2022-12-20 Merit Appeals Board Minutes

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Merit Appeals Board December 20, 2022 CHR. CABANAS: Okay, this is Ms. Cabanas. For "Personnel and Organizational Development," will there be something with Hilo High School or is it just the internship program for Waiakea plan. Is there a plan for Hilo High? MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yeah, actually, we the County—it's a Countywide program that we're actually working with the DOE to include other islandwide schools. We did a pilot program with Puna schools, which was really successful. So, we actually have a program template that parks and rec., kind of, created and we're waiting to roll it out to all the schools, to include Hilo. CHR. CABANAS: Oh, okay. Thank you. MR. LEOPOLDINO: But Waiakea High School was—approached us, actually. So, we kind of took action on that. But, yes, we will include all high schools. CHR. CABANAS: Okay. And then, since we were talking about the CVE Program, can you can I ask that, Counsel? Can you elaborate for the Board just so that they know what's the status of that now? MR. LEOPOLDINO: So, unfortunately, I'm sure you guys know that community colleges the enrollment is very low. In fact, we only have one of the—one or two of the 15 CVE slots filled. And I'm active on the Board the Community College Board—and they're suffering with their enrollment and participation in any of the programs still. In fact, Kalama Nui was—had to shut down, I believe. I think there was just one or two students that they were trying to finish up their curriculum. But community colleges are struggling. So, we're seeing it on the CVE level. And as Gabriella mentioned, we have a bunch of success stories through the CVE Program who—we have students that have made—started as CVE students and are actually now fulltime civil service employees. But it is a partnership program that the County budgets funds to pay for these 15 positions and they're assigned to all County departments. And these departments have at least one CVE student. And it serves as, like, a paid internship. They work closely in whatever division they're assigned. When I was at police, I had a CVE student that worked with me. It, primarily, focuses on the business end. So, we have a lot of business -type students that participate and we're hoping that the program will pick up again, real soon. CHR. CABANAS: What's the budgeted amount now? When I was there, it was reduced from 50,000 to 38,000is it still 38,000? MR. LEOPOLDINO: Yeah, I—well, I think it's more because the minimum wage went up. So, I don't know the amount. But the positions are funded the 15. Page 14