Minutes+January+14,+2011

**1/14/2011**   **TJ’s, Norfolk** Larianne called the Region III NASES meeting to order with the following present: Dennis Radford, ESU #17; Mary Luhr, Norfolk Public Schools; Stuart Clark, ESU #1; Larianne Polk, ESU #7; Frank Hebenstreit, Norfolk Public Schools; Shelly Skogstad, ESU #1; Darus Mettler, ESU #8; Ruth Miller, ESU #8; Molly Aschof, ESU #8; Theresa Ferg, ESU #2; Joan Luebbers, Nebraska Department of Education; Rita Hammitt, Nebraska Department of Education; Jan Curry, ESU #7; Joyce Olson, Boone Central; Jason Harris, Columbus Public, and Jean Bierschenk, Secretary. Jim Adams, NCECBVI, and Wade Fruling, SRS, were unable to attend, so they will be put on the next meeting’s agenda. Stuart presented a proposed fact sheet for SPED finance that could be presented to Senators at the February meeting. Discussion was held on changes to the fact sheet and suggestions for presenting the SPED finance information to the Senators. It was suggested that actual student numbers be used as well as the percents on the pie chart. It would be helpful to have more recent information than 2006/2007. The statement “Over the past 10 years…”, could be changed to “Over the past 5 years…”. Instead of using “etc.”, list all disabilities. On the heading, use Birth to 21 so they know what age groups are being discussed. Use a different graph for the “Special Education Expenditures and Funding Sources”. Change “Sped.Exp” to “Local Sped.Exp”. Add a statement as to how Special Education services have grown. Make a statement regarding State Funding has not been above 3% and the last year was actually 0% - perhaps find out the average since 2005/2006. Mention that it’s necessary to protect what’s currently there for SPED or could hurt future years. In other words, list Federal funded programs and what would be lost should those programs be cut. Have personal stories to present to the Senators. Region III NASES members were encouraged to attend the meeting in Lincoln with the Senators. It’s important that the Senators know local constituents should they have education questions. Make your appointment ASAP. Need to have a united front for education, be it regular or Special Education. A question was asked as to whether the base IDEA was open yet. Rita Hammitt informed the group that is was not. Stuart explained his “effective reimbursement rate” for Special Education is and how his ESU explains that to administrators. Factors that affect the rate include taking out what it costs for regular education costs of students, MIPS reimbursement, as well as Neb-Mac revenue. Could also irritate parents that could possibly sue if they don’t get the SPED service. Frank Hebenstreit mentioned that his district has cut 30 teaching positions in the last 3 years, mainly through attrition and now possibly will need to cut more either teaching, paras, etc. In Wade Fruling’s absence, Stuart helped answer some questions regarding SRS. The computer system has changed to a Zen system, which is more cost effective and easier for updates. More changes will be made during the summer months. The ability to add or amend an IEP is being looked at. An effective date (page 6) has been added, so can have an IEP Date (page 1) from date of meeting (example in May) for one year, and then an effective date can be set for example in August when services actually begin. A short discussion was held on the File Review. Rita Hammitt appreciates coming out as a team, but it’s too early to tell how the actual File Review consistency was met. August 31, 2010 will be a new training. Rita also mentioned that OCEP will be coming in late September but will only be meeting in Lincoln. Alternate Assessment criteria was discussed. Writing assessments will be conducted 1/24-2/11 for 4th & 8th grades. Trial writing assessments for 11th graders will be 1/31-2/18. ELDA will be 2/14-3/25 and 3/28-5/6 with remainder of assessments. Legal response for the parochial school assessments needs to be clarified. AARA notices have been sent out. Keep in mind when applying for AARA funds, that you need to consider proportionate share for parochial students. Received IDEA are coded 4410 and Expended IDEA are coded 4412. Mark your calendar...  a. February 7-8, 2011--Labor Relations Convention--Kearney Holiday Inn. Register at: []
 * Region III NASES Meeting**

b. February 10, 2011--Behavior Doctor--ESU 10. Register at: []

c. February 17-18, 2011-- NASES-- Cornhusker, Lincoln, NE. Register at:

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d. March 18, 2011--Region III--TJ's, Norfolk, NE

e. April 14-15, 2011--NASES Spring Conference, Scottsbluff. Registration not yet available. Anticipated openings for staff were mentioned. Norfolk will be looking for a school psych. ESU #7 is looking for a school psych as well as speech pathologist. Some suggestions were given on locating new staff: Teach Nebraska website; Spring School website; Job Fair at UNL-Lincoln March 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; go to internet and pretend you are looking for a job. Dennis Radford mentioned that he contracts with students who are in the Master’s Program to pay their tuition if they agree to work for his ESU. Jason Harris employs speech techs part time while they are finishing their college. NASES Tentative Dates for 2011/2012: 9/8 & 9/2011 So. Sioux City 11/3 & 4/2011 Law Conference-Omaha 2/16 & 17/2012 Legislative Conference-Lincoln 4/19 & 20/2012 Lincoln Any suggestions for speakers for NASES meetings, please let Stuart know. Next Region III NASES meeting is March 18, 2011 at TJ’s in Norfolk. Secretary, Jean Bierschenk