March 8, 2018 at 8:30 AM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Meeting called to order at 8:30 a.m.

Discussion:  Brad Portin provided an overview of the ELLC project, some of the work that is being done, action steps and a timeline. The purpose of ELLC is to assist states in using ESSA funding to build capacity of education leaders. This project includes 10 states, including Nebraska.

Discussion:  Russ Masco provided information on NEP (Nebraska Education Profile). The decision was made to roll the DRS into the NEP on a secure side. This secure side needs to be developed. ESUs would also then be able to use the secure side for data. If the secure side isn't developed timely, decisions will need to be made so that ESUs are able to access data.

Discussion:  Russ Masco reviewed talking points -

Regarding Advisor:
A working group was created to identify the major priorities of the dashboard, three priorities were identified. The first two issues have been resolved. They are still working to resolve the multiple login issue and they are also working to put in some of the NWEA data. The goal is to have it operational by the Data Conference, April 16th & 17th. It was noted that about 48% of contract hours have been used, 66% of the top priorities are complete, the SSO piece is taking time/hours, there are about 52% of contract hours left and they may need to review exactly how those hours should be spent. Once the remaining 52% of contract hours are expended, any additional time/hours needed will revert back to NDE.
It was noted that the ESU administrators can send the talking points communication to districts.  NDE is planning to provide a presentation at Aquest.

Russ asked the group if there is any other topics that should be included in the talking points communication.
He also noted that they have started to inventory all of the different things that are happening, partnerships, that NDE has with the ESUs.
 

Discussion:  Russ Masco reported that the Commissioner has created some priorities, which have been cross-walked with the priorities identified by the PDO groups.

Discussion:  The Executive Director gave an update on the Innovative Grant.
The purpose of the grant is to develop and implement an integrated ecosystem governed by policies and practices to allow relevant teaching and learning applications and tools to integrate seamlessly to share data elements for the improvement of student learning and reporting across the state.

We are working to develop an integrated technology ecosystem through a secure, trusted data infrastructure (ADVISER) by integrating multiple technology systems through a single-sign-on portal.

We are working with KSB for make sure that policies are in place, that everything is legal, defining ESUCC as a vendor, and to make sure that code/ownership is clearly defined, etc.
The Illini Cloud is interested in SRS, there may be interest from other agencies. We need to look into copyright.
AAP/SRS system was rolled out last summer, there is a pilot about to begin between OPS and Boys Town.
Updating  a base application using Zend 3 framework to be rolled out Summer of 2018
Blended, 25 districts in Cohort 1 and 15 in Cohort 2. Kick off training in March for both cohorts.
SIMPL continuing to work with pilots, some have worked through the process, best practices are being defined

Discussion:  The Executive Committee met on March 7th:
The ESUCC redesign was briefly discussed.
The group talked about having ESUCC meetings rotated at different ESUs.
Executive Ludwig has been meeting and having discussions regarding the possibility of a multi-state leadership conference, they are looking at April 4th & 5th in Omaha.
The Executive Director evaluation has been completed.
The MSA was reveiwed.

Discussion:  The Finance, Audit, Budget committee met on March 7th

Discussion:  Financial reports were provided for the month of January 2018.

Discussion:  List of expense was provided and reviewed.

Discussion:  The Technology committee met on March 7th
ESUs were asked to evaluate Bright Bytes and let Executive Ludwig know who wants to participate.

Discussion:  TLT Training $9,000
TLT Marshall Memo $750
TLT Digital Citizenship $1000

Discussion:  Inventory that was removed from UNL Location.  Approval of disposal will be at April meetings.

Discussion: 

Discussion: 

Instructional Materials: Special Projects. Special projects will support and maintain the platform and/or the library of learning objects in a state-endorsed LOR, cover costs associated with the review and alignment of resources to the Nebraska State Standards and other indicators utilized by Nebraska schools, and fund additional learning objects or BlendEd projects.  Working in conjunction with ESU staff (PDO Staff), this project will identify those needs to further enhance education for all learners. It is recommended that all ESUs participating in the Learning Object Repository elect to participate in Special Projects. The fee for Special Projects is $4,500. Fees will not exceed this amount and will be based on actual costs incurred.

The following is a cost summary of the project:

Special Projects $4,500 no increase

Discussion:  The Cooperative Purchasing Project committee met on March 7th
Committee briefly discussed the AEPA assessment fee. This fee will be paid in April.
It was noted that the Annual Paper buys are open for school ordering. The deadline to order paper is March 14th. As of today, paper orders are down compared to last year. The deadline to order regular coop items is April 12th.

Discussion:  The PD Leadership committee met on March 7th

Discussion:  Total to be invoiced for each ESU will be $4,131 ($70,230/17) for 2018-2019.  In 2017-2018 the amount was $4,468 ($75,950).

Discussion:  Strategist Meeting/Book Study/Etc - $980
SDA The Main Idea - $750
SDA Training - $15,000

Discussion:  The Special Populations committee met on March 7th
Provisional staff cannot be reimbursed with Federal dollars, state dollars may apply.
The AT contract will expire soon, they are working on an RFP

Discussion:  Increase of 5%

2018-19	2019-20	Tier
$158	$166	<100
$410	$430	100-249
$817	$858	250-499
$2,453	$2,576	500-999
$3,271	$3,435	1000-1999
$4,089	$4,293	2000-3999
$8,175	$8,584	4000-17999

Discussion:  The Legislative committee met on March 7th
Committee discussed several legislative bills including LB998, ESUs are asked to support this. There is concern for LB829 and LB651. Budget Tax relief is going to take time, so that will leave less time for other bills. It was noted that there looks to be a 2% cut for this year and a 4% cut for next year. Term limits and legislative day at the Capitol were discussed.

Discussion:  Two year agreement, no change in cost.

Discussion:  Greg (ESU 11) is concerned about the short time between when agenda are posted, committees meet, and the ESUCC Regular Meeting takes place. He doesn't feel as if he has sufficient time to discuss topics with his staff. Deb (ESU 16) commented that she makes notes at the Committee and ESUCC meetings and talks to her staff after the meetings. Geraldine commented that she meets with her staff prior to the ESUCC meetings regarding what has been discussed at affiliate meetings. Dr. Bell (ESU 10) suggested that perhaps topics could be discussed at one monthly meeting and not voted on until the next monthly meeting.

It was suggested that the MSA development begin earlier in the year.

Does anyone have any procedures for staff working from home? ESU #10 developed a formal policy and will share it with everyone.
ESU 8 does not normally allow staff to work from home, unless under special circumstances with approval.
ESU #3 does not allow staff to work from home, but they are exploring the idea with today's technology.
ESU #16 has a policy that she will share with everyone.
ESU #9 noted that trust is a factor.

Discussion:  Meeting adjourned at 11:58 a.m.