WASHINGTON STATE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

 

Minutes from Board of Trustees Meeting

May 1, 2003

Conference Call

 

 

Board Members Participating: Terry Robertson, Cindy Roney, Jerry Farley, Noel Nightingale, Denise Colley, Joe Fram, and Chuck Nelson.

 

Board Members Absent:  Kay Adamson and Denise Mackenstadt.

 

Ex-Officio Members Participating: Carol Schultz (WSSB Teachers Association), Bonda Albers (Washington Federation of State Employees Local #1225), and Gary Burdette (Washington Council of the Blind).

 

Ex-Officio Members Absent:  Kathleen Brown (Parent Representative) and Michael Freeman (National Federation of the Blind of Washington).

 

WSSB Staff Members Participating: Dr. Dean Stenehjem (Superintendent), Craig Meador (Principal), and Janet Merz (recording secretary).

 

Terry called the meeting to order at 7:38 p.m. 

 

Old Business

Approval of March 14-15, 2003 Board of Trustees meeting minutes.  Noel made a motion to accept the minutes as submitted.  Chuck seconded the motion.  The minutes were approved unanimously. 

 

New Business

o        Board of Trustees and Roy J. Brothers Award:  Mr. Meador reviewed the criteria for both the Board of Trustees and Roy J. Brothers Award.  Chuck nominated Renae Goettel for the Board of Trustees Award; Noel seconded the motion.  The motion was approved unanimously.  Chuck nominated both Ray Hughes and Brandon Spence for the Roy J. Brothers Award; Jerry seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.

 

o        Legislative/Budget Update:  Dr. Stenehjem reported there are currently three budgets being considered:  Governor’s Budget: 5.2% reduction, $493,000 per biennium, 5.6 FTE reduction; Senate’s Budget: 3.4% reduction, $328,000 per biennium, 2.4 FTE reduction; Representatives Budget: 1.7% reduction, $216,000 per biennium, 2.4 FTE reduction.  Dr. Stenehjem has been in communication with the parent group and both blind consumer organizations regarding the proposed budgets in Olympia. The legislators are due back in Olympia on May 12 to complete the session.  Kathleen Brown mailed two letters to all parents asking them to support a “no budget reduction” scenario, or at least to support the House Budget.  Dr. Stenehjem reported that the Administrative Team will meet on May 5, to finalize the budget reduction plan, with the intent to plan for the worst case scenario.  Dr. Stenehjem feels that if we are given a 2.4 FTE reduction that we may be able to handle most reductions through attrition.  Cindy expressed a concern that there is not a lot of time to notify staff if there are reductions.  Joe asked for e-mail addresses for Representatives and Senators.  Dr. Stenehjem reported that we will send the e-mail links to the Board tomorrow.

 

o        Capital Project Update:  WSSB requested $4.1 million dollars in Capital Projects.  The legislators have approved all of the requests with the exception of the commercial kitchen, however if the other Capital Projects come in under budget, WSSB may have the flexibility to make this happen.  Joe asked if this was the last major phase in our Capital Projects on campus.  Dr. Stenehjem explained that there is one major Capital Project remaining and that is the construction of an Independent Living Center. 

o        Ogden Resource Center:  This project is currently one month ahead of schedule.  The building will be operational the third week of May.  Next week a live test will be done on the solar panel.  The Database system is being built and the goal is to have the capability of on-line ordering and registering by fall.  Val Ogden visited the building and was very impressed with the progress.  Dr. Stenehjem hopes to have a date nailed down for the formal dedication that is going to be held sometime in October.  Dr. Stenehjem also hopes to have the Governor attend the dedication

o        Campus Preservation:  The entire front of Old Main is under construction.  Landscaping and parking are the main components to this project.  In addition, improved sidewalks, security cameras (27) and proximity readers were installed.

o        Irwin:  This project is one week behind schedule and the goal is to have the building completely renovated by August 7^th.

 

Miscellaneous:

o        Terry asked if the Lions District Governor’s had responded to a recent request that Dr. Stenehjem put forth.  Dr. Stenehjem reported that the foundation has agreed to pay $30,000 to fund the Summer School programs.  This would supplement the $10,000 gift from the Washington Council of the Blind and a $6,000 grant from Western Michigan University.  Len Leger, newest Foundation board member came up with a fundraising idea that is entitled “Help Keep it Alive, Send a Five”.  The Foundation is attempting to obtain individual addresses for every Lions Club member in the state.  Dr. Stenehjem visited Spokane this week to do a presentation to the Manitou Lions Club.  Dr. Stenehjem will also be contacting the Northwest Lions Foundation to inquire about a matching grant for Summer School

o        Dr. Stenehjem reminded those Board members whose term is expiring this year to contact the Governor’s office if they wish to reapply.  Dr. Stenehjem invited Susie Davidson to the June Board of Trustees/Commencement so that the board can recognize her years of service.

 

The next Board meeting will be held on June 13^th immediately following commencement (10:00 a.m.). 

 

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                           

Terry Robertson, Chair                                                  Dean O. Stenehjem, Ed.D.

                                                                                    Superintendent