Larry Anglin
Cameron Bell
Judy Bowen Clark
Barbara Bozon
Terrena Busby
Horace Grace
Jim Granfor / Sonja Havens
Cynthia Hernandez
Eyal Kaczur
Dr. Susan Kincannon
Mary Kliewer
Bill Luther
Matt Maxfield / Dr. Marc Nigliazzo
Tama Shaw
Bill Stanford
Trae Sutton
Martha Tyroch
Ginger Watkins
Directors Absent
Mike Atkinson
Dr. Glenda Barron
Cheryl Eliano / Chris Flor
Jose Segarra / Carlyle Walton
Jim Yeonopolus
Elected Officials and Ex-Officios
Wayne Boltinghouse, Judge, Lampasas County
Workforce Board and Center Staff Present
Linda Angel
Wendy Ann Damon
Horace Dicks
David Gibson / Jerry Haisler
Susan Kamas
Frank Minosky / Kimberly Patterson
Eric Putt
Sandra Russell
Guests Present
Ana Borchardt, Belton Economic Development Corporation
James Elzie, Fort Hood Army Community Services
Michael Irvine, Central Texas Council of Governments
Sue Jordan, Central Texas Council of Governments
David Mass, Texas Workforce Investment Council
Adam McCane, Weaver LLP
Don Nicholas, Office of Representative Roger Williams
Royce Wu, Texas Workforce Investment Council
Call to Order, Pledge, and Chairs Report / Larry Anglin, Chair
The Board of Directors for Workforce Solutions of Central Texas held its regularly scheduled meeting at the Central Texas Workforce Center, 300 Cheyenne, Killeen, TX. Larry Anglin,Chair, called the meeting to order at approximately 9:30 a.m. noting that a quorum was present. Directors and others present pledged allegiance to the flags of the United States and Texas. Directors were asked to review the attendance record and inform staff of any corrections. No corrections were noted.
Action Items / Action Items
Consent Agenda...... Anglin
Anglin called for any discussion or objection to the consent agenda which included the Workforce Board’s business meeting minutes for Jan. 28, 2016.There being no discussion, the item was approved as presented.
2015 Audit Presentation...... Adam McCane, Weaver LLP
Adam McCane, CPA, Partner, Assurance Services with Weaver LLP, introduced himself providing background information about his auditing experience. Referring to printed copies of the Annual Financial Report dated June 30, 2015 and his presentation, he provided an overview of planned topics noting that he would cover the overall audit process and results, required auditor communications, and 2016 required standards. McCane noted that the audit team included two auditors, a data specialist, an IT advisory services manager, and himself.
Regarding the audit process, McCane explained that the audit was performed in accordance with General Accepted Auditing Standards, Generally accepted Government Auditing Standards, and the Single Audit Act (U.S. Office of Management and Budget OMB Circular A-133), and State of Texas Uniform Grants Management Standards. He reported that two risk areas were identified for review. McCane explained that risk was based on the amount of funds spent, recent audits, and program complexity. He stated that the team was on-site in October reviewing specific processes and running tests to review/confirm controls were in place.
McCane reported that the audit resulted in an unmodified/clean opinion of financial statements. He noted that time was spent auditing because there was no need to clean up book or gather information. McCane also indicated that there were no findings related to internal controls, significant deficiencies, or material weaknesses. Specifically referencing A133 and Management Standards, he reported a clean opinion with compliance for major programs. He also listed required communications drawing attention to Board versus auditor responsibilities.
Referencing supplementary information, McCane stated there were no significant changes in accounting standards or policy, no significant policies to be address, and no indication of fraud or illegal acts. In closing, he reported no difficulties with opinions and no current or past adjustments. Regarding standards for next year, McCane indicated changes would have no significant impact for Workforce Boards.
Noting that the audit was presented as an action item, Anglin called for a motion from the Board. He noted that many Board members serve on multiple boards, so they know that a clean audit is fantastic, a validation of exemplary work done by the entire team, especially fiscal staff. Motion by Jim Granfor. Second by Mary Kliewer. All in favor.
Special Presentation
Heart of Texas Defense Alliance Update...... Royce Wu and David Mass,
Texas Workforce Investment Council
Referencing their bios, Matt Maxfield, Vice Chair and Texas Workforce Investment Council Board Member, introduced Royce Wu and David Mass. Maxfield also provided a general overview about the functions and activities of the Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC) noting the staff work directly for the Governor’s office.
Wu began by explaining that the research he would be discussing related to the strategic role defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. He noted that, under the Act, TWIC will be responsible for developing a plan to evaluate the State Workforce System. We also explained that the first study being presented was on Third-party, Industry-Based Certifications for Middle-Skill Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Occupations in Texas.
Specifically discussing the State Plan, Wu reported that TWIC collaborated with system partners to develop the new system strategic plan for the workforce system for fiscal years 2016-2023. He reported that the newly developed plan, which was recently approved by the Governor, identified critical issues and opportunities that must be considered. Noting that the issues impact several of the partner organizations, he explained that an example of one key issue was certifications.
Wu then discussed three parts of the research conducted. Part 1 was Defining Middle-Skill STEM Occupations in Texas; Part 2 was Defining and Capturing Information and Data for Industry-Based Certifications; and Part 3 will beNext Steps for Middle-Skill STEM Occupations and Related Industry-Based Certifications. He explained that the first two studies address two key issues described in the strategic plan – the demand for middle-skills workers in STEM occupations, and the increasing demand for industry-based certifications for Texas workers.
Wu noted that middle-skill STEM jobs are a priority for businesses and policy-makers because they are critical for the economy representing 65% of the job market. He explained that “middle-skill” was defined as beyond high school but less than a four year degree; middle-skill represented about half of the post-secondary credentials.
Describing the overall research process, Wu reported that workers were classified using the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system to organize and catalog jobs. He reported 840 detailed occupations were identified for classifying workers using SOC’s detailed occupation codes to standardize the process. Wu indicated that nine organizations were identified for analysis because they represented eleven different STEM defining sources. He reported 257 SOC occupations were identified as STEM by at least one of the 11 sources adding that 42 STEM occupations matched across all 11 sources. He noted that the majority of the 42 jobs required a four-year degree or higher. Wu also reported that STEM jobs were found in 18 of the 23 major occupation groups with the majority concentrated in six major groups.
To reduce the initial list of 257 STEM occupations, Wu reported that the researchers began by identifying those that met the middle-skill definition. He explained that by applying the definition, the original number was reduced to 85 classifications, five of which matched across all 11 sources. Wu reported that the final step was to make the list relevant for Texas. He explained that 12 additional middle-skill jobs requiring significant STEM-related competencies were identified that were not recognized as STEM by any of the 11 sources. As a result, 97 middle-skill STEM occupations were identified as having significant impact on the Texas economy. Half of the jobs were in four major industries and seven projected significant growth totaling 130,000 workers by 2022. Job growth was predicted for:
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations,
- Healthcare Support Occupations,
- Construction and Extraction Occupations, and
- Production Occupations.
- Computer User Support Specialists,
- Registered Nurses,
- Licensed Practical and Vocational Nurses,
- Medical Assistants,
- Electricians,
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, and
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers.
- Certifications were defined as awards based on national industry standards and assessed by third-party providers, and
- Licenses were defined as awards done by regulatory entities, generally requiring an exam.
Referring to study outcomes, Wu noted that data tracking systems for education/training systems generally do not capture relevant information on third-party assessed industry-based certifications. He presented four states with case studies exploring specific aspects of industry-based certifications noting the benefits/impact of each study. Regarding Texas’ efforts, Wu reported that there was no comprehensive system to track certifications, so it was unclear how many Texans were earning certifications. However, he added that supply-side data sources included Independent School Districts, Higher Education, and Workforce Boards.
In closing, Wu indicated that Part 3 of the study was “Next Steps for Middle-Skill STEM Occupations and Related Industry-Based Certifications.” He explained that the goal was to develop a process that connects middle-skill, in-demand jobs to potential third-party certifications. Wu noted that there were 2,400 certifications identified for the 97 middle-skill STEM occupations. He also reported that about 1,500 unique certifications from over 300 national certifying organizations were identified for the 97 middle-skill STEM occupations. Wu reported that the next task was to use a collaborative effort to trim the list of identified certifications to only include those key third-party, industry-based certifications that can serve as outcomes for secondary and postsecondary education, and workforce education and training.
Responding to Board members questions, Wu defined STEM confirming that educators would know the acronym. He confirmed that specific jobs such as electrician and auto repair would have skills requirements that required technical skills adding that STEM skills could crossover between STEM and non-STEM jobs. Explaining the difference between STEM and non-STEM he confirmed that academic courses related to liberal arts were probably an example of a non-STEM education. Wu reported that he was not sure whether some industries might adopt one certification over another stressing that the next steps of the study would explore industry requirements.
Finally, Wu and Mass responded to questions about what would change based on the research. Mass indicated that 90% of the targeted occupations in Central Texas were middle-skill STEM occupations. Wu noted that the goal was to reproduce better pipelines and linkages to address demands and adapt for business changes. Regarding credentialing and licensing for exiting military, Wu acknowledged that the state Strategic Plan and results from the study aligns with soldiers’ specific skills sets and will help to streamline the process for linking soldiers to schools or industries where they can gain their certifications. Additionally, he reported that in the last legislative sessions, TWIC was given responsibility for the functions of the Texas Skills Standards Board.
Workforce Activities Briefing / Susan Kamas, Executive Director
Susan Kamas, Executive Director, reported that a subcommittee hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee was taking testimony on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. She reported that Dallas Executive Director, Laurie Laurea, would testify about the success of the Texas Workforce system specifically discussing the advantages of integration.
Referencing State-level updates, Kamas drew attention to a press release from the Texas Workforce Commission announcing the appointment of Julian Alvarez as the Workforce Commissioner Representing Labor. She also discussed the labor law update meeting provided by the Texas Workforce Commission noting that she and several others had the opportunity to meet with the Commissioner Representing Employers, Ruth Ruggero Hughes. Kamas reported that active duty military and veterans’ services were discussed with a specific emphasis on the local relationship with Fort Hood. She recognized staff member Frank Minosky acknowledging his unique ability to describe the needs of soldiers and the importance of support from Fort Hood leadership. Kamas explained that Commissioner Hughes learned about a statewide initiative that coordinates the efforts of Mayors of cities impacted by military bases. She noted that the Commissioner left with a better understanding that Fort Hood is a top priority and Central Texas’ strong relationship with Fort Hood was rare and valuable.
Kamas also discussed the quarterly Texas Association of Workforce Boards (TAWB) and Executive Directors Council meetings in Austin. She noted that the primary focus was the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services transition and issues related to the open carry law. Kamas reported that Bill Hammond met with TAWB stating that his #1 question was “will children born in poverty die in poverty?” She added that his second priority was Workforce.
On the local level, Kamas mentioned a Texas Association of Business Luncheon meeting in Waco featuring Congressman Bill Flores. She then announced receipt of a grant from the Texas Workforce Commission to support externships for teachers noting that 20 local teachers would learn at local employer sites this summer. Kamas also recognized staff members Horace Dicks and David Gibson and the Central Texas Council of Governments’ staff recognizing the exemplary efforts that supported the clean audit.
Referencing her panel role at a recent Hispanic Leadership Luncheon, Kamas described the event noting that the panel also included Dr. Ann Farris, and Board Member Sonja Havens. She noted that research prior to the event revealed that female owned businesses in Texas had grown from 28% in 2007 to 36% in 2012. Kamas also reported that the fastest growing age demographic entering the workforce was women 75 years and older.
Kamas reported that Havens had just returned from an invitation-only trip to the Army’s National Training Center. Havens briefly described her experience stressing the rigorous training and extreme environmental demands.
In closing, Kamas provided several brief announcements. She reported that Gen. (Ret.) Ricky Gibbs was visiting with Economic and Chamber groups to gather information related to troop changes on Fort Hood. Kamas noted that Workforce Solutions of Central Texas had provided data and information related to partnerships and available services that would be highlighted in the resulting study. She reminded Board members that individual and group Board photos would be taken at the March Board meeting. Kamas also reported that staff member Linda Angel had agreed to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association by “Going to Jail and Raising Bail” on March 23rd.
Finally, she noted that past Board Chairman Bill Ladyman’s wife Flo had recently passed away adding that a sympathy card was available for Board members who worked with Ladyman. Several individuals commented on Ladyman’s achievements in business and on the Board noting that his wife was a driving force behind his success.
Workforce Centers Updates / Jerry Haisler, Workforce Centers Director
Jerry Haisler, Workforce Centers Director, encouraged contributions to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He then reported that Julia Ebinger, the individual managing Texas’ National Emergency grants including two crucial grants for Central Texas, was being transferred to a new department. Haisler encouraged Cameron Bell to go back to the Workforce Commission and explain how valuable she is in her current position.