Education Committee Meeting Minutes: August 2, 2006

Lamb called the meeting to order at 4:00pm, noting that the Finance Committee and the Education Committee are meeting jointly to discuss items 1 and 2 below, and that each committee will then meet separately after those discussions conclude.   

1.     Credit Union Branch at the CDC: Levandowski noted that the Heritage Family Credit Union, which merged with the Bennington County Credit Union in January 2006, is a community based financial institution headquartered in Rutland VT with 83 employees, 22,000 members, and assets in excess of $134,000,000. Levandowski noted that the Union currently supports a fully functional student-run branch office for students and staff in the Stafford High School and that this location also functions as a training location for interested technical students typically enrolled in the business education and business math courses.  Levandowski noted that the Union is very interested in opening a similar office in the CDC in the school store area, and further noted that

-      members of the Union are also interested in partnering with business/office technology teachers to assist students in developing business plans and making oral presentations of those plans, writing résumés and practicing interview skills, understanding the importance of dress codes, etc

-      the branch would consist of one teller and an ATM, and would be open probably only a few hours a day (and hours can be very flexible)

-      although Heritage is not anticipating making any financial profit from the branch, this is another way the institution works within the community and provides an opportunity for young people to acquire financial skills, to begin developing a credit rating, and to gain exposure to the business community.

In subsequent discussion, Levandowsky and Falco noted that

               -      students are ‘graded’ using a standard employee evaluation form

-      although this is not a typical co-op arrangement, students will be trained in all aspects of bank teller functions

-      Heritage will provide a primary contact person to coordinate with teachers and students

               -      students staff the teller station during class hours

-      various products offered students 15-17 years old include a share draft account, overdraft protection, debit, credit and ATM cards, and a $300 credit line

-      although parental co-signing is not necessary for these products, parents will receive written notification of products selected

-      for privacy reasons, only one student is allowed in the teller booth at a time ("privacy is always an issue, but never a problem")

               -      several Stafford students have been hired as Heritage employees after graduation

               -      Heritage staff will train CDC teachers

-      CDC students would be covered by Heritage insurance, and no bonding would be necessary

-      the branch hours could be very flexible, and the branch would not need to be open every day

-      the only cost for the CDC would be to provide a 10’ x 14’ room with hook-ups, and the credit union will supply all other material and equipment

               -      the ATM will be a cash dispenser only and would not accept deposits

               -      it will take about 2 months to install and equip the branch

-      even if a branch is not installed at the CDC, Heritage is still interested in partnering with the CDC to help students acquire financial skills and responsibility.  

In closing action, members reached consensus to explore the Heritage proposal, and that Oyama, business teachers, and technology staff should work out the details with Heritage, with Choinier as the Heritage contact.  Once that is accomplished, Heritage and staff should make a detailed proposal during a board meeting.  Members thanked Heritage staff for their interest in the CDC and the Bennington community.
 

2.     Program Innovation Grant:

a.     Engineering Program: Oyama reported that the upcoming year is the 3^rd and final year the Engineering program will receive support through the Program Innovation Grant, and that the required Industry Scenario Assessment is being developed by a consultant. 

b.     Cosmetology Program: Oyama distributed and then reviewed the grant application for a Cosmetology program, noting that the local cosmetology academy in Bennington was scheduled to close 7/30/06.  Oyama further noted that

-      students must pass a state test to obtain a cosmetology license and must also complete 1500 hours in training

-      a two-year CDC program would satisfy, or come close to satisfying, that hourly requirement

-      the owner of the now closed business is interested in talking with the CDC about donating or selling her equipment

-      several people have expressed interest in being on the Advisory Committee for this program

-      a recent MAU teacher is qualified to teach the course, but would need Vermont licensing

-      the Program Innovation Grant funds up to $50,000 for the first year of new  programs (Up to $50,000 for the second year and $25,000 for the third year)

-      there would be no significant plumbing or electrical complications for preparing space for the program (and the program could actually begin off-campus at the recently closed business location, or perhaps in Manchester or Arlington)

-      cosmetology programs in other technical schools offer 1 credit each for math, English, and science, as well as 3 elective credits credit

                      -      state-approved curriculum will be used

                      -      the grant application needs to be submitted by 8/16/06

                      -      the Perkins Grant could also be used to fund part of this program.

In concluding action, Goodhue moved and DeLucia seconded a motion to move forward with the cosmetology program application and to recommend that the full board approve that application, and the motion passed unanimously

At 5:00pm, the joint meeting of the Finance Committee and the Education Committee concluded and each committee continued to meet separately, the Finance Committee in the Assembly Room and the Education Committee in the Conference Room.

  

3.     Apprenticeship Programs: Klein expressed interest in establishing four apprenticeship programs for the coming year, one each in Veterinary Technician Assistant, Culinary Arts, Masonry, and Carpentry, noting that

               -      the state is encouraging apprenticeship programs of these kinds

               -      local interest in these areas has already been expressed

-      the courses would need board and state approval before being placed into the curriculum.

Descriptions of the Culinary Arts and Veterinary Assistant programs were distributed with the Agenda packet. After a brief discussion, Goodhue moved and Letourneau seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

 The meeting adjourned at 5:25pm.