Minutes of the Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council

Minutes of the Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council July 16, 2009

Present: Bill Carver, Samuel Dickens III, Lynne Goodspeed, Jim Gray, Ervin Griffin, Charlie Harrell, Deborah Lamm, Jim Leutze, Jim Pridgen, Grady Robbins, James Sadler, Rusty Stephens, Alice Warren, Jim Zuiches,

Presentations by Jackie Savage, President, of Connectinc. and Darryl Vickers, Fayetteville State University

The following agenda items were discussed.

1. Education Specialist. A copy of the draft position description of the education specialists positions was distributed to the group (a copy of which is included in this file) with a request for feedback. Drs. Jim Zuiches and Alice Warren of NC State stated they planned to conclude this by the end of the summer, but because of budget restrictions, the job has been delayed in getting started. Alice asked for volunteers for the search committee adding that interviews will be held in Rocky Mount at the Gateway Technology Center. She stated that they have already had inquires about the position. Dr. Leutze stated that because of the large number of after-school programs, he would like to make it a priority for these positions to include assessing the effectiveness of all these programs to determine what works and what does not. Additionally, there is the question of teacher retention and what can be done to reverse this trend. Jim Zuiches explained that the people hired for these two positions will be extension specialists with a focus on knowing the community, and they will need to make opportunities to meet the school administrators as well as have a visible presence in the community. As specialists (and not coordinators), they need to be someone who is already here in the community and connected with a sense of what the needs are. The ideal candidate will be approachable, able to connect with the students, parents, and teachers; have a sense of the area; and ready to go to work. Salaries will start in the $45,000 - $50,000 range with benefits. The position is full time with the expectation of a full work week.

Dr. Griffin stated that Halifax County already has some programs in place and he will present information on the PRIDE program at the next meeting.

Jim Zuiches asked for a nomination of someone for the search committee as soon as possible so we can proceed. Please email [email protected] or contact her at 919-515-8929 if you have any comments or questions.

2. Connectinc. Jackie Savage, President of Connect inc gave a presentation about her organization which was started ten years under Governor Hunt’s administration. She said the mission of their work is to help the “working poor” make the necessary connections to stay productive. Their counseling is done entirely over the phone; they have no face-to-face meetings. They work with approximately 18,000 – 20,000 per month sharing connections for jobs, educational opportunities, day care, and a variety of things through a case management system that allows them the data to assist by identifying programs and services many of the individuals qualify for but are not necessarily aware of. From 2002 – 2009 they generated $190 million in salaries through new job opportunities. They are mentoring and supporting people all via phone – health coverage, tax credits. They work through a variety of foundations and a variety of issues, including determining eligibility for free medication, and even assist with teacher retention via mentoring and teleconferencing. Their representatives or case managers are all professionals.

On the issue of the Benefit Bank, Jackie explained that once the software is installed, it can be accessed by a variety of locations, including schools and churches free of charge. The way this system works is that by answering a series a questions, the software automatically brings up a listing of benefits the individual would qualify for, and then accesses applications as well. A person with an income of $10,000 can increase their income to almost $30,000 with the extra benefits. People will need to be trained but it is relatively simple and she is hopeful that funding will be approved by the end of August.

3. School-based Community Healthcare Centers. We have been in touch with Wayne County and at the next meeting.

4. Darryl Vickers of Fayetteville State has requested permission to set up an MBA program at the Gateway Technology Center in Rocky Mount. He presented information on the successful MBA program he coordinated at Seymour Air Force Base, and added that the program is highly regarded and ASCBA accredited. They have devised a method of delivery that is fully audio visual and can include bringing professors face-to-face as well as on-line. He talked about getting started at the Air Force Base and he felt they could do a good job here as well, emphasizing a quality program. When the course was started at Seymour, many were surprised that the course was as strenuous as it was, and dropped out, however, after that initial time the enrollment has increased. Dr. Vickers stated that they currently an employee at Seymour who is currently working three days, but could add two more days to his schedule, and he can be at the GTC for advising, etc. The cost for the course will be $113.34 per credit hour which is the price for off-campus distance education. They can start by offering a class in the fall, but they cannot advertise for six months.

Following the presentation, it was agreed to move forward with discussions on the MBA program and Dr. Vickers will arrange to make this presentation to the Gateway Technology Board. Dr. Zuiches stated he will be follow up with the GTC partners and he will work with Alice and Jim Sadler on this.