Board Mtg 2192010 - Edl...Dvorah Ben-Moshe as part of the TSD team. Dvorah Ben-Moshe hopes to speak...

Texas School for the Deaf

Governing Board

TSD Governing Board Meeting 1 of 9 February 19, 2010

Minutes of Meeting February 19, 2010

Attendees: Walt Camenisch; President, Connie Sefcik-Kennedy; vice president, Sha Cowan; secretary, Jean Andrews, Beatrice Burke, Claire Bugen, Susan Ridley, Angie Wolf

AGENDA

1. Call to Order 9:35 a.m.

2. Approval of Minutes from the December 11, 2009 Meeting

Sha Cowan noticed she is sited as commenting on page 1 of 7, item 2. She said she thinks Connie made the statement that representatives must be alumni. Susan Ridley asked if the amount listed under gifts and donations. Is correct. Gary Bego replied he would check and report back shortly. Sha Cowan moved to approve the minutes with revisions. Jean Andrews seconded the motion. All members moved to approve the minutes.

Gary Bego replied the minutes should be corrected to state gifts over $1,276.00.

3. Audience speakers to Address the Board; Introduction of Visitors

Claire Bugen said no visitors have signed up to speak.

4. Superintendent’s Report

Claire Bugen welcomed Julie Parker and thanked her for attending the meeting.

Claire Bugen began her report. She is excited about implementing Powerschool and SEAS. TSD only received funding for one full-time position to implement these programs and the employee is working with Frank Hipchen currently. Key users of the system will be trained. We are preparing for the National Summit in IL at Casino Bluffs. Annually before the conference, we attend the National Summit on deaf education. Teams show up and discuss topics that relate to the implementation of the national agenda. TSD will bring two parents, Lisa Crawford and Dvorah Ben-Moshe as part of the TSD team. Dvorah Ben-Moshe hopes to speak to the CEASD board about implementing the We the People Program in deaf schools.

Beatrice Burke asked if Claire Bugen serves on the National Summit committee. Claire Bugen replied yes, she has a lifetime appointment.

Claire Bugen continued her report stating the Sertoma Pancake Breakfast was awesome. More than 700 people attended the breakfast. The funds raised will support TSD and our students attending the Math Counts competition at NTID. Last year, TSD students won 1st place. The e-rate has been a struggle. TSD was randomly selected for an audit on e-rate. Our request was large this year to fund our new network. Before they considered awarding the e-rate to us, they want to ensure we are in compliance. We have been under the audit since June of 2009. Gary Bego added our audit status has changed from preliminary to final review. Claire Bugen continued saying in the interim, the new application for e-rate became due. So, we had to redo the application in case we do not get the e-rate this year. The legislature agreed to match funding at 10% if we get the e-rate funds. We don’t know what will happen with our e-rate application this year. We hope it will be approved once the audit is completed. Next week, TSD is hosting the CEASD (SOS), Save our Schools Conference. A small but needy group including Louisiana School for the Deaf (SD), Arkansas SD, Alabama SD, American School for the Deaf, Cleary School from Long Island, and Oregon SD will attend. The conference begins Wednesday night and closes Thursday afternoon. 3 consultants will work with the schools to identify strengths/weaknesses.

Beatrice Burke asked if the meeting will be closed or if board members could attend. Claire Bugen replied she isn’t sure if all board members could attend but she’s sure a representative would be welcome. Walt Camenisch said he would look at his schedule. Claire Bugen announced elephant productions will produce a video for the TSD foundation to do fundraising and we hope it will be ready to show at the Diamond Event. Jean Andrews asked if the date for the Diamond Event has been set. Claire Bugen answered yes; it will be May 4, 2010. Avonne Brooker-Rutowski shared that TSD placed 4th in the Academic Bowl competition. 1-3rd place teams will go to Gallaudet to compete at the national level. TSD placed 4th, putting us in the running to join the national


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competition at Gallaudet. Students took a test and the highest scoring team will qualify for the national competition. We are keeping our fingers crossed. Walt Camenisch said that is a wonderful opportunity.

Claire Bugen continued stating this year, for the 1st time, our MS basketball team girls and boys went to Riverside, CA to compete in the Iron 5 Competition. We are awaiting the results. Walt Camenisch asked which schools are competing. Claire Bugen replied TSD, Riverside, Freemont, Indiana, and New Mexico are competing. Claire Bugen said she realizes it is important for students to compete against other schools for the deaf but it is expensive to promote MS tournaments across the nation. She will propose that national tournaments be held until High School. In this case, parents of MS students found the money to send kids.

Diana Poeppelmeyer checked and confirmed the Diamond Event will be held May 6, 2010.

Walt Camenisch asked if the board members would like to hear anything else from the superintendent’s report.

5. TSD Annual Report 2008-2009

Claire Bugen explained annually TSD publishes this report to meet the requirements under M.O.U. to publicize our accountability data. The statistics and data on student performance are on pages 27-29. It is followed by each department’s highlights. Claire Bugen said she loves the layout this year. Fernando Munoz is responsible for the layout. The annual report has been reviewed by SLC, ELT, and DAC.

Beatrice Burke said she hopes parents realize how fortunate their children are because TSD offers so many different services. She thanked TSD staff for their hard work. Connie Sefcik-Kennedy added she wants to thank Fernando Munoz because the art and layout are beautiful. The report is very inspiring. Claire Bugen said she asks staff to read the annual report because it makes you feel good to see our accomplishments. This report is disseminated statewide.

Beatrice Burke moved to approve the annual report for 2008-2009. Jean Andrews seconded the motion. All members approved the report.

6. Sign Language Communication

Wess Smith gave a general review of the Sign Language policy used at TSD. He said he thinks TSD is doing very well and has the best policy/procedure in the nation. We often refer other schools to use our policy. The policy is tied in nicely with our students and staff.

Walt Camenisch thanked Wess Smith for coming and explained that when Michael Wynne came to present to the board at the last meeting, he mentioned the sign language policy. The policy was last amended in 2002 and Walt wondered if the policy and language plan should be connected. TSD has used a Bi-Bi philosophy, then STAR, and then changed again. Walt Camenisch asked if Wess Smith feels this policy needs to be reviewed to ensure it is aligned with the philosophy of the language planning committee.

Claire Bugen added there is an addendum to the policy and that maybe more specific. Wess Smth said the policy is broad so it can apply to the entire campus. To develop the procedure, we went through the policy and developed the procedure to state expectations for each area. Remembering we have 439 employees, some who don’t have contact with students, the policy is very broad. Now that we have the language planning committee, Wess Smith said he thinks it would be wonderful to review and merge the two. Walt Camenisch said he would like to see statistics on how employees are doing on their SCPI results.

Walt Camenisch recently went to visit his granddaughter and the bus driver and monitor both voiced and didn’t sign. Walt said this concerned him because the TSD policy states the driver should be at intermediate level and the monitor should display advanced sign skills. Wess Smith replied he knows the transportation employees have the best record for attending sign classes but the department also has a high rate of job turnovers. Claire Bugen replied the job posting for bus monitors does not require sign language skills at hire. Claire Bugen said we become concerned when the person doesn’t have the attitude and desire to learn. That doesn’t mean we won’t go back and review the policy/procedure and decide if it needs revision.


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Wess Smith said he believes the policy will need to remain broad but we can look at how the procedure is applied in each area. Angie Wolf asked if Sign Language Class attendance is part of the employee’s annual evaluation. Wess Smith replied yes.

Connie Sefcik-Kennedy said she would like to see the required levels for each job position. Beatrice Burke asked where Security is listed. Wess Smith showed Security employees are listed under Risk Management.

Claire Bugen said not only do other schools ask to use this policy but now we are receiving requests from the community also; such as from the police department, fire department, and public librarians. DARS is requesting a contract. For TSD, it’s positive. Wess Smith said DARS only provides an interpreter certification test. If a company doesn’t require interpreter skills, how do they test employees’ sign language skills?

Jean Andrews asked if Wess Smith has a preference between the SCPI and ASL PI assessments. Wess Smith said TSD uses the SCPI because we have such a diverse group of students and staff. Wess Smith said he has seen phenomenal teachers who would fail the ASL PI.

Connie Sefcik-Kennedy asked it the Health Center employees attend sign class. Wess Smith replied for departments that have trouble being released from duty, we go to the department to offer classes. Connie Sefcik-Kennedy replied she wants to ensure the Health Center staff is attending classes regularly because they are handling medications with students and communication should be clear. Wess Smith said the Health Center does have a wonderful system for administering medications and we do train them on how to discuss medications often.

Wess Smith said currently, department supervisors are responsible for tracking employee attendance to sign class. It depends on the supervisor whether that is effective or not. Walt Camenisch said someone overseeing the supervisors should be reminding supervisors to check the database for compliance.

Beatrice Burke commented she was impressed the TSD security department employees’ sign language skills.

7. Graduation Plans and HB3

John Serrano thanked the board for inviting him to explain the changes to the graduation requirements. The changes impact TSD along with many other schools within the state. HS students can graduate on the minimum, recommended or distinguished plan. Minimum pertains to students taking modified courses and take Taks M. The recommended and distinguished plans are most often used for HS students. Before HB 3 passed last summer, students who graduated under the minimum graduation plan were required to take 5.5 elective courses. The recommended plan required 3.5 electives, and the distinguished plan required 2.5 credits. Jean Andrews asked what TSD offers to fulfill the foreign language requirement. John Serrano answered up until now, we’ve offered ASL I, II, and III. Next fall, we will offer Spanish. Beatrice Burke asked if we would continue to offer ASL. John Serrano replied yes, we would offer both languages. We also offer ASL classes for students with minimum sign language skills. Avonne Brooker-Rutowski added she is excited to be offering Spanish for students going to Gallaudet. Gallaudet does not recognize ASL as a foreign language. John Serrano continued stating now with HB3, elective requirements have been lessened. Health and Physical Education credit requirements have been lessened. Also, Technology Application courses have been lessened. They added a requirement for 1 credit of Fine Arts. Last January, the State Board addresses this. If the student is on the recommended plan and struggling to pass TAKS and lowered to the minimum plan, they would then have more requirements for electives. So, they dropped the requirement for health, PE, and Technology Applications for all three graduation plans.

Claire Bugen commented that she doubts there is any data to support dropping Technology Applications and adding Fine Arts will make a student more employable.

John Serrano continued stating we held a discussion to decide if TSD will require students to take Health. We decided to keep health as a required elective course for all graduation plans because many students have limited communication access at home. The class will cover the Sex Ed requirement. John Serrano showed the graduation plans that will be offered in 2010-2011. Students will be required 3 years of science on the minimum plan, 4 for the recommended and distinguished. .5 credits of health and 1 credit of PE will be required for all students. Students newly enrolled at TSD will be required to take Health since it isn’t required at other public


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schools. The Fine Arts requirement applies to new freshman 2010-2011. It will not be required for current HS students.

Beatrice Burke thanked John Serrano for his presentation.

Walt Camenisch asked the board members to present a motion. Jean Andrews made a motion to approve the reduction in PE to one credit in all graduation plans, retain one-half credit of Health in all graduation plans, and eliminate one credit of Technology Applications in all graduation plans. Beatrice Burke seconded the motion. All members moved to approve the motion.

Claire Bugen said the motion needs to be amended to add one year of science to the minimum graduation plan. Jean Andrews made an amendment to add one year of science to the graduation plan. Susan Ridley seconded the motion. All members approved.

8. School Calendar 2010-2011

Gloria Seidlin-Bernstein shared that the calendar has been discussed at two ELT meetings and the DAC meeting. This year, the most challenging part of the calendar is the basketball tournament. At the DAC meeting, several parents voiced concerns about school closure due to athletic event that only HS students participate in. When that happens, the school must close in order to provide residential services for visiting students. That created two staff development days in January that were not ideal. We must have 187 staff contract days and 175 students days and this calendar does meet those requirements. We also decided to add a staff development day in October so training can be offered and staff could use what is learned throughout the school year.

Walt Camenisch asked if anyone voiced concerns about school being closed a whole week in November. Gloria Seidlin-Bernstein replied we had one parent that complained but we explained that many residential students don’t show up that week.

Beatrice Burke asked if the calendar aligns with the Austin ISD school calendar. Gloria replied that the week off at Thanksgiving does not align and the 2 days reserved for the basketball tournament does not either but all others dates align with the Austin ISD calendar.

Connie Sefcik-Kennedy asked if school could be open on December 20, 2010. Gloria replied we really need that staff development day to complete IEP’s and grades.

Angie Wolf asked what would happen if the school had to close due to bad weather. Gloria Seidlin-Bernstein replied the Good Friday and the Monday after Easter are bad weather days. We close that Monday so students and Residential staff can be with their family on Easter Sunday.

Angie Wolf made a motion to approve the school calendar. Beatrice Burke seconded the motion. All members moved to approve the school calendar for 2010-2011.

9. Discussion of June Board Meeting

Claire Bugen said we seem to be struggling to find a date for the June board meeting. If not for Strategic Planning, she would not be concerned. I want the important players in the planning team to be involved and also our facilitator, Rita Gibbs. Rita Gibbs is available to meet June 4th and 5th. Graduation is on June 4th. June 5th is a Saturday and is a possibility for Strategic Planning. Beatrice Burke said she would not be able to attend on June 5th. The other time Rita Gibbs is available is June 25 & 26th. Connie Sefcik-Kennedy and Walt Camenisch can’t meet then due to the TSID conference. Claire Bugen said June 5th would only allow 1 day to develop the mission, vision, and beliefs. Walt Camenisch asked if we would meet in April. Claire replied yes, April 9th & 10th the team will develop the mission, vision, and beliefs. We will start analyzing the data from surveys in June. We will not need a board meeting. We may hold a brief board meeting on June 4th. Jean Andrews added holding a meeting would ensure the board attends the graduation ceremony. Walt Camenisch asked the board to mark their calendars for June 4th and 5th.

10. Technology Integration in the Classroom at TSD


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Mari Liles discussed technology news and highlights and technology integration in k-12 classrooms at TSD. TSD students are engaged and having fun in the classroom using technology to learn. Every year, we get money in the fall to replace equipment. We were able to replace computers in four labs this year in addition to what we replace annually. Each lab has about 15 computers and we replace 100 computers annually. The Round Rock Sertoma Club donated $5,000 for a new state of the art Activboard, ELMO, and Apple laptop computer. We had stimulus money that allowed us to buy two software packages, Special Education Management System (SEAS) and Powerschool. The cost of the SEAS software includes training. Teachers and parents are very excited about the access Powerschool will provide.

Walt Camenisch asked if the SEAS and Powerschool software could work together. Mari Liles said yes, we bought a module to merge the data between the two programs.

Walt Camenisch asked if there are additional costs. Mari Liles replied maintenance would cost about $5000 per year for both programs.

TSD is required to submit a district technology plan. That document goes through two review processes with Region XIII and TEA. The goals have to align with our STAR chart. One of our weakest areas is providing training and staff development. When we write the document, we have to include the compliance requirements of STAR chart, NCLB, and E-rate. When we get final approval, I will share that news with you.

Mari Liles shared an update on the status of TSD’s e-rate application. We asked for 5 million dollars in February 2008. In June, we began the audit process and have now begun the application process again. It’s an awful process but the amount of money it makes for us is high. TSD pays 10% if we get the money. The 10% we pay will be matched by the state.

VRS was previously under the Technology domain but has transferred to the ERCOD department. If you have specific questions, I will give them to David Coco to follow up. Now, we have over 190 VP’s on campus. Sorensen is our biggest provider. We also test other equipment from Purple and CSDVRS Z150’s. Some of the other products are smooth on our network so there are pros and cons to each product vendor. The goal is to provide service to users on campus regardless of the brand.

Last year, Team VRS was established. It comprised 5-6 junior and senior students who worked with our VRS staff to provide technical support and maintenance for VRS stations in the dorm after hours. It’s nice to have kids helping to maintain equipment. Beatrice Burke said installation is a good job in the VRS industry currently. That is a good skill to offer our students.

Mari Liles shared our Distance Learning opportunities. We offer 14 weekly ASL storytelling connections to residential day school programs in El Paso, Northeast San Antonio, Mt. Pleasant, Tyler, Birdville, and Wichita Falls. In addition, we offer 13 classes each day with 2 instructors. We have 66 students involved from small school districts that don’t have ASL teachers. There is a long waiting list. We offer ASL I, II, and III so students can earn foreign language credit to meet the requirement for HS graduation.

Walt Camenisch asked if the schools pay us. Mari Liles replied they pay a seat fee. They pay us $500/student per semester roughly. Walt Camenisch asked where that money goes. Claire Bugen replied that goes into appropriated receipts. It is a general fund that goes toward any use that TSD needs it for. You could substitute it for a few days of teacher pay.

Gary Bego answered our appropriated receipts are part of the overall method of finance we anticipate each year. Same as anytime someone comes on campus to use our facilities. Typically, we generally attain the money we put in the operating budget.

Susan Ridley asked if the schools pay for their own distance learning equipment. Mari Liles said she doubts the schools paid but may have been part of an initiative to connect schools and service centers by TEA. TEA is not giving that money out anymore and schools are looking for ways to support ongoing Distance Learning.

Mari Liles shared a list of technology tools used in the classroom including the ActivBoard, ActivBoard Input Devices (ActivPen, Activote, Activslate, Activwand, and Activexpression), and Document Camera (ELMO) with Microscope, Mobile Computer Lab (COW), and student laptops with built-in cameras.


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Avonne Brooker-Rutowski added that she recently saw an ASL and English class working together through use of the built-in cameras on the laptop.

Mari Liles continued stating Flip Video Cameras can be checked out from Sharee Darcé for class projects. Jean Andrews asked how much memory the flip has. Mari Liles replied the Flip camera has 120 minutes built in. Elementary students are using video iPods. We wrote a grant requesting an iPod for each student in grades k-8 so teachers can put assignments including the signs and vocabulary used in a story. We did not get the grant, so we have 10 video IPods for use in the Elementary reading lab. Jean Andrews how much they cost. Mari replied they are about $200 each. She showed an example of students using the video IPod. The teacher is teaching vocabulary. If the student knows the correct sign, it jumps ahead. If not, the screen will advance and give clues and the sign. It is great for Elementary kids to bring home lessons for review. Mari Liles showed elementary students using Morph. You can see technology makes learning fun. Mari Liles updated the board on the use of student laptops in High School. All High School students have access to a laptop and we’ve seen good results. Web 2.0 is a relatively new site that allows students to post their opinions. A blog and a Vlog are examples of Web 2.0 that are wonderful classroom tools. Links shared are http://www.carrotsticks.com/play, www.schoolrack.com/blhussey, http://us.educationcity.start. In closing, Mari shared a movie showing use of technology by TSD students and staff.

Mari Liles said you can see how we should not drop Technology Applications as a required course and you can see students are motivated to learn and will continue to want to take it as an elective. All students are using technology classes.

Beatrice Burke said she would like to visit the classroom and see Technology in use.

The board adjourned at 12:12 for lunch.

The meeting resumed at 1:00 p.m.

11. Textbook Committee

Susan Anderson presented the members of the textbook committee. TSD has a strong committee reviewing the textbooks that are available for adoption. Books being considered for adoption can be viewed on the 4th floor of the MS/HS building. Today, Susan Anderson asked that board approve the committee members. Claire Bugen said Onudeah Nicolarakis should be removed. Johnett Scogin said we don’t have a replacement but several Elementary teachers are already on the committee. Angie Wolf asked if parents have always been on the committee. Susan Anderson replied yes. Claire Bugen asked if the books state whether they are conforming and non-conforming to the TEKS. Susan Anderson replied yes, they do. Beatrice Burke asked if Susan Anderson could compile a list of the conforming and non-conforming books so we can know how they align with the TEKS, the Texas Education framework. Johnett Scogin added for a textbook to be eligible to be up for adoption, the textbook must meet the objectives of the TEKS and offer an additional option. Recently at Region XIII, staff were able to see many of the book publishers. When you buy the book, you also get a CD or have online access. The teacher addition also offers online lesson planners. Beatrice Burke asked who would go look at the textbooks. Susan Anderson replied the committee will review the textbooks and also anyone who is interested may also look at them.

Connie Sefcik-Kennedy made a motion to approve the Textbook Committee. Angie Wolf seconded the motion. All members moved to approve the committee.

12. FY10 Operating Budget Update Gary Bego shared the operating budget with expenses from September to December. Gary Bego said he does not expect any over expenditures. Note, under category 5,000, capital expenditures, we are anticipating we will lost as much as 1.4 million dollars because we were asked to do a 5% budget cut and we do not want to touch salaries. Earlier this week, a gas inspector detected a leak in one of our buildings that will cost us between 2-5,000 dollars to repair. Julie Harker, from the governor’s office of the budget and planning, was visiting the board meeting earlier today to hear comments about the 5% reduction. The other things listed in the report do not affect this fiscal year but are anticipated to impact the budget next year.


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Walt Camenisch noticed only $3002 in fuel costs is documented under Support Services. He said TSD must spend more than that amount n fuel. Gary Bego replied that is just one component of fuel expenditures. Sha Cowan asked what TPFA is. Gary Bego replied it is the Texas Public Finance Authority. TSD receives financing through TPFA and repay it over 3 years. Susan Ridley asked what substitutes are used for in the residential department. Gary Bego explained that expenses covers costs incurred when an employee is not in a position and a substitute is needed.

13. Five Percent Biennial Budget Reduction Gary Bego said all state agencies were asked to come up with a plan for a 5% reduction by the governor. That amounts to 1.9 million dollars. The task assigned was to show what you would remove from your operating budget. We struggled to come up with these reductions because most of our money is used to pay salaries. We committed to getting by without reducing employees. By giving back the money, we risk repair and renovation. The governor’s office is not certain it will take the money or how much. The vast majority of the money we would give up is from repair and renovation. The other we will give up is a contract teacher raise. We hope that if AISD is unable to give a raise, TSD is not obligated. If they do give a raise, we will be required to give a pay raise and will have to find the money. Claire Bugen said we are taking a gamble. Beatrice Burke said she saw on the news that AISD is planning to cut 160 teaching positions. Claire Bugen replied these are bad times. The last item relates to next year’s summer school program. In total we have 270,000 dollars appropriated for summer school next year, and of that amount we put 1.8 million dollars. We would not be able to offer several programs. Gary Bego explained that all state agencies were required to submit their reduction plans last Tuesday. I’m hoping the analysts will make a case for us to keep our money. When the representative that was visiting today’s meeting was leaving, she seemed sympathetic to TSD. She may not have a say in whether we are able to keep our money. Claire Bugen said we would continue to give our LBB analyst data and hope she will continue to advocate for TSD to keep our funds. Gary Bego said it is not a pleasant situation. Jean Andrews commented that Lamar University has to give back 4.5 million dollars. Walt Camenisch said he knows we will have to give the money back if the governor’s office makes that decision but is TSD safe with the fire alarm system currently used. Gary Bego said it is functioning but not at 100% across campus. Every time we test the alarms, we find an area that needs repair. We really need a more sophisticated system. Angie Wolf asked if they are working in the dorms. Gary Bego replied yes. Claire Bugen asked the board to take a look at the enrollment data included in the handouts. This request for a reduction is hitting TSD at an already problematic time. Connie Sefcik-Kennedy asked if we have a waiting list for new admissions. Claire Bugen replied we are processing the requests as quickly as possible but we do have people waiting to enroll. We have more students than we can manage. Sha Cowan said she is happy to see the new ERCOD building renovation was not cut. Because many times, that is the first to cut and the legislature doesn’t understand the importance of their role. Claire Bugen said if TSD didn’t have repair and renovation money, we would have to cut a lot of positions. She is very concerned about not having money for repair and renovations. Jean Andrews asked if Claire Bugen has a friend in the legislature to talk to. Bugen said yes, we do need to devise a game plan.


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Sha Cowan commented because of the changes in public schools, you will continue to see students wanting to enroll at TSD. Beatrice Burke added that a charter school in Dallas recently closed. Connie Sefcik-Kennedy replied many of the deaf students from that school have come to TSD. Jean Andrews said the legislature needs to understand we accept students from public schools that can’t provide the services those students need. Gary Bego added the point Mari Liles made previously that if the Distance Learning classroom could hire two more positions, there are schools waiting in line for those services but TSD simply doesn’t have the money. Sha Cowan suggested we come up with strategies to support statewide resources to the legislature. Beatrice Burke asked how the Distance Learning students are counted, are they included in the TSD enrollment numbers. Claire Bugen replied no, they are counted as people touched by our outreach services. Johnett Scogin said we have strong partnerships with several Regional Day Schools and I think some of those people who would support our partnerships too and that may be a beneficial strategy when speaking to the legislature.

14. Reviews and Audits

Claire Bugen said that TSD is continuing to shine in every audit we have. We were nervous about the SHARS audit because the program is complex and TSD earns a lot of money for reimbursement. Gloria Seidlin-Bernstein and her secretary did a wonderful job of hosting the audit committee. We have already discussed the status of the e-rate. Gary Bego discussed the Deaf-Blind primer. I think this shows that all agencies are struggling to ensure they are using their budget in an appropriate manner. In my opinion, we are not trying to claim any money we don’t qualify for. Claire Bugen asked the board to review the Deaf-Blind primer. They are trying to see if there is any duplication of deaf blind services. We were careful in our response and explained our ages of eligibility, where our authority to do that, and do we have any special admission. That report was due on February 16, 2010. TEA was also asked to provide that data. I don’t know what they plan to do with that information.

Beatrice Burke asked if we are seeing an increase in deaf autistic students. Claire Bugen replied we do have autistic deaf students moving from other states to attend TSD. We have staff in special needs with excellent skills in working with an array of students on the autistic spectrum.

Walt Camenisch commented he met a grandfather of a TSD student that was really impressed with the SND program.

Jean Andrews said that, nation wide, there one out of 75 deaf children are diagnosed with autism.

15. Resolution for TASB Superintendent of the Year Nomination

Angie Wolf said she was not aware of this award for Superintendent’s in the past but she thought it would be a wonderful recognition for our superintendent. Angie Wolf recommended the board approve the nomination of Claire Bugen for TASB Superintendent of the Year. Jean Andrews seconded the motion. Beatrice Burke wants to be sure to include the other commitments Claire Bugen has. All members moved to approve the motion.

16. Policy Revisions Beatrice Burke spoke on behalf of the policy committee. She moved that the board approve the following policies as amended: CBA, DCD, DCDA, DCDC, EFAA, EHAA, EIA, and EIC. Susan Ridley seconded the motion. All members moved to approve the motion.

17. CEASD Accreditation and Five-Year Planning Training from TASB Claire Bugen said board members completed TASB training yesterday. Beatrice Burke made a motion to approve the initiation of the CEASD accreditation. Connie Sefcik-Kennedy seconded the motion. All members moved to approve the motion.


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18. Superintendent Formative Evaluation

Walt Camenisch explained the superintendent and board met in a closed session Thursday, 2/18/10. The dialogue was constructive to help both the superintendant and the board to prepare for the summative evaluation of the superintendent. Walt Camenisch said he really appreciates Claire Bugen’s work. Claire Bugen thanked the board for their support.

19. Reports or Comments by Board Members

Walt Camenisch said he attended the Sertoma breakfast and he was impressed with the event. There were so many people! On Saturday morning, he saw an announcement on the news.

Connie Sefcik-Kennedy said she remembered when they first started the pancake breakfast the number of people who attended was very small and now there is no way you can go back for seconds because of all the people.

Walt Camenisch added he would like to recognize John Hodnett for his support to TSD.

Walt Camenisch commented was impressed with the bulletin board on the second floor of the Ford/CTE building that shows the progression of the vocational training.

Sha Cowan thanked Mari Liles for the Technology presentation because it was very impressive to see staff using technology creatively. She also wants to recognize John Serrano for his wonderful presentation.

Jean Andrews agreed she enjoyed the Technology presentation. She also said she is thoroughly enjoying reading the TSD history book that Fran Camenisch and Sharon Hovinga put together.

Beatrice Burke thanked Mari Liles for her presentation. She requested the school provide a tour for the board to see how the technology works. Beatrice Burke added that the annual report makes her proud to serve on the board. We are here for the children and this report is a wonderful way to advertise TSD. I want parents to realize they make a wonderful decision when they enroll their children at TSD.

Susan Ridley said she has to second everything Beatrice Burke said. She agreed she would like to visit the classrooms and see technology in use. It is great to see what TSD is offering its students.

Angie Wolf said during the MS basketball tournament, she was explaining TSD to parents of hearing students and they were in awe of our school. Other schools in the Austin area recognize TSD as a good school. She has noticed an improvement at athletic events, students are encouraged to come into the gym and watch the event.

Sha Cowan thanked Claire Champagne for recording the minutes.

Beatrice Burke thanked Mari Liles for trying to fill Twyla’s shoes.

Connie Sefcik-Kennedy thanked the interpreters.

Claire Bugen asked Avonne Brooker-Rutowski to share information about the presentation in the auditorium tomorrow. Avonne Brooker-Rutowski explained that the Deafhood presentation would be held in the Auditorium tomorrow. It will be the first time we use the new screens in the Auditorium.

20. Adjournment at 2:10 p.m.

Board Mtg 2192010 - Edl...Dvorah Ben-Moshe as part of the TSD team. Dvorah Ben-Moshe hopes to speak...

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Transcript of Board Mtg 2192010 - Edl...Dvorah Ben-Moshe as part of the TSD team. Dvorah Ben-Moshe hopes to speak...