Larry Anglin
Dr. Glenda Barron
Cameron Bell
Terrena Busby
Judy Bowen Clark
Barbara Bozon
Cheryl Eliano / Chris Flor
Horace Grace
Cynthia Hernandez
Eyal Kaczur
Dr. Susan Kincannon
Mary Kliewer
Dr. Thomas Klincar / Bill Luther
Dr. Marc Nigliazzo
Jose Segarra
Tama Shaw
Bill Stanford
Martha Tyroch
Carlyle Walton
Directors Absent
Mike Atkinson
Jim Granfor / Sonja Havens
Matt Maxfield / Trae Sutton
Ginger Watkins
Elected Officials and Ex-Officios
John Firth, Judge, Coryell County / Mary Himic, Deputy Garrison Command, Fort Hood
Workforce Board and Center Staff Present
Linda Angel
Wendy Ann Damon
Horace Dicks / David Gibson
Jerry Haisler
Susan Kamas / Kimberly Patterson
Sandra Russell
Wanda Williams
Guests Present
Ana Borchardt, Belton Economic Development Corporation
John Dye, Killeen Independent School District
Ralph Gauer, Office of Senator Troy Fraser
Jonathan Mize, Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services
Don Nicholas, Office of Congressman Roger Williams
Dianne Wedel, Killeen Independent School District
Call to Order, Pledge, and Chairs Report / Larry Anglin, Chair
The Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions of Central Texas held its regularly scheduled meeting at the Central Texas Workforce Center, 300 Cheyenne, Killeen, TX. Larry Anglin,Chair, called the meeting to order at approximately 9:30 a.m. noting that a quorum was present. Directors and others present pledged allegiance to the flags of the United States and Texas. Directors were asked to review the attendance record and inform staff of any corrections. No corrections were noted.
Action Items / Action Items
Consent Agenda...... Anglin
Anglin called for any discussion or objection to the consent agenda which included the Workforce Board’s business meeting minutes for April 23, 2015. There being no discussion, the items were approved as presented.
Board Officer Nomination Committee Recommendation...... Bill Stanford, Vice Chair
Bill Stanford presented the Board Officer Nomination Committee report. He indicated that the Committee recommended Matt Maxfield, Seaton Hospital, for the Vice Chair position adding that it was also recommended that Larry Anglin serve as Chair. The report stood as a motion. Second by Carlyle Walton. All in favor.
Industry Recognized Skills Certifications...... Susan Kamas, Executive Director
Susan Kamas described requirements and related funding to support a new Industry Recognized Skills Certification initiative. She reviewed activities conducted in other Workforce Areas and described a step-by-step process targeting three industry sectors in Central Texas. Motion to approve the process and proposed sectors by Mary Kliewer. Second by Martha Tyroch. All in favor.
Special Presentations
KISD School Safety Directorate...... John Dye,
School Safety Director, Killeen Independent School District
Anglin introduced John Dye, School Safety Director for the Killeen Independent School District (KISD). Dye acknowledged those he knew, highlighted some aspects from his bio, and conducted a brief ice breaker activity. Kamas acknowledged Dye noting that he was the person responsible for rapidly getting evacuation busses to the Workforce Center in Killeen several years ago in response to an armed intruder threat.
Beginning his presentation, Dye reviewed the role of School Safety Director and described the positions associated with the office. He described positions ranging from Chief of Police and police officers (18) to crossing guards (84) as well as administrative support. Providing an overview of the KISD system, Dye provided the following:
- 42,939 Students
- 52 Campuses
- 4 High Schools (9,482 students)
- 11 Middle Schools (8,660 students)
- 32 Elementary Schools (24,210 students)
- 577 “Other”
Safe Environment – Quality Education
Emergency Operations Plans
Natural, Man Made Situations
Response Plans – District, Campuses
Emergency Training – Tornado, Fire
Law Enforcement Support
Campus Staff, Student Training
1824 Surveillance Cameras
Evacuation Procedures
Focusing on Emergency Operations, Dye explained that emergency situations require coordination with a variety of outside entities including local police departments, fire departments, and city officials. He noted that coordination efforts are formally planned in advance and participating partners signoff on the final Emergency Operations Plan.
Describing school safety from a statewide perspective, Dye discussed Texas’ proactive strategies for K-12 and higher education entities which are led by the Texas School Safety Center in San Marcos. He reported that school districts are not required to have safety officers and many relied on a person who was already filling multiple roles. Referencing the KISD system, Dye stressed that the goal was to create a focus on key priorities. He explained that the school day does not follow the classroom schedule; there are evening and weekend extracurricular activities that also require safety support.
Dye also discussed the National Incident Management System (NIMS). He explained that NIMS has been used by all Emergency Management Centers since Feb. 23, 2003; it was created in response to 9-11 which drew attention to the need for a singular lead agency. Dye noted that prior to NIMS emergency responders were relying on different procedures and technologies that did not “talk” to each other. He reported that NIMS created a system for coordination and communication that stresses four priorities which keep emergency responders focused on next steps. The four priorities are:
- Prevention and Mitigation,
- Preparedness,
- Response, and
- Recovery.
After covering high-level perspectives and activities, Dye presented specific tools and resources used at KISD. He presented a large binder containing the Crisis Management Plan for Schools, and stressed that the book provides a system to find information quickly. Dye explained that it includes flow-charts with specific responsibilities and assignments for multiple team members in a variety of crisis situations. He also stressed the importance of reviewing procedures and practicing drills on a regular basis.
Dye noted that it is impossible to write a plan for every situation; however, multiple plans create opportunities to create the appropriate response when a new situation presents itself. He reported that the following situations are covered in the KISD Crisis Management Plan:
Campus Crisis Management Plan
All Hazards Approach
Medical
Violence & Crime
Lockdown / Evacuation
Facility Emergencies
Weather
Student Welfare
Terrorism
Pandemic Preparation
Regarding specific tools, Dye indicated that Principals had copies of the Crisis Management Manual by J. Barra and teachers received the School Crisis Response Handbook. Noting that all the material is copyright protected, Dye provided examples for reference. He explained that KISD schools do monthly drills and classroom teachers rely upon Emergency Response Plans which are customized to include maps for individual campuses. Referencing specific crisis situations, Dye provided the following examples of what might occur:
- Shelter in Place – Hazardous Material; Notify Teachers – Clear Message; Bring All Persons Inside Building; Account For All Persons; Shut Off HVAC; Seal Doors / Windows; No One Goes Outside; Stay Until “All Clear”;
- Exterior Lockdown – Exterior Threat; Education Process Continues; Move All Persons Inside;
- Account For All Persons; Portables – Move Inside; Lock All Exterior Doors; Doors Locked Until “All Clear”;
- Total Lockdown – Education Process Stop; Interior / Exterior Threat; Bring All Persons Inside Building; Bring All Persons Inside Classrooms – Account For All Personnel; Lock Door, Move Out Of Sight; Cover Windows – Red, Green Cards to help 1st Responders identify classrooms in trouble; Close Blinds; Lights Off; Open Door Only to1st Responders;
- Building and Site Evacuation – Can Occur for a Variety of Situations (some short and others requiring water, food, and protection from weather); Exit Building; for Site Evacuation, Move To Bus Pick Up Site; Bused To Relocation Site; Have Water – 100 Cases and Food – Pizza; Use Emergency Data Cards; Verify ID; Parent / Student – Reunited, Exit.
- Tornado Planning—Alert – Superintendent – Media; Tornado Watch/Tornado Warning; Principal Notifies Staff; Move Students, Staff, Visitors To Hallways, Bathrooms, Away From Glass; On Knees – Head To Wall
Referring to the overall process, Dye stressed the importance of practice and training that includes local First Responders. He discussed the relevance in relation to recent tornado warnings and noted that drills resulted in some just-in-time improvements. Dye also presented and described campus decision making flip charts, vests that are used to identify staff, pre-made signs for evacuation/relocation events, and food service procedures.
Regarding on-going, day-to-day activities, Dye stated that KISD relied on 1,824 surveillance cameras which used an IP system to provide live and recorded video. He also described the “Blackboard” communication system that allowed principals to send a mass notification at a rate of 2,000 phone calls per minute. Referencing on-site campus security, Dye stressed that visitors were required to swipe their drivers licenses to identify potential offenders, detection dogs were used to search for drugs and dangerous materials, and safety drills were conducted on a planned and regularly-scheduled basis.
Dye ended his presentation with a San Antonio News videofeaturing KISD security’s best practices following a mass-shooting on Fort Hood. Following the video, Dye explained that, at the time, students were being released from the 52 schools in the district – some students were walking home, others were on busses, and some were still in class. He noted that officials and teachers had no clear understanding of the threat and rumors were rampant; however, because of regularly practiced planning, everyone knew what to do and all students were rapidly secured. Referencing the question of arming teachers, Dye recommended hiring trained police. He explained that teachers are not trained or experienced, they are frightened, and they need to focus on their students.
Workforce Activities Briefing / Kamas
Referring to Dye’s presentation, Kamas provided additional detail about the past incident at the Workforce Center in Killeen. She noted that staff had practiced evacuation procedures and the process worked well.
Reporting on national workforce activities, Kamas referenced the Conference of Mayors newsletter describing Congressional budget talks. She noted that the President has indicated that he will veto spending set at Sequestration levels. Kamas stated that the approach was good news for Fort Hood. She referenced a self-sufficiency wage of $22,314 and drew attention to a new tool to calculate the cost of employee turnover.
Providing a state-level update, Kamas noted that the Texas Legislative Session would end in three days. She stated that SB208 was moving forward reminding those present that the Bill would move several programs under the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services to the Texas Workforce Commission. Locally, Kamas reported that the Business Resource Center (BRC), located in the Workforce Center in Killeen, would be receiving a Texas Economic Development Corp. Award. She noted that the BRC is jointly supported by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, the Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce, and Central Texas College adding that representatives from the partner agencies would be going to Galveston to accept the award.
Kamas asked Horace Grace to discuss Texas Association of Workforce Board (TAWB) activities. He reported that TAWB had a new Chair who had lots of energy. Grace also acknowledged speakers who discussed an on-line, for-profit organization that was assisting students who were trying to get their GEDs. He also referenced a 2-sided “Texas Dashboard” flier that provided data on demographics such as education levels. Grace explained that TAWB’s goal was to focus education on producing new employees who are trained to meet the needs of businesses; certifications and degrees were being encouraged for students leaving high school and college.
Continuing with local activities, Kamas discussed a recent “Working Texas Style” presentation done by Mick Normington with the Texas Workforce Commission. She explained that the event was part of a Greater Killeen Chamber of Commerce effort to inform the community about available resources, and Normington spoke on the day dedicated to learning about Workforce.
Kamas also referenced a recent visit to Central Texas by Mathematica, a research firm hired by the Department of Labor. She explained that the firm was exploring the impact of extended unemployment compensation for soldiers. Kamas stated that it was an “eye opening moment” when the researchers learned that of the 100 Workforce staff in Central Texas, only 5 were Wagner Peyser Employment Services funded.
Describing the Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Regional Planning Forum which was hosted in Central Texas, Kamas explained that the event included Workforce and partner organizations from Central Texas, Waco, Capital Area, and Rural Capital Area. She explained that the event focused on integrating AEL and Workforce programs and services with the goal of supporting AEL’s new employment-focused outcomes measure. Kamas reminded those present that Temple College and Central Texas College are the AEL providers in Central Texas; she stressed that the area has a great team of people who work very well together.
Kamas recognized staff member Sherry Trebus for receiving a National Arbor Day Foundation Award. Kamas reported that Mary Kay sponsored the black tie awards ceremony and Trebus was able to attend with her family. She added that Trebus and the Workforce Center’s Child Care Supervisor would be attending the Arbor Day Leadership Academy.
Naming Board members who were recently elected to serve of the Board of Governors for the Central Texas Fort Hood Chapter of the Association of the United States Army, Kamas congratulated each one for being selected. She also described the AUSA scholarship process and reported that this year’s scoring process was done efficiently with the assistance of workforce staff who turned around scoring the applications in less than four days. Kamas noted that the scholarship presentation event was still in the planning stages.
In closing, Kamas reported that all six Board members whose terms were expiring had decided to renew. She then discussed the Killeen Independent School District’s annual “Fantastic Kids” event. Kamas also provided an overview of Covey Training provided by the Texas Workforce Commission’s Training and Development Department for Workforce Senior Staff. She noted that the training was insightful, the curriculum was good and materials had been polished in comparison to similar training she has had in the past. Kamas added that the training could probably be arranged for Board members if there was an interest.
Workforce Centers Updates / Jerry Haisler, Workforce Centers Director
Jerry Haisler, Workforce Centers Director,began by acknowledging the work done by KISD and he reviewed the Workforce emergency processes that were implemented as a part of the Baldrige application process. Haisler noted that there were dedicated staff with specific assigned responsibilities which resulted in a full building evacuation and complete personnel count in less than 10 minutes. He stressed that practiced emergency procedures and policies are important for all businesses.
Regarding Business Services, Haisler discussed a “high-priority project” on Fort Hood. He described the “Hire Our Heroes Fellowship Academy” noting that the U.S. Chamber, Fort Hood, Central Texas College, and Workforce Solutions of Central Texas were all participating partners. Haisler explained that the project is modeled after a similar endeavor initiated at Joint Base Lewis McCord in Tacoma, WA. He reported that the Heroes Fellowship Academy begins with classroom training at Central Texas College; the training will prepare transitioning military for civilian work environments. Haisler indicated that, following the training, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas will connect the trainees with local employers who will providean internship in a position of responsibility. He drew attention to the fact that the transitioning military are still in the Army so their salaries are paid by the military for the entire training and internship process. Describing on-going activities, Haisler reported that employers are being recruited and fellows are being selected for a class starting in August 2015. Demonstrating the Army’s support, he also noted that if a soldier is hired as a result of the internship, the Army will release the soldier from duty prior to the scheduled release date. Haisler ended the report explaining that the graduating Fellows will be matched with local employers based on abilities, skills, interests, and aptitudes. He listed 20-25 participating local employers including Baylor Scott & White, Metroplex, and Seton Hospitals, City of Killeen, Fikes Wholesale, and Lott, Vernon & Co. PC, CPAs.