NOTICE OF MEETING
The Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund will be meeting 1:15 p.m., Thursday, April 15, 2010 in Conference Room 106, Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka, Kansas. This is an update to meeting information reported in the Kansas Register.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
Maner Conference Center, Pioneer Room, Topeka, Kansas
9:00 a.m. to Noon
Thursday, October 14, 2009
Present: Melissa Ness, Chair, Tim Cruz, Jose’ Olivas, Russell Jennings, Roderick Bremby,
David Wysong, Gwen Perkins, Lee Johnson, Shari Weber, William Nelson,
Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee), Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee),
Bobbi Mariani (SRS Designee)
Cabinet Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Absent: Sylvia Robinson, Laura Kelly, and Reginald Robinson
Guests: The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research & Public Service:
Jackie Counts, Karin Chang-Rios, Elenor Buffington, and Heather Rasmussen
Welcome and Introductions
Cabinet Chair Melissa Ness called the meeting to order. Attendees introduced themselves.
There was a quorum.
Approval of Minutes – November 18, 2008 and September 18, 2009
Cabinet members received the minutes of November 18, 2008 and September 18, 2009 before the meeting. It was moved and seconded by William Nelson and Tim Cruz, the Cabinet approve both
sets of minutes, as written. Motion carried.
Introductory Remarks from the Chair
Melissa Ness, Chair, gave an overview of the meeting agenda before introducing the KU Institute for Educational Research and Public Service staff. The Cabinet would be reviewing the CIF Briefing Binder, discussing program by program, and asking questions of the KU Institute team. The Cabinet will be making its final recommendations at the November 16th meeting. KU Institute staff include: Jackie Counts, Elenor Buffington, Heather Rasmussen, and Karin Chang-Rios.
Review of Children’s Initiatives Fund Programs
At the September meeting, the KU Institute for Educational Research and Public Service team presented material on the CIF framework and distributed copies of the CIF Informational Meeting booklet, which was given to the CIF program staff. At this meeting, the KU Institute team presented the elements of the accountability framework and timeline for surveys and interviews. They also reviewed the changes made to the process this year. Results of the information gathering process are included in the CIF Briefing Binder, which contains the following five sections:
- Overview (FY09 funding by program, agency, primary population served, and primary focus area)
- FY10 Funding (FY10 funding by program and agency)
- At-A-Glance tables (Program information in a comparative format regarding funding, population served in FY09, evidence-based practices, and quality evaluation)
- Program Information (Detailed FY09 program information in three sections: framework elements, counties served, and program outcomes summaries)
- Appendices (Accountability Framework and checklists used by Institute staff during the evaluation process).
Melissa Ness remarked that if Cabinet members desired additional information on any program,
to let the KU Institute team members know prior to the November 16 meeting.
William Nelson commented the CIF Briefing Binder is a very valuable tool and the Cabinet has come light years away from where it was three years ago. David Wysong commended the Cabinet and the KU Institute team on their good work. Melissa Ness commended the Cabinet staff on their fine work on behalf of the Cabinet.
Russ Jennings suggested the CIF Briefing Binder be posted to the Children’s Cabinet website. Jim Redmon responded the binder tables and information would be added to the website soon after the recommendations are made and this process is completed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion
It was moved and seconded by William Nelson and Jose’ Olivas the Children’s Cabinet go into Executive Session for the purpose of considering a grant-related matter. Allotted time for the discussion would be 15 minutes. Motion carried. Only voting members and staff remained in the meeting. The Cabinet went into executive sessions at 11:45 a.m.
Motion
It was moved and seconded by William Nelson and Tim Cruz, the Children’s Cabinet go back into regular session. Motion carried.
Motion
It was moved and seconded by William Nelson and Jose’ Olivas, the Children’s Cabinet approve the
change of fiscal agent for an Early Childhood Block Grant for next year as discussed
in executive session. Motion carried.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, it was moved and seconded by Tim Cruz and
William Nelson to adjourn the meeting at Noon. Motion carried.
The next meeting of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet is scheduled Monday, November 16 at
9:00 a.m. at Hayden Building, Lower Level Conference Room, 212 SW 8th Street, Topeka.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
SRS Learning Center, Room B
2600 SW East Circle Drive South
Friday, September 18, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
Present: Melissa Ness, Chair, Tim Cruz, Jose’ Olivas, Russell Jennings, Roderick Bremby,
Janet Newton, (KSDE Designee), Bobbi Mariani (SRS Designee),
Cabinet Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Absent: Sylvia Robinson, Laura Kelly, Shari Weber, Lee Johnson, David Wysong,
William Nelson, Gwen Perkins, Reginald Robinson and Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee)
Guests: The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research & Public Service:
Jackie Counts, Elenor Buffington, Karin Chang-Rios, and Heather Rasmussen
Welcome and Introductions
Cabinet Chair Melissa Ness called the meeting to order. Attendees introduced themselves.
Approval of Minutes – November 18, 2008
Cabinet members received the November 18, 2008 minutes before the meeting. Since there was not a quorum, no action was taken.
Introductory Remarks from the Chair
Melissa Ness, Chair, remarked this meeting and the October 14 meeting discussions will help the Cabinet focus on the evaluation process and setup for recommendations at the November 16 meeting.
Preparation for FY 2010 Children’s Initiatives Fund Program Recommendations
The KU Institute team members gave a power point presentation on the Children’s Initiatives Fund programs. They covered the background, information requests, timeline, accountability framework, aligning requirements, and the process used for information gathering, collecting data, looking at outcomes, measures/instruments and defining evidence-based practices/programs.
The KU team will be preparing a briefing binder for 2009 programs, which contains funding charts and at-a-glance tables on each of the CIF programs. Secretary Bremby and Commissioner Jennings were highly complimentary of the KU Institute team’s work, expertise, and efforts on behalf of the Cabinet. Commissioner Jennings asked if any agencies were gathering longitudinal information on programs. Jackie Counts responded that Kansas State Department of Education collects that type of data. Janet Newton responded that KSDE does collect KIDs data, which is used to maintain information on all school-aged children in public and private schools in Kansas. She provided the Commissioner with a contact person name.
Report from the Executive Director
Jim Redmon commented that the current Children’s Initiatives Fund programs remained at the
FY 2009 level for FY 2010. The CIF contributed $9.2 million to the State General Fund.
The Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund received its largest federal award for its Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention program at $808,464. Jim reported nine grantee organizations received CBCAP awards. Grants run from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. The grants use evidence-based practices. The Cabinet office continues to receive revenue from the Children’s Trust Fund license tags and from income received from marriage licenses. Jim was complimentary of the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services’ assistance as the administrative government body that houses the Children’s Cabinet. He was especially appreciative of Paula Hinman, Accountant with the Children and Family Services Finance & Budget Unit for the budgeting and financial administration advisor services provided to the Children’s Cabinet office.
Jim reported that Early Childhood Block Grants are up and running. Jane Weiler has been conducting site visits at all the ECBG sites and the Smart Start Kansas sites. Jane commented that she has found the visits to be helpful to both the Cabinet and to the grantees, It has been beneficial to see the programming that gets funded with the ECBG and SSK dollars. The RFPs for grant renewals for both ECBG and SSK were recently announced. Award notices will be sent in early November.
Jim reported that the Cabinet office has scheduled another Kansas Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems planning meeting with stakeholders in mid-October in Salina.
There is an Early Childhood Advisory Council grant application. Jim and members of the Early Learning Coordinating Council and KU Institute staff are completing the application. The award is $808,000. Monies received from this award will be used to bring early childhood providers together to help coordinate services in Kansas. The Kansas Early Childhood Advisory Council will be overseeing the work of the project and will have representatives from across the early childhood spectrum.
Kansas has opportunity to apply for the Early Childhood Challenge Grant. This is $8 billion dollars for eight years. It is a competitive grant and all states are eligible to apply. The monies awarded from that grant will be used in a similar manner as the ECAC grant and will be managed jointly by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Department of Education.
Jim reported that through a legislative effort, $50,000 in Children’s Initiatives Funds was paid to a diagnostic autism program. Cabinet members agreed all programs need to go through the CIF evaluation process.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion
It was moved and seconded by Jose’ Olivas and Tim Cruz the Children’s Cabinet go into Executive Session at 11:00 a.m. for 15 minutes for the purpose of discussing a grant-related matter. Only voting members and staff remained in the meeting. Motion carried.
It was moved and seconded by Tim Cruz and Jose’ Olivas, the Children’s Cabinet go back into regular session. Motion carried.
No action was taken on the grant-related topic.
Melissa suggested that Jim and staff prepare a memorandum providing the pros and cons for keeping or pulling the grant, timeline, and prepare for the possibility of scheduling a conference call with the Cabinet to brief them on possible action.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m.
The next meeting of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet is scheduled Wednesday, October 14 at 9:00 a.m. at Maner Conference Center, Pioneer Room, 1717 SW Topeka Boulevard in Topeka.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
Maner Conference Center, Pioneer Room, Capitol Plaza Hotel
1717 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas
Thursday, October 23, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Present: Melissa Ness, Chair, David Wysong, José Olivas, Laura Kelly, Tim Cruz, Shari Weber,
Roderick Bremby, Russell Jennings, Laura Howard (SRS Designee),
Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee), and Gayle Stuber, (KSDE Designee).
Cabinet Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Absent: Gwen Perkins, Sylvia Robinson, William Nelson, Carol Beier, and Reginald Robinson,
Guests: The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research & Public Service:
Jackie Counts, Elenor Buffington, Karin Chang-Rios, and Heather Rasmussen
Welcome and Introductions
Cabinet Chair Melissa Ness called the meeting to order. Attendees introduced themselves.
A quorum was present.
Approval of Minutes – September 29, 2008
Cabinet members received the September 29 minutes. It was moved and seconded by José Olivas and David Wysong to approve the minutes as written. Motion carried.
Introductory Remarks from the Chair
Melissa Ness briefly went over the meeting agenda before introducing team from the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service with The University of Kansas. Staff include:
Jackie Counts, Elenor Buffington, Karin Chang-Rios, and Heather Rasmussen.
Discussion on Children’s Initiatives Fund Programs
The KU Institute for Educational Research and Public Service team presented information and reviewed the changes made to the process this year, including adjustments to the accountability framework. There are two phases: information gathering and program assessment and reviewed the changes made to the CIF evaluation framework process this year. The team also talked about evidenced-based practices and quality evaluation checklist used.
Prior to the meeting, Cabinet members received a Briefing Binder providing information such as funding charts and at-a-glance tables on each of the CIF programs. This binder is in draft form, and there may be some updates for the November Cabinet meeting.
Based on this meeting’s discussions, the KU team will make updates to the briefing binder and provide
copies of the updates to the Cabinet at the November meeting when recommendations will be made.
Report from the Executive Director
Early Childhood Block Grant
Jim Redmon reported that at the last meeting, staff reported receiving 36 applications, proposing to serve 72 of the 105 counties, and totaling approximately $35 million dollars. A state review team reviewed the applications and made recommendations. The national review team currently is reading the applications and is scheduled to meet with Cabinet staff to discuss the applications. After that discussion and input from some of the Cabinet members, the narrowed down list of recommended applications will be presented to the full Cabinet for approval sometime in early to mid-November.
Jim reported that the RFP for Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) will be announced in November.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Children’s Cabinet scheduled is November 18, 2008 at the Topeka-Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Avenue in Topeka.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, it was moved and seconded by Jose’ Olivas and David Wysong to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET MEETING
Capitol Plaza Hotel, Emerald IV Room
1717 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas
Monday, September 29, 2008
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Present: Russell Jennings, Don Jordan, David Wysong, José Olivas, Melissa Ness, Gwen Perkins,
Roderick Bremby, Shari Weber, Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee),
and Gayle Stuber, (KSDE Designee).
Cabinet Staff: Jim Redmon, Jane Weiler, and Dyogga Adegbore
Absent: Laura Kelly, Tim Cruz, Sylvia Robinson, Carol Beier, Reginald Robinson,
and William Nelson
Guests: Jackie Counts, Elenor Buffington, Heather Rasmussen, and Karin Chang-Rios,
The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research and Public Service;
Doug Bowman, Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Developmental Services;
Kandi Miller, United Way of the Plains (Smart Start), Wichita, and
Sheli Sweeney, Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas Inc.
Welcome and Introductions
Cabinet Chair Melissa Ness called the meeting to order. Attendees introduced themselves. There was a quorum present.
Approval of Minutes – November 15, 2007
Cabinet members received the minutes of November 15, 2007. It was moved and seconded by José Olivas and David Wysong to approve the minutes as written. Motion carried.
Introductory Remarks from the Chair
Melissa Ness reported that Senator Laura Kelly would not be able to join the meeting because she fell and broke a hip.
Melissa welcomed new staff member, Jane Weiler. Jane is the Early Childhood Director
for the Kansas Children’s Cabinet. Jane talked about her background and experience.
Melissa briefly went over the meeting agenda before introducing team from the Institute for Educational Research and Public Service with The University of Kansas. Staff include Jackie Counts, Elenor Buffington, Heather Rasmussen and Karin Chang-Rios.
Discussion on Children’s Initiatives Fund Programs
The KU institute for Educational Research and Public Service Team presented information on the CIF framework. Phase I: Information Gathering, took place from July 2008 to September 19, 2008. Phase II, Assessment of Programs is currently underway. Information gathering procedures resulted in changes and challenges. The information gather process involved 1) online survey, 2) face-to-face interviews with program staff, and 3) review of program materials. The KU Team conducted an informational meeting last July with CIF programs contacts. There was a presentation, statutes overview, and a copy of the online survey. CIF programs were to provide information on population served by county, benchmarks and a summary of outcomes. The KU team refined its quality evaluation checklist. Challenges include differences in what are listed as the program titles, theory of change, determining population served, assessment of programs with sub-grantees without a centralized RFP, and evaluation of program improvement.
The KU Team will be preparing a CIF Briefing Binder for FY 2009 programs for the October 23
meeting.
Report from the Executive Director
Jim Redmon gave an update on current Children’s Cabinet operations and key projects. The Cabinet
office oversees approximately $22 million dollars in grants.
Kansas Early Childhood Block Grant
The Kansas Early Childhood Block Grant was given to the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund to administer. The Governor and the Kansas Legislature appropriated $11.1 million to fund the program. Jane Weiler reported that the Cabinet office received 36 applications, proposing to serve 72 of the 105 counties, totaling $34.8 million dollars. Jane has completed a cursory review of all 36 applications. She found that most applications had done a good job of showing theory of change and evidenced-based practice. Russell Jennings asked whether work was being done to identify communities that show more need for services to high at-risk children. Jim responded staff and reviewers will be mapping the programs in terms of the RFP, risk status and outside demographics.
Jim and Jane will facilitate national and state level reviews within the next several weeks with final
recommendations to be presented to the Cabinet in October. The goal is to have
successful applicants notified of their awards in November.
PreKindergarten move to Kansas State Department of Education
Jim Redmon reported that the legislation has established the Prek pilots’ administration transfer from the Children’s Cabinet to Kansas State Department of Education. The transition has gone well.
The next step will be the merging of Four-year old at-risk and PreK. Gayle Stuber agreed the
transition has gone well. Gayle reported she is forming a steering committee to work on strategies for
merging Four-year old at-risk and PreK.
The Cabinet discussed the recent PREK NOW report which says that Kansas ranked low in terms of its Pre-K services. The State had been compared to Missouri and Nebraska. It was reiterated that the report reflected data prior to the Pre-K Pilots, which were implemented in 2006. There was discussion that the report would help in requesting additional funding for the program.
National Governor’s Association (NGA) Grants
Jim reported that Kansas has been a recipient of a few NGA grants. Last year’s grant helped fund the Governor’s Early Childhood Summit held in Topeka. It was well attended by business, civic and legislative leaders across the State, as well as early childhood educators. The purpose was to get across the message that investing early in early childhood is smart.
Jim reported that he along with Commissioner of Education Alexa Posny, House Speaker Melvin Neufeld, and Representative Richard Kelsey were the Kansas representatives invited to Harvard for an Early Childhood Symposium. Kansas was one of 14 states selected to send a delegation for last year.
Jim reported that another NGA grant recently awarded will pay for a facilitator to assist with the early childhood systems in Kansas project.
Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention-Strengthening Families
The Children’s Cabinet also oversees Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) grants. Kansas is coordinating its early childhood plan with a strengthening families plan. The strengthening families plan helps promote strong parent involvement and parent education to help alleviated the risk of child abuse. The Strengthening Families Plan can be viewed at www2.ku.edu/~strfam/cbcap/index.shtml. The Cabinet office works with the National Alliance of Children’s Trust and Prevention Funds and also was given a grant to do strengthening families projects. Jim talked about his involvement with the National Alliance as a board member of the finance committee.
Cabinet members talked about considering additional legislative representation on the Cabinet. Melissa offered to speak with House Legislative leadership as an initial step after January 1, 2009.
Executive Session
Motion
It was moved by Jose’ Olivas and seconded by David Wysong to go into executive session for the purpose of discussing a grant-related issue with Cabinet, Executive Director, and Cabinet staff. Motion carried.
Motion
After discussion, it was moved by Jose’ Olivas and seconded by Gwen Perkins to return to regular session.
Motion carried.
Next Meetings
The next two meetings of the Children’s Cabinet scheduled are October 23 and November 18, 2008 in Topeka.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, it was moved and seconded by Jose’ Olivas and David Wysong to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
MINUTES OF THE KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET
Hayden Office Building
212 S.W. 8th Street, Topeka, Kansas
Thursday, November 15, 2007
9:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m.
Present: Russell Jennings, Laura Kelly, Melissa Ness, Tim Cruz, José Olivas, Gwen Perkins, Sylvia Robinson, David Wysong, Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee), Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee), Candace Shively (SRS Designee) and Cabinet Staff: Jim Redmon and Dyogga Adegbore
Absent: Roderick Bremby, William Nelson, Shari Weber, Carol Beier, and Reginald Robinson
Guests: Jackie Counts, Elenor Buffington, Karin Lee Chang-Rios, Heather Rasmussen, Erin Obermeier of The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, Doug Bowman, Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Developmental Services, Luella Sanders, United Way of the Plains-Wichita, and Cindy D’Ercole, Kansas Action for Children.
Welcome and Introductions
Cabinet Chair Melissa Ness called the meeting to order. There was a quorum.
Approval of Minutes- August 23 and October 17, 2007
Children’s Cabinet members received the minutes of August 23 and October 17, 2007.
David Wysong asked for a spelling correction to Jill Wolters’ name, (Revisor of Statutes Office staff member), on page 3 of the October 17th minutes, under the legislative proposal item. It was moved and seconded by José Olivas and Sylvia Robinson to approve the August 23rd minutes as written, and the October 17th minutes as corrected. Motion carried.
Discussion and Recommendations on Children’s Initiatives Fund Programs
The KU Institute for Educational Research and Public Service Team presented and reviewed the changes made to the CIF evaluation framework process this year, including adjustments to the accountability framework. Prior to the meeting, Cabinet members received a Briefing Binder providing information such as funding charts and at-a-glance tables on each of the CIF programs.
The purpose of today’s meeting was for Cabinet members to reach consensus on CIF program recommendations. Programs that met both CIF criteria and Children’s Cabinet priorities were recommended for continued funding. After review and discussion of each program, Melissa Ness and Jim Redmon will present the Cabinet’s CIF recommendations summary to the State Budget Director and Governor’s Office representatives on November 20th.
The Cabinet discussed the following:
- Master tobacco settlement dollars are going down over time. There is attrition and more programs will have proven themselves eligible to receive the dollars.
- Savings of CIF dollars to be used in the future.
- Financial audits of programs can be done through LPA or an audit mechanism of each agency.
- Cabinet evaluation of programs and how the process can be improved and strengthened. The KU Team and Jim agreed to utilize the Cabinet’s suggestions in next year’s CIF Briefing Binder. It was discussed that there was improvement in the process from year to year.
- Potential for additional master tobacco settlements entering the settlement. This discussion revolved around the use of these funds in early childhood based on the Cabinet’s interest.
Seeking Support for Prevention of Smoking Ban on School Property
David Wysong asked the Cabinet for support of an amendment he is proposing on legislation to ban all smoking in public areas where children are located. Cabinet members discussed setting a precedent of taking policy positions.
Russ Jennings suggested the Cabinet establish policies and procedures for operating, particularly if and when to take policy stances. The Cabinet could find out what Children’s Cabinets in other states do in these situations.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, it was moved and seconded by David Wysong and Tim Cruz for adjournment. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
KANSAS CHILDREN’S CABINET AND TRUST FUND
Minutes
October 17, 2007
Hayden Office Building
212 S.W. 8 th Street, Topeka, Kansas
9:00 a.m. 1:10 p.m.
Present: Russell Jennings, Don Jordan, Laura Kelly, Melissa Ness, José Olivas, David Wysong, Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee),
and Cabinet Staff: Jim Redmon and Dyogga Adegbore
Absent: Roderick Bremby, Tim Cruz, William Nelson, Gwen Perkins, Shari Weber,
Sylvia Robinson, Carol Beier, Reginald Robinson, and Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee)
Guests: Jackie Counts, Elenor Buffington, Karin Lee Chang-Rios, Heather Rasmussen,
Erin Obermeier of The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research and
Public Service, Doug Bowman, Coordinating Council on Early Childhood
Developmental Services (CCECD), Luella Sanders and Mary Ellen Conlee of
United Way of the Plains, Wichita.
Welcome and Introductions
Melissa Ness, Children’s Cabinet Chair called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone.
No action was taken as a quorum was not present.
Review of Children’s Initiative Funds
Recommendations by The KU Institute Team
The KU Institute for Educational Research and Public Service Team gave a presentation and reviewed the changes made to the process this year, including adjustments to the accountability framework. There are two phases: information gathering and program assessment. The age categories for populations served have changed in order to avoid overlap; last year it was hard to define the birth to five category because programs were asked to identify target populations, including both the birth to five and birth to 18 categories. This year, the KU Institute Team asked programs to provide actual numbers served in each category, and there is no overlap in the birth to five age range.
Challenges this year: Many programs do not need to have a formal evaluation plan as part of their reporting, and only have monitoring mechanisms in place. The level of administration has also been a challenge because monitoring in a centralized program looks very different from that of a decentralized program.
The KU Institute Team’s presentation at this meeting was a review of the Children’s Initiatives Fund money for FY 2007. The first phase of the framework, information gathering, was completed via online surveys, face-to-face interviews, and a review of program materials.
Briefing Binders were distributed to members. This binder is in draft form, and there may be some updates for the November Cabinet meeting. The funding charts and at-a-glance tables were reviewed with discussion about how to read the information. Unless a program is funded 100% by CIF, there is no way to determine what CIF money provides. It becomes part of the overall program budget, so all numbers regarding population served and financial information is in regard to the entire program, not just CIF portions.
This year, programs received a rating for evidence-based practices. Last year, there was not enough information provided by programs to give them a rating. The rating was based on a checklist (available in the appendix of the binder). The components of the quality evaluation portion of the framework were also presented.
Consideration for funding recommendations:
- Does the program align with Cabinet priorities?
- Quality evaluation plan
- Minimum Evidenced-Based Practice (EBP) Level 1. (Every program should be able to describe their plan and why they expect it to work.)
- Significance of CIF budget to the overall program budget.
- Is there a state or federal mandate that the services be provided?
- In terms of program administration:
- Can the dollars be tracked? Are there common goals? Is there a quality assurance process in place? What is the community burden on this money? (Are there local programs receiving CIF money from several sources that have to make applications to many agencies for the same pot of money?)
Cabinet questions/comments:
- % between funding by agency and presentation are a little bit off. Please check these to ensure they are correct in the binder.
- Population served information could be misleading if the binder was just picked up by someone. Can a statement of limitations be added to the binder so that someone reading this information can understand it as it is being presented today?
- Can more specific information be provided by programs that provided estimates or population-based numbers served?
- Is there any way to move programs along on the evaluation and evidence-based practices continuum? What do we tell the programs about expectations with receiving the CIF money?
- On the outcome piece, are you looking at whether or not they have outcomes or whether or not the outcomes are good for that program?
- Should there be a “double category” where the Cabinet recommendation is not fund/do
not fund (based on the information gathered annually), but one where they think it is a
good program and should be funded even if they aren’t moving toward these elements?
- Are we using the most cost-effective programming to provide services?
- On the mapping, can there be some indication on each program map showing what counties are actually served during the fiscal year rather than the counties where the services are offered?
- Would like to see the average census for the numbers served, rather than number served over the FY? How many people are being served at one time?
Discussion:
- In general, would like the leveraging information included in the Program Information Sheets.
- Next year, it would help to send information to Agency Secretaries/Commissioners to let them know that we are going out to complete the interviews so they can follow up with program staff.
- Economics have to be a part of the allocation decision. Funding from CIF remains flat or falling, but costs are rising every year.
The Children’s Cabinet will be taking action on the CIF Recommendations at its November meeting.
Request for Kansas Children’s Cabinet Support on Legislative Proposal – Senator Wysong
Senator David Wysong discussed the Kansas Health Policy Authority’s (KHPA) initiative on banning smoking on school property. Senator Wysong would like to introduce a proposal (Jill Walters will write it) to amend legislation to ban all smoking in public areas where children are located. Senator Wysong said he would like to obtain a Letter of Support from this body to attach with his proposal.
Early Childhood Report and Discussion
At the August 23 rd Cabinet meeting, the Cabinet asked for clarification of a request made by the 2010 Commission to the Children’s Cabinet, concerning asking the ELCC to participate in the early learning governance model. Jim Redmon remarked that the Children’s Cabinets’ initial response to the 2010 Commission was to continue playing the role of convener and facilitator of ELCC. Since the last Cabinet meeting, staff obtained a copy of the Commission’s August minutes .
The 2010 Commission’s August minutes reflect the request as reads, “Chairperson Chronister also asked the children’s Cabinet to respond at the next 2010 Commission meeting (September 13 th) regarding an expanded role for the Early Learning Coordinating council, including long-term planning, development of a single application for all programs, comprehensive data collection, and discussion of an organization structure designed to assist in the development of the whole child.”
At the September meeting of the 2010 Commission, Chairman Chronister asked for the ELCC to come up with a proposal within one year.
The Cabinet decided to postpone the Executive Session discussion on Matters Related to Grant Issues, and will receive the Executive Director’s report at a future meeting.
State of Kansas Budget and Timeframe (handout)
The Cabinet received a copy of State of Kansas budget process power point presentation from the Office of the Budget. The last page gives the budget chronology. Chairman Ness wanted the Cabinet members to have a copy of the handout.
Adjournment
There being no further business for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 1:10 p.m.
Next meeting:
Scheduled November 14th (Note: Rescheduled to Thursday, November 15, 2007)
Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund
Minutes
August 23, 2007
Capitol Plaza Hotel
Emerald Ballroom
1717 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, Kansas
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Present: Roderick Bremby, Tim Cruz, Russell Jennings, Don Jordan, Laura Kelly,
William Nelson, Melissa Ness, Gwen Perkins, Shari Weber, David Wysong,
Gayle Stuber (KSDE Designee) and Mark Gleeson (Supreme Court Designee).
Cabinet Staff: Jim Redmon and Dyogga Adegbore
Absent: Carol Beier, José Olivas, Sylvia Robinson, and Reginald Robinson
Guests: Jackie Counts, Elenor Buffington, Karin Lee Chang-Rios, and Heather Rasmussen, of The University of Kansas Institute for Educational Research and
Public Service, Doug Bowman, Coordinating Council on Early Childhood
Developmental Services (CCECD), Jennifer Crow, Kansas Coalition for School Readiness, and Luella Sanders, Wichita Smart Start-United Way of the Plains
Welcome and Introductions
A quorum was present for the meeting.
Melissa Ness, Children’s Cabinet Chair, called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone.
Approval of the Minutes
Tim Cruz moved and Bill Nelson seconded motion for Cabinet approving the Kansas Children’s Cabinet minutes of November 13, 2006, as written. Motion carried.
Cabinet Activity Overview
Jim Redmon reported on the Cabinet administration activities which include:
The Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund office administers 59 grants, convenes meetings of the Kansas Early Childhood Comprehensive System stakeholders (KECCS), Early Learning Coordinating Council, and Kansas Strengthening Families stakeholders and has developed the KECCS Plan and Strengthening Families Plan.
The Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund office and the KU Institute team members were currently assisting the Office of the Governor staff with planning the September 17th Governor’s Summit on Early Childhood to be held at the Capitol Plaza Hotel from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Invitations have been sent to Kansas legislators, business and civic leaders across the state, Cabinet-Board, and others for this event. There will be panels to discuss why investing early in children is important.
Review of Children’s Initiative Funds Recommendation Process
Jackie Counts, Associate Director, Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, The University of Kansas introduced her staff: Karin Lee Chang-Rios, Elenor Buffington, and Heather Rasmussen. The KU Institute Team has been instrumental in gathering data, surveying and interviewing CIF program managers, state administrators and line staff. They have been gathering general information, target populations, and amount of funding for each program based on outcomes from evidence-based practices. The KU team utilizes information from the P.A.R.T. federal monitoring requirements as the framework background. The PART process provides continuity and credibility in the data collected. At the Cabinet’s last meeting, the KU team presenting information gathering techniques for each program description. As the final stage, the KU team will be assessing the programs, looking at programs in light of the Cabinet’s priorities, showing program results based on evidence-based practices and conducting a quality evaluation in order for the Cabinet to make recommendations requiring CIF programs accountable to CIF funding requirements.
At the October and November meetings, the KU Team will be presenting data to the Cabinet for final recommendations of funding the CIF programs.
Potential Increase in Tobacco Settlement Funds: Discussion
Melissa asked the questions why should the Kansas Children’s Cabinet weigh-in on increase of funds? Where are the areas the Cabinet could recommend the state consider investing these funds? What should the Cabinet consider in order to take a new direction?
David Wysong commented that the tobacco funding will eventually dry up, thus, Cabinet will need to focus on recommending funding for those CIF programs it considers as the priorities and work with program staff in bringing up those programs that fall under CIF guidelines but are not meeting evaluation standards. There was further discussion about alternative funding sources.
At the October 17 th meeting, Melissa Ness and Jim Redmon will present a framework in the form of a year-at-glance budget calendar for which the Cabinet can utilize in making recommendations. Also, at the October meeting, the Cabinet can talk about strategies on how to reconcile implications/actions for each CIF program and consider alternate funding strategies to promote the recommendations. Jim commented in response to a question on the figure for the Master Tobacco Settlement for 2007, and funding is approximately $47 million.
Potential Increase in Tobacco Settlement Funds: Discussion (contin.)
Cabinet discussed the fact that it was set up for receiving the tobacco settlement monies and set aside into a fund called the Kansas Endowment for Youth fund or KEY fund, which in past years, is emptied once a year. Shari Weber said the Cabinet has a mechanism in place for setting aside monies from the Master Tobacco Settlement into the KEY fund. Rod Bremby talked about the Cabinet using stronger language in how it states the importance of using the resources now allocated for setting aside monies to be fulfilled in funding the KEY fund and in its initial obligation for strategic investment.
EARLY CHILDHOOD REPORT AND DISCUSSION
Legislative Post Audit Report
Melissa Ness explained this meeting would cover an update about the recent Division of Legislative Post Audit findings and recommendations presented to the 2010 Commission. The audit focus was to address whether proper coordination of early childhood programs are in place. Also, the audit focused on determining how to eliminate duplication of services for early childhood in the state. As a result of the audit, the 2010 Commission offered a proposal which did precipitate varied discussions about programs impacted. Copies of the audit were distributed to the Cabinet.
2010 Commission Report
Jim Redmon reported on the August 20 th 2010 Commission meeting. In July, the 2010 Commission started looking for governance models as a result of the LPA audit recommendations. Both Secretary Bremby and Secretary Jordan along with Jim are ex officio members of the Commission. Chairperson Rochelle Chronister presented the proposal of the Kansas Children’s Cabinet could function as governing body. That recommendation met with varied responses. The idea was dropped. Melissa and Jim discussed the importance and possible expanded role of the ELCC. Kansas Department of Education representatives presented another model. After hearing testimony, Chairperson Chronister asked the Children’s Cabinet to respond at the next 2010 Commission meeting (September 13 th) regarding an expanded role for the Early Learning Coordinating Council in designing an early learning governance model. Melissa and Jim conveyed to the 2010 Commission that the Kansas Children’s Cabinet acts as a convener and facilitator of the ELCC. Shari Weber expressed reservations about the Kansas Children’s Cabinet taking on a larger role.
MOTION:
After much discussion about the 2010 Commission request, Laura Kelly moved and David Wysong seconded the motion for Cabinet staff to convey to the 2010 Commission that the Cabinet will continue to play the role of convener and facilitator of Early Learning Coordinating Council (ELCC) and will move forward the ELCC’s process around helping design an early learning governance model, however, the Cabinet staff will obtain clarification on the Commission’s exact request and expectations of the ELCC in the process of determining an organization structure for early learning governance. Motion carried.
Note: Since this meeting, the 2010 Commission’s August 20 th minutes have been obtained and defined the request as follows: “Chairperson Chronister also asked the Children’s Cabinet to respond at the next meeting (September 13 th) regarding an expanded role for the Early Learning Coordinating Council, including long-term planning, development of a single application for all programs, comprehensive data collection, and discussion of an organization structure designed to assist in the development of the whole child.”
Adjournment
The next scheduled meetings of the Cabinet in Topeka are both on a Wednesday
October 17, 2007
November 14, 2007
There being no further business for discussion, Tim Cruz moved and Laura Kelly seconded motion for adjournment. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
