Minutes

Monday, September 12, 2005

MEMBERS Present: Bruce Andersen, George McGonagill, Regina Stinson, Roland Piccone, Scott Moore, Louis Maltaghati, Jerome Greenstein, Harriette Laronge, Vincente Medina, William Costello, Mickey Anderson, Peter Straw, and Javier Brito.

MEMBERS Absent: Carolyn Haworth

GUESTS Present: Bill Glueck, Justin Thompson

I. Welcome

Peter Straw called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. He welcomed the group.

The minutes were approved as written, with a motion by Bill Costello, seconded by Vincente Medina.

II. Director’s Report

· Enrollment Summary:

· There is a slight decline in the high school enrollment, probably due to FCAT issues and remediation. Bruce reported he wants to turn the downward trend around and determine if SCTI can keep the students with FCAT issues.

· The high school Agriculture program numbers are down from last year, but there has been a spring and a fall change in instructors.

· AOIT enrollment is down, but students are in CORE programs initially.

· The total count is probably more important and more accurate than the actual location of the student.

· Bruce explained the difference between Fee Support and Workforce Development. There may be a movement toward workforce reimbursement using FTE.

· Adults with disabilities figures are not yet available. Adults with disabilities students learn social skills and life skills, with funding by a grant.

· Adult General Ed, ACE, and Adult High School figures will probably come back close to last year’s numbers.

· ESOL numbers will increase next month.

· October numbers will give a better overall picture.

· SCTI is using SONIS to track adults.

· State Plan for Florida’s Technical System: Bruce presented a draft document dated July 2005 with major goals. Seamless articulation will be primary issue, with the issues of accreditation, relevant and responsive programs, programs not offered at colleges, and career academies receiving a reasonable amount of attention.

III. Old Business

· Technical High School: The selection of an architectural firm is in process. Three will be interviewed on September 16 and the Board is scheduled to approve a contract with one firm on October 4. Some decisions have been made. There will not be softball or baseball fields on this site for Riverview High School; their location has not yet been determined. Business community input is being planned. A date has not been finalized. When the date is chosen there will be a morning and an afternoon session on the same day. Construction will begin this time next year and freshmen (150 students) will enter in August 2007. Jerry Greenstein suggested that department chairpersons contact their advisory groups for input. George McGonagill attends a planning meeting every Monday.

· Special Focus Programs: Surgical Tech has a slight increase in enrollment. A new program, Surgical Tech Alternate Accelerated Delivery (AAD), is being developed. The enrollment audience is individuals already working as surgical techs but are not certified and do not have formal schooling as one. The program calls for classroom work being studied on line. When completed, the student’s employer will sign off on the skills competencies. With all these requirements completed, the student can seek certification. This is a pilot program now and will be offered nationally in October 2006. More information will be provided about Network Support at the next meeting. Culinary Arts has an increase in enrollment and may benefit from an evening component for adults. Bill Glueck suggested that short cooking courses be considered.

· SAC Membership: Peter identified needs at the last meeting. Vincente will work with Venice Hospital to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Ed Carthew. Justin is interested in membership and wants to make a difference. Bill Glueck spoke to the need for more representation from auto industry. No motion was made for the inclusion of Bill and Justin for membership. That will be done on October 12.

· Letters have been distributed by the School Board regarding Level 1 background checks for any vendor who is on campus after September 1, 2005. This is a result of the Jessica Lunsford Act.

IV. New Business

· School Improvement Plan: Bruce presented the School Improvement Plan for SAC approval. This is year 3 of a 5-year plan, a continuation of a plan already in place. Nine different areas are targeted for improvement. George made a motion to accept the SIP as written, Jerry seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously.

· George reported that Dr. Norris spoke at a recent SAMA meeting. Dr. Norris said that active counseling is needed for students and their parents at the middle school level to help the student make decisions as he/she enters high school.

· Bill Costello reported that the Fire Department will pay for the refurbishing of the burn building. The school will refurbish the climbing tower. There is an open house at Station 5 for Fire Prevention Week on October 8 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The station is located at Beneva Road and Fruitville Road.

· Vincente reminded the group about Family Day on September 26. Parents and their children are encouraged to eat dinner together on that night and more frequently each week. This is related to Drop Out Awareness: Children of families who eat dinner together two times per week or less are in more jeopardy for dropping out of school than those whose families eat dinner together more than six times per week.

V. SDMT Report

· The SDMT met on September 7 and approved the School Improvement Plan. The SDMT passed the staff development calendar, with 10 required hours and 20 optional hours for instructional staff. The SDMT is revising the organizational plan and it will be put to a staff vote. A list of upcoming events was distributed.

The next meeting will be October 10, 2005 at 5:30 p.m.

Harriette made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:30 p.m. It was seconded by Louis, and passed unanimously.

The Sarasota County Technical Institute provides quality technical education to meet workforce development and community needs.