March 8, 2012 at 6:30 PM - VALTS Board Meeting

Discussion:  President Doll called the meeting to order at 6:33pm.

Discussion:  In attendance: Alan Doll, Robert Kinsey, Ruth Kozal and Mary Winn. Brad Helgerson arrived at 6:37pm.

Discussion:  There were no substitute members.

Discussion:  Kozal made a motion, seconded by Winn, to adopt the agenda. Motion carried.

Discussion:  Kozal made a motion, seconded by Winn, to excuse John Selzer from the meeting. Motion carried.

Discussion:  Kinsey made a motion, seconded by Kozal, to approve the minutes of the December 8, 2011 regular meeting. Motion carried.

Discussion:  Kent McLellan distributed a copy of expenditures to the committee. Kozel made a motion, seconded by Winn, to approve expenditures in the amount of $75,325.60 for the 3rd quarter payment to ESU#13 for the 2011-2012 school year. Motion carried.

Discussion:  Frahm opened the floor to receive nominations for VALTS Board of Education President. Kinsey made a motion, seconded by Helgerson, to name Doll at President. Motion carried.

Discussion:  President Doll opened the floor for nominations for Vice President. Winn made a motion, seconded by Doll, to name Kozal as Vice President. Motion carried.

Discussion:  President Doll appointed Lisa Frahm, from Gering Public Schools, as Board Secretary. Lavone Hood, from Scottsbluff Public Schools, was appointed Board Treasurer.

Discussion:  McClellan distributed a copy of the 2006 Board By-Laws and procedures. McLellan confirmed that ESU#13 will submit a verbal commitment to participate in the VALTS program for the 2012-2013 school year.

Discussion:  McLellan confirmed that he has received verbal committments from Scottsbluff, Gering, Mitchell, Morrill, Banner County and Minatare to participate in the VALTS program in the 2012-2013 school year.

Discussion:  The VALTS Budget Report was reviewed in detail. Winn asked if the VALTS program was offered during the summer months and was told that they do offer it through Scottsbluff. Mclellan stated that nothing new is expected for the next quarter. A computer line item has been added to the report.

Discussion:  Enrollment numbers for each district were reviewed. Due to the end of the quarter, McLellan expects the school to be full on Monday, with the exception of Minatare, who will have one slot available.

Discussion:  McLellan stated that the March and May students are on track, although one student may not make it. Four are expected to graduate in June and three are trying for May. Students are taking on extra assignments to ensure their timeline.

Discussion:  A new student work site placement handout was distributed, as the one sent out with the board packet is now two weeks old. McLellan informed the board that he has made progress with WNCC with student placements in the custodial and cafeteria departments. Currently there are four students without jobs. Kozal asked if McLellan received evaluation feedback from employment supervisors. He stated that, as per the Board's recommendation, monthly calls are made as a follow up.

Discussion:  Scottsbluff has started discussions on developing their own alternative education program. If Scottsbluff does pursue their own program they will phase out of VALTS over a period of years. Their decision will be made by next fall. McLellan has met with area principals, counselors and advisory groups and has asked what they want the VALTS program to offer. He provided a copy of his meeting notes to the Board for review. McLellan said some common themes emerges, including counseling, which is not currently provided at VALTS as it is at residential districts. McLellan suggested making adjustments to the attendance policy. Credit recovery, flexible environments, peer and teacher support, various student behaviors and the Cohort Graduation Rates, along with the A+ Program, rigor, the number of credits, career based learning, and changes in society and the family unit were also discussed in detail. The VALTS Program has not been re-evaluated since its inception 15 years ago. It was suggesetd that McLellan survey students to see if they are interested in participating in residential district extra curricular programs. It was the concensus of the Board that the VALTS program should not be focused on the Cohort graduation rate, but should focus on strengths and confinements from the student's point. Hague reminded the Board that in order to receive a diploma, students need to meet district standards. If they don't meet those standards, they should not be receiving a diploma. The curriculum may need to aligned to VALT student's needs. The current VALTS curriculum is aligned to the state standards. These students need practical knowledge and experience with an emphasis on writing skills. It was suggested that personal finance and other life skill classes be incorporated into the curriculum. Jeff West, of ESU#13, informed the Board that they will support whatever decision is made and will work to implement needed changes to keep the program successful.

Discussion:  Program drop out rates, sstatistics and data were reviewed. Reasons behind the rates were discussed, which includes sending a student to the alternate program too late to meet the Cohort deadline. McLellan said that he has plotted the students on Infinite Campus to see if they can meet the Cohort rate. The Board also suggested reviewingt the handbook dor discrepancies. McLellan explained that students must volunteer after their first quarter if they don't obtain a job. McLellan asked for direction from the Board if Scottsbluff leaves the program. He suggested using DL to open the program up to Bayard and Bridgeport, who have both expresed interest in participating. Two slots could be offered to each school and Bridgeport already provides bussing to Scottsbluff. The Principals need to get with McLellan and address concerns so everyone is on the same page. The Board directed McLellan to meet with the Principals and present suggested changes and updates at the June 14, 2012 Board Meeting. The Board would like to see the program move forward regardless of Scottsbluff's participation, however cash flow may become an issue, especially with smaller districts as the cost per student is $5,700. Kinsey suggested that McLellan look at involving new districts but that will need to be part of the overall evaluation and plan. Doll also urged McLellan to come up with a plan B in case Scottsbluff does implement their own program. Winn confirmed that any changes will need to be addressed int he by-laws and interlocal agreement.

Discussion:  Kozal mentioned that she had attended Identity Day.

Discussion:  Future meeting dates were confirmed.

Discussion:  Kozal made a motion, seconded by Kinsey, to adjourn the meeting at 8:02pm. Motion carried.