Conference Call

July 10, 2006

Minutes

Members Representatives:

Members unable to Attend:

Acting DFO: William Modzeleski

Office of the Secretary:

Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools:

Agenda:

Meeting Summary:

Meeting was held by conference call and an additional call in number was provided for the public to listen to the meeting/conference call.

General Business:

Roll Call of Members was taken at 2:04 on July 10, 2006. Following a Roll Call the meeting was called to order by David Long, Chairman of the Committee.

First item discussed was the introduction of Catherine Davis who will serve as the Executive Director and Designated Federal Official (DFO) for the Committee and will replace Phyllis Scattergood as the DFO.

Chairman Long confirmed that the next meeting of the Committee will be on Monday, August 21 from approximately 8:30-5:00 and Tuesday, August 22 from 8:00 to 11:30. The meeting will be held at the Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW , Washington DC .

Proposed Calendar:

The Committee discussed the proposed calendar for future meetings. The January dates were changed to January 16-17 due to the Martin Luther King Holiday on January 15. The Committee approved all the other proposed dates for meetings. (Final Calendar at end of document.)

State Grants:

Chairman Long discussed the importance of focusing on the States Grants Program first because of its complexity and proposed that it be the only topic at the August 21-22 meeting.

Deborah Price then introduced Holly Kuzmich, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Education. On the Secretary's behalf, Ms. Kuzmich asked the Committee to focus on the State Grants Program and provide the Secretary with the Committee's initial thinking regarding the Program by September 8, 2006, so the Committee's input can be used to inform the Secretary as the Department moves forward in the FY'2008 Budget and Policy cycle. Ms. Kuzmich confirmed that the Secretary does not want the Committee to change their long term goal of presenting the Secretary with a report on June 30, 2007 that addresses three topics: the State Grants Program, Unsafe School Choice Option and Data.

Following Ms. Kuzmich's presentation Tommy Ledbetter pointed out that on the calendar that was just approved, the September conference call/meeting was to be on Monday, September 11, 2006, which was after the September 8th date the Secretary requested information from the Committee. Ms. Price suggested that the Committee's conference call/meeting be moved to either Wednesday, September 5 or Thursday, September 6 th at 2:00 EST. Ms. Price asked for input from Committee members regarding their availability on these two dates by close of business July 12, 2006. The Committee determined that the date with the fewest conflicts with Members would be the date of the meeting.

Chairman Long proposed that the structure of August 21-22 meeting consists of panels of presenters on the issue.

Ms. Price suggested that the August 21 meeting have four panels, consisting of three or four people per panel to deliver presentations, followed by a time for questions and answers. It was suggested the Committee get a balance of views from a broad spectrum to be able to get the most extensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the program.

Chairman Long suggested, and Committee members confirmed, this is a good approach and the direction they would like to pursue.

Chairman Long asked whom the Committee should hear from. Bill Modzeleski suggested that each panel focus on one aspect or subset of the program and suggested; Coordinators/Network, State/LEA Coordinators (not part of the Network), researchers and evaluators, customers at the local level such as school boards, and possibly someone to discuss the OMB re-Part. There was also discussion about including the urban and rural perspectives.

Hope Taft mentioned suggestions for panelists that she already sent in, and mentioned they are persons that would give significant presentations.

Ms. Price asked all members to forward their suggestions for panelists to her so a list can be complied and sent to Chairman Long. In turn, he will develop a suggested list of panelists for the August meeting and will forward that proposal to Committee Members for their review and comments. Once Chairman Long receives the feedback from the Committee, he will confirm a final list of panelists who will be invited to present at the August meeting.

Ms. Price requested members send their suggestions for panelists to her by close of business, Wednesday, July 12, 2006. Mrs. Taft requested that Ms. Price send information to the Committee members that were not in attendance as soon as possible so they may be aware of the time frame for submitting suggested panelists.

There was brief discussion on the proposed format and proposed panelists. The Committee agreed to move forward as suggested.

Chairman Long adjourned the meeting at 2:55 EST.

Attached: Calendar

Proposed Schedule for August 21-22