Narrative: III. b. 3. B.

Panel Consensus (Compliance): The State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) does not have the required board membership - there is not a full business majority; they are missing a Legislative Representative (Senate), and they are missing labor representation (RA, union representation).  In addition, the PRDE Secretary of Education has been appointed on the State board, but it's unclear if the Secretary is also representing K12 programs.  Title II requires unique representation to the State board. 

Attached, you will find the updated table of the composition of the State Board. We are in compliance with the required labor representation. Additionally, the Governor's Office is making efforts to nominate the only vacancy from the private sector. We have made numerous efforts with the office of the President of the Senate of Puerto Rico for the designation of their representative. However, we have not received a response. Therefore, the Governor's Office will be contacting the office of the President of the Senate to assist in filling the vacancy.

The Secretary of Education has delegated her representation to Dr. Yarilis Santiago, Director of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Program (Title II). Thus, Title II has unique representation on the State Board.

Table 30. PR State Workforce Board Members

The State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) in Puerto Rico, in compliance with WIOA sec. 101 and 20 CFR § 679.110, was established through a new executive order (OE-2022-034). The Governor convened with the board for the first time in November of 2022, marking a significant milestone in workforce development efforts. Notably, this executive order underscores a heightened focus on Apprenticeship Program representation, requiring three representatives from this sector.

The composition of the SWDB is detailed below, featuring representatives from various sectors:

State Workforce Development Board (WIOA)

Note: Board vacancies are pending Governor’s appointments.

Board Activities

Provide a description of the activities that will assist State Board members and staff in conducting State Board functions effectively.

The State Board engages in a comprehensive range of activities aimed at effectively fulfilling its functions. Collaborating with an interagency committee comprising core and required partners, the State Board executes the development of the plan through a year-round working agenda. The delineation of the State Board's role and responsibilities is guided by WIOA, local statutes, and internal regulations. The latter includes the establishment of subcommittees and working groups dedicated to addressing technical and specific issues. Noteworthy among these are the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee, Private Sector Liaising Committee, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Auditing Committee, Entrepreneurship Committee, Continuous Improvement Committee, and the Executive Committee.

In addition to its internal initiatives, the State Board is entrusted with assisting the Governor in additional functions outlined by WIOA. These responsibilities encompass:

• Developing and implementing the State Unified Plan and performance measures.

• Formulating and expanding strategies for partnerships in in-demand sectors/occupations.

• Crafting and aligning policies to meet workforce development goals.

• Overseeing the development and continuous improvement of the one-stop delivery system.

• Formulating policies and guidance pertaining to the role and resource contribution of one-stop partners.

The Puerto Rico State Workforce Development Board (PRSWDB) convenes a minimum of four times annually, utilizing either in-person sessions or videoconferencing. These meetings serve as platforms for addressing state network issues, formulating strategic policies, acquiring performance updates, and supervising funding initiatives. Decisions are democratically made through a majority vote of serving PRSWDB members, following Robert’s Rules of Order. The decision-making process prioritizes inclusivity and collaboration among stakeholders to fortify the workforce system. Educational and informational segments of the meetings adhere to the Chair's preference. The executive committee, meeting separately, assists and expedites the state board's work, evaluating reports from the Workforce Development Program (WDP) and making fund allocation recommendations.

The executive committee's responsibilities encompass overseeing the strategic plan implementation, monitoring workgroup plans and progress, aligning workgroups, advocating for efficiency and cooperation, overseeing strategies for education and business outreach, and providing recommendations to the Governor on geographic designations for workforce development areas.

A key priority of the PRSWDB is enhancing information technology functions, focusing on technological integration with Labor Development System partners, online availability, and responsive career information. Emphasis is also placed on performance functions, concentrating on continuous improvement and contributions to achieving the PR State Unified Plan goals. The performance system evaluates process and outcome measures related to WIOA performance common measures and other relevant areas.

The executive committee, meeting monthly, collaborates with staff on WIOA State Plan preparation, annual report submission, and oversight functions. It holds interim meetings for emergency or time-sensitive decisions and communicates actions promptly to the full PRSWDB. The Planning Committee, another standing committee, reviews and recommends necessary reports and information and collaborates closely with state agency staff during the development of the WIOA State Plan.

Additionally, the Innovation and Trends Committee is tasked with developing strategies to support career pathways for individuals with disabilities. PRSWDB staff, administratively attached to the DEDC, may seek assistance from other state government units as needed to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.