2009 Winter Bd. Mtg. – San Francisco

The Horace Mann League of the USA

Minutes of February 20, 2009, San Francisco

Meeting called to order by Fred Hartmeister at 3:10 p.m.

Members presents:  Fred Hartmeister, Steve Rasmussen, Colleen Wilcox, Richard Christi, Carol Choye, Mark Edwards, Charles Fowler, Linda Darling Hammond, Eric King, Gary Marx, John Monahan, Julie Underwood, and Jack McKay,

Guests: Stan Olson and Evelyn Blose Holman

  1. Minutes of June 22-23, 2008:

Motion by Colleen Wilcox, second by Mark Edwards to approve the HML Summer Board Meeting minutes of June 22-23, 2008, in Chicago:  Passed.

 

  1. Update on book publications:  Nearly completed with publication likely by February 2010.

 

  1. Update on sale of the Horace Mann prints:  Adequate inventory with no additional prints needed.  All new members receive a print as part of the initiation package.

 

  1. Update on sale of “The Art of Teaching” by Horace Mann:  During the 2008 year, 2200 copies were sold to six districts.

 

  1. Update on legal issues:  No pending cases of significance to the HML at this time.

 

  1. Update on membership: Membership increased due to each board member’s commitment to nominate 20 new members.

Motion by Marx, seconded by Rasmussen, that all board members provide names of 20 potential members during the 2009 membership drive.  Passed.

 

  1. Update on Corporate Partners:  Mark Edwards report that five corporate partners have agreed to provide $2,000 each to offset the cost of the annual meeting and luncheon:  Sprectrum, Promethium Boards, Discovery Education, Scantron Corporation, and Apple Computers.  Additionally, Plato Learning will offset the cost of publishing the 2009 HML Membership Directory.

 

  1. 2009 Survey of Members Report:  Colleen Wilcox reported on the “2009 Survey of Members.”  Highlights of the survey were: (1) Financial factors were the greatest factor inhibiting effective school reform. (2) Early childhood education was viewed to be the most significant factor to improve student achievement. (3) Student achievement was considered the most reliable factor to indicate a quality school system. (4)Improving student achievement was considered the most significant factor as a professional career achievement. (5) Eliminating negative and punitive aspects were the two most recommended factors to improve NCLB.  (6) The loss of some talented students was the most significant impact of charter schools.

 

  1. Update on the Horace Mann League budget:  After a review of 2008 revenues and expenditures, the proposed 2009 budget was presented.

Motion by Colleen Wilcox, second by Mark Edwards, that the 2009 proposed budget be approved.  Anticipated reviews – $57,700, with expenditures of $54,000.  Passed.

Steve Rasmussen reviewed the audit. Recommendations: (a) Bank statements reconciled by an individual not named on the bank statement, if possible, (b) Check made to Executive Director should be signed by another authorized signature, and (c) review returned checks for appropriate signature(s).

 

  1. 2009 Summer Board Meeting:  Reviewed past expenditures related to summer board meetings.

Motion by Steve Rasmussen, seconded by Carol Choye that web conferencing technology be used on a pilot bases during the 2009 year.  Further, that web conferences have specific objectives and outcomes.  Passed.

 

  1. Director Nomination Criteria:  Reviewed possible criteria for the nomination of directors.  Possible criteria included regional, gender, and ethnic representation on the board.  Other criteria included professional accomplishments, liaison with other professional associations, past and potential to nominate additional members to the HML, and potential to provide leadership to the HML at some future time.

 

  1. Annual Meeting and Luncheon logistics:  Reviewed Annual Meeting agenda and involvement of directors in introductions and presenting awards.

 

  1. Adjournment:  Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.

Submitted by Jack McKay, Executive Director

 

18,906 comments on “2009 Winter Bd. Mtg. – San Francisco