NNER Governing Council Meeting
Friday, February 6, 2009 -- Chicago, IL Embassy Suites
(11:00-2:00 PM)

MEETING MINUTES

Attending:
Steven Baugh, Richard Young, Sam Hausfather, Dennis Potthoff, Jenny Rakestraw, Cindi Chance, Phyllis Fernlund, Maggie Payne, Donna Cooner, Rod Lucero, Marijke Khrhehn, Jim Shively, JoNancy Warren, Leslie Wilson, Josie Tinajero, Deb Shanley, Ada Beth Cutler, Nick Michelli, Jean Eagle, John Hoover, Greg Bernhardt, Ann Foster, Molly Munson-Dryer, Carine Feyton, Kay Pershcitti, Judy Ellsworth

Sequence #1 and #7: Budget update and review

• The 2009 approved (in September, 2008) budget is $130,000; some line item adjustments were made to reflect more accurately categories of spending but the overall budget remained the same as 2008.
• 2008 budget summary
  • The end-of-year budget reconciliation shows that the 2008 expenditures were $22,017.27 under the allocated budget. This may be slightly lower if there are any outstanding bills for December.
  • Given the Annual Conference operated at a deficit of at least $16,000, therefore, the 2008 Annual Budget surplus was actually in the range of $6,000.
    
• John Skillings on behalf of the Miami, Ohio setting submitted a proposal for NNER support for the soon-to-be unveiled NNER online journal; Education in a Democracy: A Journal of the NNER.
  • Cindi Chance moved and Ada Beth Cutler seconded that the NNER contribute $1000 as requested to support the on-line journal and forward our appreciation to John Skillings. The motion passed unanimously.
• The Governing Council expressed gratitude for Miami’s commitment to this endeavor and to the NNER writ large and for John Skillings’ stewardship of this new venue for dissemination of NNER-related work in the settings. The journal will provide additional opportunities for setting members to publish, promote collaboration, and disseminate information about the NNER’s work. Richard Young, BYU, verified the GC’s intent to ensure that this is a high quality, refereed journal.

Sequence #2: 2008 Annual Conference Review

• An overview including some evaluation comments of the conference was provided by the host setting --University of Texas at Arlington in writing. There was no representative from the setting at the meeting.
• The 2008 Conference operated at a deficit over $16,000 which was an unanticipated and unbudgeted expense.
  • This is not the first time the conference ran with a deficit, but it is the first time that the conference has not been self sufficient since 2003, the last year that funds had been set aside for the conference. The goal for the conference each year is that expenditures and income balance ensuring that the conference does not impact the NNER reserves which are at a fiscally responsible level for yearly operation.
  • The governing council raised the question as to why this anomaly occurred: Several factors appeared to converge to produce this loss--most pressing was the low number of participants. Other possible factors are:
  • The change of dates (from October to earlier, in September) made it difficult for attendance—many P-12 schools were just opening and in some universities it was the first week of classes.
    • The conference also did not attract large numbers of local participants from the UT-Arlington setting partner districts and community partners and local participation has been a key factor in sustaining adequate numbers of participants in past years.
    • Despite the budgetary shortfall, the GC expressed their appreciation to UTA for t hosting the 2008 NNER conference and generally, noted, that the quality of the presentations and sessions were quite good.

Sequence #3: New Member Recruitment Proposal

• The Governing Council reviewed a proposed New Member Recruitment Plan proposed by the Executive Board.
  • Members of the Executive Board provided an update on the current status of previously identified prospective new settings including Portland State University, Washington State University, Arizona State University, Wisconsin, Wittenberg, Fairmont State University, Alaska Anchorage, North Carolina Chapel Hill
• Comments/questions provided by Governing Council members included the following:
  • Budget cuts are a significant factor for all; it is more difficult to find $5,000 for a new line item than it is to retain something already in the budget
  • The NNER should consider effective options to provide support for new member recruitment initiatives.
  • The NNER might study a scaffolded dues structure in order to make membership more affordable for smaller institutions.
  • The NNER should consider ways to promote or support joint membership of several institutions/partnerships to enhance affordability (multi-site settings) for smaller institutions.
• St. Cloud State has tentative plans to leave the NNER at the end of 2009 with a decision in the dean’s office to cut dues for several organizational memberships in 2010. The question was raised regarding a possible hiatus with reentry when the budget crisis is settled.
  • Discussion: Where do resources come from to pay the NNER dues within each setting?
    • The original intent, as per postulate #2 was for the central administration/Provost’s office to pay the dues.
    • A show of hands within the Governing Council revealed an array of funding sources ranging from the Provost’s office to the COE and to the P-12 partners.
    • Chico-State was fortunate to initially be involved in NNER-related initiatives (i.e. The Well Educated Teacher) which built capacity, however new options need to be available to increase the critical mass of support and activity.
    • The NNER should consider developing and providing more support materials that will help prospective new settings in the decision-making phase.
    • Edits were proposed for New Member Recruitment document.(i.e. We “will” do this instead of “might”).
• Motion was made by Ada Beth Cutler to approve establishment of a New Member Task Force using the document provide and including the suggestions from the meeting.
  • Motion seconded by Cindi Chance and passed unanimously.
• The next step will be to convene the task force to address specific options and review recommendations. Carol Wilson, member of the executive board will chair the task force and members will be identified. Ada Beth Cutler has volunteered to serve on the task force.

Sequence #4: 2009 NNER Conference Planning

• The 2009 Conference Planning Committee is working to be proactive, learn from the 2008 conference and be prepared for the current budget constraints.
  • The Planning Committee is taking responsibility for stewardship of the NNER mission and resources as follows:
    • attract participants/ boost attendance; all settings are encouraged to proactively advertise the conference and encourage attendance.
    • working to recruit sponsors to help defray the costs of attending -- particularly for locally-based educators’ attendance and events
    • convening several topical working groups with a specific areas of need and interest to the NNER. Prospective participants in these special sessions will be identified and issued an invitation to attend.
  • The conference will open with a distinguished group of keynoters that connect it with the In Praise of Education conference as it will be the 10th anniversary of that event.
• Presentation Proposals
  • Proposals are due March 16, 2009.
  • There are two kinds of sessions offered interactive breakout sessions and round table discussions; both designed to elevate the level of active participation and interaction between presenters and session attendees
• There will be an NNER member book display at the Conference.
  • NNER members are encouraged to send copies of books that relate to the NNER mission, work and the AED. In addition to John Goodlad’s books, these will be displayed to provide an opportunity to showcase the many books that have been/are being written by NNER members that support the Agenda and our work. This will also allow authors opportunities to talk with attendees and promote their books. This is sponsored by the Goodlad Institute and information has been sent to through the google group.
• In conjunction with In Praise of Education and looking forward, there is a plan to identify and assemble “praiseworthy” accomplishments happening out in the settings. BYU (Steven Baugh) has volunteered to serve as a chief worrier for creating this document/display which will showcase the work going on in the settings and encourage future initiatives.
  • The Annual Reports provide one possible source for ideas of praiseworthy project.
• The 2008 Annual Report Summary Document was distributed to each setting in hard copy. It will be posted on the NNER web page as well.
• It is possible for settings to request immediate billing for reserving spots in the 2009 Annual Conference.
  • Ann will send an invoice upon request.
  • Wyoming has implemented a strategy to support their setting members’ attendance by allocating funds to scholarship participants in the conference especially designed to support P-12 based educators. Prospective participants apply and agree to submit a presentation or learning plan. Information is available at www.uwyoedu/wsup
• The 2009 conference will be held October 15-17, Bellevue, WA at the Hyatt Hotel.
  

Sequence #5: Updates/Opportunities from Around the Settings

• Wyoming invited participation in an upcoming Shepherd Social Justice Conference to be held April 1-3, 2009
  • Excellent and affordable facilities are available.
• Cindi Chance of Georgia Southern Partnership invited involvement in a International Think Tank event (Handout provided)
  • Data collection will begin in the Spring 2009 in England, Scotland, and Wales (three universities and their partner schools) and continue in the Fall 2009 in China.
  • The goal is to identify U.S. settings willing gather data in their sites sometime in 2010--the date of U.S. data collection is still fluid
    • The goal is to identify a minimum of 10 U.S. settings (representing 10 different states)
    • The magnitude and volume of the data collection process is promised to be manageable.
  • The goal will be to research and then disseminate and discuss world-wide lessons from policies implemented around the world
  • The search for funding is ongoing
  • A task force of NNER-affiliated individuals was listed (from their volunteering at a previous NNER conference). Others are encouraged to volunteer if interested.
    The Governing Council recommended delaying the timing of the “think tank” to coincide with the Fall 2010 NNER Annual Conference to be hosted in Chicago by the Illinois State setting. The setting leaders agreed that this would fit with the conference.
• Online Connections with the Obama administration were encouraged. The website is change.gov and then you can proceed to the “department of education” link (and others as well)
  • This is a great opportunity to give input to the new presidential administration and the U.S. Department of Education on pressing needs, concerns, and possibilities.
  • The AED Scholars Group continues its work.
  • At this point in time, the Group has been sub-divided into four writing teams.
  • Each team is writing toward a specific issue/question/concern.
  • The goal is for each writing team to have something ready for dissemination at the 2009 NNER Conference.

Sequence #6: 2009 Summer Symposium

• Jean Eagle reported on results of a survey sent to all settings regarding interest and financial resources available to participate.
  • 85% of the 15 respondents indicated they currently do NOT plan to send anyone to the proposed 2009 Summer Symposium.
• The executive director indicated that 20-30 participants is optimum. At this point in time, it is not possible to determine if a sufficient level of participation is possible.
• Question: Should we move forward with the 2009 Summer Symposium?
  • The Governing Council agreed it would seek advance commitment for the 2009 Summer Symposium before a final decision was made regarding the symposium. An announcement, with a drop dead advanced registration of March 31, 2009 stipulated, will be disseminated very soon.
  • The Leadership Associates program is the lifeblood of the NNER organization. If we back off for any length of time the organization will suffer considerably. We need to be resolute in our commitment to doing leadership training initiatives/events.
  • We might be able to do this work online.
    • It was suggested that to do this work entirely online may not effectively accomplish the key goals of the Leadership Associates/Summer Symposium format which is to build networks of support.
    • An online program might accomplish the goal of broadening / expanding participation in the Leadership Associates curriculum so that work in the settings is grounded in the AED. For many settings cost prohibits participation in the face-to-face format.
    • Options for a blended an online component/ face-to-face work conducted at the local or regional level with local facilitators will be addressed.
      

Sequence #8: Using Technology to Advance Our Work

• Members of the Governing Council reviewed a document, shared by the Executive Board, that put forth a series of possible innovate technology use projects. Governing Council members provided the following comments in discussion:
  • U-Tube and / or Face Book dissemination options are easy to “do” -- and accessible.
  • The Democracy Walk, as per the Brooklyn CCNY setting project involving teaching candidates, reveals the potential for using technology to tell powerful stories. The use of video technology can help to make the work of the Agenda more current and adaptable.
  • U-tube links are available for any topic.
    • We could identify links that would be appropriate
  • Having materials, perhaps in modules, to be used in faculty conversations, with P-12 partners, and with teacher candidates could be very powerful.
    • We do have some materials of this nature in our archives already.
    • BYU has done some work creating materials that might be useful.
  • An online version of the Leadership Associates Program could be very useful
    • An online version need not be a replacement for a face-to-face version; rather, it could provide another option.
  • The language used in any/all of these possible projects is a key; we need to use terms that make sense to the various audiences--P-12 educators, Arts and Sciences faculty, education faculty, teaching candidates, etc.
  • The NSF website is an exemplary example of an interactive website that might be reviewed for ideas and visions.
    • It might require a password
  • Question: Are there any plans to videotape the 2009 NNER Annual Conference:
  • Answer: There are plans to tape some of these sessions--how expansive might the recording of the session be?
  • Each setting represented at the Governing Council meeting submitted results to a survey regarding possible technology projects. Results of the survey will be tabulated and reported as a part of the minutes for the Governing Council meeting

Sequence #9: Leadership Roles Available in 2009

• Terms for the Arts and Sciences and P-12 Tripartite Chairs expire in the Fall 2009
  • Elections will be held at the 2009 Annual Conference
    • Nominations will be sought and encouraged
• The term for the Chairperson of the NNER Executive Board /Governing Council will also come open in the Fall 2009.
  • Declaration of interest for this position will be sought later in the Summer 2009
  • Interested applicants will be asked to share biographical information and declare goals/vision for their interest
• Meeting Adjourned 2:00 p.m. Feb. 6, 2009

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