WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

Minutes from Board of Trustees Meeting

September 22, 2017

Vancouver, Washington

 

 

Board Members Participating:  Dennis Mathews, Michelle Farrell, Keri Clark, Yang-su Cho, Cindy Bennett, Lorna Walsh, Ed Snook, Jim Kemp and Nancy McDaniel.

 

Board Members Absent:  Berl Colley

 

Ex-Officio Members Participating:  Corey Grandstaff (Washington Federation of State Employees Local #1225), Joleen Ferguson (Washington Council of the Blind), Jennifer Butcher (Teacher Representative), Marci Carpenter (National Federation of the Blind of Washington), and Krista Bulger (Parent Representative).

 

WSSB Staff Members Participating:  Mr. Scott McCallum (Superintendent) and Janet Kurz (recording secretary).

 

September 22, 2017 –  11am-1pm                                              

Dennis called the meeting to order at 11:00am.   The members started the meeting by introducing themselves. 

 

Business Meeting:

Old Business:

*      Approve board meeting minutes of June 2, 2017. Lorna moved to approve the minutes as submitted; Nancy seconded the motion.  The minutes were approved unanimously.

 

New Business:

Review Board of Trustees Bylaws, WAC’s, RCW’s and Operating Principles: 

Scott stated that the Board was emailed a link to the website for the information.  Scott reviewed the Bylaws.  Dennis reminded the Board that they are advisory, not mandatory/policy setting.  Dennis feels that the board is well informed. 

 

Superintendent’s Report

Scott reviewed the following: 

*      Scott submitted his written report in a new format and highlighted some of the activities that have been going on since the June 2017 Board meeting. 

o   Scott reported that enrollment is low this year however there are several students in the process of applying for admission.

o   The start of the school year was held differently this year with parents being invited to attend activities and orientation for both the day and residential programs.

o   The administrative team attended two days of training in the area of the state budget process.  In addition the admin. team had a day of activities together which included a DISC (personality/behavioral) assessment and a Dragon Boat activity in the afternoon. It was well received by the staff. 

o   Scott participated in the staff vs. students goalball match in September.  This is Scott’s second year to do this.

*      Ed stated he has a concern about the on campus enrollment.  In 2009, WSSB was at capacity at 70; and the WSSB is now down to 46.  Ed’s concern is that there were efforts in the legislature to eliminate the residential portion of the school during the 2009 timeframe.  Ed asked the legislative committee to stay on top of this potential issue.  Scott remarked that he has addressed this with Sean McCormick, Director of On-Campus Programs, to discuss why this may be occurring and also stated that the WSSB Outreach numbers are increasing significantly for students served in their home school districts.  Scott has asked that Sean meet with all Special Education Directors throughout the year through ESD meetings to discuss WSSB’s programs and services.  Scott also feels that WSSB needs to work with Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVI’s) across the state to assist in helping to educate them in what WSSB does. Scott would also like WSSB’s TVI’s to attend conferences such as the Association for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) so that WSSB TVI’s and statewide TVI’s can form a stronger relationship. Scott said that Short Courses and Summer School activities also assist with students learning about the WSSB.  Michelle said she had a conversation with Sean a couple of weeks ago and there is a lot of confusion in the field regarding what age students can attend, enrollment process, etc.  Michelle would like to ask Emily Coleman, WSSB Director of Outreach to host a TVI Round-Up in the Vancouver area so that TVI’s can see the school and learn more about our programs.  Scott is less concerned with the numbers and recruiting and is more concerned about having students attend during the appropriate time in their education.  Dennis stated that a big factor with Special Education Directors is cost and responsibility.  Keri felt this also touches on reaching out and connecting with parents of children who are blind and visually impaired (BVI).  Lorna asked if it would be helpful if when Sean presents to ESD’s and special education directors if the Board be invited to attend.  Jim stated that he attended a similar meeting that Dr. Stenehjem attended in Yakima and felt it was beneficial and he will be attending a meeting with Sean in Pasco.  Scott will be sure that Board members are connected with Sean.  Yang-su asked about the possibility of re-opening the elementary program that was eliminated during the financial down turn.  Scott said it is a budgetary issue.  Dennis feels this is a critical discussion. 

*      Ed asked how many students are in the day-program; Corey reported that there are 28 students in Residential with the remaining in the day program.  Lorna asked if it would be possible to put together parent testimonials regarding the WSSB.  Scott reported that he and Sean met with a videographer earlier this summer to work on a video.  Lorna feels it would give parents additional information regarding the WSSB. 

*      Krista felt that the location of the school might also have an impact on whether students attend.  Krista asked if there have been efforts to reach out to students who are from Oregon who are BVI.  Scott stated when he worked in Oregon, he felt it was well known but is not sure it is discussed as much since he started working at the WSSB.  Krista wondered how many parents in Oregon know that the WSSB is an option. Keri asked how many high school students are part of the Outreach program.  Scott said there are 1,850 kids who have been identified as BVI in the state of Washington. Scott’s goal is to have the students come here to get the skills and information needed and go back to their school districts. 

*      Corey asked if WSSB’s Short Course teacher should be visiting areas in the state where there is a high concentration of BVI students to schedule some type of meeting with parents to inform them about Short Courses. Krista asked if there was a Short Course brochure available that she could hand out to parents and students as a way to get the information out. 

*      Keri said her concern is regarding emergency preparedness.  Scott said we have a safety committee, a Continuation of Operations Procedures (COOP) plan which outlines our plan for emergencies (required by the state), and two sheds on campus that are stocked full of supplies in the event of an emergency.  Nancy stated she would like to see that plan as she has a lot of experience in that area.  Scott stated that he would connect Nancy with Rob Tracey, WSSB Facilities Manager regarding the COOP plan.

 

 

Ex-Officio’s Reports:

*      WFSE Local #1225 (Corey Grandstaff):

*      Washington Council of the Blind (Joleen Ferguson):

o   Joleen reported that the WCB convention will be held October 26-28 in Pasco at the Red Lion.  Room rates for the convention (if registered before October 10) is $95 per night and registration, which includes five meals, is $95.  A presentation from each agency director, Scott McCallum (WSSB), LouOma Durand (Department of Services for the Blind), and Danielle Miller (Washington Talking Book and Braille Library) will take place and the presentation of several scholarships to students. Joleen said there will be a silent auction, awards banquet and many other activities.  More information can be found at www.wcbinfo.org

*      National Federation of the Blind (Marci Carpenter):

·         Marci reported that the NFB convention will be held November 3-5 at the Hotel RL in Olympia, WA.  Room rates are $99 per night plus tax, which includes full breakfast.  Registration will be available soon.  Many presentations and sessions are scheduled for the convention including WSSB’s Emily Coleman, Director of Outreach; working sessions regarding legislation and teaching members and guests how to contact legislators.  The NFB is also discussing the repeal of the sub-minimum wage law and is now trying to get that into state law.  Scholarships will also be awarded during the convention (Cindy Bennett is co-chair of scholarship committee).

·         Marci also reported that a woman named Courtney Cole, who is doing an internship with a company called Rooted in Rights, contacted her.  Courtney is exploring education and services; and made a video, which is out on social media.  The video suggests that schools for the blind are inferior and asked if the NFB would post the video on their organizational page.  Marci stated that it is not the NFB’s policy to post videos. Scott said that the WSSB has reached out to Courtney to invite her to the school to learn more. A prior student of the WSSB was interviewed in that video and remarked that some classes prepared him for college and others did not.  Marci has reached out to her as well.  Marci would be happy to have Scott do a session to parents and educators regarding programs at the school.  Jennifer said that her feeling is that the WSSB is not the best setting for all students; Jennifer feels that when students come here that do not need to be here do not have the best outcomes. 

*      Parent Representative (Krista Bulger):

·         Krista said she is happy to be included on the Board and appreciates the insight.  Krista has two sons who are BVI and their family is new to the state.  Krista remarked that her boys are in tenth and sixth grade and she chose the WSSB for their education and she has her reasons why.  She feels this is the best place for her children with staff who understand accommodations and modifications.  Krista is also a TVI for the school’s Outreach program. Krista feels that getting parents together can be difficult; i.e. you are not asking parents to get together for sports, etc. and families often times have other children with extra-curricular activities and it is a challenge.  Krista will be sending out an email to see what would be a motivator to attend parent meetings.  Krista also wants to have parents be able to participate via Skype or Zoom. Keri stated that her personal goal is to reach out to parents and inform them about services that are available, whether it be participating in Outreach, coming to the WSSB, etc.  Scott thanked Krista for joining the board and appreciates her unique perspective. 

*      Teachers Representative (Jennifer Butcher):

·         Jennifer thanked everyone for inviting her.  Jennifer stated that there are a number of students with multiple disabilities and all teachers are getting on board with learning student’s needs. 

·         Scott informed the Board that Jennifer will be recognized nationally for being an outstanding teacher.  She will receive this award at the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and Council of Schools and Services for the Blind (COSB) Annual Meetings this October.  Two WSSB staff received these awards; one was Catherine Orr, Residential Life Counselor (RLC). 

 

Committee Reports:

*      Education Committee (no report at this time).

*      Buildings and Grounds Committee

o   Nancy said that overall the campus looks great. 

o   Nancy asked what was happening with the swimming pool.  Scott said it has been repaired and is operational. 

*      Management Committee

o   Ed said the management committee is current with the superintendent evaluation requirements. 

*      Legislative Committee (no report at this time).

 

Miscellaneous:

*      Lorna stated she works with the Inland Lighthouse and they are hosting a major fundraiser and are looking for a keynote speaker.  Cindy said she has a good idea and will contact Lorna via email.

*      Scott reminded the Board that the renaming of the Stenehjem Fitness Center in Dr. Dean Stenehjem’s honor will take place at 2pm today. 

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1pm.  The next Board meeting will be held on November 17 at 11am.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Dennis Mathews, Chair                                                                Scott McCallum, Superintendent

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Board Reports – September 2017

 

Outreach

Another school year is off to a great start!  Below are some highlights from the past few months:

-          June 9 was the “end of year” Outreach meeting.  We invited Linda Hagood, WSSB’s Speech Pathologist, to provide professional development surrounding autism and blindness. We also shared success stories as a way to wrap up the year.

-          June 14 was a lot of fun because Lorna Walsh and I were able to present the Rod Humble Outreach award to Caty Mangis from Davenport School District.  We presented during an assembly and Caty was truly honored.

-          June 5-6 was the Washington Sensory Disability Services (WSDS) retreat in Spokane, WA. The retreat provided team-building experiences for our leadership and collaboration with the Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss (CDHL) and the Deaf-Blind Project.

-          July 24–27 was the 2017 WSSB Summer Institute.  We were full (with a waiting list) and were able to host 50 enthusiastic educators new to blindness.  We had a FANTASTIC group and know their new knowledge will benefit students who are blind and visually impaired (BVI) statewide.

-          August 1-2 was the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) conference in Tacoma.  I had never attended, but enjoyed meeting new special education directors from around the state. We presented in conjunction with WSDS to highlight our statewide efforts and emphasize our resources.

-          During August, we met multiple times with the Stephen F. Austin Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) prep program as they continue to support a Washington co-hort of 9 future TVIs.

-          August 8–11 provided opportunities with the administrative team to get to know each other through personality assessments, team sports, and a budget workshop.

-          August 22-23 was our back-to-school meetings. For our department meeting, we learned about new tech equipment from Bruce McClanahan, WSSB’s Assistive Technology Specialist, discussed how to keep better student and district data, and showed each other different record keeping systems utilized within our team.

-          September 5-7 included a WSDS meeting and State Needs Project meeting in Olympia. We had the chance to meet with Glenna Gallo, the new Assistant Superintendent at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) overseeing special education.

-          Our Spokane TVI, Kathy Michielsen, moved to the B-3 department.  We hired Gina Bourgeous to take her place. Gina is from the Spokane area and has already spent time with many of the students she will be serving due to practicum experiences.

-          Sean Southworth, a braillist within Outreach, moved into a teaching position with the Battle Ground School District after recently becoming a certified teacher. We hired Autumn Sellers, WSSB Teacher’s Aide, to serve as a braillist for Outreach, and she is also in the middle of a TVI program herself.

-          Pam Parker, Outreach TVI, is beginning her role as ½-time mentor for TVI candidates and as an added resource to our Outreach teachers. We look forward to her gaining more knowledge about mentoring and hope that by providing support, we will grow and retain exceptional teachers.

 

We have increased our contracts this year, adjusted some caseloads, and worked closely with districts to identify additional student needs. Due to the continuous TVI shortage, we are always adapting to provide new ways to serve students who are BVI throughout Washington.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

On Campus

Enrollment

Total on-campus enrollment this fall is 46, with six (6) students enrolled in distance learning for math courses.  A couple of additional students plan to join WSSB for diagnostic placement evaluations this fall.  This school year, WSSB’s on-campus programs will be focusing on gathering input, creating awareness, and ensuring the enrollment process is accessible to students that may qualify and benefit.   

 

Summer 2017 Programs

Youth programs this summer at WSSB consisted of “EmPower” Summer Camp for 11-14 year olds, Youth Employment Solutions 1 (YES 1) camp for students 14 -15 years old, and SKILLS camp for 6-11 year old students.  Both YES 1 and SKILLS are partnership programs supported by Washington Department Services for the Blind (DSB).

 

Start A New Year

The on-campus programs began the school year with a focus on our shared values and vision.  With a variety of input from staff, students, and families, four main values or “pillars” became apparent:

Connections, academics, empowerment, and independence. These pillars are the backbone of all instruction and programs for the on-campus programs. When you visit the Irwin building commons you may notice a banner that states, “Inspiring life-long connections through access to academics, empowerment, and independence.”  This statement is a representation of our focus on utilizing a common language around our shared educational goals with the WSSB community. 

 

WSSB started out the year by welcoming new families to an orientation prior to returning families arriving on the first day of school.  The focus of the orientation was to build relationships, common experiences among new families, and help students settle into our campus. Some activities during the orientation included a barbeque in the Discovery Courtyard, Resident Life Counselor (RLC) meet and greet with parents, making ice cream sundaes under sleep shades, families spending the night in the cottage, and traveling through their child’s schedule to get to know the education staff better.

 

Students began the school year with a non-traditional school week called, PRIDE Week.  During PRIDE week students focused on learning clear expectations, building a greater understanding of themselves, instruction in areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), assessment in ECC areas, and forming relationships with others as they navigate a brand new school year. One student summed up the first week as, “PRIDE Week is about the learning, and the following weeks are the doing.”

 

Connected with the residential department’s increased focus on Independent Living Skills, the day program at WSSB is ensuring there is a schedule that works from the student’s needs first, and then the core subjects coordinated in combination with each individual’s program. In practice, the school schedule looks like six main class periods of 53 minutes and two enrichment period of 31 minutes. This schedule allows students to access instructional interventions, vision-related instructional support, clubs, a school-wide book study, and a variety of other learning activities all based on individual needs and the ECC. 

 

Residential

Independent Living Skills (ILS) Program: the ILS program in residential has begun for the 2017-2018 school year. Every student completed a pre-screening ILS assessment, which will provide staff with a baseline of data we can then use to design individual programs that encourage the development skills of daily living for students. In addition, on September 13, ILS cooking lessons began, students work in teams of 2-3 to make dinner for their cottage on Wednesday evenings. The goal is to have each student participate at least twice a month in this dinner prep activity. Students in the cottages all have weekly responsibilities of daily living including cleaning their room, completing a laundry routine, completing their daily hygiene routine, and vacuuming the common area of the cottage. In addition, staff are working extensively with students on the development of appropriate social skills; Linda Hagood, our Speech Pathologist, will be joining students at least once a month for dinner to encourage the development of these skills. The residential department would be excited to have one of our board members join us for dinner whenever it is convenient for you.

 

Residential Child and Youth Care Professional training (RCYCP): During the summer, Corey Grandstaff, our Residential Program Manager, attended RCYCP training to become certified as an RCYCP trainer. Corey is currently training our residential staff in this curriculum. Residential Life Counselors (RLC’s) have begun training in RCYCP, a curriculum that focuses on creating a culture of care, child development, developing relationships with students, and student discipline. The full training is 42 hours, which RLC’s will complete throughout this school year. At the end of the training, all RLC’s will have the opportunity to become RCYCP certified. This is an exciting professional development for our residential staff.

 

Additional Updates: Not only are students continuing to participate in ILS skill development and Wednesday night cooking opportunities, students have opportunities to participate in various recreational activities. In addition, there is time set aside each evening for students to have quiet time in which they can work on academic homework with their residential staff.

 

New Hires: We have filled two RLC positions over the summer. Ashley Woodruff has joined our graveyard shift in Watson. Ms. Woodruff comes to us from Montana, has worked as one of our on-call RLC’s, and has experience in special education as an instructional assistant. Matthew Hines has joined our swing shift team in Clarke Cottage. Mr. Hines, one of our previous graduates, has experiences in managing non-profits, as well as a blind sports background. We are excited to have both of these candidates join the residential team.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Transition Services

Learning Independence for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT)

The LIFTT program began on September 10. We are starting the program year with fewer students than in the past; we have three starting the year with us.

 

With the 2017-19 MOU between WSSB and DSB, the funding structure for the program has changed. Previously, DSB supported the program with a per student tuition fee. Because our costs remain consistent whether we have three students or eight students, WSSB negotiated a set amount that DSB will provide to WSSB to support the program.  We appreciate DSB’s ongoing partnership and collaboration for a variety of programs to support the needs of students who are blind or visually impaired and their willingness to provide a consistent level of support for the LIFTT Program.

We had a staffing change this summer. Chris Trachi, a longtime WSSB and LIFTT staff member, retired. She had been working a half time position on the weekends for the last few years. Taking her place will be Libby Pitts, who is leaving her RLC position to return to the LIFTT program. Libby began her WSSB employment as a long term on call in the LIFTT program, and did a short stint as a full time Rehab Teacher before being called to another department. We are very happy to have Libby back in LIFTT.

 

Our new Resident Advisor is Jason Ernst, who was a LIFTT participant last program year. Jason attends Clark College as a full time student studying business. He is also on the Clark Cross Country and Track teams.

 

Youth Services Specialist

The WSSB Youth Services Specialist, Marcie Ebarb, continues to coordinate the DSB funded contract with Partners in Careers to provide weekly soft skills training, supported internships/job shadows and integrated community career focused events for WSSB students.  Eleven (11) seniors completed the pilot program on May 31, 2017.  For the 2017/18 academic year, selected juniors will be added to the program. She continues to participate in the Center for Change in Transition Services (CCTS) Transition Learning Community (TLC) leadership team.  Increasing community work based learning opportunities and preparing students for 21st century work will be the focus of next year’s TLC.  Marcie continued to facilitate a weekly Job Club with out-of-school DSB clients until June 5, 2017 and is planning for this year’s program.

 

Marcie participated fully in the Youth Employment Solutions (YES) 1 program, which took place from July 10-20, 2017.  Twenty youth, ages 13-17 participated.  The activities included creating Career Cruising accounts for all of the participants and presentations about job applications and interviewing tips.  All of the youth participated in a mock interview.  The first year participants went on community tours at production mills, social service agencies and at Guide Dogs for the Blind.  The second year participants had the opportunity to complete job shadows at several locations including the local courthouse, food service/health care/child care/assisted living businesses.  A 3-day trip to Seattle provided the group with the chance to learn about the YES 2 program and interact with the current participants.  That trip also included tours of a retail store and an occupational health clinic, as well as experiences in simulated sky diving, and recording reader’s theatre and an original song. The participants completed 3 days of community service at one or more of several locations including a state park, non-profit and government agencies. On the final day, four competitively employed adults with vision loss shared their experiences with the program participants. 

 

Marcie coordinated and participated in the SKILLS Vancouver program, which took place from July 24-28, 2017.  Nine youth, ages 5-11 participated.  The theme of the camp was “Farm to Fork”.  Activities included learning adaptive cooking skills, creating a grocery list and shopping, computer research, a visit by bus to a garden center to learn about herbs, a visit to a farm to learn about goats, felt soap and make ice cream in a bag, experience potting and planting herbs, swimming and a family picnic. 

 

Marcie regularly attends networking meetings with WorkForce South West Washington’s Emerging Workforce Committee and WorkSource’s Business Partner Outreach Group in order to gain information about local employment services/programs and highlight the importance of making these services accessible.  She also participated in teambuilding activities with the DSB YES staff and multiple sessions of Motivational Interviewing training over the last several months.

 

Health Center

We have had a good start to the new 2017-18 school year. We continue to have students with complicated medical conditions, requiring health center nurses to provide additional staff training.

 

Nurses will begin the Self Directed Medication Program soon; we have several new students we hope to have participate this year.

 

We currently have four on call nurses in addition to two full time nurses; another on-call nurse will likely need to be hired in the next few months due to limited availability with the current on-calls.

 

A Health Center Nurse will attend the Cross Country field trip and Camp Magruder to ensure medication management and support students. Health center nurses will both maintain registration as nurses in both Oregon and Washington to meet the needs of students.

 

The Health Center is hosts nursing students from Clark College, WSU-Vancouver and University of Portland. These nursing students will be given a specific project that will benefit the health center.

 

Health Center nurses and fitness teacher Jennifer Butcher are certified to teach students and staff CPR and first aid. Approximately 80% of WSSB staff are certified to perform CPR and first aid. Nurses Robin, Justine and fitness teacher Jennifer Butcher have switched from American Heart Association to American Health and Safety Institute (AHSI) for CPR instruction. ASHI is less expensive for the school.

 

Nurses are actively preparing emergency care plan information for students with special health care needs in a more accessible format for our blind and visually impaired staff.

 

The current medical directors are Dr. Katherine Vaughn and Dr. Laurie Metzger from the Vancouver Clinic.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Business Office

1.      2016-17 Budget

a.       Operating

        Phase 2 of our year-end close was completed September 1 and our final disclosure forms have been submitted.  We continue to improve our closing processes and continue to experience fewer issues at the end of the year. 

 

The total expenditures in each of the funds were as follows:

General                                        $6,812,000

19B                                                 $1,356,377 (Revenue generated $2,167,174)

03K-LNI Retro Refund           $      1,851

Capital                                          $   470,815

Betterment                                $     22,141

Braille Access Center             $   410,398 (Revenue generated $446,428)

 

        The carry forward balance in 19B fund was $2,262,271.

 

b.      Capital

        We started the 2016-17 year with a balance of $487,368, which was earmarked for several campus preservation projects last year.  Due to the delays in getting qualified contractors and the specific window of time we have to perform work in, we were not able to complete all projects.  We started July 2017 with a carryover of $123,553 but due to the delay in passing the 2017-19 budget, we missed the summer construction window and had to re-allot dollars to other projects.  The funds will be used as follows:

 

        $25,000         Sidewalk/parking lot rejuvenation

        $57,000         General Campus-wide Energy Management

        $41,553         Minor Campus Buildings Remodeling

 

2.      2017 Supplemental - we received funding as follows:

        Safety Net:  $180,000

        You may recall in 2016, we were not successful in securing safety net funding due to changes OSPI made to the rules for applying.  After consultation with OFM and OSPI, we were able to secure funding through the state.  OSPI has revised their rules and we were able to secure funding in 2017.

 

        Increase in Attorney General Appropriation:  $53,000

        This was funded in the 2nd year of 2015-17 and will be carried forward to 2017-19.

 

3.      2017-19 Operating Budget

        WSSB fared well in the 2017-19 budget cycle.  All staff except teachers received a 2% COLA effective July 1, 2017; 2% effective July 1, 2018; and 2% effective January 1, 2019.  Teachers received 2.3% effective with the 2017-18 school year and 2.7% in the 2018-19 school year.  Adjustments were also received for increases in central service agency charges, health insurance, and pension. In addition, we received funding for the following decision packages: 

 

        Increase in Private/Local Authority:  $2,000,000

        The authority schedule the legislature issued only authorized us for $1,840,000 and that would only have given us authority for the 1st year, therefore, the request for additional authority.  We received authority for $2,054,000 in year 1 and $2,059,000 in year 2. 

       

        Increase in Attorney General Appropriation:  $70,000

        During the 2016 Supplemental budget cycle, our appropriation was cut from $72,000 to $8,000.  At the end of the first year, we were in the red by $18,321.  As you may be aware, we had some legal expense last year related to Due Process.  We received $53,000.

 

        Merit System Increments:  $134,506

        By Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), we are required to give staff merit increment increases, if eligible.  We do not automatically get funded for it.  We have not received funding for several years.  We did not receive any funding for this decision package.

       

        Birth to Three Services:  $219,542

        We were seeking funding to expand the program to hire an additional staff person to provide services, fund the goods and services, and travel portion of the program.  Last year, the state only covered the salary of one position.  We received $219,000.

                               

4.      2017-19 Capital Budget - Our capital budget request was as follows:

        Roof Replacement and Rejuvenation                                            $250,000

        Security (cameras, card locks, fencing, etc.)                               $  50,000

        Safety (Fire protection, health & safety)                                      $100,000

        Minor Campus Buildings Remodeling (interior)                        $140,000

        Campus Preservation (sidewalks, paving, bldg. ext.)              $  30,000                             

                                                                                                                                $570,000

 

        As you are aware, the legislature has not passed a 2017-19 capital budget.  In the last legislative session, they only approved re-appropriation requests.  Ours was approved for $123,553.

 

5.      2017-19 Allotments

        This year the state revised the statewide chart of accounts. The changes were incorporated into WSSB’s chart of accounts and allotments were submitted accordingly by due date of August 7, 2017.

 

6.      2018 Supplemental

        Decision packages for the 2018 supplemental cycle are due October 9, 2017.  Scott will report on the requests we will be submitting.

 

7.      Safety Net

        The application submitted was for $148,106 and we were awarded $122,295.

 

8.      Industrial Insurance Retrospective Refund

        WSSB’s risk management program is doing well in managing our worker’s compensation risk exposure.  That, coupled with a few of our larger claims dropping off our experience history, resulted in a refund.  This year our refund was $54,971.  These funds have to be spent as outlined in RCW 51.144.170 and must promote or provide incentives for employee workplace safety and health and early, appropriate return-to-work for injured employees.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Human Resources

New Hires: 

·         Adrienne Lattin - Communications Consultant (Braille Proofreader)

·         Pam Parker – Mentor/Instructional Coach – Outreach (Promotion)

·         Matthew Hines - RLC

·         Ashley Woodruff - RLC

·         Jeff Bowler -  Short Course TVI

·         Krista Bulger – TVI Outreach

·         Gina Bourgeous – TVI Outreach Spokane

·         Kathy Michielsen – Birth–3 (transfer)

·         Autumn Sellers – Teacher’s Assistant 2 (promotion)

·         Linda Hagood - Speech Pathologist

·         Joe Clark - Substitute Teacher

·         Sara Logston – On-call RLC

·         Chellsea Wilson – On-call RLC

 

Open Recruitments:

·         TVI – Whatcom/Snohomish Counties

·         TVI – Math

·         School Psychologist

·         On-call RLC

·         On-call Teacher’s Assistant

·         On-call Custodian

·         Substitute Teacher

 

Trainings/Functions Attended:

·         HR Managers Meeting – Facilitated by Franklin Plaistowe and Marcos Rodriguez

·         Labor Relations Roundtable – Facilitated by Office of Financial Management (OFM)

·         Prima Conference Risk Management

·         Career Fair – Sponsored by Washington School Personnel  Association (WSPA)

·         2017 School Administrators’ Emergency Training Summit

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Ogden Resource Center (ORC)

Braille Production:

Braille production is going full speed ahead. Schools received their first volumes so that students can start their studies right away. More volumes and daily assignments are being completed daily.

 

Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) Partnership:

Our prison program is going strong with new hires coming on board as several of our inmate transcribers have left the program due to release or pursuing other opportunities within WCCW in anticipation of their release. We now have a full house of 16 transcribers and 4 apprentices. Nine transcribers and apprentices are currently working towards their national literary certification.

 

Current WCCW Certifications:

·         11 Unified English Braille (UEB)/English Braille American Edition (EBAE) Literary

·         7 Nemeth

·         9 Textbook Formatting

·         6 Associate in Music

·         3 Music Certified

·         16 Washington State UEB Certification

 

Four of our former inmate transcribers are working steadily transcribing braille for various companies in the United States and Canada.

 

The General Manager of Correctional Industries at WCCW, Roy Pidcock, has left to pursue other opportunities. The vacant position will be filled in the near future.

 

Instructional Resource Center (IRC) Update:

Quota funds were released by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) so the ORC has been able to purchase APH materials for schools. APH is training on the new registration system for census at the Annual Meeting in October. Jennifer Fenton will attend to learn the new system and teach ORC staff.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Buildings and Grounds

Campus

The legislature in Olympia failed to pass a capital budget prior to adjourning for the term. As a result, all planned capital projects were delayed until it became impractical to proceed. This included reroofing the cottages and rerouting the sewer line behind cottage two.

 

We were able to get a bid package together for surface coating the parking lot in front of and behind the ORC building. General Services sent out forty-four requests for bid to the contractors listed on the state small works roster but received no replies. We have postponed the bid for three weeks and will be contacting several local companies that are not on the list.

 

Over the summer, we repainted the walls in the pool area as well as the pool deck floor. We also rebuilt the two storage buildings on the west side of campus and did additional preparation to use them as emergency storage shelters.

 

Exterior signage was added to the east wall of the Irwin school building as well as a lettering change on the fitness centers name sign.

 

With the closing of the Piano Hospital, WSSB received some of the many awards and commendations that Emil Fries had received during his lifetime. To better display them, we built a shadow box into of one of the rolling walls in the Fries Auditorium named after him. We also had the original purchase order and manual for the organ framed and mounted on the opposite rolling wall.

 

We are now in the process of mapping the campus irrigation system and replacing controllers and sprinkler heads. As a result, several areas are no longer drying out in spite of the extended hot spells this year.

 

After several attempts and five false alarms, changes to the campus fire alarm system has eliminated three recurring problem points.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

 

Birth-3

The Birth to 3 Program continues to grow!  We now have two Early Intervention Visual Impairment Specialists (EIVIS) (a certified TVI who works with the birth to 3 population). One has a caseload in the southwest corner serving Clark, Grays Harbor, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Pacific counties.  The new EIVIS started in August and will serve the eastern part of the state including Spokane, Benton, Franklin, Whitman, and Pend Orielle Counties. We also have a part time person in the northwest corner of the state serving Island and Whatcom counties. 

 

DeEtte continues to work statewide to provide support for the state's Part C agency Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (ESIT) through the Department of Early Learning (DEL).  ESIT is transitioning not only into a new state agency (Department for Children Youth and Families), but also implementing a restructuring of its own across state systems. DeEtte has been included in all activities, including a small workgroup creating and designing the professional competencies standards.

 

The Parent Infant Playgroup (PIP) has moved from its temporary location in the fitness center to the Irwin library in the new children's area. This new children's area was not only created for PIP but also for families to visit during others times.  Our first Friday was September 9 and will occur the second Friday of every month (usually the second and fourth) until June.

 

Summer family activities included a fun trip to the zoo and our Parent 2 Parent Workshop.  The Pacific Foundation for Blind Children (PFBC) sponsored our July trip to the zoo and six (6) families joined the fun.  On September 8, families came to WSSB to learn about the expanded core curriculum through essential skills for little ones.  The Parent 2 Parent was a multiple agency partnership between WSSB, DSB, other EIVIS around the state, the Lions Club and PFBC.  A fun day was had by all.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

Superintendent

I am trying something new with my board reports this year.  I will provide, in bulleted format, a list of the more significant activities of the Superintendent’s office.  For each month, I will describe a highlight or two in more detail. If at any point you would like more information or have questions, please do not hesitate to call, email, or schedule a time to meet in person.  I want to make sure that you have the information that you need to advise and guide what we do to meet the needs of students who are blind or visually impaired throughout Washington State.

 

July

July 5-6:  WSDS Retreat

July 10:  Conference call with Janet LeBreck, Rachel Kerrigan and Dave Power (Perkins)

July 11:  Tour and info session with Representative Stonier

July:  Skills Camp (DSB/WSSB)

July 24-27:  Summer Institute

July 26:  Meeting regarding OSPI Memo

July 26:  Summer BBQ at Governor’s Mansion

July 27:  Tour with Linda Port (former staff member Bob Mealey’s daughter)

July 31-August 2:  WASA/OSPI Special Education Workshop

 

Highlight

I participated in a panel presentation at the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Special Education Conference. The presentation highlighted the work of the Washington Sensory Disability Services (WSDS) and the collaborative partners that participate in this State Needs Project through OSPI.  Emily Coleman, WSSB Director of Outreach and State Vision Consultant, and I presented together about the services and supports available through WSSB.  Also participating in the presentation were representatives of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the Washington Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss (CDHL), and the Washington Deaf-Blind Project. The audience consisted of mostly school district special education directors.

 

August

August 3:  Conference call Scott, Sean and Derrick Smith (University of Alabama, Huntsville)

August 8:  Admin. Retreat (DISC/Dragon Boat)

August 10-11:  Budget Workshop

August 22:  Fall Workshop/In-service

August 27:  Welcome parents/students event at WSSB (overnight in cottages, etc.)

August 28:  First day of school/welcome back ice cream social

 

Highlight

First, nothing beats the positive energy and hopefulness that a new school year brings. We officially welcomed staff back to work on August 22.  We had a positive day filled with updates, expectations, collaboration and training.  On August 27 and 28, I truly enjoyed meeting many of our new students and their parents as well as reconnecting with students and parents who are not so new to the school. I am very excited to get to know each student who attends WSSB throughout the 2017-18 school year.

 

The administrative and management staff at WSSB spent a day getting to know each other through the completion of the DISC Assessment, followed by several hours of training and discussion, followed by a dragon boating experience on the Willamette River.  DISC is a behavioral assessment centered on the areas of Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance. I believe that we all appreciated the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, our teammates, and improve how we work with one another. After lunch, we enjoyed time on the river with the VIP Dragon Boat team of the Wasabi Paddling Club in Portland.  VIP is a dragon boat team consisting mostly of paddlers who are blind or visually impaired, including WSSB’s own Adrienne Lattin (Braille Proofreader).  We were blessed with a beautiful day as well as excellent instruction and support.

 

The training for the administrative team continued with two days of budget training specific to Washington State Government.  Department administrators and managers are expected to be responsible for managing their individual program budgets and this training provided necessary information and context as it relates to the biennial funding cycle. 

 

September

September 5: Presentation about WSSB to Results Washington Goal Council 1-World Class Education

September 6:  Meeting with Kate Davis & Cynthia Hollimon (OFM Budget Analysts)

September 7:  State Needs Project meeting

September 7:  BBQ/social for PFBC Board members at Scott’s

September 9:  Parent 2 Parent Workshop (B-3)

September 11:  Conference call with Linda Lyle, Superintendent at the New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired and DeEtte regarding Babies Count

September 11:  Conference call with Alex Tavares (Harvard), Scott and Sean McCormick

September 14:  Visit/tour with Inger Brinck, Results Washington

September 18:  Meeting/tour with Department of Health, Marilyn re emergency preparedness BVI

September 20:  Staff vs. Students Goalball match

 

Highlight

I am sure that one highlight will be the staff vs students goalball match, however, that experience is still days away as I write this update.  I had the opportunity to provide a presentation to the Results Washington Goal One Council whose focus is “World Class Education”. I highlighted the various programs, services and supports provided by WSSB as well as some of our challenges at WSSB and beyond. According to unsolicited feedback from several goal council members, the information was well received.  Inger Brink, Director of Results Washington, visited WSSB on September 14.  Inger spent several hours at WSSB learning about agency, touring the campus, and discussing ways for improved collaboration between WSSB and other state agencies.

 

Ongoing

Meetings with department managers and administration team

PFBC meetings

Executive Cabinet meetings

Goal Council meetings

Clark County Superintendent meetings

Northwest Association of Blind Athletes (NWABA) Board meetings

UEB committee meetings

Oregon Commission for the Blind Board meetings

 

Highlight

Irwin staff have recently started an Equity Team at WSSB with support from the Superintendent’s Office. The idea behind the creation of the Equity Team is to make organizational changes to address inequities, improve collaborative relationships and create an agency-wide climate and culture that supports a systemic equity and improved achievement for all. The equity team will be committed to confronting biases and designing strategies to combat them.  The team will develop the goals and outcomes for our community. We are hoping to design and implement trainings, be innovative and assess our growth.  The Equity Team at WSSB will focus on a variety of issues relevant to our students and the community such as, but not limited to race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, and ability.

 

Finally, this year we plan to update the WSSB Strategic Plan.  The Strategic Plan is an important document that helps us identify our overall goals as an agency and a plan to achieve them.  It is especially critical when making decisions about individual programs and seeking additional funding through the legislative process.  We will be seeking the assistance of a variety of stakeholders and representation of our advisory board in identifying priorities for the updates strategic plan. While we are working on the details, we expect to go through the information gathering process in February or March of 2018.