Executive Council meeting of TVDEC was called to order by President Gene Haddix (9:15 AM) Those present included: Gene Haddix, President; Larry Sweley, President-Elect; Caroline Winchester, Supt. Rep; Phyllis Brunken, ESU 7; Jerry Gronewold, ESU 11; John Stritt, TVDEC Coordinator

1. Minutes of May 17, 2001.
Phyllis Brunken moved that minutes be approved as presented. Caroline Winchester second.

2. Year ending report.
June financial statement and closing budget reports were reviewed. Discussion included further review of membership dues for 2000-01 with Genoa Public Schools.

3. Proposed budget comments
Executive Coordinator reviewed the budget proposal for 2001-02. Discussion:

• Contracted Technical Support (311) - At the May meeting, there was discussion concerning payment for technical services provided by ESU 7, 10, and 11 tech support teams. The ongoing budget of $25,000 for technical support has been used on an as needed basis. Considerations for developing a clearly defined technical support plan included:
  • Purchasing technical service contract versus hiring a technical support contract. (Service versus hiring an individual)
  • Definition of services that would be provided beyond normal maintenance agreements.
  • What services were provided in 2000-01. How much time was spent in support of distance education.
  • Determine whether an as needed basis would be more cost effective then a maintenance contract.
  • What is the step by step procedures for getting technical support. (1st - Coordinator, 2nd Coordinator seeks expanded service)
  • Coordinator was advised to organize a meeting of ESU 7, 10, and 11 technical support staff to prepare proposals for technical support. This proposal will be prepared and presented at the next executive council meeting.
    
• Contracted Administrative Support (140 & 318) - Administration costs for operations such as TVDEC and grants usually are assessed at a 5% rate of the budget. In reviewing past budgets administration support was for secretarial support only and was approximately 3% of the budget. Nothing was budgeted for fiscal management support and regular office expenses such as space, printing, and postage were not being charged to TVDEC. The executive coordinator recommended that the budgeted amount would be adjusted to reflect a 5% administrative fee. (Approximately $8,000 for 2001-02)
  
• Professional Development (670) Executive Council suggested that professional development be broken into two sections - 670 professional development expenses for the executive coordinator and 671 professional training support for member schools and staff.
  
• Executive council asked to see if there is information available concerning contributions from member schools during Tri-Valley existence.
  
• Larry Sweley moved, Phyllis Brunken seconded - that proposed budget be presented for approval at annual meeting. Approved.

4. Officers for 2001-02:
Current members of executive council agreed to have their names placed on the nomination ballot for 2001-02 TVDEC executive council. Nominations for officers from the floor will be accepted during annual meeting. Executive coordinator will prepare a ballot for upcoming annual meeting.

5. LB 833 - Impact on Tri-Valley
Phyllis Brunken commented on LB 833 and the potential impact it could have on TVDEC. Comments included:

• NDE held an informational meeting on LB 833 on Friday, July 27. Purpose was to share the impact of recent legislation to place distance education centers in schools that currently do not have distance education.
• Originally there were 38 schools identified as being eligible. Additional information indicates that up to 70 schools could be impacted.
• Schools in the Tri-Valley area include:
  • 6 ESU 10 schools (Lexington, St. Paul, Wood River, Litchfield, Grand Island and Grand Island Northwest)
  • 11 ESU 7 schools (Columbus, David City, East Butler, High Plains, Humphrey, Columbus Lakeview, Osceola, Rising City,Schuyler, Shelby, Stromsburg-Benedict)
• Schools who elect to participate must join a consortium.
• Tom Carlstrom, Humphrey Public Schools superintendent and Crossroads president shared that Crossroads is interested in information about Tri-Valley.
• John Stritt was requested to draft a letter of invitation to attend the annual meeting to Tom Carlstrom and Crossroad schools. An invitation will also be extended to all ESU 10 schools who currently are not involved in distance education.

6. System status report
Executive coordinator was asked to check with John Horvath to determine current status of Cable USA (F&S) contract.

7. Annual TVDEC Governoring Council Meeting - August 1, 2001:
The annual meeting will be held at the Kearney Ramada Inn on Wednesday, August 1 at 4:45 pm. This will follow the last session of day 1 for Administrator Days conference. Agenda items for the annual meeting include:

• Election of officers for 2001-02
• Budget proposal for 2001-02
• Comments by TVDEC Coordinator:
  • System status report - What changes might be expected in distance education.
  • School visits and principal meetings
  • Goals for 2001-02

TVDEC coordinator will send a letter to superintendents of member schools announcing the upcoming meeting.

8. Other Discussion:

• Check with NCSA for new administrators in Tri-Valley
• Legislation supporting distance education - could you move distance learning charges outside the levy. Currently this item can be outside the budget.
• Form 486 will be available soon.

9. Adjourn (11:30 AM)
Phyllis Brunken moved to adjourn. Caroline Winchester second.

Minutes prepared by John Stritt - TVDEC Executive Coordinator