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Accountability Committee

Helena, MT
June 21, 2002

Minutes

Committee Members Present: Chair Christina Boyle, Dick Brown, Ellen Engstedt, Gary Willis, Diane Harkins  Committee Members Absent: Vicki Cocchiarella, Byron Roberts  Staff Present: Desiree Taggart, Emily Haines  Guests Present: Mary Walsh, Darla Joyner, Sue Mohr

I. Introduction of Members - Chair Christina Boyle welcomed everyone and asked committee members to introduce themselves.

II. Roll Call - Roll call was taken and a quorum was established.

III. Review of Goals - Outline Tasks  - Desiree Taggart explained that the draft committee goals were derived from compiling the Governor's goals and full board goals. She invited the committee to review the goals and make changes as necessary. 

Dick Brown explained that he would like a list of existing program indicators and levels.  Based on that information he suggested that measures of quality might be:

• Accessibility for job seekers and employers
• Cannot be: arduous, costly, time consuming
• Long-Term Outcomes

Desiree explained that in anticipation of needing information about program indicators, she has already begun accumulating data. She will provide the compiled information at the next committee meeting. 

Diane Harkins suggested that the committee possibly look to companies such as PP&L for ideas Gary Willis suggested that the committee look at funding; specifically how the funds are being used.  Dick Brown suggested that employers be surveyed to measure their satisfaction with individuals that have received training.

• Are placement and training programs yielding the highest possible outcomes?

Diane Harkins suggested that the committee ask for information from Research & Analysis regarding wages, demographics of workers and age.  Ellen suggested that information would be helpful on the longevity of placement and training of dislocated workers.  It was agreed that information on available tax cuts or other incentives for employers would be helpful in marketing and that there is a need to keep an eye on all populations of the workforce.

The committee discussed each of the committee's bullet items:

• Under Bullet Three

It was recommended that staff have the consultant prepare a boilerplate of a "scorecard" for the committee's review. This could be a separate document or part of the annual report.

Diane Harkins commented that employers sometimes are not up to speed with what reasonable expectations are or how to achieve the desired result. She asked if there was a way that employers could work together to advance employees across the system? The committee agreed that this might fit under marketing.  Desiree will invite some Community Management Team members to explain the local planning process to the committee. 

The committee added a sixth bullet:

• Strengthening responsiveness of all training services to Montana employers and workers

Desiree explained that the Office of Economic Opportunity is attempting to find ways to strengthen Montana's two-year post-secondary institutions.  Several observations were made committee members regarding education in MontanaThe committee needs to find out from the educational community:

- How many have business community involvement?
- How is it working?

There is a need for statewide admissions policies and philosophies regarding interaction with business.

Lunch 12:00 - 12:50

The committee defined it top priorities at this point as:

• Where are we in terms of performance from the system?
• What do we want our outcome to be (from the system)?
• Decide where marketing will make the most impact and insert it when appropriate.

These will be the topics at the next meeting.

Desiree Taggart will e-mail much of the requested information to the committee members when it is available between now and the next committee meeting

IV. Establish Next Meeting date

August 14, 2002

V. Call to Public

Gary Willis presented information about the potential Workforce Quality Awards to the committee members. He asked that it be placed on the agenda for the next meeting

VI. Adjourn

Chair Cristina Boyle adjourned the meeting at 1:10 pm.