Wrapping up 2010, and putting a bow on it

Last night at 5 PM was the final meeting of the LCESC board for 2010. We recognized outstanding educator Maria Braknis, and learned more about the teacher residency program... teachers in Ohio will, as of January 1st, move to a four-tiered progressive licensing system: Resident Educator, Professional Educator, Senior Professional Educator, and Lead Professional Educator. More information can be found at this link, on the Ohio Department of Education website: http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=513&ContentID=15511&Content=95038
The discussion turned to our regional organization, which is planning a spring conference on March 10th at the Apollo Career Center. We plan to coordinate a region-wide food drive as a part of this conference. I will serve as regional president this year, and in keeping with our focus from last year when we sponsored "Lifting up Lake," we will continue to develop a humanitarian approach to our organization, seeking to be servant leaders.
We approved the acceptance of two grants, both of which have increased from 2010 levels: Early Childhood Special Education/IDEA, in the amount of $68,803.33, and Motorcycle Safety, in the amount of $138,791.17.
Although our fiscal year won't be over until June 30th, we continue to operate in the black, and anticipate that because of careful budgeting and resource management, this will continue through the end of the fiscal year.
Our organizational meeting for 2011 will be held at 5 PM at the Collingwood Center; we will elect our officers for 2011 and set our meeting dates. Those dates will be published here, and as we will be launching a new website in mid-2011, the dates will appear on the website as well. As always, we welcome and encourage any and all participation at our meetings, and any and all questions and comments here on the blog (or feel free to email me privately). Have a blessed holiday season and a Happy New Year!