Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English Language Arts
Annual Business Meeting Minutes - DRAFT
Saturday, May 1, 2004
Radisson Paper Valley Inn, Appleton, WI
Members Present: Tom Scott, Jacki Martindale, Marti Matyska, Scott Oates, Mari Sue Bethke, Joanne Katzmarek, Carol Conway-Gerhardt, Lynn Aprill, Gerhard Fischer, Bill Schang, John Zbikowski
Meeting was called to order at 7:40 a.m. by Tom Scott.
II.
Secretary’s Report
– Chris Van Hoof (in absentia)
After the addition of an agenda item, Carol Conway-Gerhardt made a motion to accept the Secretary’s Report for the 2003 Annual Business Meeting, with a second by Tom Scott, and the motion was carried.
a. Treasurer’s Report – Scott Oates
Scott submitted a written budget for 2004-2005. We have $8,000 in checking left from the Milwaukee 2000 convention, and our $10,000 CD matures in 2006, which will bring in $1,200 on maturity. We can operate at a deficit 3 more years. Jacki questioned a possible dues increase; we will have a discussion on this at the Executive Board meeting and bring recommendation to the next annual meeting. John Zbikowski made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report, with Mari Sue Bethke seconding, and the motion was carried.
We discussed the scheduling for next year: It was suggested that we have 2 sessions in the afternoon instead of longer sessions. No awards at lunch went well. Crockett’s was well-attended. Mari Sue commended that she liked the new format and location for awards. Some wished the main speaker sessions could have been longer. Scott discussed giving awards for students in a bar atmosphere. Perhaps this is something the board should revisit. Carol mentioned that parents of the students receiving awards were positive with it because they didn’t need to take off work for the award. Mari Sue asked if we could hear all or part of their essays. Carol mentioned that essays were quite lengthy, so only a portion of reading would be appropriate. Tom suggested making copies of winning essays. Could we find a small room again next year in Madison that isn’t necessarily a bar, but would include refreshments? The panel discussion right before the awards helped attendance. Tom said we need to keep the focus on the socialization of the event, not the awards. Could the panel be earlier or panelists come earlier to coordinate book signing better? We will still coordinate with WCA, and it will be a single day next year.
Technology availability was discussed. E-mails confirming sessions perhaps could include technology needs and time of sessions in them. E-mail confirmation of registration from Judy was great – continue.
Lynn Aprill is running for 2nd Vice President.
We are looking into the director positions. Tom will send ballots out to membership and have them returned to him. Jacki has been trying to encourage people to become directors. Mary Graber will also be contacting people.
Bill says we’re cool. The date is April 22nd – only Friday.
a. John wrote a Web Privacy Policy for our website which he shared. Carol moved that we accept the new web privacy policy, with a second by Mari Sue. Motion passed. Carol asked if we could change the by-laws so the President would find the slate of nominees instead of the Past President. Discussion followed.
b.
John Zbikowski moved the following resolution:
“Be it resolved that the Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English Language Arts
commends Tom Scott for his work as president, which included strengthening the
Wisconsin Conference on English Leadership, solidifying the cooperative
relationship between WCTELA and WCA, and effectively supporting WCTELA leaders
in their diverse roles.” Seconded by
Carol Conway-Gerhardt. Passed
unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 8:22 a.m. with Mari Sue making the motion and Carol
seconding. Motion passed.