THE JACKSONVIllE CHILDREN'S COMMISSION
1095 A. PhIlip Randolph Blvd.
JacksonvlAe, FL 32206
. BOARD RETREAT MINUTES
MeeHng Information
Date: August 6. 20 13
2nd Floor Board Room
~oard Member Attendance
X ((en Wilson, ChaIr
X Elder Lee Harris. Vice ChaIr
ill Smith. Treasurer
X Paul MarHnez. Secretary
X !CraIg GIbbs
X ratrina Graham
Matthew Kane
11111 Mason //I
X ~u'Coby Pittman
X CathIe Shimp
Also Present: Ex-Officio/Advisory; Lowslkla Hodges. COJ General Counsel; Lourie PIlce. Hope
Haven; Susan Main. Early LearnIng Coalition; Bryan Hensley. Department of ChIldren & Families;
Kimberly Daniels. City Council; Connie Hodges. United Way JCC Stoff. Leticia Burns. Cynthia
Nixon. Joyce Watson. Cheryl Townsend. Sylvester Pinckney. Kerl Corey. Karin Orozo. Doe Lynn
Helm. Julia RIggIns. RonnIe Cage. Ginger Preston
Guests: Leon Baxter. ErIc Johnson. MIke UsIe. Communities In Schools; Sharlffo Splcer. Inonge
Cooper. Cynthia GIbson. Kanlsho Johnson. Angela Johnson. The Bridge of Northeast Florida;
Lelia Duncan. Community Connections; Warren Grymes. BIg Brothers BIg Sisters; Shelly Davalos.
Jim Clark. Jon Clark. Daniel; Vicki WaytowIch. SAMHSA; Mark GrlNln. Wayman CommunIty
Development Corp; Renee McQueen. Marcus Halle. PACE Center for Girls; Gregory Best.
Duval County PubUc Schools; Ed Robinson. Johnny Bryant. Rlbault High School. Elexlo Moss.
Jacksonville Kid's Coal/tlon; Eml/y Foltz-Hal/and. Mental Health ServIces; Karun Ivey. Child
Guidance Center; Leah Lynch. Toke Stock In Children; Jeanne DUlard. Episcopal Chlldren's
Services. KIm Sirdevan. Greg Steele. Bulch Sims. Youth Crisis Center; Melanie Potz. Keto Porter.
United Way; Amy Buggie. DLC Nurse & Learn; Nelson Willis. Northwest BehavIoral; Jen
Keyworth. Hope Hoven; Kevin Catton. Florida State College at Jacksonville; Peggy Warren.
Susan Driscoll. New Heights; Cindy Funkhouser. MaxIne Engram. Sulzbocher Center; Terri Floria.
Mal/Vol Washington Kids Foundatfon
Aaendaltem
outcome!AcHon
Call to Order
Board Chair. Ken Wilson caUed the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
Chairperson's Report
Ken Wilson welcomed the attendees and explained that the
Boord wonted to hear from the Providers.
Budget Discussion
Cynthia Nixon Introduced Belda Moss. Jacksonville KIds Coalltfon.
Ms. Moss Informed the Board the role the Kids Coalition ploys and
their connectfon wIth the Chlldren's Commlsslon.
The CooUtion does not receive any JCC/Clty funding. It's an
organization that come together to form one voice on chlldren's
r
Issues, The Coolltlon meets with both state and federal elected
off/clols, They rally members to ensure children get the funding
they deseNe,
Elexla Moss stated the Jacksonville Kid's Cool/Hon Is an additional
resource to go before City CouncU to advocate on behalf of
children,
Mrs, Nixon presented a report that was complied by staff from
prior Boord retreats, The Information was from two years ago
where It was stated there would be budget reductions for the
next three to five years. There were two prioritized lists of
programs that were developed from the 'community listening
meetings' and multiple Board Retreats. These lists were designed
to prioritize reductions,
Ken WIlson stated the prlorlHzed outcomes from the Boord
meetings were almost the some as the community prioritized
outcomes,
Cynthia Nixon shared the criteria the Board used to set funding
reductlons:
Flagship program/core seNlce
Part of a system of care
Leverage at the Commission or community Level
Clear, measurable and understandable outcomes
Alternative funding opportunities or alternative ways ta
achieve gools
6, Related to crime p revention or dropout prevention
7, Stated In COJ Charter or the Commission's Establishing
Ordinance
1,
2,
3,
4,
5,
Mrs, Nixon reiterated JCC has been asked to reduce the budget
by $2,6 million and the goal of the Boord Retreat Is to develop a
prioritized Ust of reductions,
Impact statements were requested from the providers so that the
Council Auditor's and City Council are aware of the effect 0$2,6
million reduction would have on the Commission.
The Board discussed three optlons:
• Across the Boord Cuts
• Least Impoct to Direct SeNlces
• Other PrIoritized Cuts
Mrs, Nixon stated when the budget was reduced last year JCC
used $2 mllUon of Its fund balance, this year only $500,000 of fund
balance Is available for use,
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It was recommended the Boord start with the' Least Impact to
Direct Services '. When the list was presented last week. the
reductions were short by $62,1,000.
The Board discussed the least Impact list Including the Incubator
Program and three staff positions which Included the critical
DIrector of Programs position.
Paul Martinez moved to remove the three vacant staff positions
from the Least Impact to Direct Services list. There was no second.
The Boord discussed reducing funding to Kid Core outreach.
Councilwoman KImberly Daniels stated that most of the Items on
the list may not be cut. The purpose of City Council raising the
millage rate was to save programs. She understands JCC needs
to be prepared Just In case something changes but she Is fighting
for JCC and these programs.
Ken Wilson was also told by a councllmember to be prepared to
explain each reduction In order to hove It added bock Into the
budget.
Ju'Coby Pittman moved to have a 14% Across the Board Cut.
Paul Martinez seconded.
After a d iscussion the motion was withdrawn and amended by
Craig Gibbs.
Craig Gibbs moved to work through the 'Least Impoct' list. Then
make up the difference with on 'Across the Board Percentage
cur to programs that are not on the 'Least Impacr list and that
have already token a reduction. Paul Martinez seconded.
Motion approved.
The Boord discussed New Town Success Zone (NTSZ) which Is on
the list to have all funding eHmlnated.
Pedro Cohn. NTSZ Director. explained the role of the Director and
how the lock of a coordinator would affect NTSZ. therefore
Impacting the community and the children served.
The Director of New Town 15 Instrumental In:
• Bock to School Events
• Child Health Screening
• Funding for Grant Writing
• Going Door to Door visits to engage community
• Mentorlng Programs
Cathle Shimp moved to reduce New Town Success Zone $90.000
funding by $45.000 and have Mr. Cohn and NTSZ Board secure
the funding for the other $45.000. There was no second.
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The Board discussed Episcopal Children Services (ECS) which Is on
the list to have all funding eliminated.
Susan Main presented a snapshot of Early Learning Programs
from 2008-20012. These programs serve 8.762 children In centers.
Ms. Main alsa Infarmed the Board about the Guiding Stars 2.0
system. The Guiding Stars of Duval star rating system provides the
framework for the providers to enhance the quality of the early
learning experience. The children will be Impacted directly since
many providers do not have the capacity to navigate the system
and need the coaching support.
Elder Lee Harris requested that someone from Episcopal
Chlldren's Services (ECS) speak on their behalf.
Jeanne Dillard, Episcopal Children'S Services addressed the
Boord. Ms. Dillard shared what ECS and their partners offer.
• Coaches In centers every week
• Provide early learning materials
• Send chUdren to kindergarten prepared
• Teacher training
Ginger Preston, Director of Early Learning at JCC described the
role of the Early Learning Coaches at JCC.
• Raise the quality of the centers
• Provide professlonol development for teachers and
directors
• Work together with other agencies to do the work
Ken Wilson asked Mrs. Preston what would happen to her
department If her funding was reduced by $500.000.
Mrs. Preston rep/led half of the department would be gone and
children wouldn't be served.
Cathie Shimp asked If the Early Learning Coalitions could fund
chlldcare quality. Suson Main respanded that the Coalitions
could not fund coaching.
Cathie Shimp discussed the funding going to for-profit chlldcare
centers and felt strongly It should be part of the conversation.
Ken Wilson moved to cut $250,000 from Episcopal Children
Services and $250,000 from JCC Early Learning. No second.
Ken Wilson adjourned the meeting for a 15 minute break.
Ken Wilson called the meeting back to order.
Elder Lee Harris requested more discussion on ECS and ELC.
Elder Lee Harris moved to cut $400,000 from Eplscopol Children
ServiCes and $400,000 from JCC Early Leamlno. Crolg Gibbs
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seconded with discussion.
Mr. Gibbs Inquired If JCC funded any other proflt-based
programs? There was on extensive discussion on funding forprofit vs non-profit organizations.
Susan Main stated JCC does not directly fund the profit center.;
they fund ECS that goes Into the centers. She also stated
chlldcare Is a port of JCC's Charter.
Cathie Shimp stated Jacksonville Journey funds go to ECS and It
will not be on equitable cut If $400,000 Is cut from bath areas.
A vote was token: four members In favor and three opposed.
Molion approved.
Toke Stock In Children (TSC) Is the next program on the Least
Impact list.
Leah Lynch, Director of TSC Informed the Boord of the Impact
TSC has In the development and success of chUdren.
• Mentorlng Program
• Scholarship Program
• Students are matched with a college suggest cooch
• Students are matched with a two year college scholarship
Students and their parents sign a contract stating they will:
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher
• Maintain good attendance
• Maintain good behavior
• Remain crime-free
• Meet with a mentor
• Graduate with a standard diploma
The Star.; Program allows TSC to drawdawn additional matching
scholarship funds.
After discussion, Ken Wilson temporarily relinquished the Choir to
Vice-Choir Elder Lee Harris.
Ken Wilson moved to reduce Toke Stock In Children funding by
20%. Cathie Shimp seconded. There were four Board members In
favor and three opposed. Motion approved.
Elder Lee Harris returned the Choir to Ken Wilson.
Cathie Shimp moved not to cut programs previously cut In this
budget cycle. Craig Gibbs seconded. Mollon approved.
Vickie Waytowich, Partnership for Child Health System of Care
Grant reminded the Boord they approved applying tor the
Medicaid number. JCC would be able to bill for chDdren that
don't have a dlognosls. She also stated there are a limited
number of program eligible to bill for Medicaid and If those
I oroorams are cut JCC would lose revenue.
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Leon Boxton. CIS. spoke on behalf of school-based afterschool
programs. He explained that Team Up funding Is providing
excellent seNlces for S9 per child per day. for 152 days per year.
Team Up programs are providing children with a safe
environment. certified teachers. a nutritious snack and meal In
foellities that are free for the entire school year. The retum on the
Investment Is huge for these programs. He also shored that
Matthew Gilbert Is a nationally accredited afterschool program.
Pastor Mark Griffin. Wayman Community Development Corp
suggested that going forward the Boord should be cognizant of
the smaller agencies when making cuts. It Is hard for these
smaller agencies to retain quaUned staff with on across the board
reducl1on.
JU'Coby Pittman shared a formula developed by Bob White far
the Cultural Council. Mr. WhIte put the larger organizations In a
budget and the smaller organizations In another. When the
budget cuts came down It did hurt the small emerging
orgonlzations. Ms. Pittman suggested the Boord consider that
formula next year.
Old Business
Executive Director Appointment
Diane Moser. HR explained Jon Heymann's benefit pocket:
Pension. health Insurance. hOlidays and annual leave.
Ken Wilson stated Mr. Heymann rejected the Board's Inll1al salary
offer. Mr. Heymann gave a counter offer.
The Board discussed Mr. Heymann's salary and leave.
Paul Martinez moved to offer Jon Heymann SI45.000. Ju'Coby
Pittman seconded. After an In-depth discussion. a mation was
withdrawn and amended. Ju'Coby Pittman moved to offer Mr.
Heymann S140.000 and give Ken Wilson the authority to offer up
to SI45.000. Paul Martinez seconded. Six Boord members In
favor and one opposed. Motion approved_
Adioum
Ken Wilson adloumed the meetino at 9: 19 pm.
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