SOAR Development Board Meeting
Ferguson Building Willow Springs Missouri
October 2, 2012
Mary Sheid called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m.
Welcome extended to guests and appreciation expressed for refreshments.
Board members present: Mary Sheid, Brenda Ledgerwood, Chad Henson, Tammy Hathcock,
Mike Bowersox, Kristina Kaufman, Katie Bowden, David Pointer, Mike Ennis, Lou Wehmer,
Wendell Bailey, Miles James, Stewart Smith for Jon Smith, Frank Stringer, Zach Hamby for Don
Hamby, David Norman, Joe Lloyd, Joe Garrison, Jean Coday. A quorum was present.
Educational Guests introduced by David Pointer: Dr. Drew Bennett , Chancellor Missouri State
University – West Plains, Dr. Aaron D. Jones, J.D., Dean Drury University, Dr. Ina Linville, 4H Youth Program Director University of Missouri, Dr. Paul Rainsberger, Director of Labor
Education program University of Missouri, Willis Mushrush, Business Development Specialist,
and youth specialists for the University of Missouri, Janet Kline, Regional director University of
Missouri, Dr. Larry Price, Director South West Baptist University – Mountain View , Dr. Donald
M. Claycomb, President Linn State Technology College, Dr. Fred Czerwonka, Superintendent –
West Plains Schools, Richard McGill, Dean of Workforce Development and Career Education
Three Rivers, David Hough, Dean of the College of Education at Missouri State University.
Speaker Dr. David R. Russell, Missouri Commissioner of Higher Education introduced by
Kristina Kauffman. Dr. Russell provided an overview of the functions, goal and obstacles related
to the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education. Russell sited challenges to the
educational unification are diversity, complexity and constant change. Major functions of the
MO Coordinating Board include fiscal responsibilities, planning, academic programs,
institutional relationships, financial aid, student loans, and proprietary school licensure and
oversight. The goal of Higher Education is to “increase the proportion of Americans with highquality degrees and credentials to 60 percent by the year 2025. He noted that education costs are
up, including tuition increases while financial aid is decreased and yet tuition rates have
increased by over 30,000 since 2009. Russell indicated workers with a high school diploma or
less “bore the brunt of the recession’s job losses. Job gains in the recovery are confined to those
with education beyond high school.” According to Russell, 59% of all job opportunities by 2018
will require postsecondary education and training. The obstacles to achieving the goal are
underfunded financial aid, declining state funding for higher education, under-representation of
minority, low-income and first generation students in higher education, high remediation rates
for 1st time freshman, and ill prepared students for future workforce. The representatives for
SOAR’s region are Brian Fogle and Kathy Swan.
Dr. Russell introduced Dr. Rusty Monhollon, Assistant Commissioner for Academic Affairs.
Monhollon emphasized the need to avoid duplicating academic programs due to limited
resources. Local options may include resident centers located off of a main campus. Voluntary
community college service areas were identified. Parts of SOAR Development region are served
by Ozarks Technical CC, Mineral Area College, Three Rivers CC and the entire region by Linn
Technical College who has a state wide mission to provide technical education/training.
Collaboration and communication will be required to meet area needs without redundancy.
Q & A: What can SOAR do to increase higher education? Obtain needs assessments from local
and prospective employers. Determine the goals of 9, 10, & 11 year olds for after high school;
Technical training or college, local or out of area education. Need data: school surveys and adult
retraining needs. What are the educational funding mechanisms? MO Health Win Consortium,
Perkins Grants, Federal Health & Education Grants through MO Dept of Health & Ed, etc. How
can SOAR receive regional needs recognition? By collectively making the region’s needs known
and making a difference in your communities. What technical skills are needed? Welding,
machine shop, agricultural, timber, … Again, need surveys. Dr. Russell indicated the MO Dept.
of Education is working with the Dept of Economic Development to assess future needs. Dr.
Bennett stated MSU has surveyed a number of high schools for outreach promotion with
emphasis on transfer preparation.
Video presentation: Education Nation focus on Mtn. Home Arkansas’s Career Academy. Supt.
Bridgette Simpson stated the students “shine because they’re empowered” in this non-traditional
hands on approach to education.
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Dr. Czerwonka of West Plains School District and assistant Josh Cotter stated West
Plains is focusing on college and career readiness using the MO Connections system.
Seventh graders file a career profile. A+ Program emphasized with 1000 student
currently participating.
Dr. Claycomb of Linn Tech reported that Linn prepares students for employment and life
long learning, offering subjects not commonly offered. Linn offers a physical therapy
assistant program, nuclear program and advanced employment training designed by
employers such as International Trucks and Catepillar.
Dr. Jones stated Drury offers a more liberal arts program.
Dr. McGill described 3 Rivers as a 2 yr. AA/AS Degree program with workforce
development, customized training, job retention training and partnerships for advanced
training. Willing to collaborate with other institutions.
Dr. Bennett of MSU expressed the need for trained science and math teachers with
Elementary Math Specialty (EMS) Certification. Announced a superintendent’s meeting
MSU October 10th.
Dr. Linville, MU 4-H Youth Program Director described after school programs and
announced an upcoming summit in Columbia, MO.
Minutes and Treasurers Report were deferred until next meeting.
President’s Report: Sheid requested Board members review draft of talking points with 1 yr, 5
yr and 10 yr objectives in mind. Consensus of board to move forward with committee projects
unless otherwise informed.
Economic Development Committee: Mike Ennis indicated that a WIB letter was being drafted
re: the machine shops and other advanced training items. A training needs assessment is required
for advancement of workforce training. MOA letter of understanding. Ennis requested
recommendations for the Economic Development Committee re: Timber and agriculture
business related products, vendors, and reps.
Education Committee: A copy of Dr. Looney’s letter will be emailed to all board members.
Housing & Transportation Committee: Wendell Bailey announced a container loading center
in Willow Springs is under consideration. Multiple bonded warehouses will be involved
including Birch Tree Flooring. Kristina Kauffman moved and Chad Henson seconded a proposal
to support the submission of a MHDC Grant Proposal in collaboration between Cabool
Development Foundation and Willow Springs Community Foundation for two homes in Cabool.
The motion carried.
Young Professional Committee: Tammy Hathcock reported there are 16 representatives
currently. Their first meeting will be tentatively convened Nov. 3rd at the OzSmallBizCtr. Skype
attendance will be available. Topics will include why youths are leaving the area, what may
attract them back.
Technology Committee: Report deferred.
Fund Raising & Media: According to Mike Ennis, Carol Silvey has offered assistance with
investment ideas. Sheid stressed the need for seed money and asked the Board for suggestions.
Next meeting is November 6th at 5:30 p.m. at the Charles Ferguson Building in Willow Springs
unless notified otherwise. There will be no meeting in December due to the holidays. The goal is
to have the January meeting available via SKYPE.
Brenda Ledgerwood moved to adjourn, Mike Ennis seconded. Motion carried. Meeting was
adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted October 8th, 2012 by Rocky Kingree, Board Secretary/ Jeri Dias,
Recording Secretary