The weather and the internal changes have been a rough way to start off 2019. On the flip side, we have a fresh start and we are moving forward. With tough decisions come new beginnings and the outcome will position us for our future.
The timing of the changes is good. We could have not have done this six months ago, but now we have providers who are set up to take on the work that we were doing in Community Integration and employment. I have been meeting with interested providers and have two wonderful prospects to transition Community Integration. Conversations are continuing and we will know more by the end of February. Stay tuned!
Many employees will be taking on new duties to spread the work of those leaving. We will also be hiring two new support positions to pick up a bulk of that work as well. Interviews are in progress and we hope to have these positions filled quickly so they can be trained. Thanks to everyone for their work toward the end goal.
The state and our local government recognize our work toward fiscal responsibility, forward-thinking, and future planning. The commissioners have granted us a ballot entry for May 2019 with an ask of 1.7 mill levy over a ten year period. Travis and I also met with Jeff Davis who is the new Director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). The team was supportive of our future plans and wishes us luck as we try for a 12th time to pass our levy this May.
This week, at the commissioner’s meeting, a resolution was passed to sell the Beidler Center. The decision to sell was made by our County Commissioners (with MCBDD input) as a cost savings measure after it was confirmed that Marca Industries planned to move. This will not only reduce operational costs but provide an opportunity for our entire staff to be together under one roof. I’m excited to have a more united and collaborative atmosphere for staff. As with those served, the goal with our move is the same – to provide a seamless transition for all MCBDD employees.
You are a key communicator and a link to our community. If you hear misinformation, please clarify it. If people have questions and you do not have the answers, please feel free to refer them to me.
If you have additional questions, schedule time to meet with me. I know that this is a lot to take in. I’m here to field questions and concerns as we work through these challenging transitions.
Thank you for all you do and have done to make MCBDD an impactful organization in our community.
Cheryl A. Plaster, Superintendent
