Minutes

January 14, 2005: Hyatt Regency Hotel, Monterey, California

President, Debbie Morris, called the meeting to order at 2:10 p.m.

Present: Debbie Morris, President, Matt Collier, Vice President, Jerry Hime (State Treasurer and President, Southern Section), Frank Boehler (Southern section), Sherman Garnett (Southern Legislative Representative), Joe Taylor (Northern Legislative Representative), Tom Neeb (President, San Joaquin Section), Victor Thompson, Southern Section, and Jan Treff (State Secretary and President, Bay Section)

1. Welcome and Introductions

Debbie opened the meeting at 2:10 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Monterey, CA following the ACSA conference. Debbie presented "crab awards" to Tom Neeb for his very informative and entertaining printed, "Chatter"; Dennis Wiechman received a crab for the role he played in the CDS conference while Joe Taylor and Sherman Garnett were awarded for their attendance at the Washington, D.C. Truancy conference. Victor Thompson was recognized as our "visiting mentor."

2. Approval of Minutes

Jerry Hime asked that the word "purring" be substituted with "putting" on page two of the minutes. Upon motion by Jerry Hime and a second by Frank Boehler the minutes were approved.

. Reports

Section Reports

Bay: Jan Treff reported Ron Kinninger, Bay Section's 2004 award winner received his award at a staff meeting at his District office and from all accounts was very surprised and honored to be recognized by his peers. We appreciate Ron's continuing efforts to share his expertise with all of us. Membership is our number one priority this year and we are happy to announce that Janet McMurray from the West Contra Costa Unified School District is adapting well to the challenge of Communications Chair for our section. The Section's treasury boasts a balance of $17,230!

San Joaquin: January 28, 2005 is the date set for a "Super" workshop at the Woolgrowers Restaurant. Tom Mangione has posted the flyer on the website. They anticipate between 40-50 attendees. A workshop in Clovis is scheduled for March 11, 2005 and the scholarship luncheon is scheduled for May 20. 2005. The Section's coffers are healthy -- $25,000.

Southern: Jerry Hime provided an update on the success of the legal forum that took place on Friday, November 19 featuring discussion on child custody issues. The law firm of Best, Best and Krieger presented and the power point presentation is available on our website. Other legal forums are scheduled for February 4 addressing "504 Plans"; on May 13 in San Diego to discuss "UMIRS" and their scholarship luncheon will be held on June 4. The treasury is healthy with a balance of $17,000. The Section completed the revision of its Constitution. Other news ­ Victor Thompson has replaced Phil Kauble and other administrative changes have occurred.

Discussion ensued around section and treasury reports as key to keeping all members fully informed.

Delta Sierra: This Section's report will be made in conjunction with the State President's report.

Treasurer's Report

Jerry Hime presented the Treasurer's report and distributed rebate checks for new member enrollment. Jerry will investigate 501(c)(3) and how it might be effective for our use.

Membership

Debbie distributed current membership lists by section. We are making progress and will include phone numbers on our database to enable easier contact. Monthly update including phone number and email are available from Tom Mangione to sections. New members are to receive a welcome letter from the Section Presidents.

Honorary Life Membership was an item of discussion. Each section honors their own members. It was suggested that past honorees and current inductees should be acknowledged at the state conference. Certificates will be awarded to new inductees. All others in attendance will be recognized. To be considered an honorary life member, retirees must have at least 10 years of CASCWA membership and retirement in the field or other profession dealing with children.

Website

John Burton's website needs to be updated as he retired from the Fontana Unified School District. Tom Mangione is working as hard as ever to identify a new link. Some other new links should also be added. Frank Boehler volunteered to check with John Burton to see if he is still willing to provide access to his site. If not, will he allow CASCWA to maintain his site? Stay tuned.

Intercom

Frank Boehler distributed an interactive CD Rom focusing on truancy programs/parents including handbook covers from various programs around the country.

The Intercom is sitting in skeleton form and distribution will occur by month's end. Conference highlights and registration information will be included. Another issue of the Intercom will be sent out exclusively about the conference.

Legislative Update

Sherman and Joe reported on pending legislation including, Megan's Law. A review of the website and map is key for all to review. Discussion ensued about fingerprinting requirements. If only working 10 hours, fingerprinting is not required. Board policy allows access to student records. Some districts have very limited access. A question was raised: Does Megan's law require that only sex offenders need register due to acts against juveniles? More to come.

Sherman distributed copies of a draft of the Pupil Services Coalition brochure that includes CASCWA. The Williams settlement, requiring adequate instructional materials and clean, safe school facilities was also discussed. Changes will also be made to the complaint procedure. Postings in all classrooms are required and details of the complaint procedure must also be provided to parents. New homeless regulations have gone into effect. Federal and State funds were awarded to county offices to assist in this function. The awards were $25,000 each. Sherman indicated that clothing vouchers and gas cards would be purchased with San Bernardino's funds. In addition, the Federal government has initiated new reporting requirements for homeless statistics for each school district and county office of education. A Request for Proposals ($125,000) homeless grants will be out this summer and supplemental monies are also available. Sherman will forward a letter from the CDE Homeless Coordinators, which details requirements.

Other news ­ The CDE is conducting IDEA training on the same dates as our State Conference, conflicts could develop. A new bill has been introduced on steroids and CIF testing will take place.

Joe Taylor reported that he and Sherman are establishing contacts with newly elected legislators. They will present at the State conference on "Flaws in the Law" and they are looking for input from the membership. Joe is also trying to get legislative representative to attend the conference and other staff members and lobbyists.

Victor Thompson of the Southern Section serves as the ACSA contact to CASCWA. Victor shared information regarding the statewide teleconference scheduled for May 10, 2005 hosted by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. The teleconference will take place from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Joe Taylor asked if May 9, 2005 could be considered as an alternative date. Discussion ensued around topics to be discussed. Last's years teleconference established communication between possible players ­ District Attorneys, Probation and County Offices of Education. Tom Neeb is hopeful that a process will be developed in his section.

President's Report

Debbie Morris distributed copies of the statewide brochure. An insert specific to each section is to be inserted into the brochure, including section board contact numbers. As new members are identified, the State President will send a welcome letter with a carbon copy to Section Presidents. The Section President will then send a copy of the brochure (with insert) to the new member. A more detailed brochure could be developed next year. The cost of the brochure is approximately $1,000 (for 1,000 colored, glossy copies).

Board nomination discussion took place. Each section should provide their section award winner no later than March 18, 2005. Nominations are also due for the Lee Lumberg award by that date. Criteria for the Lumberg award are: years of service, past leadership experience and specific contributions in the field as well as involvement in the state and community. The President-Elect (Jan Treff) will meet with Section Presidents to determine the winner in March.

State Conference Update: April 20-22, 2005 ­ "Delta Days in the River City ­ Bridges to Success." Jack O'Connell will provide the keynote address on Thursday morning. Bill Lockyer will be contacted to serve as the keynote for Thursday's luncheon. Registration forms and summary of presentations is now complete and will be distributed via the Intercom by the end of the month. None other than Tad Kitada will present the CWA Academy, scheduled for Wednesday. Prices are the same as last year. Wednesday evening a "meet and greet" with legislators is planned. The President's reception will be aboard the Sacramento River Boat cruise lines. School buses will be used to transport members from the hotel to the boat and back to the hotel. Best, Best & Krieger will contribute $1,000 to the reception. Other law firms will be contacted for more financial support. Jerry Hime will make contact with Lozano and Tom Neeb will contact Atkinson, et al. If funds are lacking, the State Board or perhaps each section could possibly contribute. Debbie shared the breakout session topics. Presentations are varied and include the FBI Threat Assessment on Campus" presentation to take place on Friday. Each section is asked to either supply a basket for the raffle or a check for $100. Denim shirts will also be on sale at the conference. A new logo font was selected for use on the shirts. New membership cards will also be a part of the badges for the conference.

Next Meeting: March 18, 2005 at the Sacramento County Office of Education from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.