March 5, 2015 at 8:30 AM - Regular Meeting

Discussion:  Call to order at 8:30. Staff: David Ludwig, Scott Isaacson, Deb Hericks Guest Steve William

Discussion:  Dr Bell arrived at 8:39

Discussion:  Freida Lange gave the NDE report. First component of the accountability model will be going before the Board. ACQuESST will be required, this is our vision. ESUCC/NDE will soon have a MOU/Master Service Agreement in place to help support initiatives.

Discussion:  No Report Summer Conference in Pittsburgh, July 13-16, 2015

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed three attachments: ESU student Count, NE Statewide Community, and Statewide Educational Technology Plan. Executive Director has used these documents during legislative hearings. Executive Director toured the ESU 13 area and spoke with several schools during his three day visit.

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed his evaluation with Board President and President Elect. Marge Beatty reviewed evaluation with Executive Committee and reviewed goals of the Executive Director. Copy of evaluation will be kept on file at the attorney's office and ESU 17 personnel file.

Discussion:  A tool needs to be created to be used with staff members. Executive Director will use his template to create evaluation with staff.

Discussion:  Discussion was held regarding hiring an ESUCC lobbyist. Executive Director would appreciate the help with all involved with legislation. Lobbyist will need to make ESUCC a priority. Exec Committee recommends that the Executive Director will investigate a lobbyist.

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed the contract management. Staff created document to track contracts when due, signed, reviewed by attorney, etc. This document will be reviewed at monthly budget meetings.

Discussion:  Executive Committee reviewed the ESUCC/PDO two year calendars. Suggest to not add state ad-hoc meetings.

Discussion:  Executive Committee reviewed the Master Service Agreement and changes to be made to document. Is it possible to make formulas consistent throughout document. ESUs can request a ceiling on amounts those items not specified or otherwise Board approve only areas that are known.

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed invoice from the 2013-2014 audit. We have a couple of Senators that are looking at audit processes for ESUs/ESUCC.

Discussion:  Executive Director discussed the letter that was received from NPERS. Flat salary, fringe benefits need to be separate. (ex: cash in lieu)

Discussion:  Executive Director visit the ESU 13 area. He visited 12 different schools in the ESU 13 area.

Discussion:  Discussion held around Math/Science Partnership. Grant writing should begin by November. Should ESUCC take over Science Grant. Create an Adhoc Committee to start discussion. Ad Hoc: ESU 16 (Deb Paulman), ESU 17, ESU 3

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed contract/scope of contract/budget agreement. Contract needs to be in place with any vendor prior to work commencing.

Discussion:  There is no public comment at this time.

Discussion:  Committee Chair and Executive Director reviewed the budget documents used for the monthly budget on 3/2/15.

Discussion:  Committee Chair and Executive Director reviewed the January financial reports.

Discussion:  Committee Chair reviewed expenses for March.

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed the Contract Management document that was created by staff. Document includes all contracts including when due, review, etc.

Discussion:  Executive Director discussed that he has been working with Steve Milliken and DHHS and will continue to have discussions regarding Medicaid funding (MIPS Expansion).

Discussion:  Finance, Budget and Audit Committee will continue to review budget goals.

Discussion:  Executive Director discussed recommended changes to the Master Service Agreement (MSA) for areas of SRS (increase tier structure), PDO (same overall budget amount), and IMAT (increase admin fees).

Discussion:  Executive Director discussed options for staff telephones. Recommend staff to purchase their own phones. By using phone for correspondence, it becomes a public record.

Discussion:  Committee Chair reviewed the invoice received from auditors.

Discussion:  Scott Isaacson reported ID Infrastructure, Identity, Data, and applications, portal. Project Scope Elements - for each area (infrastructure, identity, data and applications) Product Scope - what features will be delivered when the project/phase is completed Project Plan - what we need to do to complete the project Cost Analysis - what the project will cost, and alternative costs Needs have been discussed and must be truly "statewide." Billing and sustainability have also been addressed/discussed.

Discussion:  Scott continues to work on "single sign-on." At this time the portal software needs to be re-defined for "Nebraska." At this time, Scott reported we are a bit behind regarding the "technology plan." Bob reported the cloud is a big piece of the data dashboard. He also said this will impact every school in the State of Nebraska. Brian Gegg added a question about "centers" and how it relates to certain ESUs. Network Nebraska as an option was also addressed. A list has been created, but not analyzed. Dave has visited with LPS and OPS also. IlliniCloud has also "donated" more equipment to Nebraska. IlliniCloud representatives will give updates during the regularly scheduled ESUCC Meeting. Jim Peterson from IllniCloud gave a presentation/demo on portal to ESUCC Board.

Discussion:  A "draft" has been created by Scott Isaacson, so everyone can have access to relevant "Talking Points."

Discussion:  Dave and Scott have been working with Andrew Schlessinger at Safari. The cost has increased exponentially. Scott indicated we need to discuss in-depth alternatives as soon as possible. It was recommended that we continue to negotiate Safari and also analyze other relevant options. Executive Director to create a letter that can go out to schools regarding Safari.

Discussion:  MindShine is a company that designs software/solutions for K-12 schools and ESAs. Dave and Craig Peterson met with the owner to discuss possibilities, including a possible replacement for Safari and the ESchoolMall (Coop). The company has a team of 250 programmers that develop programs to meet individual organization needs. According to Craig, the cost is $35-$45 dollars per hour. Further discussions included vetting the company, necessary big process and questioning Safari about the original contract, and costs that were originally quoted.

Discussion:  An RFP has been created to received detailed proposals. The committee discussed Moodle, BlackBoard, Canvas and Schoology. This does not preclude other vendors from responding to the RFP and being assessed. The four aforementioned companies were discussed by an ad hoc LMS Committee. The committee recommends the continued work on the RFP process. Executive director and staff to collect cost analysis across the state for LMS.

Discussion:  The committee discussed numerous elements found within the MSA. A focus was placed on Instructional Materials.

Discussion:  Executive Director to create document addressing changes in Master Service Agreement.

Discussion:  Dr. Uhing expressed the need to promote and train schools on NROC and EdReady.

Discussion:  Lincoln Diocese has requested to join Network Nebraska. Many issues were addressed including "fairness."

Discussion:  Mike Danahy has been offered the position.

Discussion:  Dr. Uhing shared information regarding the Data Dashboard and sustainability. In the future, approximately four years from now, the NDE will be moving from the NSSRS to the Data Dashboard. There will need to be a funding source, and one avenue might be the "technology bond fund" offered through the Nebraska Public Facilities Finance Act.

Discussion:  Commitments/Beliefs: Enhance Cooperative Purchasing through effective statewide communication. Provide equitable statewide pricing for goods and services. Provide a user friendly sourcing and procurement system to meet the needs of member entities. Provide statewide and nationally leveraged contracts to it’s members. Savings realized by purchasing in quantity for present and future procurement needs. Action Plan: Increase the utilization of Coop negotiated contracts by all member entities by increasing communications to member key contacts. Increase membership of Coop by actively engaging non-participating schools and other public agencies when opportunities present themselves. Have a balanced budget by the 2018-19 year.

Discussion:  To meet this Goal Cooperative Purchasing staff have devised a plan to hold orders until the end of the order period then aggregate them by ship to location before releasing to each vendor. This goal was addressed when vendors voiced concerns of the previous years number of orders processed during our bidding and indicated some would not bid unless we aggregated orders.

Discussion:  To address some of the schools concerns about payment in the current budget year and wanting to pay vendors after the September 1 new budget year Interim Director Peterson has contacted legal council to discuss options. Legal council advises to beware of becoming a "bank" to schools. The committee discussed the possibility of moving schools to the Coop Extended Buy or year around AEPA/Special Buys, instead of "carrying" school financially.

Discussion:  Communication across the State is improving. Craig will be visiting each ESU in the near future.

Discussion:  Participation has been great. Trainings have also been recorded and are available on Coop's website.

Discussion:  Craig and the Coop staff continue to evaluate sourcing and procurement solutions.

Discussion:  Annual Buy order period began on February 23rd and will close on April 10th.

Discussion:  4th Quarter AEPA sales = $1,005,972.42 compared to $1,026,356.02 last year. 4th Quarter Special buy sales = $175,545.33 compared to $131,551.47 last year. Admin fees earned in 4th Quarter = $24,321.81

Discussion:  As you hear of building projects with in your school districts have them contact Craig or send an email to let him know about the project and he will contact the school to see if there is any way we can help save them locate currently vetted vendors and to save them dollars on the project.

Discussion:  The AEPA organization is also looking for a Sourcing solution and have reviewed three vendors. They will plan on making a decision sometime in April. Benefit of aligning to what AEPA is utilizing is both cost savings and possibly being able to leverage RFP's from other states.

Discussion:  The City of Waverly passed a Resolution on February 17th to enter into an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Waverly and ESUCC for the solicitation of public bids and enter into contracts on its own behalf and to purchase supplies, material, equipment, and services

Discussion:  Review of Financial Goals ESUCC will approve a balanced budget beginning the 2018-19 year. (3 years: $149,485 deficit) Evaluate the effectiveness of ESM and provide recommendations) for continuation of ESM or recommendation(s) of a different software provider by May 2015. Review, recommend and implement expanded opportunities for the Coop Purchasing Project.

Discussion:  Continuing to meet with ESM bi-weekly.

Discussion:  Brad Giese will the first day of PDO and second day will be a edCamp format.

Discussion:  Reviewed the PDO Vision brought forth from January PDO.

Discussion:  Monitor usage of Safari Books Online - will ask Brett Hafner, ESU 10 if he can collect data. Monitor usage all around for subscription based services.

Discussion:  Helen Banzhaf, NMPDS Executive Director is working on finalizing the budget for this year to include the carry-over funds of approximately $130,000. Some ideas for use of these funds would be to work with Native American Schools on a series of workshops. Winnebago is going to discuss with staff and get back to us. Another possible use would be to use some of the monies to help support the Math Champions to attend the NATM Conference. We could possibly hold a session to work with them on the revised standards.

Discussion:  RunningHorse Livingston will be conducting the workshops with the help of Helen Banzhaf. Sessions will be held on: Feb 24, 2015 workshop at Wakefield from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Mar 19, 2015 workshop at Wakefield from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Apr 7, 2015 workshop at Wakefield from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm June 15 – 19, 2015 workshop at Lifelong Learning Center, Norfolk 8:30 am – 4:30 pm September 14, 2015 state convention of NATM at Kearney, NE

Discussion:  Committee reviewed the two year calendar for ESUCC/PDO. Exec Committee will advance at tomorrows meeting.

Discussion:  Contract with NWEA is under review. They will have ready End of April. Will bring forth for MSA approval after contract set.

Discussion:  Michele Borg, the NDE consultant that I am partnering with on this site, will no longer be reporting to the Special Populations department. Her contact will now be supervised by the Commissioner’s Office. Dean Folkers will be her supervisor We have been meeting to develop our strategy for improving the AAP site for this new grant year.These plans include: Working with Dean Folkers to connect AAP to the NDE data warehouse. Develop reporting system so that our users can utilize the data stored on the site. Updating user privilege levels to ensure that users have the appropriate amount of access to student records on the system.

Discussion:  Marjorie is in the process of updating the code for all of the pages with forms. This is an on going process and will continue for several more months. Updated code will improve stability and security of site. Small design changes are being made as well.

Discussion:  New Features went live on the site. Notice and Consent for Early Intervention Initial Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Child Assessment. Notice of Meeting (IFSP) Filter to sort student lists by Case Manager, Team Member, and with or without NSSRS ID#. Added validations to MIPS consent form. Work has begun on our new NSSRS Reporting system. New system will streamline the process and should reduce the amount of man hours it takes to submit this report. We have developed a series of test cases to help us identify any errors or inaccuracies in the NSSRS reporting system. We have developed a help desk monitoring system to help us monitor response times and frequently reported issues. We have addressed several bugs including problems with validations on the IEP, Batch Printing, and the NSSRS report. We interviewed three additional candidates for the Systems Analyst position.

Discussion:  We continue to maintain the ILCD Staff Survey site. Our office emails data (along with a summary) to school districts upon request

Discussion:  Executive Director discussed the interview process for the last three candidates. Recommend to hire Mike Danahy for position of Systems Analyst. Systems Analyst is working on PHP refresher course and will continue to work on code to get familiarized with SRS coding. Will have Systems Analyst go to Chicago to work for about a week. Attorney's will work with Soliant on transition of program.

Discussion:  Executive Director reports that he is continuing discussions with Steve Milliken and DHHS regarding Medicaid.

Discussion:  Rule 11 addresses Early Childhood.

Discussion:  Discussion was held around boundaries for ESUs regarding Title III and Migrant. How are lines drawn for consortium.

Discussion:  Executive Director discussed Master Service Agreement (MSA) and budget goals of the SRS Project. SRS Advisory Committee will review tier structure process.

Discussion:  To be used with discretionary funds or registration fees.

Discussion:  Executive Director reviewed the Legislative Action plan that was done last year by Legislative Committee. Discussed changes/updates to document. Core Service Funding/Distance Education - possibility of introducing a bill to increase those funds or reevaluate the formula used to determine funding. Budget hearing will be on March 9th - Executive Director and NDE Commissioner will be testifying.

Discussion:  Bob Uhing was present to discuss the Network Nebraska Membership. Lincoln Diocese has applied to be on Network Nebraska as one entity. Applied for 1MG but requested 5MG. With added participation added it would increase participation fees substantially. Tech Committee approved sending a letter to Brenda Decker request agenda item to be put back on agenda because all information shared for further discussion. If they are allowed on, they have to pay a fair amount. Clearer define in statute.

Discussion:  Reviewed LB 343 (Programs of Excellence) still in Committee. The Committee will be meeting today, March 5, 2015. Senator Sullivan has a desire to move under TEEOSA - State Aide.

Discussion:  Continue for support of cent levy authority. Poll Committee on who would use levy: No: 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 Yes: 2, 6, 8, 9, 13 Abstain: 19 Absent: 7, 15 All ESUs agreed this a chronic need for ESUs.

Discussion:  Discussed the LB 402 hearing. Overall support was good.

Discussion:  There none at this time.