APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon a motion by Mr. Roy Bowen, second by Mr. Reynolds, the Board approved the State Board minutes for September 1, 2005.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT
Chairman Copeland expressed his appreciation to President Tina Anderson, the administration, faculty and staff at Moultrie Technical College for their understanding of moving the State Board meeting. The meeting was held in an effort to honor the Governor’s request to curtail travel. Chairman Copeland committed to holding the May, 2006 State Board meeting in Moultrie.

He called attention to the State Business Transaction Disclosure report that each Member is to complete and return to the Secretary of State’s office before January 31, 2006. The forms are also available on the Board’s website.

Statewide news articles highlighting the hurricane relief efforts by the technical colleges and central office were compiled by Mike Light and shared with the Members. Chairman Copeland praised the technical college system for an outstanding job of responding to hurricane disaster relief efforts.

COMMISSIONER’S REPORT

The Commissioner reported that he attended a meeting on Monday with Governor Perdue. At this meeting, the Governor publicly expressed his appreciation for the hurricane relief efforts put forth by the technical college system and central office.

Updates:

1) Presidential Searches:
• East Central Search Committee has scheduled their first meeting.
• West Central Search Committee selected 10 of 40 applicants to begin interviewing. Three finalists will be sent to Central Office for consideration in November.
• Central Office will interview three finalists for Sandersville in the next few weeks.

2) State Board’s Strategic Initiatives:
Freida Hill, Ron Jackson and Lisa Eason and others in our system are spearheading a number of committees for the Board’s Strategic Initiatives. Preliminary reports/recommendations will be forth coming to you for your consideration in January.

3) Legislation:
Laura Gammage has done a tremendous job on our legislative efforts. “A Taste of the Technical Colleges” is January 26, from 5-7 p.m. at the Freight Depot in Atlanta. Legislators and state leadership are invited. We will have 13 to 17 of our colleges participating highlighting their culinary arts programs as well as other programs.

• Legislative priorities:

- Payroll shift funding – was inadvertently omitted from the 2006 base budget. The Department has diligently worked to restore this funding for the past year and a half. The Department’s 2006 amended budget request includes $8,635,916 in new state dollars to cover the cost of the payroll shift correction.

- Pursue funding for the Department’s Fiscal Year 2007 capital outlay priorities

- Pursue legislation that will provide the option for each technical college to carry forward certain funds from fiscal year to fiscal year

- Maintain level funding for the Adult Literacy and Quick Start programs for FY 2007

4) MRR (Roofs, heating, and air-conditioning):
We have approximately $8.9 million worth of roof leaks, heating and air-conditioning problems. Harold Reynolds worked diligently with Members of the General Assembly to secure $7.5 million. Tony Bruehl and his staff are fast tracking the repair projects. Through good bidding processes, we believe that we will be able to complete each project. Commissioner Vollmer sent a personal letter to each member of the General Assembly to let them know how much we, individually and collectively, appreciated the $7.5 million for the repair projects.

5) Communications:
A copy of an editorial by the Chairman and the Commissioner was shared with the Board. The article centers on the system’s focus of meeting the future workforce needs; expansion of training opportunities in high-demand careers; the Governor’s Center for Manufacturing Excellence at Lanier Technical College; and our stay in school initiative improving retention rates of middle and high school students. The release is written so that each college can include their efforts in these areas.

6) Real Estate:

• West Georgia Technical College received the go ahead from the Governor to relocate to the new Raytheon Building. West Georgia’s commitment is to raise the matching $1.2 million dollars.

• DeKalb Tech has started construction of the truck driving range approved at the September State Board meeting. DeKalb Tech is now pursuing a MARTA contract to train bus drivers.

7) Immigration:
Dr. Freida Hill is spearheading a review of the system’s immigration policies. It is anticipated that immigration will be a prominent issue in the upcoming General Assembly. We will need to be able to address what our policies are concerning to undocumented immigrants, attendance, etc. Roy Bowen suggested that Ralph Perales, Chairman of the Hispanic Georgia Chamber of Commerce be contacted. He felt Mr. Perales could provide additional perspectives.

• Share the document with the legislators you come in contact with at technical college events.

• Familiarize yourself with the priorities and be ready to discuss them.

• Remember the priority projects listed in the Capital Outlay request was approved by this Board, and as a Board it is imperative that we are committed to this priority list.

He reported the Executive Committee discussed the need for expanding the board schedule to allow additional time for some of the committee meetings. The following options were shared:

• Holding to a two-day meeting each month

• Continuing a one-day schedule and changing to a lengthier day

• Adjusting allotted time for the standing committees – allowing additional time for some committees and less time for others as necessary.

The November meeting in Savannah, held in conjunction with the Leadership Conference, will be a two-day meeting. In January, the Board will be meeting with the Board of Regents and Board of Education. Therefore, the January State Board meeting will be a two-day meeting. Brenda will send you some options for consideration for the 2006 schedule.

The Executive Committee is considering a modification of our legislation to authorize the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board to suspend up to two board meetings per year. The language now states the Board “shall meet monthly”.

Upon a motion by Mr. Bowen, second by Mr. Rakestraw and Mr. Tarbutton, the Board approved to authorize the Commissioner to seek a legislative change that would allow the Chairman and Vice Chairman to suspend up to two state board meetings per year depending upon the press of business.

Upon a motion by Mr. Bowen, second by Mr. Rice and several others, the Board approved suspending the December, 2005 State Board meeting, with consideration for press of business.

Future out-of-town meeting sights were discussed: State Board is committed to meet in Moultrie in May, 2006. Other possibilities included meeting at the Center of Excellence in Newnan. No action was taken and future consideration will be given to this matter.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS & PROGRAMS

I. Local Board Appointments/Re-Appointments
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, second by Ms. Lyons, the Board approved for the technical colleges below, that the persons listed be appointed/reappointed to the local board of directors of the technical college.

A. Albany Technical College, appointment
Colonel Kevin McCutcheon, Dougherty County (expiration June 30, 2007)

B. Middle Georgia Technical College, appointment
Thomas J. (Tom) McMichael, Houston County (expiration June 30, 2008)

C. West Central Technical College, appointment
Thomas A. Gordy (Tom), Coweta County, (expiration June 30, 2008)

II. Placement of Local Board Member Appointment on Board Table
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Snellgrove, the Board approved for the technical colleges below that the names listed be placed on the Board table until the November meeting for consideration of approval of appointment to the local board of directors.

A. Albany Technical College, appointment
Elizabeth (Libby) Neves, Clay County (expiration June 30, 2008 résumé) attached)

B. Atlanta Technical College, appointment
Todd E. Lucus, Fulton County, (expiration June 30, 2008 résumé) attached)

C. Columbus Technical College, appointment
Ben Richardson, Muscogee County (expiration June 30, 2008 résumé) attached)

D. Coosa Valley Technical College, appointment
Jeff Franklin, Floyd County, (expiration June 30, 2008 résumé) attached)
C. Randall Fox, Gordon County, (expiration June 30, 2008 résumé) attached)

E. Georgia Aviation Technical College, appointment
Robby Harless, (expiration June 30, 2008 résumé) attached)

F. North Metro Technical College, appointment
Michael (Mike) Knowles, Cobb County, (expiration June 30, 2008 résumé) attached)

G. Northwestern Technical College, appointment
Kathy B. Johnson, Walker County, (expiration June 30, 2007 résumé) attached)

H. Okefenokee Technical College, appointment
Tom Davis, Bacon County, (expiration June 30, 2008 résumé) attached)
Owen Herrin, Ware County, (expiration June 30, 2008 résumé) attached)

III. Revised Mission Statement
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Rakestraw and Mr. Snellgrove, the Board approved the proposed revised mission statement for Valdosta Technical College as presented below.

The mission of Valdosta Technical College, a unit of the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education, is to provide accessible quality educational opportunities, support economic growth, and promote lifelong learning for citizens in its service area. Our commitment is to provide instruction enabling students to develop knowledge, skills and good work ethics resulting in entry-level employment and career advancement. The College fulfills its mission through credit courses leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit in Business, Allied Health, and Technical and Industrial fields; workforce training for new and expanding industries; professional and personal development opportunities; and programs and services designed to assist adults in reaching literacy goals.

This revision brings the official mission statement of the college more in line with its current mission.

IV. Approval of Program Standards and Revisions
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Rakestraw, the Board approved the proposed consolidated technical certificates of credit in the program area of Environmental Horticulture as recommended by the Presidents Council. Institutions may implement the consolidated technical certificates of credit immediately and must implement them and terminate the technical certificates of credit they replace by Fall Quarter 2006.

Environmental Horticulture TCC Probe and Curriculum Document (MS Word)

PROGRAMS

V. Approval of Diplomas and Degrees
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, second by Ms. Flanders and Mr. Reynolds, the Board approved that the college requests listed below to offer diploma and degree programs effective the quarter specified for each request. Any fiscal requirements to begin these programs must be approved through the standard budget approval process.

Albany Technical College – (main campus) AAT degree program in Radiologic Technology effective Summer Quarter 2006

Moultrie Technical College – (main and Tiftarea campus) diploma program in Environmental Horticulture and (main campus) diploma program in Neuromuscular Therapist effective Fall Quarter 2005

Valdosta Technical College – (main campus and Cook County Workforce Development Center) diploma program in Firefighter/EMT effective Winter Quarter 2006

VI. Approval of Technical Certificates of Credit
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Rakestraw, the Board approved that the college requests listed below to offer technical certificates of credit effective the quarter specified for each request.

Albany Technical College – effective Fall Quarter 2005
(main and Early County campuses)
Basic Fire Company Officer
Fire Company Officer
Advanced Fire Company Officer

Bainbridge College – effective Spring Semester 2006
Catering Specialist

Central Georgia Technical College – effective Fall Quarter 2005
(Macon campus)
Basic Electronic Assembler
(Crawford County Center)
Technical Sales Specialist

DeKalb Technical College – effective Winter Quarter 2006
(Clarkston and Covington-Newton campuses)
Drafting Assistant

Middle Georgia Technical College – effective Fall Quarter 2005
Auditing and Assurances Specialist

Northwestern Technical College – effective Winter Quarter 2006
Early Childhood Exceptionalities

Ogeechee Technical College – effective Fall Quarter 2005
(main campus)
American Sign Language
Cosmetic Esthetician
Early Childhood Care and Education Special Needs
Environmental Services
– effective Winter Quarter 2006
Lawncare Technician
Landscape Management Specialist

Valdosta Technical College – effective Fall Quarter 2005
(main campus)
Animation and Game Design Specialist
Game Development Specialist
Multimedia Design Specialist
Forensics Graphics Applications Specialist
Web Layout and Content Specialist I
Web Layout and Content Specialist II
Digital Illustration and Imaging Specialist
– effective Winter Quarter 2006
(main campus and Cook County Workforce Development Center)
Human Resource Specialist I

3. Program Terminations
Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Snellgrove and Mr. Reynolds, the Board approved that the college request listed below to terminate technical certificate of credit programs effective the quarter specified.

Technical Certificates of Credit

Savannah Technical College – effective Fall Quarter 2005
(main campus)
Industrial Mechanics Assistant
Landscape Specialist

ADULT LITERACY

I. Certified Literate Community Program:
Upon a motion by Mr. Bowen, second by Mr. Johnson and Mr. Rice, the Board approved the Nancy Hart Literacy Council as a Certified Literate Community.

AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE

Approval of State Board Policy Revision

1) III.R. Instructional Staff Work Assignments
Upon a motion by Mr. Tarbutton, second by Mr. Bowen, the Board approved the proposed revisions to State Board Policy III. R. Instructional Staff Work Assignments.

BUSINESS OPERATIONS, TECHNOLOGY AND ADMINISTRATION

Equipment Purchases and Contracts
Upon a motion by Mr. Rice, second by Mr. Bowen, the Board approved to authorize the Commissioner to purchase for the technical colleges listed below the designated items or requested contracts at a cost not to exceed the amount stated by each technical college.

1) Appalachian Technical College
Furniture for new Technology Annex Building (414 tables, 957 chairs, 2 cabinets, etc.), $411,726.11

2) Columbus Technical College
Cisco Networking Equipment to update the information technology infrastructure and replace current Enterasys equipment; cost not to exceed $195,000.00.

3) Gwinnett Technical College
Contract with Tillman, Allen, Greer Marketing and Communications to provide a marketing program which includes: a) strategic management in marketing b) information architecture c) database and survey development d) project management e) creative direction f) public relations g) graphic design/illustration h) copywriting i) web programming j) web designing k) business development/sales management l) sales account representation; at an annual cost not to exceed $600,000.00.

4) Gwinnett Technical College
Inter-governmental Library agreement with Gwinnett County Public Library to provide enhanced accessibility to information resources (print and electronic), facilities, and services in order to exceed the educational and training needs to all faculty, staff and students. Costs will include funding for three MLS staff and three support staff. Costs for six months FY06 (1/01/06 thru 6/30/06) are not to exceed $168,600.00 ($28,100 per month).

5) University of Georgia
Upon a motion by Mr. Rice, second by Mr. Bowen and Mr. Snellgrove, the Board approved to authorize the Commissioner to enter into a contractual agreement with the University of Georgia, on behalf of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, to fulfill the project objectives stated in the proposal entitled, Using Research to Improve the Quality of Postsecondary Technical Education in Georgia: A Collaborative Project of the University of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education, 2005 – 2065, at an amount not to exceed $ 142,000 pending available funds. The Carl D. Perkins and StW grant are the funds sources.

6) University of Georgia
Upon a motion by Mr. Rice, second by Mr. Bowen and Ms Lyons, the Board approved to authorize the Commissioner to enter into a contractual agreement with the University of Georgia, on behalf of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, to document and analyze Georgia’s progress in building school-to-work systems congruent with its vision and guiding principles and designed and conduct the assessment of the Stay in School Initiative at an amount not to exceed $140,000 pending available funds. The Georgia StW Grant is the fund source.

7) Office of Adult Literacy
Upon a motion by Mr. Rice, second by Mr. Bowen, Mr. Smith and Ms. Lyons, the Board approved to authorize the Commissioner to enter into a contract with a search firm to assist with the selection process for the position of Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Adult Literacy at a cost not to exceed $36,000.00.

COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Mr. Rieck gave an update on the activities of Economic Development and Quick Start and there were no motions.

FACILITIES AND REAL ESTATE

Approval of Contracts

A. Upon a motion by Ms. Flanders, second by Mr. Bowen, the Board approved to authorize the Commissioner to enter into a contract for construction of a Truck Driving Range for DeKalb Technical College. The amount of the contract is not to exceed $1,165,000.00.

B. Upon a motion by Ms. Flanders, second by Ms. Lyons, the Board approved to authorize the Commissioner to enter into a contract with DSI Construction Group, Inc., Athens, Georgia, for the Renovation of Building 500, Lanier Technical College. The amount of the contract is $502,000.00.

EDUCATION LIAISON COMMITTEE

Debra Lyons stated the next meeting would be October 31 and she will present a report at the November meeting.

ANY FURTHER BUSINESS

Brenda Wise called attention to the Leadership Conference agenda and invitation to the State Board Dinner on Wednesday, November 9 included in the Board handouts. She asked for a show of hands for those needing hotel accommodations and those bringing spouses.

ADJOURN
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

_______________________________________
Brenda Wise
Director, State Board Operations

_______________________________________
Belva Strickland,
Executive Assistant to the Commissioner

©2005 Department of Technical and Adult Education