Minutes

May 12, 2003

MEMBERS Present: Gene Witt, Peter Straw, George McGonagill, Tim White, Jerome Greenstein, Bruce Andersen (by phone), Harriette Laronge, Norm Stockton, Roland Piccone, Suzanne Jones, Judith Ferell

MEMBERS Absent: Lynn Whisman, Alice Higgins, Mickey Anderson, Bill Costello, Regina Stinson, David Winterrowd, Ron Turner, Paige Eastman, Jenna Mitchell

GUESTS Present: Roxane Abbott (for Regina Stinson), Eddy Boynton, Carol Darling, Ken Deveau, and Sandra Holley.

I. Welcome by Chairperson

Peter Straw called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and welcomed the group. He reminded the group that new Chair and Vice Chair for 2003-04 should be appointed at the next meeting.

II. Directors Report – Bruce reported via speakerphone.

Program Review/Assistance

A committee is being set up to review the Construction, Medical lab/Phlebotomy, and Landscaping/Nursery Operations programs. The following AD’s will oversee each of the subcommittees: Carol Darling – Construction, Mary Ribaudo – Medical Lab/Phlebotomy, and Barbara Witte – Landscaping/Nursery Operations. Bruce would like a SAC member and a community member on each of these committees. Carol Darling asked if the representation from SAC would be decided during this meeting. George McGonagill and Jerome Greenstein volunteered to serve on the Construction committee. Suzanne Jones volunteered herself and Lynn Whisman for the Medical Lab/Phlebotomy committee.

Update on TB Concerns

Gene Witt complimented the staff and the Health Department on how well the TB concerns were handled. The Health Department came to SCTI and spoke to the staff. Letters were sent in several languages to students who may have been in contact with the infected student. The Health Department tested 280 individuals. Several showed they were exposed, but not active. The young man has been cleared to return to school. Gene mentioned there were a few problems with the media on campus without permission. Peter Straw asked if SCTI had sent a letter to the Herald Tribune to let them know the current status of the situation. Gene said he could work on it, but didn’t want to bring the situation up in the news again. Norm Stockton asked if there was a PIO for the school system, and if so, that person should contact the media.

Riverview Relocation and Potential for a new SCTI Campus

Gene Witt reported that he does not know if a decision has been made to move Riverview. Gene recommended to the Board that SCTI be moved near I-75 south to accommodate students from the southern end of the county. Jerome asked if the school board has land near I-75 in that area. Gene did not believe that they owned land there. Roland mentioned the Anderson site as a possibility. Harriette asked if anyone has done a study to see where the students are coming from. Gene said the technical high school study indicated it should be further south.

Incorporating ACEC into SCTI – SAC – SDMT

Gene Witt said that most of the ACEC staff had moved to the SCTI campus. The issue was raised regarding a representative of ACEC on the SAC. Gene was asked to bring the names of people willing to serve to the next meeting.

III. Minutes

Peter Straw asked everyone to review the minutes. George McGonagill made a motion to approve the minutes. Harriette Laronge seconded the motion. The motion passed.

IV. Student Enrollment Data

Gene Witt distributed a report of high school registrations for the 2003-04 school year. There are 503 students registered. Carol Darling said that about 10% do not show, but there are a lot of new registrations in August. Norm Stockton questioned the fact that there is only one student registered in Court Reporting. Carol Darling stated that 2003-04 would be the first year that Court Reporting is offered to high school students, and that the Court Reporting program has grown to approximately 17 students this year. Peter Straw suggested that administration look closely at Court Reporting to determine what marketing and other processes were done to improve enrollment.

V. Budget Update

Ken DeVeau reviewed the budget report. He explained that the 2002-03 surplus of $273,430 would be used next year to pay for terminal sick pay for people who retire. There will be over $200,000 in terminal leave pay. George McGonagill questioned why this was not a District payout. Ken DeVeau explained that we are workforce development and are not given district funds. George McGonagill commented that those people may not have worked under those funds their entire career. Ken felt that most have been here for their entire career. A question was raised about the A-2 classification figure of $23,029 that was missing for this year. Eddy explained that the person was servicing a special class of student and was not longer needed because the student left the program. Norm questioned what would happen if another person comes with a disability, whether the money is available if it is needed. Eddy stated that we have three ESE teachers, but if needed there is a process to apply for this funding. Ken summarized the budget figures.

Peter Straw asked if any revenue was brought over from ACEC. Ken explained that the average teacher salary of $57,890 was used for budgeting. Tim White asked if any ACEC people would be retiring. Ken said that some are and that some will be replaced. Bruce said that the ACEC staff was assured that they would retain their jobs, but that they might have different tasks. The ACEC staff would not be reduced unless people retired.

Roland asked about Project 1300 funds. Ken said that the funds were absorbed into SCTI. Peter asked about the cost of the COE & SACS accreditation. Ken and Carol did not have a final figure. The district will contribute a small amount. Carol said that in order for SCTI to give Pell Grants we must be accredited by regional agencies.

VI. Potential Business Community Member for SAC

Norm Stockton stated that he is scheduled to be off at the end of the school year. He intends to resign this year. Peter Straw acknowledged his contributions to the SAC and said we owe a great debt of gratitude to Norm.

Peter opened the floor for discussion on the nominations for the Chair and Co-Chair of SAC. George is willing to serve as vice chairperson to step into the role next year. Jerome Greenstein nominated Tim White. Tim stated he has a scheduling conflict and that he is too new to the position. He also stated that he did not want to compromise his ability to question things. Jerome said he could relinquish the chair to voice an opinion at any time. After discussion it was tabled until the next meeting. Peter Straw asked Bruce to have a conversation with each of the two candidates. Peter will talk to the other possible candidates who did not attend the meeting.

VII. Student Participation on SAC

Harriette reminded everyone about the May 21 Student Orientation. A member of SAC could address the parents and students about serving on SAC. Peter will not be able to attend. Tim White volunteered to take his place.

VIII. Update and/or Completion of SACS/COE Reviews

Carol Darling reviewed the final report from COE/SACS.

IX. SDMT Report

Harriette summarized the SDMT meeting. She talked about Tech Camp for teachers to be held this summer. Most teachers are from grades 5 – 8 with a projected attendance of 25. She talked about her recruitment visit to Ashton Elementary and how the perspective of SCTI is changing. Harriette gave more details about the orientation program to be held May 21. There were 500 invitations sent.

X. Consideration of New Program

Roxane Abbott stated that the Business Technology Department would like to give students another option in the secretarial program. Currently they are offering Legal Secretary and Administrative Assistant. They would like to offer Medical Secretary in the 2003-04 school year. Roxane reviewed the research data accumulated through surveys and the Labor Department. Other than some high school texts, there will be no additional costs for the program. After a brief discussion, George McGonagill made a motion that SAC approve the new Medical Secretary program based on Bruce Andersen’s review. Tim White seconded the motion. The motion passed with one opposing vote, Harriette Laronge.

XI. SAC Meeting Schedule for June – August

Peter Straw announced that the next meeting would be on June 9. He suggested no meeting in July and to meet again in August. Everyone agreed.

XII. Report from SAC Members in Attendance at the School Board Meeting

Jerome reported that he and George attended the School Board meeting to be acknowledged for assisting in Tech High School evaluations.

XIII. Other

Peter asked if SCTI received any reward dollars from the FCAT. Ken said no. Peter also asked what happened with the settlement of the lawsuit. Ken said the District paid out the monies.

Peter Straw made a motion to adjourn at 8:42. Jerry seconded and the motion was carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Roxane Abbott