Minutes

September 18, 2006

MEMBERS Present: Bruce Andersen, Peter Straw, Regina Stinson, Javier Brito, Ed Devine, Jerome Greenstein, Bill Costello, George McGonagill, Bill Glueck, Roland Piccone, Justin Thompson, Vincente Medina, Louis Maltaghati, Jerry Sobiac, Terrie Minter

MEMBERS Absent: Johnny Hunter, Scott Moore

GUESTS Present: Diane Proeschel, Carol Darling

I. Welcome

Peter Straw called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. He welcomed the group.

Minutes of the August meeting were approved with a motion made by George, seconded by Bill.

II. Director’s Report

· The 2005-06 Marketing Report was given by Carol Darling. She reminded SAC that the staff was downsized to one digital designer in July 2005. She reviewed the ads for the Expo and the beginning of the school year. There were radio and TV spots and two press releases per month. The sign at Proctor and Beneva is changed weekly. The high school open house is November 28. SCTI places ads in all school newspapers, except Pine View.

· There have been three responses to the RFP for the website. None of them are local. The item is on the board agenda for October 8. The contract is scheduled to be awarded on November 8.

· Internal responsibilities for marketing include the catalog, business cards, booklets, brochures, and screens.

· E-Newsletters are planned for alternate Fridays. Work is being done through the Landings.

· A new high school video is being planned.

· The ad campaign with the Herald Tribune was $63,000 last year; a similar campaign for 2006-07 year was quoted at $90,000 this year. A decision was made not to renew the campaign.

· Ideas for advertising should be submitted to Carol Darling in writing.

· Peter commented on the new approach: continuity, consistency, image, and visibility.

· It was stressed that the marketing has to be revised to reach North Port, south Venice, and Englewood at the same level it reaches north Sarasota County.

· Bruce introduced Diane Proeschel, who explained her position at SCTI and that she is seeking to be more involved.

· The enrollment summary was reviewed. High school enrollment has increased 25% this year. Adult enrollment is consistent with 2005-06. Adult General—ABE, GED, and ESOL—has decreased. Bruce will send numbers by email.

· SUCCEED Florida Grant in the amount of $211,714 was received by the automotive group. Only three technical centers received automotive grants. The grant money will be used for equipment and recruitment activities. Increased student enrollment and program completion is the expected outcome from expenditure of grant funds.

· Bruce reviewed Next Generation Learning including the requirements for Gold Seal Scholarships. He shared the Sept 17 article in the Venice Gondolier. It was agreed that the positive image of SCTI could be easily undermined by negative or unprofessional journalism. A response was discussed; Peter will respond to the article, providing clarification on SCTI’s value to the community. While SCTI meets community needs, revision to programs and program offerings must constantly be made to meet emerging needs.

· Louis will respond to Venice Gondolier reporter, Greg Giles, regarding health science graduates.

· Bruce attended a retreat with high school principals regarding CTE. Students will declare a major according to the A++ program. There is more awareness of the need for CTE.

· SAMA is offering manufacturing tours of two companies, Crane and Tervis Tumbler, next Wednesday. Barbara Chomko and two teachers will attend.

IIl. New Business

· Bruce reviewed the School Improvement Plan with the committee.

· Goal I: Reading. There is consistency with the TABE test. SCTI will process the data. Activities include collaborative planning.

· Goal 2: Math. Math is also using the TABE as a data source.

· Goal 3: Writing. There is no assessment in writing here. Collaborative planning will be used as a resource and technology tools.

· Goal 4: Science. This is new to SIP this year.

· Funds to pay for staff development come from School Improvement funds ($13,374), and Workforce funds ($19,464).

· SDMT professional development plans are consistent with this SIP document.

· Peter suggested that reference to achievements on prior goals, those no longer in the district’s SIP goals, be made.

· Louis made a motion that the status on page 13 be amended to be “M” not “A.” It was seconded by George, and passed unanimously.

· There was discussion on the difficulty in using a certification test in program areas offering certification tests in lieu of passing the TABE. Seldom does SCTI receive the pass/fail results from the certifying agency. Without these, SCTI cannot claim successful student completers.

V. SDMT

· Meeting was held Friday, September 14, 2006.

· Three options for the 30 hour staff development activities were submitted by the Staff Development Committee.

· A fourth option was suggested by a representative and the group added it after extensive discussion.

· The fourth option is a totally self-directed option. The teacher must submit his/her self-directed action plan by November 1 to the SDMT and SDMT will consider it.

· Bruce explained the teaching strategies staff has studied over the past three years—CRISS, Kagan Cooperative Learning, and McREL.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm by a motion by Bill, seconded by Louis. It passed unanimously. The next meeting is October 9, 2006.

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