Commissioner's SBDI/MI Advisory Committee
SBDI/MI Advisory Committee Meeting
September 25, 2008
Meeting called to order at 1:15 PM by Chairperson James. Committee members and guests introduced themselves and were reminded about the new attendance guidelines.
I Welcome and Introductions:
- New committee members and guests introduced themselves as a sign in sheet was sent around the room. Chairperson James once again thanked Jason (in absence) and Durham Transportation for the ride to SED.
- Members were reminded about the new attendance guidelines adopted at the end of last year (copy attached to Agenda and to these Minutes).
- Appointment of Secretary, Chairperson James announced that he had appointed Jim Brown as secretary for the 2008/2009 term. Jim has accepted the appointment, however, cannot be in attendance today. Linda Gaffney last year’s secretary will take notes in his absence and forward them to Jim.
- Approval of agenda : No objections
II Sub-Committee Business:
- A discussion concerning the four standing committees and an overview of their memberships was held. Members were invited to sign up for the various committees.
- Marion refreshed everyone regarding the responsibilities and level of commitment needed for the various committees. She stressed that the most critical part of the whole committee was the PDS Sub-committee which is chaired by the chairperson of the SBDI/MI Committee. She reminded everyone that there was not a lot of input last year and that is what is most vital for the success of the committee.
- Marion questioned whether we need to form a committee to review the curriculum that may result from the RFP (a Curriculum Sub-committee). In other words to assist the department in reviewing the product submitted by the vendors.
A brief discussion ensued with Chairperson James suggesting that a new committee to review curriculum be formed with members of the less active Accident Investigation, MI and PPT Sub-committees. Ted suggested that the whole committee be involved in reviewing each of the four projects resulting from RFP’s. A sign-up sheet was sent around the table for members to express their interest in serving on Sub-committees to review the individual Basic, Advanced, Pre-Service and SBDI curriculums. Pete suggested that meeting of these sub-committees could be prior or following the regular quarterly meetings of the full committee. Marion suggested the use of conference calls and or the internet instead of formal meetings.
III Update on RFP’s
Marion reported that $186,500 has been spent this year. A discussion was held on the RFP’s to be awarded. The Multi-Curriculum RFP will consist of the Basic, Advanced, Pre-Service & SBDI Curriculums. The Multi-Database RFP will consist of the Accident Fatality Database and the Driver Database. She said that generally 6-8 weeks are provided for vendors to respond after requests for bids are published. The entire RFP process is a lengthy process. Peter Mannella suggested that SED and NYAPT work together to prevent the loss of funding as has happened in the past when monies are not expended by June 30th. Marion agreed and stated that 25 % of the total awards can be advanced to the vendors after awarding of the RFP’s so as to lessen future losses.
IV Update on Regulations- Feedback on Anti-Idling Experience
Lenny Bernstein reported success in his area in regards to getting drivers to cooperate with the new anti-idling regulations. Monitoring of compliance was discussed.
V Progress on Professional Development Seminar
- Faye Stevens reported on the mapping project undertaken by PTSI to develop PDS location needs for the spring of 2009. PTSI staff positioned 1048 pins, representing SBDIs and MIs, on the state map along with locations for the PDS. She stated that five Saturday classes have been added across the state. The full schedule, with the instructor names, will be posted on the PTSI, Safety Rules, NYAPT and SED web-sites, as well as, in the newsletter. SBDI’s will request their first, second and third choices.
Carolyn Neder expressed concerns regarding class scheduling, instructor assignments and locations of classes. A discussion occurred regarding that specific site and the requirements for its use. An additional location will be secured by PTSI.
- PDS and MI evaluations were discussed at length. Marion has received questions and concerns regarding evaluations of Master Instructors and who will conduct them. She said that the current contract states that PTSI is responsible for MI evaluations. In addition, they are responsible for on-site monitoring of at least 20% of the PDS classes held statewide.
SBDI evaluations of the PDS and instructors are also the responsibility of PTSI to collect, compile, analyze and report to SED and original paperwork going to Safety Rules. Marion stated that SBDI evaluations are to be collected prior to issuing them their completion stickers. Kathy stated that PTSI welcomes input from the full committee. Although many opinions on the matter were offered it was the feeling of most on the committee that evaluation and monitoring of the PDS programs is where our focus should be.
Marion agreed and stated that the program needs more input, evaluation and guidance from the educational community (ie. academic teachers). She feels that this will improve the teaching skills of everyone. Members of the committee and audience offered to share evaluation forms and instruments. Chairperson James asked that prior to the next meeting all members begin thinking about the evaluation process and share their ideas at that time.
- Ted presented an overview of the 2009 PDS. Pre-session assignments were discussed. Incorporating PJ’s Law into the PDS was also a topic for discussion. Ted asked for feedback and ideas for refreshers. 2009 refresher topics will be Defensive Driving and Student Behavior Management. Everyone agreed that the proposed PDS schedule is headed in the right direction and that Ted is doing an excellent job creating the 2009 PDS.
VI Committee Opinion Requested concerning:
- Marion requested committee member opinions regarding a question she had received on the Heimlich Maneuver as presented in the Basic Course. A brief discussion concerning Epi-Pens also took place. All agreed that a total rewrite of this chapter in the Basic Course needs to happen.
- A very brief discussion concerning the use of a third brake light on school buses took place.
Meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM Next Meeting is December 4, 2008