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E-Flash A FAPSC membership publication March 24, 2009
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Loss of a dear friend, James "Jay" Otto Lambeth II 1956-2009
Just like all of you I was shocked to hear the news about Jay Lambeth's death on March 18, 2009. Chills resonated through my body as the information was relayed. This is a huge loss to our sector as he touched many lives. It's Sunday, March 22nd at 1:40 p.m. and as I type this I can't help but think that right now Jay's family and friends are gathering to celebrate this wonderful man's life.
My interaction with Jay was mostly during the FAPSC golf tournament and annual conference and as I recall, he was always on the winning team. Jay had a passion for golf and education. As a result, the FAPSC Board of Directors decided to pay tribute to Jay by naming the golf tournament in his memory. Jay served Keiser University as Associate Vice Chancellor of Operations.
I will always remember Jay for his southern charisma, warm smile and how he brought laughter into the room.
Please keep Rhonda and the rest of Jay's family and friends in your prayers as they try to find peace.
Help celebrate Jay's life as FAPSC shares some of our fond memories with each of you.
The first three weeks of session have been very busy for FAPSC.
Appropriations: We continue to monitor the state budget picture, and the $6 billion plus revenue shortfall. We will continue to request that any cuts to our financial aid funds be proportionate to cuts made to other sectors.
Prepaid (HB 315 by Van Zant/SB 606 by Wise) Both the House and Senate bills are ready for the floor! This bill allows any school that is eligible to participate in federal Title IV programs to accept the Prepaid benefit. Many schools – FAPSC members and non-members – benefit from this bill.
Transfer of credit (HB 751 by Patterson/SB 920 by Baker) The House bill moved through the first committee of reference with a unanimous vote. FAPSC is working to have the Senate bill heard in committee. The bill opens the door for discussion about allowing CIE-licensed schools to use existing statewide articulation agreements. For example, there are agreements that translate industry certifications and postsecondary adult vocational programs at school district tech centers into college credit. FAPSC position is that our students should benefit from that articulation, when appropriate.
Nursing (HB 1209 by Grimsley/SB 2284 by Haridopolos) FAPSC has been hard at work with others on compromise language for this bill. We are asking for legislation that addresses our underlying concerns of one clear set of program approval standards that are fairly applied. The Senate bill has moved through its first committee of reference, and the House bill will be heard on Wednesday, March 25. Stay tuned!
Other bills of interest that FAPSC is tracking:
SB 442 – Fasano/HB 685 – Proctor: Educational Dollars for Duty Program – Allows all CIE-licensed institutions to participate; passed first House committee; on agenda in the Senate Thursday, March 26
SB 156 – Ring/HB 619 – Heller: Nonpublic Postsecondary Institutions/Accreditation – requires licensed institutions to become accredited within five years of licensure; seeking an amendment to limit that requirement to degree-granting institutions
SB 2096 – Olerich/HB 7055 McKeel: Changed licensure by means of accreditation requirements; passed first Committee in the House; waiting for a hearing in the Senate
HB 861 Hooper/SB 948 Jones: allows required field internship for paramedic programs to be provided aboard any advanced life support permitted “vehicle” – monitoring for any amendment regarding EMT training
To view House bills, go to www.myfloridahouse.gov
To view Senate bills, go to www.flsenate.gov
Please take a moment and complete the FAPSC member survey. It's easy to complete and online. I encourage all school and professional members to complete the Member Survey. We want to know how we are doing in meeting your needs. We know how valuable your time is so we made this short and sweet. Click here to get started. You can remain anonymous or if you would like a chance to win a FREE Online class include your name, phone number and email address when you complete the survey. Please remit the survey on or before April 3, 2009.
 Melissa Wade, Vice President of Compliance, Steiner Education Group
Favorite book: Gone with the Wind
Favorite movie: Steel Magnolias
Favorite music or musician: Carolina Beach Music
Favorite quote: "There are many ways to measure success; not the least of which is the way your child describes you when talking to a friend." Author Unknow
Someone you admire in the school profession and why? Dr. Art Keiser- he built an incredible organization of schools yet he always has the time and really seems to enjoy sharing his knowledge with others in the industry.
Register today! The link is now active!
This webinar is being presented to you by Dow Lohnes PLLC on Thursday, April 2, 2009, at 2:00 pm EST. Aaron Lacey will discuss the significant changes occurring in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, including the reorganization and expansion of SEVP, the new Recertification process, and the introduction of SEVIS II. Aaron will focus on the timing and substance of these changes, and review basic steps schools should be taking in preparation.
The webinar will last approximately one hour, including time for a question and answer session.
This webinar is a free service provided by FAPSC. Feel free to share with your colleagues, members or non-members.
Eric Whitehouse, campus director, and the faculty of Rasmussen College presented The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools with a $5,000 donation.
The donation will enable the foundation to continue with its mission of enhancing the quality of Lee County public education.
According to Whitehouse, his college became involved as volunteers first and the opportunity to provide financial support was the next logical step.
"I am a product of the Lee County school system, an education that has paved the way for me to lead Rasmussen College in Fort Myers today," he said. "The foundation plays a critical part in supporting our public school system, and we are honored to join in their efforts." (Read more)
 FAPSC is now on Facebook! Join your peers and network with other professionals in our sector. Facebook can be a useful tool when keeping in touch is difficult because we're all so busy. We encourage you to join and participate, wthout you the group will not work. The vision for the group is a place where we can leave messages and ask questions of our colleagues and friends. If you already have a profile set up or desire to create one make sure you choose to participate in our group.
Click here to sign up -Join the FAPSC group today!
Posted are "links" to news relating to our sector that may be of interest to you
News from Senate President Jeff Atwater
AIF Daily Brief March 23, 2009
AIFTV- Episode 4, March 23, 2009
AIF Daily Brief March 19, 2009
AIF Daily Brief March 17, 2009
P.S. Check the website frequently for the latest information.
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