HML Board Minutes for January 16, 2025
Present: Kevin Riley, Jeanne Collins Deweese, David Berliner, Martha Bruckner, Matt Krise, Carl Hermanns, and Jack Mckay
The HML Board Meeting addressed the resignation of Jeanne as Executive Director, effective February 8, 2025, and appointed Jack McKay as the interim director. The board discussed automating tasks, such as using Constant Contact for membership renewals, which saw 10 online payments within 24 hours. With 17 registered attendees, the conference faces a potential $6,000 to $10,000 financial risk. The board canceled the 2025 AASA luncheon and focused on membership recruitment. They also formed committees to assist with interim tasks and develop a search process for a new director. The meeting concluded with plans to promote democracy in education and recruit new members.
Action Taken:
Resignation of Jeanne Collins as Executive Director
1. Jeanne Collins explains her decision, citing personal stress and the need to focus on other priorities. Jeanne expresses her desire to continue contributing to the league in an interim capacity.
2. The board accepts Jeanne Collin’s resignation
Appointment of Interim Executive Director
1. Kevin Riley motions and seconds the appointment of Jack McKay as Interim Executive Director. The board unanimously approves the motion.
2. Kevin Riley proposes forming a committee to assist the Interim Executive Director with tasks.
3. The board approves the formation of a committee consisting of Jack McKay, Jeanne Collins, Kevin Riley, and Martha Bruckner.
4. The committee will focus on automating tasks and finding cost-saving measures.
5. The board also appoints a committee to develop a search process for a new Executive Director.
Conference Update and Financial Considerations
1. Jeanne Collins provides an update on the conference, noting 17 registered attendees and a potential financial risk of $6,000 to $
2. The board decides to hold the conference despite the financial risk.
3. Jeanne mentions the reduction in the number of speakers to save costs.
4. The board discusses the possibility of canceling the 2025 AASA luncheon to focus on membership recruitment and donations.
Recruitment and Promotion of the League
1. David Berliner suggests linking the recruitment of new members to the threat to democracy.
2. Carl Hermanns proposes focusing on how the league can counter the privatization of public education.
3. Jeanne and Kevin discuss the need for a clear action plan for members to follow.
4. The board agrees to promote the league’s mission and the importance of public education in preserving democracy.
Financial Planning and Future Meetings
1. Jeanne Collins presents the league’s financial status, including savings, checking accounts, and conference liabilities.
2. The board discusses the need to cancel the 2025 AASA luncheon and focus on membership recruitment.
3. Jeanne recommends holding the annual meeting virtually in March.
4. The board discusses the need for board openings and officer nominations.
Board Openings and Officer Nominations
1. Jeanne Collins listed the current board members and those who have agreed to reappointment.
2. The board identifies four vacancies to be filled
3. David Berliner emphasizes the importance of recruitment to address the current political climate.
4. The board agrees to send a call for nominations to all members.
Promotion of Democracy and Education
1. David Berliner suggests creating an annual yearbook series on democracy and education.
2. Jack McKay mentions a forthcoming publication on incorporating democracy into K-12 education.
3. The board discusses the need to communicate the league’s message effectively to members and the public.
4. Jeanne Collins offers to help create a list of superintendents for recruitment efforts.
Final Remarks and Next Steps
1. Kevin Riley thanks everyone for their contributions and outlines the next steps.
2. The board agrees to revisit the league’s mission, finances, and structure in future meetings.
3. The meeting concludes with a brief discussion on the importance of promoting democracy in public education.