The Audubon Area Head Start Policy Council met at the Country Cupboard Restaurant in Madisonville on May 19, 1998. The meeting was called to order at 10:40 a.m. by Vickie Ratcliffe, Chairperson. Sallie Mummert made a motion to dispense with roll. Joyce Sutton seconded the motion; motion carried. A quorum was present.

Pat Barnes made a motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting. Karen Hartley seconded the motion; motion carried.

Pat Barnes made a motion to accept the agenda. Cheryl McDaniel seconded the motion; motion carried.

NHSA: Aubrey asked the Policy Council Officers to give a short report on their trip to Seattle, Washington for the National Head Start Association. The Officers all had a great time and thanked the agency for letting them attend. This report was received and filed for the record.

KHSA: Vicki Ratcliffe asked the Policy Council members who attended the Kentucky Head Start Association Conference in Louisville to give a short report on their trip. This report was received and filed for the record.

Personnel Committee: Lisa Kendall went over the list of new hires and resignations. Lisa Kendall made a motion to accept the new hires and terminations. Pam Gardner seconded the motion; motion carried.

Nomination Committee: Cheryl McDaniel gave an overview of the By-Laws regarding the position of Chairperson. Nomination for Chairperson-Elect were: Pam Gardner, Caldwell County; Lisa Kendall, Todd County; Sharra Mimms, Hopkins County; and Deepak Patel, Trigg County. Two nominees declined the nomination – Kim Gray and Karen Hartley. Vicki Ratcliffe, Chairperson, reported on the time and responsibility of being the Policy Council Chairperson. Cheryl McDaniel made a motion to cease nominations. Pam Gardner seconded the motion; motion carried. The nominees will give a short oral biography at the June Meeting before elections.

Approval of COLA/Quality: Pat Barnes made a motion to accept. Joyce Sutton seconded the motion. Aubrey gave an overview of the grant. The grant had to be in April. The Executive Committee approved the grant; the minutes from this meeting will be sent to verify Policy Council approval. Motion carried.

Approval of Head Start Expansion: Karen Hartley made a motion to accept the proposal. Kim Gray seconded the motion: Aubrey went over this proposal with the Council. Aubrey asked the Council to help him with the prioritizing of slots. He stated that these slots will start-up in August, 1999. Beginning in August, 1998, we will have full-day, full-year slots in Daviess, Crittenden, Union, and Trigg Counties. Sharra Mimms, Hopkins County stated that if a Head Start were placed at Madisonville Community College, students would participate in an Early Childhood program. Aubrey discussed the uniqueness of the partnerships and our centers. Sharra asked if over the next 5 years, with all the welfare changes, if Audubon expected a major expansion. Aubrey said it does look promising. Sharra asked about the welfare to work funds and if Audubon was able to received those funds. Aubrey stated that we were not able to get these funds. Sallie Mummert, Hancock County, asked why Hancock was not on the list of prioritized proposed sites. Aubrey stated that space and transportation in Hancock were barriers. Questions was asked why Webster is not a priority. The space that is available would have to be remodeled extensively and the cost would be to high at this time. With no further discussion, motion carries.

Plans & Procedures: Suzanne gave a short report on these. There was a change from the one mailed to the members. This report was received and filed for the record.

KERA Contracts: Aubrey gave a report on where these stand. This report was received and filed for the record.

Early Head Start Expansion: Aubrey gave a short overview and stated that this proposal would be brought to the Council in June for approval.

Refunding Application: A date for the Executive/Finance Committee to meet to discuss this grant. The committee will meet on June 5^th from 12:00 to 3:30 at the Central Office in Owensboro. If you will be attending, please call and let Carol Krampe know. This report was received and filed for the record.

Early Head Start Refunding: Pat Barnes made a motion to accept the proposal. Kim Gray seconded the motion. Aubrey explained the proposal indicating no major change or revisions from prior year except for a 4% COLA and Quality increase for staff. Proposal is due the end of May. With no further discussion, motion carries.

These report were received and filed for the record.

Sandra Buchanan, Webster County, asked about computers for the classrooms. She stated that the Preschool Coordinator has software and the Principal will give them Internet Access. It was suggested that they check with local business like G.E. and others to see if they have any programs that could accommodate this request.

Lisa Kendall, Todd County, asked if there were funds that could be used to pay for physicals for substitutes? Aubrey stated that he would check on this matter. Another suggestion was that the Health Department will do these and charge based on income.

Sallie Mummert made a motion the meeting be adjourned. Andrea Troutman seconded the motion; motion carried.