Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
7725 North College Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46240

 

ISBVI Board Meeting
August 18, 2008
9:30 a.m.
ISBVI Board Meeting Minutes

 

Members Present:   Ms. Shirley Amond, Chair
                                   Ms. Cynthia Pittman, Vice-Chair
                                   Mr. Donald Koors
                                   Mr. John Hill for Mr. Robert Marra
                                   Ms. Kathy Botkin
                                 

Members Not Present:  Senator Teresa Lubbers

                                         Mr. Gary Bates
                  
Administration Present:  Mr. Jim Durst, Superintendent; Mr. Hal Owens, Asst. Superintendent; Dr. Larry Streeter, Director of Programs; Mr. Jay Wilson, MS/HS Principal; Ms. Gail Ringwalt, Elementary Principal; Ms. Toni Hughes, Director of Outreach Services; Ms. Teresa Mynatt, Human Resources; Mr. Mike Gaddis, Steam Plant; Mr. Charles Foster III, Maintenance;  Mr. John Rahn, Physical Plant Director; Ms. Jerry Pitts, Nursing; Ms. Leslie Durst, IERC; Mr. Todd Malone, Maintenance; Ms. Lisa Cox


I. Call to Order


Ms. Amond called the meeting to order and took roll.

II. Approval of Minutes


The minutes from May 12, 2008 meeting were reviewed.  Mr. Koors moved for approval of the minutes; Ms. Botkin seconded the motion; motion carried.

III. Chair Remarks


Ms. Amond welcomed everyone to the meeting.

IV.  Superintendent's Report


A.  New Employees


Ms. Leslie Durst introduced to the Board Ms. Martha LaBounty who is the new Librarian in the IERC.  Ms. Gail Ringwalt introduced several new employees in the AlDur/Lambert/Keever.  Ms. Katie Bryant is a new teacher who is in Mrs. Kissling’s class at this time; Ms. Genevieve Gardner who is a WRAP for Brian Bradley, Ms. Natalie Shaheen, teacher in the multi-handicap room, and Ms. Micelle Sliger, ISBVI Alumni, who is student teaching in Mrs. Gacsko’s room this semester.  Mr. Jay Wilson introduced Mr. David Brown, Secretary in the Education Office, Ms. Michell Robbins, WRAP for a middle school student, and Ms. Tanya Hause, Residential Mentor in MS/HS.  Mr. Durst also mentioned that we have another new Residential Mentor, Ms. Sarah Danks, who works in the evenings in the Residential program.

 

V.  New Business

 

A. 1st Reading


Service Animals in the School (Policy O-43) This policy is needed because we have a student who returned to ISBVI this school year with a service animal.  Mr. Durst has requested to the Board that the school be able to implement this policy immediately with the knowledge that there will be a second reading and pending approval at the next board meeting.  Mr. Koors moved to approve the 1st reading of Policy O-43; the motion was seconded by Ms. Pittman.  Mr. Hill recommended that in the first paragraph of the policy the words “service dogs” be changed to “service animals”.  Ms. Amond called for a vote for the 1st reading of Policy O-43 with the changed suggested by Mr. Hill; motion carried.

 

Student Use of Motor Scooters While on the ISBVI Campus (Policy O-44) This policy is needed due to the fact that we have a student using a motor scooter as his means of transportation to and from school this year.  Mr. Durst requested again to the Board that the school be able to implement this policy immediately with the knowledge that there will be a second reading and pending approval at the next board meeting.  Ms. Pittman moved to accept Policy O-44 for the 1st reading; Ms. Botkin seconded the motion; motion carried.

 

B.  Technology Update

 

Mr. Durst explained to the Board that in the years past, most of our technology upgrades on campus have come from grants, donations and gifts.  Due to the economy, those avenues are limited now.  Mr. Durst gave to each of the Board members a copy of the 2008 – 2009 Operating Budget Spending Plan which includes $215,000.00 that the Budget Agency has agreed to give to ISBVI for computer purchases.  SARCOM has been contracted for consultation in the technology area. Mr. Durst requested that the Board give ISBVI permission to move forward with the technology plan and begin making the purchases as suggested by SARCOM with monies from the Donations Account.  Ms. Botkin moved to give Mr. Durst and ISBVI permission to use the Donations Account for purchases for technology as suggested by SARCOM; Ms. Pittman seconded; motion carried.  Mr. Durst also requested that ISBVI be able to move another $30,000 out of the Donations Account to be used for Assistive Technology for student use.  Mr. Koors moved to approve that ISBVI be able to move $30,000.00 from the Donation Account for Assistive Technology for student use; the motion was seconded by Ms. Botkin; motion carried.

 

C.  School Credit Card

 

Mr. Durst requested that the Board give ISBVI permission to secure a credit card from Chase Bank with the intention of a new policy (resolution) for credit card usage will be available at the next board meeting.  Ms. Botkin moved that Mr. Durst move forward with obtaining a credit card from Chase Bank for ISBVI; the motion was seconded by Mr. Koors; motion carried.

 

D.  Parent/Student Handbook & Employee Handbook

 

Each Board member was given a copy of the 2008 – 2009 Parent/Student Handbook (Attachment 9) and the ISBVI 2008 – 2009 Employee Handbook (Attachment 10).  Mr. Durst encouraged the Board members to read the handbooks and make any suggestions as needed.

 

E.  Donations and Contributions (Attachments 7A, 7B, & 7C; 8A & 8B)

 

Attachment 7A includes Donations and Contributions under $499 through June 9, 2008 which totaled $579.31.  Attachment 7B includes Donations and Contributions under $499 through June 30, 2008 which totaled $80.00.  Attachment 7C includes Donations and Contributions under $499 which totaled $1,737.00.  Attachment 8A includes Donations and Contributions over $500 through June 9, 2008 totaling $15,471.30. Attachment 8B includes Donations and Contributions over $500 through August 7, 2008 totaling $1,314.50.   Mr. Koors moved to approve Attachments 8A & 8B Donation and Contributions received over $500; the motion was seconded by Ms. Botkin; motion carried.  Mr. Hill questioned what the restricted donation from the Indiana Lions on Attachment 8B for a Sor Bench was.  Mr. Durst explained that a Sor Bench is used for students in physical therapy at ISBVI.

VI.  Superintendent's Report (continued)


A. School Update

 

In July, 7 students went to Colorado Springs, CO for the 1st Annual National Sports Festival and State Games of America.  During the first 4 days of the week, the students were given the opportunity to attend daily clinics at both Colorado College and the U.S. Olympic Training Center.  In these clinics, they received hands-on training by both former and current Olympic and Paralympics athletes and coaches.  The students trained in track, swimming, wrestling, goal ball, judo, power lifting, tandem cycling, and 5 K running.  At the end of the four training days, the student athletes were honored at the State games of America’s opening ceremonies.  They spent the next two days competing against more than 8,000 sighted athletes in a variety of sports.  Each student competed in a minimum of 2 sports and all broke personal records in their respective events.  The students were very competitive and took home 7 medals, 4 of which were gold!  The students were also able to experience many outdoor activities that Colorado has to offer including white water rafting on the Colorado River, camping in the Rocky Mountains, and rock climbing in Eldorado Canyon.  A couple of the students were encouraged to try out for the U.S. Paralympics team.  In addition, our students received a strong message from the Paralympians about prioritizing sports and academics and setting goals in both areas.  The Board then watched a video created by Mr. Dave Romano which highlighted many areas of this trip.

 

We had 22 students in the STEP program this year.  STEP was partnered with Bosma Enterprises and the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation.  Employers participating in the program this year included:  City of Indianapolis (Clerk’s Office and Department of Public Works), AIT Laboratories, Keller Crescent, Jordan YMCA, Balkamp Inc., Noodles & Company, Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, and Bosma Enterprises.  Students worked Monday – Thursday and were paid minimum wage and received a weekly paycheck.  On Fridays, the students spent the day in the classroom working on their portfolios.  At the end of the 4 week program, the students completed a working portfolio that included a resume, letter of reference, sample job application, ability statement, testimonial, cover letter, sample job interview questions as well as other reference items.

 

The second annual Expanding Your Horizons, put on by 20/20 Inner Vision Inc., ISBVI, The Boren Foundation, Inc., The Nina Mason Pulliam Trust, and Life Time Sports was held August 1 -3rd, 2008.  There were 22 families with 27 visually impaired/blind students in grades 6 – 12 with a total of 85 family members and 30 staff.  On Saturday, the families rotated through five different sessions; cooking, art, bowling/goal ball, show down ping pong/golf, and rock wall climbing.  On Sunday the families had a VIP tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a hands-on tour of the IMS Museum.

 

AYC had 8 children between the ages of 2 ½ to 5.  A full evaluation of 8 different special education coops throughout the state was done.  The evaluations included: psych testing, PT, speech, and functional vision and functional literacy testing for each one.  Full reports were written and conferences are being held for each student this fall.

 

Three students (Amanda Rusk, Alyssa Gourley, and Ashley Ritter) with Judy Reynolds and Kelly Benson attended the National Federation of the Blind’s 2008 Convention in Dallas, Texas (June 29-July 6). Dr. Streeter and his wife were there as delegates. Some of the activities included: Attendance at all general sessions; Break out workshops (topics: advocacy; ADA; education and Braille literacy; legislation watches (quiet car movement); youth leadership; push for science and math; orientation and mobility); The second annual March for Independence to promote Braille literacy and the unveiling of the Louis Braille silver dollar  [with readable Braille] by the US Mint to be available in the Spring of 2009 with $10 or each sale going towards literacy); Mentoring by blind professionals; Participation in the National Association of Blind Students; Working with the Indiana state NFB delegation (alumni); Hands-on experience at the adaptive technology exhibits; Attendance at the Blind Lion’s Association; and Afternoon of site-seeing at the Kennedy Museum and the Holocaust Museum.  (We also attended the banquet and were able to be there to support Mika Baugh, ISBVI 2007 graduate, who received a $5,000 scholarship from the NFB.)  This trip was made possible by funding and support of ISBVI and the Lion’s Club.

 

Summer school had 33 students from around the state involved in the program.  Areas of emphasis included math enrichment, language arts enrichment, and areas of expanded core curriculum (social skills, orientation and mobility, recreation and leisure, assistive technology, and career education).

 

The Physical Education program with leadership from Ms. George was presented a $10,000.00 check for winning the Indiana Minority Health Coalition’s fitness challenge.  Ms. George organized various fitness activities throughout the year and worked with a group of student fitness leaders to promote fitness in the school. The money will be used to purchase heart rate monitors and fitness equipment to enhance the schools physical education program.

 

B.  Monthly Financial Statements

Mr. Owens presented the financial statements (Attachments 2A, 2B, & 2C).  Attachment 2A, May 31, 2008, 89.63% of the Allotment had been spent.  Attachment 2B, June 30, 2008, 98.37% of the Allotment had been spent.  The Allotment, minus the 5% Reversion the State requested, was $11,525,728.00.  The actual amount of the expenditures for 2007 – 2008 was $11,337,934.56.  Therefore, ISBVI reverted 3.93% or $187,793.44 back to the State of Indiana.  Attachment 2C, July 31, 2008, 6.72% of the Allotment had been spent.  The State Budget Agency has asked for a 7% reversion back to the state from our allotment of $11,448,434.00.  We have agreed to attempt to revert 3% of the Allotment back to the State at the end of the fiscal year.  However, with rising costs, unforeseen costs, and inflation it will be difficult for the school to fulfill this obligation.  The Allotment for 2008 – 2009 is $77,294.00 less than the Allotment for 2007 – 2008.

C. Personnel Actions Updates

Personnel Actions Updates (Attachments 3A-3B-3C and 4A-4B-4C).  Attachment 3A is the Personnel Actions Updates for June with 2 separations, 1 new hire, and one promotion to Account Clerk 3.  Attachment 3B is the Personnel Actions Updates for July with 1 separation and 1 new hire.  Attachment 3C is the Personnel Actions Updates for August with 3 separations, 1 rehire, 4 new hires, and 1 move of an intermittent employee to a full time employee.  Attachment 4A is the June Personnel Status Summary; 179 positions filled, 27 positions pending with a total of 206 with 23 intermittent.  Attachment 4B is the July Personnel Status Summary; 178 positions filled, 28 pending with a total of 206 with 23 intermittent.  Attachment 4C is the August Personnel Status Summary; 180 positions filled, 26 positions pending with a total of 206 with 22 intermittent.

D. Vacant Positions

Refer to Vacant Positions - Pending (Attachment 5A-5B-5C).   These are pending and posted positions that we have intentions of filling.  Mr. Hill questioned if the school is having a hard time filling some of the positions because of the qualifications needed for the candidates.  Mr. Durst responded that the Steam Plant Operator, Nursing, Orientation and Mobility Instructor, and Teachers of the Visually Impaired are all positions that are very hard to fill due to the specific qualifications needed for each.  Ms. Mynatt stated that State Personnel is being very helpful in finding applicants as well as possibly reclassifications in some areas.

E. Physical Plant Update

Fire Alarm System Upgrade:  The cost for this project is $975,971.00.  Electric Plus has finished installing 98% of the devices.  They are currently pulling electric wire in the lower floors of the girl’s quad.  Programming of the devices will begin next week.  Currently we are still on the “old” fire alarm system.  Ryan Protection Services is 95% complete.  Currently they have started painting the exposed piping for the water sprinkler systems; replacing ceiling tiles and installing a fire stop material where they had made penetrations through the walls.

 

Wrought Iron Fence:  Project is complete.

 

Repaving the Bus Pad:  There is no new information for this project available at this time.

 

Wilson 5:  Contractor needs to complete the small items that were noted on the punch list.

 

Wall covering in Multi-purpose Room:  The old carpeting that was on the walls has been removed.  It had been on the walls since the 1970’s.  We would like to replace the carpet with vinyl mats.  We are looking at getting bids for this project.  The money for this project will need to come out of the Donations & Contributions money.  The Board will have to approve this expenditure if it is over $25,000.00.  Mr. Durst will keep the Board apprised of the situation.

 

F.  Blind Children’s Foundation

 

The Blind Children’s Foundation has received a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Trust for $100,000 to create a new web page for the Foundation as well as for the school.

 
VII. Public Comments

There were no public comments.

VIII. Board Comments

Mr. Koors – Welcome back staff and students!

Ms. Pittman – no comment

Mr. Hill - no comments

Ms. Amond – no comments

VIII. Next Meeting


The next meeting of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired School Board will be Monday, October 27, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. in the Aldur/Lambert Multipurpose Room. 

IX. Adjournment