Regional Meeting Minutes
Northwest Ohio S.T.A.R.S.
February 2, 2005
Present: Amy Becher; Mercer County Special Ed. Supervisor, Laurie Betscher; Hancock Co. Parent Mentor, Sandy Brickner; OCECD, Paula Frey; Wyandot Co. Parent Mentor, Julie Gundy; Findlay City Schools Parent Mentor, Cindy Herman; Wood Co. Parent Mentor, Linda Kayser; Allen Co. Parent Mentor, Kay Konwiczka; Sandusky Co. Parent Mentor, Jan Schuler; Special Ed Supervisor, Sandusky Co. ESC, Elaine Siefring; Mercer Co. Parent Mentor, Jan Steyer; Seneca Co. Parent Mentor, Karen Meyer;OSU Lima, guest speaker
I. Julie Gundy called the meeting to order with self-introductions at 9:55 a.m.
II. Minutes from December 1, 2004 were approved with a motion made by Cindy Herman and seconded by Jan Steyer.
III. Treasurer Cindy Herman reported $72.00 in treasury with a $6.50 reimbursement to be taken out for meeting supplies. Julie Gundy reported that we still have $30.51 on our Wal-Mart gift card.
IV. Agency/Committee reports:
i. OCECD- Sandy Brickner gave updates on the Reauthorization of IDEA. Until Ohio adopts regulations, the law is open to interpretation. It will take about a year for federal regs. to be adopted. Then there will be a “critical time” for input regarding the development of our own state regs. Historically, Ohio has gone beyond the federal regulations with services. For now, we will continue to use the “Operating Standards” with the exception of the change from 90 days to 60 days for evaluations as federal law supersedes state law.
ii. Parent Mentor Council- Jan Steyer reported that Parent Mentors may use the A-Z reading website for families and tutors. Contact Barb Rice for password and information regarding website. State funding will be an issue for the Parent Mentor program. Funding is okay until June of ’06, but looks very uncertain after that. Course of action and strategies to address the anticipated cuts have not been decided at this time. An autism conference is being held at Kent State on June 23 and 24th. Parent Mentors interested in sending their information for a Parent Mentor display should contact Becky Thomas, Mid East region. Circle these dates: November 2nd and 3rd for retreat. Location to be announced.
iii. OCECD Governing Board- no report
iv. ODE - no report
V. Old Business:
i. FAST Parent Advocates- Laurie Betcher explained that the FAST program is available to counties to assist families who are at risk of losing their children to out-of-home placement because of behavioral or mental health issues. The FAST program incorporates a paid part time Parent Advocate for families, but little more is known about the program other that it is a state mental health initiative.
ii. April 16th Parent/Professional Conference with Mathew Cohen- Sandy Brickner discussed details of conference with the group. Julie passed around draft copy of flyer and registration brochure. A working potluck lunch will be held on February 25th at 11:00 at Julie Gundy’s home to assemble folders and work on conference details.
Speaker-After working through most of the agenda and much discussion, the group broke from business and listened to a very informative presentation by Karen Meyer, Coordinator of Disability Services, OSU, Lima. Karen spoke on strategies for planning a successful transition from high school to college for students with disabilities. Karen distributed several great handouts, including a resource book of helpful and practical information for students, their families, and professionals.
VI. New Business: Kay shared samples and order blanks for our own custom embroidered, reasonably priced “STARS” apparel. Kay will order and arrange for the set-up cost from our treasury. We will reimburse Kay for our individual items
VII. Adjournment – meeting adjourned after orders were taken for “Star Wears”
May the force be with us!
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Kayser