Minutes

June 9, 2003

MEMBERS Present: Gene Witt, Peter Straw, George McGonagill, Tim White, Jerome Greenstein, Bruce Andersen (by phone), Harriette Laronge, Norm Stockton, Roland Piccone, Alice Higgins, Mickey Anderson, Ron Turner, Regina Stinson.

MEMBERS Absent: Lynn Whisman, Bill Costello, David Winterrowd, Paige Eastman, Jenna Mitchell, Suzanne Jones, Judith Ferell.

GUESTS Present: Eddy Boynton, Ken DeVeau, and Mary Ribaudo.

I. Welcome by Chairperson

Peter Straw called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. and welcomed the group.

* Tom Carr Report

Mr. Carr represents a group of employers, including HiStat, Honeywell, Sun Hydraulics, Diamond Tool Grinding and others, organized for the purpose of apprenticeships in manufacturing and machining. They can start 30 to 50 people in the fall. They want to seek participation from SCTI as well as MTI. They need 144 hours in the classroom in the first year. Over four years, they will need an instructor and a classroom location in the southern part of the county. The SAC discussed the advantages and disadvantages. The employer group will underwrite the cost. After FL approves guidelines, more consideration will be given. Ken explained the funding for Workforce Development. Ron explained the function of Suncoast Workforce Development Board.

II. Director’s Report

Bruce gave his report by speakerphone. He explained that the SCTI of 2007-2008 will have high quality state of the art programs with integrated curriculum. There will be student-focused, highly competent instructors. SCTI will have a positive image and business and community support. There will be adequate student enrollment and stakeholder focus (customer service).

In 2003-2004, ACEC and SCTI will be integrated. There will be a new administrative structure. The administrators will be on a retreat on June 26. One focus will be on staff development by sharpening teaching skills. System structure will be reviewed and revised. There will be analyses of performance—enrollment, cost, and completion data. Future opportunities include a technical high school and online delivery. There will be increased community relationships. The SIP will be implemented.

Bruce will mail his PowerPoint presentation to SAC members.

Gene reported that quiet testing of potential TB exposures continues. It is difficult to find people but the Health Dept. continues to look for them.

Gene reported that there would be a decision in the near future regarding the technical high school. First, property will have to be purchased nearer I-75, perhaps farther south. He reported that the district administrative changes might include a temporary position for him. Wilma Hamilton will be missed. Lori White has moved into Bill Delp’s old position. Gene has met with Richard Hays regarding his future plans. Bruce Andersen will be at SCTI on June 23 to take over the Director’s position. Gene has been impressed with SCTI and its staff.

III. Minutes

Peter Straw asked everyone to review the minutes. Jerry made a motion to approve the minutes, with corrections to Item 9 (grades 5-12) and Item 12 (Mickey and George). Norm seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

IV. Potential Replacements for SAC members

Norm Stockton will be leaving the SAC and members thanked him for his dedication. Lynn Whisman is leaving the SAC due to job relocation to Chattanooga, TN. David Winterrowd submitted his letter with a request for a leave of absence for four to five months until fall. Roland made a motion to accept the letter with the leave clause. It was seconded by George and passed unanimously.

Ed Carthew is Vice President, Human Resources and Operation Vice President, Radiology. He has been invited to replace Lynn Whisman. Tim mentioned Bill McKinley as a potential SAC member. Mr. McKinley is with Anderson Consulting and is very interested in serving if asked. Peter will contact him.

Eddy Boynton sent letters regarding SAC membership to parents last week.

If community service is required of a student in an SCTI program, the hours as a SAC member will count.

V. Bylaw Change and Election of Officers

Tim indicated that this is not the right time for him to serve and that a change in the chairperson may not be advisable. Roland made a motion that Article 7 Section C.1 be suspended for one year to allow Peter to serve one more year as Chairperson. George seconded and the motion was carried unanimously. George recommended that Tim White serve as Vice Chair and Regina as Recording Secretary. Norm seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

VI. Presentation of the Equipment Budget

Ken DeVeau reviewed the budget. The Burn Building is overdue for replacement at approximately $400,000. This will require a grant or special allocation. It is in need of new technology. Ken will release $100,000 for equipment for first priorities. Safety problems will be handled first, like Fire Science, Culinary, and Tech Tots. Norm suggested that the playground equipment be removed as soon as possible. Kevin and Judy Connolly should be contacted as soon as possible to be involved in planning the shade structure. They are experts in the field and he is involved in SAMA and an employer of SCTI graduates. SAC commended SDMT on the budget process. Norm made a motion to approve the first priority budget at $99,472 report. It was seconded by Jerry and passed unanimously.

Auto Body occupies a classroom in Building 27, a small building, and a lift, as well as painting/mixing booths. The high school program has 21 students for next year with a .6 teacher. It was suggested that the auto body be moved from Building 27 to Building 10 in order to provide a safe and reasonable solution to the problem. Florida House also wants part of the Horticulture Building. Auto Body will be completed with its day by noon and the Horticulture labs can be available for afternoons. There was a lengthy discussion on the movement of Auto Body, buying new equipment, and technology. George suggested that the decisions be left to the Director as to: moving money, other alternatives, cost effectiveness, and the need for a full time or a second part time teacher.

Ken reported that the COE/SACS visit cost $63,870.90. Norm recommended that $35,000 be transferred to cover the costs from tuition and fees accounts. SAC discussed and suggestions were made that the Director may consider a presentation to the district to appeal for funds. There was a discussion as to future budgeting for the next accreditation and it was suggested that the Director budget for this in five years.

VI. Certificate of Appreciation

Peter Straw and the SAC presented a token of appreciation to Norm Stockton for his dedication and effort while serving on the SAC.

VII. SDMT Report

Harriette reminded the group about participation in SCTI recruitment efforts. She is considering participation in various events based on numbers. Special recognition was given to Art Gaudet, who resigned his position on the SDMT. Health Science teachers have concern about their liability insurance and it will be investigated and forwarded to the School Board attorney. Carol Darling indicated that a new program should be on the COE approved program list in order to qualify for PELL grants.

VIII. Other

Norm suggested that a letter be sent home to enrollees in fall programs this summer.

Regina suggested that a new regular item appear on the SAC agenda every month: what was done in the past month to help or market each of the at-risk programs. Members agreed.

Members discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the 18-credit requirement for high school graduation.

Gene Witt will be the guest speaker at the Manufacturer’s Association meeting on June 18.

Next meeting of SAC will be August 18, not August 11.

Jerry moved and Norm seconded that meeting be adjourned at 8:55 pm. The motion was carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Stinson

The Sarasota County Technical Institute provides quality technical education to meet workforce development and community needs.