The Horace Mann League of the USA

Summer Board Meeting – Stanford University  June 19-21, 2014

June 19-21, 2014 

Context, Thinking Ahead for HML Stanford 2014

The car you drive today is not your grandparents’ Oldsmobile, and the public schools that educate most of our kids today are no longer little red schoolhouses.  Consider the purposes of an honorary public education organization such as the Horace Mann League in the context of a fast-changing world.

The HML Stanford 2014 Planning Meeting promises to be a collegial, creative, and exciting time.  What we do should stand a chance of energizing the organization and its current and future members.  Together, we should help lay the groundwork for public education as we move into the future.

Gary Marx, President of the HML

Thursday, June 19, 2014

1: 00 p.m.

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Call the Summer Board Meeting to Order and Roll Call

Gary Marx, President
Charles Fowler, President elect
Vice President, Christine Johns
Past President, Joe Hairston

 Directors
Laurie Barron, Supt., Evergreen Schools, Kalispell, MT
Evelyn Blose-Holman, (ret.) Supt. of Schools Bayshore, NY
Martha Bruckner, Superintendent, Council Bluffs, IA
Carol Choye, Instructor, Bank St. U., New York, NY
Brent Clark, Exec. Director, IASA, Springfield, IL
Linda Darling-Hammond, Professor, Stanford Univ. CA
James Harvey, Exec. Director, Supts. Roundtable, Seattle, WA
Eric King, former Supt. of Schools, Muncie, IN
Steven Ladd, Supt. Elk Grove Schools, CA
Barry Lynn, Exec. Director, AUSCS, Washington, DC
Kevin Maxwell, CEO Prince Georges Co. Schools, MD
Stan Olson, Silverback Learning, Boise, ID
Steven Webb, Supt. of Schools, Vancouver Schools, WA
Jack McKay, Executive Director

Past Presidents
Ken Bird
Fred Hartmeister
Spike Jorgensen
Steve Rasmussen
Colleen Wilcox

 Guests
Sharlene Kowboski

Approval of HML Board Minutes for Thursday, February 15, 2014 – Addendum #1

Approval of HML Annual Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2014 – Addendum #2

The 2014 Officers and Directors

Welcome : Jon David Snyder, Director of SCOPE

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1:30 pm,  Facilitator, Ken Bird

The Big Picture Planning Activity

Facilitator, Ken Bird

    

Purposes, Strengths, Weaknesses, Identity, Focus Points, Objectives, Possible Actions, Task Forces, Next Steps, as developed by the facilitator.

Briefings on 501(c)(3) organizations and a brief environmental scan from Gary Marx

5:30 p.m.        Review Continuing Agenda.  Adjourn for the Day.

Time             Dinner

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Friday, June 20, 2014

8:30 a.m.

Follow-up with Strategic Planning – Ken Bird and Gary Marx  

Membership Recruitment, Retention, and Engagement

The following items might be discussed, among others:

• Review of the current situation: Current membership. Impact of dues. Retired members. Membership trends. Accounting for members. Renewals. Etc.
• Developing key directions for enhancing member recruitment.
• Efforts under way to begin spring and fall membership campaigns and an every-member-get-a-member campaign.
• Ideas noted for students and trial access to the HML Post.
• Retention and engagement of members.
• Engagement of members in substantive efforts that reflect the importance of public education.
• Membership Goals and How We Will Reach Them? 10 minutes.

Current Membership

Current Retention Strategies

Each month, letters of membership renewal are sent to all members who have not updated their membership. The “renewal” letter is sent to a former member, each month, for a year. If the person has not renewed their membership after one year of “renewal’ letters, the person is deleted from the membership list. There are a number of reasons for former members not renewing their membership, e.g., changing positions and no forwarding provided (we pay for a post office service to providing forwarding addresses), deceased, retired, and for some, no longer interested in continuing to be a member.

Current Recruitment Strategies

The current strategy is to have each officer and director provide between 10 and 20 names of potential members each year. The officer and directors provide the names and addresses. The Executive Director, in turn, provide the nominator with an individualized letter to be signed, a sending stamped envelope, a return stamped envelope, and a HML membership brochure (the nomination packet). The nominator then signs and mails the letters to the individuals. It is suggested that the nominator follow-up each letter with a personal phone call or personal note encouraging the person to join the League.

9:45 a.m. to 10:00 am       Break

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Horace Mann League Communication, Promotion, Outreach, and Identity

Among items that might guide us during our discussion during this session are:

1. A review of the imperative of effective, credible, continuous, two-way communication for the Horace Mann League and for public education.
2. Our identity. How would people describe us today? How would we like to have them describe us?
3. A review of and comments on current methods used for communication, internally and externally. Examples might include: the HML Post, HML Blog, Cornerstone, the HML web site, newsletters, email messages and announcements, and surveys.
4. Communicating HML and member news and information, ideas, and activities to build and reinforce an informed sense of community.
5. Communicating value to members and non-members, educators, the broader public, and the media.
6. Constantly redesigning and bringing greater interconnectedness and coherence to the HML web site, including presentation, accessibility, creation of value, and a reflection of the purpose and work of the League. Making and promoting the web site as an indispensable resource.
7. Considering HML use of other social media.
8. Building expectations for accuracy and quality control in the content and presentation of all communication, since HML is a public education leadership organization. What we do reflects on the institution conceived by Horace Mann as well as on the League, its board, and its membership. (Those high standards should apply to everything we communicate, from the web site to a letter inviting someone to become a member.)
9. Expectation of compliance with Fair Use expectations under the Copyright Law.
10. Promotion of the Annual Meeting and other activities and events, as needed.
11. Creation of a media list and communication of finely crafted news items to the education community and broader public about actual events, activities, position and issue statements, honors, and appropriate meetings of the League. Becoming a valued source for news media, both inside and outside education, who are communicating about public education as an institution.
12. Becoming a prime source of information about the principles of public education.
13. Engaging and listening to members in a way that encourages them to share their knowledge, experience, and expertise, while building a sense of ownership for and community with HML.
14. Engaging members in development of substantive public education related bodies of knowledge, statements, and collections of points of view to be shared internally and often externally.
15. Giving voice to the League through substantive initiatives.
16. Considering the multiple views and situations of Horace Mann League members.

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Current Communication Strategies

The HML Website: https://hmleague.org

Officers and Directors, bylaws, minutes, photos, recent and future events, awardees, and HML application.

The Weekly HML Post: https://hmleague.org/hml-weekly-post/

Opened by generally 35% of the membership. Recent research and editorials about public education

The HML Blog: http://blog.hmleague.org/

The HML “Cornerstone:” on Flipboard http://flip.it/KmNRs

The HML Notes

Spring Editon of the Notes – mailed to the membership on May 1, 2014

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Promotion, Outreach, and Identity

Ways to promote the Horace Mann League

Present activities

Strategies to Increase Promotion, Outreach, and Identity

1. Permitting non-members to view the HML Post, with follow up letter
2. Friend of the Court briefs with NSBA – as appropriate
3. Public accessibility to the HML FlipBoard – Cornerstone

Ways to identify future HML members

Current strategies

1. Each board member submit twenty names
2. Acquire the AASA National Convention registration list
3. Invite state association officers to the HML Annual Meeting -2013
4. Encourage all members, upon renewal of membership, to nominate professional colleagues.

Presentations at other association conventions – ASCD, AASA, and NSBA

TITLE: Personalizing in a High-Stakes WorldAUTHORS/INSTITUTIONS: C. Johns-Haines, Utica Community Schools, Sterling Heights, Michigan, UNITED STATES;AUTHORS/INSTITUTIONS: C. Johns-Haines, Utica Community Schools, Sterling Heights, Michigan, UNITED STATES;Laurie Barron, Evergreen School District, Kalispell, Montana, UNITED STATES;Steve Ladd, Elk Grove Unified School District, Elk Grove, California, UNITED STATES;ABSTRACT BODY:Discovering and developing talents, abilities, and strengths of every student is essential. Many of us face that formidable challenge in a high-stakes world where even square pegs are expected to fit into round holes. This talented team of school leaders includes innovative, seasoned superintendents from Montana, Michigan, and California who lead with excellence in mind, not just for a few, but for every student. Barron was also 2013 NASSP National Middle School Principal of the Year. All are members of the Horace Mann League Board of Directors.

AASA, San Diego, February 26-28, 2015.

Program Proposal Deadline:  May 16, 2014

Possible Program:  What’s Inside the International Rankings?  The Horace Mann League and National Superintendents Roundtable unpack the scoreboard with their compelling study, International Indicators for Education.

Possible Presenters:  James Harvey, Charles Fowler, and Gary Marx

NSBA, Nashville, March 21-23, 2015

Program Proposal Deadline: June 16, 2014

Possible Program:  Let’s Unpack the International Rankings.  The Horace Mann League and National Superintendents Roundtable unpack the scoreboard with their compelling study, International Indicators for Education.

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11:00

Discussion and Selection of HML Award Recipients

Criteria and Selection of the HML Outstanding Educator Award

The Outstanding Public Educator award is presented to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the community, the state, region or nation in the area of public education. Past recipients of the HML Outstanding Educator Award are:

Criteria and Selection of the HML Friend of Public Education AwardCriteria for Nominations for the 2015 Outstanding Public Educator:

The Outstanding Friend Public Educator award is presented to an individual or organization that has made a significant contribution to the community, the state, region or nation in the area of public education. Past recipients of the HML Outstanding Friend of Public Educator Award are:

Criteria for Nominations for the 2015 Friend of Public Education:

Criteria and Selection of the HML Friend of the League Award

Criteria for Nominations for the 2015 Friend of the HML Award:

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Noon –

Luncheon – Stanford Faculty Club

Jon David Snyder – Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education

Jon David Snyder, Director https://edpolicy.stanford.edu/

The Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education (SCOPE) fosters research, policy, and practice to advance high-quality, equitable education systems in the United States and internationally.

SCOPE is an affiliate of the Stanford Graduate School of Education and the Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, and sponsors the work of the Stanford Center for Assessment, Learning, and Equity.

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1:15 pm

Annual Membership Report

Purging after one year started in 2004

New Members Per year

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Financing HML’s Future

Budgetary Considerations

1. Current budget situation.
2. Enhancing, cultivating, identifying, pursuing, and developing acceptable and plausible sources of revenue.
3. Becoming project and member /broader community focused.
4. Determining what financial/budgetary support is needed to do the work we want and need to do.
5. Securing short- and longer-term financial sustainability, and understanding the sense of urgency.

Budget Revenues and Expenditures for 2014

2014 Proposed Revenues

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3:00           Break

 Horace Mann League Advisory Council

Draft Recommendation:

The Horace Mann League Board of Directors and its officers may appoint an advisory council for the organization. The council, which may consist of 10 to 25 individuals would be composed of people who could be called upon for advice and counsel on certain issues and who would be available to assist with membership promotion and recruitment, fund raising, communication, and special projects, as requested.

Among possible members of the advisory council might be past presidents and past board members, recipients of HML awards, and representatives of other education or not-for-profit organizations whose counsel could be valuable to the League.

HML will depend on the contributions of advisory council members as individuals. The council will not be a formal organization. The advisory council will not hold regularly scheduled meetings, will not elect officers, and, as an advisory council, will not act as a separate governing body for the League.   The advisory council will be an advisory, not a decision-making group.

The immediate past president, after serving one year in that position as a member of the HML Board of Directors, will be invited to serve on the advisory council. After initial appointments to the advisory council, one-third will be considered for rotation off the council each year so that others might be appointed to share that experience, and the League would be able to benefit from their further insights, connections, and assistance. In consultation with the HML executive director, the HML president, when possible, will ask members of the HML Board to share the names of those who might be considered for appointment to the advisory Council.

Consideration of the Possible HML Advisory Council

The Advisory Council idea has been suggested as a way of providing an opportunity for past presidents, past recipients of awards, and others desiring to become more involved in HML activities. What is being suggested is a means of providing former leaders of the HML and others with a more direct way of offering advice and council to the Board of Directors. The HML Advisory Council may be a way to be connected more directly with the activities of the League, and a way for some current members to be more engaged in League activities, without the responsibilities of attending HML Board meetings as regular board members are obligated. Following is an article about what to consider when thinking about an advisory council.

The Difference Between a Board of Directors and an Advisory Council

By Emily Chan

A nonprofit corporation is required to have a board of directors. States can vary among respective requirements of a board of directors but the general idea is the same: there must be a board of directors that serves as the ultimate governing body of the corporation. In addition to being legally responsible for the overall management of the corporation, a director is legally required to perform his or her responsibilities subject to the fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience to the nonprofit corporation

Sometimes, a board of directors will elect to set up an “advisory council.” To an outsider, this advisory council may look very similar to the board of directors in some respects – for example, some advisory councils attend all board meetings, participate in discussions on important matters of the board of directors, and are composed of important stakeholders such as past directors and valuable donors. Although this group of individuals may be referred to as an advisory council, this “council” is not synonymous with the type of “board” that constitutes the board of directors. It is actually a committee created by the board of directors for advisory purposes.

Accordingly, an advisory council is not the legal governing body of the organization and does not carry the same legal responsibilities and fiduciary duties as the board of directors. Additionally, in most cases, an advisory councils tends to be a non-board committee, which means that it cannot act with the authority of the board of directors and may not be relied upon to the same extent as a board committee.

While an advisory council can provide valuable assistance to an organization and its board of directors, a problem occurs when the line between the two groups becomes blurred in practice. Understanding the difference between an advisory council and board of directors is important for ensuring proper oversight of the organization and for directors in satisfying their fiduciary duties. Below we’ve outlined common missteps and potentially important considerations for an organization using or contemplating the use of an advisory council.

Common Missteps

Voting

A director on the board of directors has the right to vote as a member of the governing body. A member of an advisory council does not have such right.

Non-established Structure

The confusion between the advisory councils and board of directors can arise from situations such as commonly referring to both groups as “the board,” or when the advisory council starts to act like the board of directors due to a lack of clarification or understanding about roles (or vice versa).

First, such clarification is important for those on the advisory council in reducing personal liability risks and not undermining a defense that they were not part of the board of directors in a lawsuit.

Second, beyond liability concerns, an advisory council will be most useful to the organization and its board of directors if it understands what purpose it is intended to serve and how it is supposed to help.

Third, it easier for both parties to avoid inadvertent confusion when there is something tangible to refer to rather than relying on word of mouth or informal practices. Ideally, if the organization has an advisory council or is likely to have one, it should be written into the bylaws – not because this language is required to authorize such an advisory council to exist but because it provides clarification to everyone about what’s going on.

Engagement

Although advisory council members are legally different from members on the board of directors, one similarity they share is likely being perceived as walking billboards of the organizations to the public. Advisory councils are viewed as ambassadors of the organization and their involvement may be widely known

Advisory councils that are intended to garner attention and prestige, an organization may want to consider message training or other activities to keep the advisory board engaged, knowledgeable, and good advocates of the organization. Consider strategies for addressing issues such as:

• Are the members of the advisory council aware of the organization’s mission, activities, and values?
• Do they have the tools to effectively communicate this information to outsiders?
• Do they have opportunities for staying engaged in and passionate about the organization?

Testing the Waters/Training Ground

Advisory councils are often subject to less rules and procedures commonly attached to a board of directors such as terms, term limits, nominations and election procedures, and removal processes. This can be expected when there is a purposeful intention to create a less formal structure and less demanding commitment, such as an advisory council intended for outgoing directors or individuals who are seeking less time commitment to the organization or for an organization that has no plans for the individuals beyond the advisory council.

However, in some situations, involvement in an advisory council may be the precursor to someday joining the board of directors. For example, organizations may want the advisory council to serve as

(1) an opportunity for individuals to test the waters of their fit with the organization, availability, and other commitment factors; and

(2) a training ground for finding and grooming potential directors. The board of directors should consider what types of additional procedures may be appropriate through questions such as:

• How might the advisory council evolve in the future?
• Is or should the advisory council serve as a mechanism for developing future directors of the organization?
• If so, is the advisory council set up in a way that will help the organization find the best candidates and facilitate such a transition?
• How can advisory council members share local and regionals news?
• How can the advisory council members recruitment new members
• How can the advisory council members share ideas and suggestions about the future

Source: http://www.nonprofitlawblog.com/advisory-board-v-board-of-directors-a-distinction-with-a-difference/

Proposed Advisory Councils Bylaws – Addendum #3

Potential Pool Advisory Council Members

1. HML Outstanding Public Educators
2. HML Outstanding Friends of Public Education
3. HML Members expressing interest in becoming more involved in HML activities
4. Past Presidents interested in sharing wisdom and advice

 

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3:30 p.m.

Corporate, Organizational, and Political Relationships, including Contributions

The purpose of this item is to articulate a Horace Mann League policy on various corporate, organizational, and political relationships. A current policy, “Addendum #4: Bylaw related to Corporate Partners,” specifies various rules for endorsements of corporate programs, products, and services. Endorsements of this far-reaching nature should likely be considered off-limits for an organization such as the Horace Mann League.

As a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization, the Horace Mann League may not contribute to or campaign for political candidates. While the League may express points of view on various issues affecting education and society and may become a party to supporting views on appropriate legislation or court cases, its primary role is to provide information, ideas, support, and sustenance to public education as an institution. The rules for tax-exempt organizations of various types are spelled out by the IRS and have been interpreted through years of experience by the American Society of Association Executives.

With that in mind, the following is a draft of generally how an approach to this area of operation might look:

The Horace Mann League agenda or editorial control of its publications or online materials will not be for sale or trade for monetary or other types of potential support for HML. The League does not endorse commercial products, services, or candidates.

The following describes more specific types of these relationships:

Partnerships: The Horace Mann League may, in order to pursue a program or project, develop a partnership with another organization or institution. In these more formal relationships, the League recommends a partnership agreement that clearly articulates the project, an anticipated time-line, the roles of each partner, and “what’s in it” for each of the organizations. In these arrangements, how the partners are identified in printed materials and online should be clarified. If income is derived from the project, the division of it should be clearly spelled out, along with responsibility for expenses. A basic partnership agreement matrix will be developed for consideration in pursuing this approach. (When partnership agreements are developed, they will be shared with members of the HML Board for comment or concurrence. That sharing, unless in close proximity to a board meeting, would likely be handled by email.)

Collaborations: The Horace Mann League is encouraged to collaborate with other credible education and other not-for-profit organizations as they work together in common purpose. These less formal collaborations generally focus on collective expertise in getting a project developed and in pursuing mutual goals. (Progress reports on how HML is working with other individuals and organizations in common purpose would be expected to be presented as information items or progress reports to the board and as updates or news items to membership.)

(Clarification: Collaborative efforts, sometimes referred to as “getting our heads together,” inter-organizational teamwork, or sharing ideas horizontally across people and organizations, are not formal partnerships. However, some collaborations may eventually lead to more formal partnership arrangements. Without the ability or permission to collaborate, short of formal partnerships, organizations are sometimes left out of discussions. Collaborations are such a natural part of getting things done that they are often not even thought of in those terms until those involved describe how they are sharing information or working together to make progress on their mutual goals. For example, development of the International Indicators for Education resulted from an HML objective. While HML and the National Superintendents Roundtable have, of necessity, collaborated in developing these indicators, they are hoping, at some point, as needed, to establish a partnership with an organization such as a university or foundation to provide further infrastructure and funding for the effort. That leap would likely require a more formal partnership agreement.

Sponsorships: Corporate as well as not-for-profit organizations may sponsor the League and some of its identified individual activities. Sponsorships might include support for HML in-kind programs, projects, or services or may be presented as monetary contributions. The cost of HML overhead should be considered in developing appeals or applications for this type of support. The primary benefit for a sponsor is to demonstrate corporate citizenship and social responsibility. Sponsors may be acknowledged with an appropriately worded, sized, and placed, generally one brief statement credit line. Sponsors may be recognized in an annual document and in an appropriate location on the HML web site. When appropriate, sponsor representatives may be present for the activity they have sponsored or for their support of the League and may be recognized for their support or service. At that time, they may also make short comments about their support for the League. (Sponsorships will be sought appropriately and regularly by HML within these guidelines. HML may wish to develop categories of sponsors based on the monetary value of their sponsorships and other contributions to the League.)

Contributions/Bequests: The Horace Mann League may accept monetary and in-kind contributions that contribute to the League’s mission. HML may also receive bequests. Use of those contributions or bequests will be determined by the board.. All will be gratefully and graciously acknowledged.

Grants: HML may seek grants to complete various mission-related projects. In applying for or accepting grants, HML will consider the credibility and reputation of the source and whether it has the ability to fulfill requirements of the grant. Grants are generally approved by the board.

Co-Marketing Arrangements: Occasionally, HML may wish to reach co-marketing agreements with publishers to offer books or similar materials for purchase from the League with a portion of sale guaranteed for the League. (While procedures would need to be further defined, the concept is one that might be on the agenda for future possibilities.

Advertising/Exhibits. HML may carry advertising in its publications at rates that are pre-established for the size, nature, and frequency of the ads. If ads are carried, readers should be informed that they are viewing paid advertising. HML retains the right to accept or reject advertisements.

(Additional Information) If the organization, at some point, decides to offer opportunities for advertising and exhibits, fee schedules, appropriateness, identification criteria, and other factors guidelines will need to be established.)

Distribution of Third-Party Materials: From time to time, the League may be approached about including third-party materials in a mailing or electronic distribution. An established fee might be established for this type of distribution and the fact that it is a form of paid advertising should be readily visible to the reader. (This mailbag approach would require appropriate pricing and other guidelines. More specific guidelines for this type of activity would likely be included in an advertising policy.)

Reviews: HML may review intellectual materials, such as books, articles, web sites, etc. (To a great extent, this is an editorial issue. Reviewers might comment on the content but would not generally offer an endorsement of these materials. Editorially, the League might recommend certain materials for reading. This approach is largely a description of current HML practice.)

A Bottom Line: Good judgment and good taste should be considered in each of these categories, as well as the specified guidelines. An organization and its members are often known by the company they keep.

See Addendum #4 Corporate Partnership Bylaw.

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4:00 p.m.

Engagement with Other Education Organizations

 At its 2010 planning meeting in Chicago, engagement with other education organizations became one of three major focus points for the Horace Mann League. Discussions centered on the need to be more connected within the education community and other issues, such as declining attendance at annual meetings, the continued connection of the annual meeting with one organization, and the possibility of further collaboration. A special HML committee/task force was assigned to determine how the League could better collaborate with other organizations within the education community.

Since then, HML has done programs at ASCD meetings in 2011, 2012, and 2014. A special meeting was held with ASCD Executive Director Gene Carter to discuss the possibility of collaborating with ASCD, possibly presenting an annual program at that organization’s conferences, and perhaps holding a meeting that would rally HML members or potential members during those annual events. Carter, a member of the League, expressed appreciation for our efforts but did not want to develop a formal commitment, preferring instead a loose relationship but with the possibility of further discussion.

Proposals for presentations at AASA conferences have not been accepted. The HML Annual Meeting has been held during the AASA conference for decades.

HML is now collaborating with the National Superintendents Roundtable on development of International Indicators for Education and with the National School Public Relations Association on development of its roll-out plan for that study. Part of the plan would be to include a presentation to the Learning First Alliance, an organization that includes the executive directors and elected representatives of most national education organizations.

It is anticipated that HML will, on a regular basis share information with, learn from, and collaborate with other bona fide not-for-profit education organizations in pursuing projects and activities that support its mission.

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4:30 p.m.

Tour of Stanford Campus    Colleen Wilcox

Colleen Wilcox, former Superintendent of the Santa Clara County Superintendent and Past President of the Horace Mann League (2007) will be our tour guide.

Fourteen have have indicated an interest in a Stanford Campus tour.

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Dinner – Hosted by Discovery Education

Andy Schaefer, Vice President of Discovery (Arranged by Mark Edwards)

Members and significant others.

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Saturday, June 21, 2014

8:30 a.m.

HML – NSR International Indicators for Education

James Harvey, Chuck Fowler, Gary Marx

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9:15 a.m.

Five (or More) Tumultuous Issues Facing Public School

– during the Next Five Years,

Review and Discussion with Linda Darling-Hammond,

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10:30 a.m.        Break

Nominations for Board and Officers

Terms

End of Term or Reappointment

Year of Summer Board Meeting Decision

Reappointments

New Officers – Vice President

Candidates for Vice President

 New Directors

1. For Director nominated to be Vice President

2. Criteria suggested for nominating new director: For example, diversity, regional representation, association experience, ability to promote the League and mission, past attendance at the HML Annual Meeting, age, gender, educational leadership experience, expressed interest in becoming more involved in the Horace Mann League’s activities, etc.

 

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11:00 a.m.

Locations and Dates of Upcoming Meetings

 

Winter Board Meeting

Thursday, February 26, 2015, 2:00 to 5:00 pm, San Diego Marriott Hotel

Annual Luncheon and Meeting

Friday, February 27, 2015, 11:45 to 1:30 pm, San Diego Marriott Hotel

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11:45 a.m.

And other contributions for the good of the cause.

Noon

Adjourn 

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Addendum #1 Minutes of the HML Winter Board Meeting

February 15, 2014, Nashville.

The Horace Mann League of the USA

Minutes and notes for the meeting of Thursday, February 13, 2014. The meeting was held at the Omni Hotel, Nashville, TN

Meeting called to order by Joe Hairston, President at 2:05 pm.

Members present: Joe Hairston, Gary Marx, Mark Edwards, Evelyn Holman, James Harvey, Steven Ladd, Stan Olson, Charles Fowler (late) and Jack McKay.

Nominees: Laurie Barron and Steven Webb

Past President: Spike Jorgensen

Minutes: October 6-7, 2013

Moved by Stan Olson, seconded by James Harvey, that the minutes of October 6-7, 2013, be approved. Passed.

Strategic Plan Review

• Recruitment and Retention: Review recent data. There were sixty-two new members in 2013. There are 89 retirees taking advantage of the $50 annual fee. Discussion followed about the need to become even more strategic in recruiting, retaining, and engaging HML members

• International Index: James Harvey reviewed highlights of the presentation about the International Index of the ten industrial nations. Discussion followed about strategies to present the data to members, the public, and the media. A suggestion was made that a “webinar” be developed to acquaint the membership about how to present the index to citizens and the media in the local community. Commendation was expressed to James Harvey for being the lead author in the project. Gary Marx, Charles Fowler and Jack McKay are contributing authors. An HML team is doing a session during the March ASCD Annual Conference in Los Angeles.  We also discussed a possible meeting with the Learning First Alliance as we present the finished version of international indicators.

• Affiliation with other associations supporting public education. No action taken during the last four months.

Membership information:

Discussed membership trends. There are 538 paid members. Discussion followed about the importance of continued efforts to recruitment new members to sustain the health and vigor of the League. Past practices have been to have each board member submit twenty names per year. It was suggested by besides the letter of nomination, that a personal contact be made with each nominated person – a follow-up phone call or visit.

Corporate Partners

Mark Edwards reviewed the list of corporate partners. Mark express that there is a willingness of the seven partners to continue to support the League in the future. The partners for 2014 are: Discovery, Pearson Foundation, Promethean, Cisco, Follett, Istation and Hobsons. Corporate partner will be presented a token of appreciation at the luncheon for their support of the League. Commendations were expressed to Mark Edwards for his continuing efforts to engage corporate partners in supporting the League’s activities.

Financial Update:

Jack McKay reviewed the proposed income and expenditures for the 2014 year. Anticipated revenues are $47,000. Expenditures are estimated to be $46,000. The reserve is $11,184.22 (Certificate of Deposit).

Communications Update:

The three primary means of communicating with the members are:

• The weekly publishing of the “HML Post.” Emailed to all members on Monday mornings throughout the year. The HML Post has between 6 and 10 articles linked to the original source on the web.
• The “Cornerstone” Flipboard magazine is updated daily and available on the web. The Cornerstone has been 15 and 20 selected research and articles per week.
• The Pinterest site contains a variety of quotes, images and posters related to learning and leadership.

Legal Issues Reviewed:

Two courts cases were briefly reviewed:

“Boobies” Speech Case related to student rights and apparel.

Student search and administration’s right to inspect a backpack for a gun.

Summer Board Meeting

Discussion centered on the purpose and expected outcomes of a summer board-planning meeting. Taking into consideration, the timeline for presentation of the Index, the school year and board member availability, the availability of Linda Darling Hammond and other faculty, the other issues that need to be addressed by the Board, it was determined that the summer board meeting will be on June 19-21, 2014, at or near the Stanford Campus.

A sub-committee was formed to deal with the planning of the summer board meeting: Gary Marx, Joe Hairston, Steve Ladd, Evelyn Holman, Laurie Barron and Jack McKay. Besides the Index presentation, the summer board meeting will be held to deal with membership recruitment, membership engagement and how the League can lead in restoring public education as the “cornerstone” of a democracy.

Annual Meeting Preparation

The timeline was reviewed and assignments made to cover for the board members unable to attend because of weather conditions

Planned discussion topics:

HML Advisory Council. Joe Hairston suggestion an idea of how to keep past presidents, awardees and some current board members involved in a different manner. Would it be practical to have two groups: one that would be a working board – those involved in decision and activities. The other would be an advisory/honorary board that would be made up of those who support the purpose of the League, but are unable to participate in the meetings or be directly involved in the projects. It was suggested that a set of parameters be suggested for each group.

The Common Core: Steve Ladd opened the discussion on how the common core is viewed on the west coast. While the standards are a good idea, the impact on the classroom, the use of the data and the funding to retrain faculty are still providing challenges. Equally important was the arbitrary level of the standards and the possible ulterior motive of proving that public education is failing.

Membership Engagement: Gary Marx led a brief discussion on about membership recruitment and retention. How do we compete for and keep educational leaders? How do we broaden the diversity of the membership – from educators to parents and community leaders? How do we periodically engage our membership in shaping the agenda? How do we capitalize on the talents of the board and membership to make the HML a stronger association in representing the purpose of public education? Attracting and keeping talent depends on engagement.  Current school leaders expect to have their voices heard and want to make a difference.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:00 pm

Submitted by Jack McKay

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 Addendum #2 Minutes of the 2014 Annual Board Meeting

February 16, 2014, Nashville.

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Horace Mann League, February 14, 2014, Nashville, TN, Omni Hotel, 11:45 to 1:30 pm.

The Annual Meeting called to order by Joe Hairston, President.  Sixty-eight members and guests attended.

Joe Hairston introduced officers and Directors.  Members present: Evelyn Holman, James Harvey, Steven Ladd, Stan Olson, Joe Hairston, Gary Marx, Charles Fowler and Mark Edwards

Past Presidents attending: Spike Jorgensen, Robert Forttenberry, and Terry Grier.

Corporate Partners were introduced by Mark Edwards:  Gifts were presented to Cisco Inc., Discovery Education, Follett Publishing, Hobsons, Istation, Pearson Foundation and Promethean Planet.

Invocation was given by Stan Olson (See note below.)

Nominations: The “Nominations Committee Report” was presented by Evelyn Holman. Board members: Laurie Barron, Kevin Maxwell and Steven Webb.  Nominated officers:  Gary Marx, President; Charles Fowler, President-elect; Christine Johns-Haines, Vice President; Joe Hairston, 1st Past President; Mark Edwards, 2nd Past President.

Motion made by Evelyn Holman, seconded by Steven Ladd that the Nomination Committee’s report of candidates and board members be approved. Motion passed.

International Index report was given by James Harvey.  The audience submitted questions and comments in response to the presentation.

Ambassador Awards were presented by Evelyn Homan to Brent Clark, Mark Edwards, Charles Fowler and Christine Johns-Haines.

The HML “Friend of the Horace Mann League” award for 2014 was presented to Julie Underwood by Spike Jorgensen

The HML “Outstanding Friend of Public Education” award for 2014 was presented to Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children’s Defense Fund.  Joe Hairston and Gary Marx presented that award to her at the CDF headquarters in Washington, D.C., and introduced a video of the presentation as well as her acceptance and specially prepared remarks.  Access to Edelman’s remarks, now on YouTube, will be shared broadly by HML and recommended for sharing on other web sites. (http://youtu.be/jnrJSUHoxGM)

The HML “Outstanding Public Educator” award was presented to Dr. Larry Cuban, Professor Emeritus at Stanford University, by Joe Hairston.  Dr. Cuban was unable to attend.

The “Special Friend of the League” award was presented to Jeffery Charbonneau, “National Teacher of the Year.”  Jeff Charbonneau was the featured speaker at the 2014 Annual Meeting.

The HML “President’s Award” was presented to Joe Hairston by Gary Marx.

The Annual Meeting was adjourned at 1:30 pm.

Annual Meeting minutes are submitted by Jack McKay, Executive Director.

Note: Stan’s Invocation:
Will you please bow your heads with me.
Let us pray silently together, each one of us, according to our individual beliefs.
Let us offer thanks for our food and the blessings of the friendships and fellowship around us.
Let us be a source of hope and enlightenment for those we serve.
Let us give gratitude for our opportunity to serve America’s children.
Let us remember those among us who have passed and who gave us the skills, wisdom and passion to pursue our work.
Let the feeling of love, kindness, and a well directed, yet gentle spirit, always be reflected in our actions, for:
The fruit of silence is prayer.
The fruit of prayer is faith.
The fruit of faith is love.
The fruit of love is service, and
The fruit of service is peace.
Amen.

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Addendum #3 Proposed Bylaw for Advisory Council Consideration

The Horace Mann League Advisory Council Bylaws

Article I—Name and Purpose

Section A.

The official name of this body shall be the Horace Mann (HML) Advisory Council

Section B.

The above-named advisory cuncil shall exist only during such times as authorized by the Horace Mann League Board of Directors

Section C.

The purposes and duties of the Horace Mann League Advisory Council shall be to:

1. Identify potential members for nomination to membership to the Horace Mann League;

2. Help identify and assess issues about strengthening public education;

3. Review and advise on the establishment and maintenance of realistic and practical projects to be undertaken by the HML Board of Directors ;

4. Participate in developing state and national understanding and support for supporting public education;

5. Assist in the development of long-range goals for the Horace Mann League);

6. Review and advise the development of special project; and

7. Promote the Horace Mann League as a honorary association of members who believe that the public schools of our nation are the cornerstone of our democracy.

Article II—Membership

Section A.

The advisory council will consist of a minimum of 10 members and a maximum of 25 members, excluding ex-officio members.

Section B.

Appointments to the advisory council shall be made by President of the Horace Mann League in consultation with Board of Directors.

Section C.

The advisory council membership will be drawn as follows:

• Past Presidents and Board Members
• Recipients of HML Awards
• Members of the League, i.e., individuals interested in becoming more involved in League activities and events.)

Section D.

Each appointment of an advisory council member shall be for three years, except when the appointment is to fill an unexpired term.

Section E.

Two-thirds of the members will be retained each year, with none serving more than three successive years, and one year will expire before any outgoing member may be reappointed for a full term after serving the unexpired term of a member who has left the committee.

Section F.

One-third of the total membership shall be appointed each year.

Section G.

The term of a new advisory council member shall begin on the date of the HML Annual Meeting (mid February)

Section H.

An individual will automatically lose membership on the advisory council if s(he) fails to attend three successive meetings without presenting in advance to the chair of the advisory board a valid reason for his/her absence.

Article III—Officers and Their Duties

Section A.

The officers shall be: a chair, a vice-chair, and the Executive Secretary of the HML.

Section B.

All officers shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the advisory council members at the annual meeting; or the chair and vice-chair shall be elected annually by a majority vote of the advisory board members at the annual meeting. The secretary shall be the Executive Director of the HML.

Section C.

The chair shall be elected from among those members who have served on the advisory council for at least one year. His/her duties shall be:

a. To preside at the meetings of the advisory council;

b. To appoint special subcommittees, which may include persons other than advisory council members.

Section D.

The vice-chair shall perform the duties of the chair in his/her absence.

The Executive Director shall serve as the secretary of the advisory council

Section E.

The Executive secretary shall:

a. Keep records of the attendance of members at meetings;

b. Keep a record of discussion and recommendations;

c. Maintain a permanent record file of advisory council activities; and

d. Distribute minutes of advisory council meetings and copies of other committee documents to committee members and the HML Board of Directors.

Article IV—Meetings

Section A.

Regular meetings of the advisory council will be held during the calendar year.

Meetings shall be scheduled as needed, if possible via online media (Blackboard, Skype, etc.)

Section B.

The chair may call special meetings of the advisory council.

Article V—Annual Plan

Section A.

The advisory council will plan and operate under an annual program of work. Plans, topics, and goals will be included in the program.

Section B.

Proposals by the advisory council will be considered by the HML Board of Directors, which will formulate a response following the next HML Board meeting.

Article VII—

Rules of Order

The meetings and activities of this advisory council shall be conducted according to

Robert’s Rules of Order, except as otherwise provided by these bylaws.

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Addendum #4 Bylaw related to Corporate Partners

Article VIII – Foundations and Corporate Partners

Section 1. Endorsements

The Horace Mann League may endorse such programs, products, services, candidates for public, political or professional association offices, and education issues which, in the judgment of the board of directors:

• related directly to the League’s mission
• support specific League programs
• contribute to the stature of the League and its members, and
• contribute to moral, financial, political, or other support to public education.

1.1 Endorsements of corporate programs, products, and services shall be of two categories:

1.21 Where there is potential for direct financial benefit to the League membership or the League, and

1.22 Where there is potential for direct financial benefit to public education.

1.2 All endorsements will be made by the board of directors in consultation with the executive director.

1.3 The board of directors will review all endorsements at the beginning of each membership year (February). The League reserves the right to withdraw an endorsement when, in the opinion of the board of directors, it is in the best interest of the League to do so.

1.4 Under no circumstances will the League render an endorsement in violation of its mission.

1.5 The status of a Corporate Member in the League shall not, in itself, constitute an endorsement of the program, product, service, or other activities rendered by the Corporate Member.

1.6 Nothing in this policy shall prohibit the executive director from cooperating with Corporate Members with which the League has close mission and philosophical ties.

1.7 All requests for endorsements must be presented to the executive director in writing. Said requests will be forwarded to the board of directors for consideration after it has been determined by the executive director that a sufficient amount of information is available form which to make an informed recommendation, and decision.

1.8 A League endorsement shall not obligate the League to perform any service or action that is not specifically expressed in the request for endorsement.

1.9 A League endorsement shall not restrict the League from endorsement of other companies providing similar programs, products, and services.

1.10 The League is not liable for any misstatements or misrepresentation made by the endorsee with regard to the programs, products, and services.

1.11 Nothing in this by-law shall prohibit the League form accepting advertising revenue from the corporate member, but any such advertising shall not, in and of itself, constitute an endorsement of the program, product, and services.

1.12 The League endorsement shall not be interpreted as a League state of expertise relative to the endorsed programs, products, and services.

1.13 Programs, products and services advertised in League publications shall not constitute an endorsement, nor shall the advertisement constitute a state of expertise on the part of the League.

1.14 Revenues to the League from endorsements may be in the form of commissions, advertising, royalties, or contributions to the general fund, and League Foundations.

1.15 The by-law establishes the right of the League to participate in royalty ventures. A royalty is payment for the use of a valuable right, such as a trademark, name, or copyright. Royalty ventures shall be limited to those categorized as passive in order to insure the tax exempt status of royalty revenues.

1.16 The following list of products and services NOT eligible for the League endorsement are, but not limited to:

• Abortion clinics
• Alcoholic beverages or similar non alcoholic products
• Contraceptive products
• Criminal activity or avoidance detection devices
• Firearms, weapons, ammunition and fireworks
• Gambling and lotteries
• “Head shops” and other establishments whose activities concentrate on drug related paraphernalia
• Motion pictures rated “R’ or “X” by the MPA
• Books, videos, and DVDs with a comparable rating to the “R” or “X” of the MPA
• Obscene materials or promotion thereof
• Prescription drugs
• Personal hygiene products
• Religions and religious sponsored activities
• Tobacco products

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