Minutes from March 20, 2003

School Advisory Council Meeting

Members

* Edna Apostol Gulf Coast South *Dorothy Kosovac League of Women Voters

* Lori DeVilbiss ACEC Facilitator *Janet Minton ACEC Classified

* Stephania Feltz ACEC SAC Chair * Dale Ott President of DOS

*Bob Goble Student Rep. *Judy Rinks ACEC Principal

*Jerrie Graham ACEC Classified *Beverly Stockton Suncoast Workforce

*Glennie Jones ACEC Classified Caroline Zucker Jewish Family & Children’s

Service of Sarasota – Manatee

* Members Present

Guests Present

Lori White Executive Director, Curriculum & Instructional Support- SCSB

Gail Brosious ACEC, Principal’s Secretary

Sue Gissal ACEC, Classified

Jeanne Goble ACEC, Adult Enrichment Facilitator

v Stephania Feltz started the meeting welcoming Lori White, members and guests.

v Stephania Feltz announced her new position as Executive Director of Girls, Inc., but stated that she would continue as the ACEC SAC Chair. Stephania believes that a partnership between ACEC and Girls, Inc. would be a natural link between ACEC’s mission and that of Girls, Inc.

v Stephania Feltz presented the minutes from the January 30, 2003 SAC meeting.

Judy Rinks brought attention to the paragraph stating that Bruce Hinson would be given the title of Supervisor instead of Assistant Principal for the Adult and Community Education Center. This information was correct as of the writing of the January 30, 2003 minutes, but as of this meeting, Bruce Hinson is now an Assistant Director at the Sarasota County Technical Institute. Dorothy Kosovac motioned to accept the minutes and Bob Goble seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously to accept the minutes as written.

v Stephania Feltz lead the introductions of all staff members to Lori White who is the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instructional Support for the Sarasota County School Board.

v Lori White met with the SAC Committee to give an overview and to discuss any of the issues of the reorganization of the Adult and Community Education Center and The Sarasota County Technical Institute.

v Lori gave a background of the steps that took place in the reorganization.

Ø Last summer a directive in writing came from Sarasota County School Board Superintendent, Wilma Hamilton. Lori White was put in charge of the responsibility of reviewing the functions of both schools (Adult and Community Education Center and Sarasota County Technical Institute). To assess how those functions are being delivered and if they are done so effectively and efficiently. (This has caused a lot of turmoil between the two schools since decisions would be made to disrupt those systems and it was important to use this time to assess where we are in making these decisions on how we should go forward).

Temporary systems have been put into place this year as we go through the assessment.

Lori White is well acquainted with the K-12 system and felt concerned about being put in charge of this responsibility. Lori needed more information about this area to review these schools and their programs responsibly. Lori White felt that this was a great challenge and a learning experience as well. She has found through the assessment process, that there are many great possibilities of linking the K-12 systems and the schools in review.

Ø Lori listed the team of people responsible for particular areas of analysis:

§ Finance and budget: Bruce Monson & Al Weidner

§ Business Department and purchasing: Ellery Gerard

§ Transportation: Ellery Gerard

§ Human Resources: Allen Wilson

§ Administative Structure: Barbara Chomko

§ MIS: Carlene Judge

Ø Interviews took place with the focus primarily on the administrative staff. Some of these staff members could have been interviewed several times. It took months to interview and gather information. A strong message came back from these interviews;

1) There are a lot of good people doing good things and getting good results.

2) There was a lot of hurt and anger. There was concern that there would be the potential of harming the delivery of educational services. Lori stated that this was perhaps an example of not a people problem, but a systems problem.

Ø Every district right now is facing threats to Adult Education. There is a lot of debate across this State of Florida in terms of K-20. There isn’t necessarily the funding there to support a K-20 program.

Ø Lori strongly believes that it is critical to strengthen the link between a K-12 system and an adult system. Lori felt that that Bruce Anderson would make that link.

Ø Decisions had been made because we are in the budgeting process and time was limited.

Ø The decisions have been made regarding administrative structure and reorganization so that we could build our budget appropriately with the intended concept in mind, as well as staff those entities. With the OPPAGA review and other reviews that have taken place, the team used pieces of evaluation to support the decision making process.

The decision has been made to operate all Workforce Development Programs under the cost center of 0391. Bruce Anderson will be the head of that cost center and the administration of Workforce Development funded programs, which would include the Literacy Completion component of Adult Education and the Occupational Completion of the technical component of Workforce Development. Even though we are in a transition period, Bruce Anderson will officially be the cost center head of 0391 as of July 1, 2003.

Ø The question was asked whether or not Bruce Anderson has had experience working in Workforce Development funded programs. Lori White responded by stating that Bruce has had experience of such programs.

Ø The Adult and Community Education Center will remain as a separate cost center 1070 supporting the Adult Enrichment and Senior Learner Programs under the administrative direction of Judy Rinks. Cost Center 1070 programs are largely fee-based. Some support would be given to the Adult and Community Education Center (ACEC) for the 2003-2004 school year. It would not be expected that ACEC would operate under total support of the fee-based programs for the first year. Judy has been given a separate budget for 2003-2004 defining specifics to staff that will support her mission. There is a commitment to continue to support that program.

Ø Lori DeVilbiss asked the question whether or not the Adult and Community Education Center would be considered a program or a school. Lori White responded by stating that right now 1070 is a cost center. The decision was not in reference to a school. A school brings about a certain amount of responsibility and paperwork that ACEC may not require. The School Board is willing to work with Judy Rinks in terms of making decisions best suited for the program.

Ø Lori White stated that once you classify yourself as a school, there is a whole other piece of data required that the Adult and Community Education Center would need to make a decision about.

Ø Judy Rinks asked a question regarding the recent Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) full Accreditation that ACEC has received. What do we do with our current School Improvement Plan and the plan written for the coming year with the additions made because of the recommendations made by SACS? ACEC has been accredited as a special school and not a normal K-12. With ACEC as an accredited special school, the School Improvement Plan had to be modulated to meet the goals of the district, which would be reading, writing, and mathematics.

Ø Beverly Stockton asked the question whether or not the Senior Learner Program is considered a Workforce Development Program. Lori responded by stating that there was a small component of the program that earned LCP’s. The plan is to keep the Senior Learner Program with the Adult and Community Education Center under the administration of Judy Rinks even though there is a workforce component in the program. Workforce ties in with the enrichment portion.

Ø Stephania Feltz asked the question whether or not Family Literacy would remain under 0391. Will cost center 0391 pursue other grants to continue the program in the future? Lori White responded by stating that there may be the possibility that the program would work together with K-12 and that Family Literacy is certainly a beneficial program.

Ø Lori White stated that we are in a difficult transition period at this time and that the School Board is sensitive to this. Most staff is currently placed under cost center 0391 (SCTI) and would maintain in their current functions. The School Board will ensure that staff understands what their positions will be and where they will be placed (staff will be notified as to where they will be working, who will be supervising, what are their job responsibilities, etc.) so that they can make clear choices as to where they want to be for next year. In addition, staff will have the opportunity to pursue other options and apply for vacancies as they occur across the district.

Ø Jerrie Graham stated that there are six Classified Staff members remaining at ACEC that have not been assigned to a position at this time. It was noted by Lori White that the intention is to protect those individuals who are in need of placement whether it be on the SCTI campus or other. Also, Jerrie asked why a switchboard operator was hired on the SCTI campus recently, when there are six individuals who currently qualify for that position. Lori responded by stating that she was unable to answer this question without knowledge of all of the information. Lori White advised that all postings should be delayed until staff is placed from ACEC.

Ø Judy Rinks added that Personal Preference forms should be forthcoming.

Ø Judy Rinks asked what is the expected window of time that it would take to fill positions if an employee chooses to be surplused or is surplused from their current cost center at ACEC.

Lori White stated that because of the uniqueness of the situation, staff would have opportunities to have fair game to the available positions as long as they are filled within Union parameters (to avoid grievances). ACEC staff should be considered for any vacancies prior to postings.

Ø The decision rests with the cost center head for appropriate placement and whom they will be reporting to and their physical placement (office).

Ø Judy Rinks used the example that a paraprofessional in the GED test center has experience in that area and would need to be moved in that same capacity on the SCTI campus.

Ø With regards to grant-funded programs - A decision will need to be made as to which grants would need to be reapplied or rewritten for next year. This process needs to occur now to prepare for July 1^, 2003. Personnel changes will not occur until July 1, 2003 and it has been determined which grants will remain.

v A list of questions by School Advisory Council members was distributed to all members and guests. Questions addressed are as follows:

1) ACEC SIP contains numerous goals/activities related to the Workforce Development Programs. Will SCTI SAC monitor their completion for 2002-2003? If not, how do you suggest we handle the SIP (School Improvement Plan) situation?

§ Beverly Stockton wondered if SCTI would be responsible for meeting the goals as written in the School Improvement Plan. Lori White stated that ACEC needed to complete the plan for this year. ACEC is not scheduled to present their School Improvement Plan this year. We should continue to meet the goals and objectives.

§ Lori White stated that the official transition of the schools does not occur until July 1, 2003. A collaboration of data should take place in regards to the School Improvement Plan. How we gather the data may change. The staff involved in writing and providing input on the plan has a vested interested and should be involved in following and monitoring it. SCTI is actually going through the same concerns at this time.

v The discussion moved to the School Advisory Committee and the future of its current members. Lori White stated that we would need to redefine SAC in the future. Judy Rinks stated that the missions of the Adult and Community Education Center and the Sarasota County Technical Institute are clearly different. Judy Rinks also stated that ACEC SAC member; Beverly Stockton would be a valuable committee member on the SCTI’s SAC committee with her Workforce experience. Edna Apostal would also be a valuable member because of the ESOL program at SCTI. For both schools, change or collaboration will need to take place.

Bruce Anderson may consider the merging of these SAC committees. New School Advisory Council rosters are due in October of the 2003-04 school year.

v ACEC resides under Secondary Schools at this time under Barbara Chomko.

v In regards to cost center 9017, Adult Technical Division – Looking at how can we integrate the functions of this cost center to make a link to our central support system. Judy Rodgers will be moved to information services. Denise Cantalupo will merge with the School Boards Grant Department and continue her expertise with grant writing. The program specialist will be working under the curriculum department. The goal is to make links with the entire system.

v With regards to the question of a formal announcement of the reorganization. Reorganization is part of the budgeting process. School Board Members have been apprised to this reorganization on an individual basis. Through the budgeting process, this reorganization becomes a more formal piece. The budgeting process is where you define cost centers, positions and functions, etc.

v Dorathy Kosovac stated that she feels strongly about the relationship between parents and school. ACEC is considered a community school and what would the role of ACEC be with the community after this reorganization. ACEC serves the parent population through their programs. May need to improve facilities and locations. Lori White stated that there is a vision to build a new facility. This vision of a “one stop shop” facility may be in the future to provide an array of services to students, which would assist in the prevention of the dropout rate. The link between K-12 and Adult Education would include ESOL services that would be available to parents, etc. These services also would be provided throughout the community and not just one facility. It is important to show distinct collaborations with K-12 and Adult Education to meet the needs of the community.

v Dale Ott suggested that a transition committee be formed to brainstorm and to create “best practices” for all programs involved. Dale has offered to contact other businesses that may help with the transition.

v Lori White thanked the School Advisory Committee and guests for inviting her to speak and give clarification of the reorganization.

v The meeting discussions moved to the next item on the agenda: SACS Accreditation Update.

Judy Rinks distributed copies of the SACS Florida Secondary and Middle School Committee Annual Deficiency Report Review, including copies of the certificate of Accreditation for the Adult and Community Education Center.

§ A staff member was reassigned which cleared ACEC of a deficiency found in the review. The Deficiency Report Review stated that ACEC is cleared of the deficiency and meets all of the standards for full accreditation.

§ Judy announced that ACEC has received a full accreditation.

v Upcoming SAC meetings will focus on the following:

April 24, 2003 Discussion of the budget

May 29, 2003 Focus on the School Improvement Plan

Judy Rinks recommended that Barbara Witte give a full presentation of the School Improvement Plan to all SAC committee members.

June 26, 2003 Focus on the School Improvement Plan

v The next meeting will take place on April 24, 2003 at 9:00 a.m. in the East Conference Room of the Adult and Community Education Center.

v Stephania Feltz adjourned the meeting.