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reports Ms. Hasbargen and Ms. Thomasson were understanding of the situation and open <br />to the suggestion. A full-time eq uiva lency (FTE) request was submitted today for <br />temporary case aide positions to provide some assistance as soon as possible. At the next <br />Zone Director's meeting, Cha ir Bo llinger will also ask for assistance from other zones and <br />state partners. M r. Gebhardt added staff are working extremely hard right now and <br />learn ing quite a bit at the same time. He, too, states the shortage of experience is <br />worrisome, especial ly since October and March are histori cal ly months with high volume <br />of reports in CPS . They continue to work diligently to prioritize the most vulnerable and <br />child safety. Cha ir Bo lli nger expl ain ed the tea m is moving forward but lack of experi ence <br />impacts everyone on the team. She has brought it to the attention of the state partners <br />who are supportive and understanding but are unable to provide a so lution at this time <br />due to the amount of training that is requ ired for the position. <br />It was inquired if the resignations were due to burnout, other opportunities, or both. Chair <br />Bo ll inger stated both. There continues to be concerns rega rding current staff and possible <br />burnout, but she feels bring ing Mr. Gebhardt on has been a very positive experience, <br />providing assistance to not only the workers but to supervisors as well. The Boa rd <br />questioned where staff were going after leaving the Zone. It was repo rted staff have gone <br />to State position, school systems, and hospitals. There have also been retirements that <br />have occurred. Chair Bollinger's intent of meeting with Ms. Hasbargen and Ms. Thomasson <br />was to make the state aware of the position the Zone is in and the help that is needed. <br />While there is no known plan to request more FTEs at the next legislative session, the <br />ability to bring on case aides wi ll be beneficial as there is schedu le flexibility and the higher <br />qualifications are not a necessity as educational qualifications had been a barrier in the <br />past when filling FTEs. It was inquired if the Zone offers an internship program, whi ch could <br />help with future recruitment. Cha ir Bol linger stated that option is currently in discussion, <br />but there has to be enough staff to supervise in order to be able to take interns on. It was <br />questioned if the CPS Unit has ever been at the full 15 staff. Chair Bollin ger reported that <br />it has not since she has been with the Zone. <br />IV. Personnel Update <br />There were four resignations, three new hires, and two internal promotions in the month <br />of August. There will be five staff starting in September with the possibility of a few more <br />as well. There are 22 positions in various phases. Turnover is currently at 4.13%. A quarterly <br />report will be provided in the November meeting . <br />Boa rd members questioned at what point is the staffing shortage considered critical or <br />emergent. Chair Bollinger reported the Zone is currently in that stage now, which is the <br />reason she met with Ms. Hasbargen and Ms. Thomasson with her staffing proposal and <br />wi ll be reaching out to other Zones and state partners for assistance. <br />V. Director's Report <br />Chair Bollinger provided a written report to the Board members that were presen t. She <br />reported the Administration team hosted an ice cream social on August 10 to show their <br />appreciation to staff. She also reports attending a program social for the new executive <br />director of the Jeremiah Prog ram, which is a partner of the Zone.