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

 

ISBVI Board Meeting
October 27, 2008
9:30 a.m.
ISBVI Board Meeting Minutes

 

Members Present: Ms. Shirley Amond, Chair
Mr. Donald Koors
Ms. Kathy Botkin

Senator Teresa Lubbers

Mr. Gary Bates

Members Not Present:   Ms. Cynthia Pittman, Vice Chair

                                          Mr. John Hill for Mr. Robert Marra
                  
Administration Present:  Mr. Jim Durst, Superintendent; Dr. Larry Streeter, Assistant to the Superintendent; 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. Leslie Durst, IERC; Mr. Todd Malone, Maintenance; Ms. Lisa Cox; Nancy Bingham, Kristen Durst, and Karen Romoser, NCA Committee.


I. Call to Order


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

II. Approval of Minutes


The minutes from August 18, 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


Mr. Charles Foster introduced the new Secretary in the Maintenance Department, Ms. Monica Clapp;  Mr. Durst introduced two nurses (who were not in attendance at the meeting) Ms. Carolyn Kennedy and Mr. Robert Cole, an intermittent who works Sunday’s in the Health Center;  Dr. Larry Streeter introduced Ms. Dana Hughel as the new Secretary 4 in the Education Office; Mrs.  Leslie Durst introduced Ms. Martha Writt who is the new Secretary 3 in Braille Project and Ms. Cantreall Cummings who is the new Secretary 3 in the IERC; Mr. John Litt introduced Mr. Thomas Wilkes as a new employee in the Housekeeping Department.  Mr. Durst also mentioned that there is a new Residential Mentor, Ms. Lindsay Williams.

 

B.  School Update

 

We have a good start to the school year in the AlDur/Lambert/Keever areas.  The Girls Scout program has been very successful this year.  The students traveled to Kentucky for the Junior Olympics at the Kentucky School for the Blind.  The students were able to attend the storytelling events at Military Park and also spent a day at Connor Prairie.

 

The Middle School/High School had 8 students who participated in an art contest at the American Printing House for the Blind. 

 

The ISBVI track team competed in the NCASB conference in Tennessee.  The girls claimed 5th place and the boys took 3rd place.

 

The middle school/high school staff will be participating in a person centered planning staff development training on October 30.  This training will aid in the whole case conference planning.

 

C.  Monthly Financial Statements

Mr. Durst presented the financial statements (Attachments 2A & 2B).  Attachment 2A, August 31, 2008, 12.76% of the Allotment had been spent with the year being 16% over.  Point seven will have $100,000 transferred into this point.  Point seven is mostly worker’s compensation claims.  Attachment 2B, September 30, 2008, 20.65% of the Allotment had been spent with the year being 33% over.  Once again, the $100,000 has not been transferred to point seven as of the end of September, but it will be.  Mr. Koors questioned if the majority of these claims were ongoing from the previous budget year. Mr. Durst stated that they were, but there are not as many as the previous year.

 

D. Personnel Actions Updates

Personnel Actions Updates (Attachments 3A & 3B and 4A & 4B).  Attachment 3A is the Personnel Actions Update for September with 4 separations, 2 new hires, one rehire and two promotions to Residential Leaders.  Attachment 3B is the Personnel Actions Update for October with 1 separation, 5 new hires, and 1 change from intermittent Nurse to full-time Charge Nurse.  Attachment 4A is the September Personnel Status Summary; 180 positions filled, 26 positions pending with a total of 206 with 23 intermittent.  Attachment 4B is the October Personnel Status Summary; 184 positions filled, 22 pending with a total of 206 with 23 intermittent. 

 

E. Vacant Positions

Refer to Vacant Positions - Pending (Attachment 5A & 5B).   These are pending and posted positions that we have intentions of filling.  Mr. Durst explained to the Board that Position Number 10031305, Psyc Svcs Spec 3 will be double filled to cover during the leave of absence of Margaret Wilkinson due to health reasons.

 

F. 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 in the first phase of the work.  They are currently pulling electric wire in the lower floors of the girl’s and boy’s quads.  Programming of the devices will begin next week.  Currently we are still on the “old” fire alarm system.  Ryan Protection Services are currently working to complete a small punch list of items.  Simplex will be programming in the device codes for all devices that have been installed so far.  This work will be taking place from September 15 through October 10.

 

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

 

Wilson 5:  The work on the phase including climate control is complete.  The contractor needs to complete the small items that were noted on the punch list for the phase which includes the duct work.

 

Eagle Electric:  The contractor is reviewing the electrical surges which are happening in the AlDur and Lambert buildings.

 

Capital Projects: The following capitol projects are due for a State Budget Committee hearing to allocate funds into the projects:

 

Replace breezeway flooring: The cost of this project is $299,880.  This project will be to replace the existing rubber membrane and 1” thick 12” X 12” rubber tiles. A new epoxy coating (similar to the coating under the Tower) will be installed. This project has been approved by Public Works and we are waiting for Public Works to assign a Project Manager. 

 

Install hot water boilers in Lambert Hall:  The cost of this project is $289,000.  This project will replace the steam system that is supplied by the Powerhouse. We will be able to abandon the leaking steam line that runs from “C” dorm to Lambert Hall. This project was approved. Project is now at Public Works waiting for a project manager to be assigned. A project manager has been assigned to this project and one meeting has been held to develop a “scope of work”. An outside design company will be hired to develop the drawings and specifications.  No new information at this time.

 

Renovate Lambert restrooms and showers:  The cost of this project is $144,304.  This project will provide for ADA accessibility and replace existing fixtures. This project was approved. Project is now at Public Works waiting for a project manager to be assigned.  No new information at this time.

 

Renovate tunnels:  The cost of this project is $2,000,000.  This project will replace condensate lines; pipe supports, valves, and traps in the tunnels that were not included in the tunnel renovation project that was completed in 2006. It will also include water drainage and ventilation. This project was not approved as requested. The Budget Agency recommended that this project have only the funding necessary to complete the “design & development work” completed at this time. This revision was approved by the Budget Committee. Approved funds for this project $180,000.00. Design firm has started the design and develop phase for this project.  No new information at this time.

 

Roof Replacement on Lambert and “K” Dormitories:  The cost of this project is $231,487.00. This project was approved. Project is now at Public Works waiting for a project manager to be assigned. Public Works has assigned a project manager, and a meeting has been held to clarify the scope of work. No new information at this time.

 

Senator Lubbers questioned how long it would take for a Project Manager to be assigned to this project.  Mr. John Rahn stated that the length of time depends on other outstanding Public Works projects.

 

G. NCA Steering Committee Report

 

First, Mr. Durst recognized and thanked Mrs. Kristen Durst, Mrs. Karen Romoser, Mrs. Nancy Bingham, and Mrs. Alison Kissling (who is not present today) for their outstanding efforts and dedication to this committee.  Mrs. Durst reported to the Board the progress that ISBVI is making towards the accreditation process for the school.  The 2007-2008 school years were for intervention and checking data.  Results were compiled at the end of the school year to see if there had been improvements or not and if the intervention was working.  It is all good news!  The intervention is working!  The mission of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is to assist a student in exiting his/her educational program with lifelong living skills.  We are committed to improving each student’s ability to communicate at school, at work, and in the community.  The goal is that all student’s will improve either their written or verbal communication skills across the curriculum.  This has been divided into two action plans, The AlDur/Lambert/Keever Action Plan and the Middle School/High School Action Plan.  Within those plans, we looked how student’s best learn and what their outcomes and their goals were.  Then they were subdivided into three separate programs within each action plan.   In the AlDur/Lambert/Keever Action Plan the academic students participated in the 6 +1 writing traits using the ISTEP+ as an assessment to see if progress was made.  Progress was made in the areas of writing process, writing applications, and writing conventions for their ISTEP scores this year.  For the functional students, they are participating in structured writing times in the classrooms which is part of their curriculum.  A check list has been developed from the ICAN standards, and improvements have been made in the areas of written process and written applications.  The developmental group consists of students who are mostly working on verbal communications.  They participate at circle time every morning in structured activities like songs and play.  They use augmentative communication devices.  A check list was developed as well based on Listen and Speak Standard 7 for English Language Arts.  These students showed growth as quite good in the area of Standard 7.   There is not data available for these students, but the teachers will tell you that there are many students who are communicating now who had not communicated before.  In the Middle School/High School Action Plan, two assessment tools are needed because once a student enters 10th grade, they are not required to take the ISTEP test.  In grades 6 – 10, the students are measured by the ISTEP test.  In grades 11- 12, the students are measured by the Stanford Fine Writing Process.  The ISTEP students showed improvements in writing applications and writing conventions.  The Stanford students showed that the percent of students receiving a superb or superior score in creative writing is up 50%.  A career communications focusing on the vocational aspects of the students communicate in that vocation was developed for the transitional students in middle school and high school.  The happiest result of this group is that course was established.  The students take it, the parents like it.  It is requested for at the case conferences, and it is seen as a worthy course that is part of the curriculum.  All of these students did make improvements in their practical writing skills in emails, resume’s, and normal day to day writing.  The last group is the functional group.  These are the students who focus on their verbal skills.   They are using role playing and experience stories.  This was a locally developed checklist.  They have improved in the categories of basic communication, sharing skills, question and answer skills, and basic public interaction skills.  The school is moving the right direction and at the end of this school year there will be another year of data to share with the Board.

 

Senator Lubbers asked that as the planning is done, are concessions made for the changes in the ISTEP and statewide assessments.  Mrs. Durst replied that the committee has taken the changes into consideration so there is not a gap in data.

 

V.  New Business

 

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

 

Attachment 7A includes Donations and Contributions under $499 through September 8, 2008 which totaled $596.02.  Attachment 7B includes Donations and Contributions under $499 through October 2, 2008 which totaled $750.00.   Attachment 8A includes Donations and Contributions over $500 through September 8, 2008 totaling $2,000.00 with $1,000.00 being restricted for dorm use and $1,000.00 not restricted. Attachment 8B includes Donations and Contributions over $500 through October 2, 2008 totaling $5,000.00 for the Kipka account.   Mr. Koors moved to approve Attachments 8A & 8B Donation and Contributions received over $500; the motion was seconded by Mr. Bates; motion carried. 

 

B.  Professional Personal Contracts

 

There are two contracts that have been ongoing contracts in the past that Mr. Durst is requesting Board approval for.  One is for $85,000.00 which was previously held by Becker Consultants.  It is an information technology, computer, and computer amp-structure.  We have entered into a contract with SARCOM which is a private company that has done a wonderful job for the school.  Since we are dealing with a company instead of an individual, we are able to draw upon the support of expertise across the board.  The second is an agreement with the Indianapolis Art Center for $45,000.00.  This contract provides the school with art instructors from the Art Center.  They are fulfilling the art requirements per State guidelines.  Ms. Botkin moved to approve the contracts for SARCOM in the amount of $85,000.00 and the Indianapolis Art Center for $45,000.00.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Koors; motion carried.

 

C. 2nd Reading


Service Animals in the School (Policy O-43) Mrs. Botkin moved to approve the 2nd Reading of the Policy O-43 Service Animals in the School; the motion was seconded by Mr. Koors; motion carried and policy approved.

 

Student Use of Motor Scooters While on the ISBVI Campus (Policy O-44) Mr. Koors moved to approve the 2nd reading of the Policy O-44 Student Use of Motor Scooters While on the ISBVI Campus.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Bates; motion carried and policy approved.

 

D. 1st Reading

 

Administrative Credit Card Use (Policy O-45):   This policy is for the utilization of a credit card for purchases that we can only do online.  Specifically for information technology and software that can only be purchased online.  It is also a convenience for some travel and other purchases.  We have accessed three credit cards from Chase Bank.  Mr. Bates questioned what the limit was on the card.  The limit is $5,000.00.  There should be an addition to the statement “school related purchases over $500.00” to be “and not to exceed $5,000.00”.  Mrs. Botkin moved to accept Policy O-45 with the change as suggested “and not to exceed $5,000.00”.  The motion was seconded by Mr. Bates; motion carried. 

 
VII. Public Comments

There were no public comments.

VIII. Board Comments

Mr. Bates – no comment

 

Senator Lubbers stated it was nice to be back with the Board.

 

Ms. Botkin – no comment

 

Mr. Koors – no comment


Ms. Amond stated it was a very enjoyable trip to the American Printing House Art Banquet where several of our students received recognition for their artwork.  It was also nice to meet the families of the students.  Ms. Amond would also like for the Girls Scouts to go to see the new exhibit at the Indiana State Museum which just opened.

 

Mr. Durst updated the Board regarding the walls in the AlDur/Lambert Multipurpose Room.  Fire retardant mats have been purchased for the walls.  They will be installed on all the walls.  The far wall will be a horizontal climbing wall which is custom made by a company in Southern Indiana.  The total cost of this project was $17,000.00 - $18,000.00 which was well below the amount that is needed for Board approval.

 

The Holiday Program will be Friday, December 19, 2008 in the gymnasium at 9:00 am.

 

 

 

IX. Next Meeting


The next meeting of the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired School Board will be Monday, January 12, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. in the Aldur/Lambert Multipurpose Room. 

IX. Adjournment