Narrative: III. a. 1.

The MoWDB assists the Governor in carrying out its functions by providing the “table” of leadership among partner agencies to convene regular and ad hoc meetings as necessary. The State Board is committed to the alignment and a streamlined workforce development system furthering the vision of the State Agency Steering Committee.

A state plan development process was launched by the Board. The State Board Planning Committee led the overview and endorsement of the draft State Plan narrative. Ultimately the State Board approved the State Plan.

Members of the State Board are united in furthering the implementation of systemic changes in WIOA concerning the identification of barriers to employment; development, endorsement and implementing strategies to eliminate employment barriers. Currently, the solidification and unification of a multi–faceted career pathways model is also an objective and implementation priority. These objectives and others will be included in a statewide outreach and communication strategy that will effectively serve in marketing WIOA and will especially aim to create branding notoriety and brand management for America’s Job Centers within Missouri.

A core focus of the State Board objectives includes the Sector Strategies Initiative. The firm Maher and Maher was secured and this initiative was launched in October 2015. From this model, the consultant developed and the Board endorsed the essential employer engagement within local workforce board areas to identify and promote the correct sector strategies within each region.

The State Board will also lead continuous improvement, quality management and oversight within the system. This will include state training and cross–training of staff to be incorporated into the state performance accountability system.

The State Board will utilize operational structures and decision making processes that contributes to successful implementation of its functions under 101(d). Operational structures of the Board provide that the purposes and powers of the board shall be consistent with WIOA P.L 113-128 and Section 620.511 et seq., RSMO. Consequently, the State Workforce Development Board is comprised of businesses, workforce and government officials who represent key industries and programs that are instrumental in providing informed recommendations towards building strong regional economies and improved performance accountability of programs. The operational structure of the Missouri Workforce Development Board and its meetings allows it to serve as a convener of state, regional, and local workforce system partners. Workforce Development Board meetings are held four times each year and subcommittees are authorized to assist with policy and programmatic issues as necessary comply with WIOA section 101. Agenda topics at board meetings typically center on items that ensures successful implementation of all six core WIOA programs and TANF. In addition, opportunity is provided at each meeting to hear from Local Workforce Development Boards, the public and others who may be attending. The operational structure of the Board contributes to successful decision making processes. The decision making processes begin with ensuring that board meeting agendas are developed with input from the Chair, Vice Chair and key WIOA State Board officials. Each item discussed at board meetings is initially framed by a subject matter expert. The subject matter expert presents and discusses elements of the agenda item so that all Board members are sufficiently informed and able to confidently develop recommendations and actions for the appropriate state agency. Board members are updated on operational results of their recommendations and action items during meetings and subcommittee meetings as appropriate. This ensures Board members are able to provide additional recommendations as needed to fulfill their obligations under section WIOA section 101(d).