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MSDB proposes regional specialist teams for outreach; foundation asks to update MOU and audit schedule
Summary
MSDB leaders proposed reorganizing outreach consultants into regional specialist teams to ensure service continuity for students who are deaf, hard‑of‑hearing, blind or low‑vision. The MSDB Foundation asked the board to revise an 11‑year‑old memorandum of understanding to allow lower‑cost reviews instead of biennial full audits; the board agreed to draft updated language with the foundation.
Montana School for the Deaf and Blind leadership presented a multi‑phase plan to reorganize outreach consultants into specialty regional teams to provide more consistent services to students statewide.
Miranda (MSDB outreach director) explained the two‑phase plan: maintain current operations Aug–Dec while developing standardized protocols and documentation, then implement specialty teams in January–June with regional caseloads and shared responsibilities. "We want consultants to become subject‑matter experts and work as teams so if one consultant leaves the student services continue," she said. MSDB leaders said the model should reduce single‑person failure risk and allow for regional events and newsletters.
Paul (MSDB leadership) reviewed personnel actions included in the packet (hires, retirements, and resignations), out‑of‑state travel requests for staff professional development, and agreements that required board approval. The board approved the travel requests and personnel items by voice vote, and approved the Golden Triangle curriculum consortium agreement, the MHSA/concussion insurance agreement, and a local MFPE STARS Act agreement during the MSDB segment.
Representatives of the MSDB Foundation asked the board to revise an 11‑year‑old memorandum of understanding that currently requires a full audit every two years. Foundation leaders said a formal auditor review would meet the intent of oversight at a substantially lower cost; foundation representatives said a review would save roughly $10,000–$15,000 compared with a full audit. Board and MSDB staff agreed to have the MSDB committee and the foundation work with OPI staff to draft an updated MOU for the July meeting.
The board recessed for lunch and arranged campus tours; MSDB scheduled continuing discussion regarding the foundation MOU and pledged a proposed updated document for upcoming board consideration.
