Room remodeling and time line was discussed for the Phase One schools. BJ reported that Bill Jones of Cytek made site visits to Phase One schools May 6 & 7. Jim Copley distributed room setup guidelines compiled from site visits. Rooms need to be ready for equipment by July 1, 1999. Fiber conduit should be installed prior to that for phone company installation. According to state fire marshal's office we cannot use floor carpet on the walls. BJ is investigating alternative wall covering materials and cost.

BJ distributed the tentative Fall 1999 distance learning courses. Discussion followed on possible evening courses for teachers. Would like to see a special ed class for teachers seeking Nebraska certification.

BJ reported that distance learning training is set up for this summer. June 4, and August 5 & 6 (a three day workshop). He encouraged them to spread the word to faculty and noted that most likely a stipend will be available to participants, pending approval of a NET grant. He noted that the same kind of training would be offered again in 2000 at Chadron State College for the Phase Two Schools.

The group heard from Andre Boening from the Rural Utilities Service on our options regarding the RUS grant/loan that was awarded last fall. He said we are allowed to change the type of equipment specified in the grant proposal as long as we still meet the grant objectives. He also said that it is possible to get approval to use just the grant dollars and not the loan, again as long as we still meet the grant objectives. It was noted that the cost of desk top conferencing equipment has dropped considerably since the grant was written. BJ said that Cytek, who is providing our distance learning equipment, has a desktop solution that they said is much better than most on the market and very affordable. BJ will investigate the costs of equipment and meet with Mr. Boening on what the consortium needs to do to make it happen. Boening noted that the loan could be paid back over a ten year period or as short as a year.

The group heard from Roger Wess and Bill Agnew of Chadron State College on the grant evaluation process. They said that are now waiting till this fall to start the collection of the baseline data. There was considerable discussion on whether to survey the entire student population, a random sample, or just the distance learning students. The consensus of the group was to sample just the distance learning students. Wess and Agnew will also be surveying faculty on their comfort with distance learning. The administrators also came to an agreement on how to measure "at-risk" students. They decided to use data that is easily available to the schools, 1) students that qualify for free & reduced lunch, 2) minority students, and 3) students classified as special ed or through 504 forms.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:20 a.m.