ICASE
Executive Committee Meeting
Executive Committee Listserv< executive@icase.org>
May 15, 2008 Minutes
DOE/Center
for Exceptional Learners
(These minutes are considered a draft until approved at the next
scheduled meeting.)
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Lynn Gosser (President-elect), Tom Adams (Past-President),
Vendetta Gutshall (Treasurer), Gary Collings (Secretary), Larry Bass
(SW), Margie Labelle (C), Cheryl Corning (SE), Jan Dunham (E), Mary Beth
Hamilton (NE), Donna Krol (NW), Cheryl Harshman (NC), Denise Bashore
(Membership and Fiscal), Patti Kem (Professional Development), Joan
McCormick (Legislative and Research)
OTHERS PRESENT:
Bob Marra, Steve Wornhoff
MEMBER ABSENT:
Pam Wright (President)
I. APPROVALS
A. Minutes – Tom Adams called the morning meeting to order and requested
a motion to approve the April 17, 2008 minutes. MOTION: Cheryl
Corning moved to approve the minutes as amended. After a second by Donna
Krol, the motion carried.
B. Treasurer's Report and Claim Docket – Vendetta Gutshall distributed
the May 2008 financial report showing expenditures to date of
$145,225.56 for the $242,000 budget and the May docket in the amount
of $10,447.25. MOTION: Lynn Gosser moved to accept the financial
report and docket as presented. After a second by Patti Kem, the motion
was approved. Besides the $14,700 held by CASE, the cash balance in
the Scholarship Fund is $1,777.26.
Vendetta said the Northwest topical will show a profit of $6,000. In
the officer transition, Vendetta has provided Denise Bashore with a
cashier’s check ($50,000) to set up an ICASE bank account in her area.
Members discussed ways for on-going support to the Scholarship Fund. A
suggestion was to designate a percentage from any carry-over funds at
year’s end. Some members favored the on-going fund-raising activities.
It was agreed to defer this item to the Fiscal Management Committee.
Cheryl Corning suggested the Fiscal committee also consider raising the
$1,200 scholarship amount for future recipients. Besides the current
two awards, it was suggested an award be designated for speech
pathologists in training.
C. New 2008-09 Budget – Vendetta Gutshall presented the proposed 2008-09
Budget for first reading in the amount of $287,400 including additional
funds for the two state conferences offset with anticipated revenue of
$309,400 in addition to the cash balance set aside of $30,000. She
explained line items that have been realigned and increased.
II. DIVISION REPORT
– Bob Marra distributed a copy of the May 13, 2008 Federal Register
calling for public comment by July 28, 2008. The proposed federal
regulations would not delay Article 7 but may cause pertinent parts of
the state regulation to be amended at a later date.
In developing final regulations for the Assistance to States for the
Education of Children with Disabilities Program, the Department of
Education (ED) identified certain issues for which additional regulatory
changes might be necessary. These issues, which ED addresses in this
NPRM, are: (1) Parental revocation of consent after consenting to the
initial provision of services; (2) a State's or local educational
agency's (LEA's) obligation to make positive efforts to employ qualified
individuals with disabilities; (3) representation of parents by
non-attorneys in due process hearings; (4) State monitoring, technical
assistance, and enforcement of the Part B program; and (5) the
allocation of funds, under sections 611 and 619 of the Act, to LEAs that
are not serving any children with disabilities. This NPRM also proposes
minor modifications to the consent provisions to correct an inadvertent
omission.
Bob reviewed the Article 7 public comments on parental consent and
preschool caseload. He noted the fiscal study indicated that 447,000
hours can be re-directed to instruction. Yesterday, he met with the
IAPSS group and was assured early childhood class sizes would not
balloon in the absence of limits. Progressive outcomes (ISTAR) will be
a monitoring point. He also noted Superintendents indicated they would
continue to seek licensed Directors regardless of the regulations. Bob
explained the SBE was more concerned about the requirement for a
full-time position than the licensure stipulation.
Bob distributed a copy of his May 13, 2008 memo addressing the SBE’s
recently approved revised criteria for determining if a student is
eligible to participate in the Indiana Standards Tool for Alternate
Reporting (ISTAR) in lieu of ISTEP+. He explained the criteria for
determining a student’s participation in Independent Function or
Academic Competence standards. Both criteria define proficiency
measured against alternate achievement standards. Up to 1% of the
population tested can count as “proficient” through these two alternate
achievement measures. ISTAR assessments are to be completed by October
31, 2008.
In response to a question about the June 19-20 session, Bob encouraged
roundtable representatives to compile questions directors may have from
their study of the Article 7 revisions. The questions should be sent to
Sharon Knoth by June 6th. The field edition of a procedures
manual will be constructed from the June session and reviewed in more
detail at the August 5th meeting.
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.
Joan McCormick explained the committee is exploring areas to address,
such as speech pathologists and expanded employment opportunities for
those with disabilities under minority contractor provisions, to assist
in transition from school to work. Joan distributed an NSBA call for
support of federal HR 3289 (Providing Resources Early for Kids Act).
This Pre-K Act would provide federal grants to help expand and improve
state voluntary, publicly funded preschool programs.
Cheryl Corning suggested the committee consider introducing a bill or
work with ISTA to require licensure for Directors of Special Education.
At this point in the meeting, Lynn Gosser assumed the chair so Tom Adams
and Joan McCormick could meet with Bob about mutual legislative
interests.
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. At the March 2008 meeting, Denise was appointed as interim
Treasurer beginning July 1, and Steve Wornhoff was confirmed in the
chairperson role for the duration of Denise’s term through June 2009.
The Secretary and Treasurer are standing members of this committee.
Denise Bashore announced at the April 2008 meeting Dave Chastain has
accepted the assignment in the new position of Deputy Treasurer with
duties yet to be determined.
Denise Bashore reported on the officers’ transitional meeting held on
April 30.
Steve Wornhoff thanked the Executive Committee for the opportunity to
chair the Membership and Fiscal Management Committee.
Mary Beth Hamilton proposed having product samples available at the Fall
Conference. Cheryl Corning reported having received 10 scholarship
applications to date.
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 are standing members.
The Fall 2008 Conference will be held on September 17-19, 2008 at the
Fort Wayne Hilton/Grand Wayne Convention Center. The golf outing will
be Wednesday afternoon. Besides the Article 7 training strands on
Thursday, there will be a couple of short sessions after the business
meeting on Friday. Bob’s presentation on Friday will be during lunch
and will include members of the University Forum.
Patti Kem distributed a draft agenda that outlined the breakout
sessions. She will be sending out an e-mail with the reservation code
to encourage members to make their hotel reservations. Members agreed
that a “Thursday only” registration fee was desirable. Patti said she
would like to load the handouts on a complimentary flash drive for
attendees.
Roundtable Topical Proposals: Jan Dunham presented the East RT
application to Vendetta as approved at last month’s meeting. Jan said
the topical on PBS at IU East in Richmond is open and space will not be
a problem.
Larry Bass said the numbers are low for their June 4th
topical in Southwest. Members are considering a topical for speech
pathologists on auditory processing this Fall.
Vendetta Gutshall reminded members of their June 26-27 topical for
interpreters.
IV. SPECIAL COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Nominating – Completed.
B. Recognition/Awards – Gary Collings reported Cindy Pittman will be
retiring as director at Avon the end of August. MOTION: Gary
Collings moved to grant honorary membership to Cindy Pittman with an
ICASE contribution to the Scholarship Fund in recognition of her
retirement. After a second by Cheryl Corning, the motion was approved.
V. SUPPORTING THE MEMBERSHIP
A. Identifying and Addressing Membership Needs
1. SLP Task Force Update – At last month’s meeting, Pam Wright reported
the ISHA university trainers will continue the dialogue on a distance
education model at the June 3rd meeting.
2. Article 7 Work Group Update – Lynn Gosser reported the ICASE position
paper was presented at the May 7 public hearing. She transmitted the
paper to the Executive Committee. Lynn said a parent petition is
reportedly circulating regarding preschool and the appeals board.
3. Article 7 Procedures Manual Work Group – No report.
4. Support for New Directors – Patti Kem suggested in addition to the
New Directors’ seminar on August 6, she would like to have a half day
session for new directors on the Wednesday prior to both the Fall and
Spring Conferences.
5. Support for New Executive Committee Members – No report.
6. RtI Task Force – No report.
B. Improving/Facilitating Communication
1. Roundtable Reports – Jan Dunham (E) said Liza Bates will move
to the Legislative Committee and Betty Willman will join the Fiscal
Committee. The y are seeking a replacement for Darlene Pease on the
website subcommittee. Donna Krol (NW) said their topical with
Rob March was well attended with good evaluations. Cheryl Harshman
(NC) said they presented a position paper at the Merrillville public
hearing.
2. Website/Listserv – Vendetta Gutshall previously e-mailed the
subcommittee notes. She reminded members of the intent to uptake
Directors’ pictures on the website.
3. Briefcase Newsletter – Cheryl Corning reported she is in the process
of collecting articles.
VI. PROMOTING/ADVANCING THE ORGANIZATION
A. Examining Organizational Structure
1. Task Force: Executive Director/Administrative Assistant – Tom Adams,
as Immediate Past-President, chairs this task force. He distributed
notes from the December 6 meeting. Members of the Executive Committee
were asked to give him future feedback on the question of whether the
new structure is sufficient to meet the needs of the organization and is
it meeting the needs efficiently? The next meeting will be June 18.
B. Strengthening National Connections
1. CASE Leadership Institute in Washington D.C. (July 13-16) – Joan
McCormick, Pam Wright, Vendetta Gutshall and all members of the
Legislative Committee will attend the CASE Summer Institute at
Washington D. C. on July 13-16th.
2. 19th Annual CASE Conference at Myrtle Beach Resort
(November 7-8, 2008) – Pam Wright will become the voting member at the
Board of Directors meeting. Her expenses will be reimbursed by CASE.
C. Promoting State Partnerships –
1. Liaisons – Members Designated by the President
a. ASK/IN*SOURCE - Patti Kem said she hopes to utilize the DOE content
and slides for parent training.
d. IASPsychologists - Cheryl Corning reported on an IASP e-mail request
to be included in RtI training. Members discussed the need for local
districts to make their plans known to their constituents. [It was
later learned that DOE is collaborating with ISTA and AFT to host
awareness sessions on Indiana’s perspective on RtI from October 13-16 at
four different cities.]
i. Indiana Juvenile Detention Educators Task Force - Donna Krol said she
attended the recent conference for juvenile detention representatives
about standards.
2. Appointees – Other Agencies/Associations
d. FSSA Community Alternatives Grant - Margie Labelle reported funds are
still available for waivers for extra home support.
VII. NEXT
MEETING: June 19,
2008 (4:00 PM) – The Fountains in Carmel