Special Education

Focus Group

March 16, 2007 Meeting Notes

Representatives in attendance:

Marci Anderson, Elementary Resource

Bethany Verner, High School Resource and Community Transitions

Deborah Monroe, Psychologist

Diane Delahunty, OT/PTs & VI

Jennifer Woods, EC-Preschool

Heidi Belmondo, Life Skills

Karen-Margrethe Bruun, SLP & DHH

Leslie Knudsen, EBD

David Frick, Elementary Paraeducator

Amelia Lunde, Secondary Paraeducator

Sue Thomas, Meeting Facilitator

Representatives unable to attend:

Sean Shaughnessy

Lucille Nollette

Teresa VanHaalen

Gordon Grissom

Topic:  Budget & Staffing committee presentations

Summary: 

• Certificated staffing – no changes in FTE
• Classified hours – increase requested 15 hours
• Distribution of staffing – to be determined based on firm projected classlists

Next Steps:

• Sue will return to the Group with specifics

Topic:  State lawsuit

Summary:

• Dale clarified judge’s decision
• Alliance may appeal the decision
• Some positive impact expected (increased $$ ?)

Next steps:

• Sue will share any new information at subsequent meetings

Topic:  Safety Net

• Explanation of process
• Application submitted – keep your fingers crossed

Next steps:

• Will also submit additional students for the May deadline

Topic: Paraeducator training

• Paras had lots of input – thanks to Dave & Amelia for collecting data
• How can we make funds available to folks – how to spread the word yet not “break the bank”
• Should the ER/LA days be used for training – or is better for the program paras to bank the time to use for classroom meetings beyond the workday?

 Next steps:

• Sue & Lucille will talk with Jeanette in HR about funds/equity/distribution/logistics