progjen

ABSENT: S. Wright

INSURANCE TRUST -- Chris Trader indicated no figures have been received; therefore, L. Hahn cancelled the insurance meeting. Approximately 30 days have passed so that the Unit has approximately 60 days to secure new figures or withdraw the letter to the trust.

ISTAR -- Discussion was held regarding the failure of student names being loaded. Connie indicated that all schools have not been loaded. If your particular school has not been loaded, you will need to load the entire data. Guidance departments in the schools will be able to supply the student number. Teachers were advised that any student from third grade on should be entered as this is the base year. Discussion was held regarding the standard deviations. Connie also indicated that both adaptive and IQ must be factors. Also, it was indicated that for this year only, the staff should do what is in the best interest of the child in determining whether the student participates in ISTEP or ISTAR.

Southwestern and Madison will be scheduling training on ISTAR. Connie suggested that, if staff members were still experiencing problems, they contact Mary or Judy about attending the session.

WORK TRANSITION FUNDS -- Julie requested information on each county’s allotment for work transition. T. Crowley shared the following rates:

7th – 8th Grades No pay

9th Grade $.25 - $.50

10th Grade $.50 - $.75

11th Grade $.65 - $.85

12th Grade $.85 - $1.00

Connie indicated that M. Murray and a team developed a work transition book and suggested that the rates may be outlined in the book. T. Crowley reported that he has 8 MoMH students going to the Career Center for training.

STAFF DIRECTORY -- J. Lichlyter indicated that she is currently working on the directory.

STAFF MORALE -- Discussion was held regarding staff morale and possible ways to improve it. The following options were discussed:

Newsletter

Discussion Page on the website

Post Discussion Agenda on the website

Provide links to AFT offices on website

Survey staff

Cookout

Discussion Minutes on the website

Distributing Minutes in paycheck

Lois will prepare Minutes for Connie and Julie to review.

OTHER:

Adequate Yearly Progress -- Connie discussed the meeting she attended on AYP. Discussion was held regarding the need for pre-testing and post-testing of students to be able to monitor the progress.

Scheduling for Itinerant Staff -- T. Crowley requested information on who is responsible for scheduling itinerant staff. Connie shared that supervisors make up the schedule for itinerant staff. The scheduling is driven by the caseload and IEP requirements. Connie reported that OT/PT’s are a little different in that doctor’s orders are necessary. Connie indicated that T. Hoffman devises his own calendar in order to provide services based on program locations.

NEXT MEETING -- if receive figures for insurance, meeting will be October 16 at 4:15 P.M. If no figures, the meeting will be 11/6/03 at 4:15 P.M.

State Website		Current Year or 2004 or 2005	National Website
DISCUSSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11. 2003 MEMBERS PRESENT:
C. Fox T. Crowley R. Trader L. Jackson			J. Lichlyter C. Griffith C. Trader
OTHERS: M. Watson MEMBERS ABSENT: S. Wright S. Bussell
VI and HI Program Changes -- Discussion was held regarding changes in the two programs. The classroom component will continue through the 2003-04 school year, but the VI teacher will be providing services to some students in their home school corporation. Discussion was held regarding the need for Braille instructors. C. Griffith reported that personnel can be instructed on Braille. Insurance Trust/Quotes -- C. Trader reported that he had received quotes from two companies. He distributed information regarding proposed plans. He requested members take the information and study the different proposals. The figures would be effective 1/1/04, but the Unit will have to secure additional quotes closer to the 9/1/04 timeline for the Unit to select a new carrier. C. Trader reported that he would be requesting claims experience to assess our claim situation close to September. ISTAR -- Nothing new to report. Staff Directory -- Completed and circulated. C. Griffith expressed appreciation to Ms. Lichlyter for a job well done. Staff Morale -- C. Griffith reported that B. Tighe will represent administration on the committee. J. Lichlyter reported that she would have representatives named at the January meeting. Medicaid Billing -- C. Griffith reported that the corporations are receiving reimbursement for claims filed. Some corporations filed for the 2002-03 school year. Day Treatment Teacher -- The position has been posted. The current teacher’s last day is 12/19/03. Next Meeting: January 15, 2004 – 4:00 P.M.
DISCUSSION MINUTES November 6, 2003
MEMBERS PRESENT:
S. Wright C. Fox T. Crowley J. Lichlyter			R. Trader K. Kugler L. Jackson C. Trader C. Griffith
OTHERS: G. Crowley P. Sommer
Insurance Trust -- C. Trader reported that he had not received any quotes as of this date. He continues to work with the companies to secure information to be shared with the Insurance Committee. Program Changes -- Discussion was held regarding VI and HI services. C. Griffith reported that VI could become itinerant as early as second semester of the 2003-04 school year. The HI program is being considered for itinerant full time services for the 2004-05 school year. C. Griffith further advised members that programming is discussed and determined at Adm. Council meetings in the Spring. She further reported that the VI program is progressing toward total itinerant programming services due to children’s needs and where the service is necessary. M. Murray is to schedule a meeting with parents to discuss program needs. The Union requested information as to how parents would proceed if they didn’t agree with the program change. C. Griffith reported that the parents may follow procedural guidelines as prescribed by law. Adm. Council determines program changes. Enrollment information was shared regarding the HI children. P. Sommer discussed the need for properly trained interpreters and the shortage in this field. Other concerns raised included the phonetically based reading programs used in home schools, scheduling of itinerant staff, the timetable for program changes, and transportation concerns. C. Griffith reported that the timetable regarding VI services was that the VI teacher will continue to deliver itinerant services second semester and add Scott Co. students to the itinerant schedule. Ms. Needler will work with the VI teacher on scheduling with this student. However, the VI classroom will continue at Southwestern Elementary through the end of the 2003-2004 school year. The union asked what the correct procedure is to provide input on potential program changes. Connie advised members to contact his/her supervisor. This will be an ongoing agenda item. ISTAR -- It was requested that the new Preschool/MoMD teacher for Switz. Co. be added to ISTAR. Page Two (2) November 6, 2003 Discussion Minutes MoMD program at E. O. Muncie -- Discussion was held regarding services in the MoMD program. Adjustments have been made and a new instructional assistant position has been added to alleviate some of the concerns in the program. Staff Directory -- Will be available soon. Staff Morale Committee -- Union reported that one member has been chosen. J. Lichlyter will provide additional names at the next meeting. C. Griffith will discuss possible nominations with directors at the 11/3/03 Adm. Council meeting. Nov. 3rd DOE meeting -- Union requested that a standard form be developed to assist staff in reporting services. C. Griffith reported that not all personnel who are reporting services are SSU employees and that SSU will not develop the form. Individuals may develop a form to best serve their needs for reporting purposes. C. Griffith reported that she had contacted the SSU attorney regarding adding the phrase ‘additional funds may be pursued’ and will also discuss this matter at the 11/3/03 Adm. Council meeting. Other -- J. Lichlyter requested input on placing an item on the website about Mr. Hoffman’s return from active duty. C. Griffith suggested discussing the matter with Mr. Hoffman before proceeding. It was also suggested that other SSU employees in National Guard be recognized. APE -- The Union shared that there is no space available for APE at Jeff Craig Elementary. Purchase service time from TRF -- K. Kugler requested information on possible purchase of service time through TRF. C. Trader indicated that this information is available through the TRF bookl Next meeting -- December 11, at 4:00 P.M.
DISCUSSION MINUTES OCTOBER 16, 2003
MEMBERS PRESENT:
J. Lichlyter S. Wright K. Kugler C. Griffith M. Watson			S. Bussell T. Crowley C. Trader L. Jackson
Insurance Trust/Quotes -- C. Trader reported that no quotes have been received at this time. Discussion was held regarding the benefits of having staff enrolled who have minimal health problems as this helps reduce the claims experience factor. The difference between fully insured and self insured was discussed. It was suggested that a memo to staff might be helpful in explaining different aspects of the insurance program. It was also suggested that a link from the SSU website to Marta at Hoosier Heartland Trust be added. (Webmaster note>>> Contact information for Marta appears on the Contact Us page of the site at present 11-26-03) ISTAR -- Discussion was held regarding difficulties staff were experiencing. Staff was directed to their special ed director for assistance. Staff Directory -- J. Lichlyter shared that the directory will be available around the first of November. Staff Morale -- it was determined that a committee would be formed of teachers and administrators. J. Lichlyter is to pick representatives from certified staff and C. Griffith is to pick representatives from administration. This committee will be effective January, 2004. November 3rd DOE meeting -- J. Lichlyter requested that a union representative attend this meeting if this was going to become a facet of the job. C. Griffith indicated that it would be part of the job. C. Griffith also reported that there is a possibility that claims may be filed on the basis of the psych report if the student receives services. When a Program Changes -- J. Lichlyter requested information on the program change at E. O. Muncie. C. Griffith indicated that it was not a program change, but a team concept. C. Griffith reported that the proposal was made by both teachers through the principal. C. Griffith reported that the transportation system in Switzerland County is not working and that students’ IEP’s will be changed to reflect visually impaired students will be served on an itinerant basis effective second semester of the 2003-04 school year. C. Griffith also advised that the HI program may become itinerant effective the 2004-05 school year. C. Griffith reported that Ivy Tech may offer sign language classes in the near future. There is also a CD rom available on sign language courses. Other Sub billings -- There was discussion regarding the discrepancies in the sub billings. It was suggested that the teachers maintain a list of who subbed in what rooms and what days were taken by staff. Phone system -- C. Griffith reported that central office has gone to an automated phone system. The programming will enable employees to direct calls to central office staff through one number processing. Policy Manual -- C. Griffith advised that the policy manual will be recommended to the Board for second reading and approval at the November meeting. Procedures Manual -- C. Griffith reported that central office staff is writing a procedures manual for each position. It will be presented at the November board meeting. The manual will be used as a basis for cross training. Mileage chart -- C. Trader reported that the mileage chart is completed. It was suggested that the chart be put on the website. (Webmaster note>>>Chart & Form now appear on the website 11-26-03) Next meeting -- November 6, 2003 – 4:15 p.m.
DISCUSSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 29, 2003 PRESENT:
	C. Trader S. Bussell T. Crowley		C. Griffith J. Lichlyter L. Jackson
ABSENT: S. Wright INSURANCE TRUST -- Chris Trader indicated no figures have been received; therefore, L. Hahn cancelled the insurance meeting. Approximately 30 days have passed so that the Unit has approximately 60 days to secure new figures or withdraw the letter to the trust. ISTAR -- Discussion was held regarding the failure of student names being loaded. Connie indicated that all schools have not been loaded. If your particular school has not been loaded, you will need to load the entire data. Guidance departments in the schools will be able to supply the student number. Teachers were advised that any student from third grade on should be entered as this is the base year. Discussion was held regarding the standard deviations. Connie also indicated that both adaptive and IQ must be factors. Also, it was indicated that for this year only, the staff should do what is in the best interest of the child in determining whether the student participates in ISTEP or ISTAR. Southwestern and Madison will be scheduling training on ISTAR. Connie suggested that, if staff members were still experiencing problems, they contact Mary or Judy about attending the session. WORK TRANSITION FUNDS -- Julie requested information on each county’s allotment for work transition. T. Crowley shared the following rates: 7th – 8th Grades No pay 9th Grade $.25 - $.50 10th Grade $.50 - $.75 11th Grade $.65 - $.85 12th Grade $.85 - $1.00 Connie indicated that M. Murray and a team developed a work transition book and suggested that the rates may be outlined in the book. T. Crowley reported that he has 8 MoMH students going to the Career Center for training. STAFF DIRECTORY -- J. Lichlyter indicated that she is currently working on the directory. STAFF MORALE -- Discussion was held regarding staff morale and possible ways to improve it. The following options were discussed: Newsletter Discussion Page on the website Post Discussion Agenda on the website Provide links to AFT offices on website Survey staff Cookout Discussion Minutes on the website Distributing Minutes in paycheck Lois will prepare Minutes for Connie and Julie to review. OTHER: Adequate Yearly Progress -- Connie discussed the meeting she attended on AYP. Discussion was held regarding the need for pre-testing and post-testing of students to be able to monitor the progress. Scheduling for Itinerant Staff -- T. Crowley requested information on who is responsible for scheduling itinerant staff. Connie shared that supervisors make up the schedule for itinerant staff. The scheduling is driven by the caseload and IEP requirements. Connie reported that OT/PT’s are a little different in that doctor’s orders are necessary. Connie indicated that T. Hoffman devises his own calendar in order to provide services based on program locations. NEXT MEETING -- if receive figures for insurance, meeting will be October 16 at 4:15 P.M. If no figures, the meeting will be 11/6/03 at 4:15 P.M.