February 16, 2019
Several Board members were unable to attend due to weather conditions across the state, including Eric and Lisa.
Reports were presented:
Other Board business:
Reports were presented:
- President Smith shared the President’s report.
- Vice President Fullington shared his report and made special mention of the NEA Foundation Gala and our Teacher of the Year, Beth Davey.
- Executive Director, DeeAnn Aull, shared information regarding the Keep Missouri CLEAN campaign and the collaborative work that was occurring to defend the passage of the CLEAN initiative by voters last November. She reviewed the progress and work that is happening around the state regarding HB1413 and the success that many locals are having with their elections and bargaining. She shared that a legal decision regarding MNEA’s HB1413 litigation could be delivered at any time.
- Mark Jones described the new format for MNEA Capitol Action Days. Members will meet at MNEA Headquarters in Jefferson City for a brief informational meeting and then be transported to the Capitol. After meeting with legislators, members will return to MNEA HQ for lunch and de-briefing conversations.
- NEA Directors Lisa Kickbusch and Rebeka McIntosh shared information from the NEA Board of Directors meeting. NEA membership numbers are strong in all categories. The Community Ally membership category will be presented for the Representative Assembly’s approval in Houston. NEA Board members lobbied legislators on preventing gun violence, the Rebuild America’s Schools Act, and the National ESP award.
- Vice President Fullington presented the annual audit report. The audit is a clean opinion and the Association is in a strong financial position.
- Pam Koetting presented a summary of the legal activity that is occurring on behalf of MNEA members around the state.
- Otto Fagen presented the Legislative report. Members should expect an action alert about upcoming debate on charter school expansion and tax credit vouchers. There is ongoing concern about the state revenues and the Legislature’s ability to fully fund the public school formula and Higher Education in the upcoming budget. President Smith urged members to pay close attention to the action alerts and Legislative updates issued by Otto Fagen so they have the most accurate information about bills moving through the House and Senate.
- Karen Struemph, CFO, presented the financial, building, and capitol budget reports.
- The East/West Field managers shared information from their locals regarding bargaining, elections, renewal forms, and early enrollment campaign planning. Local leaders are encouraged to attend the Winter Leadership meetings: Kansas City: March 2, St. Louis, March 23.
Other Board business:
- President Smith shared information re: HB864. He cautioned members to be skeptical of information from MSTA and MRTA. He reiterated his message to members – if you have not heard from MNEA on a bill: 1. The bill is not alive. 2. The bill has no chance of passing. 3. It is not time to take action. We will rely on Otto Fajen to advise us about action on bills.
- Vice President Fullington presented the proposed 2019-2020 budget and the Board recommended it to the Representative Assembly for debate and approval.
- President Smith reviewed the proposed amendments to the 2019-2020 MNEA Resolutions. The Board recommended it to the Representative Assembly for debate and approval.
- The Board approved the 2019-2020 MNEA calendar. Some NEA dates are yet to be determined and will be added in the future.
- Leaders are reminded that online voting is open for state delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly in July. Please encourage all members to vote.
- Registration is open for the MNEA Spring RA. Please register for RA events online.