progjen

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Connie Griffith     Chris Trader
Julie Lichlyter      Sharon Hansel
Sharon Bussell     Russ Trader
Anna Conover     Kathy Kugler
Sally Sloan, IFT State Representative

JCS: J. Lichlyter asked for Jennings County School (JCS) updates. C. Griffith said that the timeline stated that the Board would hear a proposal at the December meeting. C. Griffith and M. Bushong will submit the proposal at next week's meeting. The intent is for JCS to take back all staff. If JCS is displeased about anything the Board does, they could change their mind. The proposal is a pretty fair split of costs for benefits. Some positions will not be replaced by SSU (PT who is retiring). JCS would have to hire a PT. Staff assigned exclusively to JCS would be absorbed by JCS. OT would go with JCS. There are 19 staff members plus an HI teacher. One HI teacher will be RIF 'd (Reduction in Force) and hopefully hired by JCS. Regarding purchase of services, JCS wishes to purchase HI, VI, Adaptive PE , and WINGS services. C. Griffith is currently seeking the procedure of other coops and how they calculate sale of services. Regarding benefits, JCS wants SSU to pay all liabilities and SSU wants JCS to pay all liabilities. We are hoping to reach a reasonable agreement. The current proposal is 50/50. The Board will have to make a decision. C. Griffith feels SSU and JCS want to reach an agreement. The proposal cannot be distributed at this time because it has not yet been seen by the Board.

There is a difference of opinion of how money should be allocated. Many positions are in the general fund and will have to remain in that fund. The Board wants to do what they can to assure there is no interruption of services to students. They also stated they wanted to make sure staff are taken care of.

S. Hansel asked how much money would be generated by selling services. C. Griffith stated that SSU is not out to make money, but other coops charge for all actual costs plus an administrative fee. JCS would also have to add them to their liability insurance coverage while they are working in JCS.

K. Kugler asked if the WINGS program would be able to continue. C. Griffith stated that the program will be affected because it is funded by a grant. The coop is a unit together and WINGS serves the entire coop and is paid entirely by the grant; therefore, not affected by JCS.

ISTAR: C. Griffith stated that she received a call from the State. They said we had fewer problems than most other places and ours was one of the best. J. Lichlyter feels K. Kiefer does a wonderful job with ISTAR.

SSU DIRECTORY: J. Lichlyter stated that the directory just needs to be checked for mistakes. When that is complete she will take it to LPP for printing.

FBA/BIP and ESY COMMITTEES: C. Griffith stated that she wants teachers on the committee who are involved. The Board wants to know how ESY is determined. Criteria need to be set and documentation about regression should be kept. J. Lichlyter stated that currently she has Diane Monroe for the ESY committee. She has Lynn Heitz McKay, Greg Kuppler, and Erica Stemler for the FBA/BIP committee. C. Griffith stated that there are directors already assigned to each committee. She will let Julie know who they are. K. Kugler said there should be a psychologist on the committee and feels Russ Trader would be good.

SSU BOARD MEETINGS – Minutes on the Web: J. Lichlyter asked if the SSU Board minutes could be posted on the website. C. Griffith stated that they could be posted after they are official, which means they would run one month behind.

LONG TERM DISABILITY: J. Lichlyter asked how long a person had to be off work before long term disability insurance would begin. C. Trader responded that it is 60 days.

*Additional information provided by Julie Lichlyter: The possibility of a Sick Leave Bank was discussed. C. Griffith stated that a Sick Leave Bank had been in a contract several years ago. At some point, it was decided by both parties that it was no longer needed. It was discussed and strongly felt that it is needed at this time. C. Griffith said she would contact the Board attorney as Sally Sloan said she would contact the Union attorney to see what could be done in regard to this.

MOVIE at CINEMA 6 – DEC 19 th : J. Lichlyter stated they are taking the students to see “Yours, Mine, and Ours” and have approximately 70 student expected to attend.

OTHER: K. Kugler asked if there was any chance of getting a psych intern next school year. C. Griffith stated that we send responses to universities when they ask. Currently we have a full psych staff which means there is no funding available for an intern.

NEXT MEETING: January 12th at 4:30 p.m.

acc/jal

DISCUSSION MINUTES

OCTOBER 27, 2005

MEMBERS PRESENT:

C. Griffith           C. Trader
J. Lichlyter          S. Hansel
S. Bussell           R. Trader
K. Kugler          A. Conover

JCS: S. Bussell asked about the status of the JCS withdrawal. C. Griffith stated that the Board decided to bring in a mediator to mediate everything but money. C. Griffith said that we need to know what services Jennings County may want to purchase from the Co-op. Both parties will have to present a comprehensive plan to the State. SSU's will only need JCS removed. Jennings will have the burden of proof regarding services provided.

EMPLOYEE FAIR: J. Lichlyter stated the employee fair went well with about the same number in attendance. It was suggested that we have it somewhere with air conditioning next year. It was also stated that some people may have had difficulty hearing.

ISTAR: C. Griffith reported that the Directors received a formal manual regarding ISTAR. The manual is more organized as a how to guide. ISTAR is due at the end of October. J. Lichlyter asked when preschool needs to be updated. C. Griffith stated that preschool is due February 1 st through April 30 th .

SSU POLICY MANUAL: C. Griffith stated that schools are starting to require drug testing on their employees. C. Griffith said that she doesn't see a problem with implementing a policy as long as it is voluntary. Scott County does mandatory drug testing on all non-certified employees. C. Griffith distributed the proposed policy that may be presented for first reading at the October Board meeting. Everyone was in agreement with the policy since it is voluntary.

STAFF WITH ONGOING ILLNESS: J. Lichlyter asked whether staff members could donate sick days to other staff members. C. Griffith stated that we currently do not have the sick bank.

EMERGENCY PERMITS: S. Hansel asked how long a teacher has to get licensed in their area when under an emergency permit. C. Griffith stated that now you have to get licensed in three years (under Rules 2002). If the teacher started on their license before Rules 2002 was passed, there was no limit. S. Hansel asked if there is any jeopardy to the school if a teacher is under an emergency permit and not “highly qualified”. C. Griffith stated that she doesn't feel the school would be in jeopardy if the teacher took the required coursework.

MILEAGE: C. Trader said that the mileage rate matches the IRS rate of .485 cents per mile effective 9/1/05 . The rate may change again in January, 2006.

CERTIFIED – ASSIGNED LUNCH TIMES: S. Bussell asked if there was a format so that administrators could let teachers know their assigned lunch time. C. Griffith stated that she doesn't see the directors telling the teachers when to have lunch, that it should be up to the teachers to put their lunch time in their schedule. The same lunch time every day could not be guaranteed due to emergencies. S. Bussell feels the new teachers need to be told by other teachers and administrators.

OTHER:

FBA/BIP: C. Griffith said that last year there was a committee and the FBA/BIP never was finished. She would like to see the committee started again. C. Griffith stated that Mary Murray is on it. K. Kugler said she feels an ED teacher, LD teacher, and ED consultant should be on the committee. C. Griffith stated that an LD teacher probably won't be on the committee because they are not SSU employees, but perhaps an LD teacher could review it after completion. C. Griffith stated that the committee should also have an MoMD teacher. Kendra Bryant (teacher trainer), Angie Davis (autism consultant), and Kathy Kugler (psychologist) were also suggested. C. Griffith said she would look up who volunteered for the committee at the administrative council meeting.

ESY: C. Griffith stated that the Board has requested a directive regarding eligibility criteria for extended school year. They want to know how eligibility is determined. Documentation must be noted about regression over the summer.

Staff Directory: J. Lichlyter stated she has started on the directory and it is going better this year.

NEXT MEETING: October 27 th at 4:30 p.m.

DISCUSSION MINUTES

JUNE 23, 2005

DISCUSSION MINUTES

MARCH 31, 2005

DISCUSSION MINUTES

FEBRUARY 24, 2005

DISCUSSION MINUTES

JANUARY 13, 2005

MEMBERS PRESENT:

C. Griffith C. Trader

K. Kugler J. Lichlyter

A. Conover R. Trader

S. Wright S. Bussell

TEACHER OF RECORD/TEACHER OF SERVICE: S. Wright asked why she could not be teacher of record and teacher of service for Mild students. C. Griffith explained that if a child is Mild they will be placed under a Mild teacher of record. This will prevent the Mild children getting mislabeled as Moderate later. All of the Mild children were kicked out of ISTAR. The Mild students need to take the general education testing. A checklist was circulated to help document the three standard deviations that need to be met for exemptions.

LPP: J. Lichlyter expressed her appreciation to the staff at LPP for printing the staff directories. C. Griffith stated that the Board members said they looked really good. J. Lichlyter asked when LPP would end. C. Griffith reported at the end of June. J. Lichlyter asked if we could do anything for them at staff appreciation. C. Griffith said she thought that it was a good idea to recognize them then.

TRANSFERS: J. Lichlyter asked what kind of expectations does SSU have when interviewing current staff for open positions. C. Griffith stated that the staff member should come prepared for the interview as if they were interviewing somewhere else. They should not have the attitude that they should automatically get the position. Other applicants show up well prepared, are professional, and provide a portfolio, lesson plans, etc. C. Griffith stated that she does review evaluations of staff before the interview. Competition is strong and staff members should expect this. S. Wright asked if Connie could send a memo to staff to encourage and let them know how to be prepared for an interview. K. Kugler stated that perhaps the Union could do something in regard to training. C. Griffith said she thought that was a good idea. R. Trader stated that he feels if a staff member has had successful employment with SSU they should get the position. He feels current staff should get stronger consideration.

FBA: K. Kugler stated that a meeting had been held and a final document approved. Another meeting will be scheduled soon.

HI PROGRAM: J. Lichlyter feels some parents will be pretty upset about the HI program. C. Griffith stated that she will listen, but change is inevitable.

OTHER:

J. Lichlyter asked if Scott and Switzerland counties would be taking back their own severe students. C. Griffith said that decision has not been made officially yet, but she believes that will happen. New classes would have to be started in Switz and Scott. C. Griffith stated that next year, if the Board approves it, every school corporation will serve every child in their own corporation. Exceptions will include Southwestern/Madison and WINGS. J. Lichlyter asked when the final decision would be made. C. Griffith said not until the budget is final because there are new positions. The budget is typically approved at the June Board meeting.

K. Kugler stated that the Lowell Rose workshop has been scheduled for February 24 from 8:30 to 1:30 . She is trying to arrange a place to meet and have lunch. It was agreed that SSU would pay his fee and IASP would provide lunch/refreshments. K. Kugler will send out an agenda when the meeting place is determined. SSU will provide the paperwork for CRU's.

S. Wright stated that she is trying to create a workshop in her class for lower functioning students. She is in need of items for sorting/bagging. C. Griffith suggested she email Durwin Hallgarth and ask him to post her request on the website.

NEXT MEETING: February 24th - 4:15 p.m.

State Website	Current Page or 2003 or 2004	National Website
DISCUSSION MINUTES DECEMBER 1, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: Connie Griffith Chris Trader Julie Lichlyter Sharon Hansel Sharon Bussell Russ Trader Anna Conover Kathy Kugler Sally Sloan, IFT State Representative JCS: J. Lichlyter asked for Jennings County School (JCS) updates. C. Griffith said that the timeline stated that the Board would hear a proposal at the December meeting. C. Griffith and M. Bushong will submit the proposal at next week's meeting. The intent is for JCS to take back all staff. If JCS is displeased about anything the Board does, they could change their mind. The proposal is a pretty fair split of costs for benefits. Some positions will not be replaced by SSU (PT who is retiring). JCS would have to hire a PT. Staff assigned exclusively to JCS would be absorbed by JCS. OT would go with JCS. There are 19 staff members plus an HI teacher. One HI teacher will be RIF 'd (Reduction in Force) and hopefully hired by JCS. Regarding purchase of services, JCS wishes to purchase HI, VI, Adaptive PE , and WINGS services. C. Griffith is currently seeking the procedure of other coops and how they calculate sale of services. Regarding benefits, JCS wants SSU to pay all liabilities and SSU wants JCS to pay all liabilities. We are hoping to reach a reasonable agreement. The current proposal is 50/50. The Board will have to make a decision. C. Griffith feels SSU and JCS want to reach an agreement. The proposal cannot be distributed at this time because it has not yet been seen by the Board. There is a difference of opinion of how money should be allocated. Many positions are in the general fund and will have to remain in that fund. The Board wants to do what they can to assure there is no interruption of services to students. They also stated they wanted to make sure staff are taken care of. S. Hansel asked how much money would be generated by selling services. C. Griffith stated that SSU is not out to make money, but other coops charge for all actual costs plus an administrative fee. JCS would also have to add them to their liability insurance coverage while they are working in JCS. K. Kugler asked if the WINGS program would be able to continue. C. Griffith stated that the program will be affected because it is funded by a grant. The coop is a unit together and WINGS serves the entire coop and is paid entirely by the grant; therefore, not affected by JCS. ISTAR: C. Griffith stated that she received a call from the State. They said we had fewer problems than most other places and ours was one of the best. J. Lichlyter feels K. Kiefer does a wonderful job with ISTAR. SSU DIRECTORY: J. Lichlyter stated that the directory just needs to be checked for mistakes. When that is complete she will take it to LPP for printing. FBA/BIP and ESY COMMITTEES: C. Griffith stated that she wants teachers on the committee who are involved. The Board wants to know how ESY is determined. Criteria need to be set and documentation about regression should be kept. J. Lichlyter stated that currently she has Diane Monroe for the ESY committee. She has Lynn Heitz McKay, Greg Kuppler, and Erica Stemler for the FBA/BIP committee. C. Griffith stated that there are directors already assigned to each committee. She will let Julie know who they are. K. Kugler said there should be a psychologist on the committee and feels Russ Trader would be good. SSU BOARD MEETINGS – Minutes on the Web: J. Lichlyter asked if the SSU Board minutes could be posted on the website. C. Griffith stated that they could be posted after they are official, which means they would run one month behind. LONG TERM DISABILITY: J. Lichlyter asked how long a person had to be off work before long term disability insurance would begin. C. Trader responded that it is 60 days. Additional information provided by Julie Lichlyter: The possibility of a Sick Leave Bank was discussed. C. Griffith stated that a Sick Leave Bank had been in a contract several years ago. At some point, it was decided by both parties that it was no longer needed. It was discussed and strongly felt that it is needed at this time. C. Griffith said she would contact the Board attorney as Sally Sloan said she would contact the Union attorney to see what could be done in regard to this. MOVIE at CINEMA 6 – DEC 19 th :* J. Lichlyter stated they are taking the students to see “Yours, Mine, and Ours” and have approximately 70 student expected to attend. OTHER: K. Kugler asked if there was any chance of getting a psych intern next school year. C. Griffith stated that we send responses to universities when they ask. Currently we have a full psych staff which means there is no funding available for an intern. NEXT MEETING: January 12th at 4:30 p.m. acc/jal
DISCUSSION MINUTES OCTOBER 27, 2005
C. Griffith C. Trader J. Lichlyter S. Hansel S. Bussell R. Trader A. Conover JCS: J. Lichlyter asked for JCS updates. C. Griffith stated that she had a meeting with Dr. Bushong and Marge Bannon-Miller on October 26. C. Griffith stated that the Board gave the okay for M. Bannon-Miller to mediate with us for everything except money. The Board will do money themselves. C. Griffith discussed the outline as to when changes should take place. C. Griffith stated she would like to meet with Sally Sloan and the union ASAP so we can make a recommendation at the December Board meeting. Dr. Bushong will meet with the ISTA representative. C. Griffith and Dr. Bushong will make a joint presentation to the Board in December. We are also working on services JCS may want to purchase from SSU. J. Lichlyter asked about the cost of transfer of tuition, if it works the same as a student transferring from one school corporation to another. C. Griffith stated that we won't have to use the state transfer of tuition formula, but can agree on our own formula. J. Lichlyter asked for an estimate of how many central office staff it will effect. C. Griffith said we are estimating at least two. We will try to find other positions for them. C. Griffith asked S. Bussell about how it looks in JCS. S. Bussell stated that a committee has been set up to work on the Comprehensive Plan. They also circulated a time table. C. Griffith asked about a comparison chart of benefits. S. Bussell has a chart from ISTA that could be a starting point. C. Griffith asked the union to get a list of questions compiled and also provide some dates when they would be available to meet. ISTAR: C. Griffith stated that she put the responsibility on the directors. C. Griffith said that at the ICASE meeting at the end of September, Bob encouraged the directors to get in and look at it to see how incomplete it was. SSU DIRECTORY: J. Lichlyter reported that she is making significant progress on the directory. OTHER: C. Griffith asked who the union got to participate on the ESY & BIP committees. J. Lichlyter stated she had forgotten about that but will work on it. NEXT MEETING: December 1 st at 4:30 p.m.
DISCUSSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 22, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith C. Trader J. Lichlyter S. Hansel S. Bussell R. Trader K. Kugler A. Conover JCS: S. Bussell asked about the status of the JCS withdrawal. C. Griffith stated that the Board decided to bring in a mediator to mediate everything but money. C. Griffith said that we need to know what services Jennings County may want to purchase from the Co-op. Both parties will have to present a comprehensive plan to the State. SSU's will only need JCS removed. Jennings will have the burden of proof regarding services provided. EMPLOYEE FAIR: J. Lichlyter stated the employee fair went well with about the same number in attendance. It was suggested that we have it somewhere with air conditioning next year. It was also stated that some people may have had difficulty hearing. ISTAR: C. Griffith reported that the Directors received a formal manual regarding ISTAR. The manual is more organized as a how to guide. ISTAR is due at the end of October. J. Lichlyter asked when preschool needs to be updated. C. Griffith stated that preschool is due February 1 st through April 30 th . SSU POLICY MANUAL: C. Griffith stated that schools are starting to require drug testing on their employees. C. Griffith said that she doesn't see a problem with implementing a policy as long as it is voluntary. Scott County does mandatory drug testing on all non-certified employees. C. Griffith distributed the proposed policy that may be presented for first reading at the October Board meeting. Everyone was in agreement with the policy since it is voluntary. STAFF WITH ONGOING ILLNESS: J. Lichlyter asked whether staff members could donate sick days to other staff members. C. Griffith stated that we currently do not have the sick bank. EMERGENCY PERMITS: S. Hansel asked how long a teacher has to get licensed in their area when under an emergency permit. C. Griffith stated that now you have to get licensed in three years (under Rules 2002). If the teacher started on their license before Rules 2002 was passed, there was no limit. S. Hansel asked if there is any jeopardy to the school if a teacher is under an emergency permit and not “highly qualified”. C. Griffith stated that she doesn't feel the school would be in jeopardy if the teacher took the required coursework. MILEAGE: C. Trader said that the mileage rate matches the IRS rate of .485 cents per mile effective 9/1/05 . The rate may change again in January, 2006. CERTIFIED – ASSIGNED LUNCH TIMES: S. Bussell asked if there was a format so that administrators could let teachers know their assigned lunch time. C. Griffith stated that she doesn't see the directors telling the teachers when to have lunch, that it should be up to the teachers to put their lunch time in their schedule. The same lunch time every day could not be guaranteed due to emergencies. S. Bussell feels the new teachers need to be told by other teachers and administrators. OTHER: FBA/BIP: C. Griffith said that last year there was a committee and the FBA/BIP never was finished. She would like to see the committee started again. C. Griffith stated that Mary Murray is on it. K. Kugler said she feels an ED teacher, LD teacher, and ED consultant should be on the committee. C. Griffith stated that an LD teacher probably won't be on the committee because they are not SSU employees, but perhaps an LD teacher could review it after completion. C. Griffith stated that the committee should also have an MoMD teacher. Kendra Bryant (teacher trainer), Angie Davis (autism consultant), and Kathy Kugler (psychologist) were also suggested. C. Griffith said she would look up who volunteered for the committee at the administrative council meeting. ESY: C. Griffith stated that the Board has requested a directive regarding eligibility criteria for extended school year. They want to know how eligibility is determined. Documentation must be noted about regression over the summer. Staff Directory: J. Lichlyter stated she has started on the directory and it is going better this year. NEXT MEETING: October 27 th at 4:30 p.m.
DISCUSSION MINUTES JUNE 23, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: Connnie Griffith Chris Trader Julie Lichlyter Sharon Wright Hansel Anna Conover JCS: J. Lichlyter asked if there were any Jennings County updates. C. Griffith stated that the Board accepted the target date of 6/30/06 . EMPLOYEE FAIR: S. Hansel stated that she has gotten in touch with someone regarding permanent make-up. J. Lichlyter said that she is waiting to hear from Miss Vivian's about a massage therapist. A. Conover stated that Kathy Kugler is trying to get someone from the Hanover College art series and from Big Brothers/Big Sisters. A. Conover also stated that King's Daughters' Hospital, Fit For The King, Durwin Hallgarth, PATINS, and VALIC will all be represented. We are also trying to get PERF. C. Griffith suggested we have hotdogs again this year and also caramel apples. C. Griffith also mentioned the possibility of SSU paying the PTO to come and make popcorn, cotton candy, etc., as a fund raiser for them. J. Lichlyter stated that she would prepare the flyer and email to A. Conover for distribution to staff. CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS: C. Griffith reported that the Autism Consultant position has been filled. The following positions are still open: MoMD/Severe (Scott Co.), Preschool (JCS), Teacher Trainer, Englishton Park , and ED (MCJHS). The ED position will be posted after the Board meeting. This position will be more of a resource room and has been approved for one year. If the position is not funded the following year, staff could be reassigned. POSTINGS: J. Lichlyter asked for a definition of waiving a posting. C. Griffith stated her understanding is that waiving a posting means you don't have to leave the position posted for 10 days, although you still have to post it. She stated that when waiving, you should define the dates and post it on the website. C. Griffith said that it is good to make sure everyone has the same understanding. She stated that we only use waiving if it's really late and school is ready to start. OTHER: J. Lichlyter asked if the HI position had been filled. C. Griffith reported that it had. J. Lichlyter asked if Peggy Sommer would be placed in Jennings County . C. Griffith stated she is trying to set up a meeting with Peggy. The new HI teacher is a beginning teacher. C. Griffith stated that the new teacher and Peggy will have to work out a schedule. Peggy will also be in charge of the interpreters. There was discussion of looking at a sick bank again. Some corporations have it in addition to long term disability insurance. It would have to go through bargaining and we could pull a contract from the past to look at the rules. Englishton Park : C. Griffith stated that they have all the permits now and are getting ready for their license. She hopes everything will be ready for the start of school. Insurance: C. Trader met with the insurance committee last week. We currently are looking at a $400,000 deficit. SIHO promises quotes by the beginning of next week. Neace Lukens has also been asked to quote. When Chris met with Neace Lukens before, they wanted to be the agent of record so that all quotes would come through them and they wanted a signed contract. The insurance committee didn't agree to that, but still wants them to quote. S125 Reimbursement Card: C. Trader reported that another company had quoted the medical reimbursement plan. They can offer a scan card for a small fee; however, they charge heavy fees for plan set up and administration. A. Conover stated that Ceridian is looking at scan cards presently, and plans to offer them in January of 2006. Ceridian can also start mailing reimbursement checks directly to participants with the option of direct deposit. This should speed up the reimbursement process. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting will be set later in August after the start of school.
DISCUSSION MINUTES MAY 19, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith C. Trader J. Lichlyter R. Trader A. Conover JCS: J. Lichlyter asked if there were any Jennings County updates. C. Griffith stated that there were no new updates. STAFF APPRECIATION: J. Lichlyter reported that she thought we had a good turnout. C. Griffith reported that there was a good atmosphere. A. Conover will send a list of staff members who were presented with awards and the years of service to Durwin Hallgarth to be posted on the SSU website. J. Lichlyter will contact the local papers. AUTISM COORDINATOR: J. Lichlyter asked if the position had been filled. C. Griffith stated that we are close. J. Lichlyter asked if the position would be paid from the teacher salary schedule. C. Griffith stated that if they have a teaching license, they will be paid from the teacher salary schedule. If they do not have a teaching license they cannot be put on a teacher contract. The current applicant is an occupational therapist. C. Griffith is currently working on a job description by collecting information from IU and the Roundtable members. This position will need to do autism consultation and training. J. Lichlyter stated they need to know what to do with lower functioning students. C. Griffith reported that the co-op currently has 79 autistic students. J. Lichlyter asked if we could find another OT. C. Griffith stated that we have an applicant. RIF: J. Lichlyter asked about the status of the person that had been RIF 'd. C. Griffith stated that the position postings had been sent to that person, along with a letter, but so far, no response. OTHER: J. Lichlyter asked if there were any updates regarding the employee fair. J. Lichlyter will try to get someone to serve on the committee. She will also check into the possibility of getting someone to do massages. C. Trader will check on a cotton candy machine. J. Lichlyter asked if we could have pictures of the office staff with an explanation of what they do to be presented at orientation. This would help staff familiarize themselves with whom to contact for different reasons. C. Griffith reported that Kathy Kiefer is taking a full time administrative position next year as a low incidence supervisor housed at MCS for the overflow with Judy Stoner's position. The teacher trainer position will be full time next year. J. Lichlyter asked whether or not a teacher who is on an emergency permit has to have a mentor. C. Griffith stated that they do not. C. Griffith also stated that you have to be trained to be a mentor. C. Trader asked about the participants of last year's insurance committee. Last year the members were L.A. Hahn, M.A. Trout, C. Fox, and C. Trader. C. Trader will contact the past committee members to see if they still want to continue on the committee and will schedule a meeting. J. Lichlyter asked if the ED class at Madison Junior High was going to be split. C. Griffith stated that the class currently has 25 students and needs to be divided. She stated that a new position was not in the budget, but Madison may use their SSU local need money to fund the position. Therefore, the position will be approved for one year, but it is not known if MCS will choose to use their local need money for that position the following year. The new class will be more of a resource class. NEXT MEETING: June 23 rd at 10:00 a.m. at Frisch's. acc/jal

DISCUSSION MINUTES APRIL 21, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith C. Trader J. Lichlyter S. Bussell A. Conover K. Kugler JCS: J. Lichlyter asked if there were any Jennings County updates. C. Griffith stated that the Board had a planning session after the last Board meeting. The earliest JCS could leave the coop would be July, 2006, although this date has not been approved by the Board. C. Griffith stated that we are moving forward. The Board has scheduled another planning session after the May 4 th Board meeting. C. Griffith reported that Marge Bannon Miller did note three things at the last planning session: 1. Do the money first; 2. Transition of staff – nothing should happen until the whole process if completed; and 3. Go to the Advisory Board with a new comprehensive plan. STAFF APPRECIATION: J. Lichlyter reported that the flyers went out the last pay period. A. Conover stated that the plaques have all been ordered. J. Lichlyter stated she will take care of ordering the food and will have a sign-in sheet available. A. Conover will bring name tags and markers. TRAVEL/INSERVICE REQUESTS: C. Griffith stated that if the money for travel/in-services was divided out among the school corporations, it might be based on the percent of money that corporation generates. This would result in the small schools getting a smaller amount of money. Currently it is done as a whole. This prevents someone from a smaller corporation being denied the opportunity to attend a conference that might be costly. K. Kugler asked if SSU could pay for big items so that the employee wouldn't have to wait to get reimbursed. C. Trader stated that we can pay the registration fee by purchase order if the company allows it, but we cannot pay for airline tickets in advance. If SSU pays by a purchase order and the employee cannot attend or get a replacement, they will be personally responsible. RIF : C. Griffith stated there is no update other than the employee has been notified. MORALE COMMITTEE: J. Lichlyter stated she wants to find a replacement for herself on the committee. K. Kugler asked if a survey should be submitted to staff. C. Trader stated that the committee had worked on a survey but it needs to be revised. The committee will set a date to meet again. SUMMER WORK: C. Griffith stated that we currently have a need for speech services this summer at Southwestern. The union decided to use the same procedure as with other open positions. This will give SSU employees the first opportunity and then go to corporation employees next. PROGRAM IDEAS: C. Griffith stated that she reminded the directors at the administrative council meeting that their program ideas need to go to Discussion first. She reminded them that they should not meet with staff about changing programs until it has been discussed with the union. VACANCIES: C. Griffith stated that currently we have the following position openings: 1 Englishton Park 3 Moderate/Severe (Switzerland/Scott/SoWest) 1 Autism Coordinator 1 Psychologist OTHER: J. Lichlyter asked if the instructional assistants receive certificates when they pass the para-pro test. C. Griffith stated that the State doesn't send out certificates, but we can start doing that for staff ourselves. J. Lichlyter asked if SSU could check into having a debit card for the section 125 medical reimbursement plan. Madison schools currently uses this type of system. C. Trader stated that he would check into it. It was stated that the Large Print Facility will be here for another year. NEXT MEETING: May 19th - 4:15 p.m.
DISCUSSION MINUTES MARCH 31, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith C. Trader J. Lichlyter S. Bussell A. Conover JCS: J. Lichlyter asked if there were any Jennings County updates. C. Griffith stated that there will be another planning session after the next Board meeting. There will be a mediator there at that time. After that session, we may have more answers. STAFF APPRECIATION: J. Lichlyter reported that the staff appreciation reception is scheduled for May 4 th at the Regatta Room from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. A. Conover stated that the list of staff receiving awards is complete. J. Lichlyter and A. Conover will get together regarding ordering the awards. TRAVEL/INSERVICE REQUESTS: J. Lichlyter stated that she received an email from K. Kugler asking if travel/inservice requests could be reviewed every two weeks. C. Griffith said that the Directors only meet monthly. C. Griffith stated that staff should make sure their Director understands the importance of their request before the meeting. J. Lichlyter stated that currently staff members pay for a conference and then get reimbursed. She asked if this could be done differently on expensive items. C. Trader said they can put the registration fee on a purchase order if the company will accept it, but airlines will not accept a purchase order. RIF (Reduction in Force): C. Griffith stated that there would not be any ward students at the state hospital next year. They are all exiting the program this year. The person serving them is a tenured teacher and will need to be reassigned. Therefore, someone will need to be RIF 'd. C. Griffith said she will have to notify the teacher by May 1 st . After the teacher receives proper notice, they can also ask to talk to the Union . We haven't had any resignations or retirements, so we have to go through the RIF process. OTHER: S. Bussell stated she would like a copy of the master contract on a disk. A. Conover said she would get that to her. NEXT MEETING: April 21st - 4:15 p.m.
DISCUSSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 24, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith C. Trader K. Kugler J. Lichlyter A. Conover R. Trader S. Wright S. Bussell M. Gillis D. Ziegler M.A. Trout HIGHLY QUALIFIED: J. Lichlyter stated that some staff are concerned about the Highly Qualified survey. C. Griffith said that we sent the survey because Bob Marra suggested it would be appropriate to collect the surveys and have them on file for data collection purposes. It was also sent to ease anxiety of staff members. If anyone is concerned about the survey they should call the central office. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS/PROFESSIONAL CONFERENCES: R. Trader asked if travel requests were turned down for psychologists. C. Griffith stated that the Director's bring and present travel requests to Administrative Council. The Director can recommend the request or not. The group may also choose to vote. Sometimes they will pick certain ones to attend and not necessarily everyone who asks to attend. K. Kugler feels the conference regarding “Bullying” was necessary for the psychologists to attend. She is willing to talk to the directors about school improvement on a broader base. R. Trader feels if the conference was put on by IASP then they should know it pertains to psychologists. C. Griffith stated that perhaps that same person had applied for other travel and they may have turned it down because of that. R. Trader feels that when requesting to attend a conference they should go to their director and tell them how/why it is needed. C. Griffith said they could also pair up with a principal of that school and promote a team effort. K. Kugler asked if they could request this conference again since the directors may not have understood the importance. C. Griffith stated there would not be another meeting before the conference. K. Kugler reported that the process wasn't clear on how travel is approved. C. Griffith stated that the system has been this way for years and there is room on the travel request form for an explanation about the conference. S. Bussell said some counties look at travel every other week. K. Kugler asked if they could look at travel weekly with their own director. C. Griffith said travel is grouped together and not separated, that's why they look at it monthly together. JCS: J. Lichlyter asked if anything was new with Jennings County . C. Griffith reported that she will keep them apprised. C. Griffith distributed copies of the Agreement so that questions could be answered. J. Lichlyter asked if JCS has to give two year notice and will SSU abide by that. C. Griffith said that the Agreement says there is a two year minimum, but they should read the section of the Agreement regarding timely notice. We have an attorney looking over the Agreement for interpretation. S. Wright asked if we think Switzerland County will withdraw. C. Griffith stated that all the other Board members stated they were not interested in pulling out. K. Kugler asked about employees being absorbed by JCS. The interpretation of the SSU Board may differ from JCS. Until we get advice from legal counsel, nothing is certain. It is the position of SSU that SSU employees will not be forced to make a choice. They may want to go to JCS because the salary is higher, but they may need to get issues straightened out about retirement, sick days, etc. She hopes the Union will help employees with these issues. C. Griffith stated that the Board made clear that the highest priority will be that service to students will continue as is and that they need to protect the best interests of staff. J. Lichlyter asked what would happen if staff members decide not to go to JCS. C. Griffith stated that we would follow the RIF policy. K. Kugler asked about SSU employees who are split between Jennings and another county, whether or not they be reduced to a part-time position. C. Griffith stated that she doesn't foresee those becoming part-time positions. She does not anticipate psychologists/OT/PT positions to be reduced, but can not say for certain what will happen. S. Bussell stated that she does not understand the JCS retirement plan. R. Trader said that each employee will have to assess their own situation. C. Griffith said there is a process/procedure the State requires when a corporation is leaving a Co-Op. Both sides will have to make a presentation to the Advisory Council. JCS will have to prove the students will still receive the same level of special education. SSU will have to prove everything will remain the same for students. Currently SSU is the planning district for all corps. JCS would become their own planning district. C. Griffith stated that the Advisory Council only meets quarterly. The next Advisory Council meeting will be in May. She is not sure if JCS can be ready by the May meeting. SSU will not oppose JCS leaving the Co-Op. The Advisory Council would have the authority to say they can leave. C. Griffith stated that until JCS is released from the Agreement, it is still legally binding. Because we are an inter-local, the Agreement also has to go to the Attorney General's office. We are currently trying to get direction on the steps to be taken. C. Griffith stated that she believes if everyone works together, hopefully everything will go smoothly. FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment): K. Kugler reported that they have not had a second meeting yet. They need to develop the format of the FBA. K. Kugler will get in touch with Mary Murray and/or Jason Holland to schedule a meeting date. MILEAGE COMMITTEE: C. Trader reported that the mileage committee met on February 23 rd . C. Trader is working on the proposal and will send it to the other committee members when complete. TRANSFERS: J. Lichlyter stated transfers should be made based on seniority. The Union will let staff members know what is being expected when they request a transfer. STAFF APPRECIATION: J. Lichlyter reported that several staff members have said they would rather receive something other than a plaque. She showed some pottery pieces that MCS uses. C. Griffith stated that it is okay with her if we went with something else. A. Conover stated that she has the list of employees who are due to receive awards completed, but hasn't yet ordered anything. J. Lichlyter will meet with A. Conover to finalize everything. J. Lichlyter stated that E. Curl volunteered to help. STUDENT PICK-UP: J. Lichlyter asked what should be done when a student has not been picked up from school and the teacher has to leave. C. Griffith stated that it is okay to leave the child in the office with someone if they agree to take on the responsibility for that child. If they do not agree, the teacher may need to leave their aide with the student. END OF STAFF WORKDAY: S. Wright asked if a staff member is required to stay after school hours for a meeting. C. Griffith stated that they could not be forced to stay, but she believes that meetings are pre-set and feels they should try to be a team player. R. Trader stated that they should not be reprimanded if they can not attend. C. Griffith agreed. CVI WORKSHOP: J. Lichlyter reported that Gail Crowley did an excellent job on the workshop presentation. OTHER: J. Lichlyter asked if we would have the employee fair this coming school year. C. Griffith stated that we planned for it to be an annual event. She also said that we may possibly have orientation packets available for employees at the fair so that they would not have to attend orientation. NEXT MEETING: March 31st - 4:15 p.m.
DISCUSSION MINUTES JANUARY 13, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith C. Trader K. Kugler J. Lichlyter A. Conover R. Trader S. Wright S. Bussell TEACHER OF RECORD/TEACHER OF SERVICE: S. Wright asked why she could not be teacher of record and teacher of service for Mild students. C. Griffith explained that if a child is Mild they will be placed under a Mild teacher of record. This will prevent the Mild children getting mislabeled as Moderate later. All of the Mild children were kicked out of ISTAR. The Mild students need to take the general education testing. A checklist was circulated to help document the three standard deviations that need to be met for exemptions. LPP: J. Lichlyter expressed her appreciation to the staff at LPP for printing the staff directories. C. Griffith stated that the Board members said they looked really good. J. Lichlyter asked when LPP would end. C. Griffith reported at the end of June. J. Lichlyter asked if we could do anything for them at staff appreciation. C. Griffith said she thought that it was a good idea to recognize them then. TRANSFERS: J. Lichlyter asked what kind of expectations does SSU have when interviewing current staff for open positions. C. Griffith stated that the staff member should come prepared for the interview as if they were interviewing somewhere else. They should not have the attitude that they should automatically get the position. Other applicants show up well prepared, are professional, and provide a portfolio, lesson plans, etc. C. Griffith stated that she does review evaluations of staff before the interview. Competition is strong and staff members should expect this. S. Wright asked if Connie could send a memo to staff to encourage and let them know how to be prepared for an interview. K. Kugler stated that perhaps the Union could do something in regard to training. C. Griffith said she thought that was a good idea. R. Trader stated that he feels if a staff member has had successful employment with SSU they should get the position. He feels current staff should get stronger consideration. FBA: K. Kugler stated that a meeting had been held and a final document approved. Another meeting will be scheduled soon. HI PROGRAM: J. Lichlyter feels some parents will be pretty upset about the HI program. C. Griffith stated that she will listen, but change is inevitable. OTHER: J. Lichlyter asked if Scott and Switzerland counties would be taking back their own severe students. C. Griffith said that decision has not been made officially yet, but she believes that will happen. New classes would have to be started in Switz and Scott. C. Griffith stated that next year, if the Board approves it, every school corporation will serve every child in their own corporation. Exceptions will include Southwestern/Madison and WINGS. J. Lichlyter asked when the final decision would be made. C. Griffith said not until the budget is final because there are new positions. The budget is typically approved at the June Board meeting. K. Kugler stated that the Lowell Rose workshop has been scheduled for February 24 from 8:30 to 1:30 . She is trying to arrange a place to meet and have lunch. It was agreed that SSU would pay his fee and IASP would provide lunch/refreshments. K. Kugler will send out an agenda when the meeting place is determined. SSU will provide the paperwork for CRU's. S. Wright stated that she is trying to create a workshop in her class for lower functioning students. She is in need of items for sorting/bagging. C. Griffith suggested she email Durwin Hallgarth and ask him to post her request on the website. NEXT MEETING: February 24th - 4:15 p.m.