Minutes, taken by Carol Holmquist
October 11, 2007
October 11, 2007
Present:
Janet Booth- Eastern Shore Literacy Council
Ann Burress- LV Gloucester
Patti Donnelly- Literacy Council of Northern VA
Nancy Bush Fazzone- Rita Welsh Adult Literacy
Paula Ann Gould- LV Shenandoah County
Carol Holmquist- The READ Center
Debra Howe- Loudon Literacy Council
Annette Loschert- LV of Roanoke Valley
Vicky Sanborn- Resource Center
Rhoda Jo Stress- LV of Gloucester
Lisa Youngers- Rita Welsh Adult Literacy
Patti Donnelly reported that there is a strong possibility that in the coming 2008 VA legislative session another bill similar to HB 2937 will be introduced. Last year’s bill, which thankfully failed, prohibited nonprofits from using state or government funding to provide any services to undocumented residents. Patti will keep us posted if there is legislation or bills proposed in the coming year that may effect our service delivery.
CBLOs serving ESOL students need to know who is running on these issues.
There is a decline in attendance due to student’s fear of being discovered.
Students from Northern Virginia, Prince William and Loudoun County are heavily impacted.
Vicky Sanborn reviewed the discussion regarding Plan Adult Education in community college vs keeping it under the State Public Education system. The state currently matches federal money available to Adult Education 1:1. Could the Community College make up this funding? Would CBLOs see an influx of student’s who want free classes?
Group discussed the issue of waiting lists. Is it better to have waiting list because they are powerful as a statement of need for private founders. Of is it better to be able to place students as they request entrance to a CBLO program?
The group discussed recent Department of Education funding.
30 organizations have been funded. For CBLO -15 got DOE grants and 4 received EL Civic grants and make up 80% of counted students
VALit can be export to DOE but this will only be acceptable to DOE for FY08. After that time all grantees will have to report directly into the DOE database.
The group discussed the number and scope of CBLOs in Virginia. A full list of all CBLO is requested for use in communication VLLC’s agenda and interest.
VLLC needs to access the whole group of literacy providers.
Group adjourned at 6:00 PM and will meet next at ProLiteracy Conference in Alexandria VA in November, time and place to be announced at the Conference.