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California Continuation Education Association Council of District Representatives Minutes Meeting Location: Sheraton Grand Hotel, Sacramento Meeting Date: April 26, 2007 Approval Date: Not Approved
California Continuation Education
Association Vic Whitaker, CCEA President, called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. He welcomed the members of CDR and guests. Vic explained the significance of the Sheraton Hotel’s location as being on the grounds of a historical Sacramento marketplace. Introductions and seating of member delegates followed. Minutes of the October CDR had been emailed to and included with CDR meeting packet for all in attendance. Vic discussed the contents of the meeting packet, including reimbursement forms, room rate of $146.08, parking at $13 for one day and 48.5 cents/mile as the mileage rate. A clarification regarding Tri-District representation was made by Vic as follows: 1, 2 and 12 are represented by Mark Telles, 3, 4 and 5 are represented by Bill Pierce, 8, 9 and 10 by Angela Dea Mude (a Presidential appointment) and 6, 7 and 11 by Dennis King. Gerry led a discussion of the modifications as described in the Tri-District Representative information per the Constitution, a copy of which was distributed. John Lupini asked that his name be corrected with “one P in Lupini.” Dan made the motion to accept the minutes as amended. Bill Pierce offered a second and the motion carried unanimously. Vic Whitaker reviewed the Agenda and asked for additions and/or comments. After clarification, nothing was added to the Agenda. Vic announced that Angela Dea Mude had resigned as CCEA State Treasurer because of too much on-site responsibility and work commitments. He thanked her for her service and said that she had continued working on membership while he (Vic) had done the fiscals. Tri-District Rep for 8, 9 and 10, much-loved Karlene Dockery is continuing to recuperate from a health issue that occurred just before Christmas 2006 with rehabilitation ongoing. A moment of silence was offered in honor of Darla Stits, beloved to Joe, their family and CCEA, who had died in a single-car accident recently. Numerous personal comments were shared about Darla and on all she had contributed to CCEA. The possibility of an annual scholarship in her honor was briefly discussed but left until later in the agenda. Tom Campbell gave an overview of this year’s State Conference, recognized his committee members and discussed the workshops available. Tom also covered highlights of student-centered areas with the Art Exhibit and the State Essay Contest winners, meal arrangements and vendor hours. Vic thanked Tom for his leadership and commended him on 400 pre-registrations. Vic then asked for District reports. Concerns, goals and challenges seemed constant across the state. Graduation rate, CAHSEE passage and vocational options varied but outstanding teaching continued to be a hallmark of most programs. Membership was up in several Districts, though many Districts had not been able to hold an official District conference during the year. District XI did have a particularly successful event with 550 people at the Convention Center. Bob Meier will chair next year’s State Conference. District V showed innovation with a mail election for their Fall Conference. District VII has been working with WASC and West Ed and invites everyone to visit their schools where new teacher membership has increased. WASC accreditation of continuation schools is a growing phenomenon. District XII also had another successful District conference at Lake Tahoe. Alternative high school sports leagues were popular (volleyball, soccer, basketball, ping-pong, softball, disc golf and video games) and in various stages of development. By popular demand, a session had been included in this year’s State Conference. Enrollment in continuation schools mirrors enrollment in traditional schools across the State. District I is hoping to get a new school building while District VIII may open a second continuation school because of increased numbers. Many Districts reported a productive and close-working relationship with ACSA. Vic Whitaker thanked everyone for their contributions. Vic began the President’s Report with “kudos.” He thanked Georgeanne for her leadership on the presentation and content of the CCEA Newsletter and her work with the State Essay contest. He recognized Dan Plough for his work on updating individual school data and for his participation with the Ed Options Office of CDE regarding ASAM. Vic thanked Marion for her leadership in the areas of Model Continuation High Schools and Exemplary Programs. Vic also explained that the Annual Assurance Form is required by CDE to maintain Model School recognition for each of the three years remaining after the original designation. Basically, the Principal and the Superintendent substantiate that the program recognized as a Model School is continuing to provide an exemplary level of student service and support and, thus, validate the continuing award status. Five Model Continuation High Schools had not completed the form and it was agreed that members in attendance would make one final school contact. Vic reported connections with vocational programs could broaden elective options for continuation schools. Should Career Exploration be a graduation requirement? There is obviously interest in vocational efforts by the Governor. There is money in WIA, in Carl Perkins and in partnerships with Trade Council folks. We were asked to check out the CTE Website maintained by the Butte County Office of Education. There is concern that Districts may receive money for such programs but will Continuation schools get their share? (Maggie) John Lupini brought up Art and Music money distribution, saying that they receive some for art but none for music. From Ed Options, Vic and Dennis shared that the main concern is increasing the Grad Rate. Drop-out Prevention may be the next “wave” of support. The Harvard study talks about Drop-Out as a Civil Rights issue. Robert Rivas questioned the situation of students enrolled in Independent Study? Are they getting their “fair share”? Increasing partnerships with Community College is recommended to be explored as a tool in the Credit Recovery effort. Georgeanne thought that Certificate Programs could provide both rigor and relevance. Dennis wondered if concurrent enrollment with community colleges could/should be included in Model School parameters. Marion gave the Vice-President’s Report. In a partnership with CDE, CCEA trained a cadre of Field Experts for Model Continuation evaluation. Site visits were increased to be 1 ½ days for validation purposes. Fourteen schools applied this year and thirteen will be recognized with the award. The date for submission of the application was changed for 2207 and, thus, a smaller number of schools applied than usual. Now that the application dates are known in advance, more schools are expected to apply next year. Tri-District Representatives were trained after the Fall CDR meeting to promote general membership and communication throughout the State. Marion also shared developments within the Exemplary Program effort. Fifteen schools submitted programs and thirteen programs will re recognized at this year’s conference. WASC accreditation has been a major focus for our Vice-President this year and she reported that there are many Best Practices in our schools that need to be shared with a wider audience. Robert Simmons and Marc Steffler were officially welcomed and seated as Delegates. Vic gave the Treasurer’s Report. Hosaka and Nagel have been engaged to do the audit and will be working with the State Treasurer and the District Treasurers to update procedures and protocols. All bank accounts are going to be coming under Wells Fargo Bank. CCEA will be the head account and each District will have a sub-account. Vic reported that he is working on clarifying tax exempt status before the audit is completed. Funds have been moved to individual District accounts at this time. There will be a September meeting/training for all District Treasurers with the location to be announced. Vic reported that we are in good shape financially. An official Treasurer’s Report was distributed and will be attached here. Dan Plough gave the Past-President’s Report. He commented on the Annual Assurance Form situation as was discussed earlier with 4 out of 25 not responding. (Great job, Dan!) CCEA recommends that the Model School designation be revoked if the four schools do not comply after one more contact. There are new Model School flags from a winning design by a Cesar Chavez High School student. The flags have arrived and will be presented to the schools when they receive their Model School designation at the end of this year’s conference. Bob suggested that we check with the following company for larger flags, if desired: National Capital Flag, Inc., 100 S. Quaker Lane, Alexander, VA (800) 368-3524 (ask for Jeff). Dan also reported on ASAM status. Currently, ASAM is broken into three categories: readiness, transition and academic. The CCEA database is still a challenge with new personnel, new school locations, etc. Dennis added that Ed Options is where the power is and that we must stay “at the table.” (A hardcopy of information presented by Dan was distributed to all in attendance and is included in the Secretary’s binder.) Joe Stits, Consultant to the CCEA Executive Board, expressed his gratitude for the personal support he has received at this sad time in his life. He asked for support for local mini programs and feel that we should definitely find a way to share Best Practices and Exemplary Programs more broadly. Gerry Catanzarite gave the Webmaster’s report. He is currently trying to cleaning up the existing website and updating various sections with some help from a professional consultant. He continues to be committed to creating a seamless document that can be used by the Treasurer, CDE and the CCEA website for individual members and schools. There are currently 42,000+ files. Bryce Custodio was officially welcomed and seated as a Delegate. Tri-District Representative Reports were given as follows: Mark Telles reported that there is a website established to increase contact. They held a regional conference at Tahoe in November which was successful and well-attended. Though the Districts are spread out geographically, the schools share many of the same issues. Bill Pierce shared that there is not much to share beyond the District reports already given. His plan and commitment for next year is to make a concerted effort to reach out to Districts III and V. Marion reported for Dennis King. Membership has been the big thrust this year and she offered copies of a poster she had designed to increase membership for those interested. Committee assignments were reviewed by President Vic Whitaker and a “break” from the official meeting was held to conduct committee meetings and have lunch. Vic Whitaker reconvened the CDR meeting at 1 p.m. and began the afternoon session with committee reports. Cathy Dahl-Kunkel reported for the Legislative Committee:
Gerry Catanzarite reported for the Constitution Committee:
Moved by Lou to accept the recommendation that District Officers be elected in the Fall and would take Office January 1st. Hinda offered a second to the motion. The motion passed unanimously. John Lupini reminded all that there is a feeling that the organization already works on a two-year basis in that the annual conference is in the North one year and in the South the following year. Both ends of the State are therefore represented. Bob Meier made a motion that we have two-year terms for District Officers. The motion was seconded by Pam Stone and the motion carried unanimously. Kathy Abney reported for the Advisory/Liaison Committee.
Vic reported for the State Conference Committee. · 2007 Conference going well · Bob Meier will chair next year’s conference · Bob announced Lights, Camera, Education is the theme with the Sheraton Gateway, the location · Bob asked for Friday night “kick-off’ ideas. . .Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, et al Robert reported for the Audit Committee.
Marc reported for the Awards Committee.
Marion St. Amant reported for the Membership Committee:
Bill Pierce gave the Nominations Committee report.
John Lupini nominated Vic for President with Robert Simmons seconding. John and Robert amended their motion and second to be one of acclamation. CDR unanimously voted for acclamation. Vic Whitaker is President of CCEA for the next year. Lou De Sylva nominated Marion for Vice-President with Bill Pierce seconding. Lou and Susan made a motion and second after discussion was heard for acclamation for Marion. CDR unanimously voted for acclamation. Marion St. Amant is Vice-President of CCEA for next year. Nominations were opened for Secretary. Georgeanne was nominated by Kathy with a second from Robert. No further nominations were heard so Bob Meier made a motion to close nominations with a second from Lou De Sylva. The motion carried by ¾ vote. Kathy made a motion to accept the nomination of Georgeanne for Secretary and Robert seconded. After discussion, Brian moved that the nomination be affirmed by acclamation with a second from Hinda. CDR unanimously voted for acclamation. Georgeanne Fulstone-Pucillo is the CCEA Secretary for the next year. Ross Bauer was nominated to be State CCEA Treasurer by the Nominations Committee. John Lupini moved that nominations be closed with a second from Bob Meier. The motion carried. Bill Pierce motioned that the election be one of acclamation with a second from Susan Stone. CDR unanimously voted for acclamation. Ross Bauer is the Treasurer of CCEA for next year. Peter Birdsall gave the Lobbyist Report. · He introduced his assistant, Sadie, and distributed materials to be referenced in his presentation. · Budget is going down right now with May revisions expected. · Cost of Living Adjustment is projected to be between 3 and 4% · Home-to-school transportation is out of local transit funding bill · Recommends watch position on both SB 219 and SB 344. SB 219 is connecting Drop-Out Prevention with API. SV 344 is proposing new data reporting requirements. SB 679(Romero) passed out of Senate Education Committee but he recommends oppose unless amended. Transition time should be considered and he recommends accepting traditional school funding model. · 2008 will be the year of educational reform. There should be more money based on growth and COLA. · Continuation schools should be prepared to offer a full-day program and should consider the concepts of pre and post testing requirements. · Dan added that the ASAM committee talked about three approaches to ongoing assessment for continuation schools. 1) Old questions from STAR owned by the State, 2) A brand-new test could be written and 3) Something incorporating both 1 and 2 could be developed. · A variety of test ideas were discussed but it was agreed that State should provide the test and the financial support for administration if such is to be required. Hinda suggested that we all check the work done by Clemson University and/or UCLA regarding Drop-Out Prevention. John Lupini made the motion that CCEA adopt an official position to watch SB 219 and SB 344 and to oppose SB 679. Marc seconded. The motion carried with one nay vote from Robert Rivas. Dennis Fisher reported from the California Department of Education. He distributed the List of Model Schools for this year. The training of Field Experts went well as did the 1½-day visits. He also reported on Diploma Plus High Schools (Bill and Melinda Gates’ $$$). These will include wed-based assignments that are aligned with California State Standards and include a performance-based assessment. $12,500 will be provided to train teachers. California has had 90 years of continuation education with the first continuation high school established in 1919. 450,000 students are currently enrolled in continuation education in California. We increase the quality of traditional high schools as well as District-level assessments with our targeted instruction and individual focus. The California Drop-Out Rate is lower because of continuation high schools and the P3 report is significant. Dennis proposed that CDE look seriously at the Cost Benefits of our work. We need to do a better job of “telling the story,” though, for all of our stakeholders. Kathy Abney volunteered to create a PowerPoint to identify highlights of continuation education. (A handout on Diploma Plus was provided to all in attendance and will be included in the Secretary’s binder.) Vic announced some changed in the way our State and District Treasurers will operate. There will be an official meeting, as previously mentioned, in September. Vic asked that District Treasurers deposit money now and get started. District Charters must be amended so this will be brought back to CDR for a Second Reading and a vote in the Fall of 2007. All accounts will be moved to Wells Fargo and the accounting firm of Hosaka, Nagel and Company will provide consultation and audit assistance as needed in developing appropriate procedures and protocols. Concern was expressed that we are not booking enough rooms for the conference. We must “play the hotel game” but we have to be fiscally responsible, too. Membership efforts will continue to be a major goal across the State. It was recommended that we offer a scholarship in honor of Darla Stits. John Lupini made the motion that we award an annual scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to be given to a Continuation Art Student for the purpose of furthering their education in the field of the Arts and/or Arts Design. Kathy Abney seconded. Discussion suggestions included Stits’ Family involvement in criterion development and selection of student designee and appropriate State Conference or school ceremony of presentation. The motion carried unanimously and was assigned to Georgeanne and Marc for execution in 2008. Issues of concern from the floor included the following: · Announce 2009 Conference Chair at Fall 2007 meeting · Gerry volunteered to write up By-Law inclusion for October 2007 meeting · Teacher-Student Ratio across the State. What does CDE recommend? Is there a handbook for California State Continuation Education? The discussion was tabled and we shall open the conversation on this with Dennis Fisher. · There is a need for more workshops and/or options for Classified, Special Ed and special populations at State Conference. Job-Alike Sessions were also requested. The next meeting date was set for October 12, 2007 at the Hilton Hotel in San Jose. Vic Whitaker, CCEA President, adjourned the meeting at 3:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Georgeanne Fulstone-Pucillo, CCEA State Secretary May 11, 2007
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