Notes from the Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council

Gateway Technology Center, Rocky Mount

May 11, 2010 4:00 p.m.

Present: Frank Avent III, Wick Baker, Lynne Goodspeed, Janice Harper, Erica Holmes (Halifax CC), Kathy Lawson, Jim Leutze, Steve Mazingo, Harriet Morrison (Halifax CC), Gwen Pitt, Jim Pridgen, Allen Purser, Grady Robbins, Karen Roddy, John Scarsella (FSU), Fred Turnage, Lynn Wagner (Wilson CC), Alice Warren

The following agenda items were discussed:

1.  Report from Education Specialists. Kathy Lawson stated that she and Karen are

proceeding with their assessment of programs. Following are some issues they have begun to address:

Students are in need of an artistic outlet in Halifax County. Following a conversation with Joe Long, 4-H, they will try to coordinate an art camp this summer.

The high rate of unemployment has an effect on students. Response is they have conducted a session for students and counselors to work on the issue of loss.

Home schooled students/parents have indicated an interested in computer technology. Response is they will do their best to coordinate a program to meet the needs of the community. Regretfully, broad band access is still spotty in some areas.

A school administrator workshop is scheduled to be held on June 24th to engage parents as well as school administrators from central office. Discussion will include barriers parents feel as well as issues in middle school and high school.

Kathy presented a request for funding by Edgecombe Schools to purchase a greenhouse to compliment an agri-program that will be reinstituted in their schools. Gwen Pitts from the Farm Bureau and Steve Mazingo, Superintendent, both in attendance, supported this request for $7,720, with the Farm Bureau adding $2,000. Alice Warren stated she supported the proposal and asked that the Council approve this appropriation. A motion was made by Jim Pridgen to approve, seconded by Frank Avent and with no objections, this proposal was approved by the group. Budget funds remaining will equal approximately $11,000

On the issue of workforce development and life skills development, Jim Pridgen also reported that Bridgestone-Firestone has supported a workforce fair for 8th graders. He added that in a program they initiated at Wilson Community College, students are graded on attitude, not necessarily aptitude. On an A-F grade scale, and a concentration on life skills, only A students are considered for a job.

2.  FSU-MBA Update. John Scarsella reported that they currently have enrolled

ten students for the summer/fall session. He also added that he is systematically trying to get interest from some of the local employers. Our next meeting will be held in the computer lab upstairs where we will have a demo on the new MBA technology classroom.

3.  Dr. Leutze announced that the Kellogg Grant has been approved for work with

young African American males in Halifax County. We will ask Cathy Hanby-Sikora to attend the next meeting to give the group a more complete explanation of the work they intend to accomplish.

4.  Report on Community Colleges Grant Applications. Alice Warren reported that

Wilson Community College’s application is for equipment to establish a virtual medical center in order to allow them to expand the number of students that can take courses. Edgecombe Community College’s proposal is for a community-wide initiative called, “Getting an Edge.” Money will be for brochures and two billboards to advertise. The Getting an Edge program will be a certification that students can receive that literally guarantees they are qualified for a program. Following a brief discussion and with no objections this funding proposal was approved.

5.  Budget – Assuming that all three remaining community college proposals are

funded – as stated earlier, our budget balance will be $11,000.

6.  Alice reported they are currently looking for a third person to compliment the staff

with Education Specialists currently housed at the GTC. The position is now in NC State Human Resources for approval and they hope to be able to begin interviewing in the mid-June.

7.  Review of Search for in-School Healthcare Time-Limited Position. Jim Leutze

reported that we had interviewed another possible candidate and we are still waiting to hear back if she will accept the position and when she can start. Wick Baker stated he has talked with a few doctors and interest is strong.

Dr. Steve Mazingo, former superintendent of Greene County, stated that the in-school healthcare initiative started during his tenure and it has been a huge resource to the area.

8.  RN2BSN Update. Janice Harper reported that North Carolina Central University has

agreed to allow transfer students to take a language and culture course rather than the foreign language 3 as previously required. This will be proposed at their committee tomorrow and she expects it will be approved.

9.  Other. Dr. Leutze briefly reviewed the executive summary regarding the study on

teacher education released from the Board of Governors. A full copy of the report can be accessed by the following link.

Grady Robbins proposed that Fred Turnage serve as an interim Executive Director

Until a more permanent person can be in place. Grady stated that he felt time was of the essence and Fred Turnage had historical knowledge of the group as well as a full knowledge of the issues the Council is working on and he would, therefore, be able keep the group whole. Alice asked for a conversation with Jim Leutze, Lynne, Jim Sadler and Jim Zuiches to form a search group and proceed.

The next meeting will begin in the media/computer lab upstairs in the Gateway

Technology Center.