Madison, WI

Call to Order: Pam Rennhack, outgoing President, called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m.

Approval of Minutes: Carol Conway-Gerhardt provided minutes for approval. Jack moved and Mary Louise Tammi seconded acceptance of minutes as printed. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Scott Oates presented the budget. As of April 1999, there was $13,566 in all accounts. At that point it looked like WCTELA had about $6000 to pay for this conference. There were 35 on-site registrations. We should see $2000 coming in. Scott said that WCTELA needs to think about money left over as running expenses for Executive Board and publications. There will be two Executive Board meetings at Plover and one summer retreat. Publication costs have been the printing of the Journal, newsletter, and fall mailing to all English certified teachers and postage. WCTELA needs to generate funds to maintain these. Judy Knoll could not give us the membership count at this time. The count should be clear by mid June or early July. Pam noted that the people who go to NCTE convention had not been given money to help support their expenses. We need people to attend the Denver conference to share the news about Milwaukee in 2000. Jack moved that $1200 be reserved for travel grants to be determined by incoming President. John Zbikowski seconded. Discussion followed. Motion carried. As a suggestion, WCTELA entered into the notes to consider establishing a stable pool of money that is untouched that creates interest to pay for Executive Board expenses. WCTELA is looking internally to see how it is expending money. Debbie Kinder moved and Mari Sue Bethke seconded that the treasurer’s report be accepted. Motion carried.

Foundation/Trust Report: Officer Jack Kean said there are four continuing members for the Foundation/Trust Board: Mary Louise, Mark Heike, Donna Hitchens, and Wilma Clark. Mary Kirchman was named as nominee. Carol Conway-Gerhardt seconded. The motion carried.

President’s Report: Pam Rennhack said that we have the right to apply for affiliate newsletter, affiliate journal, and affiliate excellence award. Pam will submit by July 15. We have done some excellent things. Two NCTE reps gave support at the February meeting. Awards are to be given to Don LaBonte for publication in the newsletter. Jack noted the unusual foundation structure that WCTELA has. Pam notes that we have some openings that need to be filled. Kathleen Lindas has retired from DPI and is retiring from Professional Issues Committee in WCTELA. Pam will be appointing SLATE, Professional Issues, and publications advisory chair (Update and Journal) as liaison. Pam asked that people let her know if there is interest. Christian Knoeller is leaving WCEE. Helen Dale is interested in co-chairing with Scott Oates. Helen will be approached by Pam or John.

First VP’s Report: John Zbikowski brought up the College and University Committee. It was suggested to contact Carol Kaiser to see about her participation. WCTELA is looking for the distinction between this and WCEE and what the purposes are. Caroline Majak is not sure how it relates to elementary and middle school language arts. She suggests exploring this again. How do we incorporate people at the university level into the program, especially with the emphasis on standards? Currently college level people are not represented very well in WCTELA. At the summer retreat we could clarify roles of these committees. As John articulated, then how do technical and private schools play into the organization?

Is WCEE for secondary methods? When do elementary and middle school converge at the college level? Summer retreat will be August 17 and 18 in cabins at Green Lake. Work has begun on NCTE convention. Pam and Caroline are general chairs. Sandy Dickerson and Mary Ann Maris are associate chairs. Various coordinators will be selected this fall. Publicity booth is important. Scott will take on the finance chair for NCTE.

We have received convention evaluations. Attendance is at about 300, consistent with last year. Involving elementary teachers is key.

Second VP’s Report: Claire Martin was not able to be present. April 7 and 8 are set for WCTELA Convention in 2000. Madison may not be having farmers’ market at that time. Steven Judy is the keynote speaker for the occasion. Claire will be working with Mary Meiser this year. Mary Meiser is not interested in continuing in this position. Pam recommends continuing this position. We will need to continue to look for someone. Mary may put together a guidebook. Planning contracts may require someone to help. It is not too soon.

Claire will have her convention in April 2000. There will be no spring convention in 2001. The idea is to have two small regional conferences in 2000-01. WCTELA may want to have one around Hayward. The group voted to hold the WCTELA Convention in Madison for three more years starting in spring 2002. WCTELA will probably not return to Monona Terrace because it is so expensive.

Committee Reports—

Membership Report: Carol Conway-Gerhardt reported on the various conferences where WCTELA members have set up membership tables to encourage membership. Plans are underway for a membership brochure, membership cards, and membership messages in WCTELA publications.

Conference on English Leadership Report: Members noted that CEL could be the focus for regional conferences. Sandy Zinos as chair would work with Second VP Carol Conway-Gerhardt on the plans.

Old Business—

None

New Business—

Pam Rennhack said thank you for being selected to serve as WCTELA’s President. She enjoyed the opportunity and challenge very much. She was applauded for her work.

John Zbikowski took over as new President. He has a resolution to increase membership, sustain publications, and seek a myriad of support for WCTELA activities.

Adjournment—

Pam moved and Bonnie Frechette seconded that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Conway-Gerhardt, Second VP and Outgoing Secretary