Thursday, February 5th

Present: Elaine P., Mike R., Joe B., Rob B., Frank S., Steve H., Bob S., Dick T., Laurie S., Madeline Y., Dick T., Dick K, Joan P. and Dave C. Staff: Ray P. & Bob J. Guests: Nancy Thomas, Kathy Buck, Bob Goudreau and Ken Page.

Welcome to Joe Bowen: The meeting started and Elaine welcomed everyone and then introduced Joe Bowen as a new member of the Executive Council. Joe is the Principal of West Rutland School.

Reports:

President’s Report-Elaine talked about her and Laurie attending a VCSEA meeting and we will discuss later whether to have two of our EC members to go to their board.

NAESP Report-Dave C. sent out an electronic mailing about NAESP. He encouraged people to check the web site and Ray’s musings. Membership reports from NAESP are confusing. He then handed out membership statistics by State and Zone. The Northeast meeting will be earlier in the fall next year (late October or early November). He also discussed the hopes of the group to have the agenda tie into the national agenda.

NASSP Report-Bob S. discussed the NASSP convention in Orlando. He will be voting on the President of the organization at the meeting. There will be a discussion about possible joining with NAESP. Bob talked about his membership efforts he makes for the national association. He suggested that we divide up and have phone calls made by people in various regions. The theme of the conference will be the start of the Breaking Ranks II report. Bob also talked about the regional meetings. Elaine talked about the web page legislative email alerts that are easy to do. Bob S. reminded us that our three congressional delegates are always behind education. Frank S. asked if either association is discussing middle level. The answer, both are. Bob S. said that both organizations want it for the membership money.

Federal Relations Report-Dick T. said that Bob gave his report. Dick agreed with Bob about our delegation. Dick is going to the federal relations conference next month. He mentioned the issue of funding NCLBA and the funding of voucher schools for D.C. schools. The vouchers would be good for public and private schools. The spending bill does call for increasing IDEA spending up to 20%, an increase from 16.8%. Then money towards professional leadership development is down about a percent.

Executive Director’s Report

1. Executive Council Terms of Office

Ray introduced the subject to try to get clarity about the current terms that people are serving. The language in the by-laws is confusing and it was agreed that it should be made clearer. The following opinions and comments were shared:
- Joan felt it should be for two elected terms.
- Dick T. said that Scott had told him that membership on the council was for two consecutive terms. This will help to bring in new blood.
- Mike R. agreed with Dick T. about two consecutive terms.
- Peter E. felt it was encouraging that so many people were interested in the opening that Joe now has. He agreed with the notion of two consecutive terms.
- Dave C. talked about how Bruce G. enjoyed the last process being more inclusive.
- Madeline Y. agreed with Ray and felt that two terms should be automatic if the person desires it, but agrees to two consecutive terms.
- Frank S. supports the same notion for two reasons. Until last year he didn’t know how people on Exec. Council and opening it up is therefore important. It’s cleaner if you know the extent of the term.
- Steve H. talked about how you start on a committee to learn the ropes before you get to know the routines.
- Bob J. mentioned that ASC does not have a past chair.
- Joan P. felt we should advertise openings and the Executive Council would review bios at the April meeting. Elaine P. agreed and reminded us that would be the same as the process Ray used for the opening filled by Joe B.
- Bob S. made a motion for Ray to rewrite the bylaws so that the terms for Executive Council and ASC be clearly defined, and include the notion of balance (gender, school size, etc.) and also that people would serve two consecutive elected terms. It was agreed that if someone was appointed to fill out a term, he or she would still be able to have two terms. He will draft language for the April meeting. The motion was seconded by Laurie S. Motion approved.
- Given the discussion about terms, we will have two openings this year: Joan Paustian and Mike Redington. Elaine P. recommended that we use the same process that we used for the opening when Tony K. left. Ray will advertise the opening via email and bios of all interested candidates will be presented at the April Executive Council meeting.

2. Ray handed out the membership report.
- Bob S. recommended that non-members be allowed to continue to get “Ray’s Musings” for one-year trial, and then if they want to continue they have to become members. Ray and Marie will work out a procedure to do this.
- Ray will send Executive Council members a list of members.

3. Financial Report- handed out and budget process discussed. Ray said that he will present a proposed budget at the April meeting. It will be in a different format with the following four columns: Budget 2002-03, Actual 2002-03, Budget 2003-04, Proposed 2004-05.
Director of Student Activities

1. Bob handed out a sheet that had the actions taken by the ASC meeting on 1/29/04.
(please refer to handout) He presented information on each decision. There were discussions and questions on the following items.

- Based on the questions, Bob responded that the NFHS recommended mouth guards for baseball/softball. They are not yet required. When they are required by NFHS, we will then comply.
- Spring football was discussed. After some questions about the rationale for the decision. Bob explained the reasons that were presented at the ASC.
- Recommendation about upping percentage of games was discussed. One recommendation was to have those at only 60% be penalized instead of ruled out. ASC will consider and discuss at their next meeting before making final recommendation. Frank asked for a picture of the actual numbers at the next meeting. Elaine and Bob S. both said that we have to do what is best for kids and letting them play.

2. Bob J. handed out a listing of the championship dates. Elaine asked if we need help at any events. Some people signed up for various events. Others can let Bob know.

3. Discussion of consistency of awards that are given out. Some concerns were expressed about some sports handing out awards other than those offered by the VPA. Ray and Bob are working on it.

Minutes December 12, 2003

• Mike R., Joan, Bob S., Frank S., Steve H., Bruce G. were there, add
• Motion to approve as amended by Dick T. second by Dick K. Motion passed.

Status Report

-Ray and Bob presented an update of the strategic plan (Please refer to handout). After going through the report, Ray mentioned that he will ask Barbara Iverson to delete the e-newsletter offering from the web page. The weekly musings will be the in its place. There was agreement that the newsletter was no longer necessary given the weekly emails from Ray and Bob.

Reflections- Elaine asked each person to give their thoughts on how things were going so far with Ray and Bob on board. Here are the comments that were made:

• good that we’re at state house with the other organizations
• Ray discussed the role that Bob J. plays in allowing Ray to be at the legislature and with other organizations. Bob is doing a great job of leading the activities side of the organization.
• not concerned about some things not being done given the increased presence at the legislature-that has to be a priority.
• good teamwork between Bob and Ray
• Bob-great job also. We have to find the skeletons as Ray and Bob complete their first year. Ray should suggest changes in future.
• I like the sounds of the number of connections made and networking with groups. collaborations have improved.
• Great response from Bob in helping to support athletics.
• Madeline Y. I echo everything said. It’s exciting. Enjoys Ray’s Musings.
• Laurie said that feedback from principals and AD is very positive. Pleased the ways the things are being handled. Make sure you check the reasonableness of your jobs.
• Dave C. knows that our presence is felt. Watching Ray interact with other state execs shows evidence of good rapport.
• Steve H. will reserve judgment until I know what will happen with spring football. It’s been a great run so far.
• Rob B. says that positive comments about what we’re doing.
• Joe B. My 23rd year in VPA and didn’t have desire to be involved due to sports only. But now, I applied
• Frank S. I would echo with a couple of specifics. The lack of any bad press is great. I was apprehensive after the first meeting because Ray seemed to be stressing financial issues. I’m very happy that over the six months that is not the case. There were times we gave in too easily in the past. It hasn’t happened yet. I am confident and hopeful that you’ll respond more with the will of the group or draw the line somewhere.
• Dick K. feedback form principals getting answers, positive response. Other feedback very positive and sometimes confused statements about VPA is in staff development. How come all of a sudden. I’m pleased that we’re able to do both. There is also positive feedback from legislators. They appreciate to know that there is someone from VPA there and enjoy Ray’s gentle humor.
• Mike appreciates the development of a strategic plan that is doable. The direction we’ve chosen is going to benefit us all in the future. Work in legislature is important and worth the time.
• Bob J. discussed the positive climate Ray has helped create at the VPA office.
• Elaine-I echo what others said. We are setting structures that will help in the future.
• Ray did the cork trick.

Legislative Report

Ray gave out a handout that had a summary of the legislative report. (Please refer to the handout.) He then reviewed the bills listed and sought input on others. The following were reviewed:

• The Commissioner’s Response to Mandates report (Please refer to handout).
• A summary of the Cost Containment Report was handed out. The recommendations were read and reviewed.
• Ray handed out the revised Harassment bill (H.113). He reviewed the process he was involved in which included about six meetings with the bill’s sponsor, Joel Cook (VT-NEA), Jeff Francis (VSA), John Nelson (VSBA), and Bill Reedy (DOE). It also included testimony at the House Judiciary Committee on three occasions. The compromise bill has many improvements over the original bill. Those were outlined by Ray.
• H.490 Repeal of the Governor’s Diploma. Ray said that he felt this would be on the fast track for approval.
• S.260 An Act Dealing with Participation in State Championship Tournaments.
• S.281 An Act to Establish A Civics Education Program. Ray discussed the Commissioner’s recommendation at the Senate Education committee that civics ed could be discussed without legislation.
• S.282 Foreign Language Credit for Immigrants.
• School Choice. Ray asked for input so that he would have a VPA stance to share at a public hearing next Wednesday night. At this point, Nancy Thomas and Kathy Buck from VCSEA joined us and they participated in the discussion. Nancy discussed the issues around special ed in relation to who decides where they go and who pays. After some more general discussion, about the current law (ACT 150), transportation and equity issues, Dick K. suggested a statement for the VPA. It was agreed that he would type it into the computer at the end of this meeting so that we could discuss it in the morning.

Discussion about VPA and VCSEA Collaboration

As mentioned above, Nancy Thomas and Kathy Buck joined us to discuss some of the ideas that they and Elaine P. and Laurie S. have discussed about collaboration between our two organizations.

VCSEA-Elaine gave a brief update about prior efforts. Nancy discussed how they wanted to increase collaboration with principals. Elaine went to fall annual meeting and Laurie and Elaine went to a meeting a couple of weeks ago.

Roundtable discussion: Nancy T. mentioned that she, Ray and Jeff Francis met last week to discuss the concept of superintendents. principals and SPED directors having roundtable discussions. Hopefully regions will invite superintendents and principals to meetings this spring. Kathy added that maybe we should look at sharing best practices and models in dealing with special ed. How can we utilize resources better. Nancy handed out a list of Exec. Officers and regional reps for VCSEA. We need to work together to build educational support system. Also the notion of working together on the issue of highly qualified para educators.

Other ideas included the fact that Elaine P. and Laurie S. would go to their meetings and they would send two to ours. Ray mentioned that he has been invited to the VT-ASCD Planning Committee meeting. We are hopeful that the VT-ASCD, VCSEA and VPA will all co-sponsor a fall conference.

Regional Meetings

Ken Page reported that they have had a couple of meetings. There will be one on March 17th of March. Commissioner Kate will be there. Ken would like ideas on topics for the Commissioner. He discussed what they have done and will do, including spin off groups.

Bob Goodreau said that they had one meeting so far this fall. The second has been planned for Ruby Paine day. It was suggested that at each meeting you decide some practical thing to discuss the next time. For example, Nancy’s group went over report cards. Have a particular topic. Rob mentioned that they also have critical friends groups set up.

We all agreed that we have to sustain the regions even if the numbers are sometimes slow. Elaine thanked Ken and Bob for their work.

True Colors

Elaine handed out a set of cards to each of us and we had to pick one of the four colors that we felt depicted our personality. The meeting then adjourned for the day. It was agreed that we would continue our discussion of school choice and other legislative stances in the morning.

Friday, February 06

Present: Elaine P., Mike R., Joe B., Rob B., Frank S., Steve H., Bob S., Dick T., Laurie S., Dick T., Joan P. and Dave C. Staff: Ray P. & Bob J. Guest: David Ford

Discussion on Legislation Continued

• Ray read the statement that was typed by Dick:

It the sense of the VPA that: We strongly support creating and providing opportunities for our youth. We understand that creating choice is consistent with creating opportunity. We have, as an Association, created and supported initiatives that are thoughtful and that we have subsequently held to analysis. We believe that the State of Vermont has encouraged programs of choice to be implemented that are not yet completed and that have not yet been held to the scrutiny and analysis consistent with thoughtful policy implementation. We recommend that the present initiatives continue as planned and receive analysis and review before the implementation of new public policy.

Ray suggested that information about ACT 150 be included.

Mike R. moved and Rob B. seconded. Motion approved.

• Ray explained the bill dealing with Home School driver education. After some discussion it was decided that the main concern was equity. If this is allowed for home school students, then it should be an option for others.
• Nutrition and Obesity bills
- Physical Ed/guided activity requirements are not practical from cost and space issues.
- Encourage schools to Limit vending machines to nutritious foods and drink

Dues Proposal

Ray’s Dues Proposal presented in handout. Motion by to increase dues to $275 and $160 for next year (ray’s proposal) through the year 2006-07, rounded to the nearest $5. Further dues increases would be reviewed in subsequent summer retreats. Rob B. moved the above and Joe B. seconded. It was approved. Therefore, we will bring the following proposal to the membership for dues for the next three years:

VELA Presentation

David presented a power point about the VELA legacy. We then reconvened and David took input from the group about the project. He also gave his contact information so that people could get in touch with feedback.

Meeting Dates

• The date of the next meeting has been changed to April 8th. We’ll meet from 10:00 to 2:00 at 2 Prospect St. Lunch will be provided.
• The summer retreat will be:

- ASC: August 10th and 11th
- EC: August 11th and 12th

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