Advisory Council Meeting Summary Notes-3-23-07

Illinois School for the Visually Impaired

Advisory Council Meeting

Summary Notes

March 23, 2007

Present: Trudy Diepholz, David Hauck, Jane Redmond, Jeff Schulte, Lyle Stauder, Dr. Derrald Taylor, and Dr. Michael Zost

Absent: Van Stone, Tom Crane, Theresa Cummings, Sandi Dorst, Ella Foster, Dr. Toni Heinze

Guests: Marjorie Olson, Rob Kilbury, Joan Forney, Joe Lanier, Serena Preston, Paul Drake, Stephanie Leach, Janet McGovern, Carmen Dennis, Pam Duda, Jane Breen, William Frisch, John Wilcox, Brenda Stewart, Cindy Miller, Linda Strader, Linda Wiens

Dr. Michael Zost, Chairperson, called the meeting to order. Each person present introduced himself or herself.

Everyone was asked to review the minutes from the December 15, 2006, meeting for any changes or additions. A motion to accept the minutes and a second was made to accept the minutes. This was approved.

III. Special Presentation ..................................................... Joan Forney, Interim Superintendent

In today’s packet of information everyone was provided a print out of the slide presentations. Mrs. Forney presented on ISVI’s Mission statement, Administrative changes, Textbook Adoption, Textbook Up-dates, Funding for Textbook Purchases, Next Steps for Funding Textbooks and Technology, New Grants, Donations, Technology at ISVI, Funding for Technology-FY 07, Step-Work Study Program, Funding for Step Program, Funding for Additional Food Choices at Meals, ISVI Budget Information, Grants, Personnel Vacancies Filled, Personnel Issues Pending, Teaching Staff Qualifications, Parent/Infant Institute, Parent Infant Budget for 07 & 08, ISVI- A Proud History, ISVI A Bright Future and to conclude the slide show was information on how to contact ISVI by e-mail, or phone.

Joe Lanier asked how much money will be needed to fund FY-08 Parent Infant, Joan’s reply was $40,000.00.

Mary Chausee joined us via phone to participate in the slide show on the Transition Committee. Mary talked about how she has a 16-year-old son who attends ISVI and feels this has been a good placement for him. We need to see success in our children, and this needs to be done with leadership, not only from parents but also with the school. Our children need the transition to adulthood and ISVI is proving that through the Transitional Living Program. As a parent I’ve seen the changes that Mrs. Forney has made along with being a participant on the Transition Committee. This is something ISVI needed. Included in the handouts today was a PowerPoint presentation printout which shows what is happening in TLC.

In today’s packet of information there was a copy of the slide show that Joan is presenting. The topics were Curriculum, Transition, ISVI Transition Committee, Projects of the Transition Committee, a diagram of what programs are being worked on in the TLC Program, Survey of Schools on Transition, Curriculum Tools, Communication with Parents of Transition Students, Curriculum Development, Assessment and Transition, Transition Skills, Fifth and Sixth Year Senior Program, Next Steps, Additional Components of the Transition Program at ISVI, Transition-A Bright Future, and the Successful Transition which provides our students with optimal opportunities to meet their goals.

Bill Frisch also talked about the TLC program, and the experience that students receive by participating in this program. Many students who share the same apartments also share the expenses of groceries, housework, cooking and cleaning. Not only do student live in TLC but also many have jobs off campus and arrange transportation to and from work either by public transportation or cab. These students do more on their own while living at TLC than they would if they lived at home. This year we will loose about 10 students out of the TLC program but we are already looking at 10 intake students for the next school year.

Lyle asked if we were providing students with taped materials, Joan replied that we encourage students to use Braille, but we do provide students with all materials they need for educational needs.

Dave Hauck talked about how great the transition program is and how many students return for the 5^th and 6^th year. He feels this is a good experience for students who would not have the experience to find a job and live in an apartment setting. Paul agrees and has put into place a contract with students on rules that need to be followed while in the TLC program. This helps the students plan for the future, set and meet goals and focus on what type of jobs they are looking for when they leave ISVI. Dr. Taylor agreed that transition is needed for students in order to be ready for life outside ISVI. Dr. Zost agreed and felt parents need to be involved and know what is going on while students are here. Jane Redmond expressed again how she would like to see video’s sent home to parents so they too can see what their child is experiencing and learning.

Cindy Miller and Linda Strader presented a slide show on Accelerated Reading. Topics in the slide show were: Renaissance Learning, Accelerated Reader Program, Goal for Accelerated Reader, Scientific Research, Research and Accelerated Reader, AR Components, Assessment Component, Pilot Program for AR, Funding for AR, and Adoption of AR. Funding for this program was provided from two donations, $2,500 from the Illinois Blind Children’s Foundation to purchase the software, and $500 from AFSCME to purchase the books.

Marilyn Sorrill has also provided a handout today showing data on numerous things. Please take the time to review the information.

Mr. Lanier asked if ISVI needed more funding and Joan replied yes. Mr. Lanier asked if ISVI was utilizing the Illinois Materials Center, Joan replied yes.

Jane Redmond asked whom the Advisory Board members could contact about funding for Parent Infant. Kris Koch would be the person to write letters to.

Mrs. Stewart explained that President Clinton introduced in 1996 the Telecommunication Act. This is where the funding begins Ms. Stewart also presented a slide show. Topics were E-rate Federal Grant, E-rate Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). E-rate provides assistance for schools and libraries in obtaining affordable opportunities through two methods of access, telecommunications, and Internet access. E-rate requests for telecommunications can be applied for annually, and internal connections once every five years. There are four service categories, telecommunications services, Internet access, internal connections other than basic maintenance, and basic maintenance of internal connections. E-rate is a Federal Grant. During the 2003-2004 ISVI received slightly over $293,000. This enabled ISVI to replace all fiber optic throughout the campus. We added 90 additional LAN drops in classrooms, and dormitories, replaced copper runs throughout campus, and replaced all server switches throughout campus. This grant money cannot be used to purchase hardware, software, computers, monitors or printers. For the 2006-2007 year, E-rate money will be used to reimburse telecommunication expenses in the amount of $46,602.65. Telecom reimbursements can be spent at the discretion of the school for technology purchases. ISVI will use E-rate reimbursements following a pre-determined 5-year spending plan to purchase computers, monitors, printers, and software for installation on new PC’s. The time parameters are based on funding levels by the U.S. Congress. It is likely 1 year form beginning to end of the process before reimbursed funds are available for use. All electronic data processing purchases must then go through DHS’ Management Information Services Dept (MIS) for all procurements. This typically takes 3 to 6 months. If the E-rate proposal is approved then ISVI will be able to purchase state-of-the-art computers, monitors, printers, and software suites. Process will take approximately 12 to 18 months before equipment is in use by ISVI students.

Mr. Lanier asked if a person was to purchase a server would ISVI be allowed to accept it and how big of a server would be needed. Mrs. Stewart replied yes, but we would also need to notify MIS, which approves all computer transactions.

Amy Grau has decided that at this time it would be best for her to step down from being an Advisory Board member.

Dr. Zost would like to see a representative from IPVI and NFB on the Advisory Board. He is asking that we have a broader group. Due to Ms. Cummings not being able to attend today we will be completing the nominations next meeting. Dr. Zost will be writing to the Lions Foundation to see if we will have representation on the Advisory Board or not for the next term. Dr. Heinze is no longer with ISU so we need to look at a new representative from there.

Trudy offered to help ISVI with any type of Public Relations. Trudy asked where ISVI was in creating the videotape of ISVI? Stephanie Leach replied that she is hoping to have it complete by August. Dr. Taylor asked if ISVI could sponsor a legislative breakfast? Dr. Kilbury thought that this would be a great idea. ISD did their first with the House side and ISVI could replicate what they did. If we invite the Senate and the House there would be around 20-25 in attendance. What would be a good idea is to get the representative from a student’s district and have that student invite them. Maybe next time we could include both schools. Representative Osterman questioned Dr. Kilbury during appropriations about ISVI’s budget. This shows we are getting some attention.

Long-Range Planning: Dr. Zost asked what the numbers of students were and where we were with intake students and possibly making ISVI a revolving door for statewide resource. Joan replied that this year we have between 10-12 students graduating. This will put our population down. Recently ISVI did a statewide mailing for all school districts on our 5^th & 6^th year program. Pam Duda put together a Vision Activity Day here at ISVI. This will take place on April 20^th with about 100 participants. There will be several break out sessions, tour of the campus and a goalball game.

Dr. Zost would like to see more grants applied for here at ISVI. This is where we could reach out and get funding for programs. Dr. Kilbury reminded everyone that the way to reach out is through letters to Secretary Adams, Governor Blagojevich, Representatives, and Legislators. The more you reach out. The more you are heard. Dr. Kilbury will continue to make Secretary Adams aware of ISVI’s budget and also that we need to involve ISBE more. Dr. Zost has been in contact with Grace Hou and she was to contact Rob Stanich. As of today she hasn’t gotten back with Dr. Zost. Dr. Zost feels that there should be a representative attending Advisory Council meetings. In the past Paula Stadeker was the representative for ISBE. Dr. Zost will contact Kris Koch to see if they could appoint a representative. Dr. Kilbury feels that DHS has a good working relationship with ISBE. Dr. Kilbury wanted to remind everyone that letters are a great way to get attention. Mr. Schulte inquired about the line items for this year and if there was still time to possibly get extra money. Dr. Kilbury said yes there is still time. That is why the letters are a good idea. Mr. Schulte agreed that if it doesn’t happen this year we need to still keep working on it. Marjorie stated that Jim Kesteloot from the Chicago Lighthouse has offered to work with ISVI. Lyle stated that you need to attend the committee meetings and testify in order to be heard. The next meeting is scheduled for April 18. Lyle asked if the budget for ISVI, includes electricity, costs, health insurance, food, technology, and AFSCME increases. Mr. Kilbury replied that yes and 80% is personnel dollars.

Dr. Zost, once again would like to see ISVI have a corporate sponsor. Perhaps we could work on this.