Task Force on Blind Student Academic and Vocational Performance Blind Task Force (BTF)
Minutes

Regular Meeting of Committee Representatives February 5, 2019
For information on the BTF, visit http://dese.mo.gov/special-education/advisory-panels.

Members in Attendance:
Geoffrey Barney, Stephen Barr, Donna Borgmeyer, DJ Butcher, Jenny Carmack, Linda Coccovizzo, (Attended via conference call); Jane Herder, June Lenk, Bonnie Lenz, Adrian Marcos, Brent Sharp, Louise Whitworth, Angie York

Guests: 
Kevin Hollinger, George Stailey, Desiree Morris

Members Not in Attendance:
Pam Alberti, Joy Frazier Boyle, Jessica Hall, Stacy Hamlett, Reeda Rippee, Shari Scott, Ian Shadrick

Minute taker: Regina Miller, administrative assistant, OSE, DESE

Call to Order at 10:10 a.m. – B. Lenz requested to have Regina send today’s agenda, February 5, 2019 minutes, bylaws and membership list to Desiree Morris, Kevin Hollinger and George Stailey.
Roll Call – L. Whitworth 
Introductions – B. Lenz
George Stailey has come to observe the meeting. Kevin Bollinger with the Francis Howell school district is in attendance to present and discuss items of interest to the members present. 

Review and approval of February 5, 2019 DRAFT Agenda – B. Lenz Dr. Barr asked that two points of discussion be added to the meeting agenda:
•	Requirements for attendance
•	What constitutes a forum
Motion to approve with changes – B. Lenz motioned; J. Lenk seconded.

Review and approval of November 12, 2018 Minutes – B. Lenz
L. Whitworth made motion to approve; B. Sharp seconded. 

Tour of Center for Braille and Narration, May 7, 2019 – B. Lenz
Ian Shadrick was not present in this meeting. L. Whitworth will follow up with Mr. Shadrick regarding paperwork requirements and arrangements necessary to participate in a tour during the May 7, 2019 meeting. 

DESE Update – S. Barr
•	Alicia Hunt Ketterman, Assistant Director, Career Education Special Needs, DESE, will join task force in August. She currently is working and visiting with Career Technical Centers within the K-12 districts in Missouri. 
•	State applications for Parts C & B
•	Virtual Platform by July 1st
•	Building resources in RPDC centers 
•	Office of Teacher Quality to change certificate for special education to certificate for school administration adding leadership activities, etc.
 
Presentation – Kevin Hollinger, Francis Howell School District
Addressed various topics of concern from the field. A Vision Professionals roundtable was suggested during the Children’s Vision Summit. 

Presentation - Desiree Morris, Missouri School for the Blind supervisor
Discussed TVI issues as it relates to certification, qualifications, distance-based programs, service provision, management, assessment, currently mandated coursework, needed resources, recruitment and overall perception.

BTF New Members/Vacancies/Updates – L. Whitworth
What defines “Employer?” Provides jobs and training for students with disabilities and understands the disability issues of employing disabled individuals.
Adrian Marcos, current student representative for the blind task force will be graduating in May, 2019. Members will inquire for qualified candidates to fill student vacancies.

Subcommittee Updates – L. Whitworth
•	Academic and Vocational Services, L. Whitworth, Chairperson
Follow up report from recent conference call to discuss suggestions related to the need to fill student vacancies on the task force. No report as of this meeting. Adapt meeting to focus on issue of transportation, etc. 

•	Children’s Vision Summit – I. Shadrick, Chairperson
Chairperson absent from meeting – No report

•	Rules – L. Coccovizzo, Chairperson
Chairperson present via conference call – No report

•	Student Achievement – B. Lenz, Chairperson
Issue of assessment, standardized testing and accessible testing options.

Workshops/Events – L. Whitworth 
Handout provided to members present

Agenda items for May 7, 2019 meeting
•	Regina to follow up with I. Shadrick regarding requirements and arrangements to be made in preparation for tour of Center for Braille Narration at the Jefferson City Correctional Center (JCCC) in May.
•	Status regarding finalization of plans for upcoming Children’s Vision Summit

Motion to adjourn
Motion made by J. Lenk; seconded by B. Sharp
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m.