May 16, 2020
VISITORS – President Murray welcomed MPSO and MSO observers Kari Estes, Susan
Wagner, Laurie Bernskoetter, Sharon Fortner and incoming Board members Jamie Buchner,
James Mueller, and David Hope.
CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS
President Murray thanked MNEA staff and leaders for their work during the COVID-19 closure.
He expressed thanks and admiration to our members’ support of students and for MNEA staff
support, creativity, and flexibility during recent months.
REPORTS
President/VP Reports – President Murray and Vice President McIntosh shared their virtual
work with locals and NEA during March, April, and May.
NEA Director Report - Directors Paul Guess and Andy Slaughter highlighted lobbying efforts
and board business from NEA Superweek. Their report is attached (below).
Executive Director Report – DeeAnn Aull’s report to the Board included MNEA’s COVID
crisis plan and updates on a variety of ongoing Association programs and activities that have
continued during the spring: early enrollment, MNEA online, legal services, and member PD.
The COVID -19 crisis plan provides for strong and ongoing communication and support of
members, safety and support for staff, continued advocacy and engagement with locals for
legal/bargaining/COVID issues, and strategies for managing renewal/authorization/enrollment
forms.
Financial Reports – CFO Karen Struemph presented the financial statements and a stable
budgetary status during COVID closures.
Manager Reports – Field Managers Patrick Layden and Chas Young reported on membership
work and advocacy efforts around the state. Pam Koetting, Association Manager, reported on
Member Benefit activities, Degrees Not Debt workshops, and ongoing planning with NEA for
the virtual national Representative Assembly
Legislative Update – Otto Fajen, Legislative Director, provided the Board with an end-ofsession
summary (below). MNEA will continue to work with coalition partners to defend the
voter-approved CLEAN initiative. Missouri NEA also supports the efforts to ensure healthcare
access for working families and children by expanding Medicaid on the August ballot.
BUSINESS ITEMS
• Kirby Newport and Francine Hill were reelected to the Program, Audit, and Budget
Committee as Board representatives.
• The Board approved the incoming class for Future Leaders Academy.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
• Patrick Layden outlined the 2020 Virtual Summer Leadership Conference:
o Monday, 6-15-20, through Thursday, 6-18-20, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm daily. Locals
will have the opportunity to meet virtually with staff, committees, or other groups
during the mornings.
o Registration is open: https://www.mnea.org/Missouri/SummerAcademy.aspx
• President Murray shared updates about the weekly Local Leader calls and upcoming
goals for Advisory Councils and Governance District Meetings.
• Members of the Board reported on activities, issues, and member advocacy work in their
governance districts.
• Vice President McIntosh shared information from the State Board of Education and the
2020 Missouri Poverty Report.
Wagner, Laurie Bernskoetter, Sharon Fortner and incoming Board members Jamie Buchner,
James Mueller, and David Hope.
CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS
President Murray thanked MNEA staff and leaders for their work during the COVID-19 closure.
He expressed thanks and admiration to our members’ support of students and for MNEA staff
support, creativity, and flexibility during recent months.
REPORTS
President/VP Reports – President Murray and Vice President McIntosh shared their virtual
work with locals and NEA during March, April, and May.
NEA Director Report - Directors Paul Guess and Andy Slaughter highlighted lobbying efforts
and board business from NEA Superweek. Their report is attached (below).
Executive Director Report – DeeAnn Aull’s report to the Board included MNEA’s COVID
crisis plan and updates on a variety of ongoing Association programs and activities that have
continued during the spring: early enrollment, MNEA online, legal services, and member PD.
The COVID -19 crisis plan provides for strong and ongoing communication and support of
members, safety and support for staff, continued advocacy and engagement with locals for
legal/bargaining/COVID issues, and strategies for managing renewal/authorization/enrollment
forms.
Financial Reports – CFO Karen Struemph presented the financial statements and a stable
budgetary status during COVID closures.
Manager Reports – Field Managers Patrick Layden and Chas Young reported on membership
work and advocacy efforts around the state. Pam Koetting, Association Manager, reported on
Member Benefit activities, Degrees Not Debt workshops, and ongoing planning with NEA for
the virtual national Representative Assembly
Legislative Update – Otto Fajen, Legislative Director, provided the Board with an end-ofsession
summary (below). MNEA will continue to work with coalition partners to defend the
voter-approved CLEAN initiative. Missouri NEA also supports the efforts to ensure healthcare
access for working families and children by expanding Medicaid on the August ballot.
BUSINESS ITEMS
• Kirby Newport and Francine Hill were reelected to the Program, Audit, and Budget
Committee as Board representatives.
• The Board approved the incoming class for Future Leaders Academy.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
• Patrick Layden outlined the 2020 Virtual Summer Leadership Conference:
o Monday, 6-15-20, through Thursday, 6-18-20, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm daily. Locals
will have the opportunity to meet virtually with staff, committees, or other groups
during the mornings.
o Registration is open: https://www.mnea.org/Missouri/SummerAcademy.aspx
• President Murray shared updates about the weekly Local Leader calls and upcoming
goals for Advisory Councils and Governance District Meetings.
• Members of the Board reported on activities, issues, and member advocacy work in their
governance districts.
• Vice President McIntosh shared information from the State Board of Education and the
2020 Missouri Poverty Report.