Executive Committee Listserv <executive@icase.org>
March 20, 2008
DOE Division of Exceptional Learners
OTHERS PRESENT: Bob Marra I. APPROVALS
A. Minutes Pam Wright called the morning meeting to order and requested a motion to approve the February 27, 2008 minutes. MOTION: Donna Krol moved to approve the minutes. After a second by Larry Bass, the motion carried. B. Treasurer's Report and Claim Docket Vendetta Gutshall distributed the March 2008 financial report and asked to defer the docket until next month. MOTION: Tom Adams moved to accept the financial report as presented. After a second by Vendetta Gutshall, the motion was approved. C. Interim Treasurer Appointment As President-elect for 2008-09, Vendetta Gutshall verbally tendered her resignation as treasurer effective July 1, 2008 with a written resignation to follow. Pam Wright announced that Denise Bashore has agreed to serve as interim treasurer for the remaining year of Vendetta's term from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. MOTION: Joan McCormick moved to accept the resignation of Vendetta Gutshall as treasurer and appoint Denise Bashore as interim Treasurer effective July 1, 2008. II. DIVISION REPORT Bob Marra announced he has asked Becky Bowman to draft a DEL guidance document of standards and procedures related to Article 7. He asked how to best solicit input from Directors before the beginning of the new school year? He suggested it might be best to develop an operational or procedures manual six months or so after Article 7 has been implemented. Members expressed concern about the rollout dates and compressed time frame for training of staff at the beginning of the school year. After considerable discussion, members agreed to the following tentative plan of action: (1.) June 19 - 20: A two-day Article 7 training session for Directors only to be conducted by the DEL staff. (ISEAS will secure a location and make arrangements for 120 attendees and staff). Suggested items from the Central RT in rank order from highest to lowest were: (1) eligibility and testing timelines, (2) written prior notice, (3) nonpublic school services, (4) discipline, (5) 18-21 and transition, (6) case conference procedures. Once these dates are confirmed, Directors will be notified so they can mark their calendars and/or arrange for an alternate. (2.) June-July-August: The work by Becky Bowman on framing the Guidance Document will be on-going. In contrast to waiting six months after Article 7 is implemented, members discussed the possibility of a 2 or 3 day intensive workshop this summer on a Procedures Manual. The Work Group membership would be contingent on who is available on the selected dates at a site yet to be determined. Bob will coordinate the available dates with Becky Bowman and Pam Wright. (3.) August 4 - 5: These dates have been reserved at the Ritz Charles in Carmel for presentation/discussion of the Guidance Document with all Directors, stakeholders and other parties but will be re-aligned for the following target audiences as follows: August 4: DEL invited participants only, such as IHOs, mediators, association representatives, advisory council, etc. for presentation/discussion of the Guidance Document August 5: Directors only, for presentation/discussion of the Guidance Document. Bob updated members on the Article 7 timeline with the following bench mark dates: February 20, 2008: Notice of Intent to Adopt Rules appeared in the Indiana Register. March 5, 2008: State Board of Education reviews the rule promulgation timeline. March 14, 2008: LSA must receive DOE's Notice of Public Hearings document and DOE must contract with and publish a Notice of Public Hearing in a Marion County newspaper. March 19, 2008: Proposed rules published in the Indiana Register. This is the earliest date the rules could be published. April 2, 2008: State Board of Education's Deregulation Subcommittee will review the preliminary findings of the fiscal impact and cost benefit analyses regarding the proposed changes in Article 7. The analyses are being conducted by the Center for Evaluation and Education Policy (CEEP) at Indiana University. April 9, 2008: Earliest date a public hearing can be held (after 3:00 p.m.). After the public hearings, the State Board of Education must review all comments. A written statement must be prepared stating the State Board of Education reviewed all of the comments. April & May 2008: Public Hearings: April 15, 2008 Evansville at 5:30 PM April 16, 2008 New Albany at 5:30 PM April 22, 2008 Merrillville at 5:30 PM April 23, 2008 South Bend at 5:30 PM April 24, 2008 Fort Wayne at 5:30 PM May 7, 2008 Indianapolis at 9:00 AM May 7, 2008: The final results of the fiscal impact and cost benefit analyses will be presented to the State Board of Education. After May 7, 2008: The State Board of Education will be provided with the comments received regarding proposed Article 7. June 4, 2008: The State Board of Education will vote to approve the proposed rules. June 5, 2008: If the State Board of Education approves the rules, the rules will be submitted to the Attorney General's Office. This office has 45 days to review the rule.
July 21, 2008: If the Attorney General's Office approves the rules, the rules go to the Governor's Office. The Governor has 15 days to review the rule and can have a 15 day extension. August 21, 2008: If the Governor approves the rules, the rules can be filed with the Legislative Services Agency. September 21, 2008: Rules will go into effect (30 days after filing with the Legislative Services Agency). NOTE: The timeline could be shortened if Article 7 is approved in less time than the maximum allowable days. For example, if the Attorney General and the Governor each took one week to approve the rules, the rules would go into effect on July 19, 2008. III. EXECUTIVE STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Legislative and Research Committee -At the October 2007 meeting, Pam Wright's recommendation for Joan McCormick as chairperson of the Legislative and Research Committee for 2007-08 was approved. A member from each roundtable serves on the committee. The President-elect and Past President are standing members. 1. Development of a Legislative Agenda Joan McCormick commented she and Tom Adams will meet with Bob to discuss mutual legislative items. She also wants to review HB 1001 items such as no apparent boundaries for transfer tuition and the transportation implications. It appears assistive technology costs can no longer come from capital funds, which may be another reason for Directors to consider Medicaid reimbursement instead of Part B funds. At last month's meeting, Joan reported the ICASE Legislative Platform 2008 contains the following three goals: (a) provide leadership to the ICASE membership regarding the legislative process and current issues; (b) increase collaboration with the lead educational agencies, i.e., ISBA, IAPSS, and Urban Schools Association; and (c) increase the involvement and commitment to the legislative process on behalf of the special needs children of Indiana and ICASE. The committee is also beginning its work on the 2009 platform to address directors' licensing, speech pathology, and educational interpreters. 2. Evaluation of Lobbyist Pending. 3. Activities at State and National Levels At last month's meeting, Joan reported all members of the Legislative Committee will attend the CASE Summer Institute at Washington D. C. on July 13 16th. Members intend to meet with federal legislators at home prior to the summer institute. 4. Educational Interpreter Certification Rule In 2002, the Board of Interpreter Standards, as a subsection of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) within the Department of Family and Social Services (FSSA), was given authority to create standards for Educational Interpreters. The rule can be found on the DHHS website at <http://www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/5329.html>. It is also in the state regulations at 460 IAC 2-5. As stated in the current rule, newly hired interpreters after July 1, 2010 will not be able to use the current CEU system to earn their certificate. In the absence of new state regulations, interpreters hired after July 1, 2010 will be required to hold and maintain one of five types of certificates, i.e., RID, MCE, OTC, Cued Speech, SEE-II). Interpreters will be required to maintain these certifications and shall renew their state certification every two years as required by the DHHS. B. Membership and Fiscal Management Committee At the November 2007 meeting, Pam Wright's recommendation for Denise Bashore as the chairperson for Membership and Fiscal Management for 2007-2009 was approved. Pam Wright explained with the board's action today appointing Denise as interim Treasurer, it is necessary for her to relinquish the chairperson role for this committee. Pam announced Steve Wornhoff is willing to accept the chairperson role for the duration of the term through June 2009. MOTION: Cheryl Harshman moved to approve Steve Wornhoff as chairperson of the Membership and Fiscal Management Committee through June 2009. After a second by Lynn Gosser, the motion was approved. The Secretary and Treasurer are standing members of this committee.
C. Professional Development Committee At the December 2007 meeting, Pam Wright's recommendation for Patti Kem as chairperson of the Professional Development Committee for 2007-2010 was approved. Both the President and Deputy Treasurer (yet to be selected) are standing members. 1. Spring 2008 Conference: Patti Kem distributed a report packet indicating the conference was well received. There were approximately 330 in attendance. Patti commented she will be visiting other downtown Indianapolis hotels for some comparison shopping purposes prior to selecting a site for the February 2009 conference. The Indianapolis Convention Center was suggested as a consideration. Patti asked if each of the three committee chairperson should create a rotating membership cycle? Pam Wright suggested each committee chairperson review and address the need for a rotation. Tom Adams requested a donation to Special Olympics Indiana in gratitude to Jeff Moeller, who was the guest speaker at the Past Presidents' Dinner. MOTION: Cheryl Harshman moved for a $250 donation to Special Olympics Indiana. After a second by Denise Bashore, the motion was approved. Joan McCormick requested endorsement of a work group, which is preparing a compact disc for fundraising purposes that may include future expenses. MOTION: Margie Labelle moved to endorse the work group's efforts and future expenses in preparing a compact disc for fundraising purposes. After a second by Jan Dunham, the motion was approved. 2. Fall 2008 Conference: September 17 - 19, 2008 (Fort Wayne Hilton/Grand Wayne Convention Center) Vendetta Gutshall asked members to consider both a group rate and a reduced registration fee. 3. Roundtable Topical Proposals: a. Fall 2008 (East) - Jan Dunham said they have tentatively scheduled Rob March for September 24 at either IU East or Marion IWU campuses.
b. Spring 2009 (Southeast) Cheryl Corning said their plans are still pending. c. Interpreter Training Vendetta Gutshall reported Northeast is working on a certification test-taking training session for educational interpreters. IV. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Nominating Completed. B. Recognition/Awards MOTION: Tom Adams moved to grant honorary membership to Gerry Wagner in memoriam as Past-President (1993-94) with an ICASE contribution to the Scholarship Fund in recognition of his career and retirement. After a second by Cheryl Corning, the motion was approved. Vendetta Gutshall noted a $50 contribution to Gerry's foundation of choice will be made, consistent with the ICASE guidelines.
V. SUPPORTING the MEMBERSHIP
A. Identifying and Addressing Membership Needs 1. Needs Assessment update Lynn Gosser remarked there seemed to be no apparent need for an update at this time. 2. SLP Task Force update Pam Wright reported she and Tom Adams recently met with the ISHA university trainers to continue the dialogue on a distance education model. The group is to meet again on June 3rd. 3. Article 7 Work Group update Lynn Gosser noted the ICASE position paper will be presented at the May 7 hearing date. She asked RT representatives to attend hearings in their regions. Prior written notice and directors' licensure emerged as concerns from the strand at the Spring Conference. 4. Support for New Directors Patti Kem commented she is working on the ICASE program scheduled for the morning of August 6 at the ISEAS office. 5. Support for New Executive Committee members Tom Adams is available to assist new members with any questions they may have. B. Improving/Facilitating Communication
1. Roundtable Reports Cheryl Harshman (NC) said they have established the following meeting dates for the remainder of the year: April 22 (Rensselaer) and June 12 (Monticello). At their meeting in March they discussed transition planning and related assessments. Mary Beth Hamilton (NE) said each district was assigned a section of Article 7 to review and present at their last meeting. Donna Krol (NW) said they discussed their April topical and will review Article 7 at their May meeting. Larry Bass (SW) said they have moved their meeting location from Evansville to Washington. He has met with Sharon Schultz about their June 4th topical. Cheryl Corning (SE) said they will be voting for their RT representative at their upcoming meeting. Margie Labelle (C) said 22 of 29 members responded to a roundtable survey. Jan Dunham (E) said they have scheduled an Article 7 briefing by Susan Chastain on June 13th and she requested $720 from their roundtable balance. MOTION: Patti Kem moved to approve payment of $720 from the East Roundtable balance for the Article 7 training session on June 13th. After a second by Cheryl Harshman, the motion was approved. 2. Website/Listserv Vendetta Gutshall reported the website is running out of space on the server and the host does not sell extra space. A dedicated server would cost $200 a month for 900 mg. She concurs with the webmaster's suggestion to get another domain for $70 per year like we now have for a total of 1200 mg. Some files will be moved to the new domain <icase2.org> and everything will be linked. 3. Electronic Newsletter Cheryl Corning said this group meets April 14th. VI. PROMOTING/ADVANCING the ORGANIZATION
A. Examining Organizational Structure 1. Task Force: Executive Director/Administrative Assistant Tom Adams reported he is composing this task force with past presidents and current directors. 2. Roundtable Geography Margie Labelle reported members of the Central RT did not want to split but requested consideration of one additional representative on the Executive Committee. Pam Wright responded that would require a constitutional amendment. Members noted alternates are welcome to attend board meetings. Margie noted Central intends to realign its monthly meeting agenda to spend approximately one hour on a single topic around the new Article 7. They identified 10 topics for future discussion. Vendetta Gutshall reminded members that Officers could be reimbursed for overnights related to the board meetings. Roundtable representatives may be reimbursed for the overnight prior to a board meeting through ISEAS. MOTION: Vendetta Gutshall moved Executive Committee members including officers, the three standing committee chairpersons, and roundtable representatives, be granted reimbursement for overnight expenses related to ICASE business matters. After a second by Cheryl Harshman, the motion was approved. Pam asked the three chairpersons to estimate such costs for budget preparation purposes. Vendetta will explore a reservation list and group rate for selected hotels. Members discussed how to underwrite the expenses of committee members. B. Strengthening National Connections
1. CEC/CASE Meeting in Boston (April 2) Tom Adams announced that he had accepted the CASE invitation from the CASE President-elect to chair the CASE Membership Committee for a two year term beginning July 1, 2008. Pam Wright, Tom Adams, Patti Kem, and Gary Collings will attend the CEC Convention as well as the CASE Executive Committee and Board of Director meetings. Tom will be the ICASE voting member. 2. CASE Leadership Institute in Washington D.C. (July 13 16) Joan confirmed that Pam Wright and Vendetta Gutshall and all members of the Legislative Committee will attend the CASE Summer Institute at Washington D. C. on July 13 16th. Vendetta said that she will register the group but each individual will make his/her airline and hotel reservations to be reimbursed by ICASE. 3. 19th Annual CASE Conference at Myrtle Beach Resort (November 7 8, 2008) Pam Wright noted that she will become the voting member at the Board of Directors meeting. Her expenses will be reimbursed by CASE. C. Promoting State Partnerships Joan McCormick reported Larry Markle (BSU), president of Indiana AHEAD, has invited ICASE to form a task force with the Indiana affiliate of the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD). In essence, its membership is composed of university coordinators of services for students with disabilities. According to its website, since 1977 AHEAD <www.AHEAD.org> has been the national professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education. The Indiana AHEAD state conference will be held at Bradford Woods on April 14-15. MOTION: Vendetta Gutshall moved ICASE accept the invitation to participate in a joint AHEAD/ICASE task force. After a second by Joan McCormick, the motion was approved. Tom Adams will serve as the ICASE liaison and will consider ways for roundtable representation. 1. Liaisons Members Designated by the President
a. ASK/IN*SOURCE - Patti Kem reminded members of her past discussion with Scott Carson about mutual training on Article 7. It now appears DEL is developing training materials.
b. IAPSS/ISBA (Margie Labelle)
c. IASPrincipals (Larry Bass)
d. IASPsychologists (Cheryl Corning)
e. INCEC (Jan Dunham)
f. ISHA (Mary Beth Hamilton)
g. Medicaid (Tom Adams)
h. University Forum (Cheryl Corning)
i. Indiana Juvenile Detention Educators Task Force: Donna Krol (Northern), Robb Warriner (Central), Cheryl Corning (Southern) 2. Appointees Other Agencies/Associations
a. ASK/IPIN (Jim Sands)
b. Center for Evaluation and Education (Pam Wright)
c. DOE Division of Educator Licensing & Development Comm. (Mike Horvath)
d. FSSA/DDARS/DHHS Interpreters (Nancy Holsapple)
e. ISBLIND (Cindy Pittman)
f. ISDeaf - Patti Kem commented on their student challenges, principal search, and outreach services. Cheryl Harshman noted the North Central RT invites the outreach coordinators from the two state schools to annually meeting with the VI or HI teachers in their region.
g. State Advisory Council (Karol Farrell)
h. State Improvement Grant (George Van Horn)
i. Community Alternatives Grant Mental Health Agency (Mary Beth Hamilton) VII. OTHER BUSINESS Pam Wright announced she, Lucy Witte, and Glenda Hott have been invited by Bob Marra to serve on the Indiana RtI Summit Team. Pam would like to form a task force with the remaining directors who expressed interest in serving on the summit team. Bill Gavaghan, director of the Indiana Principals' Leadership Academy, sent a March 17 e-mail announcement that IPLA is partnering with Title I to create an Academy for Title I Schools. Although members expressed an interest in being involved, a message was received after the ICASE meeting that the March 25th organizational date was cancelled to be re-scheduled. VIII. NEXT MEETING: April 17, 2008 (8:30 AM) DOE/DEL (Riley Room)