Schools & Universities Notes - 2015 Summer Caucus

Call to Order/Welcome/Introductions – Rhonda Hogrefe, Adult Education Supervisor for Penta Career Center and facilitator for the School Districts and Colleges/Universities Caucus, called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. Introductions were made by everyone present. Twenty-four educators attended the session representing thirteen suburban and urban school districts, community colleges, and 4-year universities.

TMACOG members who were present included:

·         William Burns – Assistant Director, Center for Regional Development, Bowling Green State University

·         Kerrie Carte – Planning Coordinator, WSOS CAC, Inc.

·         Ryan Delaney – Superintendent, North Baltimore Local Schools

·         Edward Ewers – Assistant Superintendent, Penta Career Center

·         Jennifer Fehnrich – Executive Director, Government and Community Relations, Owens Community College

·         Michael Ferguson – Superintendent, Genoa Area Local Schools

·         Susan Gibney – Marketing Manager, Toledo-Lucas County Public Library

·         Russell Gretz – Board member, North Baltimore Local Schools

·         Rhonda Hogrefe – Adult Education Supervisor, Penta Career Center

·         Jackie Huffman – Board Member, Rossford Board of Education

·         Ron Matter – Superintendent, Penta Career Center

·         Mary Ellen Mazey – President, Bowling Green State University

·         Kevin Miller – Superintendent, Ottawa Hills Local Schools

·         Debra Morris – Adult Education ABLE/GED Consortium Coordinator, Penta Career Center

·         Joe Rutherford – Board Member, Penta Career Center & Educational Services Center of Lake Erie West

·         Timothy Smith – Board Member, Wood County Educational Service Center

·         Linda Stacy – Consultant, The University of Toledo

·         Cory Stine – V.P. of Institutional Advancement, Terra State Community College

·         Polly Tayor-Gerken – Board Member, Toledo Public Schools

·         Christine Varwig – Vice President of the Board, Toledo Board of Education

·         Bob Vasquez – Board President, Toledo Board of Education

·         Kathy Vasquez – Associate Vice President, Government Relations, The University of Toledo

·         Suzanne Wetzel – Vice President of Administration, Monroe County Community College

Non-TMACOG members who were present included:

·         David Conover – Director of Toledo CTS, Northwest State Community College

·         Cheryl Geer – Internal Admissions & Alumni Affairs Coordinator, Northwest State Community College

TMACOG support staff that was present included:

·         Peggy Ricard – Director of Communications

·         Mary Pat McCarthy – Writer/Associate Editor

Discussion:

• ·         It was agreed that ongoing and frequent communication leads to efficient collaboration when opportunities arise.  Regular discussion ensures that all parties know of gaps in efficiencies and areas of expertise.
• ·         The new President of University of Toledo and Mazey of Bowling Green State University have met each other and have plans to meet with Regional Growth Partnership to talk about ways they can collaborate with the business community.
• ·         The recent equipment grant application generated a lot of communication and discussion including an inventory of equipment. One conclusion was that schools and universities have plenty of equipment but need more students. Terms of the grant said that the equipment earned could only be used for education, not for public relations. But when not in use in the classroom, schools are using the equipment for vans that can go to public events where students can tour and learn about opportunities.
• ·         Adult Diploma Plan is a state of Ohio pilot program. People without a high school diploma are invited to complete a training program. At the conclusion they receive program certification and a high school diploma. The training programs at Penta include STN, HVAC, Auto repair, pharmacy technician. Success is performance-based. Successful completion means that the graduate can go on to a 2-year or 4-year college program. They expected 50 students but have 500. The program is free.  See adultdiploma.org to see programs offered at other schools. This program is being widely advertised on billboards. One million + people in Ohio are eligible for the program.
• ·         GED. There was discussion about why people are failing the exam and if the federal GED will be phased out because of the incredible failure rate.

Generate Questions for Forum with State Lawmakers

• ·         What are legislators going to do to create accountability measure for charter schools and voucher programs?
• ·         Current rules say that if a third grader can’t read well enough, he or she is held back. Research shows that this is a bad idea that increases failure. Are legislators willing to reconsider based on all the research?
• ·         Higher education group wanted to thank legislators for (1) recent equipment grants, (2) the adult diploma pilot program, and (3) holding the line on tuition fees for two years. Their question: Can we open a dialog about the role of higher education in Ohio’s economic development? Yes, we are in workforce development but we also do important research including Lake Erie research and transportation studies.
• ·         Next Higher Ed question: Skilled trades, building trades, and manufacturing. Senior skilled workforce is ready to retire now. How can legislators provide incentives to help higher education bring un-employed and under-employed people to training? And what incentives can legislators provide to students to persuade them to pursue skilled trades.
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Action Item – Attendees asked TMACOG to facilitate more frequent meetings of the schools caucus. 

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments | www.tmacog.org