Draft Minutes

TIFTA Delegate Council Meeting

December 8, 2000

Holiday Inn—Forsyth, GA

President Tommy David called the TIFTA delegate council meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. Mr. David introduced Dr. Ken Breeden, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. Due to Dr. Breeden’s schedule, Mr. David asked Dr. Breeden to begin the meeting by addressing the foundation trustees and other participants.

Commissioner’s Message

Dr. Breeden thanked the trustees for all they do for technical education in Georgia. He discussed changing the name of the technical institutes to technical colleges, which was made possible in House Bill 1187. The name change process should be completed in early January. Breeden emphasized that the increased publicity surrounding the name change has energized communities across the state and that students are thrilled about the name change.

House Bill 1187 also changed the regulations concerning the HOPE grant. Students at the state’s technical colleges can now use HOPE as many times as they want to.

According to Dr. Breeden, total enrollment is up 16%, an increase of 8,500 students. The normal growth rate would have produced 4,500 new students; 4,000 are a bonus.

He also discussed the new funding formula. Seventy-eight new positions have been funded; 72 will be filled by fall quarter.

Dr. Breeden discussed the phenomenal enrollment growth the technical colleges are experiencing and noted the following as future trends and initiatives:

1) expansion of market as it relates to high schools

2) web-based instruction

3) targeting growth in areas with a high level of need such as information technology

4) working with the Georgia Hospital Association to meet the demand for nurses

5) adding a certificate in warehouse distribution, which will put students into the workforce in three months

Dr. Breeden stressed that the state cannot fund the growth that the technical college system is experiencing and keep up with technology. The matching grant has helped form bonds between schools and foundations that makes raising money for equipment and technology easier. In closing, Dr. Breeden noted that the best thing technical schools have going for them is the influence of the members of their boards.

Approval of Minutes

President Tommy David called for approval of the February 22, 2000, minutes. A motion was made in favor of approval and the minutes were approved as written.

Amendment to By-Laws

Tommy David presented the following by-law changes to the delegate council.

1) To change the name of the TIFTA (Technical Institute Foundation Trustees Association) to TCFA (Technical College Foundation Association).

2) To change the office of vice president to president-elect

3) To change election of officers to a two-year cycle

A motion was made and seconded to accept the changes. It carried unanimously. It was noted that the organization’s name should be changed on all official papers.

Committee Reports

Finance—Mike Lott, treasurer, reported on TIFTA finances. Total revenue, including dues, conference fees and interest as of October 31, 2000, was $69,753.96. Expenses for the year were $42,385.37, leaving a cash balance as of October 31, 2000, of $27,368.59. Total revenue (registration and golf) for the second TIFTA conference held in August 2000 was $23,115; expenses were $24,180.94; the deficit was $1,065.94. Mr. Lott noted that the organization needs to challenge itself to decide how to use the balance to meet its mission. Claire Farnell reminded the group that the delegate council originally hoped to use the surplus to staff the organization and become self-sufficient. Tommy David reminded the assembly that 2001 annual dues should be paid by January 31. A motion was made and seconded to approve the report. It was unanimously approved.

Networking—Bill Sanders and Carol Spires discussed plans for the next annual conference. Raising the registration fee to assure that expenses for a quality conference are met is under consideration. Possible locations and the possibility of partnering with TCDA (Technical College Director’s Association) for a combined conference are also being investigated. A motion was made and seconded to entrust the executive committee to set the date and location for the conference. The vote was unanimous.

Training—Sharon Baker presented the evaluation results for the 2^nd Annual TIFTA Conference that was held at Jekyll Island in August. Of the 162 attendees, those who completed evaluations were pleased with the conference. Some negative comments concerned the facilities and the food. Sharon suggested that the group consider seeking corporate sponsors for conference functions such as the opening reception.

Dr. Breeden and president-elect Lanie Ship recognized those technical college advancement officers who have completed Level 2 Certified Training. They are as follows:

Kim Frank—West Central

Jim Looney—Appalachian

Carol Spires—Lanier

Christy Shurling—Sandersville

Susan Stephens—North Metro (retired)

Carla Turner—South Georgia

Nominating—Chunk Newman presented the following slate of officers proposed by the Nominating Committee:

President—Lanie Shipp

President-elect—Bill Sanders

Secretary/Treasurer—Mike Lott

A motion was made, seconded, and unanimously passed to accept the nominations.

As incoming president, Ms. Shipp noted the growth of the organization and that she is honored to be president. She thanked Tommy David for giving the delegate council roots to grow and presented him with a gift. Mr. David thanked Dr. Breeden and Claire Farnell for the support they have given him and TCFA.

Closing Remarks

Dr. Breeden outlined DTAE’s requests that will be put before the state Legislature in January. They include the following:

1) Capital outlay

2) Funds for matching grants

3) Working with the governor to put the technical college board and funding in the state Constitution

The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Diane Blair

Recording Secretary