California Continuation Education Association

Council of District Representatives Minutes

Meeting Location:  Doubletree Hotel, Sacramento

Meeting Date: October 10, 2003

Approval Date: Approved, April 23, 2004

California Continuation Education Association
Council Of District Representatives
Fall Meeting, October 10, 2003
Doubletree Hotel
Sacramento, California

Call to Order:  The Fall meeting of the CDR was called to order on October 10, 2003, at 8:25 a.m. by President Janet Knoeppel.

Seating of Representatives:  The members were seated. Those members present were:

Minutes: The minutes from the Spring, 2003 CDR meeting, May 2, 2003, were distributed. After two corrections, it was moved by Gloria Bragg and seconded to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion carried.

President’s Report: President Janet Knoeppel reported that she has visited 11 of the 12 CCEA district’s during the course of the year. She is seeing a great deal of enthusiasm and teamwork in every area. This is vital in these challenging times for education. Janet will continue to visit schools and districts throughout the State.  As she sees outstanding programs, such as at Garfield High School, she will write them up for the newsletter so we can all know about the exceptional programs being offered in our schools. 

Janet and Dennis Fisher have worked hard on improving and strengthening the Model Continuation High School evaluation system.  New criteria have been formalized to ensure that consistent, fair, and rigorous standards are met in the evaluation of model schools.  The evaluation and screening session has been expanded to include the CCEA executive board and staff members from current Model Schools.

Discussed declining membership, and how we must boost our membership.  Last year’s professional membership was about 350, and we want to boost that to over 1,000. We are focusing on professional memberships this year. The tri-district representatives are doing an outstanding job of getting new members, and membership is coming together very well.  Janet emphasized the need to market our schools to our districts and communities.

Janet also needs a list of all principals and e-mails of all principals in each district by November 15^th.  This is vital so we can e-mail them with important legislative and procedural updates. Thanks to those districts that have already provided them.

Janet explained that the ASAM is alive and well. The federal government will not accept the ASAM as a reporting measure to them.  They want the API and AYP. However, this is still an absolutely essential method for reporting school progress to the State.  The PSAA is still sorting out how the ASAM will fit in to California’s accountability system. However, everyone needs to know that the ASAM will continue to be an integral part of accurately measuring our schools’ ability to positively impact a large percentage of students. Janet also wanted everyone to get the word out that this is the time to choose the 3^rd  ASAM indicator.  Despite earlier warnings, the 3^rd indicator does not have to be academic. 

Janet explained the intricacies of the federal accountability requirements, and deftly responded to questions about AYP and API from the floor. A discussion followed on how those will be implemented in continuation high schools. Janet also reviewed the NCLB requirements for teacher credentialing for continuation schools, including HOUSSE requirements.

Janet explained the Annual Measurable Objective (AMO). This is a low profile, one year at a time measurement. Schools should have received them as a reference for the current year. 

Vice President’s Report: Ross Bauer reported on several creative ideas for boosting memberships across the  State. There will be a new incentive program to encourage CCEA districts to sign up new professional members. Ross explained that Districts which increase professional membership by 20% will receive 3/5 ($21.) of each membership instead of the regular 2/5 ($14.).  Additionally, any member who recruits 5 new professional members will receive their 2004-2005 membership for free.  Also, schools which get 100% of certificated staff to join will receive a free school membership.

Ross just sent out 690 membership letters in hopes of getting more members.  He commented on the advantages of professional memberships for all certificated staff.

Treasurer’s Report: Fuchsia Ward reported that there were approximately 350 professional memberships last year. She went over the membership lists for each district.  Because she is receiving so many membership forms, she is working hard to keep the database up to date.

Fuchsia then went over the financial report of CCEA’s current financial situation, including Money Markets and CD’s.  Fuchsia also recognized Lynn Bauer, assistant treasurer, who has been working hard to help keep up on new memberships and updating the mailing lists.

Secretary’s Report: Doug Paulson reported that newsletters have been published and mailed out as scheduled. He asked that District Representatives update the “e-directory of schools” and the treasurer of any school address changes in their districts. Each of the future newsletters will have a theme related to improving continuation education.  He also commended Fuchsia Ward and Lynn Bauer for their exceptional efforts in updating and correcting the database of professional and school members.

Past President’s Report: Jim Caswell reported that many schools have closed and others opened, principals have changed, and phone numbers have become outdated.  Jim requested that presidents and tri-district representatives please check the website’s list of school’s, contact the school and check the information, and forward that information on to the webmaster so it can be updated.

Jim reported on the collection of Year End Data Report.  He and Gerry Catanzarite are currently working on a system so it can be entered directly on the internet. The information will then be gathered, analyzed and disseminated electronically.  Last year only about 100 of 630 data surveys were received. This program should increase reporting and vastly improve the utility of the data reported.  With this information we will be far better able to lobby for our programs. We are trying to make the information easy to gather and report.

Jim noted that some districts are informing schools about AYP/NCLB/API, while others are covering their heads and hoping it all goes away. He stated that every school is responsible for these programs, Title I or not. Jim then discussed the requirements of AYP and how it is calculated.  He further discussed the definitions of API. Jim handed out articles explaining AYP, API, and NCLB. The group discussed teacher qualifications related to NCLB. Jim responded to questions of how graduation rates are determined.

A lengthy discussion ensued regarding dangerous schools categories, NCLB sanctions, and how expulsions are handled in various districts.

Webmaster’s Report: Gerry Catanzarite handed out a comprehensive report regarding the status of the website.  There are 5 separate websites which serve CCEA. The website continues to grow rapidly.  He explained about the technical requirements of the system. This year, Gerry will be focusing on 3 areas: Rebuilding the Discussion Forum; Investigating an electronic newsletter; and, completing the data collection procedure.

Gerry gave an explanation of how the new Data Collection system will work. Gerry reminded people to post materials on the website.   He also requested that people cc him with updates on school names, phone numbers, principal names, etc.

As the historian, Gerry provided all members with a copy of the new CCEA constitution and pointed out several significant portions.

Janet Knoeppel commended Gerry for the excellent job he does on our website. Dennis Fisher concurred, stating that the CDE regularly refers people to our website for further information about continuation education.

Tri-District Representatives’ Report:

Mark Cusator: Doing a mini-conference rather than the regular regional conference. Working on increasing membership through phone calls and personal contacts.

Marion St. Amant: Regularly attending District VII’s meeting, and continuing to promote membership throughout her area.

Pat Hopkins: Is thrilled to be so involved with CCEA.  She is working hard to increase membership within her tri-district area, and is using her contacts to bring many new people into CCEA.

Angela Deamude: Angela is busily planning the state conference, which is going well.  She is trying to increase membership throughout the region, starting small in her local area. After bolstering membership in her area, she will expand to other areas of the surrounding districts.

Old Business:

Ø      Report on State-Wide Data Survey: Jim reported on the collection of Year End Data Report.  We are currently working on a system so it can be entered directly on the internet so it can be gathered and analyzed electronically.  Last year we got only about 100 back, and this program should improve and increase reporting.  With this information we will be far better able to lobby for our programs. We are trying to make the information easy to gather and report.

Ø      Report On Curriculum Committee: Bob Meier reported that this committee may need to be modified because of the extreme time commitment. A discussion followed regarding how CCEA can help districts move forward with coordinating curriculum.  Gabe Soumakian volunteered to take the lead on this committee.  Several people offered to assist with the committee.

Ø      Report On Handbook Distribution: Janet Knoeppel reported that the handbooks have sold exceptionally well.  Of the original 1,500 handbooks, only about 200 remain.  Janet will be working on updating the handbooks and adding additional information.  They will then be reprinted at a cost of $750.

Ø      Update on Educational Options Coordinating Council:  Janet Knoeppel gave an update on the Educational Options Coordinating Council.  This is a collaboration of all the organizations involved in alternative education. The organization continues to define its mission and goals, as well as educate members about marketing our schools.  There will be a summit in Sacramento in August.  The next meeting will be on November 14.

Ø      Membership: Increasing the number of professional memberships continues to be the top priority of the organization.  Several people commented on the importance of making a commitment to your professional organization. Janet Knoeppel commented that $35 is the least expensive professional membership anywhere. There was general agreement that a concerted effort on the part of everyone is needed to greatly increase membership.

Ø      By-Law Change: There was a 2^nd reading of a proposal to pass CDR transportation costs on to the individual districts in times of financial difficulties. After discussion, the following wording was agreed upon:

“V.B.1a) In times of fiscal uncertainty, CDR may waive its responsibility to pay the transportation costs for CDR member for the next CDR meeting by a majority vote of the seated CDR members.”

The CDR’s ability to pay for the following transportation cost to the following CDR will be voted on at each CDR. The motion was moved, seconded, and passed.

Recessed at 11:15 a.m. for Committee Meetings:

Recessed at 12:15 p.m. for Lunch

Reconvened at 1:12 p.m.

Committee Reports:

Constitution and By-Laws: (Bob Meier & Gerry Catanzarite) Proposed an amendment to the CCEA constitution to extend Executive Board terms beyond the current 2 year term of office if a replacement for that person is not found. This would ensure the continued functioning of the organization.  A person wishing to continue service beyond the two year term of office would have to be approved by a 2/3 vote of seated CDR members. This is considered the first reading of this proposed amendment.

Legislative Committee: (Mark Cusator & Peter Birdsall) There was a discussion of schools changing their CDS code from Continuation School to Alternative School so they can participate in CIF. Dennis Fisher made clear that this would be a direct violation of state law.  Dan Plough pointed out that Continuation schools can participate in CIF, and that many do.

Advisory Committee: (Myrtle Foster & Kathy Abney) No report

State Conference 2003: (Janet Knoeppel, Vic Whitaker) Written reports on the financial outcome of the 2003 conference were provided.  The committee reported that they are still working on collecting several purchase orders.

State Conference 2004: (Vic Whitaker, Angela Deamude) Planning for the conference is moving along nicely. The committee will be working hard to advertise the conference, as this will be a difficult year for people to find money to attend. There will be a lot of entertainment at this conference, and the committee has worked hard to make this one the best ever.

Vic stressed the importance of booking rooms under the CCEA block.  This gives us definite financial benefits when dealing with the hotel for conference rooms, services, meal prices, future room rates, etc.

Awards Committee: (Dan Plough) Dan Plough suggested adding an additional award designation for counselors.  In ensuing discussion, it was decided that the new award designation should be for “District Support Personnel.” This would include any personnel which provide a support function for the school and students, but do not fall under the scope of one of the other award categories. Richard Chadwick so moved, and the motion was seconded. Motion passed.

Membership Committee: (Fuchsia Ward & Ross Bauer) The Tri-District Representatives have a $250 budget to spend doing recruitment. The committee reiterated the need for active recruitment of new members.

California Department of Education Report: Dennis Fisher gave an update on the improvement of the Model Continuation High School Awards program. He noted that each year the program improves and the standards for Model Schools increase.  He went over a variety of changes to the criteria for this year.  He noted that Janet Knoeppel and he have worked hard to put together a 1 ½ day training program for application screeners and site visitation teams. This will make the evaluation of Model Schools more consistent and rigorous. The training and evaluation documentation will also give strict guidelines for how application reading will be done and how site visits will be conducted. 

Fisher noted that the Model Continuation High School program is highly effective and a great way of marketing our programs.  It is a program that is recognized throughout the CDE as an excellent way of recognizing schools that are going above and beyond the call of duty.

Lobbyist/Legislative Report: Peter Birdsall reviewed recent developments in the State that will affect education.  This focused on the recall election and the potential outcomes. He provided information regarding candidate Arnold Schwarzeneger’s attitudes towards education, best demonstrated by what statements made on his website. The candidate’s website documents appear to be generally supportive of public education and alternative education.

Birdsall also reported that his firm has lobbied to include continuation schools in COLA increases.  He noted that many groups are projecting a COLA increase. Peter underscored the importance of Educational Options Coordinating Council in ensuring that our programs are not left out of any funding opportunities.

AB 1485 could have several impacts on public education, notably cutting the CAT-6 except in grades 3 and 8.  There could also be cuts to the CAHSEE program, as well as changes to the STAR testing program.  Much of this is a result of 10 million dollars in cuts of funding for testing.

Birdsall noted that there would probably be no change to accountability programs in 2004.  However, depending on the outcome of the presidential elections, the dynamics could change rapidly. 

There was a further discussion of how graduation rates are determined.

Audit Committee Report: Joyce Bowcock of the audit committee reported that they have examined the organization’s financial records and are satisfied that they are well maintained and accurate.

New Business:

State Conference 2004-Holiday Inn, San Diego:  Vic Whitaker and Angela Deamude gave a report on the plans for the State conference at the Holiday Inn on the Bay.  The dates are April 23, 24, & 25, 2004.  The program will be starting on Thursday this year to attract more participants and to pad our room count.  There will be an excellent line-up of presenters and activities.  The room rate is unbelievable at $163. The planning for the conference is well advanced, and a good committee is working hard to put the conference together.

Future Conferences: Vic Whitaker provided a report of future conference dates and locations.  Discussions followed about the dates for the year 2009 and 2010.

District Officer Handbook: Jim Caswell and Janet Knoeppel reported that they are designing a District Officer Handbook.  This would lay out the roles and responsibilities of CCEA district officers.  This would be of great assistance in bringing new officers up to speed on their jobs.  This work is ongoing.

Resource Development Program:  Janet Knoeppel and Dennis Fisher presented the Resource Development Program.  This program would link CCEA with various corporate sponsors to improve our program offerings. For example, corporate sponsors could help us to publish monthly newsletters and electronic newsletters, provide more staff development, provide scholarships, and many other activities that are currently out of reach. A wide variety of potential sponsors have been identified. Janet will be having a meeting in November with several key people to discuss further refinements and to plan implementation of this program.

Birdsall Contract: The contract with Birdsall, Wasco, and associates was brought up for discussion.  Janet and Jim stressed what an excellent job this lobbying firm does to bring continuation education to center stage at the State level.  Several questions were brought up about the need and cost effectiveness of having our own lobbyist. Dan Plough moved and Mark Cusator seconded a motion to extend the contract of Birdsall, Wasco, and Associates.  The motion carried.

Adjournment: Joyce Bowcock moved to adjourn the meeting. Pat Hopkins seconded. Meeting was adjourned at 2:38 p.m.