The meeting was called to order at 5:45 P.M.
Present: Bernie Lemm, Kathleen Mitchell, Pete Devine, Laura Tucker, Gregg Achenbach, Anita Parsons, Lo Lyness, Dan Gies, Sandy Fehrenbach, George Papp, Heather Stewart, Donald Beaver, Dan Allison, Bill Hunt.
Minutes from the last meeting were read by Bernie Lemm.
NAAEE: Pete reported that the northern section had voted to join this organization on a trial basis. (No. Am. Assoc. of Env. Ed.) Kathleen reported that this would entail sending a list of AEOE members, which we don't want to do. A motion carried not to join.
Howard Bell Award process: Bernie found that are two different ways in which people have been chosen for this award. Either nominations can be solicited from the membership, or the Executive Committee can nominate potential recipients. Lo moved and Laura seconded the motion to continue the present system wherein nominations are solicited from the membership. The motion carried with no opposition.
Cabin leader recruitment video: Bill Hunt will be sending out a survey to outdoor schools to see what kind of interest there is in a video about the value of the high school volunteer cabin leader program. He would appreciate any helpful input. The proposal is for two videos, one for recruiting leaders, and one to show to superintendents / principals / teachers at high schools. Bernie mentioned Hi Hill has videotapes for parents available in ten languages.
Institutional memberships: Kathleen reported that the southern section had carried a motion that an institutional membership would continue to allow one person per institution full membership rights. Pete reported that the northern section had voted that there be no membership benefits except a newsletter subscription. Following discussion, a motion carried that we will continue to offer institutional memberships, but only individual memberships will entitle the member to attend conferences and to vote. The by-laws will be amended to reflect the change.
Updated by-laws and guidelines: Bernie has been working on this and hopes to be finished by fall. Many thanks to Bernie for her hard work. She confirmed that the changes need to be passed by a simple majority volte by board members of each section. An announcement is to be put in the newsletters when the changes are finished and have been reviewed and recommended by board members. Members will be asked to notify Bernie if they would like to read the amended the by-laws. We agreed that a copy of the by-laws should be available to members at each conference.
Scholarship proposal: Dan Allison would like to see AEOE offer scholarship funds for people seeking teaching credentials. He has written a proposal which will be sent to board members from each section.
Salaries and benefits issue: Dan reported that the issue of standardized salaries and beneftis has been discussed by the northern section and COSA.
New Executive Committee: New members will be Kathleen Mitchell, chair, and Bernie as state coordinating secretary (Thanks again, Bernie!) There wasn't time to elect a new vice-chair or secretary.
The budget was proposed and approved.
Group health insureance: The question has arisen as to whether AEOE can be a go-between in getting group coverage for our members. Pete Devine is pursuing this option. Anyone with information should send it to him. It was suggested that Lynn Hanna has information on low cost group health insurance. Pete will contact her.
Coalition for Education in the Outdoors: Bernie has information and a newsletter from this group. She can join through our budget for $50. Members can submit articles, and can reprint their articles which could be beneficial for newsletter editors. The executive committee carried a motion to amend the budget to join this organization.
Next year's state conference: Bill Hunt offered KEEP Sierra as a site. 4/22 and 4/29 were proposed as possible dates. We agreed on 4/29.
Next year's board meetings: Pete apolgized for the brevity and rushed nature of the meeting. He suggested that we need to schedule more time in the future for section meetings and the executive committee meeting. All agreed.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 P.M.
Minutes recorded and respectfully submitted by Lo Lyness, Secretary of Northern Seection.
/signed/ Lo
