WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Minutes from Board of Trustees Meeting

September 20-21, 2002

Vancouver, Washington

Board Members Participating: Terry Robertson, Noel Nightingale, Jerry Farley, Susie Davidson, Joe Fram, Chuck Nelson, and Denise Mackenstadt.

Board Members Absent: Kay Adamson, Cindy Roney.

Ex-Officio Members Participating: Carol Schultz (WSSB Teachers Association), Bonda Albers (Washington Federation of State Employees Local #1225), Lynette Romero (Washington Council of the Blind), and Michael Freeman (National Federation of the Blind of Washington).

Ex-Officio Members Absent: Kathleen Brown (Parent Representative)

WSSB Staff Members Participating: Dr. Dean Stenehjem (Superintendent), Dee Amundsen (Outreach Teacher), Mary Sarate (Business Manager), Renee Corso (Director of Residential Services), Craig Meador (Principal), and Janet Merz (recording secretary).

September 20, 2002 - 7:00 p.m. – 9:25 p.m.

Joe called the meeting to order at 8:20 p.m. (the Board attended the concert at the Fries Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.).

1. Department Updates:

Business Office - Mary Sarate

Mary reported that the Operating Budget was submitted to Olympia, totaling $9.9 million (2003-2005). A $6 million Capital Project Budget was submitted requesting: Distance Learning Center, Kennedy/Old Main/Irwin/Dry remodel, Ahlsten/IRC/Braille Access (scheduled completion June 30, 2003), and General Campus Preservation. The final balance for our Operating Budget for the 2001-2002 fiscal year was $39,000; half of which should come back to the school under a saving incentive plan. Dr. Stenehjem commended Mary and her staff for their organization and timeliness. To date, WSSB has $70,000 surplus in our budget (this is approximately 1% of flexibility). The Business Office plans to provide monthly reports to the department managers. Mary stated that there are a few changes occurring with the state VISA’s and gas cards so that there is more control. Dr. Stenehjem received an e-mail from a staff member in OFM complimenting Mary and her staff for tightening the controls and submitting budgets and information on-time.

Human Resources - Cherie Willhide

Dr. Stenehjem reported that Cherie had a family emergency and was not able to attend. Cherie continues to do an excellent job and the big focus for Cherie will be the Civil Service Reform. Dr. Stenehjem suggested that Cherie submit a report for the November meeting.

Outreach Department - Dee Amundsen

Dee reported that WSSB is contracting with 32 school districts for TVI and 19 for Orientation and Mobility (total of 41). Dee stated that we receive phone calls regularly looking for services. Cindy McAlexander joined the Outreach staff this year bringing the total number of staff to 8. Dee has finished her Administrative Credential through Washington State University and is now serving her internship under Dean for one year. Dee is currently focusing on the Yakima area working three days per week every other week to assess needs as there are no vision teachers or services in that area. There are 27 blind and/or visually impaired students in the area; 8 are academic/Braille readers. The IRC is setting up a Distance Learning class for Braille instruction for Yakima. Denise suggested that para-pro’s be connected to help assist in the training. Dr. Stenehjem suggested having the para-pro’s have an e-mail listserv. Dee stated that Colleen Lines at the IRC is trying to put together an accurate list of para-pro’s. Dee and Alan Garrells, DSB, will be setting up informational meetings and trainings across the state.

Rod Humble and Colleen Lines went to Seattle to discuss the IRC and the possibility of a fee for service. All of the directors were very supportive. Rod and Colleen will be meeting with more Special Education Directors to discuss this and put a plan in place for this service.

Education - Craig Meador

Craig stated that the staff and students have done an incredible job with the relocations. Twenty students are attending Hudson’s Bay and WSSB’s teacher’s aides have been proactive in helping out wherever they are needed. Technology has been challenging this year with the relocation of classrooms. Craig stated we received the results back from the ITBS (Iowa Test for Basic Skills) for 9^th graders. WSSB students scored well in every area, except Math. The WASL results did not score well. Denise asked if the tests had visual prompts. Craig said yes.

Craig stated that last year discussion was held regarding compensatory areas we provide at the school to determine who we are. Craig stated that they will now take each compensatory area and open it up to parents, consumer groups, etc. and invite people to come solicit input. The first open meeting is scheduled for October 25 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. focusing on Orientation and Mobility. Noel stated that this is the same date for the Council’s convention. Denise suggested having a meeting later in the evening to accommodate different schedules. Dr. Stenehjem suggested that Craig put this on the website. Mike complimented Ms. Kim Johnson for doing a great job in hitting the ground running this year. Noel suggested putting the Program Focus on the November agenda for discussion.

Residential - Renee Corso

Renee stated we have 47 residential students this year. The after-school programs have started (swimming, fitness, walking, yoga, gardening, computer lab, recreation, study hall, and Goalball). The student store is up and running and the espresso machine will be starting up again. Kayline Erceg, RLC took a course at Clark College in Small Business Management to assist with the student store. Sarah Buttrell, RN, provided in-service training on medication ID, seizures, and diabetes. Sara Hill, Counselor provided a presentation on adverse behaviors and positive communication techniques. Renee started the administrator program coursework. Medications are now bubble-packed for safety. Renee is currently looking at Residential policies and hopes to have them completed by mid-October. Renee is still looking into an accessible ATM on campus to enhance money handling skills for students. Joe suggested offering a diabetes course for awareness. Renee plans on having our nurses start a rotational schedule for the opportunity get to know both shifts and to offer training.

An Executive Session was called and adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

September 21, 2002 - 8:00 a.m. - 12:55 p.m.

Facility Tour--Update

Dr. Stenehjem and Rob Tracey, Plant Manager provided a tour to review Capital Projects.

Joe called the Business Meeting to order at 9:01 a.m.

Old Business:

Approval of June 14, 2002 Board of Trustees meeting minutes. Noel moved to approve the minutes; Chuck seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.

New Business:

Election of Officers

Jerry moved to nominate Terry as the new Chairman of the Board. Noel seconded the motion. Terry was approved by acclamation; Jerry seconded. The motion was approved unanimously. Denise moved to nominate Jerry as the Vice-Chairman. Joe seconded the motion. Noel moved to approve Jerry by acclamation; Terry seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Mike complimented Joe on a job well done.

Joe stated that on behalf of the board, he wanted to thank Steve for his six years as Parent Representative. Dr. Stenehjem reported that Kathleen Brown is our new Parent Representative. Kathleen was unable to attend the meeting because she is attending a Deaf/Blind conference with her son. Bonda added a special thank you to Steve for his help and assistance in responding to parents. Steve said he would be happy to continue to respond to parents.

Discussion was held regarding the location of the November meeting. Dr. Stenehjem suggested holding the meeting at the Washington Talking Book and Braille Library. Chuck moved to hold the November meeting in Seattle; Noel seconded the motion. Steve asked if a Parent meeting would be held in conjunction with this meeting. Terry felt we should focus on publicity for the meeting. Noel felt we should invite the new librarian and other members in the WTBBL.

Committee Assignments

¨ Education Committee: Chair Cindy Roney, Noel Nightingale, Denise Mackenstadt, Kay Adamson, Bonda Albers, Carol Schultz, Craig Meador.

¨ Legislative Committee: Chair Mike Freeman, Terry Robertson, Gary Burdette, Joe Fram.

¨ Facility Committee: Chair Jerry Farley, Joe Fram, Terry Robertson.

¨ Management Committee: Chair Noel Nightingale, Susie Davidson, Chuck Nelson, Cindy Roney, Joe Fram.

Dr. Stenehjem stated that if the board members are interested in purchasing the denim Board of Trustees shirts, that we can purchase them. Joe suggested that anyone interested send Janet an e-mail with color and size preference.

New Business:

Superintendent's Report:

Dr. Stenehjem reported that WSSB received the City of Vancouver’s Sparkle Award for Vancouver Community Pride. Dr. Stenehjem complimented Rob Tracey on his hard work and for being very responsive to individuals. Noel asked who nominated WSSB for this award. Rob stated the Central Park Neighborhood Association did.

Dr. Stenehjem reported that the following projects are occurring:

· Courtyard: this project is close to completion.

· Fries Auditorium: this project is close to completion. There were problems with the current contractor and another contractor was brought in to complete the project. Approximately $200,000 has been provided in private funding with this project.

· IRC/Braille Access: this project is under way. The footing pads and walls are being constructed. Completion is scheduled for June 30, 2003. Part of the project is a database program that will help with registering students, ordering items, etc. Terry asked if the WTBBL does not move forward, could that program be moved to the IRC. Dr. Stenehjem stated that there are several areas that have been suggested, i.e. Department of Services for the Blind, IRC, etc. Dr. Stenehjem believes all parties involved would prefer having the services they way they have been.

· Irwin/Distance Learning Project: the abatement portion is complete. The music and office area is still being used. The goal is to have the project complete by June, 2003. Noel asked how the library situation was working out. Dr. Stenehjem stated it is working out fine so far.

· Kennedy: the project should start in March/April, 2003 with completion by September, 2003.

· General Campus: approximately $400,000 has been budgeted: lighting, camera, cardlocks, sidewalk replacement, parking lot (south side), fence and gate replacement. The goal is to have this done in late spring or summer. Camera, cardlocks and lighting are scheduled to be updated this winter. The cameras would be increased from 19 to 27 on campus. This system would enable specific employees to access the cardlock system from home.

· The next biennium’s Capital Projects: Ahlsten is slated for improvements. Rob reported the boilers need re-tubed costing approximately $22,000. Two of the boilers date back to World War II. Discussion was held regarding selling some of the older boilers and utilizing the funds to fund new and more efficient boilers. Dr. Stenehjem stated we are looking into an Independent Building center behind Hall Cottage. Another project is the Kennedy building (seismic work and remodel of the lockerroom). The first phase would be moving the recreation center to the 2nd floor of Kennedy. Mike asked what will happen to the old kitchen. Dr. Stenehjem stated it will possibly become a small industrial kitchen. WSSB is looking into all options for food services: current arrangement, operating our own service, working with DSB in establishing a blind vendor training program, or Clark College Culinary Arts program, etc. Noel suggested we invite Jeanne Gallo from DSB to look at the potential program. Dr. Stenehjem stated there is potential for current food service employees to remain employed. Carol asked what was happening to the Walter Dry building. Dr. Stenehjem stated there will be some work done in that building. After the next biennium we will be out of the major construction and more into preservation. The Capital Project 10-year plan is driven from our Strategic Plan.

Dr. Stenehjem complimented Cherie Willhide on her organization and preparation of the Fall Workshops. Cherie did a survey on all employees for what they felt would be beneficial and WSSB also followed the safety mandates within the state law.

Dr. Stenehjem reported that our current budget is a positive $70,000. If the budget continues to increase, Dr. Stenehjem would like to replace vehicles this year (three cars have over 100,000 miles) as he feels the next two years will be more restrictive. WSSB replaced a maintenance truck, purchased a large dump trailer (we will no longer have to rent big dumpsters), hydraulic lift system, etc.

Dr. Stenehjem reported that we are at the end of our accreditation cycle (currently six years). WSSB has asked to have that delayed by one year due to the relocations. WSSB will be working on the self-study this year with the committee coming on campus spring of 2004. Denise asked if there would be trustee participation. Dr. Stenehjem stated there would be input from blind consumer groups, parents, trustees, etc. including surveys for input and information.

Dr. Stenehjem stated we have established a working relationship with DSB in transition services that resulted in $860,000 in additional Federal dollars coming to our state. This generated an additional $30,000 of state dollars to WSSB. WSSB met with a federal auditor regarding the financial portion of the interagency agreement. WSSB met with Diana Koreski, federal auditor for the programmatic side of the agreement. Both auditors were very complimentary.

WSSB, Department of Corrections, and Department of Printing submitted a Governor’s Quality award for the Braille transcription program. One of the attachments notes that the amount of books and materials the school pays inmates to produce equaled $12,000, and if we had to purchase the materials it would cost $225,000. If the IRC goes to a fee-for-service it would generate $300,000 and an insurance policy whereby if they register a student and the student moves, the textbooks would be available. Denise asked if there has been any discussion for needs for Nemeth transcribers. Dr. Stenehjem stated that it is a concern. Denise stated that she would like to see if electronic copies can be made available so that districts can have access to documents. Denise asked if we were purchasing a Tiger embosser. Dr. Stenehjem stated we have a demo scheduled on September 24. Noel stated there is a federal bill going through requesting textbook manufacturers to make copies available for Braille transcription. Noel will forward an e-mail with this information to Janet so she can forward the information to the Board.

Dr. Stenehjem stated that with the relocations on campus, WSSB encountered a lot of technology problems that affected staff and students. Dr. Stenehjem brought in Shared Client Services to do a network analysis. Dr. Stenehjem will work with them to see where we need to go in the future. WSSB is also working with Connie Michener from DIS for facilitation of technology assistance, business office connections to Olympia, etc. Denise stated she had talked to Bruce McClanahan regarding liability of allowing students use the internet. Dr. Stenehjem stated that students who have wireless hubs require their parents to sign a higher level of responsibility. WSSB also brought in another company named Warranty Plus to do an analysis and make determinations on our system. Denise asked if we have a filtering system. Dr. Stenehjem said yes. A company will be installing a new firewall system.

Recently information has been received from Olympia that as of October 2003 every agency is required to have a technology audit for all policies, procedures, safeguards, etc. Mike asked what steps are being taken to insure that our assistive technology is not impacted by suggested changes. Dr. Stenehjem stated that this company will work closely with Bruce McClanahan and Michael Hooks.

Dr. Stenehjem stated that the Strategic Plan was updated and is right in line with where we have been. Denise asked about the new graduation requirements. Dr. Stenehjem stated he would ask Craig where we are at with these. Decision packages were submitted with the following items requested:

· Self-insurance appropriation, as the insurance premium raised by $21,000 per biennium.

· Appropriation for merit system changes.

· Appropriation for day student transportation (contracted with the ESD 112). Currently a WSSB driver, Teacher’s Aide and a Residential Life Counselor provides some of the transportation to help defray the costs. Dr. Stenehjem would prefer to transfer these funds to OSPI vs. getting more funding for this. Dr. Stenehjem is also looking into getting an interagency agreement with OSPI for obtaining a clear statement that we are a state operated program, not a local education agency. If WSSB is viewed as a state-operated program, then some of the issues on transportation could possibly be run through LEA’s and or an ESD, like other districts.

· Distance Learning. WSSB is requesting funding for two FTE’s and more program dollars so we can get the program moving. WSSB will continue to pursue private funding.

· Independent Living Program. Two FTE’s to staff an Independent Living Program (child safety package). Dr. Stenehjem stated that a possibility could be a partnership with DSB.

Susie asked if Summer School is a part of this proposed program. The problem is that since schools end later, WSSB has to front-load funds for the summer school. WSSB is planning a Sports Camp and YES (Youth Employment Solutions) Program. Denise inquired about the Summer Institute this past year. Dr. Stenehjem has heard that several folks feel it should be back at WSSB, although there is no state funding for this program. Noel feels WSDS could be approached to help fund this. Noel moved to request that the summer institute be held by the WSSB to provide services to para-pro’s and teachers that will be having a blind or visually impaired student in the fall; Denise seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Terry feels we should be going to Murdock Foundation or Fred Meyer Foundation to get funding for Summer School on an annual basis. Terry moved to solicit Foundations for funding for summer school for children, Chuck seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Stenehjem stated that staff is concerned with the state’s future budget. The last forecast reported a potential $2 billion deficit in the next biennium. If WSSB was presented with a 15% budget reduction, it could mean changing WSSB’s entire mission. Last year, WSSB was slated for a 4% budget reduction; however, Senator Carlson was able to eliminate this reduction. The Governor asked all agencies for their top three agency priorities (top, medium, or low) and stated that at least 1/3 must be listed as low priority. Noel asked what was listed as the lowest priority. Dr. Stenehjem stated that residential was listed. However, Dr. Stenehjem mentioned that WSSB has no intentions of eliminating the residential program. This was a drill and not an exercise for reductions. WSSB is a one-program code. This drill was designed to examine whether entire programs could go to other programs, funded differently, etc. It is important that people don’t think the residential is not a high priority, i.e. Outreach is self-supporting through school districts; the mission of the school is Education. We see the residential program also as education and it is really important for residential staff to make sure that they are actively involved in the 24-hour I.E.P. process and have documentation of the goals, objectives that students are working on in the cottage environment. Dr. Stenehjem stated that the Governor has protected education, but we could end up with the same type of reduction. Dr. Stenehjem has asked program managers to look all areas and be ultra-conservative. Terry stated that the legislative committee needs to be very active this year.

Jo Fram received a letter from Superintendent Twyla Barnes, ESD 112 regarding the presentation of the Horace Mann award at our June 14, 2002 meeting.

Ex-Officio Reports:

· Bonda Albers reported Willie Pride and his wife went to the National Convention in Las Vegas. They were able to listen to Erin Brokovitch. They will be attending the state convention in Spokane next weekend. Bonda stated the students have been great this year.

· Carol Schultz reported that Lisa Hodge and one of our students, Ray Hughes went to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama for a week-long program. Robb Peck and Trish Ellingsworth, student at WSSB is in the Czech Republic representing the United States in a powerlifting competition. Michael Hooks has been assisting with the computer set up. The computers are still somewhat of an issue, but the staff is handling it well. Jennifer Butcher is going to Argentina to swim in a world-class meet for blind athletes. One of WSSB’s students, Darrel Borchardt, was awarded 2^nd place for the APH 2002 Insight Art Contest (7^th-9^th grades). A ceremony will take place on October 10 in Louisville at the annual convention. Robb Peck was a participant on Who Wants to Be A Millionaire (aired on December 2-3).

· Michael Freeman reported that the NFB annual convention will be November 8-10 at the Quay in Vancouver, Washington, in conjunction with the NFB in Oregon. Regarding the legislature and WTBBL, the consumer organizations are united on the issue. The NFB has been talking about the library going under DSB or WSSB. The NFB feels that the WTBBL needs to hire a replacement for Jan Ames. Denise stated that Jennifer Butcher participated in their NFB meeting and provided a presentation on PE and recreation. The National President would like to have her back. Bruce McClanahan also did a presentation on technology.

· Lynette Romero stated that the WCB’s state conference will be held in Kelso, Washington. WCB is awarding scholarships (over $20,000 this year). This year at the convention there will be a diabetic break-out session and their main focus is on pedestrian safety. Lynette can be contacted for more information.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held in Seattle on November 1-2, 2002. The parent meeting will be held on November 1, in conjunction with this meeting.

Denise moved that we adjourn the meeting; Jerry seconded the motion. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 12:55 p.m.

Joe Fram, Chair Dean O. Stenehjem, Ed.D.

Superintendent