Minutes+March+18,+2011

REGION III NASES MEETING March 25, 2011 TJ’s –Norfolk Larianne Polk called the meeting to order with the following present: Larriane Polk, ESU #7; Stuart Clark, ESU #1; Theresa Ferg, ESU #2; Darus Mettler, ESU #8; Jason Harris, Columbus Public; Kathy Grossnickclaus, O’Neill Public; Dennis Radford, ESU #17; Shelly Skogstad, ESU #1; Frank Hebenstreit, Norfolk Public Schools; Mary Luhr, Norfolk Public Schools; Ruth Miller, ESU #8, and Jean Bierschenk, secretary. 1. NASES meeting re-cap and discussion. It was reported that most senators are not knowledgeable about Special Education. In fact some of them are overwhelmed, mainly due to the fact they are new senators. Several good questions were asked by the senators. Senator Adams said in his meeting that the resident rules did not turn out the way he had originally intended and he’s suggesting changes in the future. Some members did report back to their school boards after the legislative meeting and their boards were surprised the senators took such interest.

NDE personnel will be doing on-site grant “samplings”. It was stressed this was not an audit but it would be nice if they would give some advance notice. Stuart suggested NASES members collect documents as to what can be spent on Base, IDEA, and AARA funds. Send to Larianne by end of April and she will add to wiki before next meeting. The Policy/Procedures checklist is due by districts by April 1, 2011. Stuart sent copies of the form to each NASES member. Need a paper copy submitted.

Discussion was held on identifying and comprehensive evaluations and what data is changing for SLD and MH classifications. 2. District Determinations. Information that some were able to view on-line was wrong. The state is reviewing to determine how to correct the errors. Schools need to check in the fall for accurate information.

3. Requirements for exiting students – the handouts at the last NASES meeting were very helpful. Kindergarten age change – discussion was held on who was doing the entrance exams. Jason reported that he purchased a Scholastic Kindergarten Readiness test and uses that when a parent requests. This is only at parent request – not all students get evaluated.

4. IDEA, Base IDEA, and ARRA. Several districts do not have the grant approvals yet. Contact Nancy Lorenz to see what part(s) she is missing. 5. Mark your calendar… April 14-15, 2011 – NASES Spring Conference, Scottsbluff. May 6, 2011 – Region III in Norfolk at T.J.’s Next year’s Region III NASES meetings are posted on wiki Sept. 8 & 9, 2011 – NASES meeting at S. Sioux City (Marina Inn) Feb. 16 & 17, 2012 – NASES Legislative meeting in Lincoln April 19 & 20, 2012 – NASES Sped Law Conference 6. Staffing – Theresa is looking for speech therapist. Trudie Samec, Cross Co. school is retiring. 7. Nominations for Distinguished Service Award Stuart nominated Daryl Wilcox from Wayne State College. Those in attendance unanimously agreed. 8. Elect New President of Regiona III. Jason Harris was nominated and accepted the position. All in attendance were in favor. 9. Topics from the floor Discussion was held on wards and non/wards. Stuart sent the paperwork to all Region III NASES members. Jean will work up the requirements for filing claims with the State Health & Human Services and submit to Larianne to send out. It was reported that Health & Human Services will no longer allow cell phones as an allowable expense as of 5/1/11 for those Service Coordinators who are contracted. Frank reported that Lisa Pospishil is holding her 2nd Annual Pod Fair next Friday, April 1st, at Northeast Community College. This year’s theme is on movie making. An Apple representative and his wife will attend and help the students with their productions. This is a team learning experience. Jean Bierschenk, Secretary