progjen

DISCUSSION MINUTES

February 22, 2010

MEMBERS PRESENT:

C. Griffith                   C. Trader
A. Conover                 J. Lichlyter
S. Bear                        S. Hansel

BUDGET CONCERNS: C. Griffith asked for input from the union on ways that we could reduce spending. Decisions will need to be made immediately since this years’ money is being cut. C. Griffith stated that we have made some changes at the central office such as reducing light and heat usage. C. Griffith also discussed cost-saving measures with the Board and the Directors. It was reported that no travel was approved at the last directors’ meeting. The following areas were discussed:

Autism Consultant position – as that person is an OT move her to cover OT vacancy.

C. Griffith reported that the superintendents stated this position is vital to them. Also, all of the directors stated that they could not do without this position.

Englishton Park

C. Griffith stated that they are being paid this year through the grant. Next year, Scott 2 will pay 100% of the costs.

Reduce administrative health insurance package to a single policy

C. Griffith was instructed by the Board that this did not have to be discussed.

Custodian position at the central office

C. Griffith stated that the custodian does more than just clean the offices. He also handles all of the mowing, snow shoveling, and daily trash removal. If we contracted out the cleaning, we would also have to contract out these other duties as well. This would not result in a cost savings.

Decrease energy cost at the central office.

C. Griffith reported that we have already done that

Eliminate travel, but grant use of professional days and cover the cost of subs

C. Griffith stated that travel will likely not be approved and if a teacher wants to use a leave day and attend a conference at their own expense, they can do that.

Case Conference Coordinator Positions

C. Griffith stated that these positions are either paid out of stimulus or paid by the corporation.

Unity

C. Griffith reported that only MCS/SoWest pay for that program.

C. Griffith thanked the union for their input. It was a very good list even though many of the items discussed are not paid out of the SSU budget.

S. Hansel suggested looking at combining some programs. She stated that this may be possible with the MoMD programs at Switzerland Co. We will look at the numbers.

J. Lichlyter stated that MCS may offer a retirement incentive and asked if SSU would possibly do the same. C. Griffith stated it is not likely that will happen because the funds to do that are not available. Offering a retirement incentive is not always a cost benefit.

C. Griffith reported that the administrators have already cancelled upcoming conferences that they were registered to attend. The only approved travel for administration will be the ICASE meetings, which cannot be missed.

S. Bear stated that if the preschool were cut back to four days per week instead of five it could save the cost of an aide one day per week. C. Griffith stated that the only way to really have much of a cost savings would be to reduce the teacher to a four-day workweek. This would also likely upset many parents.

The office will begin to use recycled ink cartridges. It was also discussed to use school mail to deliver deposit advices to employees to save on postage. The envelopes could also be returned and reused.

MoMD/MD NEW PROGRAM completion date: C. Griffith stated that it was her understanding that the program was up and running, although it may have been delayed due to the snow days.

PT SERVICES: C. Griffith stated we currently have one person contracting some and an interview is being set up with one of the companies with whom we have contracted.

TIME AND EFFORT REPORTING LOG: The process is going okay. The log is legally required for staff paid from more than one federal fund

ISTART 7: There are concerns about getting kicked off the program lately.

OTHER: S. Hansel reported that the Polar Plunge was a success. They had a good turnout and raised around $1500 that day, with additional money trickling in later.

NEXT MEETING DATE: 3/29/10 @ 4:15 P.M.

*After the meeting, Connie informed the Discussion team extended days for school psychologists will be eliminated.

acc/jal

State Website	Archives 2003 or 2004 or 2005 or 06 thru 09	National Website
DISCUSSION MINUTES February 22, 2010 MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith C. Trader A. Conover J. Lichlyter S. Bear S. Hansel BUDGET CONCERNS: C. Griffith asked for input from the union on ways that we could reduce spending. Decisions will need to be made immediately since this years’ money is being cut. C. Griffith stated that we have made some changes at the central office such as reducing light and heat usage. C. Griffith also discussed cost-saving measures with the Board and the Directors. It was reported that no travel was approved at the last directors’ meeting. The following areas were discussed: Autism Consultant position – as that person is an OT move her to cover OT vacancy. C. Griffith reported that the superintendents stated this position is vital to them. Also, all of the directors stated that they could not do without this position. Englishton Park C. Griffith stated that they are being paid this year through the grant. Next year, Scott 2 will pay 100% of the costs. Reduce administrative health insurance package to a single policy C. Griffith was instructed by the Board that this did not have to be discussed. Custodian position at the central office C. Griffith stated that the custodian does more than just clean the offices. He also handles all of the mowing, snow shoveling, and daily trash removal. If we contracted out the cleaning, we would also have to contract out these other duties as well. This would not result in a cost savings. Decrease energy cost at the central office. C. Griffith reported that we have already done that Eliminate travel, but grant use of professional days and cover the cost of subs C. Griffith stated that travel will likely not be approved and if a teacher wants to use a leave day and attend a conference at their own expense, they can do that. Case Conference Coordinator Positions C. Griffith stated that these positions are either paid out of stimulus or paid by the corporation. Unity C. Griffith reported that only MCS/SoWest pay for that program. C. Griffith thanked the union for their input. It was a very good list even though many of the items discussed are not paid out of the SSU budget. S. Hansel suggested looking at combining some programs. She stated that this may be possible with the MoMD programs at Switzerland Co. We will look at the numbers. J. Lichlyter stated that MCS may offer a retirement incentive and asked if SSU would possibly do the same. C. Griffith stated it is not likely that will happen because the funds to do that are not available. Offering a retirement incentive is not always a cost benefit. C. Griffith reported that the administrators have already cancelled upcoming conferences that they were registered to attend. The only approved travel for administration will be the ICASE meetings, which cannot be missed. S. Bear stated that if the preschool were cut back to four days per week instead of five it could save the cost of an aide one day per week. C. Griffith stated that the only way to really have much of a cost savings would be to reduce the teacher to a four-day workweek. This would also likely upset many parents. The office will begin to use recycled ink cartridges. It was also discussed to use school mail to deliver deposit advices to employees to save on postage. The envelopes could also be returned and reused. MoMD/MD NEW PROGRAM completion date: C. Griffith stated that it was her understanding that the program was up and running, although it may have been delayed due to the snow days. PT SERVICES: C. Griffith stated we currently have one person contracting some and an interview is being set up with one of the companies with whom we have contracted. TIME AND EFFORT REPORTING LOG: The process is going okay. The log is legally required for staff paid from more than one federal fund ISTART 7: There are concerns about getting kicked off the program lately. OTHER: S. Hansel reported that the Polar Plunge was a success. They had a good turnout and raised around $1500 that day, with additional money trickling in later. NEXT MEETING DATE: 3/29/10 @ 4:15 P.M. *After the meeting, Connie informed the Discussion team extended days for school psychologists will be eliminated. acc/jal

DISCUSSION MINUTES October 29, 2009 MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith J. Lichlyter C. Trader S. Hansel L. A. Hahn MOMD/MD NEW PROGRAM: J. Lichlyter asked if the construction would be complete so the new program could start around Thanksgiving. C. Griffith stated that she did not know. PT SERVICES: J. Lichlyter asked if any PT’s have been hired. C. Griffith stated that a part-time PT started this week and a full time PT should be starting in 2 weeks. ISTAR: J. Lichlyter stated that the date for those completing ISTAR, other than Preschool had changed. It’s now March 1 – April 30, 2010. MADISON CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS: J. Lichlyter stated that at the Oct. 14th Madison Consolidated Board meeting, it was voted to give notice to withdraw from the MAESSU. No further information could be provided. REPA: J. Lichlyter stated that there are many concerns about possible changes in licensure for “newer” teachers. C. Griffith stated that she attended meetings. The Dept. of Ed. website has further information. OTHER: . Staff Directory – J. Lichlyter thanked L.A. Hahn for helping with the directory. J. Lichlyter stated that the directory had been dropped off at LPP. C. Griffith stated that the directory should have been completed in September so LPP would not be able to print it. J. Lichlyter said that she would make other arrangements. NEXT MEETING DATE: 12/3/09 @ 4:15 P.M. jal
Discussion was not held the following months due to various reasons, including illness, scheduling conflicts and weather: November 2009 - December 2009 - January 2010

DISCUSSION MINUTES September 17, 2009 MEMBERS PRESENT C. Griffith C. Trader A. Conover J. Lichlyter L. A. Hahn S. Hansel MOMD/MD NEW PROGRAM: C. Griffith reported that the quotes are all in and a contractor has been selected. Once all of the supplies are received, they estimate the project will take approximately three weeks from start to finish. PT SERVICES: C. Griffith stated we currently have eight resumes of possible applicants to contract with for PT; one is interested in a full-time job. We are currently contracting with KDH for one student. We have contracted with someone to cover Switzerland County, and have some prospects for Scott County. C. Griffith also stated that we only provide PT for educational purposes, not rehab. J. Lichlyter stated that certified staff understands that PT is for educational purposes and anything Directors can do to assist parents in understanding this may be helpful. PRESCHOOL: J. Lichlyter stated that the current entry has issues with the sidewalk. C. Griffith stated they may have to use the other entrance and go down the sidewalk; however, she will check with the construction company to get an estimate for a curb cut. This would be especially helpful for fire drills. STIMULUS DOLLARS: No additional funds are available. STAFF DIRECTORY: J. Lichlyter stated that L. A. Hahn will be helping her with the directory. A. Conover will email the information to her. C. Griffith reported that LPP is backed up at this time and will not be able to give priority to printing the directory. OTHER: C. Griffith reported that teachers cannot send students home. If a student is sick the nurse can send them home. If the student is exhibiting explosive/violent behavior, then the principal can send them home. Teachers also should not call the parents every day. They must follow the appropriate procedure outlined in the IEP. Parents are becoming upset over frequent phone calls. NEXT MEETING DATE: 10/15/09 @ 4:15 P.M. acc/jal
DISCUSSION MINUTES August 20, 2009 MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith C. Trader A. Conover J. Lichlyter L. Hahn S. Hansel S. Bear ENGLISHTON PARK: J. Lichlyter asked why staff have been assigned to Englishton Park when the union had been told staff would not be there and those teachers were reassigned. C. Griffith stated that the whole process was about nine months long. The plan was to move the students to the alternative school at Scott County. When the Scott District 2 superintendent returned to work that decision was changed. STUDENT AGGRESSION/BRIDGES: J. Lichlyter thanked C. Griffith for making the announcement at orientation meetings regarding nonuse of physical restraint. It was good to have clarification. MOMD/MD NEW PROGRAM: C. Griffith reported that we are trying to get all of the quotes in before starting the construction process. When the quotes are received a company can be chosen and work can begin. At this time there is no projected completion date. STIMULUS DOLLARS: J. Lichlyter asked why the position for the private school coordinator wasn’t posted. C. Griffith reported that when the preschool grant was completed we went through the applications at that time. This is a two year position that will end when the stimulus dollars end. The position is also part-time with no benefits. All stimulus positions were hired through SSU and are SSU employees. The private school coordinator will not be TOR for any students. She will help teachers find resources and answer questions regarding special education. ORIENTATION: J. Lichlyter reported there were some issues with the time/date of orientation being changed for MCS. It was originally scheduled for the 18th and was changed to the 17th. J. Lichlyter also stated that there were so many meetings to attend that teachers did not have time to get their rooms ready. C. Griffith stated that she has no control over what each school corporation schedules. If MCS or another corporation requires a meeting or in-service, then our teachers have to participate. STAFF DIRECTORY: J. Lichlyter will get with A. Conover within the next couple of weeks. C. Griffith stated that the directory needs to be printed by September, otherwise its value is diminished. J. Lichlyter stated that staff have told her that it’s helpful whenever the receive it and understand it’s done on a volunteer basis so appreciate it. L. A. Hahn has volunteered to assist J. Lichlyter with it. NEXT MEETING DATE: 9/17/09 @ 4:15 P.M. acc/jal
July, 2009 - Discussion was not held
DISCUSSION MINUTES June 22, 2009 MEMBERS PRESENT: C. Griffith C. Trader A. Conover J. Lichlyter Z. Costanzo S. Hansel STAFF ASSIGNMENTS: C. Griffith reported that not all staff assignments have been made. Staff assignment letters will likely be sent this week for assignments that are set. INVOLUNTARY TRANSFERS: J. Lichlyter asked if the principals and parents have been notified of the transfers. C. Griffith stated that the principals were consulted and those who were available were included in meetings. No plan was in place to notify parents. It was stressed that the decisions were made based on what is good for all, not just one child. J. Lichlyter asked what triggered the transfers. C. Griffith stated several things, such as retirements, resignations, licensing areas, and teachers who needed to be placed in positions because their current position no longer exists. There were many transfers this year, more than the typical year. J. Lichlyter stated that there must be a better way to deal with involuntary transfers. STUDENT AGGRESSION/BRIDGES: J. Lichlyter reported that she got a copy of the Ziggaret model and feels it will work well with higher functioning students, but felt something else should be put into place for physical management. C. Griffith stated that we trained many staff members on Bridges and found that it was not successful. We learned that when we quit putting our hands on kids, their behavior improved. The verbal cues with Bridges is okay to use to de-escalate. One plan will not work for every child. Teachers should use their professional discretion. Physical restraints should only be used to prevent serious bodily injury, not minor injuries. Staff should not use take-downs or holds unless there is a threat of serious bodily injury. In the past staff members have been told at orientation meetings that the use of Bridges is no longer permitted. We will remind staff of this again this year. SCHOOL PSYCH SERVICES: Z. Costanzo expressed her thanks for the extended days that the psychologists receive. C. Griffith reported that some of the Directors feel that the extended days are no longer necessary due to reports being computerized, etc. The extended days may be reduced and eventually eliminated in the future. Z. Costanzo stated that she feels she hates to lose the days because they were very useful to her. Psychologists who travel to more than one school corporation will need to submit a work calendar to C. Griffith through their director. The directors will work out any conflicts that may occur with the calendars due to school closings. MoMD/MD NEW PROGRAM: When the Directors return to work in July, they will work on the distribution of students in the program. The program will be set up as a living/learning center and will include a kitchen, family room, bedroom, and bathroom area. We are looking at a life skills curriculum. The program cannot be set up until some rooms at Eggleston are cleared out. Then the offices at the Madison Junior High can be moved there which will open up the space. As a result of these moves taking place, the program may not be ready at the start of school. PRESCHOOL AT JUNIOR HIGH: We are still waiting to get a contract with OVO. If no contract is made, then the preschool will remain at the junior high. STIMULUS DOLLARS: The superintendents each submitted budgets which were compiled. The application was then submitted to the federal government and has been approved. J. Lichlyter asked if any of the money would be used for the living/learning center. C. Griffith reported that some of the money may be used for that but that we have applied for a separate grant for that. INSURANCE: The only update is that the $2200 plan will change because the IRS changed the regulations to $2300. OTHER: The employee benefits fair will be on July 31 from 1:00-3:00 at the SSU office. NEXT MEETING DATE: 8/20/09 @ 4:15 P.M. acc/jal

Discussion was not held the following months due to various reasons, including illness, scheduling conflicts and weather:

November 2009 - December 2009 - January 2010

July, 2009 - Discussion was not held