Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development

Summary of the December 2005 Board of Directors Meeting

Technology Conference Center

Curriculum Report on Adult Programming

Ron Harmon reviewed the training and services Great Oaks offers to 70,000 adults each year.  Programs range from language and GED classes to public safety services and healthcare.  Individualized assessment and customized training provide needed services to businesses.

Property, Equipment and Computer Coverage Insurance

The Board of Directors accepted the lowest and best quote from Cincinnati Insurance Company for property, equipment, and computer coverage for the coming year.

Master Plan Update

As renovation on the East Wing of Scarlet Oaks is completed, work continues on more effectively utilizing the space for the Cybrary, Culinary Arts, and Administrative and Student Services at Scarlet.  Discussions with staff, students and business partners about future educational needs continue at our other campuses.

Milford Exempted Village Schools Lease Agreement Addendum

The Board of Directors approved amending the lease agreement with Milford Schools to include an additional half acre of land for their bus garage.

Ohio Development Disabilities Council Grant

The Board of Directors approved participating in a $450,000 grant from the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council.  This grant, awarded to Great Oaks and Children’s Hospital, would expand to 18 the number of business sites available for training Project SEARCH students.

Entry-Year Teacher Grant

The Board of Directors approved participating in a $7000 grant from the Ohio Department of Education for assisting new teachers by using teacher mentors. 

United Way Community Impact Grant

The Board of Directors approved participating in a $1,732,000 grant from the United Way of Greater Cincinnati.  This grant, awarded to Great Oaks and our healthcare partners, would expand healthcare career options for the underemployed through the Health Professions Academy.

eTech Ohio Professional Development Grant

The Board of Directors approved participating in a $3300 grant from eTech Ohio to support the integration of technology into our classrooms.  The grant will fund teacher training.

State Graduation Test Results

The Board of Directors reviewed passage reports on the Proficiency and Ohio Graduation Tests.  Level II students must pass the Proficiency Test to graduate, and 16% still need to pass one or more parts.  Level I students are required to pass the Ohio Graduation Test, and 51% still need to pass one or more parts.

Budget Hearing

The Board of Directors approved holding the Budget Hearing at Corporate Office on January 11, 2006 at 5:30 PM.

2006-2007 School Calendars

The Board of Directors adopted the school calendars for 2006-2007 for each campus.

Secondary Recruitment and Retention Taskforce

A taskforce has been named to develop successful recruiting strategies.

Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) Report

Tim Young reported on the successful experience of those attending the recent national ACTE Convention.  He noted the many leadership positions that Great Oaks administrators hold, and the important role Great Oaks plays in the career-technical community.  One of the highlights was a meeting with Assistant Secretary of Education, Beto Gonzalez, and his enthusiasm about our reform efforts in ensuring student preparedness.

Committee Leaders Report

Kathryn Lorenz asked all Directors to encourage their Boards of Education to select their representatives to the Great Oaks Board as soon as possible.

Report of the President/CEO

Robin White reviewed with the Board of Directors her goals for the coming year, as well as acknowledging the contributions of Board of Directors and associates who are leaving Great Oaks.

Goals of the President, CEO

      To ensure the realization of our district vision and continue improving the achievement of our students, we are focusing our efforts on strengthening Goals 1 and 2 of our four District Strategic Goals.  We will, however, continue to support the important initiatives we have in place to implement Goals 3 and 4.

Goal 1:  Prepare and support all learners to successfully enter, compete and advance in their career paths.

Goal 2:  Actively participate in the economic and educational development of our communities.

Goal 3:  Attract, recruit, retain and support human resources to support learner success.

Goal 4:  Develop and implement a facilities plan that supports a quality-learning environment for all learners and serves as a source of pride and resource for th e larger community.

Retirements

     The following Board of Directors have completed their terms on their respective Board of Education, and will be leaving the Great Oaks Board.

Steve Lewis – Greenfield – 4 years of service

Dave Moreton – Mariemont – 4 years

Mark Lemen – Princeton – 6 years

Dave Lenert – Mason – 11 years

Tim Young – Batavia – 12 years – Past Board Chair

Pete Hershberger – Sycamore – 20 years – Past Board Chair

          Two Great Oaks administrators are retiring after many years of service.

           Jim Dixon – Former Dean at Live Oaks – 31 years

            Claire Patterson – Director of Human Resources – 25 years