OFFICIAL MINUTES FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF THE
The Board of Trustees for the Arkansas School for the Blind met for their monthly meeting on April 20, 2010.
Present: Beth Gray, Chairperson (via phone conference); Andrew Tolbert, Vice Chairperson (via phone conference); Dr. Doug Watson, Secretary; Jeanne Tribett, A.S.B. Parent Representative; Janice Vaughn, A.S.D. Parent Representative; Jim Hill, A.S.B. Superintendent; Mike Phillips, A.S.D. Interim Superintendent; Katie Becker, Zania Musteen, Interpreters; Members of the Deaf Community; Members of the Blind Community
Absent: Dr. Henrietta Williams, Khayyam Eddings
10-B-006 Motion to Approve Consent Items
Dr. Watson made a motion to approve the Consent Items and Mr. Tolbert seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Action Items
10-B-007 Motion to Approve
Library Materials Selection and Reconsideration of Materials Policy
Mr. Tolbert made a motion to approve the Library Materials Selection and Reconsideration of Materials Policy and Dr. Watson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion Items
None
Superintendent’s Report
James Caton, director of the Instructional Resource Center at the Arkansas School for the Blind, gave the board a review of the large print and Braille book program at ASB. He said the program coordinates with Educational Services for the Visually Impaired to provide large print and Braille books for visually impaired and blind students in the State of Arkansas. This year the school served 25 Braille students and 97 large print students. Some of the books can be purchased through the state textbook funds, others are transcribed through the prison Braille program, and many of the large print books are reproduced at the school. Mr. Caton said a survey was sent to 109 clients in the public school system and 62 responses to the survey were received. Mr. Caton said he felt the results from the survey were positive and the comments were good. He provided the board members with a copy of the results of the survey.
Board of Trustees Meeting
Arkansas School for the Blind
April 20, 2010
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Mr. Caton also reported on the ASB Wellness Committee activities. The committee recently sponsored a Celebrate Life Week for the students. The week emphasized self esteem for the students. Another activity the committee is conducting is a 10-week fitness challenge for the staff. Those participating in the challenge report the amount of time they exercise each week and at the end of the 10-week challenge, trophies will be presented to the staff members who have the highest average time of exercising.
ASD Parent Representative, Janice Vaughn asked about ZoomText. Mr. Hill said this is used primarily through the regular school program and each school district is basically required to provide the program for the students in the school districts.
On behalf of himself and Mike Phillips, Mr. Hill introduced and welcomed the new assistant personnel director, Lashonda Versey.
There will be a joint conference between AAEA and ASBA on May 11. Mr. Hill said he and Mr. Tolbert will be attending the conference and if any other board member wants to attend, they should contact Katie.
Several weeks ago Mr. Hill said he began interviewing the staff and is receiving good feedback from the staff. They are providing him with new ideas and suggestions of things that can be done to make their jobs easier and more effective.
Students recently participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day sponsored by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. Mr. Hill said an ASB student was selected to be honored at the celebration.
Mr. Hill mentioned the following activities that have taken place, or will take place at ASB:
• On April 2 the students enjoyed the Beeping Easter Egg Hunt.
• Several traffic officers volunteered their time at the Homecoming Parade and appreciation plagues were given to them.
• Mr. Hill treated the administrative staff to dinner on April to discuss plans for the closing of the school year and for the beginning of the next year.
• Benchmark tests and end of course tests were given April 12-16; other end-of-course tests will be given next week.
• The Junior League has volunteered to visit the school on May 24 and work with ASB students on art projects.
Board of Trustees Meeting
Arkansas School for the Blind
April 20, 2010
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There being no further business for the Arkansas School for the Blind, the meeting moved to the Agenda for the Arkansas School for the Deaf.
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Beth Gray, Chairperson
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Dr. Doug Watson, Secretary
Board of Trustees Meeting
Arkansas School for the Blind
April 20, 2010
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