Draft Minutes of the October 16, 2025, meeting
Summary:
The board approved key decisions regarding the annual meeting date, new board members, and nominations for leadership positions, while also honoring the memory of David Berliner through posthumous awards and potential naming recognition. The conversation ended with updates on executive leadership hiring, partnership opportunities, and strategic initiatives for public education, including plans for future events and organizational growth.
Attending: Kevin Riley, Carl Hermanns, Ruben Alejandro, Jeanne Deweese, Martha Bruckner, Toba Cohen-Dunning, Martin Brooks, Jimmy Minichello, Mike Simeck, and Jack McKay
Minutes of the July 12, 2025, Board Meeting
Motion by Carl Hermanns, seconded by Martha Bruckner, to approve the Juily 12, 2025 board meeting minutes. Passed
Financial Report
Motion by Ruben Alajandr, seconded by Jeanne Deweese, to accept the financial information and status report.
Annual Meeting
Motion by Jeanne Deweese, seconded by Ruben Alejandro, that the Annual meeting and board Retreat be held on Thursday, February 12, starting at noon Eastern.
Nominations for Officers and Directors
Motion by Martha Bruckner, seconded by Mike Simeck, that the Nominations Committee report be accepted.
Officers
President: Carl Hermanns, President, 2026
President-elect: President: Jeanne Deweese, (President in 2027)
Vice President-Treasurer: Toba Cohen-Dunning, (President in 2028)
Board member:
Mr. Douglas Burge, Superintendent, Zillah School District, WA., member for 21 years
Dr. Kenneth Spells, Superintendent, Hoke County School District, Raeford, NC
Dr. Greg Wyman, Superintendent, J.O. Combs USD, San Tan Valley, AZ
Horace Mann League 2026 Awards
Motion by Ruben Alejandro, seconded by Martin Brooks, that the 2026 Leagues awards be approved Passed
David Berliner for both Outstanding Educator and Outstanding Friend of Public Education
Brent Clark and Jodi Gillespi for Friend of the League. Recruitment of new members in 2025.
The League’s Recruitment and Retention Plan
Motion by Jeanne Deweese, seconded by Toba Cohen-Dunning, that the League’s recruitment and retention be approved. Passed.
The Executive director will:
- Offer complementary membership to all HML award winners
- Offer membership to all state superintendents of the year each year.
- Buy the list of all superintendents with email addresses that is available at a cost of $500 annually
- Connect annually with Lifetime members to thank them, provide updates and seek donations or other commitment of support
The Officers and Directors will:
- Each Board member will personally invite 5-10 Potential Members a year (or corporate sponsors, or donate funds)
- Establish a plan with the state associations for an ambassador for membership
- Select Ambassadors in states, have them attend state meetings and share information about being a member of HML
- Collaborate with like-minded organizations to reach potential members.
- Strengthen our website and social media platforms to highlight membership benefits.
- Reach out to higher ed organizations to offer individual or department level memberships
- Connect with state association leaders to ask them to share info with members and help new superintendents each year sign on (like IL model)
Reports:
Reviewed the statements related to why a person should join the League.
Reviewed the terms of officers and directors of the League.
Reviewed the process and timeline of selecting a new Executive Director
Reviewed the collaboration between the League and the National Association of Education Foundations
Reviewed the possible collaboration with the Partnership for the Future of Learning
Reviewed the need to update the League’s Strategic Plan
Reviewed the proposal to have monthly or quarterly Board meeting.
Motion Martha Bruckner, seconded by Toba Cohen-Dunning to adjourn. Passed.
Minutes submitted by Jack McKay