MINUTES
E.U.P.
EDUCATION ADVISORY GROUP
September
16, 2002
Chair
Ernie Maas called the E.U.P. Education Advisory Group meeting to order
at 4:10 p.m.
The following members were present:
Batka, Pat
KinKaid, Steve (Alt)
Boissineau,
Ed
Feil, Jim
Haupt, Judy
Maas, Ernie
Halvorsen, Joe (Alt)
Pomeroy, Pam
Olsen, Connie (Alt)
Waisanen, Mel
Wakeman, Dan
Wilson, Jerry
The following members were absent:
Berkompas,
Nancy
Corbiere, Don
Eicher, George
Hess, Janet
Homeister, Heidi
Kabat, Sue
Kane, John
Mudge, Esther
Schaedig, Randy
Siddall, Joy Beth
Sutter, Bill
Teeple, Wade
Truckey, Julie
Wagner, Jim
Staff present:
Worley, Gwen
Wilcox, Kim
The minutes of the April 15, 2002, meeting were approved as submitted following a motion by Mel Waisanen and support by Jim Feil.
The Group briefly discussed the regional/district needs and goals of the Education Advisory Group. The Education Advisory Group members represent the education community, business community, and parents to set the educational priorities of the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Jerry Wilson described the regional priorities approved by the EAG. He mentioned that the priorities are State mandated with additional priorities added by the EAG. Members commented on the importance of the educational and businesses communities working together with such programs as “Making Academic Count”.
The current EAG membership listing was reviewed. Due to personnel changes at a few area school districts, modifications to the current membership are necessary. It was highlighted that Tom Dykstra has replaced Keith Alto as principal of Tahquamenon Area Schools, and he is interested in becoming a member of the EAG. A replacement for John Kane of Rudyard Area Schools is also anticipated. Nancy Berkompas will be contacted for details on this replacement. Gwen Worley explained that the Workforce Development Board makes the appointments to this Group and will be meeting on September 19 to consider the modifications.
It was also mentioned that the Group may want to replace the Labor Organization Representative as Don Corbiere has not been able to be an active member due to conflicts. She also indicated that the WDB also has a labor organization vacancy. Members who may know of someone interested were encouraged to contact Gwen.
Jim Feil, Superintendent of the E.U.P. Intermediate School District, described the Learning Without Limits Grant. He explained that the goal of this grant is to provide wireless technology to the community rather than broadband access. The ISD is applying for this $2,000,000 competitive grant which requires support by the Education Advisory Group. Northern University, Lake Superior State University, and Bay Mills Community College are also partnering with the Intermediate School District with this grant application. The application is due on October 8, 2002 and only five sites will be awarded this grant. Jim Feil was optimistic that the EUPISD would be awarded this grant. Dan Wakeman moved to support the Intermediate School District’s Leaning Without Limits Grant Application. Mel Waisanen supported. Motion passed. Jerry Wilson will create a letter of understanding for Chair Ernie Maas’ signature. The Group also requested an update from Jim Feil at the next meeting regarding this grant.
The Career Preparation Outcome and Expenditure Reports for 2001-2002 were reviewed. Jerry Wilson explained the coding of the program indicators on the Outcome Report. He also mentioned that some of the wording was required by the State. Overall, partners have either completed or in the process of completing the projected activities.
Jerry Wilson briefly described the planned career prep activities for 2002-2003. He explained that there are no funds available this year to support supplemental grants and teacher externships. It was also noted that funds needed to be spent by June instead of September and there cannot be any carry over funds this year.
The E.U.P. Strategic Plan Summary and the End of Year Survey was discussed. Gwen Worley and Jerry Wilson described a survey that was distributed to area schools to help in assessing the goals of the Strategic Plan. The main goals of the Strategic Plan include: Improve workforce readiness, increase academic performance in the region, and attract more high tech/high skill jobs to the region. The survey was helpful in determining the progress of the schools in obtaining these goals.
The Group viewed an internet website, www.bridges.com, which is an assessment tool that teachers can provide to students and parents for career exploration. The subscription of this website has been purchased for each district and is very “kid friendly” in viewing. It can also be used as a planning tool for teachers in curriculum development.
Under Sharing by Members, the Group set tentative meeting dates for quarterly meetings. Meetings were scheduled for November 25, January 27, and April 28. It was also mentioned that additional meetings may be necessary due to planning timelines.
The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. following a motion by Jim Feil and support by Mel Waisanen.
Signed
11/25/02
Vice Chair, Education Advisory Group Date Approved
Prepared by Kim Wilcox.