Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
Workforce Board Business Meeting Minutes
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Location: Central Texas Workforce Center, 300 Cheyenne, Killeen
Directors Present
Larry Anglin
Mike Atkinson
Dr. Glenda Barron
Judy Bowen-Clark
Barbara Bozon
Horace Grace
Sonja Havens
Dr. Susan Kincannon
Mary Kliewer
Dr. Thomas Klincar
Bill Luther
Dr. Marc Nigliazzo
Lee Peterson
Jose Segarra
Tama Shaw
Bill Stanford
Martha Tyroch
Lon Williams
Directors Absent
Cameron Bell
Brenda Coley
Cheryl Eliano
Chris Flor
Jim Granfor
Eyal Kaczur
Trae Sutton
Ann Thompson
Kimberly Wesson
Elected Officials and Ex-Officios
Andy Bird, Deputy Garrison Cmd., Fort Hood
Jon Burrows, Judge, Bell County
Workforce Board and Center Staff Present
Linda Angel
David Gibson
Wendy Ann Damon
Jerry Haisler
Horace Dicks
Susan Kamas
John Firth, Judge, Coryell County
Kimberly Patterson
Sandra Russell
Guests Present
Zachery Anglin, Guest
Dr. Robin Battershell, Temple Independent School District
Ana Borchardt, Belton Economic Development Corporation
James Campbell, Vista College
Ralph Gauer, Office of Senator Troy Fraser
Keith Gogas, Fort Hood Garrison Command
Cynthia Hernandez, Belton Economic Development Corporation
Don Nicholas, Office of Representative Ralph Sheffield
Bobby Ott, Temple Independent School District
Teresa Shipman, Army Community Service, Employment Readiness Branch
Martha Tyroch, Chair
Call to Order, Pledge, and Chairs Report
The Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions of Central Texas held its regularly scheduled
meeting at the Central Texas Workforce Center, 300 Cheyenne, Killeen, TX. Martha Tyroch,
Chair, called the meeting to order at approximately 9:30 a.m., noting that a quorum was present.
Directors and others present pledged allegiance to the flags of the United States and Texas.
Directors were asked to review the attendance record and inform staff of any corrections. No
corrections were noted.
Tyroch announced that she would be retiring from McLane Group and would be stepping down
as Chair. However, she will continue to serve on the Workforce Board as the United Way
representative. She reported that the Board’s Vice-Chair, Larry Anglin, had agreed to accept the
position of Chair a year early, and a Board Officer Nominating Committee was appointed for the
position of Vice-Chair. Committee members included: Larry Anglin, Jim Granfor, Mary
Kliewer, and Bill Stanford. Board members thanked Tyroch for her outstanding ability to “serve
with class.” Tyroch recognized Workforce leadership, giving credit for success to Susan Kamas
and Jerry Haisler.
Action Items
Consent Agenda ................................................................................................................... Tyroch
Tyroch called for any discussion or objection to the consent agenda which included the
Workforce Board’s business meeting minutes for May 22, 2014, and criteria for Eligible
Training Provider Certification. There being no discussion, the items were approved as
presented.
Central Texas Adult Education and Literacy Consortium ....Susan Kamas, Executive Director
Susan Kamas provided background information noting that the Adult Education and Literacy
program was transferred from the Texas Education Agency to the Texas Workforce Commission
during Texas’ last legislative session. She reported that two local Workforce Boards, Brazos
Valley and Gulf Coast, would be running their own programs. However, the other local Boards
were using other providers. For Central Texas, Kamas indicated that Central Texas College and
Temple College would continue to provide Adult Education and Literacy services. She
explained that one change to the current local structure would be to combine the two College’s
separate oversight groups to form the Central Texas Adult Education and Literacy Consortium.
Kamas described the proposed membership structure noting that a local Workforce Board
member would Chair the Consortium. She explained that specific members had not been
identified for each category, but noted that the Workforce Board would receive an update when
the members were confirmed. Horace Grace moved to approve the Central Texas Adult
Education and Literacy Consortium’s membership structure. Second by Lon Williams. All
others in favor.
Special Presentations
Temple Independent School District ........................................................... Dr. Robin Battershell
Superintendent, Temple ISD
Tyroch introduced Dr. Robin Battershell, Temple ISD Superintendent, drawing attention to her
personal and the School District’s recent recognitions. She noted that Temple ISD was honored
by HEB from among all school districts in Texas including a $30,000 endowment honoring
Superindendent Battershell.
Dr. Battershell began by introducing Assistant Superintendent Bobby Ott. She then discussed
recent work with local businesses noting that the ISD went to employers and asked them three
questions:
1. What jobs can’t you fill?
2. What skills or certifications are needed for the jobs?
3. Will you partner with us for these jobs?
Dr. Battershell reported that Scott & White accepted the partnership. She indicated that their
hardest to fill jobs were: coders, CNAs, pharmacy techs, and 9-1-1 dispatchers. Describing the
overall process, she noted there was an eight step model involving:
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Embedding job specific and soft skills in the curriculum,
Conducting interest inventories beginning in elementary school and continuing in middle and
high school,
Providing career training including internships beginning in the 8th grade, and
Facilitating “Career Days” that offer employer tours to groups of students that have similar
interest inventory results.
Describing the advantages of the approach, Dr. Battershell explained that early and repeated
interest inventories are important because lower income students do not always understand the
work environment and expectations. She indicated that through early exposure to potential jobs,
they can gain a vision for how to improve their lives and later assessments help them to create
plans to achieve their goals. Specific to career training and internships, Dr. Battershell noted that
students gain skills and learn on employers’ actual equipment. She added that internships often
lead to jobs since employers appreciate the opportunity to mold young people so that they
become a part of the “business family.” Dr. Battershell also stressed that students graduate with
certifications that make them more competitive as a job applicant.
Drawing attention to a handout reflecting Temple ISD’s Career Strands, Dr. Battershell noted
that Career and Technical Education and Specialized Academy Programming are focusing on
Health Science, Manufacturing/Logistics, and Information Technology. She identified the
specific schools that are involved with Career Strands and noted the specific career training that
each focused on developing. In addition to the new Career Strands programs, Dr. Battershell
indicated that mentors, WorkKeys curriculum, and anchor programs such as culinary and
cosmetology were available.
Discussing the business role, Dr. Battershell indicated that the Temple Medical and Education
District and the Temple Industrial Park were local business partners. Regarding the curriculum
and classes, She noted that there are classes like “Medical Detectives” that focus on forensic
medicine. However, they all follow the same initial model. Dr. Battershell noted that capacity to
build new curriculum and classes required phased implementation. She discussed phases of
implementation and noted key decision points that guided students to different individualized
career pathways.
Dr. Battershell ended her presentation noting that many of the certifications lead to jobs that pay
enough to finance college. She explained that the model works for Central Texas because if
addresses local workforce demands for entry-level and certified employees.
During Board member discussion, Dr. Battershell indicated that the learned skills are
transferrable, but students are certified on employers’ specific equipment which varies for
different employers. She also explained that students can select a school that it teaching their
career interest curriculum. However, she noted that they generally must provide their own
transportation. Dr. Battershell also reported that students do not miss required classes and they
still participate in extra-curricular activities. She explained that “Career Strands” is somewhat
easier than the BioScience curriculum, and can be done using block scheduling. Regarding her
source for teachers with job-specific skills, Dr. Battershell indicated that the co-hire with Scott &
White. For manufacturing, the ISD hires people with lots of experience who are ready to do
something else.
Regarding lower income kids, Dr. Battershell explained that the ISD works to build a
relationship in the local neighborhoods. They have parent classes with work opportunities,
exposure to technology, learning tools, and interest inventories. She noted that Career Days in
elementary schools is more traditional so that students are exposed to a broader array of
employment options.
When discussing the ISD’s choices for career pathways, Dr. Battershell noted that the decisions
were broadly focused. She explained that the overall goals are to improve Temple, make the ISD
a valuable resource, and make sure students get an idea about their job opportunities beginning in
the 2nd grade.
In closing, Dr. Battershell encouraged interested Board Members to participate or refer corporate
partners who would be willing to participate and provide resources. She stressed that the ISD has
a significant improvement in Completion Rates. Dr. Battershell explained that, historically, low
income students are a challenge because they have less exposure and it takes longer for them to
catch up. However, she noted that new opportunities change cultures and encourage students to
catch up and stay in the program. Giving an example of changed cultures, Dr. Battershell
reported that 28 adult graduates, including one 52 year old, graduated and walked with the
regular graduating class this year. She reported that a past adult graduate is now a nurse who
graduated from Temple College.
Kamas
Workforce Activities Briefing
Susan Kamas, Executive Director, thanked Dr. Battershell. She provided an update on the East
Temple Revitalization efforts noting that, under Dr. Battershell’s leadership, the group was
making progress. Continuing with local updates, Kamas announced that the new Killeen Mayor,
Scott Cosper, could not attend the Workforce Board because his calendar was full.
Kamas also reported that the new Belton and Killeen Mayors had attended the recent Conference
of Mayors meeting in Dallas. Providing highlights of the meeting, Kamas reported that Maria
Shriver was a keynote discussing her new book “The Shriver Report” which focuses on women
and children living in poverty; a living wage and sick leave were identified as priorities to
address the issue. Kamas added that Shriver and Oprah Winfrey held a Town Hall meeting
involving 500 women; they found that none of the women had $100 in savings. Kamas also
reported that Roger Staubach, a Navy veteran, discussed the treatment of veterans after Vietnam.
There was also a panel on sports and civil rights featuring a variety of sports heroes including
Michael Irvin and surprise guest Kareem Abdul Jabbar. She stressed that the event was hosted
and sponsored by Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings.
Kamas then discussed a Conference of Mayors presentation by the new Dallas Community
College District Chancellor, Joe Mac. He reported that the Dallas population had grown 5%, but
poverty had grown 43%. She indicated that the Chancellor also discussed the impact of
Community Colleges noting that Associate Degreed people tend to stay locally or within the
State.
Closing the update on the Conference of Mayors, Kamas stressed how proud the Texas members
were when the Texas Workforce Commission Chair, Andres Alcantar, described the positive
relationship between local and staff workforce agencies. She noted that no other state has similar
relationships.
On the national level, Kamas reported that bipartisan workforce legislation had passed the
Senate. She noted that the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is something that
Congress can say they accomplished this year.
Kamas then reported state activities. She indicated that local nominations for the annual Texas
Workforce Commission awards were going well. For the Texas Association of Workforce
Boards meeting, she asked Central Texas Board representative Horace Grace to provide an
update. Grace indicated that state workforce and education agencies were working together and it
was likely they would accomplish great things.
For local updates, Kamas reported that the Governor’s Small Business Council was meeting in
Belton, Dr. Battershell was leading the P-20 Council, and the Soldiers for Life meetings were
being held at the Workforce Center in Killeen. She also noted that she serves on the President’s
Council and had an opportunity to see the new building at Texas A&M University Central Texas.
Kamas indicated that the November Workforce Board meeting might be held at the campus to
give everyone the opportunity to see the campus and the opportunity it represents for local
students. Ending local updates, Kamas encouraged everyone to attend the Fort Hood Economic
Region’s Annual Economic Development Conference being held at Central Texas College on
June 27th; she reported that the keynote speaker would be Dr. Ray Perryman.
Closing with Workforce Board-specific updates, Kamas reported that Lon Williams celebrated a
recent anniversary. She noted that, according to the anniversary announcement article, Williams
was the first black to attend Texas A&M University. Kamas acknowledged Bill Stanford’s
grandson who made it to state baseball finals. She also recognized Barbara Bozon who received
the District Club Builder award at the Rotary District Conference, and Linda Angel who received
a Foundation Hero District Service Award. Kamas noted that Ann Thompson is retiring and Lee
Peterson would be a semi-retired consultant. She indicated that Peterson would present to the
Workforce Board in the near future. Regarding new Board members, Kamas introduced Cynthia
Hernandez who would be representing Economic Development. She announced that Matt
Maxfield, CEO, Seton Hospital, and Carlyle Walton, CEO, Metroplex Health System, were
joining the Board as business representatives. Kamas also announced that Angel had completed
her doctoral program at Walden University.
During Board discussion, Stanford noted that it is great that the agencies are working together
and that they understand that the job of education is to prepare for employment. He requested the
definition of self-sufficient wage. Kamas explained that when wages are low, the public
subsidizes salaries with food stamps and similar benefits. She added that the cost of child care
can often be more than a house payment. Kamas indicated that the local Self-sufficient Wage
Definition set by the Workforce Board would be included in next month’s meeting materials.
Jerry Haisler, Workforce Centers Director
Workforce Centers Updates
Jerry Haisler, Workforce Centers Director, reported that job seekers are expressing interest in
training that is not currently sponsored locally. To address the issue, he indicated that the
demand and target occupation list for Central Texas was being reviewed and updated. Haisler
also noted that staff were going to Central Texas College and Temple College to work with them
to get additional training programs certified. Haisler explained that it is important that job
seekers know local wages, skills and training requirements, and job availability prior to selecting
a training program. He reported that the goals of the overall review and update is (1) to create an
expanded training list that provides more opportunities for job seekers, and (2) to make sure job
seekers have a clear understanding of job requirements and benefits.
Haisler then discussed the Texas Awards for Performance Excellence Conference stating that the
speakers reinforced best practices. He noted that this year’s top winners were: Baylor Heart and
Vascular Hospital, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, and Methodist Healthcare System.
Giving specific best practice examples, Haisler described the practices presented by Pewaukee
ISD in Wisconsin. He explained that the keynote speaker described the organization’s quality
journey, technological requirements, and staff engagement practices which included the leader
sending out three notes of praise daily. Discussing specific workshops, Haisler described “What
is Stupid?”, a workshop that explained how to engage employees by asking what keeps them up
at night and what is stupid about the way it is being addressed? He also discussed a presentation
by Texas Health Resources that stressed that quality does not come from random acts of
improvement – it requires systematic, planful processes that can be replicated.
Haisler stressed that there is never a right time to begin quality initiative, so organizations should
just make the commitment and do it. He explained that Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
has systematic processes for listening to employees, knowing the purpose of the organization and
the challenges that must be faced, and using data to improve performance. Haisler explained that
there are seldom complaints because issues are handled at the lowest levels.
Discussing past Texas Award for Performance Excellence recipients, Haisler reported that
Goodwill Central Texas in Austin changed its mission statement to: Generating life-long
connections to work. Their goal was to transition 100,000 individuals to work; so far, 4,500
have been transitioned. Haisler stressed that the accomplishment demonstrates how small
changes can make a difference.
Describing local practices for improvement, Haisler reminded Board members that Workforce
Solutions of Central Texas participates in the bi-annual, statewide Survey of Employee
Engagement. He explained that the feedback from the employee survey is used to identify annual
organizational improvements. Haisler stressed that there is generally a reaction to feedback that
is similar to losing a loved one: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However,
he noted that the process is beneficial after the feedback is accepted.
Haisler then provided an update of the Non-Custodial Parent program noting that the Department
of Labor was visiting the court and interviewing staff. He indicated that there will be a request
for continued funding. Haisler noted that about $120,000 in child support had been distributed to
local children and families. He also drew attention to an announcement that a Texas Business
Conference would be held in Temple at Hilton Garden Inn on Friday, August 8th.
Discussing Business Services activities, Haisler gave highlights of the annual Army Career and
Alumni program’s summer job fair. He noted that 144 businesses signed up and 139 attended.
Haisler noted that there were also 19 schools, 12 support organizations, and 4,500 job seekers
participating in the job fair.
In closing, Haisler referenced customer service acknowledgements received by staff that were
included in Board materials. He drew attention to one example that listed several staff names
and a variety of services. Haisler noted a common theme – a lot can be done with technology,
but people learn work ethic and job getting skills from staff assistance. He noted, “You can’t
replace guidance, encouragement, and support with a piece of technology. Staff prepare people
so they know what they need to do to get and keep a job.”
Haisler also announced that Fort Hood’s Deputy Garrison Commander Andy Bird was retiring,
leaving Texas and moving to Florida. He acknowledged Bird’s collaborative spirit and open
approach to partnership. Haisler reported that Keith Gogas would be the Acting Deputy Garrison
Commander. Bird described his military experience as an Army officer which helped him
understand the importance of being a supporter. He acknowledged Workforce Solutions of
Central Texas noting that, based on feedback from other posts, there is not another like it in the
nation or world.
Kliewer
New/Other Business
Board Discussion: Tyroch acknowledged Zach Anglin. Larry Anglin reported that his son had
just finished teaching high school science in the Mississippi Delta and he was scheduled to return
to graduate school in the fall.
Anglin acknowledged Tyroch’s work as Chair noting that he is pleased to hear she is staying on
the Board. She was presented with a token of appreciation.
Board Meeting Evaluations: Tyroch drew attention to evaluation results for the May Business
Meeting. She then asked Board members to complete evaluations for the June Meeting.
Calendar of Activities: Tyroch asked Board members to review the calendar of activities.
Adjourn
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 a.m.
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Martha Tyroch, Chair
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Linda Angel, Secretary