a.Career/Technical Education
Owen Johnston reported STRA will not be sponsoring a presentation at the Awards Ceremony. Also, because a lot of employers are not hiring this year, STRA will not be a separate program, but will be another CTE option offered by each school district. Eaton ISD, Ingham ISD, Clinton ISD and Lansing SD are all in the process of recruiting for STRA and on March 31, Ingham is hosting an assessment open to all students in the region. Kathy Tomlanovich reported on Ingham Intermediate’s STRA program. Owen stated Bekum will be hiring apprentices this year and that they are committed to keeping the program going.
The committee is also continuing to explore how to provide information on CTE program openings in a more timely fashion and ways to offer more options through additional sections, forming a consortium with local schools to offer openings in their CTE programs.
b.Marketing
The third edition of the newsletter has been mailed, and #4 will be mailed before the Awards Celebration. A sample of the invitation to the Awards Celebration was provided. Jennifer Granholm was invited to be keynote speaker, but we are still waiting to here from her. Patricia Cook thanked the board members who “donated” staff to work on the marketing committee. Their expertise has been valuable.
Banners and awards have been ordered. Six districts are receiving trophies. Press releases are being written and LCC will be providing a photographer. Patty also thanked Paula Cunningham for agreeing to MC.
c.Regional Implementation Group
Karen Reiff provided the RIG report. Regional professional development activities are finishing up.
The accounting process for the state is underway. Regional representatives will be meeting with schools and the accounting process will be completed by mid April and submitted to the state by May 1. A database of the results should be available in June.
d.Evaluation
Jerry Stinnett stated the parent surveys have been disseminated, as well as the revised annual report. The Evaluation committee has also been discussing their role for next year if funding is not restored.
e.Chairperson’s Report
Edith asked for volunteers from the board to participate in Lighthouse District visits. Four members are needed for 1.5-2 hour visits to three districts: Lansing, Okemos, and Charlotte. Criteria for the process will be made available before the visits. Karl reviewed the process and what the team would be looking for (summary, products developed, etc.) The date for the visits would be late April or May to avoid stepping on what the accountability team’s efforts.
Career Initiative Alignment 2003-04
A report on the CIA application process was provided by Ralph Hansen and Jim Predko. Information was provided on the regional allocations, proposed budgets and activities for Carl Perkins, Tech Prep and Career Prep. Even though Career Prep was zeroed out in the proposed 2003-04 state budget, MDCD has asked regions to submit an application for it since the budget hasn’t been voted on yet.
Jim Predko stated in the future Carl Perkins funding may be diverted to No Child Left Behind and used for different kinds of activities.
The board will be asked to approve and sign off on the CIA application at the April board meeting, so that it may be submitted to the state by the May 1 deadline. Consensus from the board was requested by the fiscal agents to proceed with the application process and was given.
Regional Cooperation
At the request of the Chair, ISD CEOs discussed their commitment to continue with career preparation activities upon elimination of funding. Jon Tomlanovich and Larry Lloyd reported the elimination of funding was due to the restoration of Foundation funding to schools. ISD superintendents are discussing how to maintain activities and are committed to career pathways. Also, certain activities are mandated with or without funding from the state and the region will need to find other ways to foster systemic change on a regional level.
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