Jackson River Technical Center
Skills Advisory Council
Minutes
November 20, 2009
Members Present: Glenn Spangler Earl Dodrill
Teresa Hammond Kathy Holcomb
Mick Strand Clara Moseley
Ione Callender Kathy Bryant
David Kleppinger Grover Ford
· The meeting was called to order at 12:15pm
· Mr. David Kleppinger was elected chairman and Mr. Earl Dodrill was elected vice-chairman
· Mr. Spangler went over the enrollment report for the fall 2009 semester and answered questions about the enrollment.
· Mr. Spangler handed out a pamphlet that VACTE produced. The pamphlet highlighted four issues and solutions for CTE. These are issues that VACTE plans on pursuing during the legislative session. Policy Issue #1: VACTE supports increased efforts by Virginia’s colleges and universities to implement and, where they already exist, strengthen teacher preparation programs in Career and Technical Education.
Policy Issue #2: VACTE supports meaningful industry-recognized standards, assessments, and credentials for Career and Technical Education programs, staff, and students.
Policy Issue #3: VACTE supports continued integration of secondary and postsecondary Career and Technical Education curriculum with the Standards of Learning and postsecondary academic requirements, while placing particular emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Policy Issue #4: VACTE supports continued priority funding for Career and Technical Education classroom lab equipment and program improvement in order to prepare students for a competitive workforce and further education.
Discussion was held on these issues. Mr. Spangler asked for council members to contact him if they have any further questions once they get the chance to read the information.
· Mr. Spangler informed the SAC members that an economics and personal finance class will be required starting with the freshman class next fall.
· New requirements for advanced and standard diplomas were given out. It was agreed that there was a lack of incentive or need for a student to pursue the technical diplomas.
· Mr. Spangler mentioned that a personal academic and career plan will be required starting with 7th grade students next fall.
· Mr. Spangler went over some information from a Region VI Taskforce Meeting. The taskforce group wondered if school boards conduct surveys periodically about the needs of business, and if they don’t, how difficult would it be to conduct such surveys. Mr. Spangler mentioned to the SAC members that he has been interested in a survey or other ways to get information on what employers needs are, and how JRTC is doing with those needs. Mr. Kleppinger mentioned surveys that they had already done and will send copies of the surveys to Mr. Spangler. Ms. Holcomb mentioned to Mr. Spangler that he could get on the VEC web site and find out about employer needs. Ms. Hammond mentioned that she will help out any way she can from the Chamber of Commerce.
· Mr. Spangler mentioned that JRTC was hosting the District Skills USA Competition this year. There will be contests all around the district on different days. The day for all of the leadership contests at JRTC will be Saturday, February 19, 2010.
· The Meeting was adjourned at 1:30pm
Respectfully submitted
Glenn M. Spangler