California Continuation Education Association

Council of District Representatives Minutes

Meeting Location:  Hilton Hotel, Costa Mesa

Meeting Date:  October 20, 2000

Approval Date: May 4, 2001

Hilton Hotel, Costa Mesa, California

President Janet Knoeppel called the meeting to order at 9:21am with a welcome to all in attendance. The first order of business was the seating of representatives and introduction of guests. Seated members in attendance are shown below by district:

District I
Georgeann Fulstone-Pucillo (President) and Jeanne Yttreness (Past President)

District II
Joyce Bowcock (President) and Pat Miller (Treasurer)

District III
Bob Van Cleave (Past President)

District IV
Bill Pierce (President) and Jim Ingram (Past President)

District V
Linda Gragg (President)

District VI
No representation

District VII
Dennis King (Co-President) and Marion St. Amant (Co-President)

District VIII
Richard Savarese (Acting President)

District IX
Chris Mallory and Karlene Dockery (Past President)

District X
Maggie Rosette (President) and Lee Newman (Secretary)

District XI
Sunshine Supulveda (President) and Eric Spears (Past President)

District XII
Dave Scott (President) and Bernie Vigallon (Treasurer)

State Officers present included:

President Janet Knoeppel, Vice-President Jim Caswell, Treasurer Ross Bauer, Interim Secretary Joe Stits, and Past-President Bob Werner.

The following guests were introduced:

Dennis Fisher, Consultant for Continuation Education in the CDE
Fuchsia Ward, CCEA State Conference Chairperson
Bill Lincoln, 2001 State Conference Chairperson
Gerry Catanzarite, CCEA Webmaster
Bob Meier, visitor from District XI
Peter Birdsall, Legislative Advocate
Margaret Schwartz-Moilov, CCC Representative

The minutes of the previous meeting, April 7, 2000 were presented for review and adoption. Jeanne Yttreness moved approval and with a second by Eric Spears the minutes were approved unanimously without correction or addition.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President Janet Knoeppel presented her report of involvement and activity in support of the CCEA mission. Janet explained the failure of AB 2634 and expressed appreciation to all who contacted the legislature in its behalf. Her report included accounts of visits to Sacramento in support of our legislative interests and to assess the climate for our future legislative direction. The Executive Board worked with Peter Birdsall who set up meetings with key staff persons so that the group could get a feel for what our next step might be in light of the failure of AB2634. The group was encouraged to continue to seek passage of legislation that will support a new funding model for continuation schools. President Knoeppel also reported on her representation of CCEA concerns on the Public Schools Accountability Act (PSAA) committee that is working on the development of a system to assess alternative education programs. The recommendation of the committee is for the requirement of SAT-9 and High School Exit Exam (HSEE) scores along with options selected by the individual school and its district to assess our schools. A survey of alternative education educators, seeking in-put on the assessment process, will be conducted by the PSAA committee through an independent agency. President Knoeppel also reported on her active participation on the HSEE committee regarding the examination components. She reported that a professional member pin has been ordered and that it will be available by early December 2000. The CCEA Executive Board will go to Sacramento in November to meet with Peter Birdsall and prepare the legislative calendar for this year. The President plans to be in attendance at the District V conference in October, the District XII conference in November and the District II conference in December. President Knoeppel encouraged participation in ACSA so that they will support our efforts. The Alternative Education Resource Committee, through the CDE, is creating a booklet on alternative options that will be available soon. President Knoeppel expressed appreciation to several individuals who provided support for the CCEA mission. At the conclusion of her report she announced the meeting date of the next CDR that will be held on May 4, 2001 at the San Francisco Hyatt Hotel (Airport).

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Jim Caswell reported that membership letters were sent out for the new year that included individual letters to professional members and a school letter for school members. He also stated that the letter on the Exemplary Program application was sent and also posted on the CCEA website (www.CCEANET.Org) He indicated that the Model School application information will be mailed by October 27, 2000 and that there are changes in the Quality Indicator markings. He announced that the Model School’s Screening Committee will be at the Embassy Suites (LAX) on February 23, 2001 to read applications and recommend schools for visits. Vice President Caswell reported that there are over 200 professional member and 60 school-members. Jim encouraged a target goal of at least 40% membership participation from all educators/schools in the state. He stressed that the membership process is an area of mutual responsibility of the state and local organizations and that there is a need to push for more membership.

The agenda was re-ordered to provide for a presentation by Margaret Schwartz-Moilov from the California Conservation Corps. She explained the operation of the CCC, distributed materials on the Corps, and fielded questions from the Council. She can be reached at (310) 516-4570, FAX (310) 516-4569, or e-mail at Margaret@ccc.ca.gov.

The agenda order resumed following the presentation.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Bob Werner presented the Treasurer’s Report since he has been responsible for the preparation of the fiscal information for this meeting as part of his continuing responsibility from the prior year. Bob drew the member’s attention to the financial information at their seats and indicated that in the packet each will find a check for the membership dues share for the district, a list of the professional and school members for the 2000-2001 year, and a set of labels for those who were members last year and have not rejoined. He encouraged the local district leadership to contact past members to rejoin CCEA. He reported that the CCEA database has been converted to MSAccess and that it is much easier to use. He requested that all districts submit a copy of their financial reports to Ross Bauer to keep on file. He reminded all that all members must be CCEA members, either professional or school-members.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

CCEA Secretary Mike Madalinski became a middle school principal and was no longer able to continue as secretary for this organization. Joe Stits volunteered to be Interim Secretary with the understanding that a suitable replacement would be found who will bring new leadership into the organization. Joe reported that over 1800 copies of the first newsletter were mailed out the prior week. There will be two more issues, one mailed in February 2001 prior to the state conference, and one that will follow the conference and prior to the opening of school. He stated that the focus of the next newsletter will be on the HSEE, and accountability measures.

PAST-PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Bob Werner changed hats to his current position as Past President to give this report. He thanked and praised the State Conference Committee for their leadership in creating a successful conference in Glendale. Bob encouraged active participation in providing leadership in CCEA at the local and state level.

Gerry Catanzarite, Webmaster for CCEA was asked by President Knoeppel to give a report. Gerry described the CCEA website and pointed out that the site currently has over 800 pages on it with more than 4000 hyperlinks available. He is currently up-dating the on-line directory of schools and asked for CDR assistance to see that information is returned to him so that it can be loaded on the system. There is a calendar of events for CCEA on the site and he asked that leadership communicate with him to keep the information current. Both membership and conference registration is available on-line at the present time. He gave an overview of all the information that is present on the site including newsletter, officer information, school directory, curriculum and research information, member forum and many other links to other relevant sites. Gerry is also the CCEA Archivist and will be happy to have any historical information that members may have. Dennis Fisher expressed his appreciation of the website as it provides an excellent resource for people all over the state.

1. Report on adding Classified and Administrator of the Year categories to our recognition.

This item was deferred to the afternoon committee reports at the request of the Awards committee chairperson, Lee Newman.

2. Report on Professional Development Institute

The idea of creating a four-day instructional conference for teachers and administrators was discussed by the Executive Board and brought to the CDR as a discussion item by President Knoeppel. A handout on the proposal was included in the packets for CDR members. Following discussion of the proposal there was a vote requested and it confirmed a consensus for the Executive Board to move forward on the concept. The consensus was to move forward for 2001. The feeling about the time of the conference was nearly evenly split between the last week in June or the first or second week in July. Gerry Catanzarite requested that the conference be aimed toward the HSEE. The activity would be available free for professional members who joined no later than May 5. 2001.

3. Jaycee’s Young Educator Award. Janet Knoeppel reported that Scott Mitchell from Argus High School was selected as one of ten young educators for state recognition.

At 11:09 the CDR recessed from plenary session to standing committee meetings and lunch. The state conference committee reported prior to lunch. The Audit Committee and the Constitution and By-Laws Committee were each to have their separate meetings at lunch.

Bill Lincoln made a report of the committee meeting and named those who will have responsibilities for particular areas of the conference. The 2001 State Conference will be held at the San Francisco Hyatt Hotel (Airport) on May 4, 5, and 6, 2001. Bill Lincoln is the chair for the conference. The committee chairs are as follows:

Logo and Theme Dave Scott (530) 891-3092
Vendors Joe Stits (805) 528-3442
Graphics/T-shirts Dave Scott (530) 891-3092
Workshop Eval. Jeannie Yttreness (707) 463-5220
Georgeann Fulstone-Pucillo (707) 441-0293
Prizes Linda Gragg (559) 248-7350
Registration Bill Pierce (650) 691-2432
Program/Presenters Janet Knoeppel (562) 961-8613
Student Art Display Dick Chadwick
Decorations Karlene Dockery (619) 525-2059
Badges Donna Scuitto (415) 892-8733
Hospitality Rooms Bob Meier

Bob Werner reported that the Glendale conference was somewhat smaller than previous conferences with about 500 attendees. The evaluations on the whole were very positive. The concerns that were expressed centered on the need to get information about the workshops earlier. Jim Caswell reported that the conference earned $30,908.70 that will become part of the CCEA general fund.

CDR adjourned for lunch at 11:58. The CDR reconvened 1:20 pm for continuation of its meeting.

Audit Committee.

Chairperson Bill Ingram reported examination of the books and found no problems.

Committee Chairperson Sunshine Sepulveda reported that the committee considered ways of increasing membership. Under discussion was the need to visit district schools and present the values of membership, the use of payroll deduction, more public relations information to our school and some kind of membership drive stimulus provided by state CCEA. She reported that local districts have benefited from incentives the CDR has made available in the past. Jim Caswell reported that the state incentives have been important as an incentive to increase membership. A show of hands approved the continuance of the incentive plan used in the prior year. CDR authorized the committee to provide an incentive plan that will continue the prior incentive plan and that by December 1, 2000 the plan needs to be submitted to Jim Caswell, Vice-President, for implementation.

Eric Spears, Chairperson reported that the committee endorses continued support for a funding bill that needs to be pursued for this year. He also reported a conversation with Senator Richard Alarcon and he is very pro alternative education and encouraged our efforts to continue. He said that the Senator recommend that we need to get to the Governor and pique his awareness and secure his approval of our efforts. Eric also recommended that Alarcon be included as author or supporter of our new bill.

Legislative Advocate Peter Birdsall distributed printed material on the last legislative session and spoke on a number of legislative issues of concern to the membership. He presented information on one-time funding opportunities, on-going funding and teacher tax credits. Of particular interest is the provision for using summer school funding for remediation for any student in danger of not passing the High School Exit Examination. He indicated that funding may be available for computer purchases for schools without Advanced Placement classes and that continuation high schools may be included. He specifically referred the CDR to SB1354 that the governor signed to require that by 2003-2004 school year, at least one of the two math courses required must be at least at the level of Algebra I for graduation. He also mentioned an extension of the digital high school program for new high schools (SB20) that the governor vetoed. Two current ballot propositions, Number 38 on school vouchers and Number 39 on school construction approval, he asked for this Council to specifically endorse. It was moved by Lee Newman and seconded by Georgeann Fulstone-Pucillo that CCEA recommend an oppose position on Proposition 38 and a support position on Proposition 39. The motion was approved unanimously.

Discussion took place regarding the direction for CCEA legislation for the 2000-2001 legislative session. Eric Spears indicated that Los Angeles would enthusiastically support CCEA efforts to represent its bill and seek its passage. The legislative committee recommended moving ahead on our funding bill. It was moved by Dennis King and seconded by Marion St. Amant that CCEA continue to support its funding bill and seek its passage in the legislature and signature by the governor.

Two proposals were presented for discussion. These items were removed from the New Business part of the agenda and discussed with this committee report. The following items, if approved, would be placed on the May 5, 2001 CDR meeting for final approval.

The first proposal was to add the CCEA Webmaster to the Executive Board as a full member. This proposal was moved by Karlene Dockery and seconded by Bill Pierce. The motion was unanimously approved.

The second proposal was to add four Members-At-Large (each would represent 3 CCEA districts) to the Executive Board as ad-hoc members of the Executive Board selected from the CDR membership. Discussion ensued and it was agreed that all the executive board expenses would be covered for the ad hoc members. The four ad hoc members are to be elected by a caucus of districts joined geographically for this purpose. A motion was made to approve the recommendation by Jeannie Yttreness and seconded by Karlene Dockery as a one year pilot. The motion was passed unanimously.

Chairperson Lee Newman distributed a memo regarding awards. The committee recommended that a classified and administrative person of the year be added to the annual list of state awards. The proposal indicated that the awards would be presented as part of the Friday night agenda of the State Conference and that the recipients would have the conference registration paid for the following year. It was expressed that the same committee would read for all three awards. It was made clear that the award for the recipient will be equivalent to that given the teacher of the year. The motion to adopt the committee recommendation to add a classified and administrator of the year was made by Joyce Bowcock and seconded by Marion St. Amant. The motion was amended to read that the recipients would receive the cost of attending the state conference for the succeeding year and that the award would be at the same level as the Teacher of the Year Award. The two amendments were accepted by both the maker and second of the original motion. The motion, as amended, was unanimously approved.

Dennis Fisher, CDE consultant for continuation education distributed a packet of information for all members of the Council and discussed the contents of the packet. Included in the packet were copies of the new Model Schools application forms that had been modified and clarified according to a wide range of input from school leaders to the revision committee. He explained all of the changes in the form and in the process of selection. The packet also included information on the Alternative Accountability System, and the High School Exit Examination. Dennis gave a very energetic and enthusiastic report of activities that was warmly received by the CDR membership. There were expressions of support for his efforts to represent our schools and students.

Janet asked that everyone present complete the survey form requesting information about the content of the Alternative Education Accountability Index.

1. Janet Knoeppel presented a recommendation from the Executive Board that CCEA publish a Continuation Education Directory of Consultants and Topics that would provide a general listing of special presentations available to benefit continuation schools. A letter would be sent out to solicit registration for the directory.
2. Janet Knoeppel presented a recommendation from the Executive Board that a discussion be held to see if CDR would have an interest in having two conferences annually by adding a Fall conference that would focus on Best Practices and include Exemplary Programs. The Spring State Conference would stay the same as it is currently. The proposal was discussed and CDR agreed to return it to the Executive Board for re-submission to the CDR at a later date.
3. Janet Knoeppel presented the request of the Executive Board that every district seek to have every school in their district name a key person responsible for receipt of CCEA mail and messages to improve general communication. This person would be the primary contact for CCEA.

District Reports were distributed at the table from Districts II, V, VII and XI.

President Knoeppel presented an Executive Board recommendation that Peter Birdsall’s contract be approved to continue under the prior year arrangement. The contract would continue at $1100 per month and that when we enter into the legislative season the amount will be increased by $500 per month until legislation concludes. The recommendation to approve a continuation of the existing contract with Peter Birdsall was moved for approval by Eric Spears and seconded by Dennis King. It was approved unanimously.

Based on approval of a motion by Lee Newman and second by Marion St. Amant the meeting was adjourned at 3:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Interim Secretary Joe Stits.