[Iabs-talk] ISVI updte

Tue Aug 28 19:53:10 CDT 2007

I just received the followin letter:

TO: ISVI Stakeholders
FROM: Robert Kilbury, Rh.D.
Director, Division of Rehabilitation Services
SUBJ: Update of ISVI Activities
DATE: August 24, 2007
Much activity has occurred since the last advisory committee meeting and my last update to you. Thought this would be a good opportunity to share with you information about the fiscal year ‘08 budget as well as activities and projects we were able to accomplish in fiscal year ‘07.
I know all of you have been concerned about how the budget impasse will impact the school. As of August 23, Governor Blagojevich signed the fiscal year ‘08 budget. Before doing so, he made line item deletions and reductions to the tune of $463 million. As part of these cuts, ISVI will realize a one percent reduction in the personnel and fringe benefit line. Staffing levels at ISVI are satisfactory and student needs are being met in all aspects of their education. I do not expect this 1% reduction will change that significantly.
The fiscal year ‘08 DHS budget did include an increase of $250,000 in the technology line and this amount has remained intact in the budget. We are extremely happy and excited about that. Joan Forney and her staff are eagerly awaiting the go ahead to start spending this money. 
With the assistance of the DHS budget office, we were able to secure $251,981 for new textbooks and $81,060 for new technology during fiscal year ‘07. ISVI staff were able to spend all of the money and new textbooks and technology were ready and waiting for student use when school started on Monday. 
Monthly, Mrs. Forney has been sending out newsletters to ISVI advocacy groups parents, staff, students and other interested parties about the school. If you are not receiving these monthly letters, please contact me. We will get your name and address on the mailing list. Communication issues have been improved greatly. ISVI staff have been very supportive of the positive changes Mrs. Forney has made, as are we, and have openly participated in support of the positive changes that are and will continue to happen at ISVI.

Our first go around with the interviewing and selection of a new superintendent were not as successful as we wanted. The list of candidates was excellent, however, the search committee’s first choice for new superintendent declined the position and the second choice did not meet the high standards of credentials as listed in the job description. We have reopened the application process until September 7, 2008 and as of today, we have three applications for the search committee to review and consider. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for September 13.
ISVI was able to establish a satellite 0-3 program, who will be working in the Champaign area. It is extremely positive that early intervention services can and are being provided to more youngsters and their families. The Dean of Education position was also filled this summer. This is an extremely important position at the school and something we have wanted to have filled for quite some time now. The Dean of Education is not only involved in school related issues but also is a bridge between school and dormitory issues.
Please be assured that DHS will continue to support ISVI to be a leader in the education and rehabilitation of students who are blind or visually impaired. And, thank you for your continued support and interest in the school.

--
Patti S. Gregory-Chang 
President, National Federation of the Blind of Illinois 
pattisgregory at comcast.net 
www.nfbofillinois.org 
-------------- next part --------------
I just received the followin letter:

TO: ISVI Stakeholders
FROM: Robert Kilbury, Rh.D.
Director, Division of Rehabilitation Services
SUBJ: Update of ISVI Activities
DATE: August 24, 2007
Much activity has occurred since the last advisory committee meeting and my last update to you. Thought this would be a good opportunity to share with you information about the fiscal year ‘08 budget as well as activities and projects we were able to accomplish in fiscal year ‘07.
I know all of you have been concerned about how the budget impasse will impact the school. As of August 23, Governor Blagojevich signed the fiscal year ‘08 budget. Before doing so, he made line item deletions and reductions to the tune of $463 million. As part of these cuts, ISVI will realize a one percent reduction in the personnel and fringe benefit line. Staffing levels at ISVI are satisfactory and student needs are being met in all aspects of their education. I do not expect this 1% reduction will change that significantly.
The fiscal year ‘08 DHS budget did include an increase of $250,000 in the technology line and this amount has remained intact in the budget. We are extremely happy and excited about that. Joan Forney and her staff are eagerly awaiting the go ahead to start spending this money.
With the assistance of the DHS budget office, we were able to secure $251,981 for new textbooks and $81,060 for new technology during fiscal year ‘07. ISVI staff were able to spend all of the money and new textbooks and technology were ready and waiting for student use when school started on Monday.
Monthly, Mrs. Forney has been sending out newsletters to ISVI advocacy groups parents, staff, students and other interested parties about the school. If you are not receiving these monthly letters, please contact me. We will get your name and address on the mailing list. Communication issues have been improved greatly. ISVI staff have been very supportive of the positive changes Mrs. Forney has made, as are we, and have openly participated in support of the positive changes that are and will continue to happen at ISVI.

Our first go around with the interviewing and selection of a new superintendent were not as successful as we wanted. The list of candidates was excellent, however, the search committee’s first choice for new superintendent declined the position and the second choice did not meet the high standards of credentials as listed in the job description. We have reopened the application process until September 7, 2008 and as of today, we have three applications for the search committee to review and consider. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for September 13.
ISVI was able to establish a satellite 0-3 program, who will be working in the Champaign area. It is extremely positive that early intervention services can and are being provided to more youngsters and their families. The Dean of Education position was also filled this summer. This is an extremely important position at the school and something we have wanted to have filled for quite some time now. The Dean of Education is not only involved in school related issues but also is a bridge between school and dormitory issues.
Please be assured that DHS will continue to support ISVI to be a leader in the education and rehabilitation of students who are blind or visually impaired. And, thank you for your continued support and interest in the school.

--
Patti S. Gregory-Chang
President, National Federation of the Blind of Illinois
pattisgregory at comcast.net
www.nfbofillinois.org