February 5, 2015 at 8:30 AM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Call to order at 8:30. Staff: David Ludwig, Scott Isaacson, Deb Hericks Guests: Karen Haase, Freida Lange, Jolene Palmer

Discussion:  Jolene Palmer from NDE was present to discuss Suicide Awareness/Prevention five year plan. Bu law, there is a required audience but NDE will target everyone who has contact with students in buildings. Everyone should be equipped with knowledge to recognize behaviors that could lead to prevention. The training will be evidence based and taken online so that everyone has equal access across the state. NDE will be creating Safety Standards to align with statewide goals.

Discussion:  Freida Lange from NDE was present to discuss AQuESTT (accountability system) - how do we classify schools? There will be levels of classification, to be voted on at March NDE meeting. Adoption of Rule 10 hearing by end of February. At public hearings, no testimony against changes. A "draft" of waiver will be going to the NDE Board this month. This waiver will provide a blueprint for NE to identify the type of schools we want in NE. CPR to be part of high school curriculum, if included as part of curriculum this would meet requirement. ie: part of Health, etc. Will not be a requirement of every student.

Discussion:  No report given.

Discussion:  Discussion was held regarding the Letter of Engagement with KSB School Law. The Board approved the signing of the agreement.

Discussion:  Evaluation will go back to the Executive Committee in March for final approval.

Discussion:  Discussion was held regarding the possibility of the ESUCC hiring a lobbyist to help the Executive Director meet and evaluate our needs. Begin discussion in Executive Committee on hiring lobbyist. Need someone with strong skills and expertise on lobbying efforts. Budget/funding to play a role in the decision.

Discussion:  Please review two year calendar (combined ESUCC/PDO). Executive Committee will be brought forth in March for approval. Have draft available each January to go through affiliates, ESUCC, and final approval in March of each year continuing with two year calendar cycle.

Discussion:  Discussion was held regarding the "draft" Master Service Agreement (MSA). There has been a change in the format of the MSA, each section has own page. Legal reviewed the agreement and concerns from ESU 13 regarding indemnification portion of agreement. Legal has drafted an alternative indemnification to be reviewed by each Board.

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed the policy partner letter that is being drafted by NDE Commissioner. Board approved ESUCC being a policy partner with NDE.

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed the Nebraska Statewide School Community (Internal Educators - NDE, ESUs, etc; External Educators - Legislators, Higher Ed, NASB, etc; Non-Profit Business Partners - Omaha Chamber). Inter-agencies could be a possibly forth component. Executive Director and team to meet with MindShine on software development possibilities.

Discussion:  There is no public comments at this time.

Discussion:  Committee Chair reviewed budget reports for December 2104.

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed the Technology Plan. This is a working document to be updated as we move forward. There will be a Committee to meet to discuss/plan the Statewide Technology Project. An update was given to each affiliate at their meetings in January.

Discussion:  The IllniCloud will present a demonstration at the March meeting.

Discussion:  The committee has developed a one page talking point documents to be used at meetings as discussion points. Demonstration was given on what a description of what the cloud learning environment would look like.

Discussion:  Dean Folkers (NDE) and Scott Isaacson (ESUCC) attended a vendor conference in January. We are establishing a protocol to be used when using vendors.

Discussion:  Purpose, contractual terms, services, etc will be used to determine protocol for negotiations with vendors.

Discussion:  Created a template/protocol to be used in LMS planning for statewide benefits. Will put out an RFP with this format in March to make the decision for statewide services. There will be a menu of choices instead of one system.

Discussion:  Quotes have been received for RAM to be purchased for the donated servers from IlliniCloud. Prices of RAM fluctuates daily so it reflects that there could be a change in pricing.

Discussion:  The infrastructure team recommends purchase of 10 licenses of LastPass Enterprise to use in securing and sharing access to administrative passwords for the cloud learning environment. The cost for this will be $24 per license or $240 total.

Discussion:  Important part of the Technology Plan to include disaster recovery possibility to scale statewide.

Discussion:  Recommend Interim Director to move forward with inter local template.

Discussion:  Recommend Interim Director to move forward with inter local template.

Discussion:  The interview committee will interview three people on Monday for the Coop Director position.

Discussion:  The January PDO workshop with Marcia Kish was successful. Possibility of bringing her back to do some extended work with the state.

Discussion:  Executive Director continues to work with Steve Milliken, NDE on Medicaid resolution. Executive Director to continue to work with NDE and DHHS.

Discussion:  Executive Director gave an update on the Programs of Excellence (LB 343)

Discussion:  Executive Director gave an update on LB 402 on future of DL. Hearing to be held March 2, 2015. Important to have Superintendents testify on importance of DL in their schools.

Discussion:  Executive Director discussed LB 478 (ESU Facility Funding). Recommend Administrators to attend hearing (February 17 at 1:30) on facilities. Concerns regarding cash reserves being different across ESUs. We have no way to generate facilitates funds except through cash reserves. Cash reserves are also used to cover NDE/Federal grants (cash flow). Focus talking points on capital improvements and additions to facilities.

Discussion:  There was no public comments at this time.