January Board of Directors Meeting Summary

The Board recognized staff members who were instrumental in the 6445 remodeling project for their hard work and efforts. The building project came in under budget and on time.

Staff members recognized: Terri Barnes, Sheree Bergstrom, David Booth, Joshua Burke, Tuan Dao, Barbara Dietrich, Jason Elliott, Jesús Garcia, Dustin Gean, Mavis Hoogers, Jim Lagnese, Kathy Martin, Scott Mayne, Dustin McAninch, Mark McMurry, Bill Morlan, Nancy Penley, Mike Permann, Jennifer Thompson, Jennifer Ugolini, Matt Wellendorf and Brad Woods. After staff recognition, Board members took a brief tour of the 6445 building.

A public hearing for Heartland’s budget was conducted. The purpose of the hearing was to allow the public an opportunity to respond to the budget notice that was published the week of December 22 – 26, 2008. No one from the public was present to address the Board.

Dr. Kilcrease, Dave King, and Steve Prall shared some issues at the state and national level that could impact next year’s budget. The Agency is looking at more factors in projecting the budget than ever before.

• There has been a reduction in special education students and in student weighting. There are 350 less students with disabilities and for the first time, weighting is below allowable growth.
• Additional cuts could come from the state. It’s been said not to expect any good news nor to expect full funding for allowable growth.
• Proposals have been submitted for negotiations. In the past, the Agency has used allowable growth as a guideline, however that may look different this year. Depending on the amount of the final settlement, staff may be cut.
• The 6500 facility has serious infrastructure issues and that needs to be part of the financial landscape.
• Hiring, out-of-state travel and equipment purchases (over $500) have been frozen.

Dr. Kilcrease emphasized that the Agency will continue to pursue its core mission. She told the Board that Heartland staff is incredible and well educated, and although these financial issues are distracting, the Agency will remain strong and steady.

The Board was presented with the 2009-10 proposed budget in a new format that aligned the budget with North Star initiatives. They were informed of the challenges of this budget because of unsure funding and the possible need for additional cuts. Revenues were based on best-known estimates and expenditures assumed no increase in FTEs but include the possible remodeling of the 6500 building. The Board will review the proposed budget and approve at the February meeting.

Dr. Kilcrease recapped a brief history of the 6500 building. The recap included the conversation that began last year, asking how much space was actually dedicated to teaching and learning. The answer was 24 percent. The Board then gave a directive to increase the amount of space to better meet the needs of staff, to provide more space for teaching and learning and to create regional service centers. Based on that directive, the remodeling of 6445 was completed and a committee has been commissioned to create a plan for the service centers.

The Board then reviewed the options for the 6500 building: 1) complete remodel, 2) lease an existing site, 3) lease-to-purchase a new building and 4) make necessary safety and health improvements. (These improvements would be to replace the roof, HVAC system and to update and repair the electrical system, plumbing, carpet and equipment and technology.) It was also recommended that the Board revisit the remodeling of the education centers in January 2010.

A motion was made and passed unanimously to approve option 4, make necessary safety and health improvements to the 6500 building.

Ann Wilson, board president, announced that there would be discussion on how to improve board relationships with LEAs at future meetings.

Due to the inclement weather, the chief administrator’s comments to the Board will be sent by email so the meeting could adjourn early.