Summary of Proceedings

Joint Meeting of the Management Council

and the Joint Education Interim Committee

Cody Holiday Inn September 7 & 8, 2004

1701 Sheridan Avenue Cody, Wyoming

PRESENT: MANAGEMENT COUNCIL:

Representative Fred Parady, Chairman;

Senator April Brimmer Kunz, Vice-Chairman;

Senators Keith Goodenough, Grant Larson, Jayne Mockler and John Schiffer;

Representatives Pete Anderson, Tom Lockhart, Randall Luthi, Wayne Reese and Ann Robinson.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE:

Senator Henry H.R. "Hank" Coe and Representative Jeff Wasserburger, Cochairmen;

Senators Jim Anderson, Robert Peck and Kathryn Sessions;

Representatives Liz Gentile, Becket Hinckley, Tom Lockhart, Del McOmie, Ann Robinson, Mark Semlek and Jane Wostenberg.

Legislative Service Office: Dave Nelson and Mary Byrnes.

Other Legislators In Attendance: Representative Colin Simpson.

Others Present: See attached Appendix A.

ABSENT: Senators Larry Caller, Irene Devin and Rae Lynn Job and Representative Kurt Bucholz.

AGENDA: See attached Appendix B.

* * * * *

Tuesday, September 7, 2004

At 1:25 p.m., Representative Fred Parady, Management Council Chairman, called to order the joint meeting of the Management Council and the Joint Education Interim Committee.

Small School Adjustment to the Wyoming Block Grant School Funding Model: small schools in large districts.

2004 House Bill 0093 (2004 Laws, Chapter 108, Section 402(d)) requires the Joint Education Interim Committee to investigate the need for refinement of the small school adjustment to the school funding model prototypes, as adopted by the 2004 Legislature, based upon cost differences between small schools operated in large districts and small schools operated in small districts. Dr. Lawrence O. Picus is under contract with the Legislature to provide guidance on this issue.

Mr. Picus advised of previous involvement with Wyoming school finance issues including his role as an expert witness for the state during school finance litigation and his work with Management Analysis and Planning (MAP) during 2001 model reconfiguration. Additional experience with state school finance system development and litigation was also provided, which has included the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Massachusetts and Montana.

With respect to the small school adjustment, Mr. Picus presented rationale behind an adjustment to school funding for small schools in recognition of diseconomies of scale experienced by small schools, and reported many states adjust school funding for size of schools and size of districts. He pointed out in Wyoming, 73% of schools are considered small for purposes of school funding. Further, 58% of schools in large districts are considered small schools.

The small school adjustment was modified under 2001 model reconfiguration to address Supreme Court dictates by basing the adjustment upon the number of personnel required for specified ADM levels, with a per ADM adjustment that declines as ADM increases. Any school smaller than model prototypes receives some positive adjustment. In Campbell II, the Court determined that the adjustment triggering mechanisms were not based upon cost differentials. The 2004 Legislature further refined the small school adjustment to reflect multiple prototypes based upon school ADM, school configuration and minimum teacher levels. The 2004 effort was initiated to address the hold harmless situation created by the combined effects of the modification to the small school adjustment and the modification to the regional cost adjustment during the 2001 model recalibration effort, and was based upon school level data which was not available at the time of model recalibration.

Tasks to be undertaken in the investigation of small schools in large districts involve the determination of any differentiation in cost structures and how to adjust the model for these differences. Mr. Picus concluded by stating if the decision of the Legislature is to address this matter, the task is to develop an adjustment that considers small schools in large districts separately. A copy of talking points used by Mr. Picus is attached at Appendix C.

Senator Sessions commented the primary cost involved with operation of small schools involves teacher salaries. Mr. Picus agreed, but indicated small schools in large districts may experience some cost savings in administration, professional development and other services. Senator Sessions responded large districts do not receive the level of per student funding as do small districts. Senator Anderson questioned the need for additional data to investigate this matter. Mr. Picus clarified the investigation does not necessarily require additional data beyond existing data collection efforts. Rather, it involves the timing of data reporting by districts. Mr. Picus indicated school year 2003-2004 data would not be available until October. The State Department verified this statement.

Senator Mockler questioned the necessity of this study. Clarifying, Senator Mockler suggested the effort expended to refine the model adjustment for small schools in large districts may outweigh any realized benefits in terms of impacting funding levels. Mr. Picus acknowledged the concern of Senator Mockler and responded the matter is a decision for the Legislature. Senator Schiffer suggested the matter might be addressed by first defining school based upon necessity versus choice, and then provide funding as necessary to improve the educational program. Representative McOmie stated the purpose of the study is to determine if the small school adjustment, as adopted by the 2004 Legislature, requires further modification to reflect costs incurred to operate small schools in large districts. Education Committee Co-Chair Wasserburger added the study effort was based upon a statement by MAP which indicated cost differences may exist. Mr. Picus agreed and stated the task is one of determining a rational, cost-based approach for modification of the adjustment based upon the extent cost differences exist.

Following further discussion, Management Council Vice-Chairman Kunz stated the Legislature has worked hard on the small school adjustment to achieve goals addressing directives of the Supreme Court. The Legislature has attempted to meet these goals through continued work with the small school adjustment. This study represents an effort to attain Legislative goals. Education Committee Co-Chair Coe agreed with the statement of Senator Kunz. Management Council Chairman Parady indicated the study is in response to a mandate of the Supreme Court.

School Finance Litigation.

Michael O'Donnell, state's counsel for school finance litigation, updated legislators on school finance litigation as initiated by joint petition filed by the Wyoming Education Association, the Wyoming School Boards Association and several Wyoming school districts. Mr. O'Donnell announced he is no longer serving in the Governor's Planning Office and will focus future efforts exclusively on school litigation matters in his role as state's counsel. He introduced Tania Hytrek, Attorney General's Office, who will assist with school litigation.

In light of the vague nature of the petition, Mr. O'Donnell reported the state will respond to the petition by filing a motion for dismissal with the Supreme Court. Clarifying, Mr. O'Donnell stated the Legislature has addressed concerns of the Court as specifically enumerated in Campbell II. The petition filed by plaintiffs does not specify any particular problem with the Legislature's response to the Court other than a very general statement requesting the Court to determine the constitutionality of the state's response. Mr. O'Donnell suggested the request is troubling and requires careful consideration by the Court.

Continuing, Mr. O'Donnell stated the Court's language contained within Campbell I and II originated in a different environment than exists today, which Mr. O'Donnell suggests is more positive. In responding to the state's petition for resolution of constitutional interpretation questions filed in March, 2004, the Court noted legislative efforts to address school facilities. As such, Mr. O'Donnell cautioned the Legislature to maintain its cost-based approach when considering any modification to existing school funding mechanisms.

Senator Mockler inquired as to specific issues of concern to plaintiffs, which Mr. O'Donnell indicated were not clarified within the petition. In response to Senator Goodenough, Mr. O'Donnell stated as of this point in time, it is difficult to identify any particular area of concern to plaintiffs other than a very broad concern with the overall response by the Legislature.

Constitutional Limitation on Maximum Recapture of School District Revenues.

2003 Original Senate Joint Resolution 0006 proposes an amendment to Article 15, Section 17 of the Wyoming Constitution which would eliminate the maximum limitation on the recapture of excess revenues. The question will be placed on the November 2004 ballot.

Due to the number of questions received by staff on the purpose and impact of the proposed amendment, staff addressed the Council and Committee members on information which may be submitted to legislators. A packet of material was distributed on this matter, a copy of which is attached at Appendix D.

Following discussion of the background and fiscal impact of the proposed amendment, Council Vice-Chair Kunz suggested the proposed statement for submittal to legislators be simplified by stating the Court's requirement for funding equity and by stating the impact of the amendment; i.e., recapturing revenues from the wealthiest districts for redistribution to poorer districts. Council Chair Parady added the statement be revised to indicate the impaired ability of the Legislature to provide a constitutionally required complete and uniform system of education under the existing provision. Representative McOmie requested staff provide fiscal information on the status of recapture generally, in addition to rebated recapture revenues.

School Foundation Program Fiscal Update.

Staff updated Council and Committee members on the fiscal status of the school foundation program account. Based upon CREG January 2004 valuations, account projections indicate an $8 million positive balance within the account. The projection takes into account the repayment of roughly $107 million to the budget reserve account and general fund. Updated school district assessed valuations were distributed, a copy of which is attached at Appendix E. Council Chair Parady pointed out the significance of the fact the foundation program is operating on dedicated revenues without augmentation from outside funding sources.

Recess.

Council Chair Parady recessed the Council and Committee at 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, September 8, 2004

Council Chair Parady reconvened the joint meeting of the Management Council and the Joint Education Interim Committee at 8:30 a.m.

State Superintendent Trent Blankenship and Department of Education Reports.

Based upon a statewide tour and meetings with school districts and the education community subsequent to the 2004 General Session, State Superintendent Blankenship presented several recommendations for legislative consideration which are in response to concerns expressed during this tour. Graduation endorsements, teacher salaries, school funding including gifted and talented, vocational education, school facilities and funding model complexity, NCLB and student assessment/accountability represent the primary areas of concern.

THREE-TIER DIPLOMA. The education community maintains student graduation is best governed at the school board level. In acknowledgement and support of this position, the State Superintendent recommends elimination of the three-tiered endorsement on high school diplomas as required by state statute (W.S. 21‑2‑304(a)(iv)). State Superintendent Blankenship added the Legislature provide the special education community an opportunity to comment on this proposal.

TEACHER EXCELLENCE PACKAGE. The State Superintendent is proposing increased funding directed at compensation, incentives and reimbursements to maintain and augment the Wyoming teaching profession. A packet summarizing components of the proposed teacher excellence package was distributed, a copy of which is attached at Appendix F.

Teacher Salaries. State Superintendent Blankenship is proposing the infusion of funding into the school foundation program sufficient to increase teacher salaries to a level equivalent to the national average and a ranking of 15^thnationally. Figures presented by the State Superintendent estimate a biennial cost of roughly $80.5 million necessary to accomplish this recommendation.

Senator Larson expressed concern that districts may choose not to spend additional dollars on teacher salaries, as districts are funded on a block grant basis. Representative Anderson questioned the impact of the proposal on the state's regional ranking. State Superintendent Blankenship indicated the state would increase to the top regionally, and indicated the Department of Education would provide additional detailed information on regional salary levels.

Education CoChair Coe requested information on national teacher salary rankings in consideration of cost-of-living and other economic factors existing within the various states. Representative McOmie inquired as to the consideration of benefits in the proposed salary increase and the impact upon rankings when considered. Senator Larson requested information comparing Wyoming dollars per ADM nationally, both prior to and subsequent to consideration of the proposed increases, together with the proportion of such dollars expended for teacher salaries. Further, Senator Larson requested information be provided the Legislature which explains the disconnect between dollars per ADM generated under the model and resulting teacher salary levels. State Superintendent Blankenship indicated the Department would gather information on these requests to the extent available.

Wyoming Teacher of the Year Program. State Superintendent Blankenship is proposing the Wyoming Teacher of the Year Program award be increased from $2500 to $5000. This award is presented each year at a statewide gathering of education community representatives. The proposal includes expansion of the nomination process to include selection of county teachers of the year based upon nominees from each school district within the county, each receiving a $1000 incentive award and eligibility to progress to the statewide competition.

Teacher Advancement Program. The Teacher Advancement Program is a comprehensive, researched-based program designed to improve student performance by reorganizing schools through incentives and other means of supporting teachers. Various principles are used to create new opportunities for teachers such as multiple career paths, professional development, compensation and performance-based accountability. State Superintendent Blankenship proposes establishing a pilot program in Wyoming over a four-year period, funded at $400 per participating student. In response to Senator Schiffer, the State Superintendent expressed doubt as to the ability of districts to independently establish this program.

Teacher Loan Payback Program. To address teacher shortages in special education, science and math, the State Superintendent is proposing a program designed to provide assistance to newly certified teachers in these subject areas. Program components are similar to the loan payback program introduced during the 2004 session, and the program concept is similar to the nursing education program adopted by the 2003 Legislature. The State Superintendent's recommendation funds the program at $800,000 over a two-year period.

National Board Certification Assistance. In an effort to increase the number of national board certified teachers in Wyoming, the State Superintendent proposes the establishment of a partnership with private entities to enhance financial support available for this program. The John P. Ellbogen Foundation has agreed to contribute funds toward this effort. Mary Ellbogen Garland, a representative of the Foundation, stated the Foundation's objective is to provide support for statewide actions designed to strengthen the quality of classroom instruction in Wyoming's public schools. The Foundation also promotes the goal of increasing the number of national board certified teachers to a level of national leadership. The Foundation is contributing resources to increase teacher recruitment, to establish a support system for teachers during program participation and to provide awards and public recognition for those teachers receiving certification. Of the estimated biennial expense of $406,000 for program operation, the Foundation has pledged $224,000.

Wyoming Teacher Policy Institute. State Superintendent Blankenship is requesting $200,000 in funding as necessary to continue operation of the institute, as previous federal funding sources have been discontinued. Mr. Allen Trent, University of Wyoming, provided background information on the institute, which is a collaborative effort of the Department of Education, the University of Wyoming and public school teachers. The institute provides for the study of school and classroom issues and practices to enable development of strategies to enhance and better support student learning. Due to the absence of available funding, the institute has been inactive since mid-2003.

State Superintendent Blankenship reported the Department of Education has expanded offices outside Cheyenne. A small office is located in Laramie to collaborate with the University of Wyoming College of Education on student assessment and education program standards. An office has also been established in Riverton to provide outreach to districts for special programs. Information was distributed specifying expenses associated with establishing the Riverton office, a copy of which is attached at Appendix G.

PRIVATE SCHOOL LICENSING. The Department of Education is recommending strengthening of licensing requirements for private schools to operate in Wyoming beyond 2004 legislative actions. During the 2004 Session, legislation was enacted which clarified exemptions from licensing requirements for religious schools. State Superintendent Blankenship is requesting statutory amendment of relevant provisions to require accreditation as a condition of private post secondary education licensure. Under the recommendation, existing licensees would be grandfathered for a period of up to sixty months and accreditation would be as recognized and defined by the U.S. Department of Education.

WYOMING COST-BASED SCHOOL FUNDING MODEL. State Superintendent Blankenship requests model recalibration include consideration of full-day kindergarten programs, summer and extended day programs, gifted and talented programs and regional vocational education programs, while striving for enhanced model transparency. Department resources were made available for assisting legislative recalibration efforts. Council Chair Parady announced that MAP consultants are not currently under contract with the Legislature, as necessary work has for the most part been completed prior to model recalibration.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT/ACCOUNTABILITY: WyCAS AND AYP RESULTS. Annette Bohling, Deputy State Superintendent, joined State Superintendent Blankenship in addressing the Council and Committee members on 2003-2004 WyCAS and AYP results. Dr. Bohling reported Wyoming is making progress by increasing student achievement, as evidenced by WyCAS results over the previous five years. Progress is also indicated by longitudinal gains in student achievement. State NAEP results, when compared to WyCAS results, indicate the state's accountability system as measured by student assessment is valid and reliable, which is important in meeting NCLB accountability requirements. The NCLB AYP (adequate yearly progress) measurements are predicated upon student achievement and participation rates, and Wyoming bases annual AYP determinations according to target scores in content areas for the NCLB-prescribed subject areas. The state AYP model sets subject area target levels over the twelve-year period covered under NCLB. Talking points distributed by Dr. Bohling are attached at Appendix H. 2004 results indicate 92% of Wyoming schools and 98% of Wyoming school districts made AYP. A summary of 2004 AYP results was also distributed, a copy of which is attached at Appendix J.

NCLB also requires the state establish a transitional plan for consequences to be attached to schools and districts not making AYP. As indicated, several schools are in the second year of not meeting AYP. Under the transitional plan, these schools are required to revise school improvement plans and focus professional development efforts to address AYP-identified issues. Additionally, schools which receive Title I federal funds are required to offer public school choice and to spend 10% of Title I funds on professional development. A permanent plan for AYP consequences is currently under development by the Assessment/Accountability Task Force and the Department of Education and will be presented to the Education Committee at its November meeting. Consequences under the plan will be effective for 2004-2005 WyCAS results.

Representative Hinckley expressed concern with AYP results for school year 2004-2005 based upon the state AYP model, which depicts a significant increase in the number of schools and districts not meeting AYP. Education CoChair Wasserburger added AYP is perceived as failure, and suggested the Department work to counterbalance this notion. Dr. Bohling responded the AYP process and student assessment are validating improvement in student achievement, and the Department is committed to working with districts in continuing student achievement gains.

Dr. Bohling concluded by reporting that the development of a new statewide student assessment system is on target. The Department and Task Force will provide a more detailed report at the November meeting of the Education Committee, as the Department is currently under contractual negotiations with an assessment provider. September 29 has been set by the State Superintendent as a tentative date for announcement of the selected assessment provider.

REGIONAL SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES. As part of 2003 school finance legislation addressing special education (2003 Laws, Chapter 208, Section 1), the Department of Education was directed to develop recommendations on a regionalized approach to special education delivery in addition to developing statewide guidelines for special education programs and student identification practices. Tammy Cox, Deputy Superintendent, Educational Programs, introduced Donna Thompson, Special Programs, who summarized Department activities in the development of survey and monitoring instruments designed to collect special education professional service and program information for review and analysis by the University of Wyoming research center. Ms. Thompson also reported a Task Force is working to finalize recommendations on the creation of a regionalized center for special education services. Findings and recommendations will be presented in November to the Education Committee. A written statement was submitted, a copy of which is attached as Appendix K.

DISTRICT FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN PROGRAMS. Fred Hansen, Department Unit Director for Finance, addressed Council and Committee members on school district expenditures of full-day kindergarten program assistance as made available by the 2004 Legislature. Mr. Hansen reported the Data Advisory Committee assisted the Department in assembling the data collection instrument for school districts, which will be used to generate a report on the program by September 2005. Lori Morrow of the Department summarized activities conducted to date in implementing the program, as depicted on the attachment at Appendix L. Responding to inquiries, Mr. Hansen indicated full-day kindergarten program enrollment is anticipated to approach 6,000, but precise numbers will be provided to the Committee at its November meeting.

SUMMER SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM. State funding was made available to districts for summer school remediation and intervention programs by the 2004 Legislature (2004 Laws, Chapter 108, Section 1001). In accordance with requirements of this law, Ruth Sommers and Roger Clark, Department of Education, reported on funded programs and on program improvement and continuation. Thirty-six school districts participated in the program, thirteen of which used funds for extended day programs as opposed to summer session programs. District allocations were provided, a copy of which is attached at Appendix M. The program was initiated within six weeks of passage, including promulgation of program rules and regulations and the development of an application process. As encouraged by program policies, each district approached program delivery in different and innovative ways as exemplified in the attached summary. Programs strengths and weaknesses were discussed, and recommendations for program modification were submitted including individualized instruction training, lengthening of time available for program planning, parental notification, teacher hiring and individual learning plan preparations, and clarification of reimbursement policies. Ms. Sommers announced the Department is extending district reporting requirements for extended day programs until April 2005.

READING ASSESSMENT & INTERVENTION PROGRAMS. According to requirements of W.S. 21‑13‑333 as enacted by the 2004 Legislature, school districts are required to annually report expenditures of amounts made available under the reading assessment program. Fred Hansen, Department of Education, submitted a copy of the law, attached at Appendix N, reviewed the funding formula and reported the Department worked with the Data Advisory Committee in developing reporting parameters for school districts. Annual compiled district program expenditure reports will commence with the 2004-2005 school year.

AT-RISK ADJUSTMENT. The 2004 Legislature refined the proxy used within the Wyoming education resource block grant model to trigger the at-risk adjustment by including a mobility component in addition to the unduplicated count of limited English speaking and free and reduced price lunch students (2004 Laws, Chapter 108, Section 301). Under the law, the Department is required to report on the implementation and administration of this mobility component. Fred Hansen, Department of Education, submitted a definition of mobile student as developed by the Department for purposes of computing the at-risk adjustment component, which was reviewed by the Data Advisory Committee. A copy of the definition is attached at Appendix O. Data will be collected from districts under parameters set by the definition at the end of March 2005.

ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS. The refined small school adjustment enacted by the 2004 Legislature included alternative schools at the high school level, subject to eligibility requirements specified by law (2004 Laws, Chapter 108, Section 401). Under this law, the Department is required to report on development of policies and procedures governing alternative school eligibility for the small school adjustment. Fred Hansen, Department of Education, submitted a document assembled by the Department to provide guidance to districts on alternative school eligibility under the small school adjustment, and the projected funding for alternative schools under the refined adjustment. A copy of the document is attached at Appendix P.

PUBLIC SCHOOL FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION PROJECT. The 2004 Legislature established and funded the foreign language instruction through grade six pilot project (2004 Laws, Chapter 115). The Department is required to report to the Legislature on project development and implementation, findings and expenditures, together with recommendations for project continuation. Ann Tollefson, Department of Education, provided Council and Committee members a preliminary report on project development and implementation, a copy of which is attached at Appendix Q. An expanded report will be provided at a later date. Following notification and development of the application process specifying school district project commitments and state services to be provided under the project, twenty-nine schools in ten districts have been notified of program acceptance for commencement of foreign language instruction in grades kindergarten through four in school year 2004-2005. An additional twenty-one schools will commence instruction in school year 2005-2006. The project timeline was provided, broken down by activity level. It was noted that Wyoming's project was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense.

Following completion of presentations by and discussion with the State Superintendent and Department of Education representatives, Education CoChair Coe directed staff to prepare recommendations for future review and discussion by Education Committee members at its November meeting.

School Facilities Commission.

Bubba Shivler, School Facilities Commission Director, addressed the Management Council and Education Committee on several matters which the Commission suggests are of interest to the Legislature. The first issue focuses on the 2004 refinement of the small school adjustment to the cost-based model, and the subsequent impact on the five year school facility planning process administered by the Commission. By law, the Commission is directed to consider building closure, consolidation of educational facilities and modification to school grade configurations as a cost effective methodology in addressing building adequacy, excess capacity and other school facility needs. These matters surface when assembling district five year plans for purposes of state prioritization and remediation determinations. The refined small school adjustment is in conflict with Commission statutory mandates.

Brenda Long, Commission Staff, presented a series of observations exemplifying the purported conflict, a copy of which is attached at Appendix R. Amounts generated under the refined small school adjustment provide financial disincentives to districts in observing Commission recommendations for addressing respective school facility adequacy needs. Senator Anderson and Representative McOmie suggested funding increases under the refined small school adjustment effective for school year 2004-2005, as exemplified by Commission staff, may be diminished when considering the combined hold harmless amount generated during school year 2003-2004. Council Chair Parady expressed gratitude for the enumeration of attached schools contained in the Commission's presentation, which will assist the Legislature in addressing small school issues such as collocation.

The second issue for Council and Committee consideration involves the major maintenance payment program established by law. Mr. Shivler recalled legislation enacted during the 2004 Session which imposed program reporting and expenditure requirements upon school districts. In administering this law, district expenditure reports indicate instances of expenditures which appear to be outside the parameters set by law. Due to the infancy of the reporting requirement, the lack of state oversight during the initial five years of program operation and due to the lack of clear expenditure guidelines, the Commission is electing to ease into enforcement. Following development of statewide expenditure guidelines, the Commission will be in a better position to accordingly tighten enforcement efforts. Responding to Representative Lockhart, Mr. Shivler indicated the Commission, following establishment of statewide expenditure guidelines, will coordinate with the School Finance Section of the Department of Audit in enforcing program expenditures.

Adult Basic Education and General Educational Development.

Kathy Emmons, Director, Department of Workforce Services, spoke to Council and Committee members on the adult basic education (ABE) and general educational development (GED) programs currently administered by the Department of Workforce Services. Pamela Downing, GED Program, and Nicole Freeman, ABE Program, assisted with the presentation and discussion. Both programs were described in terms of services offered, participant characteristics and numbers, center locations and program funding levels and sources, summarized in the submitted materials attached at Appendix S. As needs for these programs continue to increase and as available federal funds continue to decline, it was suggested the state consider prioritizing services provided under both programs and in so doing, replace federal funds with state funds.

Adjournment.

Council Chair Parady announced the next meeting of the Management Council has been scheduled for Friday, November 19, which will be conducted as a joint meeting with the Education Committee. Education CoChairs Coe and Wasserburger announced the Education Committee is scheduled to commence meetings on Wednesday afternoon, November 17, and continue through Friday, November 19. The meetings will be held in Casper. Council Chair Parady adjourned the joint meeting at 3:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________

Representative Randall Luthi, Council Secretary