The Union News of

2004

DISCUSSION MINUTES

DECEMBER 9, 2004

MEMBERS PRESENT:

C. Griffith      C. Trader          K. Kugler      J. Lichlyter

A. Conover      R. Trader          P. Sommer      S. Bussell

HI PROGRAM: J. Lichlyter wanted clarification of what the plans are for the HI program. C. Griffith reported that the Board has scheduled another planning session in January to discuss the budget. C. Griffith stated the Board wants to take back their own HI students as they did with VI. There won't be a resource class. Switzerland County is planning to have sign language as one of their rotation classes. P. Sommer asked who would be teaching the class. C. Griffith stated that she didn't know who Switzerland County would hire, but that they might be able to get someone from the Cincinnati area. The goal is for the corporations to serve their students in their own county. WINGS will be the only exception. These are all proposals that will be recommended to the Board. If the Board wants to, they will work toward all students staying at their home school corp.

P. Sommer asked how her position would work. She has three students who have all academics with her who are in different school corps. Who would get the HI teacher? We will have to find a way to serve the children. The corporation who has the most VI students may have the itinerant teacher there full time. The other corps. may have itinerant services only. The parents will always have the option of the School for the Deaf. R. Trader asked how many total HI students we were talking about. P. Sommer reported there were 8. P. Sommer reported that in her opinion the least restrictive environment for HI/Deaf students is with other HI students so that they can communicate. She feels it is too restrictive to put them in regular classes all day with an interpreter. P. Sommer asked if the interpreters we employ now would be assigned to different places. C. Griffith stated that we don't know that yet. P. Sommer asked if she would have some input on who gets assigned to which students. C. Griffith stated that it may be based more on where they want to go geographically.

P. Sommer asked when a decision would be made and when parents would be informed. C. Griffith said that hopefully a decision will be made by May. J. Lichlyter asked if there were currently two HI positions in the budget. Connie said that's correct, although one is unfilled. C. Griffith stated that the change will be difficult and parents may be upset. Connie stated that P. Sommer's attitude will have a big impact on the parents; if she goes in to this with a good attitude it will help the parents. Parent meetings will begin after the first of the year.

JCS: J. Lichlyter asked if there were any updates. C. Griffith stated that the study that Jennings County had done was presented to the Board. The Board asked that the report not be discussed. R. Trader asked when we expected a decision from JCS. C. Griffith said probably not until the end of the school year. C. Griffith stated that the coop has a strong history and no one wants to see them leave, but they have that right, as do the other school corporations. K. Kugler stated that perhaps some of the anxiety of the staff located at JCS is because they need to feel that the administration will work to help the employees close to retirement feel reassured. C. Griffith feels we have always looked out for the best interest of our employees and of course will do whatever we can to protect them. She feels we are already doing that by looking at these issues now. The statute says that the corporation leaving may employ current staff, not that they have to. C. Griffith reported that they may want to have an inservice and the Union can bring an attorney and the Coop can too.

PROJECT CONNECT: C. Griffith reported that some of the office staff have made their classroom visits and some have them scheduled. Ones who have visited are providing positive comments.

ISTAR: J. Lichlyter asked if anyone had to go to State. C. Griffith reported that no one went, but we did have some kids kicked out. No kids who are ED, MiMD, or LD will be accepted for ISTAR. If there are academic goals in the IEP they will not qualify for ISTAR. If students are kicked out of ISTAR it means they are considered ISTEP failures, which affects AYP. Connie reported that a lot of students were labeled moderate by the case conference committee several years ago, when they were really mild. The conference committee has the power to give them any placement, but not any disability. Mild students must have a mild teacher of record, but can have a moderate teacher of service.

OTHER: K. Kugler stated she would like to have an inservice on statistics. C. Griffith suggested Kathy make the arrangements to secure L. Rose and SSU will incur part of the expense.

J. Lichlyter asked about the central office phone system. She reported that staff members have called the office and can't get through to anyone. C. Griffith reported that if they hit 0 they should get the operator. A. Conover stated that perhaps the operator is not remembering to forward calls to another extension when going to lunch, etc.

NEXT MEETING: January 13th - 4:15 p.m.

DISCUSSION MINUTES

NOVEMBER 22, 2004

MEMBERS PRESENT:

C. Griffith           C. Trader

K. Kugler            J. Lichlyter

A. Conover

STAFF DIRECTORY: J. Lichlyter stated that the directory would be ready by mid December. The delay is because of problems with her home computer. She will print out a copy so that someone in the central office can review.

HI RETURN TO CORPS: C. Griffith reported that we are doing what the Board instructed. Parents are talking about what will happen if Jennings students move to Southwestern. C. Griffith stated each corp is taking back their own HI students. The Board wants them back and wants to incorporate HI into their own school and community. This capacity building at the local level is imperative for future accountability and success. Parents will always have the option for Indiana School for the Deaf and itinerant services. The student will stay in their own school and receive itinerant services the same, no matter what school they attend. Some schools are discussing sign language as part of their rotation schedule. Peggy Sommer is meeting with teachers and will begin meeting with parents.

FBA: C. Griffith stated that the FBA committee has met. K. Kugler reported that the FBA will determine the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), who is responsible for the BIP, and who implements the BIP. K. Kugler stated that training is needed on how to write FBA's. C. Griffith feels that if written well enough, it shouldn't matter if it's for regular education or special education. K. Kugler stated that she appreciates being allowed to participate. C. Griffith said that she will do research on trainers.

ISTAR: C. Griffith reported that ISTAR is done. The State sent a report back with some errors. A Code 1 meant that the school district's DOE PS (pupil services report) didn't equal the disability that the teacher entered. This could have been a corp or teacher mistake. Those errors were corrected. A Code 2 meant there was a problem with eligibility from ISTAR. If a student is mild and in the moderate class and the teacher coded them as moderate, the system kicked them out. Some were kicked out because they were listed as autism, and some because the primary disability was ED. If you have over 20 errors, you have to go in person to the State to explain what is wrong. We originally had 19 errors, but the State told us we now have 21, so someone may have to go to the State.

C. Griffith reported that we are in the process of a data merge with the CODA system so that STN numbers will be in CODA files. The State only sees numbers, not student names.

NEXT MEETING: December 9th - 4:15 p.m.

DISCUSSION MINUTES

OCTOBER 28, 2004

MEMBERS PRESENT:

C. Griffith           C. Trader
K. Kugler           S. Wright
J. Lichlyter         A. Conover

ISTAR: J. Lichlyter asked if we were in compliance. C. Griffith stated that she printed the report today and she will continue to print it everyday, because we are still having some problems. One person hasn't entered anything yet, and for some it is saying they are ineligible when they should be eligible. Overall, things are in pretty good shape. It is due on Monday, November 1 st .

MILEAGE COMMITTEE: C. Trader reported that the committee has to meet again. A meeting was scheduled for next Thursday, November 4 th at 4:15 p.m.

ABSENCE FORMS: J. Lichlyter stated that she has had staff members question why they have to write down the family member's illness when filling out an absence form for a family illness day. They felt this was private information that shouldn't be disclosed. C. Griffith stated that the form will be revised and that part will be removed.

TRAVEL POLICY: C. Trader stated that the proposed travel policy is basically just a written down form of what we currently do. It does not reflect any changes. The policy will go to the Board at the next meeting. S. Wright asked if it could be posted on the website. C. Griffith stated that she wanted to update other policies first and then post the entire policy manual on the web. The Committee expressed that was a great idea and they were glad to see policies getting written down.

JENNINGS : J. Lichlyter asked about the Jennings County study. C. Griffith said that the study is nearly complete.

HI TRAINING: C. Griffith reported that Peggy Sommer is at Jennings County on Wednesdays to train. Yesterday she met with 12 Jennings County staff members regarding sign language and education. J. Lichlyter asked about the students from other counties. C. Griffith said that is a Board decision.

FUNCTIONAL BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT: C. Griffith stated that at the September ICASE meeting the big thing that was mentioned was FBA's. This caused us to look at what we are doing and to see if we are in compliance. A lot of people are not using FBA's, therefore a lot of students don't have them. This has the Directors worried. A committee has now been appointed, including Mary Murray and Jason Holland, to revise the FBA paperwork. The Union agreed to seek input collected from staff who do FBA in each corp. A decision needs to be made before the next Administrative Council meeting. K. Kugler reported that FBA's were developed to determine what is wrong and to decide how to help the student. There was a committee 2-3 years ago with ED Consultants working on a developed form. K. Kugler said she feels a psychologist should be on the committee. She is willing to participate because she uses the form as is very familiar with it, and has had lots of training. It should lead to a behavior plan and something being done to help the child. C. Griffith reported that every year different things matter to the State. They focus on what's not working well, and this year it's FBA's. This put the Directors in a panic, especially ones not doing them. C. Griffith said that K. Kugler could contact Mary Murray if she wants to be on the committee. C. Griffith stated that the need is immediate and the committee can't take the whole year to decide something. She said that we need someone from the other counties also. We are getting pressure from the Directors to move along. They do have some samples from other schools. C. Griffith said that when a child moves in our co-op we need to make sure the new school/teacher understands the FBA. We can't have everyone doing as they please. K. Kugler remarked that Article 7 doesn't say what the form has to look like, so why does it have to be on a certain form. C. Griffith stated that Mary Murray went to that section at ICASE and that Dr. Huberty said if you don't have a good FBA and you have to go to a hearing, you're done.

PROJECT CONNECT: J. Lichlyter commented that she missed the last meeting and just wanted to say that she thought Project Connect was a great idea.

NEXT MEETING: November 22nd - 4:15 p.m.

JULY 14, 2004

INSURANCE -- C. Trader reported that the new health insurance company will be SIHO (Southeastern Indiana Health Organization). Their corporate office is located in Columbus. C. Trader stated that the Trust will vote on Friday, July 16 on whether or not they will pay the run-out claims. The Trust previously stated that the unit would not be responsible for the run-out. C. Griffith has contacted an attorney to represent the Unit. K. Kugler asked about the cost of the insurance and if we would still have four tiers. C. Trader responded that we would still have four tiers and that the cost was comparable, if not cheaper. He stated that SIHO has a co-pay.
J. Lichlyter asked if packets would be sent. C. Trader assured her they would. K. Kugler asked when the new coverage would begin. C. Trader stated it would be effective 9/1/04

SSU “FUN & FACTS” -- S. Wright reported that she had contacted Heather Foye at KDH and they would attend. S. Wright suggested we contact a local doctor or dentist to see if they would be interested. S. Wright will contact Dr. Dunker. C. Griffith stated that Dan Hellmann from Clones Plus will be there. A. Hunt reported that someone would be there to represent Fit for the King, VALIC, Colonial, and SIHO. C. Griffith asked who could do the flyer. J. Lichlyter volunteered. S. Wright suggested posting the flyer on the website. It was agreed to send a mailing on July 19 with a reminder inserted with paychecks on July 23. It was also suggested to hand out the flyers to staff when they come in for the Section 125 sign-up. K. Kugler recommended someone bring a camera so that pictures could be posted on the website. J. Lichlyter will bring her camera.

STAFF DIRECTORY FOR 04-05 -- J. Lichlyter stated that she will work on the staff directory.

OTHER -- C. Griffith reported that Jennings County Schools has hired Paul Roahrig to conduct a feasibility study with regard to leaving the Co-op.

C. Griffith reported that in the past the central office has assisted with teacher licensing. Teachers will now have the responsibility to keep track of their licensing. The central office will continue to do criminal history checks and any support needed by the teacher.

C. Griffith reported that assignment letters had been sent.

NEXT MEETING -- August 26 - 4:15p.m.

Connie Griffith            Chris Trader
Anna Hunt                 Julie Lichlyter
Kathy Kugler              Russ Trader
                                   Sharon Wright

INSURANCE -- C. Trader reported that he was still waiting on a quote from SIHO (Southeastern Indiana Health Organization). C. Trader submitted a cost comparison of the Trust, Aetna, and Humana. It was stated that Aetna and Humana both have co-pays. The co-pays would not go toward the deductible. J. Lichlyter asked if the insurance committee had met. C. Trader responded that they had not, because he was still waiting on additional quotes. These companies are waiting for claims expenses through May before they will quote.
K. Kugler asked whether or not the benefits would be better or the same. C. Trader responded that he believed they were comparable, but the insurance companies would research the benefits further. K. Kugler asked if insurance would be discussed at orientation. She stressed that employees need to understand to compare benefits, not just price. K. Kugler stated she would like the insurance company to have an in-service for employees. C. Trader said that was a possibility. S. Wright asked if staff would be offered any vision or dental coverage. C. Trader responded that an eye examination could be covered and a discount could be given for eyeglasses.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS -- K. Kugler expressed dissatisfaction with the current EZ Flex company (Ceridian). R. Trader concurred that he had had lost claims. S. Wright also experienced problems. C. Griffith stated that perhaps we should look at other companies.

STAFF RECOGNITION/RETIREMENTS -- J. Lichlyter stated she preferred the Regatta Room. S. Wright agreed stating the atmosphere was better. S. Wright suggested the possibility of having it at the Livery Stable (by Broadway) next year.

C. Griffith reported that Edna Curl had received the Bell Ringer Award. She was nominated by a student and parent.

CURRENT “OPEN” POSITIONS -- C. Griffith submitted a list of open teaching positions. R. Trader inquired whether there were any candidates for the Jennings County Assistant Director position. C. Griffith stated that there were a couple within SSU, but no outside applicants. J. Lichlyter asked if the openings had been posted on the website. C. Griffith responded that they had all been posted on the SSU website and the ISEAS website. They were also sent to all superintendents and e-mailed to J. Lichlyter.

STAFF MORALE -- The Staff Morale Committee will meet in August – Kathy Kiefer will replace Becky Tighe. K. Kugler expressed a need for staff training regarding their benefits. After much discussion, C. Griffith suggested having a “benefits fair” and have booths set up for each benefit company to discuss their services to the employees. The title will be SSU Fair, Fun & Facts, and will be held on August 5, 2004 from 1-4 p.m. at Kemp Hall. C. Trader is to contact Staples regarding possible door prize. C. Trader and C. Griffith will work on promotional items and funding. A. Hunt will contact speakers of the benefit companies.

J. Lichlyter asked when assignment letter would be sent. C. Griffith reported they would go out soon after
July 1st.

PSYCHS -- K. Kugler feels there was not enough discussion regarding job assignments. R. Trader agreed that a meeting should have been held with the psychologists. C. Griffith reported that the directors wanted to meet with their psych staff themselves. C. Griffith felt there had been lots of discussion for a period of years, monthly psych meetings, and discussion. She stated if issues remain to be discussed, let’s do it now. K. Kugler reported that the psychologists are upset because they have no place to work when at Jennings County and not enough preparation.

K. Kugler expressed concern regarding the number of retests. She feels they are doing too many retests that are not necessary and that the evaluation does not add to the educational program. R. Trader agreed. Discussion continued regarding testing in Jennings County. C. Griffith reported that the placement percentage is high which indicates that the referrals were necessary. She also stated that when the assistant director’s position is filled she would try to schedule a meeting with the psychologists, R. McLeod, the new assistant director, and herself to discuss psych services.

NEXT MEETING -- July 14 - 8:30 a.m.

APRIL 15, 2004

Connie Griffith      Paula Dierkes
Chris Trader       Sharon Wright
Julie Lichlyter       Kathy Kugler
Tim Crowley        Russ Trader

DISCUSSION -- There is a concern over the effectiveness of Discussion. A frustration is being felt by both Union and Administration. A statement by some Union members when asked to serve on this committee is that decisions are already made before discussing it and that it’s not productive. A concern about how and when programs are decided upon was expressed by the Union. It was explained that Admin. Council planning sessions occur after Christmas to discuss better ways to serve children. Then it leads to a culmination in May/June. After that, assignment letters are sent. Also, the budget is passed in May/June/July. Classrooms are in place at that time.

VI & HI PROGRAMS -- VI is on consult for the 04-05 year. The HI recommendation and timeline will be discussed April 20th at the Admin. Council meeting. Superintendents are aware of these programs.

PSYCHOLOGIST – From Administration, we are not short on psychs. If a psych has a permanent assignment split between two counties, there is no mileage paid from the psych’s residence to the county office. Mileage starts in the county assigned. This is made consistent with the policy that already exists. Staff is to be in the county of assignment at the start time. Traveling between schools is on SSU time. Office space is available in every school corporation. The concept of a main office needs to be removed.
Concern was expressed by the Union about how this is done. When asked how this will affect VI & HI – it is unknown.

INSURANCE -- We are waiting on three agents who are working on quotes.

MORALE COMMITTEE -- There’s not been another meeting yet. Becky Tighe will need to be replaced for this committee.

TEACHER RECOGNITION/RETIREMENT -- May 5th is Teacher Recognition. The location may possibly be changed to The Regatta Room, Best Western. The “flyers” which provides information about this need to be made by Monday, April 19th so Bill Cassidy can include them in the payroll checks. In regard to the aides who took/passed the Para Pro Test, it is the Directors responsibility to recognize those aides who took/passed the Para Pro Test.
We do recognize retirees with a special plate at the Teacher Recognition event.

OTHER – Regarding the Discussion process, came a suggestion to ban discussion. However, the consensus is that it needs to continue as per the contract. It was suggested brainstorming as a possibility of finding ways to improve Discussion and “the process”. Sharon Wright is looking for a volunteer to replace her on this committee as she is moving to Switzerland Co. Challenge to all – attitudes can create a barrier and cause a reluctance to share ideas and discussions for everyone. Some arguments/concerns may not be appropriate through Discussion and may cause hard feelings. There is confusion on what are discussable issues. Possibly mileage concerns for Psychologists and others could be worked on while bargaining the contract.
There are positive things that have occurred through Discussion, such as the training and in-service provided for IESAP for those staff that had to administer that evaluation process for their students.

NEXT MEETING -- May 20th - 4:15 p.m. – Kemp Hall

MEMBERS PRESENT:
S. Wright    T. Crowley
K. Kugler    C. Griffith
J. Lichlyter    R. Trader
C. Trader    L. Jackson
OTHERS PRESENT:    P. Sommer

VI PROGRAM -- J. Lichlyter requested information on the employment of Braille instructors. C. Griffith indicated that Braille personnel will be employed when all needs are ascertained.

HI PROGRAM -- J. Lichlyter distributed information regarding the 2/26/04 meeting regarding the HI program. J. Lichlyter indicated that there was a second meeting scheduled for 3/12/04, but was subsequently informed that a meeting wasn’t necessary. The Union, after discussing all options, are recommending that the program stay at Southwestern. C. Griffith responded that the committee was not formed to discuss options regarding the location of the program, but to develop procedures and methods on how to serve students who weren’t going to Jennings County and how to make a smooth transition. C. Griffith discussed the problems related to transporting students outside of the home school. The Union reiterated its concern in moving the HI program and making the VI program itinerate. The Union also expressed the continuing need for a VI classroom.

Discussion continued with the Union’s concern regarding the possibility if enrollment dropped in Jennings County and also the fact that many of these students had become acclimated to Southwestern school, staff and students. C. Griffith noted that the students were young and adjustments would be easier while they were young and could become established in his/her home community. Other concerns raised were: (1) shortage of staff and ability to recruit qualified staff; (2) coverage during absence of HI staff; (3) services to itinerant caseload; and (4) notification to parents.

Staff Morale Committee -- J. Lichlyter reported that C. Trader, S. Bear and B. Tighe, and J. Lichlyter are developing a survey. The initial meeting discussed the survey and discussion about how different people see his/her role in SSU. The next meeting is scheduled in May.

Insurance -- C. Trader reported that a new agent has joined Neace Lukens replacing the one Chris had worked with in the past. C. Trader shared it does not count against our total census if a staff member is carried under a spouse’s plan. C. Trader reported that a letter requesting claim information through February, 2004 has been sent to the Trust.

March 18, 2004 Discussion Minutes Page Two (2)

PERF/TRF pre-tax – post tax deductions -- C. Trader reported that software has been loaded to allow these deductions through SSU payroll department. The board must pass a Resolution to permit these additional benefits. A proposal will be made to the April board meeting. C. Trader cautioned each individual to study these benefits carefully as some cannot be changed once an election is made. The information that C. Trader prepared will be posted on the website and will include names and telephone numbers for contact capability.

Case Conferences scheduled after work day -- Union requested clarification if a case conference is scheduled after the work day as to the staff member’s responsibility to attend the conference. C. Griffith reported that staff does not have to attend any conference that is scheduled after the normal workday. The conference does have the authority to make decisions in the absence of the teacher. Union asked if comp time could be an alternative. There are no comp provisions with the Unit. Union questioned if staff could be paid extra for late conferences. Administration responded that if extra compensation was involved, it would have to be advertised and open for any staff member.

Psychs -- Union requested an update on psych scheduling. Administration stated that it studies where the testing needs are and schedules staff accordingly. Union asked if administration was looking at the type of testing being done in different locations. Administration responded it continues to review testing needs and student population. Administration also looks at initial referrals, retests and what additional testing is requested.

Discussion was held regarding MiMH services. Administration indicated that with the requirements of NCLB, services to this group of students may need revamping to meet the students’ needs.

Teacher Recognition/Retirements -- Union reported that it will contact member corporations and report at the April meeting.

Teacher negotiations -- Union asked if negotiations had been scheduled. Administration responded that no letter requesting negotiations has been received from Union personnel.

Other

Registering for Conferences -- Union expressed concern about the turn around time in registering for conferences prior to receiving approval from administration. Administration indicated that the staff member may pre-register, then submit paperwork to Administration Council, and, if not approved, can then cancel if the request is not approved.

Next meeting -- April 15 at 4:15 P.M.

Insurance -- C. Trader reported that Humana has declined to quote coverage at this time. The main reasons for not quoting at this time were low participation, low contributions and amount of claims. It was discussed that our group plan needs more participation by younger, single employees. Participation by non-certified for high deductible single coverage is $1.00 per year. Certified staff pay $14.00 per pay for high deductible single coverage. It was determined that spring meetings be held to discuss what insurance benefits will be available to staff under any proposed plans. C. Trader will discuss this matter with the insurance committee. It was determined that an insurance committee member should attend each meeting. C. Trader is to work with L. Hahn, M.A. Trout and C. Fox on this matter.

Staff Morale -- Union members were named to the committee. They are: Sherry Bear, Diane Monroe and Julie Lichlyter. B. Tighe and C. Trader are management representatives.

Medicaid Billing -- C. Griffith reported that meetings were held with the Board of Directors and Administrative Council this past week to assist in billing and documentation concerns. Union requested clarification on why monies could not be spent on equipment for OT/PT or classroom materials. C. Griffith reported that SSU currently purchases equipment for OT/PT and the use of these funds to purchase classroom materials would not meet federal guidelines. Ms. Griffith also reported that revenue generated by this process may assist school corporations in paying their billings to SSU. Union requested information as to whether cuts would be necessary this school year. Ms. Griffith responded that it is too early to know for the 2004-05 school year. Ms. Griffith shared that the child count is not official yet from the State Department. Union questioned if instructional assistants could be RIF’d instead of certified staff. Ms. Griffith reported that loss of instructional assistant positions does not generate much dollar return. Teachers must be notified by May 1 if a position is not available in the Fall. There is no time requirement for notifying instructional assistants.

Teacher Recognition/Retirements -- Union requested discussion about upcoming retirements and staff recognition. Staff recognition is May 5 at the Pines. Ms. Lichlyter requested that a retirement party be standard operating procedure for all twenty year or more veteran staff. J. Lichlyter and T. Crowley will research what member corporations do and develop a proposal.

Case Conferences -- Discussion was held regarding participation of staff in case conferences and placement of students. Union reported that staff is reluctant to discuss issues regarding the student that may be different than chairperson in fear of being written up (deficiency). Ms. Griffith pointed out that personnel issues were not appropriate. If a staff member has a personnel issue, he/she should make an appointment to discuss the concern. Union members discussed times when a staff member’s opinion varies from that of the chairperson and staff was either told he/she was out of line or written up for inappropriate participation. Discussion was also held regarding placement of programs in outlying corporations without communication with parents. Ms. Griffith reported that a meeting was held with parents of the program. Ms. Griffith further reported that a committee is being formed to research all options for the possible movement of another program. The Union was requested to name appropriate personnel to this committee. Ms. Griffith shared that the Board is discussing the possible move of the HI program to Jennings County.

Page Two (2) Discussion Minutes February 5, 2004

This possibility is being looked at due to the number of HI students in the program. Union requested clarification on involuntary transfers. Ms. Griffith reported that involuntary transfer is one possibility. Discussion was held regarding staff who may wish to drop certifications from his/her current teaching license. While that option is available, staff is cautioned as to his/her best interests in dropping certifications due to the new licensing requirements. Union discussed the possible movement of VI services. Ms. Griffith reported that VI services will be 100% itinerant in August, 2004. Union requested clarification of delivery of Braille services and what Adm. is doing in training staff. Ms. Griffith indicated that when case conferences are held to determine the students’ needs, the Unit will address personnel needed.

Snow Days -- Discussion was held regarding itinerant staff schedules during snow days. Ms. Griffith indicated that each itinerant staff is assigned to a school calendar. If that particular school corporation is on a snow day, the itinerant staff member is not required to work. If that day is made up, staff is expected to work. Discussion was held regarding itinerant schedules and two hour delays and how this may affect services to students. Ms. Griffith suggested that student services should be made up if practical.

Englishton Park -- Ms. Griffith reported that Three Springs is currently negotiating with Englishton Park officials. The Unit will be responsible for the academic portion of the program. Ms. Griffith reported that three teaching positions will be posted at such time as a formal agreement is made between Three Springs and Englishton Park. The Union requested clarification on certification requirements. Ms. Griffith reported that dual certification in both general and special education will be needed. Union requested information on how students will qualify for the program and what geographical areas are covered. Ms. Griffith responded that students will be accepted from Indiana. Inquiries have been received from both Michigan and Kentucky also. Ms. Griffith reported that this is a full time residential program and will accommodate approximately 54 students. The units are referred to as families and each family will consist of 12-14 members.

Psychs -- Ms. Griffith reported that the manner in which psych staff is assigned will be different effective August, 2004. It will be discussed at the February 10 Adm. Council meeting. All options are being evaluated and input taken before a decision will be made.

Negotiations/ROTH/IRA’s -- Union member requested information on start date for negotiations. Union will present letter requesting meeting. Discussion was held regarding investing additional compensation in these funds. C. Trader reported that a new financial software has been installed that will permit additional withholdings. C. Trader will provide information sheet on opportunities.

Next meeting -- March 18 – 4:15 P.M.