherine and
the ESD 123 Early Childhood Program staff member are
going out one day per week to locate blind students in the area.
- Public
Awareness: The Tri Cities Herald
will be doing a story regarding her position the week of March 17. There will also be a story in the
news.
- Board
of Trustees Involvement: Catherine encouraged
- Logistical
Support: Eric asked what Catherine
has for logistical support. Catherine
said that the Tri Cities has a dial-a-ride
program. Catherine also has a state
car, driver (reasonable accommodation), cell phone, fax machine, assistive
technology, etc. (para-professional support has also been built into the
pilot, but Catherine is not ready to move on this yet).
- Cultural
Awareness: Mike wanted to know what
steps she is taking to obtain buy in for
- Contact
information: Catherine’s e-mail
address is: catherine.golding@wssb.wa.gov or cgolding@esd123.org and her phone number is (509) 420-3960.
PE Building
Dr. Stenehjem provided an update regarding the
PE Building. Excessive change orders at the beginning of the project were felt
to be the result of documents that should have included soil related issues and
more detail as to what needed to be done to mitigate these issues. The
information appeared to be in the soil report, but were not utilized in the bid
documents. Due to this the project has had a very rough start and WSSB is
concerned about adequate funding to complete the project. Dr. Stenehjem met with the engineers and contractors
and asked them to look at the project to see if there are areas for cost savings
which will not impact WSSB’s use. One of the reasons the decision was made to
raze the current building early is that it will save approximately
$50,000. In addition to exploring
additional savings, WSSB was successful in working with the legislature in
having $300,000 moved from campus preservation funding to the P.E. Capital
funds. This along with $200,000 in
operating funds has kept the project moving forward, but WSSB is concerned
about future change orders. WSSB is exploring
errors and omissions with this project.
A ceremony was held to decommission the Kennedy building on
March 9. Dr. Stenehjem stated that most
alumni in attendance were from the 1960’s-1970’s.
The
meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
March 15 – 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Denise called the meeting to order at 8:00 am.
Strategic Plan Update/Review
Denise started the meeting by discussing the Strategic Plan
review session that was held in February with stakeholders. The Strategic Plan is reviewed every 2 years.
- The Strategic
Plan will be used to build WSSB’s 2009-2011 budget. This process has been used since
1990-1991.
- Jim asked
if the recent vandalism brings the need for a wired fence around the
facility. Dr. Stenehjem feels we
need to react, but not overreact, and his concern would be that WSSB would
resemble an institution.
- Eric asked
if there were any issues that were deliberated,
but did not end up in the Strategic Plan.
Denise felt that everyone’s points were heard and acknowledged.
- Steve felt
the short course issue was a large topic.
- Dr. Stenehjem feels that WSSB needs to look at the birth
through three area, working with Department of Services for the Blind
(DSB), Child and Family Department.
DSB does not have a direct service for birth through three. Eric
asked what entity would write the Strategic Plan. Dr. Stenehjem said we could work with Department
of Early Learning and Educational Service Districts and a partnership
with other agencies. WSSB felt that someone (agency) needed to take a lead
on this important issue.
- Denise
stated that safety was a concern that generated a lot of discussion.
Another issue brought forward was teacher recruitment and retention.
- WSSB submitted a supplemental budget for Kindergarten-3rd
grade
program. Parents stated they want
an option for service in this area.
This item did not move forward in the current legislative session,
however it will be re-submitted as a decision package in the next budget
preparation.
- Eric said
that under academic achievement he feels there is talk about self image,
independent living, and academic achievement from local districts; Eric is
looking for some verbiage for quality education from on-campus and feels
it could be written in greater detail.
Dr. Stenehjem said he can make that more explicit.
- Eric stated
in paragraph 7, Safe Environment, Eric would like to see it addressed more
comprehensively, i.e. students safety, facilities, manner of instruction,
who is involved with the students, implementing 10-year campus plan,
etc.
- Sherry said
Michele Wollert, School Psychologist talked about students with
significant amount of mental health issues. This is addressed in the notes (in the
priority section).
- Discussion
was held regarding vision loss as a primary factor for enrollment and
services, the question was whether this limits those that can attend WSSB.
It was explained that being a school for the blind, vision loss needs to
be a major factor, but many children have more than one disability. The
I.E.P. and evaluation team determine the appropriate placement based upon
students needs.
- Dr.
Stenehjem said that if the Board has other comments, etc., to let him know
so we can draft the updated Strategic Plan. Eric feels the Strategic Plan is very
weighted and meaningful.
Business
Meeting
Old Business:
Approval
of meeting minutes for January 8, 2008. Chuck
moved to approve the meeting minutes as submitted; Jim seconded the
motion. The minutes were approved
unanimously.
New Business:
Review 2008-2009 School Year Calendar. Mike stated the NFB convention will be October
31-November 2 (Everett-Holiday Inn). Denise
requested that the March Board meeting be changed. The board meeting will take place in
New PE Building – Renaming Committee. Berl reported that in November, Berl, Jean,
Chuck, and Dr. Stenehjem met to discuss the renaming of the PE Building. In December a survey was sent and 79 people
responded. 34 people voted to keep the
name “Kennedy”. Berl also cited the
other suggestions. Eric asked if there
is anything in the RCW’s or WAC’s that states the Governor or legislature has
the right to naming. Dr. Stenehjem
stated that it rests with the school, unless something has recently changed. Steve asked what the process was in the
naming the
Department Reports (attached to Board
of Trustees meeting minutes).
Denise asked if anyone has questions regarding department
reports.
·
Chuck asked if the audit issue of
personnel inputting their own salaries has been fixed. Dr. Stenehjem
stated it has and additional separation of duties have occurred. The one issue was the H.R. Director inputs
this information on the HMRS system. This is checked by the Business
Manager. WSSB is also checking to see if
various screens within the new HMRS system can be locked down to certain
fields. WSSB like many other small
agencies has to have employees wear numerous hats and we need to have the
flexibility within systems to have checks and balances other than having single
duties assigned to a single person (these have and continue to be implemented
with consultation with the auditor’s office).
·
Chuck asked about “COLA’s (Cost of
Living Adjustments). Dr. Stenehjem said
that I-732 is tied to adjustment in teachers pay. This also addresses an additional COLA’s.
·
Janet stated that the “DeLyria vs.
Koch” referenced in the Business Office report should have said “DeLyria/Koch
vs. State of
·
The amount listed in the supplemental
budget for Attorney General fees listed are for the TRI money lawsuit. Paul stated that
the teachers contention is that through the 1981 Bauer Bill, our teachers are
supposed to be paid equal to
·
Chuck asked about campus
securing/monitoring under the Building and Grounds report. Dr. Stenehjem said that it is in our budget to
upgrade our camera systems. WSSB is
looking at a full line of provisions within that system. WSSB has also met with the President of Clark
College and the head of security to see if we could work in partnership with
the College, which is close to WSSB.
This is being explored.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Stenehjem reported that through the Foundation, Larry
Holzman (volunteer in WSSB’s Tandem Bike Program) noticed that some WSSB students
have dental issues. Larry has donated
$10,000 to the Foundation to provide orthodontic needs with an additional
commitment of $50,000 (as needed). Eric asked if there is any type of award that
he can be nominated for due to this donation. Discussion was held regarding
possibly naming the
Sherry asked if we still have two nurses in the
The Vancouver Police Department is still investigating the
recent vandalism at WSSB. Dr. Stenehjem
stated that if the police department cannot locate the offenders, WSSB will ask
them if the pictures obtained by the security cameras can be put on the news
media. Dr. Stenehjem stated that since
1990, WSSB has had about $6,000 of damage.
The Assessment of the need for teacher preparation programs
for TVI bill died in rules (it will be back again next year). Denise asked if anyone knew why the bill
died. Dr. Stenehjem stated that Jamie
Baggett was told that there were too many bills and that it died for that
reason.
WSSB’s Sensory Safari grand opening is scheduled for
September 5. More information will be
sent as it becomes available.
Last week WSSB had three visitors from
On March 20 Dr. Stenehjem will be spending time
with Tyler Waite (Microsoft) and Kenny Johar from
Vision
Dr. Stenehjem stated that Yung Su, employee of DSB, has been
very interested in doing potential exchange programs for WSSB and
Committee Reports
Buildings and
Grounds Committee:
Eric commented
about the list of campus security improvements that were noted in Dr.
Stenehjem’s report (listed below) since 1990.
Eric feels that WSSB needs to take a universal approach. Eric suggested that the Washington State
Patrol do a physical security assessment.
Sherry feels that we should contact the local police department for this. Dr. Stenehjem stated we are part of the Safe
Schools Task Force, which involves both City and County police departments and
WSSB will ask them to provide an assessment.
Mike feels that this portrays us as an institution. Eric would like validation of the items we
have done to secure our campus. Dr.
Stenehjem met with the President of Clark Community College to see if we can
partner with them for security. Berl
said there is a philosophical issue here as well; if WSSB sets up a situation
whereby we attempt to keep kids in vs. keeping others out, WSSB will be doing
more harm. Jim said that in public
schools getting barb wired fence is more prevalent. Mike said there is only so much people can do
to assure safety. Eric asked if there
was an incident investigation done and does WSSB have an in-house policy for an
incident investigation.
Eric asked if a
facility inspection is possible in June.
Dr. Stenehjem stated that the focus historically has been on the bigger
picture, not the smaller issues. Chuck
and Steve will join in on the facility inspection. The inspection will take place on Thursday,
June 12.
Education
Committee: (Report, Judy Koch
Smith, Chair; Paul Baldwin subbing)
Listed
below is the tentative schedule of Short Courses that are being proposed for
next year based on the results of the Short Course Survey sent in January and
February.
I have
not had another project assigned, but will let you know that the Education Dept.
staff have recently filled out a survey from Karen and Craig for making
adjustments and improvements to the school program. These results are being
compiled for review. Last year we took this information to a committee of teachers,
Teacher Aide’s and an administrator, and made program and schedule adjustments
which were very helpful this year. I will keep you posted on the follow up from
this planning.
Our
school Powerlifting team will be off to two meets very soon – one in
We will
be losing one of our excellent Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Staff,
Cheri DeLyria, to retirement at the end of June. She has been a vital
part of this program for 10+ years, and Doug Trimble and I will miss her wisdom
and bubbly personality tremendously!! I believe plans are in the works to
advertise her position at the upcoming AER conference in
Steve
asked if
Steve
stated there is a spring musical April 25-26.
Steve feels this is a great opportunity for students to participate
in. Steve encouraged the Board to see the
play. Dr. Stenehjem stated that Jennifer
does a great job; 1/3 of the participants are blind students; 1/3 are school
district children and 1/3 are community members (adults). Jean Curtis stated that her grandson is in
the play.
Short
Courses - 2008-2009
Pre-Pilot (at WSSB):
February 19-22 (High School)
Math/Technology - Teachers: Technology/ 2 Math teachers available for
different periods
Pilot Programs:
October 20-24 (Middle and High
School) at WSSB
O&M/DLS/Self Esteem or
Relationship Development. Teachers: O&M/Daily Living Skills/Counselor
January 12-16 (Middle and High
School) at WSSB
Technology/Math (Nemeth, scientific
calendar, abacus)/Self Esteem or Relationship Development. Teachers: Technology, Math,
March 24-26 (Elementary/Middle
School) (Location: TBA-Check with DSB for
Math/DLS Lab. Teachers:
May 18-22 (Elementary/Middle school)
at WSSB
3 days of O&M and Math in
conjunction with track meet. Teachers: O&M/Math
Management Committee: